From the shadows emerged a small creature, no larger than a rabbit, with bright eyes and a curious expression. Kaito let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relaxing his grip on the dagger. The creature sniffed the air, seemingly unbothered by his presence. It darted away into the underbrush, leaving Kaito with a sense of relief and a reminder of the valley's unpredictable nature
Kaito paused for a moment, taking a deep breath as he stood at the edge of the Misty Valley. The encounter with the small creature had momentarily eased his tension, but the memory of the Goblin warriors still loomed large in his mind. With the rare herbs safely stowed in his satchel, he knew it was time to navigate the treacherous path back to Eldergrove.
As he stepped into the underbrush, Kaito became acutely aware of his surroundings. The valley was alive with sounds—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot. He crouched low, using the dense foliage to his advantage, slipping between trees and ducking behind boulders. Each hiding spot became a sanctuary as he moved cautiously, his senses heightened.
Navigating the Valley:
Kaito listened intently for any signs of danger, his heart racing with each rustle in the underbrush.
He recalled the Goblin warriors he had seen, their menacing presence a stark reminder of the threats that lurked in the shadows.
With every step, he reminded himself that he was still far from the strong adventurer he aspired to be; this journey was just the beginning.
As he neared the edge of the valley, Kaito felt a mix of relief and trepidation. The path had tested his resolve, and he realized how much he still had to learn. Finally, the mist began to thin, revealing the familiar outline of Eldergrove in the distance. The village was a beacon of safety, its lanterns flickering as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
Kaito quickened his pace, eager to return to the warmth of the village. Upon entering Eldergrove, he was greeted by the comforting sights and sounds of home. Villagers bustled about, preparing for the evening, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. He made his way to the small inn near the edge of the village, seeking rest after his harrowing adventure.
As he entered the inn, the warm glow of the hearth welcomed him. The innkeeper, a stout man with a friendly demeanor, looked up from behind the counter. Just as Kaito was about to head to his room, the innkeeper called out to him.
"Hold on there, Kaito!" he said, moving quickly to intercept him. "Before you go, I have something important for you."
Kaito turned, curious. The innkeeper reached beneath the counter and produced a rolled parchment, sealing it with the village's wax emblem. He handed it to Kaito, his expression serious.
"This is a parchment for the request of subjugation of the Goblin town," the innkeeper explained. "It's written by our village chief. Please take it to the city and submit it to the guild. We need all the help we can get."
Kaito felt the weight of the parchment in his hands, a tangible reminder of the task ahead. "I will deliver it and return with help," he promised, determination etched on his face.
"Good," the innkeeper replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "We need every brave soul we can muster. The safety of Eldergrove depends on our actions now."
With the parchment securely tucked away in his satchel, Kaito bid farewell to the innkeeper and stepped back into the bustling village. He set off toward the city, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
As he walked, Kaito reflected on the significance of the parchment. It represented not just a request for aid, but a call to action. He was no longer just a novice adventurer; he was now part of something larger—a mission to protect his home from the encroaching darkness of the Goblin town.
During his journey, Kaito's thoughts turned to the Goblin town and the challenges it posed. He felt a pang of frustration as he realized that he might not be able to contribute to the subjugation efforts directly. Just then, a notification from the system echoed in his mind:
System Notification: You cannot contribute to the Goblin town subjugation at this level. However, you can assist in other ways.
Kaito paused, intrigued. "How can I help?" he asked the system.
System Response: First, you must reach at least level 40 to unlock further assistance options.
Kaito contemplated this for a moment, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. He knew he had to grow stronger. As he continued on his path, Kaito decided to enter a meditative state, seeking to harness his inner energy. He found a quiet spot along the trail, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing.
After several minutes of focused breathing, Kaito opened his eyes, feeling rejuvenated. He stood up, a newfound determination coursing through him. He knew that to face the Goblin threat, he needed to reach level 40 as soon as possible.
As he resumed his journey toward the city, Kaito began to strategize. He thought about the training he would undertake, the allies he would seek, and the resources he would gather. The parchment in his satchel was not just a request for aid; it was a catalyst for his own growth.
Upon entering the city, he was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The streets were alive with energy, and the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air. Kaito navigated through the crowd, his mind focused on his mission.
He made his way to the guild hall, a grand building adorned with banners and shields from various adventuring parties. As he approached the entrance, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was where he would take the next step in his journey.
Inside, the guild hall was bustling with adventurers of all levels. Kaito approached the reception desk, where a stern-looking woman greeted him.
"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How can I assist you today?" she asked, her tone professional.
Kaito took a deep breath, holding out the parchment. "I have a request for subjugation of a Goblin town from the village chief of Eldergrove. I need to submit this and gather information on how to proceed."
The woman raised an eyebrow, taking the parchment and examining it closely. "A Goblin town, you say? This is serious business. We'll need to gather a team for this. Please wait here while I inform the guild master."
As Kaito waited, he felt a surge of determination. He was no longer just a novice; he was stepping into a role that could change the fate of his village. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, to grow stronger, and to protect Eldergrove from the looming threat of the Goblin town.