Part 1: Shadows on the Path
The morning sun barely breached the kingdom's walls as Greg stepped into the adventurer's guild, the familiar buzz of chatter and clinking mugs greeting him. Lila spotted him instantly, her braid swinging as she waved a hand high, flashing a thumbs-up. "Yo, priest! You free today?"
Greg grinned, giving a quick nod. Lila didn't miss a beat, striding to the quest counter to sign them up. He chuckled to himself, she's like a raid leader, no chill and joined Mira and Tomas at their table. "Morning, you two. Ready to play road cops?"
Mira smirked, her dagger flipping in her hand. "As long as I get to stab something." Tomas, nose in his notebook, mumbled a greeting, already sketching patrol routes. Lila returned, quest paper in hand. "Patrol's a go. Let's move."
The Dawnbreakers left the kingdom gates, the dirt road stretching into the haze. Lila took point, her greatsword slung across her back, her voice low as she relayed Tilda's briefing. "Heads up, the guild's got reports of PKs out here. Adventurers killing adventurers, looting everything. Some scum are even snatching female adventurers, selling 'em to slave traders."
Greg's stomach churned. "This world is that dark huh?"
Mira nodded grimly. "Yeah. Guild's trying to track missing folks, sketching faces to check with traders. But the kingdom soldiers? They're no help, slaves are still a thing. Makes rescue tough."
Lila's jaw tightened. "No deaths of priests or priestesses, though. Guess even lowlifes fear the Temple of Light's paladins coming for their heads." She glanced at Greg. "You're safe, but stay sharp. Today's job, patrol from the front gate to the crossroads. Spot anything, thugs, PKs, whatever, let's report it to the guards ASAP. Got it?"
Everyone nodded, falling into formation. Lila led, her strides sure. Mira and Greg walked side by side in the middle, her eyes scanning the brush. Tomas trailed, muttering about ambush angles, his staff clutched tight. Greg glanced back at him. Dude needs a tank spec. Or we need a proper meat shield. His own gear was basically a wooden stick in one hand, a small shield in the other. Good enough to fake it, he thought. His chantless casting was his ace, but he had to play the part waving hands, muttering prayers. I hope Elara keeps her mouth shut about my skills.
Half an hour in, Mira froze, her hand raised. "Goblins. Two, up ahead, poking at a cart." She crouched, signaling the party to follow. They crept through the tall grass, Lila's sword ready, Tomas whispering to himself, "Don't mess up." Greg gripped his stick, ready to fake a chant if needed. Mira struck first, her dagger slicing one goblin's throat before it squealed. Lila's sword cleaved the second in half, green blood splattering. "Clean," Mira said, wiping her blade. They looted a few coppers, took a quick breather, and moved on.
Two and a half hours later, the crossroads came into view a dusty fork marked by a weathered signpost. Lila exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "Alright, quick break. Then we check the nearby forest for trouble. Stay alert."
Greg plopped onto a rock, pulling a chunk of hard bread from his pack. He stared at it, sighing. This is cardboard, not food. He broke off a small piece, chewing slowly, the ghosts of the man with the knife, the woman with the hollowed stomach, and the headless child flickering at the edge of his vision. No fights, no spells needed yet. But the road felt too quiet, and the forest ahead loomed darker than it should.
Part 2: Terror in the Trees
The Dawnbreakers finished their break at the crossroads, dusting off their gear and turning toward the forest. Greg's stomach knotted as they veered off the dirt road, the trees closing in like silent guards. He hadn't expected to feel this jittery. It's just a forest, not a raid boss, he told himself but every step on the uneven ground made him flinch. Roots snagged at his boots, and insects the size of rats scuttled through the underbrush, their wings buzzing like tiny saws. Disturb one, and we're swarmed. Great.
"Watch your feet," Lila muttered, her greatsword ready as she led the way. Greg gripped his wooden stick and small shield, forcing his eyes to scan the shadows.
Ten minutes in, Mira's whisper cut through the rustling leaves. "We're being watched. Something in the sky."
"Don't look up," Lila said sharply, her voice low but firm. "Mira, tell us when it moves to attack. Everyone else, keep your eyes down and weapons ready."
The party slowed, weapons drawn, Mira's dagger glinting, Tomas clutching his staff like a lifeline, Greg's stick raised awkwardly. The air felt thick, the pressure crushing. Greg's palms sweated, his heart thumping. What the hell's up there? He glanced at Mira, her hands trembling despite her steady gaze. If she's spooked, I don't wanna know.
Lila raised her left hand, halting them. "Mira, can you check what's ahead?"
Mira's breath hitched, her eyes widening as she peered through the trees. "Why… why is it here?"
"What are we dealing with?" Lila pressed, her voice steady but tense.
"A… a troll," Mira stammered, her face paling.
Thud. Greg spun around. Tomas stood frozen, his notebook on the ground, eyes wide with terror. He's gonna bolt, Greg thought, his own pulse racing.
