Time flowed like the gentle breeze across the grassy expanses of the Grasshill lands. Ralkel and Alnkae ventured deeper into this emerald paradise, armed not only with their skills but with an indomitable spirit that had forged a strong bond between them. Today, their courage would be tested.
As they traversed the rolling hills, a rumble beneath their feet stopped them in their tracks. The ground shifted, and with a roar that echoed through the valley, a towering creature burst forth—a golem-like monster formed from grass and rock, standing a staggering eight feet tall and weighing nearly a ton. Its boulder-like arms swung down as it loomed over them, ready to crush anything in its path.
"Ralkel, duck!" Alnkae shouted, her voice slicing through the tension. Ralkel instinctively dove to the side as the creature's arm swooshed past him, the air crackling as it grazed his forearm. As he stumbled to regain his footing, a sharp sting from his wound pulled at his focus.
"Don't worry about it!" Alnkae called out, her eyes alight with confidence. "You've got your regeneration power now!"
Ralkel glanced at his arm, eyes widening as he watched the dark red blood seeping from the scratch heal before his eyes, skin closing and mending in moments. Renewed vigor surged through him. With a determined nod, he charged at the lumbering beast and swung his fist with all his might.
The monster swung its massive arm back, and Ralkel narrowly dodged, the wind from the swing grazing his cheek. Alnkae, observing the battle intently, noticed a small crack forming on the rocky surface of the monster's body where Ralkel had punched. "Hit that same spot! Focus your strength there!" she coached.
He nodded, adrenaline coursing through him. He stepped forward again, aiming his punch at the same damaged area. His fist connected with a piercing impact, and the creature let out a deafening roar as the force of the strike sent shockwaves through the air. Ralkel drilled his knuckles into the monster, feeling the rush of victory as he broke through the rocky exterior.
Yet, the beast wasn't finished. Enraged, it swung its forearm towards him. Ralkel instinctively blocked the blow, but the force fractured his left arm. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he caught the familiar glow of healing as Alnkae reminded him, "Even that can heal in minutes!"
They fought tirelessly for what felt like an eternity, dodging blows, delivering powerful punches, and rallying together. With one final, furious punch to the same crack, Ralkel unleashed the last of his strength as he rose to victory. The grassy rock monster crumpled beneath him, defeated, a testament to their combined effort.
As dusk settled across the Grasshill lands, Ralkel and Alnkae set up a campfire. Sizzling smoke rose into the evening sky as Ralkel cooked a bird he had snagged earlier with a well-thrown stone. The savory aroma filled the air, and Ralkel's laughter rang out as he savored the taste of his victory-meal, feeling the last of his injuries fade away under the soothing power of regeneration.
However, their reprieve was short-lived. Alnkae's keen hearing picked up rustling footfalls nearby. "Ralkel, stay alert," she warned, her green eyes scanning the horizon.
Finish his stew, Ralkel wiped his mouth and nodded. His senses sharpened, he scanned the shadowed grass. In an instant, four goblins emerged, their eyes glinting with malice. They screeched, lunging towards him with jagged weapons drawn.
Beside him, Alnkae shouted, "Watch out!"
With reflexes honed by battle, Ralkel dodged to the side as the first goblin charged in, landing a devastating punch that crushed the creature against the ground, the sickening sound of breaking bones reverberating in the air. But the remaining goblins were quick, flanking him from all sides.
Adrenaline surged again as he spun around, sending another goblin flying with a powerful punch. However, the second goblin managed to stab him in the side just as he feared—Ralkel grunted, feeling the blade slide into flesh but not deeply. He pressed his left palm over the wound, feeling the familiar glow begin to mend him, but it would take time.
"Keep fighting!" Alnkae urged, her voice a beacon of encouragement.
He gritted his teeth as he maneuvered defensively. The last two goblins attacked simultaneously, but Ralkel countered. Just as he anticipated the incoming lunge from the first goblin, he punched with all his might, connecting with a resounding crack that dented the creature's skull—only to feel the stabbing pain of the second goblin's knife piercing through his palm.
With panic in his mind, he fought against the pain and delivered a visceral punch, sending the last goblin sprawling away in terror, leaving only silence in its wake.
Panting heavily, Ralkel sank to the ground, exhausted and battered. His regeneration was at work, but it drained his energy. As the world started to fade around him, he caught sight of Alnkae rushing to his side, her face etched with worry.
"Ralkel! Stay with me!" she called out, but the warmth of darkness started to envelop him, her voice echoing like a distant bell.
And just before his eyes fluttered shut, he whispered, "We've still got more to face, Alnkae…"
And then, there was silence.
End of Chapter 3