《Fate of The Elemental Swordsman》 Chapter 1 The Awakening to the Invasion Chapter 1 The Awakening to the Invasion 27/07/908 Yonas awoke to a voice that seemed to echo from within his own mind, a strange blend of clarity and detachment. His eyes shot open, and for a moment, he lay still, the world around him blurred and indistinct. His breath caught in his throat as he heard some robotic voice speak. Welcome, Yonas. The higher being has bestowed future knowledge to you and all humans. You possess elemental aptitude. Prepare for the upcoming monster invasion. The monster invasion will begin in six years. Prepare wisely. A shiver ran down his spine. The words were stark and impersonal, yet the implications were as heavy as a stone in his gut. Elemental aptitude? Monster invasion? The higher being? His mind reeled, grasping for logic in a situation that seemed to defy it. His fingers clenched the blanket beneath him, knuckles white with the force of his grip. He swallowed hard, the taste of fear sharp on his tongue. "What... what is this?" he whispered, his voice barely more than a rasp. "Is this real?" A tremor ran through him, a mix of fear and the undeniable pull of curiosity. Whatever this was, it had told him. And if the words said were true, it told every single human on this planet. He sat up slowly, his movements careful and deliberate. His room remained the same¡ªwooden walls lined with old carvings, a single window where pale morning light seeped through¡ªbut the air felt different, charged with a weight he couldn¡¯t quite describe. His legs felt weak as he swung them over the edge of the bed. The wooden floor was cool beneath his feet, grounding him. He pressed his palms against his temples, trying to steady the whirlwind in his mind. "Okay... okay. Think, Yonas. What do I do now?" No answers came. Only the silence of the morning, and the soft creak of wood as the house seemed to breathe around him. "Mom? Dad?" His voice barely rose above a whisper, and when no response came, he forced himself to his feet. The hallway stretched ahead of him, dimly lit by the first fingers of dawn. His parents'' room was just down the narrow hallway, and his younger brother Liem usually woke up with the dawn, just as he did. Every step felt heavy, as if the air had thickened, resisting his movement. The weight of the higher being¡¯s message pressed against his chest, and he struggled to draw a full breath. Six years until a monster invasion. And he had elemental aptitude¡ªwhatever that meant. The door to his room creaked open behind him, and Yonas spun, his pulse thundering in his ears. Liem stood in the doorway, his bright blue eyes wide, a mirror of Yonas'' own. "Yonas? Did you hear it too?" The words struck him like a hammer. His brother had heard it too. It wasn''t just him. "Yeah... I heard it." His voice was tight, barely more than a rasp. "Did... did it say you have elemental aptitude too?" Liem nodded, his small frame trembling. "It did. And it said... monsters. Six years. What does that mean, Yonas?" "I don''t know." Yonas knelt, bringing himself to eye level with his brother. He rested a hand on Liem''s shoulder, feeling the boy''s bones too close to the skin. "But whatever it is... we''ll figure it out. Together. Okay?" Liem nodded again, and a fragile smile broke through his fear. "Okay." Yonas drew his brother into a hug, closing his eyes against the rising tide of uncertainty. They stayed like that for a moment, a lifeline against the storm, until the soft sounds of movement echoed from the kitchen. Their parents were awake. "Come on," Yonas said, standing and taking Liem''s hand. "Let''s see if they heard it too." Yonas sat at the kitchen table, the air thick with the unspoken weight of the higher being¡¯s message. His parents moved around the small space with a sense of purpose, but their faces betrayed the confusion and fear they felt. His mother stirred a pot over the hearth, though Yonas doubted she had any appetite, while his father paced by the window, fingers twitching at the curtains as if expecting the world outside to suddenly change. "What does it mean?" His mother finally spoke, her voice thin. "A monster invasion? Six years... How do we even prepare for that?" "I don¡¯t know," his father replied, his tone just as strained. "But it¡¯s not just us. If everyone heard it, then... then maybe the kingdom will do something." Yonas exchanged a glance with Liem. The younger boy¡¯s hands gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white. Yonas took a breath, steadying himself. "It said