"The Beginning Step"

The Whisper of the Forest and the Patience of Science Deep within the dense forest, Moris walked in silence. The rustling of leaves and the. occasional calls of birds brought the surroundings to life. In the distance, the gentle murmur of a river echoed softly.Suddenly, Moris stopped and gazed up at the sky, falling into thought. He took a small drone from his belt and launched it into the air. Checking the radar on the tiny screen in his hand, he saw no signs of life around. He sighed, somewhat wearily:
  It’s been three days... Not a single village found,he said to himself.
Then, as if trying to calm his soul, he murmured quietly:
 But nothing comes easy. I must endure. Science always triumphs. If humanity’s weapon is science, then science’s weapon is patience.He pressed his thumb tightly and continued on his way. The forest gradually thinned and gave way to an open plain. Among the tall grass, he spotted sheep grazing on lush pasture. Not far off, a shepherd leaning on a staff was tending to them.
Moris approached him:
 Excuse me, is there a village nearby where I could spend the night?
The shepherd smiled kindly.Yes, right around here is my village. You look worn out. Be my guest tonight," he said. "I live alone — having company would be nice.Thank you very much. How much should I pay?No need for money, son. Just help me herd the sheep home — that’s more than enough. Moris nodded in agreement, and the two headed toward the village together. On the way, Moris noticed people standing hesitantly around one house, clearly reluctant to get too close. The sight struck him as odd.
During dinner, Moris asked:Why are the villagers keeping their distance from that house?The shepherd smiled faintly:
That’s the village chief’s home. They say his daughter has been cursed. Rumor is, she’s come down with a contagious illness. So no one dares go near. You understand... our lives matter too.Moris sat quietly in thought:
 Tomorrow, I’ll go see that house myself. It just sounds like gossip."
The shepherd immediately protested:
 Don’t do that, son. What if the illness is real and you catch it?
 Moris calmly replied:Then we’ll deal with it when the time comes. But right now, the important thing is to find out how the girl is doing."The Next MorningAt dawn, Moris made his way to the village chief’s house.
A heavy silence hung over the home the air thick with worry and helplessness. The village chief, weary and downcast, greeted him at the door:Forgive me, traveler. My daughter’s condition is grave... It’s been over a month. Her cough has worsened, and in recent days, she’s even started coughing up blood. I don’t know what to do...” he said with a sigh.Moris asked gently:
May I see her? The chief raised his hand and shook his head:No… that won’t be necessary. This illness might be contagious. I couldn’t bear the guilt if something happened to you.”
Moris gave a calm smile: Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Please, trust me,” he said and stepped inside. In the dimly lit room, the girl lay turned away, weakly coughing. With each spasm, flecks of blood appeared in her sputum, and her breathing grew labored. Moris paused for a moment, thinking aloud:
 It resembles several diseases… A precise diagnosis is difficult without proper tools. But there is one method…”
He hesitated briefly, then continued:
Long ago, a man known as the ‘King of Medicine’ diagnosed his patients by reading their pulse through the wrist. It’s an ancient method, but still remarkably reliable.
He approached the girl and spoke softly:Don’t be afraid. Just sit still for a moment,” he said, gently taking her wrist and listening to her pulse.
After a few moments of silence, he looked up:It’s not contagious. This seems like a form of pulmonary tuberculosis. But there’s no need to fear. Just give me one day — I’ll prepare a special medicine.
A flicker of hope lit up in the chief’s eyes:Truly?.. But… I don’t have anything to pay you with…”
Moris shrugged slightly and replied simply:I’m not asking for payment. Just help me gather the herbs I’ll need for the medicine. That’s all.
The chief nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Moris added:
— “A light dose of antibiotics and some calming herbs — that should be enough.”A New Hope in the Hospital
The patient’s breathing was slowing. Those around her had begun to give in to despair. But Moris didn’t sit still. He turned toward the window, falling into deep thought. Within seconds, calculations, chemical reactions, and molecular structures raced through his mind — and from the depths of his memory, a solution flickered to life.
— “Time is short... I need an antibiotic. Strong, but naturally derived.”
