The moment I ran, the Spriggans followed me with their intense look and didn't let that chance slip through and attack me simultaneously.
I sprinted through the forest, dodging the twisting vines with quick, sharp movements. But I wasn't fast enough.
One thick vine lashed out, striking my side like a whip. The impact knocked me off my feet, and I crashed hard against a tree.
Pain flared through my ribs. For a second, my vision blurred, but I bit down a groan and pushed myself upright.
Damn it, that hurt. If I don't end this soon, I'll be nothing more than a corpse tangled in its vines.
Livius shouted as I fell to the ground, "My lord!"
Oh, I never thought he could shout, too.
When I stand up, I prepare myself to cut through the vines I saw that will approach me any moment now with the help of 'foresight.' I managed to prevent it from hitting me again, but as expected, they will just continue with that attack.
I ran again, but this time, I went to the right side, not removing my gaze from the group of monsters. I need to see which Spriggans will attack again while trying to work with my plan.
I continued running until one of them started to move to follow. I move to the side with no fire yet, so it will be easy for them to follow me here.
When one of them started to move, the others followed, but they were not that close together. That means it's the opening I am waiting for!
I immediately grab a bow and arrow in my 'vault,' even if I am not confident, I fire one arrow at the Spriggan, following the one in front.
As expected, I didn't hit the eye, but it's fine if I get their attention after that attack.
As the arrow struck its bark, I ignited the ground between them with lightning, splitting the Spriggans apart.
Using my skill of 'inspect,' I determine who is most isolated from others.
The fire will make the Spriggans unable to follow me as I continue to run, and they will keep pursuing me.
I manage to at least adjust to running in the forest, and with the help of trees everywhere, I can evade their vines easily.
I don't want to cause more fire in the forest as I don't want to create another problem. So, I didn't make a goal to separate the Spriggans individually; as long as the monsters fall into two or three, that is enough for me.
Initially, I plan to burn them with my magic, but since I have a low amount of mana, I go with my plan B to target their other weakness aside from fire: their eyes. It is what I learned using my skill 'counterstrike.'
While separating them, I didn't realize I also deactivated their ability to manipulate vines and trees because of the fire. So they just stand there making an irritating sound because they can't get near the fire.
I leaned against a tree, chest heaving. My hands trembled from the strain of magic and swordplay, but I couldn't stop the grin spreading on my face.
I did it.
My first monster hunt — and I lived to tell the tale.
"First group battle? Check."
As soon as I recover stamina, I walk a little to get closer to them. "So, what should I do with you, huh?"
I bend my body, still grinning. "Do you want me to remove the fire? Or do you want me to end your suffering by ending your life?"
They make an irritating sound again, as if they are still refusing to get control of me.
The grin on my lips didn't go. "Oh? You wanted to be useful and let me use your dead body as our wood for a campfire? How kind of you!"
After I said that, I stayed silent for a second before I burned them all. It's my first time defeating a monster, and it's satisfying to say that I defeated a group of Spriggans on my own without anyone's help.
[NOTICE: Quest "Defeat the Monsters" is now completed. Rewards have been issued to your inventory. Additional information or new quest details may now be available. Check your system interface for updates.]
For a moment, I thought about boasting this to my father. But what would be the point?
He wouldn't care — and neither should I.
I shoved the thought aside. For now, surviving was enough.
***
Extinguishing the fire wasn't hard, especially with Livius's help. It's also good that a river is nearby to fetch water.
We finished extinguishing the fire by noon, so I didn't get to find another spot where we could stay for a night as we noticed the sun was about to set soon.
It was disappointing that we needed to stay in a burned part of a forest, or else we might encounter another monster if we chose to move to another spot. Curse that Spriggans!
I was pouting the whole time we cleaned the mess I did. I may have achieved my goal here, but didn't enjoy the last part! I didn't get the chance to experience camping like I imagined!
After cleaning, Livius volunteered to cook the meat and vegetables I brought into my vault. While he cooked, I organized the bedroll I provided for both of us.
After the chores, we sit on the ground and get a portion of food to eat.
Since I was upset with the result of today, I am not in the mood to talk. That's why while eating, what's on my mind is to finish it already so I can go to bed and then sleep to forget everything.
"M-my lord…"
I was about to swallow the last bite of my food when Livius called my attention. I pause my eating and look at him while raising my brow. "What?"
"M-my lord… thank you. Truly. If you hadn't been here…" He trailed off, bowing his head. "I would've died."
His voice had a tremor — fear, maybe gratitude, or something more complicated.
"I won't forget it."
I took the last bite of the food I was holding. "Don't mention it; it's not a big deal. After all, I asked you to join me here."
I put down the plate I had used and looked at him again. "So, have you completed your herb gathering? I wanted to go home tomorrow morning."
Fighting Spriggans had taken more out of me than I'd expected. Besides, I have already learned much from this expedition, and that is enough by now. I don't think I am ready to explore the forest deeper.
We also don't know what kind of monsters may reside in the deeper parts of the forest—it's too dangerous to know.
"Yes, my lord." He also puts down his plate. "And I promise that tonight…"
I raised my brow again when he was about to say something again.
He immediately hides his face as he continues speaking. "I… I will bury your secrets here!" he stammers. Rest assured that no one will know about it," he adds.
It took me a second to realize what secret he was talking about. Then I remembered that he saw me using skills from CC, and of course, it was obvious that my elemental magic did not produce those skills.
I smirked at him even though he was not looking at me. At least he knows how to respect other people's privacy. He didn't even bother to ask me how I possessed those skills.
"Good to know," I said with a smirk. Stretching, I cracked my neck. "Nothing like a bit of loyalty to brighten the night, huh?"
Then I decided to stand up. "It's very satisfying to see these Spriggans burning slowly in a campfire. When I get home, I will surely inform Nicomaine that they are a good source of wood!"
Before I go, I said one more thing to Livius: "You can rest assured that we are safe and peaceful to sleep here. I have put a barrier around you, and I can also detect if there are monsters nearby. Therefore, we have already escaped them before they can approach us."
I didn't expect him to answer because I knew he was a man of few words. So I took a step to lie down in my bedroll. But after just one step, he spoke again.
"My, lord!" It made me look at him again. "Are you… are you going to need a company again for your next training in the forest?"
I can't find a word to answer his question, so I open and close my mouth.
Then he speaks again. "If yes… I am willing to come with you again, my lord."
My eyes widened after hearing those words. But it is not because of what Livius said, but rather of what CC notifies me…
[NOTICE: Primary Quest "Gain Livius's Trust" is now completed. Rewards have been issued to your inventory. Additional information or new quest details may now be available. Check your system interface for updates.]