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, Muscling 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."
Muscling nodded. "Thank you, Lisa. My name is Muscling, 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, Muscling. 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 Muscling. "Yes, this is Muscling. 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."
Muscling slightly bowed his head. "Thank you, Lisa. Your support means a lot."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Lisa smiled and took her leave. As Muscling 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 Muscling 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.
"Muscling, 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, Muscling 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," Muscling greeted cheerfully.
Lisa smiled. "Muscling, 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."
Muscling handed over the package. "We''re happy to help, Alex."
Alex smiled. "Muscling, 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. Muscling, 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?" Muscling 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."
Muscling 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.
Elena wasted no time. "Fireball!"
A blazing sphere shot from her 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, Muscling struggled. He attempted to cast a spell, but his nerves got the best of him.
"Fireball!" he shouted, but the flame fizzled out before reaching its target.
The goblins lunged at him.
"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, Muscling?" Elena asked.
Muscling sighed. "Yeah… Sorry. I keep making mistakes."
Lisa patted his shoulder. "It happens. Keep practicing."
Pressing forward, they encountered a group of slimes—gelatinous creatures that regenerated rapidly.
Elena attacked first. "Fireball!" 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 Muscling. "You need to cast a proper Fireball. These things won''t go down easily."
Taking a deep breath, Muscling steadied himself.
"Fireball!"
This time, a large burst of flame erupted from his hands, incinerating the slimes.
"Nice work, Muscling!" 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.