"Should we backtrack?" Greg asked, keeping his voice low.
"Too late," Mira whispered, her dagger shaking. "It's looking right at me."
"Which one?" Lila asked, gripping her sword tighter.
"The one ahead," Mira said, her voice barely audible.
"Can we outrun—" Greg started, but Mira's shout cut him off.
"DIVE DOWN NOW!" she yelled.
Greg dropped flat, dirt grinding into his robes. Swoosh! A tree trunk soared overhead, splintering branches. A scream tore through the air—"Agghhh!" followed by Lila's frantic cry, "TOMAS!"
Greg's head snapped up. Tomas was sprawled in the underbrush, clutching his side, blood seeping through his fingers. The troll loomed ahead, its massive frame blocking the path, eyes glinting with hunger. Oh, shit. he could heal, but a troll? That was no goblin. He scrambled to his knees, Greg didn't bother pretending to chant and immediately cast heals to Tomas. The bleeding slowed, but Tomas groaned, still dazed.
Lila charged, her sword swinging. "Mira, flank it! Greg, keep him alive!" The forest erupted into chaos, and the ghosts watched, their silent stares heavier than the troll's shadow.
Part 3: Light Against the Beast
The forest was a blur of chaos, the troll's massive 2.5-meter frame towering over the Dawnbreakers. Its gnarled arm swung wildly, aiming for Lila, who danced around its blows with desperate agility, her greatsword flashing. Mira, quick as a shadow, darted through the underbrush, circling to the troll's back for an ambush. Greg sprinted to Tomas, sprawled unconscious near a splintered tree trunk. Not good. He grabbed Tomas's arm, dragging him to cover under the thrown trunk. "Divine Shield," Greg thought, a faint glow wrapping Tomas. Stay alive, nerd.
Greg spun back to the fight. Lila landed a solid hit, her blade slicing the troll's arm, dark blood oozing. But seconds later, the wound knitted shut, the troll's flesh rippling like it laughed at the injury. Regeneration? You've got to be kidding, Greg thought, his gut sinking. The troll stomped to a nearby tree, ripping it from the ground with a sickening crack, roots dangling like dead snakes. It swung the trunk like a club, forcing Lila to weave and dodge, her breaths growing ragged.
Greg watched, amazed but tense. Lila was a machine, sidestepping each brutal swing, but her steps faltered, exhaustion creeping in. One swing grazed her, nearly knocking her flat. She's gonna drop soon. Mira seized the moment, sprinting to a tree near the troll, leaping onto its back. Her daggers plunged into its hide, using them like climbing picks to scramble toward its head. The troll roared, thrashing the trunk wildly, its free hand clawing for her. Lila tried to close in, but the swinging tree kept her at bay.
Greg edged closer, heart pounding, ready to cast if things went south. Come on, Mira, you can do this. But her daggers slipped, slick with blood. The troll's massive hand swatted her like a fly, sending her crashing across the clearing, hitting the ground with a sickening thud. "Heal," Greg thought instantly, then again as she lay still. Mira groaned, stirring faintly, but alive.
Lila was gasping now, barely dodging the troll's relentless swings. Greg's chest tightened. This party's all I've got. No one's dying today. He whispered to himself, "Guess it's time to use Smite." He took a breath, praying Lila heard him. "LILA! COVER YOUR EYES!"
As the troll raised the tree trunk for another swing, Greg focused and cast "Divine Shield" on Lila, a shimmer coating her. Then, facing the troll, he muttered "Smite". A radiant sigil flared beneath his feet, pulsing with energy. The air quivered, and a beam of pure light tore from the sky like a divine spear, slamming into the troll. Blinding brilliance engulfed it, forcing Greg to squint. The beast howled, its silhouette writhing in the glow.
"Please die," Greg whispered, shielding his eyes.
Part 4: Brilliance in Battle
The radiant beam of Greg's Smite faded, the forest falling silent except for the troll's confused growl. Greg's hopeful grin twisted into a grimace as he saw the beast barely scorched, its 2.5-meter bulk still looming. Of course, he thought. Smite's for undead and demons. Trolls? Not so much. The creature shook its head, locking eyes with Lila. With a roar, it hurled the tree trunk straight at her.
Lila dove aside, but the trunk clipped her left shoulder, blood seeping through her armor. She gritted her teeth, gripping her greatsword with her right hand. "Greg!" she shouted, dodging another swing. "Prep that spell again! I've got a plan!"
Greg nodded, playing along. "Got it! I'll let you know when I'm ready!" He'd already cast Heal on her shoulder, the wound knitting shut silently, but he kept up the act. What's she planning? Rush the troll during the spell? That's nuts. He watched Lila weave through the troll's wild swings, her movements slowing with fatigue. She's pushing it.