I have elemental aptitude. Liem too." You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. His parents turned to them, the room swallowing the sound of the crackling fire. "Elemental aptitude?" his father asked. "Are you sure?" Yonas nodded. "It said in my mind... It said I had elemental aptitude, and Liem must have heard the same thing." His mother¡¯s brow knit together, and she lowered the spoon, leaning against the hearth for support. "Elemental aptitude... like Nasir?" "Nasir?" Yonas¡¯ mind churned. His uncle¡¯s name felt distant, a figure from stories of the capital. "You mean the one from the capital? The elemental swordsman?" His mother nodded. "He could sense and use elemental energy. It¡¯s why he left. He was granted a home there." "And he''s coming here," his father added. "He left last week. It was supposed to be a simple visit, but... fate, it seems, had other plans. This higher being announcement happened just as he was on his way." A fragile thread of hope wrapped itself around Yonas'' heart. Uncle Nasir, the swordsman who had faced threats and seen the world beyond their quiet town, might hold the answers they needed. The weight of the conversation settled over them, and Yonas felt the walls of the small home closing in. "I''m going to get some fresh air," he muttered, pushing his chair back. Outside, the world was untouched by the chaos in his mind. The sky stretched pale and empty, a sharp breeze cutting through the morning stillness. He grabbed his practice sword, the wood worn smooth by years of use, and made his way to the patch of dirt behind their home. Each swing, each step, became a rhythm, a distraction from the fear gnawing at his thoughts. His muscles ached, the burn of physical exertion a welcome relief from the cold grip of anxiety. He moved until his arms trembled, until his breath came in ragged gasps. When exhaustion finally claimed him, he sat in the dirt, his sword resting across his knees. He stared at the horizon, where the sun bled into the sky, turning the world a muted shade of amber. His mind drifted, and the weight of sleep pulled him under. In the dream, shadows twisted around him. He stood in a world painted in blood and ash, the air thick with a metallic tang. A creature moved in the periphery of his vision, its silhouette sharp and wrong. It had green skin, slick and taut, and stood a little shorter than him. Its limbs were wiry, its fingers ending in claws that scraped against the ground. Yellow eyes pierced the darkness, and when it grinned, its teeth were needle-like, too many for its narrow jaw. The creature''s breath came in wet rasps, and its claws dragged through the dirt, carving lines that smoked and bled. Yonas couldn¡¯t move, his body locked in place as the creature crept closer, its eyes never leaving his. A sudden, sharp noise pulled him from the dream. Yonas sat up, his room cast in the pale grey of early morning. His skin was damp with sweat, his pulse a wild drumbeat in his chest. The dream lingered; each detail etched into his mind with a clarity that felt more like a memory than a vision. He swung his legs over the bed, grounding himself on the cool wooden floor. Outside, the quiet hum of his parents'' voices drifted from the kitchen. They were still talking, their words too soft to catch. Planning. Worrying. Yonas closed his eyes, the creature''s yellow gaze seared into the darkness behind his lids. He knew, deep in his bones, that it wasn¡¯t just a nightmare. The creature was real. And it was waiting. Yonas trudged down the stairs, each step heavy with the remnants of his unsettling dream. The wooden planks creaked beneath his feet, the familiar sounds grounding him as he approached the kitchen. The scent of porridge hung in the air, mingling with the faint smoke from the hearth. ¡°Good morning,¡± Yonas mumbled, slipping into a chair at the small kitchen table. His mother turned from the pot, offering him a gentle smile, while his father leaned against the counter, arms crossed. ¡°Morning, Yonas,¡± his father replied. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± Yonas hesitated, the image of the green-skinned monster with yellow eyes still vivid in his mind. ¡°Yeah... I guess.¡± His father sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°They¡¯ve found a new monster in the woods. Apparently, it¡¯s green and short with sharp claws.