Before the thugs could even finish their threats, the woman moved with astonishing speed and precision, taking them down one by one. Her swordplay was so fast and accurate that they had no chance to resist. In mere moments, the troublemakers lay sprawled on the ground, completely defeated. Turning to the royal guards, she commanded, "Arrest them and conduct a thorough investigation."
The guards nodded in response. "Understood, Lady Lisa. As always, we appreciate your assistance."
Watching the scene unfold, Merslin couldn't hide his amazement. Lisa's strength and skill left a deep impression on him. She turned to him with a faint smile.
"I saw you trying to stop them. That was a brave act. But next time, be more careful."
Merslin nodded. "Thank you, Lisa. My name is Merslin, and I come from another world. I'm here to learn about this world and help its people."
Lisa smiled at his sincerity. "That's admirable, Merslin. If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to ask. Let's work together to protect this kingdom."
Elena approached Lisa and expressed her gratitude. "Lisa, thank you so much. You really helped prevent a disaster today."
Lisa waved her hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. This is just part of my duty. I'm sure we'll meet again."
At that, Elena smiled. "It's been a while, Lisa. You're still as strong as ever."
Lisa chuckled. "And you're still as sharp as ever, Elena. Is this young man your student?"
Elena nodded and introduced Merslin. "Yes, this is Merslin. He came from another world, and we are guiding him."
Lisa studied him briefly before nodding. "If Elena trusts you, then so do I. Let's work together to protect this kingdom."
As they bid farewell, Lisa reassured them. "We part ways for now, but I'm certain we'll meet again. If you need me, just call."
Merslin slightly bowed his head. "Thank you, Lisa. Your support means a lot."
Lisa smiled and took her leave. As Merslin watched her departure, he clenched his fists with determination.
"Next time we meet, I'll be even stronger."
Alex's Call
A few days passed, and Merslin dedicated himself to his training. While practicing in the tower, the mirror hanging on the wall suddenly glowed brightly. Alex's face appeared, reflected as if he were looking through the glass.
"Merslin, Elena, I have urgent news."
They quickly approached the mirror.
"Alex, what's going on?" Elena asked.
"The palace requires a critical item, and I need you to deliver it immediately."
Without hesitation, Merslin and Elena set off for the royal palace. Upon arrival, they marveled at the grand entrance, magnificent gardens, and intricate decorations inside. Courtiers and servants bustled about, their movements efficient and purposeful.
At the palace gates, they spotted Lisa waiting.
"Lisa! I didn't expect to see you here," Merslin greeted cheerfully.
Lisa smiled. "Merslin, Elena! It's been a while. What brings you here?"
Elena responded, "Alex sent us to deliver an important item to the palace."
Lisa nodded. "Then let's hurry."
The three of them made their way to Alex's chamber, where the magician greeted them warmly.
"Thank you for coming. This item is crucial to the palace, and your help is greatly appreciated."
Merslin handed over the package. "We're happy to help, Alex."
Alex smiled. "Merslin, Elena, you both did well. But I have another task for you. Lisa, I'd like you to accompany them."
Elena nodded. "Understood. Lisa, let's go."
Lisa grinned. "I was already briefed on the mission. Merslin, Elena—let's get going. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially if we work together."
The three of them set off, leaving the palace and heading towards the outskirts of the city.
A Village in Distress
They arrived at a small village, where anxious townspeople had gathered.
"What's happening here?" Merslin asked.
Lisa approached the villagers for information. "Lately, strange creatures have been appearing near the village, threatening the residents. We're here to eliminate them."
Merslin nodded in determination. "Let's do this together."
With the villagers guiding them, they entered the nearby forest—an eerie place shrouded in darkness. Soon, goblins emerged from the shadows, their jagged teeth glinting in the dim light as they brandished crude weapons.
A blazing sphere shot from Elena's hands, engulfing several goblins in flames. Their screams echoed through the forest as they collapsed.
Lisa charged forward, her sword cutting through the creatures effortlessly.
"You're no match for me!"
Meanwhile, Merslin struggled. He attempted to cast a spell, but his nerves got the best of him.
"Hwayeom-gu (Fireball)!" he shouted, but the flame fizzled out before reaching its target.
The goblins lunged at him.
"Seorihwasal (Frost Arrow)!"
Elena's voice rang out as icy projectiles struck the goblins, freezing them in place.
Lisa seized the opportunity to finish them off.
"Are you alright, Merslin?" Elena asked.
Merslin sighed. "Yeah… Sorry. I keep making mistakes."
Lisa patted his shoulder. "It happens. Keep practicing."
