After a journey filled with laughter, Rudy's team finally arrived at the Dark Forest. The towering trees had branches that seemed to crawl, as if trying to swallow anyone daring to cross their domain. The dense foliage blocked out the sky, casting a gloomy and silent atmosphere over the surroundings. A cold wind blew, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. This forest was infamous for its dangers, and Rudy and his team knew they had to stay alert.
They all stopped at a gap between the thicker trees. Rudy raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop and listen. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard in the distance, accompanied by deep grunts and growls.
"That must be the Orc Prime," Rudy whispered seriously. "We have to be careful. We can't let them notice us before we're ready."
Alaric tilted his head, observing Rudy's team. They appeared focused and cautious, but from the way they moved, Alaric could tell they weren't skilled fighters. Despite this, he made no comment. Instead, he nodded and followed Rudy's lead, pretending to be a novice wizard just looking to help.
They all began to sneak around, slipping behind trees and bushes. Alaric walked at the back, keeping an eye on every step his team took. Finally, they reached a small clearing in the forest, where a group of orcs was gathered. In the middle of them stood the Orc Prime, larger and more intimidating than the others, with dark green skin and bulging muscles.
"There it is," Fiona whispered as she cast a spell on her bow. "We have to defeat them before they notice us."
Rudy signaled them to start planning. Max prepared his bow, while Klaus raised his large axe. Fiona drew her bowstring, readying a magic-infused arrow. Alaric, who had been silently observing, held back a smile as he watched how seriously they were taking the situation. In his mind, he thought they were overreacting, considering the true power of their enemy.
The attack began with Max releasing a magic arrow towards one of the orcs, causing it to fall instantly. However, the attack also alerted the entire group of orcs. The Orc Prime let out a terrifying roar, commanding the other orcs to attack. The battle erupted suddenly.
Rudy and Klaus jumped straight into the fray, fighting ferociously against the smaller orcs. Fiona, with her archery skills, rained arrows on the enemies from afar. Meanwhile, Alaric stood back, calmly watching the fight.
"My goodness," Alaric thought to himself, "they really are unreliable, aren't they?" He nearly laughed as he saw Rudy struggle to block an orc's attack, only to be pushed back by the creature's immense strength.
Alaric decided not to reveal his true power. He only used basic magic, like throwing small fireballs at the orcs threatening Rudy and the others, or summoning a magic shield to protect Fiona from sudden attacks. Occasionally, he also used basic healing spells to treat their minor injuries, though the effect was only mildly helpful.
Klaus, who was fighting two orcs at once, was nearly cornered when one of them managed to slash his shoulder. Seeing this, Alaric quickly cast a basic healing spell from a distance, healing the wound just enough for Klaus to continue fighting with renewed vigor.
The battle dragged on, and Rudy and his team started to show signs of fatigue. However, finally, with hard work and the help of Alaric's basic magic, they managed to defeat the Orc Prime. The massive enemy fell with a loud thud, and instantly, the atmosphere around them grew quiet.
Rudy, Klaus, Fiona, and Max stood panting, their bodies covered in wounds and their clothes torn. They leaned on their weapons, trying to steady themselves after the exhausting battle.
On the other hand, Alaric stood completely unscathed, his clothes still clean and neat. Realizing this, he quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching. Then, he threw himself onto the ground and rolled around, getting dust and dirt on his clothes. When he stood up, he pretended to be out of breath, as if he had just gone through the same intense fight as the others.
"My goodness... That was... really tough," Alaric said, catching his breath with an exaggerated expression. Rudy and the others, too tired to notice Alaric's deception, merely nodded in agreement.
"Yeah... We did it," Rudy said with a tired smile. "Thanks, Alaric. Your help was invaluable."
Alaric just smiled, trying to hold back the laughter that nearly escaped as he saw their condition. "No problem, I just did what I could," he replied humbly. Then, he used a basic healing spell to treat their wounds, just enough to get them back on their feet.
After they had somewhat recovered, they finally gathered themselves and prepared to head back to the city. Alaric, with a triumphant smile on his face, felt a bit relieved that no one had noticed his true power. Although this adventure wasn't what he had envisioned when he left his tower, he began to feel a spark of the excitement that had been missing for hundreds of years.