¡± ¡°Stop trying to scare him,¡± his mother said, her voice gentle but firm. She stirred the pot with steady motions, but her eyes betrayed the same worry etched into every line of his father¡¯s face. A drop of cold sweat slid down Yonas¡¯ back. His fingers tightened around the edge of the table, the wood biting into his skin. His mind raced, the details of his dream aligning too neatly with his father¡¯s words. Was it a coincidence? Or something more? ¡°Yonas? Yonas!¡± His mother¡¯s voice pierced the fog of his thoughts. She stood closer now, a crease between her brows. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Yonas forced a smile, nodding quickly. ¡°Yeah, sorry. Just... a bit tired.¡± His mother studied him for a moment longer before retreating to the hearth. ¡°We used the communication rune,¡± she began, her tone lighter, almost hopeful. ¡°We asked if Nasir could take you with him when he arrives. He agreed.¡± His father¡¯s expression softened. ¡°We know how much you¡¯ve always wanted to be an elemental swordsman. And with this elemental aptitude... well, you need to learn to control it. Nasir can teach you, and he can keep you safe.¡± Yonas¡¯ eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement lighting his features. ¡°Really? I can go with Uncle Nasir?¡± His mother smiled, the expression a rare comfort against the storm of uncertainty. ¡°Yes. You¡¯ll be safe with him, and you¡¯ll learn so much. It¡¯s the best chance we can give you.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Yonas leapt from his seat, a genuine grin breaking through. His dreams of learning the sword, of seeing the world beyond their quiet town, seemed closer now¡ªmore real. His father chuckled; the sound strained but sincere. ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon. Grab some clothes, your sword, and anything else you want to take. You¡¯ll need to be ready.¡± Nodding eagerly, Yonas darted up the stairs. His room seemed smaller now, each item a piece of the life he would leave behind. He packed carefully, folding clothes and tucking away small keepsakes. His sword, still polished and sharp, lay atop his bag. He tucked his scarf into the sack, a small comfort to take with him. Time slipped away as he moved through the motions, his mind a blend of fear and hope. He wondered what Nasir would be like¡ªif he¡¯d still remember the boy who had clung to his leg the last time he visited, or if he¡¯d see only the promise of a new apprentice. A sharp knock at the door cut through the quiet, sending a jolt through the house. Yonas froze, his hand still clutching his scarf. His parents¡¯ muffled voices reached him, and he knew. He rushed down the stairs, his heart pounding as he reached for the door. His fingers tightened on the handle, and with a deep breath, he began to pull it open. Chapter 2 Nasirs Arrival Chapter 2 Nasir¡¯s arrival 28/07/908 Yonas¡¯ hand hesitated on the door handle, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. His breath caught in his throat as he pulled the door open, the creak of the wood sounding louder than usual. Light flooded into the small home, and a tall shadow filled the doorway. ¡°Hello, Yonas,¡± a deep, warm voice greeted him. Yonas had to crane his neck to take in the figure before him. Standing at an easy six foot three, Nasir filled the frame with his relaxed, yet solid presence. His scruffy brown hair and warm brown eyes held a soft amusement, as if he found joy in every moment. A simple grey long-sleeved shirt, worn but sturdy, and brown trousers with various bits of equipment strapped to his legs, gave him the appearance of a well-travelled adventurer. At his side hung a standard sword, unadorned but well-maintained, a testament to practical use rather than show. Nasir¡¯s lips curled into a smile as he met Yonas¡¯ eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve grown. I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡± Yonas managed a nod, his voice caught somewhere between his chest and his mouth. ¡°Uncle Nasir...¡± The rest of his family stepped forward, his mother brushing past him to wrap Nasir in a quick, firm hug. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Nasir.¡± ¡°You too, sis,¡± Nasir replied, his voice light but genuine. He clasped his brother-in-law¡¯s hand, exchanging a silent nod of respect. ¡°Come in, come in,¡± Yonas¡¯ father urged, stepping aside to let Nasir into the warmth of their home. The room seemed smaller with Nasir inside, his presence filling the space. He dropped his sack by the door, the light clatter of metal and tools hinting at the life he led away from their quiet town. Despite his size, he moved with an ease that suggested a practiced readiness, a strength beneath his relaxed demeanour. The family settled around the kitchen table, the small home drawing them close. Yonas took a seat beside Liem, who fidgeted slightly, his eyes darting between the adults. His wooden horse, a comfort, was clutched tightly in his small hands. ¡°So,¡± Nasir began, folding his arms on the table, ¡°I hear there¡¯s been quite the announcement.