The Slime Battle
Pressing forward, they encountered a group of slimes—gelatinous creatures that regenerated rapidly.
"Hwayeom-gu (Fireball)!" Elena attacked first.
The flames struck the slimes, but they barely seemed affected.
Lisa slashed at them but frowned. "They're tougher than they look."
She turned to Merslin. "You need to cast a proper Fireball. These things won't go down easily."
Taking a deep breath, Merslin steadied himself.
"Hwayeom-gu (Fireball)!"
This time, a large burst of flame erupted from his hands, incinerating the slimes.
"Nice work, Merslin!" Elena praised.
Their final challenge came in the form of a feral wolf-beast. The creature towered over them, its gleaming fangs bared as it let out a deafening growl.
Elena and Lisa attacked simultaneously, but their attacks barely grazed it.
The real battle had just begun.
"Geomung (Dark Fog)!"
The beast suddenly disappeared into a veil of dark mist, its movements hidden.
"What is this?!" Merslin exclaimed.
"A high-tier creature… This is no ordinary wolf," Lisa muttered.
Elena narrowed her eyes. "Merslin, we need to dispel it! Try using light magic!"
Merslin hesitated but nodded.
"Seonggwang (Holy Light)!"
A bright light burst from Merslin's hand, piercing through the darkness!
The beast howled in pain as its body became fully visible again.
Lisa seized the opening and leaped forward, her blade slicing cleanly through the beast's throat.
The wolf let out a final, guttural growl before collapsing.
The forest fell silent once more.
Merslin let out a breath of relief. "We did it."
Returning to the Palace
With their mission completed, the three returned to the royal palace and reported to Alex.
"The mission is complete, Alex," Elena said.
Alex nodded in satisfaction. "Well done, all of you. Merslin, you played a key role in this."
Merslin, a little embarrassed, replied, "Thank you, Alex. But I couldn't have done it without them."
Alex chuckled. "Then you've already learned an important lesson—victory is never won alone."
Looking at them fondly, he continued, "You all deserve a break. Enjoy yourselves tonight. Have a drink and relax."
Lisa smirked. "That sounds like a great idea. Let's head to the tavern."
A Night at the Tavern
The tavern near the palace was bustling with life, filled with the sound of laughter, music, and clinking glasses. The three adventurers found a seat and ordered drinks.
"It was a tough day, but it feels great to celebrate a successful mission," Merslin said, lifting his mug.
Elena smiled and raised her glass. "Agreed. To our teamwork—cheers!"
"Cheers!" Lisa echoed, clinking her mug with theirs.
Just as they were enjoying their drinks, the tavern door swung open, and a mysterious woman stepped inside.
She had long black hair and striking violet eyes, her lithe frame draped in light, practical attire. She exuded an air of effortless confidence as she scanned the room.
Spotting Lisa, she smiled and made her way over.
"Lisa! I didn't expect to see you here."
Lisa's eyes lit up. "Serena! It's been a while. What brings you here?"
Serena grinned as they exchanged a brief hug.
"I had some business in the area," she explained. Her eyes flicked to Merslin and Elena. "And who are these two?"
Lisa gestured toward them. "This is Merslin, a newcomer from another world. And this is Elena, a fellow magician."
Serena turned to them with an easy smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Serena. I work as a rogue—specializing in retrieving valuable things… and information."
Merslin's curiosity was piqued. "A rogue? So, what exactly do you do?"
Serena's lips curved into a playful smirk. "Let's just say I help the kingdom from the shadows. Sometimes I retrieve lost artifacts, sometimes I gather intelligence. It depends on what's needed."
Elena, intrigued, handed Serena a drink. "Then let's enjoy the night together. Cheers!"
Serena raised her glass. "Cheers!"
As the drinks flowed, the conversation grew livelier. Merslin listened attentively as Serena shared her stories, each one more thrilling than the last.
"So, there was this one time," Serena began with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I had to find a highly guarded artifact. Took me days to track it down, and the damn thing was hidden so well, I almost gave up. But in the end, I got it."
Lisa laughed. "That's why you're the best, Serena. No one else could pull off jobs like you."
Merslin nodded in admiration. "That sounds amazing. I hope one day I can be as skilled as you all."
Elena smiled at him. "You're already doing well, Merslin. Keep going, and we'll all grow stronger together."
The night continued with laughter, toasts, and shared tales. The tavern was alive with energy, the sound of music and conversation filling the air.
As the night deepened, Merslin looked around at his companions, realizing how precious this moment was.
For the first time since arriving in this world, he truly felt like he belonged.
With a determined heart, he made a silent vow.
"No matter what lies ahead, as long as we stand together, we can overcome anything."