First Quest

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the eastern woods as Terran, Vin, and Uriko set out with determined strides. Their first quest awaited, and each step brought a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The dense trees rustled softly as a cool breeze swept through, whispering of the challenges ahead.

Terran led the way, gripping his sword tightly, eyes scanning the underbrush for signs of movement. Vin walked just behind him; she remained cloaked kept her eye focus with a protective charm in case of a goblin ambush. Uriko, used her spear as a walking stick with the sharpe end directed up in the air, she was ready for battle.

They moved cautiously, following the trail of broken branches and disturbed leaves. The telltale signs of goblin activity. Soon, the faint sound of chattering and shuffling reached their ears.

“Looks like we’re close,” Vin whispered, crouching behind a bush.

I nodded, signaling for silence. “We need to be tactful. Spread out, flank them if you can.”

Enuma said briefly to Terran, "They are coming from over there. Get ready." The demon king with his magic to enhance vision and senses was already aware but didn't want to spoil it too much. 

Vin said “I can create a distraction if needed. Just give me the signal.”

Suddenly, dozens of goblins emerged from the undergrowth, their small, wiry bodies armed with crude weapons. They hissed and shouted, unaware of the adventurers’ presence.

I shouted. “Now!” 

Vin threw out her smoke bombs, unleashing a cloud of grey smoke that temporarily blinded the goblins. Uriko surged forward, spear swinging with swift precision. The spear quickly cutting down a goblin attempting to flank them. 

I charged with a roar, engaging a pair of goblins that had turned their attention to him. "GRRAAAAAA"

The battle was fierce but coordinated. Vin’s shadow tools kept the goblins disoriented, Uriko's spear danced through the chaos, and Terran’s fists was disciplined and relentless. Dozens of goblins fell in the muddy clearing, their shrieks echoing as they retreated into the woods.

Breathing heavily, the trio paused, wiping sweat from their brows.

Uriko said with a grin “That went better than I expected,” Although there was blood trickling from a small cut on her cheek.

Vin nodded, smiling softly. “We make a good team. But we need to stay alert, The goblins might be more than just a nuisance.”

I looked at the defeated horde, a sense of pride swelling within. “This is just the beginning. We’ve proved we can fight together. Let’s keep moving and finish the task.”

As they pressed deeper into the woods, shadows stretched longer, and the sounds of battle faded behind them. Their first true test had been passed, and with each step, their reputation grew.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as Terran, Vin, and Uriko made their way out of the goblin-infested woods. Their clothes were streaked with dirt and mud, and their weapons bore fresh nicks from the fierce battle. 

Despite their exhaustion, a newfound confidence filled their hearts. Their first real victory as a team.

“Not bad for a first run,” Uriko said with a grin, wiping sweat from his brow as he adjusted her armor.

Vin nodded, her katana sheathed at her side. “We handled them well. But we can’t get complacent. Goblins are just the start. There will be bigger challenges in our future.”

I was at the forefront turned and looked at the horizon. “We proved we can work together. That’s the most important thing. The guild’s notice board still has plenty of quests. We need to keep pushing forward.”

The trio continued their trek back toward Unai, the trees gradually thinning as they approached the outskirts of town. The evening air carried the scent of woodsmoke and baked bread. It was a comforting reminder of home. the plentiful food abundant the city.

As they approached the town gates, a tall figure waited for them—a lanky man with a broad grin and a twinkle in his eye. It was a seasoned adventurer and one of the guild’s veteran members.

“Looks like you lot had a lively day,” he said, clapping his hand on my shoulder. “The name is Garret, for rookies fresh out of Imperial Academy you are outstanding. Word’s spreading about your little victory today.”

Uriko smirked. “We just got lucky. But we’re eager to take on more. What’s next?”

Garret chuckled. “You’ve earned a rest, but I’ve got a lead on a band of bandits causing trouble near the northern roads. Thought you might be interested.”

I exchanged a glance with the others. “Bandits, huh? Sounds like a good quest.”

Vin nodded eagerly. “Let’s do it. We’re just getting started and make a real difference soon.”

As they entered the guild hall, the bustling noise of adventurers and scribes welcomed them. Their victory today was just the beginning. 

Uriko turned to her companions, a fierce glint in her eyes. “We’ve come this far. The real adventure begins now.”

And with that, the trio prepared for their next step in our journey. 

The night in Unai was quiet, the kind of silence that settled after a day of chaos. Terran, Vin, and Uriko were resting in the modest Guild inn.  As they settled into a corner room, a flickering candle cast dancing shadows on the walls.

The women were already asleep, their breathing steady. But the voice persisted, a low, gravelly tone that seemed to seep from the darkness itself.

I sat by the window, gazing up at the starry sky, lost in thought. I heard the demon king warnings, but I was excited to be finally free of title Son of the Hero.

Enuma said. “Careful, boy… the shadows hide more than goblins this night.”

I hesitated, then replied, “What do you want? More Domain training?”

Enuma was not certain himself, he just sensed it. “The bandits are but a distraction. It is something darker lurks beyond that. Trust no one completely.”

I clenched his fists, feeling a strange chill run down his spine. 

Enuma elaborated, “You have power, but also a curse. Your strength is a gift, and a burden. Use it wisely.”

I asked, "What does that mean?"

The Demon King didn’t reply immediately, Then Enuma spoke again, clearer now, as if revealing a secret. “I have watched over you as master, boy. My guidance is not meant to hold your hand through everything. Only you can make choices on who survives and who doesn't.”

My heart pounded. The others slept peacefully, unaware of the unseen presence watching over them. Deep inside, I felt a strange sense of responsibility that I did not have before training with Enuma. My master was ominous, seemed to know things. Whether a warning, perhaps, or a lesson.

Enuma was already proud of his disciple, just clarified, “There are enemies beyond the bandits, and treacheries that lurk in the shadows of Unai. Your strength is vital, but so is your mind. Do not let your guard down.”

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “What are the enemies?”

Enuma declined to explain, because even he did not know. “Because your path is intertwined with darkness, yet also with light. I seek to raise you where your father did not. Perhaps your potential in you to forge by fate, but I have been unaware for last 15 years. I do not know the individuals that are in power to harm you or those close to you. Your parents are probably safe from any fierce opponent. However, I can only teach and not fight for you.”

As dawn approached, the whispers faded, leaving only a lingering sense of unease and resolve. I knew that Enuma made a lot of logical sense, even though I did not realize before there are people I did not want to see harmed. 

If there is an unseen lurking threat. Either way, he couldn’t ignore those that he wanted to keep safe. I was ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead, united by growing strength and resolve.