¡± Yonas¡¯ parents shared a glance, a silent exchange before his mother spoke. ¡°Yes. The announcement, the invasion... it¡¯s a lot to take in. We¡¯re still processing it.¡± ¡°Understandable.¡± Nasir¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You¡¯re not alone. I think the entire kingdom is reeling. I got the message too. It¡¯s not every day that a higher being decides to play with our lives.¡± Yonas shifted in his seat, his fingers tracing the grain of the wood. The air felt heavy, but Nasir¡¯s presence helped, a calm in the storm of uncertainty. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. His father cleared his throat. ¡°We wanted to ask if you could take Yonas with you. With his aptitude and... well, the invasion on the horizon, he needs to learn to defend himself.¡± Nasir¡¯s gaze moved to Yonas, not with scrutiny but with a quiet assessment. ¡°Is that what you want, Yonas?¡± Yonas hesitated, his mind swirling with dreams and doubts. ¡°I want to become the greatest elemental swordsman,¡± he said, his voice firmer than he expected. ¡°I know it won¡¯t be easy, but... I believe I can do it.¡± The room fell into a stillness. His parents wore masks of calm, but Yonas could see the flicker of emotion beneath¡ªhope, fear, love. Liem¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of admiration and confusion. A soft chuckle escaped Nasir¡¯s lips. ¡°Well, that¡¯s quite the goal. It¡¯s good to believe in yourself, Yonas. That¡¯s the first step.¡± Yonas swallowed, his heart thudding. He had expected doubt, maybe gentle reassurances, but not the warm acceptance in Nasir¡¯s tone. ¡°What about the dangers?¡± Yonas¡¯ mother asked, her voice steady but edged with worry. ¡°We heard about the new monster... the goblin.¡± Nasir waved a hand lightly. ¡°The goblin is nothing to worry about. Based on reports, it¡¯s about twenty times weaker than me. I¡¯ve dealt with worse things on a bad day. We¡¯ll handle it. I¡¯ll make sure Yonas is safe.¡± A small voice broke into the conversation. ¡°Will you protect him?¡± Liem¡¯s question hung in the air, his fingers still curled around the wooden horse. Nasir turned to him, his expression softening. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll keep him safe, Liem. You have my word.¡± Liem nodded, a serious look on his young face. Yonas felt a swell of warmth, a tether to his family that he hadn¡¯t realized he needed. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± his father said, his tone a mix of relief and resignation. ¡°Yonas, go finish packing. Nasir, we¡¯ll talk more while he gets ready.¡± Yonas rose, the weight of the moment pressing on him. As he moved to the stairs, he felt Liem¡¯s small hand on his. ¡°Will you come back?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Yonas knelt down, meeting his brother¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll come back stronger. I promise.¡± Liem hesitated, then thrust the wooden horse into Yonas¡¯ hands. ¡°Take this. It¡¯ll keep you safe.¡± Yonas¡¯ throat tightened, and he pulled Liem into a quick hug. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll take good care of it.¡± He hurried up to his room, his heart a strange mix of lightness and lead. He added the small wooden horse to his pack, its worn surface a promise he intended to keep. Downstairs, the low murmur of adult voices continued. He couldn¡¯t make out the words, but he caught the tone¡ªquestions, plans, reassurances. His parents needed to hear that he would be alright, that this was the right choice. When he descended again, his pack slung over his shoulder, Nasir stood by the door, his easy demeanour a comfort against the uncertainty ahead. ¡°Ready?¡± Nasir asked, his tone both light and serious. Yonas nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m ready.