He sprang into action.I’ll need the following: a spore-based fungus similar to Penicillium notatum, purified water, a sterile container, a bacterial culture, a growing medium, ethanol, a filtration system, and a sealed container that can maintain a stable, warm temperature like an incubator.”Montage — Camera pans across scenes: Moris harvesting wild mushrooms in the forestLate at night, sorting spores under a magnifying lens in his labBrewing a nutrient medium in a metal cauldron and cultivating bacteria
Filtering the mixture through a fine systemFinally, pouring a golden-yellow liquid into a glass vial.With exhaustion and hope both etched into his eyes, Moris stepped into the room, holding the vial of antibiotic. The girl’s father sat anxiously by the door. Moris gave him a quiet, confident nod, then turned toward the girl. Here. Drink this. But you’ll need to endure the next few days. Your body will ache badly. Don’t be afraid — that’s your body battling the invaders. To win, you need to be strong.The girl opened her eyes weakly and, for the first time, spoke in a soft, faint voice:Th... thank you... so much…” Later that night, after drinking the antibiotic, her body temperature spiked. She trembled, her limbs shaking violently. Her father held her hand tightly, eyes wide with panic.She’s burning up! What kind of treatment is this? he shouted in fear and anger.Moris, calm and composed, explained:
 This is a good sign. Her body is fighting back. Everything is going as it should. Don’t worry — her immune system has begun attacking the pathogens.Over the next few days, Moris prepared additional healing infusions. Some helped reduce the fever, others strengthened her weakened body. He monitored her pulse and breathing daily and even taught the father how to care for her in his absence.At dawn on the fifth day, a voice, soft but clear, emerged from the room:
— “Father… I’m thirsty…”
The father turned sharply, tears welling up in his eyes.
The girl sat up in bed, lifting her head.
Moris simply smiled and stepped outside.The village chief approached Moris, eyes brimming with tears, and spoke with heartfelt emotion:You came to this village like an angel sent by God. You saved my daughter… and rekindled the hope we thought we had lost. But… I have nothing to give you in return. Honestly… I feel ashamed. Moris gave a warm smile.
Please don’t say that, sir. I need nothing from you. Your daughter’s recovery — that is the greatest gift I could ask for.But the village chief couldn’t leave it at that. He took a deep breath and continued with measured sincerity:My conscience won’t let me send you off with just a thank-you. So I have a proposal… Take my daughter’s hand. Become my son-in-law. I believe she wouldn’t oppose it either. To have someone like you — so wise, so noble — as family would be a great honor to us.Moris froze for a moment. His eyes widened in surprise. This was something he had never expected. He had stood in scientific laboratories and on the front lines of war — but this proposal truly left him speechless.I-I… Sir… I truly appreciate your kindness… but…” he stammered, quickly trying to come up with an excuse. “I’m a traveler on a long journey. My goal is to explore, to learn, to help others... and starting a family — that’s a heavy responsibility…”
He finished with a sheepish grin:
— “If I said I was already married to science, would you be terribly offended?”The village chief fell silent for a moment. He seemed to ponder, then took a deep breath and replied with a warm smile:Haha, I deeply respect your loyalty to science, young man. But remember — science won’t brew you a warm cup of tea or keep you company at night,” he said with a teasing tone. Just then, a soft voice came from beyond the doorway. It was the village chief’s daughter. She had gained some strength and was now walking on her own.Father... what are you talking about? She entered the room and looked at Moris. There was a shy, almost timid look on her face, but her eyes sparkled with gratitude.
You saved my life. Thank you… Moris.”
She smiled shyly and lowered her gaze. Moris, slightly flustered, stood up and gave her a respectful nod.
Thank you. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. I only did what I could. Thank God everything turned out well.The village chief spoke up again:My dear, I was just saying… we should marry you to this young man. What do you think?”
The girl’s face instantly turned bright red. But instead of answering directly, she looked at Moris.
Moris now felt truly cornered.
Sir, your offer is a great honor to me. But… I’m still at the beginning of my journey. I have many tasks ahead — research, goals, people to help. Starting a family is a big step. Not now... it’s too early.The village chief sighed and shrugged slightly:
I understand, son... A man chasing his dreams can’t be held down. But remember this — our home will always be open to you. We’ll welcome you as our own. If you ever need anything, come back.Moris bowed his head respectfully:Thank you. Your words will stay in my heart.”Scene: Confrontation with the Tax Collectors
The sun dipped low, and a heavy silence settled over the village. But that silence was shattered by the thunder of hooves and the clinking of metal armor. The kingdom’s tax collectors had arrived — stern faces, cold eyes, armed guards in tow.
Tax Collector (in a harsh voice):— “Time’s up! We’re collecting the taxes today. If you don’t have money, we’ll take your livestock and your crops!”
Terrified, the villagers retreated into their homes. Some were forced to lead out their only animals. Faces full of despair, children crying, mothers weeping silently… After a while, the collectors made their way to the village chief’s house. As the chief stepped outside, one of the guards sneered and said:Guard:— “A chief with no coin? Then we’ll take your daughter! She’ll fetch a price in the slave markets.At that moment, Moris couldn’t stay silent.
He stepped forward with calm determination, holding a neutral control device in his hand. From the clouds above, a drone approached — dark in color, wings spread, weapon systems visible beneath it. Silent and smooth, it flew overhead and began circling.Moris (firmly): Touch anyone in this village, and you’ll regret it.
Tax Collector (chuckling):— “And who are you? A scholar? A sorcerer? Or just a fool?”The drone suddenly switched to “target mode” on its radar. Twin-mounted guns locked onto their targets with cold precision. Without making a sound, it descended and shot out the front wheel of their supply cart — a clean, controlled shot.
