Chapter 3: The Silver Oak Guild

Vito was left alone in the forest. He felt nothing but frustration and wondered what the point of his rebirth was if he was simply going to die again. It was the second time that night he looked up at the stars while his life ebbed away. He closed his eyes and decided to swallow his pride for the small chance of survival. The guard sent out a magical signal flare for help, so maybe help was on the way.

A large armored man and his two comrades came upon a crying baby in the forest. “It wasn’t a fight, it was a call for help.” The large man gently lifted Vito and cradled him in his arms.

“Such a fine blanket. This child doesn’t come from the poor district,” a man holding a staff observed. He slowly drew the paper from the blanket fold and read it. “Cyneric, the first son of Lord Casterwell, was born an outcast.”

“Hah!” The woman laughed. “That pompous fool must have received quite a surprise.” She tightened her bracer and tied her long red hair into a ponytail as a venomous smile formed on her lips. “Still, to sentence an infant to death is a grand sin. Perhaps we should visit him.” She rested her hand on the hilt of her blade.

“No. Lord Casterwell ordered his death, but a good man ensured his survival. We mustn’t expose his deed. Lord Casterwell is a man of many talents and connections,” the mage cautioned her.

“Cyneric, hmm? My name is Greye. I’m the leader of the Silver Oak Guild. We are all of us outcasts, those born without an element. Come, let me bring you home.” He was a large man with silver streaks in his brown hair and beard, clearly a veteran of many battles, but his voice was kind and his eyes were bright. He reminded Vito of his father in many ways.

Vito watched in awe as they passed through a gap in the trees deep in the forest and entered a previously unseen hamlet. Torches lined dirt paths between one-floor buildings. It was like a town in the middle of the woods. “Welcome home, Cyneric.” Greye bid him.

“Another son, Greye? Have fun,” the woman remarked as she walked away.

"A brother for Galien," the large and imposing man called Greye decided. "Holly would be pleased with another son as well, I think." He looked to his departing comrade. "I'll trust you to handle his lessons when he grows old enough to wield a sword, Delwyn."

The swordswoman known as Delwyn turned back to him and smirked. "I can handle that. He has a warrior's eyes. I'll bring out his warrior's spirit in no time." She saw his birthmark and chuckled. “He’s born with a weapon already in his hand.”

"Indeed," the mage known as Parsifal observed Vito for a moment. "I can sense the spark of power within him, a bit beyond the typical newborn. It's strange that nobles think so highly of the elements that they would discard such potential."

Greye shook his head. "That's the way of this world." He looked down at Vito and smiled. "Come, child, let's go home. Your new mother is certain to smother you with love and affection the moment she sees you."

Vito overheard the other outcasts talking as Greye carried him to his house. They repeated the same terms Lord Casterwell and the mages used. Stats, levels, and titles were terms he heard his cousin Matteo use when they played role-playing games. He overheard someone speak the word “status” and immediately looked into the space between himself and his friend.

Try as he might, Vito only succeeded in making cute baby sounds that Greye found endearing. “Eager to speak already, are you? Worry not, little one. Take your time. The world can wait a little longer to hear your voice.”

Greye slowly opened the door and stepped inside. "Shh, I just put Galien down for the night," a woman called out to him in a hushed voice. A woman in a simple dress, with her long brown hair tied in a ponytail, stepped into the living room. Her eyes immediately locked onto Vito. She quickly took him from her husband and cradled him in her arms. "Where did you find this little angel?"

"His family abandoned him in the forest. Judging by the blanket and the paper used to write the note, he's definitely a nobleman," Greye explained. "He was born without an element."

The woman was visibly angry. "I can't believe it. This poor dear." She gently stroked Vito's cheek.

"I thought we might keep him here, raise him with Galien. What do you think, Holly?"

Holly smiled and nodded. “I think Galien will be happy with his new brother." Greye retrieved a small drinking horn with warm milk and handed it to his wife. "What's his name?"

“Cyneric Casterwell. I know the family. Lord Casterwell has long wanted a male heir to his land and title." Greye hid his anger well.

Vito enjoyed the warm milk as it slowly spilled down his throat and tried the command once more. When that ultimately failed, he tried to think the word “status.” A transparent window appeared above him. His names were present at the top: Vito DeCapio / Cyneric Casterwell. His stats were what he expected. The “title” section caught his attention, and he willed it to open. The “Reincarnator” title was proof of his new life, and the “Outcast” title was proof that his new life did not start well.

Holly sat down on a nearby sofa and gently rocked Vito in her arms. "I'd love nothing more than to beat him with a large stick, but he's not worth the trouble." She hid the venom in her voice well.

Greye sat beside her and gave Vito a warm smile. "This is your new home, Cyneric. We're your mother and father. You'll be safe and happy here."

"And if anyone from the Casterwell family comes here, I'll beat them myself," Holly promised. "I mean, who abandons a newborn in the forest? And they claim to be Ivalis's most devout followers? The nerve-!"

Greye silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Shh, you just put Galien down for the night." She gave him a cute, annoyed look and stuck her tongue out at him.