¡± The family gathered at the door, a cluster of hugs and whispered words. His mother¡¯s hand lingered on his cheek, his father¡¯s grip on his shoulder, Liem¡¯s small fingers brushing against his own. As Yonas and Nasir stepped outside, the world seemed both vast and close. The road ahead stretched out, filled with promise and peril. Yonas took a breath, his fingers brushing the scarf tucked into his sack, the wooden horse nestled against it. With a final wave, they set off, the door closing behind them. Each step forward was a step into the unknown, but with Nasir beside him, Yonas felt a quiet strength begin to bloom within. Chapter 3 Goblins Whereabouts Chapter 3 Goblin¡¯s whereabouts 28/07/908 The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets as Yonas and Nasir entered the town''s high street. Normally, the bustling marketplace would hum with the cheerful chatter of peddlers and the vibrant colours of fresh produce and crafted goods. Today, however, a muted tension hung in the air. Stalls stood half-stocked, and the faces of the merchants bore the lines of worry. It was as if the entire town held its breath, uncertain of what lay ahead. ¡°Stay sharp,¡± Nasir murmured, his voice calm but purposeful. His eyes moved slowly, taking in every corner and alleyway. ¡°We¡¯ll split up for now. Meet me at the bulletin by sunset.¡± Yonas nodded, a surge of independence mixing with his apprehension. He adjusted the strap of his sack, feeling the familiar weight of his sword at his side. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll ask around about the goblin.¡± Nasir offered a small smile, a brief warmth in the otherwise cool air. ¡°And Yonas¡ªkeep your wits about you.¡± With that, they parted ways. Nasir disappeared into the flow of the crowd, a shadow among the whispers of troubled townsfolk. Yonas took a deep breath, steadying himself, and turned towards the familiar path to Dorothy¡¯s grocer stall. Dorothy¡¯s small shop sat at the corner of a quieter street. The once bright awning had faded under the sun, and the crates of vegetables and fruits seemed sparser than usual. Yonas noticed the door was slightly ajar, and his instincts prickled. He approached quietly, peering through the gap. Inside, Dorothy stood behind her counter, her hands wringing a cloth as she spoke in a trembling voice. ¡°Please... I can¡¯t afford more losses.¡± Three boys, not much older than Yonas, loomed over her. Their clothes were worn, their eyes hard with hunger and something darker. One of them reached over the counter, snatching an apple and biting into it with exaggerated slowness. ¡°I said I¡¯d pay you later,¡± he drawled, the juice dripping down his chin. His companions chuckled, the sound empty and sharp. ¡°Hey!¡± Yonas stepped inside, his voice firm. The laughter cut off, and three sets of eyes turned to him. ¡°Put it back. You¡¯re not thieves.¡± The boy with the apple sneered, tossing the half-eaten fruit aside. ¡°Who¡¯s gonna make us, runt?¡± Dorothy¡¯s eyes widened when she saw Yonas, her fear tinged with a desperate hope. ¡°Yonas, it¡¯s fine. They were just leaving.¡± ¡°No, we weren¡¯t.¡± One of the other boys, lanky and pale, leaned against a sack of potatoes. ¡°Old lady¡¯s got plenty. She won¡¯t miss a few bites.¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Yonas took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword¡ªnot to draw it, but to remind them he was not afraid. ¡°If you need food, ask. Stealing just makes you cowards.¡± The leader¡¯s face twisted, the bravado cracking under Yonas¡¯ steady gaze. ¡°You think you¡¯re better than us? You¡¯re just another weakling playing hero.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not playing.¡± Yonas¡¯ voice dropped, cold and clear. His father¡¯s words echoed in his mind¡ªwords before fists. ¡°Leave now, and I won¡¯t make you regret it.¡± Tension coiled in the air, and then the leader lunged. Yonas moved without thinking. His foot slid back, his body dropping into a low stance as the boy¡¯s fist cut through the empty space where his head had been. Yonas twisted, his sheathed sword sweeping out and catching the boy behind the knee. He hit the ground with a dull thud. The others hesitated, but Yonas¡¯ calm expression held them in place. ¡°You¡¯re hungry. I get it. But there are better ways.¡± The boy on the ground groaned, clutching his leg. ¡°Kian,¡± one of the others muttered, a flicker of fear breaking through the facade of bravado. Kian. The name settled in Yonas¡¯ mind. He would remember it. Kian pushed himself up, his eyes dark with anger. ¡°You think you¡¯re strong, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I think strength isn¡¯t just about who hits hardest,¡± Yonas replied. ¡°It¡¯s about who stands back up and chooses the right path.¡± Silence hung between them. Kian¡¯s fists clenched and unclenched, the battle between pride and sense playing out on his face. Finally, he looked away, the fight draining from his posture. