The sun began to rise, casting a warm golden light through rose high as Ryu, Kato, Remi, Jin, Akio, Amaya, and Sara stepped out of the sanctum door. With a clear purpose in mind, they moved down the hallway in a distinct formation, each member aware of their role.
Kato took the lead at the center, exuding calm confidence. Ryu and Amaya flanked him on either side. Ryu gripped a goblin spear tightly in his right hand, its point glinting in the morning light. Amaya held a worn goblin blade, its edge jagged and chipped, looking as if it could shatter at any moment. Both were trained in close combat, ready to defend their group against threats.
Behind them, Sara and Akio walked in the middle. Their hair flowed like shadows. It hinted at their strong affinity for yin energy. Both had skills of mage, capable of unleashing long-distance attacks. Together, Mana Missile was their limit, but it was enough for the journey ahead.
At the back of the formation, Jin and Remi took on the role of guardians. They scanned the surroundings keenly, ready to shield Akio and Sara from surprise attacks. Their presence added a layer of security to the group, ensuring everyone could focus on their mission.
As they moved forward, the camaraderie between them was palpable. Each member had a distinct purpose, and together, they formed a formidable team, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Suddenly, six goblins burst into view, their eyes glinting with a savage hunger as they charged toward Kato and his crew. Kato instinctively readied his blade, but before he could react, Amaya surged ahead, her expression fierce and determined.
Ryu immediately followed her lead, a flash of resolve in his eyes. The closest goblin leapt into the air, aiming to strike Amaya, who was now within striking distance.
Amaya swung her worn goblin blade with swift reflexes. The clash of steel echoed through the hallway as Amaya's blade met the goblin's weapon, and fierce determination etched across her face. The goblin snarled, its twisted features a mask of rage, but Amaya held her ground, pushing back with all her might. The air crackled with tension as they struggled for dominance.
Ryu moved like lightning, his spear thrusting forward toward another goblin. The spearhead sliced through the air with deadly accuracy, finding its mark in the creature's chest. A surprised gasp escaped the goblin as it staggered backwards, the ferocity of Ryu's attack catching it off guard.
Amaya seized the moment, pivoting gracefully and bringing her blade down in a swift arc. With a fierce cry, she aimed for the goblin's midsection, her movements fluid and precise. The creature barely had time to react before her blade connected, sending it crashing to the ground.
Amaya dashed toward another goblin barreling her way, Ryu hot on her heels. With a fierce battle cry, she swung her blade, the worn metal glinting as it met the goblin's crude weapon. The sound of clashing steel rang out, but in the heat of the confrontation, a glimmer of movement caught her eye.
From her waist side, Ryu thrust his spear forward with impeccable timing. The spear shot like lightning, piercing the air and striking the goblin square in the chest. The creature's eyes widened in shock as it was lifted off its feet, the force of the blow sending it crashing to the ground.
Amaya quickly pivoted, her heart racing with adrenaline as she took advantage of the momentary distraction. She pressed the attack, her focus unwavering as she aimed for the next goblin, determined to protect her teammates and keep the momentum in their Favour.
Ryu stood ready beside her, a protective presence as they fought side by side. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and steel, and the cries of battle filled the corridor. Together, they formed a fierce frontline, a testament to their skill and teamwork against the relentless goblin horde.
Kato stood firm, his eyes scanning the battlefield, ready to join the fray if needed. He could feel the adrenaline surging through him, the thrill of combat igniting his spirit.
Drawn by the clash, goblins swarm Kato's team from behind. Jin, wielding a spiked gauntlet, strikes. His massive fist connects with a goblin's chest, launching it skyward. The creature slams into the ceiling, cracking stone. As it falls, three bloody holes mar its pale torso. More foes close in from all sides, a relentless tide of green flesh.
Jin's fist collided with a satisfying thud. His face lit up, radiating contentment. He'd been itching to try these gauntlets, and now, savoring the moment, he declared,
"They're worth every coin." The anticipation has resulted in a significant reward.
