"Ugh, dad. You're making me cringe!" Avyanna grumbled as we made our way towards the Magical Gate for our next mission.
I couldn't help but share my private conversation with Aldwin, which only served to further agitate Avyanna about his unfair judgment of me.
Despite this chaos, my main focus was still on leveling up my Knight Rank.
The only guild that has accepted me so far is Avyanna's, and I have complete control over how our contributions are shared to ensure my growth as a knight.
William's and Kael's guilds may be other options, but I doubt I would have the same level of control in those elite guilds.
For now, staying in the Crystallice Guild is my best option, even if Aldwin continues to suspect me.
"Welcome, Avyanna!" A middle-aged man approached us, already wearing his Knight gear.
Behind him were five B-rank Knights, two archers and three swordsmen, along with a healer.
They were all preparing to be promoted to A-rank, just like Avyanna.
"I'm Erlan, the commander for this mission. I have a new message from the executive regarding your participation," he greeted Avyanna. "And I suppose he's with you as well," he added with a dry smile, looking at me.
Avyanna wasted no time in questioning Erlan about Aldwin's decision, still not accepting it.
But Erlan simply shrugged and explained that it was a direct order from the executive.
He then pointed to a large carry bag with mining tools tied to it, about 20 meters away to the east.
"It's a bit heavy, though. I can ask my friend to-" Avyanna started, but I quickly interrupted.
"No need. I can handle it on my own," I interjected.
And although it normally takes two B-rank Knights to carry such a heavy bag, I was able to use the Gaia Endowment Spell to easily lift it as if it were a regular bag.
Erlan and his team were clearly impressed, even gasping at my display of strength.
Avyanna praised me proudly, and I could see that her specialized camera attached to her Knight's gear was activated, meaning she was currently streaming.
I could only imagine the thousands of viewers flooding the comment section with their excitement.
Shifting my attention towards Erlan and his team, I catch a glimmer of light reflecting off a minuscule camera lens, which is currently being adjusted on each of their Knight Gear.
Are they also streaming, like Avyanna?
However, unlike her, they don't seem to be engaging with their audience, so perhaps not.
Furthermore, the cameras are all focused on them, a rarity for Knights to do simultaneously.
As I ponder this, Avyanna comes near me and whispers, "Do you see their hidden camera?"
"Yes, I can spot it on each of them," I reply in a hushed tone.
"The executives are monitoring you during this mission. Be cautious. We just want to complete this mission and regain our independence afterwards. We can get through this, Alstair," Avyanna tries to boost my spirits.
I understand Aldwin's deep concern for Avyanna's safety.
But to place so many cameras on the Knights just to find me guilty is absurd.
Whatever.
My only concern is to finish this mission as a Knight Carrier as swiftly as possible and move on. Amidst my thoughts, a brilliant blue light emanates from the Magical Gate of Erlan and his team.
The mission to uncover the elves' hideout in Arden Forest has begun.
***
As we ventured deeper into the forest, the trees towered above us, casting shadows that seemed to swallow the path.
The once bright sky now appeared gray, as if suffocated by the dense foliage.
The sounds of forest animals had faded into nothingness, adding an eerie silence to our journey.
"Stop," Erlan's voice cut through the stillness, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
His team quickly fell into formation behind him, each of them preparing their weapons for any potential danger.
I could see that Avyanna, as a Knight Tanker, was also ready for battle, her position encircled by the other Knights.
A sudden crackling of twigs caught our attention, and I could sense a menacing presence lurking in the darkness between the trees.
With sharpened senses, I could see pairs of red eyes focused on us, their murderous intentions clear.
The sound of knives and swords being readied grew closer, signaling that our attackers were ready to strike.
"It's goblins!" I heard someone cry out, and my heart raced with fear.
These short, green-skinned creatures with their sharp ears and brutal faces were notorious for their ferocity in battle.
They were well-equipped with leather armor and sabers, moving swiftly and silently towards us. "Attack!" Erlan's command was swift, and without hesitation, he and Avyanna conjured a Dome of Barrier to protect us.
The Knight Archer fired arrows at the goblins, causing them to squeal in pain.
Erlan and Avyanna rushed forward, their swords clashing with the goblins' weapons, while the Knight Swordsmen joined in to finish off the attackers.
The clash of blades and the screams of goblins filled the air as we fought for our lives.
It took several minutes, but we were able to defeat all of the goblins.
As the last one fell to the ground, the forest fell silent once again, the only sounds now the heavy breaths of my companions and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
The danger had passed, for now.
But something's odd.
The Goblin bodies still aggressively moved, seemingly impervious to their injuries.
Suddenly, flames erupted from their bodies as they transformed into fiery soldiers.
The murderous intent emanating from them was palpable, forcing Erlan and his team to maintain their formation.
"Incoming Fire-Spirited Monster! Build the dome now!" Erlan's voice was laced with panic as he and Avyanna raised their shields and manifested the Dome Barrier once again.
The clash of swords and searing heat against the barrier turned it red, a clear indication of the fire soldiers' relentless attempts to break through.
The Archer and Swordsman struggled to counter the fiery soldiers, their weapons unable to withstand the intense heat.
"Enhance the weapons!" Erlan gritted his teeth against the excruciating heat and ordered the healer, who was already preparing a buff spell.
The green light that emerged from the weapons was followed by a surge of newfound power.
"Now counter!" Erlan and Avyanna charged at the fire soldiers, pushing them back.
Seeing an opportunity, the Archers quickly shot their arrows, which struck hard thanks to the weapon enhancement and were then propelled further by the Swordsman's quick strikes.
The Knights and Fire-Goblins clashed once again, but despite their efforts, the fire soldiers showed no signs of falling.
The Healer was struggling to keep up with healing and enhancing the Knights.
Through it all, the team fought on, their determination and bravery unwavering.
But the question remained - how long could they keep this up?