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Take this.¡± Yonas reached into his sack, pulling out a small loaf of bread. He broke it in half, offering it to the boys. ¡°Eat. Then find work. You¡¯re not thieves, not really.¡± The boys exchanged wary glances. Kian took the bread, his expression unreadable. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to see you back here like this,¡± Yonas said simply. ¡°You deserve better.¡± The boys shuffled out, shadows under the clouded sky. When they were gone, Dorothy sank onto a stool, her shoulders trembling. ¡°Thank you, Yonas,¡± she whispered. ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡± Yonas knelt beside her, his expression softening. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡± Her worn hands reached out, holding his. ¡°You¡¯re a good boy. Your parents should be proud.¡± ¡°When I become the greatest elemental swordsman, I¡¯ll change this town,¡± Yonas said, his voice steady. ¡°No one will go hungry. No one will be left behind.¡± Dorothy¡¯s eyes shone, a fragile light in the dimness of her shop. ¡°I believe you.¡± Before leaving, Yonas paid for a small sack of apples, slipping a few extra coins onto the counter. Dorothy didn¡¯t argue¡ªshe knew he couldn¡¯t afford it, but the gesture mattered more than the money. His next stop was the fruit seller¡¯s stall. The vendor, a wiry man with quick eyes, spoke of a green-skinned creature lurking at the edge of the forest. ¡°It just... watched me,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Didn¡¯t attack, just stared. Eyes like it had a sickness.¡± Yonas thanked him, piecing together the clues. The goblin was not just a wild beast¡ªit had intent. It was planning. As the sky bled into shades of orange and purple, Yonas made his way to the bulletin. Nasir was already there, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Find anything?¡± Nasir asked. ¡°Yeah. The goblin¡¯s been seen near the forest. It¡¯s... observing people.¡± Nasir nodded. ¡°Same here. Seems like it¡¯s more than just a creature. We¡¯ll need to be careful.¡± Yonas matched his uncle¡¯s pace as they turned toward home, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. His resolve had only grown stronger. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he would face them head-on. Chapter 4 Setting up Camp Chapter 4 Setting up camp 28/07/908 The sun dipped behind the treeline as Yonas and Nasir made their way to the forest''s edge. The air grew cooler, a soft breeze rustling through the underbrush. Nasir led the way, his strides confident and unhurried, while Yonas followed close behind, his eyes darting over the shifting shadows. ¡°Here¡¯s good,¡± Nasir said, stopping in a small clearing. The area was surrounded by trees on three sides, with a gentle slope leading down to a brook that murmured softly over smooth stones. Before Yonas could fully take in their surroundings, Nasir had already slipped his pack from his shoulders and set to work. In what felt like mere moments, a fire pit was cleared, stones ringed the edges, and dry kindling was arranged in a neat pile. His movements were fluid and practiced, each action serving a clear purpose. Yonas knelt by his own pack, fumbling to unroll his sleeping bag. He tried to mimic Nasir¡¯s efficiency, but his fingers tangled in the straps, and the bag refused to cooperate. By the time he had finally laid it out, Nasir had already started a fire, the flames crackling to life with a few sparks of flint against steel. ¡°How do you do it so fast?¡± Yonas asked, half in awe and half in frustration. Nasir chuckled, propping up a couple of branches to hang their dinner over the fire. ¡°Years of practice. You¡¯ll get the hang of it. Survival skills are just as important as combat skills. A well-rested fighter is a sharper fighter.¡± Yonas nodded, setting his pack aside and moving closer to the warmth. The heat licked at his face, the smell of wood smoke mingling with the crisp evening air. Nasir pulled a small wrapped bundle from his pack and unfolded it to reveal two skinned rabbit legs. ¡°Bought these from the butcher,¡± he explained, threading the meat onto sticks and positioning them over the fire. ¡°Traded some information for it. Figured a hot meal would do us good.¡± Yonas'' stomach rumbled in agreement, and he settled in beside Nasir, his knees drawn up as he stared into the flames. The quiet stretched comfortably between them until Nasir spoke again. ¡°So, you¡¯ve heard about the Kingdom Council¡¯s ranking system, right?