The next morning, Viktor arrived at the adventurer's guild earlier than usual. The guild hall was quieter at this hour, with only a few adventurers lingering over steaming cups of tea or sharpening their weapons. The boisterous energy of the previous day was replaced by a calm hum of activity.
He approached the quest board again, scanning it for something suitable for the novice trio. They had potential, he admitted to himself, but their lack of coordination and skill could easily get them killed if left unchecked. Viktor didn't often mentor others, but something about the trio tugged at his sense of responsibility. Maybe it was Mina's determination, Theo's eagerness to improve, or even Erynn's defiance. Whatever the reason, he decided to stick around.
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Viktor!"
He turned to see Mina bounding toward him, her feline ears perked and tail swishing. Theo followed close behind, his oversized staff nearly tripping him as he waved enthusiastically. Erynn trailed behind them, her arms crossed and her face set in a half-scowl, though she didn't protest their approach.
"Morning," Viktor greeted, leaning casually against the board. "Recovered from yesterday?"
Mina nodded. "A bit sore, but I'm okay!"
Theo adjusted his glasses. "We were just talking about what we could've done better. I think I need to work on spell timing."
"You think?" Erynn muttered, earning a glare from Theo.
Viktor smirked. "Good. Self-awareness is the first step to improvement. But talk without action means nothing. Let's see how serious you are."
He plucked a slip from the board and handed it to Theo. "This one's a step up from rats. A pack of stray goblins has been raiding supply carts near the city outskirts. The quest is to eliminate them."
"Goblins?" Erynn's brow furrowed. "They're still low-tier monsters."
"They're smarter than rats," Viktor said, his tone sharp. "They use basic tools and traps. Perfect for learning strategy."
Theo glanced at Mina, then at Erynn, who hesitated before nodding. "We'll do it
Before heading out, Viktor led them to the guild's training grounds, a large open area behind the main building. Wooden dummies and sparring rings lined the space, with a few adventurers practicing their skills. Viktor gestured for the trio to follow him to an empty corner.
"Before we hunt goblins, we're fixing the basics," Viktor announced. "Combat is about more than swinging a sword or casting spells. If you don't trust each other and move as a unit, you're dead weight. Understood?"
The group nodded hesitantly.
"Good. Mina, you're up first. Show me your stance."
The cat girl stepped forward, gripping her short sword tightly. She planted her feet wide, her tail twitching nervously as she assumed a defensive position.
"Too stiff," Viktor observed, circling her like a hawk. "Relax your shoulders, or you'll tire yourself out. And your footing—narrow it slightly for better balance."
Mina adjusted as he instructed, her ears flattening as she concentrated. Viktor gave her a nod of approval. "Better. Now, Theo. Cast a basic spell."
Theo stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly as he began to chant. A faint blue glow enveloped his hands before sputtering out. "Uh… sorry."
Viktor raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"
"I… I get nervous under pressure," Theo admitted, his cheeks flushing. "It messes with my focus."
"Then we'll fix that," Viktor said firmly. "Mina, swing your sword at him—slowly. He needs to cast while avoiding distractions."
Mina's eyes widened. "What? I don't want to hurt him!"
"You won't," Viktor assured her. "You're just helping him build focus."
Reluctantly, Mina swung her sword in a slow arc toward Theo, who yelped and stumbled backward. "Ice Spear!" he shouted, but the spell fizzled again.
"Don't run," Viktor barked. "Focus on your spell while staying aware of your surroundings. Try again."
They repeated the exercise several times, with Theo slowly growing steadier under Mina's mock attacks. By the end, he successfully cast a small Ice Spear, though it barely reached the target dummy.
"Progress," Viktor said, clapping Theo on the shoulder. "Now, Erynn. Your turn."
The elf stepped forward, her expression guarded. Viktor handed her a practice bow and pointed to a distant target. "Hit that."
She nocked an arrow and fired in one smooth motion, the shaft landing just shy of the bullseye.
"Decent aim," Viktor said, "but you're rushing. Goblins won't stand still, and your impatience will cost you. Take your time. Predict their movements."
Erynn narrowed her eyes, visibly annoyed, but did as instructed. She loosed another arrow, this time hitting closer to the center.
Viktor crossed his arms. "Better. Remember, precision beats speed."
By midday, they were trekking toward the outskirts, the city walls shrinking in the distance. Viktor walked slightly ahead, his sharp eyes scanning the terrain.
"Goblins like to ambush," he explained. "They'll use the terrain to their advantage. Stay close, and don't let your guard down."
As they neared the reported attack site, a rustling in the bushes brought the group to a halt. Viktor raised a hand, motioning for silence. He crouched, pointing toward a cluster of rocks where faint movement was visible.
"Three goblins," he murmured. "Mina, you take the lead. Theo, stay back and support. Erynn, cover them with your bow."
The trio exchanged nervous glances but nodded. Mina gripped her sword tightly, creeping toward the goblins. Theo followed at a safe distance, his hands glowing faintly as he prepared a spell. Erynn took position behind a tree, her bow drawn.
Mina launched the attack, charging the nearest goblin. Her swing was clumsy but effective, cutting into the creature's side. The goblin shrieked, alerting the others.
"Stay focused!" Viktor called, watching from a distance.
Theo cast an Ice Spear, striking a second goblin in the leg and slowing its movements. Erynn fired an arrow that grazed the third goblin, distracting it long enough for Mina to finish her first target.
The fight was messy but swift. When it was over, the trio stood panting, their weapons smeared with goblin blood.
"Not bad," Viktor said, stepping forward. "Still sloppy, but you're learning."
Before they could respond, a guttural roar echoed through the trees. A larger goblin, armed with a rusted axe, emerged from the shadows. Its yellow eyes glinted with malice.
"Boss goblin," Viktor muttered. "You're up, rookies."
The trio hesitated but assumed their positions. Mina charged, aiming for the goblin's legs. The creature dodged, swinging its axe in a wide arc. Mina barely avoided the blow, rolling to the side.
Theo fired an Ice Spear, but the goblin deflected it with its axe. Erynn loosed an arrow that struck the goblin's shoulder, causing it to snarl in pain.
"Keep the pressure on!" Viktor commanded, his hand resting on his sword hilt in case he needed to intervene.
The group worked together, slowly wearing the goblin down. Mina landed a deep slash to its leg, causing it to stagger. Theo cast a fireball that struck its chest, sending it reeling. Erynn finished the fight with a well-placed arrow to its throat.
As the goblin collapsed, Viktor nodded approvingly. "Better. Still room for improvement, but you're starting to act like a team."
The trio exchanged tired smiles, their confidence visibly bolstered.
Back at the guild, Viktor watched as the trio eagerly recounted their adventure to the guild receptionist, their excitement infectious. For the first time in a long while, Viktor felt a flicker of pride.
"They'll make it," he murmured to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "If they don't get themselves killed first."
With that, he turned and headed toward the bar. The day's work was done, but tomorrow would bring new challenges—for them and for him.