As soon as we gathered our things, my brothers and I sprinted through the dense forest. Walking would've taken too long, and the last thing we needed was to be out here when night fell.
Besides, with our enhanced physiques and mana-enhanced stamina, running at full speed was a breeze. I'd even taught them how to strengthen their bodies using mana—a trick I picked up from anime and light novels.
Maybe I'll even try to replicate Arthur's God Step later.
"{Francis, there's a signature surrounded by multiple hostile targets}," Quinella's voice suddenly rang in my head.
"And? It's probably just monsters fighting each other. Not really our problem unless they're in our way," I answered, focusing on the path ahead.
"{Yes, but the surrounded signature is human.}"
A human?
"Geez, you should've led with that," I muttered, then shouted, "Lead the way."
"{Turn left and go straight ahead}," Quinella instructed.
Without hesitation, I veered left, picking up the pace. "Oi, Francis! Where are you going? Isn't it the other way?" Angel shouted from behind me.
"Quinella detected a human in trouble nearby. We're gonna save them and get some info," I called back.
"Got it!" Alex chimed in.
"Roger that," Angel added, sounding way too tactical for his own good.
I swear, this guy's tactical gear is turning him into some kind of military otaku. Ignoring his chunin vocabulary, I pushed forward, my pace quickening.
After a few minutes of running, we came upon a clearing where a blonde girl frantically waved her sword at four goblins, trying to keep them at bay as they circled her.
I'd seen Goblin Slayer before; I knew exactly where this was going.
No time to waste.
I pulled out [Ticcu's Divination] and fired a single red arrow. As it whizzed through the air, the glowing arrow split into multiple shots, each one hitting a different goblin. Three of the creatures shrieked as their bodies ignited in flames.
I could've triggered Ticcu's second ability and made them explode with another arrow, but that would've been too risky for the girl. Instead, I quick-drew my hand cannon and fired a clean shot, taking out the fourth goblin before it could react.
*Bam!*
Angel stepped up and unloaded his R301, mowing down the remaining flaming goblins in an instant.
Easy. They hadn't even noticed us until it was too late.
Turning my attention to the girl, I saw her collapse to her knees, visibly shaken. Almost being killed—or worse...
I approached slowly, careful not to spook her. She noticed me, immediately raising her sword in defense.
"W-who are you?" she stammered, her voice full of fear.
Wait, why does she look so nervous? Oh, right, I still have my mask on.
I reached up and pulled down my hoodie, then removed my mask. With a gentle smile, I asked, "Are you okay?"
Her posture relaxed, and a faint blush spread across her pale cheeks. She lowered her sword, no longer seeing me as a threat.
Nice. It seems like Kirito's protagonist aura still works, even though my real-life game is pretty nonexistent.
I crouched down to her level, making sure she was alright. "What's your name? I'm Francis."
"My name is Uriel Orviel. Thank you for saving me!" she said, bowing slightly, though her voice still trembled.
Wait... Uriel? Blond hair, green eyes, pale skin, and that name? She's Uriel from Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. Best girl.
Now I'm really going to have to put on my Rizzler cap.
"Uriel, huh? That's a beautiful name. But I don't think someone with a name like that should be wandering through a forest full of monsters," I said, giving her a soft smile. She blushed again at the compliment but then grimaced, her face contorting in sorrow.
"Sniff... I was... sniff... they died, and... waaaaaa~!" she tried to explain, but her words were lost as she broke down, tears streaming down her face.
She tried wiping her eyes, but the tears wouldn't stop.
Damn... I can't just tell her to stop crying and explain. Looks like it's time to activate this body's protagonist powers.
I quickly moved closer, pulling her into a gentle embrace. She stiffened at first, but soon melted into it, sobbing quietly against my chest.
*Sigh~*
Comforting a beauty in distress is harder than it looks.
*Staaaare*
Hmm?
I suddenly felt two sets of eyes burning into me.
I glanced back and saw both Angel and Alex giving me disgusted looks.
Heh. They're just jealous because I've got Uriel in my arms.