¡± ¡°Sort of,¡± Yonas said. ¡°I know it¡¯s about power levels, but not much else.¡± Nasir nodded, slowly turning the skewered rabbit to ensure it cooked evenly. ¡°The ranks help measure ability, but they¡¯re not perfect. They fluctuate based on experience and intelligence. A rank 1 elementalist, for example, can move elemental energy off their body, shaping it to their will. But for a rank 1 elemental swordsman, they can only apply elemental energy to their body and their sword¡ªthey can''t project it outward yet.¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°What about a rank 2 elemental swordsman?¡± Yonas asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°To reach rank 2, you need to be a rank 1 elementalist and a rank 1 swordsman. At that stage, an elemental swordsman can enhance their weapon and body with elemental energy more efficiently and start to control the energy with greater precision. They still can¡¯t project it far, but their strikes and defences become more potent.¡± Yonas took this in, his mind working through the implications. ¡°What about you? What rank are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a rank 4 elemental swordsman,¡± Nasir said, not with pride but with a simple honesty. ¡°As a pure swordsman, I¡¯m rank 6, but my elemental energy skills are stuck at rank 3. Without mastering that, I can¡¯t progress further.¡± Yonas hesitated. ¡°Is it because elemental energy is hard to control?¡± ¡°For me, yeah. I just don¡¯t have the same talent with it as I do with the sword. But that¡¯s alright. Not everyone¡¯s path is the same.¡± A comfortable silence fell between them as the rabbit began to brown, its scent mingling with the smoke. Yonas watched the flames dance, his thoughts drifting. ¡°What about me?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°Where do I stand?¡± Nasir offered him a skewer, the meat sizzling slightly. ¡°You¡¯re a rank 1 swordsman, and you¡¯re close to rank 2. Your body is changing¡ªmuscles developing, blood flowing more efficiently. I¡¯ve seen it before.¡± The warmth of the fire battled with a chill of doubt that ran through Yonas. ¡°But the goblin... you said it¡¯s as strong as a rank 4 swordsman. I¡¯m not ready for that.¡± Nasir bit into his meal, chewing thoughtfully before responding. ¡°On paper, sure. But strength isn¡¯t everything. That goblin was watching the fruit seller instead of attacking. A true predator strikes when the opportunity presents itself. If it hesitates, that means it has a weakness.¡± Yonas picked at the meat, his appetite dulled by the weight of his thoughts. ¡°So... what do we do?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll weaken it for you. I want you to get a feel for its movements and learn from it. Experience is the best teacher.¡± Yonas looked up, finding Nasir¡¯s expression steady and sure. ¡°What if I fail?¡± ¡°Then you fail. And then we try again.¡± Nasir¡¯s tone was light, but his words held a gravity that pulled Yonas back to the present. ¡°Remember, strategy matters just as much as strength. If something stronger is chasing you, and you lead it into a trap¡ªa pit with spikes, say¡ªyou¡¯ve just beaten it with your brain.¡± Yonas nodded slowly, the fire¡¯s warmth finally reaching him. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all I ask.¡± Nasir leaned back, his silhouette against the fading light. ¡°Get some rest. We¡¯ll need sharp eyes tomorrow.¡± The fire burned low as they prepared for the night. Yonas nestled into his sleeping bag, the cool earth beneath him grounding his racing thoughts. He stared up at the canopy of leaves, the dark sky peeking through in fractured shards. Just as his eyes began to droop, a soft rustling reached his ears. His muscles tensed, the blanket of sleep slipping away. He shifted, his hand finding the hilt of his sword. The sound came again, a brush of leaves against something solid. ¡°Nasir?¡± he whispered, his voice swallowed by the night. His uncle did not stir, his breathing slow and even. Yonas held his breath, every sense straining as the rustling grew nearer. Shadows danced at the edge of the firelight, twisting and curling as if alive. His pulse quickened, each beat a hammer against his ribs. Then, the sound stopped. Silence wrapped around him, heavy and absolute. And then... another rustle, closer this time. Yonas tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing through Nasir¡¯s words¡ªexperience, intelligence, strategy. The darkness seemed to thicken, pressing in from all sides. Whatever was out there, it was waiting. And so was he. Chapter 5 The Goblin Hunt Chapter 