With slow and satisfied steps, they started to leave the Dark Forest, carrying with them their victory and the laughter that, despite the wounds, never faded on the way back home.
***
Alaric and Rudy's team returned to the city with laughter, celebrating their victory. Though tired, their spirits were high. Fiona and Klaus joked about how close they came to losing, while Rudy praised his team for their teamwork. Alaric joined in the laughter, but inside, he was smiling wide, enjoying this warmth after so long feeling lonely.
Upon arriving at the guild, they all headed to the reception desk. Rudy proudly handed over the Orc Prime's ears they had collected to the receptionist. "We did it," he said with a wide smile. "The Orc Prime is defeated."
The receptionist, seeing the evidence, immediately counted out the promised reward. "Great! Here's your reward," he said, handing over a bag full of coins. Rudy, who had promised to share the earnings, took his share and divided the remaining 200 silver among his team members.
When it was Alaric's turn, Rudy handed him 200 silver with a big smile. "Here's your share, Alaric. Thanks a lot for your help."
Alaric accepted the coins with trembling hands. His blue eyes shone with happiness, almost bringing him to tears. "Thank you, Rudy," he said, barely believing it. "Finally, I have enough money to register as an adventurer... and not have to worry about money for the next few days!" His exaggerated expression when receiving the coins made Rudy and the others laugh.
After everyone received their reward, Rudy looked at Alaric with hopeful eyes. "Alaric, how about joining our party? We could do more missions together."
Fiona, Klaus, and Max immediately joined in, each with their own persuasion.
"Come on, Alaric. We need a wizard as talented as you," Fiona said with a sweet smile.
"We can share more exciting adventures!" Klaus added.
"And of course, more money for you," Max teased.
Alaric paused for a moment, considering their offer. He felt happy with the warmth and friendship offered by Rudy and his team. However, he knew he had other plans.
"I really appreciate your offer, friends," Alaric replied with a gentle smile, "but I have to continue my journey. I have important business in Direwitch... to meet an old friend."
Rudy looked a bit disappointed, but he smiled nonetheless. "Alright, I understand. Safe travels, Alaric. Don't forget to come back and join us anytime!"
Alaric nodded, feeling warmed by Rudy and his party's kindness. After a brief farewell, Rudy and his party left in high spirits, while Alaric made his way to the guild building with a clear purpose in mind.
As he approached the reception desk, a wicked smile appeared on his face. He remembered how the receptionist had turned him away before, and now he could finally show that he was worthy of an adventurer's license. Smugly, he pulled out 20 silver from his pouch and placed it on the reception desk.
"Give me the license... Hahaha!" he said arrogantly.
The receptionist, who seemed a bit intimidated by Alaric's wicked smile, smiled awkwardly. "Alright, Sir," she said, then took a blank card from beneath the desk. "Allow me to explain the benefits of the adventurer's license. You will get a 10% discount at inns registered with the guild and are required to complete at least one mission every month. If not, your license will be revoked."
Alaric just nodded without saying much, still with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Your full name, Sir?" the receptionist asked as she prepared to write with magic on the license card.
"Alaric Iceborn," Alaric answered calmly.
The receptionist was surprised to hear the name. "Iceborn? I thought the Iceborn elves were extinct... They were slaughtered by the Demon King 800 years ago."
Casually, Alaric replied, "A few of us survived the attack." Although in reality, he was the only one who did, he didn't want to reveal that truth.
The receptionist nodded slowly and wrote Alaric's name on the license card with magic, then handed it to Alaric. "Here's your license, Mr. Iceborn. Welcome to the adventurers' guild."
Alaric accepted the card with a wicked smile on his face. "Thank you," he said sinisterly before turning and leaving the guild.
After leaving the guild building, Alaric quickly prepared his supplies. With the money he had just received, he bought food, potions, and other essentials for the long journey to Direwitch. He felt quite satisfied with the preparations he had made, and with a light heart, he began walking out of the city.
As he stepped out of the city gates, he looked up at the darkening sky, smiling with hope. A new journey awaited him, and he was eager to meet his old friend, Angela, a beastman whom he hoped was still alive after 700 years. Alaric gazed ahead at the long, winding road to Direwitch, feeling optimistic that this new adventure would lead him to a new purpose.
With a smile on his face and a steady stride, Alaric began his journey, ready to face whatever lay ahead.