The path was narrow, lined with tall trees and overgrown vines, but we pressed on, driven by the thought of reuniting with the girls and uncovering why we had been summoned to this world. We moved cautiously, taking short breaks whenever weak monsters attacked, allowing Rick to catch his breath. He was struggling, and Aki's concern was growing by the minute.
"Rick, show us your status window," Aki demanded, his brows furrowed in worry.
Rick hesitated but eventually opened his status window. Aki and the rest of us leaned in to see it: the Curse of the Mage. It was a crippling condition that caused Rick to consume massive amounts of mana, even for the simplest spells.
"Rick, why did you choose to become a mage?" Zouno asked, his voice heavy with concern. "Your mana pool is small, and your spells are costing you too much."
Rick looked down, shame flickering in his eyes. "I know. I thought I could manage it, but it's been harder than I expected. We needed someone to deal a lot of damage, and I just wanted to help... but now, it's getting worse."
I placed a reassuring hand on Rick's shoulder, meeting his gaze with a serious expression. "You were trying to help us all, Rick, and we appreciate that. But being a mage doesn't suit you. You're better off as a thief or an assassin—you've got the speed and agility for it."
The group nodded in agreement. To our surprise, Rick revealed another skill from his status window: Stealth. It was a powerful ability that allowed him to become nearly invisible when activated. We exchanged glances, stunned by the revelation.
"Rest for now," Aki said, still looking determined. "And Rick, try to avoid using magic. Focus on close combat instead."
Rick nodded, taking the advice to heart. We continued our journey after a short break, moving quicker now and helping Rick improve his combat skills. He struggled at first, but slowly began to adapt, using his speed and Stealth skill to his advantage. Before long, Rick reached level 10, and the system offered him a choice of new skills.
Two options appeared: the first was Double Strike, allowing him to deliver two quick hits that dealt extra damage for ten seconds, with a cooldown of fifteen minutes. The second was Swift Feet, a skill that greatly increased his movement speed and silenced his steps for thirty seconds, with a ten-minute cooldown. It also provided a passive effect that reduced the sound of his movements at all times.
"Interesting skills," Rick said, pondering his choice. "You guys were right—I'm not suited for a mage." Determined to redefine himself, Rick chose Swift Feet, and a bright light enveloped him, granting him a free level-up.
With renewed energy, we resumed our journey, our spirits lifted by Rick's newfound strength. The forest seemed less daunting, the air buzzing with anticipation. As we walked, I spotted the remnants of a campfire up ahead, still warm.
"They must be close!" I shouted, my heart racing. "Let's hurry before they get too far!"
We quickened our pace, following the trail of footprints left in the damp earth. After what felt like hours of pursuit, we finally spotted the girls ahead, locked in battle with a group of goblins. They were outnumbered, their magic flickering weakly as their mana reserves dwindled.
Zouno squinted, his skill detecting something ominous at the back of the goblin horde. "There's a Goblin Chief behind them, leading the group."
"We've found them, and we can't let them get hurt!" I shouted, charging forward with my shield raised high. I activated Shield Rush, barreling into the cluster of goblins and sending them flying in all directions. "NOW, GUYS!"
My friends sprang into action, emerging from behind me to take down the fallen goblins. I directed Aki to handle the goblins on the right, while Zouno moved to support the girls who were nearly out of mana. Relief and joy flashed across their faces when they saw us, but they quickly refocused, rallying together to fight back with renewed vigor.
"Damn, magic is so strong… but I guess it's not for me," Rick muttered as he watched the girls unleash powerful spells. Determination flashed in his eyes as he activated Swift Feet, closing the distance to the Goblin Chief in an instant. His movements were swift and silent, a blur that left no trace. But just as Rick went in for the strike, the Goblin Chief raised a massive armored hand, blocking the attack with ease.
The Chief snarled, its yellow eyes narrowing in disdain as it swung its heavy club toward Rick. He barely managed to dodge, rolling out of the way just in time. The ground shook where the club landed, a clear sign of the Chief's overwhelming strength.
"Rick, fall back!" I yelled, blocking another goblin's attack with my shield. Aki darted in from the side, slicing through a goblin's throat with a swift, clean motion. Zouno, now beside the girls, helped them recover with healing potions and strategic support.
Rick gritted his teeth, but he heeded my call, retreating just as the Goblin Chief swung again. This wasn't a battle he could win alone, not yet.
"Aki, go for its legs! Zouno, distract it with ranged attacks!" I shouted, formulating a plan on the fly. Aki nodded, sprinting low and fast, while Zouno fired a barrage of magical projectiles, forcing the Chief to shield its face. I charged in with all my might, slamming my shield into the Chief's armored chest and pushing it back a step.
The Chief staggered, momentarily disoriented. That was our chance. Aki dashed in, slashing at the creature's legs, his movements fluid and precise. The Chief roared, swinging wildly, but Aki was too fast, dancing around each attack with ease.
Rick seized the opportunity, activating Swift Feet once more. This time, he moved behind the Chief, his movements silent as a whisper. With one decisive strike, he plunged his dagger into the gap between the Chief's armor, hitting a vital spot. The Goblin Chief let out a final, pained scream before collapsing to the ground, defeated.
"We did it!" I yelled, adrenaline still coursing through me. The goblins lay scattered, and the Chief was no more. We had reunited with the girls, and together, we had won the fight.
The girls ran over, expressions of relief and gratitude on their faces. Sana, still catching her breath, managed a smile. "We knew you guys would find us eventually."
Aki chuckled, clapping Rick on the back. "Nice work out there. You really showed that Chief who's boss."
Rick grinned, his confidence restored. "Thanks, but I've still got a lot to learn."
As we regrouped, the reality of our situation set in. We were together again, stronger than before, but questions still lingered—why were we here, and who had brought us to this world? With the entire class finally united, we knew it was time to find answers.
For now, though, we savored the victory, grateful for the bond that held us together. No matter what came next, we would face it as a team.