To buy time, Greg counted in his head, one minute, two minutes, pretending to prep while looking at his reminder mana. (104/163) He had enough juice left for now. A groan snapped his attention. Mira, slumped from her earlier fall, forced herself to her feet, clutching her daggers. Greg's relief washed over him. She's up. Good.
"I'm ready!" Greg yelled.
Lila gave a sharp nod from across the clearing, her stance shifting like she was charging a skill. The troll bellowed, stomping to a nearby tree to rip it free. Lila seized the moment, dashing forward before it could arm itself again. "Now!" she roared.
Greg didn't cast Smite. Instead, he focused, Light Ward. A dome of brilliance erupted that attaches on the troll face, blazing like the sun at noon. The beast recoiled, clutching its face, blinded by the divine glow. It stumbled, disoriented, as Mira sprinted forward, her daggers slashing at the troll's supporting leg. The cut hit true, and the beast dropped to one knee with a howl, just low enough for Lila.
Lila leaped, landing on the troll's shoulders. It thrashed, panicking, clawing at her. She gripped her greatsword tight, shouting, "Brutal Slash!" A red glow flared along the blade, and with a single, clean swing, she severed the troll's head. The head thudded to the ground, followed by the massive body, shaking the earth.
"LILA!" Mira screamed, seeing Lila sway, too exhausted to jump off.
Greg reacted fast, casting Divine Shield on Lila. A faint shimmer wrapped her as she slid off the collapsing troll, landing hard but safe. Greg sighed, turning to Tomas, still out cold under the thrown trunk. Still breathing, good. He dragged Tomas out, half-carrying him toward Lila and Mira.
Mira was already at Lila's side, checking her. "You okay?" Lila nodded, panting, her shoulder bloodied but healed. "Thanks to Greg. Nice save, priest." Mira flashed him a tired grin. "Yeah, that light trick? Badass."
Greg shrugged and showed them a tired smile.
Part 5: Spoils and Shadows
A rush of warmth flooded Greg's body as notifications flashed in his mind: Level Up! Health +20, Mana +20. New Stats: Health 213, Mana 183.
Another pulse: Level Up! Health +20, Mana +20. New Stats: Health 233, Mana 203.
Then again: Level Up! Health +20, Mana +20. New Stats: Health 253, Mana 223.
And again: Level Up! Health +20, Mana +20. New Stats: Health 273, Mana 243. A new spell sparked: You have gained Radiant Pulse!
One final surge: Level Up! Health +20, Mana +20. New Stats: Health 293, Mana 263. You are currently level 11!
Five levels from one troll? Nice. Greg grinned inwardly. Gotta test Radiant Pulse soon. He glanced at Lila and Mira, both slumped against trees, catching their breath. "You guys need heals?" he asked.
Lila shook her head, wiping sweat from her brow. "I'm good. Just beat to hell."
Mira waved him off, her daggers sheathed. "Same. Body's fine, brain's fried."
Mira sauntered over to Tomas, still out cold, and flicked his forehead. "Rise and shine, nerd." Tomas jolted awake, eyes wild, flailing. "W-where's the troll?!"
Greg chuckled, Mira snickered, and Lila sighed, muttering, "Childish." Greg crouched beside Tomas. "We smoked the troll, man. Time to haul our ass back to the kingdom before dark."
As he spoke, a chill crawled up his spine. Apparitions flickered into view, drifting from the forest's depths toward the troll's corpse. A headless figure, a naked specter, a torso crawling on the ground, all radiating fury, their ghostly eyes fixed on the dead beast. They want revenge. Greg's gut urged him to follow their path, to find where they came from but his party was wrecked. Lila was limping, Mira's hands shook, and Tomas could barely stand. We're sitting ducks out here. Greg thought.
Lila nodded, reading his expression. "Move it, Dawnbreakers. Grab your gear. We're out." She hoisted her greatsword, wincing slightly.
Mira climbed onto the troll's corpse, her dagger slicing into its hide. Greg figured she was hunting for crystal gems. Tilda had mentioned stronger monsters sometimes carried them, mana-storing stones for extra spell juice. He turned to grab his bag, slinging his shield inside. When he looked back, Mira was… cutting into the troll's groin, pulling out its testicles with a wet squelch. Greg froze, jaw dropping.
Mira caught his stare and grinned. "What? It's delicious!" She stuffed the gruesome prize into her pack and hopped down.
Greg blinked, speechless. People eat that? He shook it off, no time to judge. They couldn't burn the troll's body, dark was closing in, and necromancers might already be sniffing around. He grabbed the troll's severed head, its weight heavy in his hand.
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Head's not worth much coin, you know."
"Didn't know you could sell it. Anyway the purpose is not for sale." Greg said, "but it's proof. Guards see this, they'll know a troll's out here and send a party to sweep the area. Gotta move fast, don't want this thing turning undead."
Lila nodded sharply. "Smart. Let's go." The party trudged back toward the kingdom, the troll's head dangling from Greg's grip, the ghosts trailing behind, their angry whispers fading.