The Silver Curse – Volume 1, Chapter 5: A Hard-Won Victory
Aftermath of the Battle
Yuto stood amidst the wreckage of the goblin den, his sword dripping with dark, inky blood. The lifeless body of the goblin brute lay at his feet, its grotesque features twisted in an eternal snarl. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he fought to steady his breath.
His arms ached. His body burned. But he had won.
The distant echoes of retreating goblins faded into the tunnels beyond. The battle was over, but the reality of it settled into his bones. I could have died.
A slow clap interrupted his thoughts.
Mira leaned against the cave wall, arms crossed, her crimson eyes filled with amusement. "Not bad, rookie. Thought you were going to get flattened back there."
Yuto exhaled, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Could've used some help."
Mira smirked. "Nah. This was your test. You passed."
Collecting Proof
Yuto sheathed his sword and knelt beside the fallen brute, pulling out his dagger. If he wanted to collect his reward, he needed proof of the kill.
He grimaced as he sliced off one of the creature's tusks, its flesh still warm. The stench was overwhelming, but he endured it.
"Efficient," Mira commented. "You get used to it."
"Yeah? How long did it take you?" Yuto asked.
She shrugged. "Longer than I'd like to admit."
Yuto pocketed the tusk and stood, stretching his sore muscles. "Let's get out of here."
The Journey Back
The walk back to Valkris was quieter than Yuto expected. The tension from the battle still lingered in his mind, but with each step, it began to fade.
The sun hung lower in the sky, bathing the landscape in hues of orange and red. A cool breeze rustled the trees, carrying the scent of fresh grass and damp earth—so different from the suffocating stench of the cave.
Mira walked beside him, her usual smirk replaced by something more thoughtful.
"So, what's your plan now?" she finally asked.
Yuto considered the question. "I'll keep taking quests. Get stronger. Figure out more about this world."
Mira nodded. "Good answer. Just don't bite off more than you can chew."
He smirked. "No promises."
Back at the Guild
The guild hall was as lively as ever when they arrived. The scent of roasted meat and ale filled the air, laughter and shouting mingling into a chaotic symphony of adventure.
Yuto approached the receptionist's desk and handed over the goblin brute's tusk. The sharp-eyed woman from before took it with a nod.
"Confirmed kill. Well done," she said. "Here's your reward."
She slid a small pouch of coins across the counter. Yuto picked it up, feeling the weight of the silver inside. His first real earnings in this world.
Mira clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Enjoy the moment, rookie. You earned it."
Yuto rolled his shoulders, feeling the exhaustion creeping in. "Yeah… I guess I did."
As he turned to leave, the whispers started again. The silver-haired adventurer. The one who fights like he's been doing it forever.
He ignored them. For now, there was only one thing he needed—
Sleep.
End of Chapter 5