The darkened road was silent, save for the labored breaths of Jarvis's injured horse. It limped slowly back toward the base, its fourth leg useless from the arrow embedded in it. One of the goblins on watch spotted the horse and immediately shouted for Alphagob. Made a battle cry meant for calling Alphagob.
Alphagob rushed to the horse with another goblin in tow. Seeing the arrows protruding from the horse's body, he instantly understood what had happened. Aplhagob signaled the goblin to take it back to the base and give it some water, he will handle the rest.
With that, Alphagob sprinted down the road, his keen eyes scanning the shadows. As he drew closer, he saw Jarvis, surrounded by bandits, the leader's sword raised for a killing blow. Alphagob's heart pounded with fury. He charged in, his sword slicing through the air, and in one swift motion, he cut the bandit leader in two.
The remaining bandits were paralyzed with shock, dropping Jarvis to the ground. Two turned to flee, but one stood his ground, fumbling for an arrow. Alphagob vanished from his sight and reappeared behind him, ready to sever his head. But Jarvis, gasping for breath, shouted, "Don't kill them! Capture them—it's an order!"
Alphagob hesitated, then struck the back of the bandit's head with the hilt of his sword, knocking him out cold. He turned his attention to the fleeing bandits, his eyes narrowing with determination. Alphagob sprinted after them, his feet barely touching the ground. He caught up with one, landing a powerful punch to his stomach from behind a tree, rendering him unconscious.
The last bandit, glancing back repeatedly, saw Alphagob standing still, then disappeared from sight. The bandit, panicking, looked forward again, only to be met with Alphagob's straight arm, knocking him out instantly. Alphagob grabbed both unconscious bandits by their legs and dragged them back to Jarvis.
Jarvis, now standing, searched frantically for his spatial bag. After a moment, he spotted it beside the bandit leader's lifeless body. He retrieved it and began his painful journey back to the base, his steps heavy with exhaustion. Alphagob, carrying the three unconscious bandits, followed closely behind.
As they approached the base, Betagob saw Jarvis struggling and rushed to his aid. Lowering his back, he gestured for Jarvis to climb on. Jarvis, grateful, hopped onto Betagob's back, who then carried him the rest of the way. Alphagob, dragging the bandits, followed them inside.
Once inside, Jarvis headed straight to Akira's bedroom. Alphagob signaled the goblins to tie the bandits' hands and legs and take them to the backyard. Lesley, seeing Jarvis in such a state, hurried to him with worry etched on her face.
"Jarvis, what happened? Your face and an arrow in your back. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
"Step aside, Lesley," Jarvis said, his voice firm. "We need to help Master Akira first."
Lesley complied, moving aside as Jarvis took out the potions from his bag. He handed them to Lesley, who opened Akira's mouth, allowing Jarvis to pour the potions one by one. Exhausted, Jarvis slumped to the floor, catching his breath.
Lesley, noticing the remaining regeneration potion in the bag, handed it to Jarvis. "You need this more than he does right now."
Jarvis shook his head. "No, it must be saved for Master Akira."
Lesley insisted, "He's unconscious but not in immediate danger. I can sense it through our binding contract. You need to take this."
Jarvis considered her words, and asked the goblin in the room to pull out the arrow in his back. As the goblin pulled the arrow out, he then drank the potion. The wound on his face and back began to close, leaving a scar. Lesley gently cleaned the blood away with a cloth and water. Jarvis thanked her, his voice soft with gratitude.
"Now, Lesley, you need to rest. It's late, and Master Akira might need you in the morning. You must be ready."
Lesley hesitated but nodded. "Alright, but only if you promise to wake me if anything happens."
"I promise," Jarvis assured her. "I'll inform the goblins to wake us immediately if there's any change."
After Lesley left for her room, Jarvis turned to the goblins standing guard. "One of you must wake me as soon as Master Akira stirs," he instructed.
The goblins nodded in agreement. Jarvis then went downstairs to find Alphagob. "Half of the goblins need to rest now. They'll be on guard duty in the morning."
Alphagob nodded, as he knew this is the best course of action.
Satisfied that everything was under control, Jarvis made his way to his own bed. As he lay down, exhaustion finally overtook him, and he drifted into a restless sleep, his thoughts filled with the events of the night and the challenges that lay ahead.
Outside, the base was a hive of quiet activity. Goblins moved about, lighting torches and securing the perimeter. Alphagob stood on the roof, his keen eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The hunters took their positions, alert and ready for any threat.
In Akira's room, the night passed slowly. The goblins remained vigilant, their eyes never leaving their master's still form. As dawn approached, the first rays of sunlight cast a warm glow over the base, bringing with them a sense of calm and hope.