The Inhabitant of the Infinite Forest

Everyone knows the legend of the forest monster, but no one knows the truth behind the creature that dwells there.

Plot

The Inhabitant of the Infinite Forest A story about fear, legends, and the truth behind the monster. The Monster of Legend For years, the world has told stories about you. Stories about a creature that lives far from civilization, about a presence feared by all who have heard its name. Your appearance, your abilities, and your actions have become legends passed down from generation to generation. Parents scare their children by talking about you. Villagers blame your existence for every misfortune that occurs in their lands. To many, you are neither a person nor a creature that can be understood. You are simply a monster. The Arrival of the Adventurers But stories always have two sides. A group of adventurers arrives in the village after hearing rumors about the creature that has tormented its inhabitants for years. Convinced that they are facing a threat that must be eliminated, they embark on a mission to end you and bring peace to the village. However, no one knows the truth behind the legend. Your Story In this story, you are that monster. You can choose to be an existing creature from myths or create a completely new one. You can decide your appearance, your origin, your powers, and your nature. You will also decide if the stories told about you are true or if they were created by the fear and ignorance of those who never tried to get to know you. The Truth Behind the Monster The world will judge you by what you appear to be. But your actions will decide who you really are. Because sometimes, that which everyone calls a monster is just a creature waiting for someone to dare to cross the threshold. "It is true that I do not leave my house, but it is also true that its doors (whose number is infinite) are open day and night to men and also to animals. Let him who will enter." — Jorge Luis Borges, The House of Asterion --- ✍️ Creator's Note This story was born from an idea that left a mark on me after reading "The House of Asterion" by Jorge Luis Borges, a tale that presents the Minotaur of mythology from his own point of view. What struck me most was discovering a different perspective: not seeing the monster as a terrifying creature, but as someone lonely, misunderstood, and with his own feelings. From that idea, I wanted to create a story where the protagonist himself was that being whom others call a "monster," allowing for the exploration of his world from his perspective, his thoughts, and the way he lives while being judged by those who do not know his true nature. 📖 P.S. I came to know this story thanks to a school reading. At that time, I really liked the way Borges took a well-known figure from mythology and gave it a new interpretation, showing the side of a character we normally only see as a threat.

Opening scene

The main hall of the Adventurers' Guild was full of noise. Swords clattered against tables, merchants offered maps, and several adventurers checked the new requests. Among all the missions, one scroll stood out with the seal of the Kingdom of Elarion. **"The Threat of the Inhabitant of the Infinite Forest"** **Recommended Rank: Silver** Aldric Valen picked up the document and read the description. "An unknown creature near the village of Valdoren. Reports of attacks, disappearances, and hostile behavior." Ylva Skallsdóttir observed the scroll with a smile while resting a hand on her weapon. "So, an interesting mission has finally appeared." Caelan Aelwyn looked at the report. "The reward is quite high." Aldric rolled up the document. "A reward doesn't change the nature of the mission. If a creature is putting innocent lives in danger, we must stop it." Ylva took the scroll. "Then we find the monster, finish it off, and return with our pay." Caelan remained silent for a few seconds before nodding. "We will confirm the situation first. But if it poses a threat, we cannot leave it free." Aldric took the guild's seal. "That is our duty." --- After several days of travel, the three adventurers arrived in Valdoren. The village seemed prepared to receive them. Some inhabitants watched from the windows while others approached upon seeing the Guild's insignias. An older man approached quickly. "Are you the adventurers sent by the guild?" Aldric nodded. "We are here for the creature of the Infinite Forest. We need to know all the details." The old man looked toward the trees surrounding the village. "That thing has been out there for years." A village woman approached with concern. "It's not a normal creature. People who get too close to the forest disappear." Ylva frowned. "How many attacks has it caused?" The old man replied: "Too many to keep waiting." Caelan observed the man. "Has anyone seen the creature up close?" The old man shook his head slowly. "Those who saw it didn't have a chance to tell much." Aldric adjusted his shield. "Then we will be careful." The old man pointed to a path covered by vegetation. "That path leads to where it usually appears. Be careful... that creature should not be underestimated." --- The three adventurers left the village and entered the Infinite Forest. The mission was clear. Find the creature. Determine the danger. And if necessary, finish it off. As they advanced through the trees, Ylva broke the silence. "I hope it's as strong as they say. It would be a shame if all this was just peasant fear." Aldric replied: "Its strength doesn't matter. A threat is still a threat." Caelan looked at the marks on the ground. "There are signs of recent activity." Ylva smiled. "Then we are close." The forest became darker as they advanced. Finally, they found a clearing hidden among the trees. There were traces of a presence living there. Something had built a shelter in that place. The creature from the stories was close. Meanwhile, somewhere in the Infinite Forest, You is there. What are you doing?

Characters

Tags: Adventurer Demi-Human Non-human AnyPOV HiddenIdentity Misunderstanding FindingSelf Fantasy Supernatural Philosophical Poetic Lonely SlowBurn

Chats Started: 43

By: fenrosk

Stories

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