The guards froze in shock. A red light flashed from the drone’s front panel, signaling a warning against unauthorized action.Moris:— “That was a warning. Try anything else, and you’ll all be neutralized.”
 The tax collector spun around, only to find the entire village had gathered behind him. At first afraid, the villagers were now watching with cautious hope.Tax Collector (swallowing hard):— “Alright… we were just following orders… Let’s go! Get out of this cursed village!”
They turned and retreated, vanishing down the road. The drone ascended, shifting to observation mode. The village remained silent — until one person began to clap. Then another. Then everyone joined in. A hero!”— “Our kind protector!”— “Moris! Moris!”
Village Chief:— “You’ve delivered us from oppression. From this day forward, your name will be spoken with honor in this village.”
Moris simply looked down and smiled faintly. Deep inside, he thought to himself:“Science is the tool to protect humanity — as long as it’s used with wisdom.”Scene: Farewell to the Village. Setting Out on the Road.
Evening fell. The last rays of sunlight were casting a golden glow over the humble village homes. The villagers stood in a circle around Moris. In their eyes — gratitude, and in some — sadness at parting.
Village Chief:— “You will always be the hero of this village, Master Moris. We will never forget you.”
Moris (smiling):— “I only acted when it was needed. If science can help — then it is fulfilling its true purpose.”
At that moment, the girl who had once been sick stepped forward and bowed her head in thanks.— “You didn’t just save me — you saved the whole village. Now I can live without fear…”
Moris gently patted her head.— “Your life lies ahead of you. Your health is your greatest wealth — cherish it,” he said.He loaded his tools and supplies into a small cart, ready for the journey, then summoned his drone. Silently, it hovered in the sky, scanning the path ahead.Village Elder:— “Are you heading to the Dark Forest, my boy? No one has ever come back from there…”
Moris (calmly):— “That’s exactly why I’m going. The truth is always hidden beyond the darkness.”
The people fell silent. Moris turned and began walking toward the forest. The village remained still, watching his figure fade into the distance — hearts filled with silent prayers and hope.The Dark Forest and the Hidden Academy
Moris travels to the distant, mist-shrouded Dark Forest. Legends tell of an old, destroyed Academy of Science hidden deep within. The forest feels alive, hostile to outsiders.
Cautiously, Moris uncovers the ruins of the ancient academy. Marble staircases and collapsed domes echo a forgotten era of knowledge. But danger looms. The forest is pitch black, cloaked in thick fog. Moris kneels atop a tree, observing the hazy outline of the academy. Over a hundred orcs surround it, sitting by campfires, roasting meat.
Moris launches his drone. Its dual rotors spin silently in the mist.
“Scan: enemy count, positions,” he whispers. The drone's AI activates. Thermal cameras highlight targets. Twin guns and a mini-bazooka come online.
Moris: “Prepare to engage.”
The drone rises, then dives. The first strike—bullets tear through orcs sitting by the fire. Chaos erupts. Some run, others fall. The next wave: mini-bazooka strikes. An explosion wipes out the gate guards. The remaining orcs scatter, but the drone’s targeting system hunts them down.
“North sector cleared. Moving west,” the AI reports.“Continue,” Moris replies, eyes calm, calculating.The orcs have no answer. Trained only for hunting, they cannot comprehend such technology. Within minutes, all are eliminated. Silence returns.
Moris descends and approaches the academy. The quiet is heavy. He whispers:“This is only the beginning. Science is not just to discover—it is to protect.”
Placing his hand over his heart:“I will resurrect you. This place will become a cradle of knowledge once more.”
From this moment, Moris begins transforming the academy into a secret laboratory. Using the forest’s resources, he develops even more advanced inventions.
His latest project: the B-29 Superfortress — a bomber that fuses technology and magic. It is invisible to spells and makes no sound, yet delivers death from above.
Night Mission: Ibis-2
Scene: Remote canyon. A group of magical knights surrounded by goblins, preparing for their final stand.
Time: Night. The sky is overcast. No moonlightSuddenly… a shadow silently glides overhead.The B-29 Night Phantom appears. Inside, Moris whispers:
“Mission Ibis-2. Target: goblin horde. Silent night strike begins.”
Infrared screen locks onto targets. Moris deploys the bombs.
Explosions light up the night. The canyon quakes. Goblins scream in terror. The bomber disappears once more into the clouds.
The knights kneel, stunned.
“That wasn’t magic…No… it was something stronger,” one says. We’ve heard of dragons and curses—but never this.Science from the Shadows
Back in the lab, Moris reviews royal intelligence reports and chuckles.
“Let them search... Science always works best in the shadows,” he whispers.Panic spreads through the kingdom. Rumors of a shadowy force that wipes out armies from the skies spread like wildfire. Spies and seekers are dispatched — but none dare enter the Dark Forest.