The mage on her horse started chanting a spell, and Kaito noticed something strange. There were particles all around the air, barely visible, yet present everywhere. But as the mage chanted, those particles began gathering around her staff.
Kaito watched intently as the particles swirled and formed a fireball, the size of a car tire, hovering above the staff. The mage directed the fireball toward the Minotaur, releasing it and the fireball shot through the air, slamming at the beast with explosive force.
The tank rushed forward to support the attack. When they reached a close distance, the group dismounted their horses, and the female knight began giving orders.
"Damian, cover Aris while David and John attack the flank. I'll move forward!" she commanded.
Following her lead, the team moved in sync, slashing and striking at the Minotaur. The monster retaliated fiercely, swinging its axe violently. Despite the coordinated attacks, the Minotaur's strength was overwhelming. So the minator knocked down John and, enraged by the mage's continuous fireballs, charged at her its axe raised.
Before the blow could land, the tank intervened, raising his shield just in time. The monster's axe struck the shield, the force of the impact reverberating, but the shield held firm. The battle continued, and the Minotaur, realizing it was being overwhelmed, turned to flee deeper into the forest.
"No one should follow it," the female knight ordered.
The mage looked at her. "Are you going to use that move you're known for?"
"Yes," the knight replied calmly.
The knight stepped forward, her eyes locked on the fleeing Minotaur. She raised her sword, and a faint glow began to emanate from the blade. She took a deep breath, chanting softly under her breath. Kaito noticed the same particles that had gathered around the mage's staff now converging around her sword.
As the chanting reached its climax, her blade erupted in a dazzling light. The glow intensified, streaks of energy rippling along its edge. Her aura shifted—calm yet deadly, like a predator about to strike.
With a sudden burst of speed, she vanished, reappearing behind the Minotaur in the blink of an eye.
The beast staggered, its head still held high for a moment before it rolled to the ground, severed cleanly by her blade.
"We're done here," the knight said, lowering her sword.
"What about the bodies?" the mage asked, her voice filled with regret.
"This is a horrible scene," the knight admitted. "We should have been here sooner."
The group began gathering the bodies, digging a hole to give them a proper burial. The knight knelt by the graves, whispering a prayer before they set out to leave.
Meanwhile, Kaito, still hidden in the bush, had been trying desperately to call out to them during the fight. But for some reason, his voice wouldn't come. He couldn't even move.
As the adventurers rode off, Kaito felt a wave of helplessness as he was stuck here. His mind raced. Why couldn't I do anything? What the hell is even going on, frustration clearly showing on his face.
The forest fell silent, and Kaito, weak from hunger, drifted into uneasy sleep. He had tried everything to move, but his body wouldn't cooperate.
He woke suddenly, a strange sensation gripping him. He felt as though someone was carrying him—like he was nothing more than a sack of luggage. Blinking groggily, he opened his eyes.
A creature with green skin, a pointy nose, and ragged clothes was dragging him through the underbrush. Kaito's heart sank. A goblin? He had read about them in stories, but seeing one up close was something else entirely. "Where is it taking me?" he thought. "Am I going to be their dinner? Or something worse?"
The goblin trudged into a dark cave, its footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The air grew colder, the stench of dampness and rot filling Kaito's nostrils. The creature carried him deeper and deeper, finally stopping at a small cell.
With a grunt, the goblin tossed Kaito into the cell like a piece of meat. Kaito felt pain as he hit the ground, his body still unresponsive. Forcing his eyes open, he took in his surroundings.
The cell was cramped and filthy, its bars rusted but solid. Inside, huddled figures—human women and children—stared back at him. Their faces were pale and hollow, their clothes torn and dirty. Fear lingered in their eyes as they shrank away from the goblin, who left without another glance.
Kaito's mind raced. Why are they here? And why am I here? His stomach grumbled, dread settling over him as he struggled to make sense of the situation.