Remi's blade flashed, fell an approaching goblin. Despite its low level, his uniquely designed weapon demonstrated significant value. He relished wielding it, finding pleasure in its swift efficiency against foes.
The system alert flashed incessantly: "You have killed a goblin. You have levelled up."
Kato spotted archer goblins and signaled. Akio and Sara eagerly showed their skills. Blue energy formed balls around their right hands. They fired mana missiles, causing explosions that disrupted the archers' focus.
More alerts popped up as Amaya dashed ahead, finishing off the archers. Kato noticed a fatally injured goblin fleeing. He leapt forward, stabbing it with his blade. The goblin grimaced before collapsing.
Kato felt accomplished seeing the level-up alert. More goblins appeared, and the team fought cohesively.
"Stop stealing my kills," Amaya said as she glanced at Ryu.
"It's teamwork. I'm assisting you," Ryu smiled.
"I didn't request it," Amaya retorted, looking ahead.
Remi and Jin effortlessly dispatched goblins attacking from behind. As another group approached, Akio and Sara fired mana missiles. They obliterated the group in an instant.
The relentless alert continued: "You have killed a goblin. You have levelled up."
As they fought together, the energy of battle surged through Kato's team, each successful strike granting them the power to level up and earn mana stones. A sense of pride filled the air, but Amaya remained distant, her expression cold and contemplative.
Her gaze swept the hallway, taking in the blood-soaked ground. It was clear that a fierce struggle had taken place; the signs of violence were all around, yet there were no bodies. A chilling thought crossed her mind—had the goblins feasted on the fallen?
Nearby, Ryu was grinning, sharing a light moment with Akio as they exchanged jokes about how weak the goblins seemed. "I mean, look at them!" he laughed, glancing at the scattered creature's body. But Jin, standing close by, shot him a knowing look.
"You were the first to run when you saw one up close, remember?"
Ryu's laughter faltered at Jin's words. But he quickly composed himself and shrugged it off. Meanwhile, Amaya remained silent, her mind racing with darker thoughts. The gruesome fates of the goblins' past victims weighed on her. They pulled her from her friends' lighthearted banter.
As the team pressed on, Amaya felt a deepening resolve. They had to stay vigilant; there was more to this fight than just battling goblins. With each step, she steeled herself for whatever horrors lay ahead, knowing their survival depended on their unity and awareness of unseen threats in the shadows.
The morning light filtered through the windows of Rose High School; Kato and his team found themselves at a fork in the hallway. One path stretched deeper into the shadows while the other veered left, leading up the stairs.
"This is where we part ways," Amaya declared, turning to face her teammates, her voice steady and unwavering.
"Stay safe," Ryu said, offering her a reassuring smile, though a hint of concern lingered in his eyes.
"Isn't it too dangerous? What if we—" Jin started, worry creeping into his voice, but Amaya cut him off.
"We talked about this. The supplies are important, and I'll be fine," Amaya replied, meeting Jin's gaze with unwavering confidence.
"Stay safe, darling," Sara added, her voice soft yet firm, filled with affection.
"Let us know if anything goes wrong," Kato said, his expression bold. He nodded to Amaya, feeling a mix of admiration and jealousy as he watched her stand tall, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Memories flooded his mind of the moment she had saved him from a goblin's attack, striking it down with fierce determination.
"This is good," Ryu whispered to Kato, sensing his inner conflict.
"You can level up, too," he added, a hint of excitement.
Kato tightened his grip on his blade, determination igniting in his eyes. The morning sun provided a glimmer of hope, filling him with purpose as he prepared to face the unknown. "Let's do this," he said to Ryu, steeling himself as they turned toward the path ahead, ready to confront whatever awaited them in the depths of the school.
Ryu and Kato ascended the stairs, their determination unwavering. As they reached the top, a group of goblins appeared, eyes glinting with malice. The two friends sprang into action, swiftly engaging the creatures in battle. They fought off the goblins with practiced movements, and their teamwork was seamless.
Suddenly, a notification flashed before them:
"You have killed a goblin. You have levelled up."