5 The Goblin Hunt 28/07/908 The night held its breath. Yonas¡¯ fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, his knuckles pale in the dim light. His eyes strained against the darkness, searching for the source of the rustling that had shattered the quiet of their camp. Nasir remained still, his breathing even and unhurried, but there was a coiled tension in his posture. ¡°Prepare to run,¡± Nasir¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, but every syllable struck Yonas like a drumbeat. His mind flashed to the goblin from his dream, the green skin and yellow eyes, the gnashing teeth and the dark forest. His body began to shake, the sword in his hand suddenly feeling like lead. ¡°Yonas,¡± Nasir said, sharper this time. ¡°Breathe. Focus.¡± Yonas swallowed, the air catching in his throat. His knees locked, a cold sweat running down his back. He couldn¡¯t move. His muscles were stone, and his mind a whirlpool of fear. The bushes trembled, the rustling growing louder, sharper. Something was coming. ¡°Run!¡± Nasir¡¯s shout snapped the night in two. Yonas¡¯ legs obeyed before his mind did. He turned, his feet hammering against the dirt, and dashed into the forest. Branches whipped against his face, and roots clawed at his ankles. His breath came in ragged gasps, each one scraping his lungs raw. Behind him, he heard the clash of steel, the guttural cries of goblins, and Nasir¡¯s voice¡ªa roar against the chaos. His foot caught a root, and he crashed to the ground. The impact knocked the air from his chest, his vision swimming with stars. He struggled up, his hands sinking into the damp earth. The sounds of battle seemed farther away now, a distant nightmare. Then he saw it. A goblin, shorter than him but brimming with malice, peeked from behind a tree. Its skin glistened in the pale light, its yellow eyes wide and wild. A long tongue darted over its cracked lips as if tasting his fear. When its lips peeled back, Yonas glimpsed jagged, stained teeth. Yonas¡¯ breath stuttered. His instincts screamed at him to run, to keep running until the world fell away. But he knew, deep down, he couldn¡¯t. The goblin would catch him, and he¡¯d die with its teeth in his throat. He ducked behind a tree, forcing his breathing into a shallow rhythm. His hands trembled, his sword slick in his grip. The world narrowed to the rustle of leaves, the soft patter of goblin feet, the wet sound of its tongue licking at the air. Yonas pressed himself against the bark, every muscle a wire pulled tight. He closed his eyes, listening. The goblin was close¡ªtoo close. His pulse throbbed in his ears, a metronome to his terror. The goblin lunged. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Yonas spun out from behind the tree, his sword slashing in a wide arc. Steel bit into flesh, a spray of dark blood catching the moonlight. The goblin shrieked, a sound that cut through Yonas¡¯ bones. Its clawed hand lashed out, raking across his arm. Hot pain bloomed, but he didn¡¯t falter. The creature barrelled into him, knocking them both to the ground. Yonas¡¯ sword slipped from his hand, skittering into the brush. His back hit the dirt, the goblin straddling his chest, its weight pressing down like a boulder. Sharp nails dug into his shoulders, pinning him in place. Its jaws opened wide, strings of saliva stretching between its fangs. Yonas thrust his arm up, and the goblin bit down, its teeth sinking into his forearm. Agony exploded through him, a red-hot lance of pain. His vision wavered, darkness seeping into the edges. But something snapped inside him¡ªa raw, desperate will to survive. With his free hand, Yonas reached up and jammed his thumb into the goblin¡¯s eye. The soft orb burst under the pressure, viscous fluid oozing over his hand. The goblin screamed, a high, keening wail. It thrashed, but Yonas didn¡¯t stop. His fingers curled into its empty socket, pushing deeper, until he could feel the wet, pulsing mass of its other eye from the inside. He yanked. The goblin convulsed, its body seizing as its sight was torn away. Yonas felt warmth against his skin, the creature¡¯s blood soaking into his clothes. Its bite loosened, and he tore his arm free, the wound ragged and bleeding. He scrambled to his knees, the world a blur of pain and adrenaline. His hand found his sword, the metal cold and grounding. The goblin lay on its side, twitching, its hands clawing at the empty hollows of its face. Yonas rose, his legs trembling but holding. He took a step forward, then another. The goblin gurgled, a pitiful, wet sound. It reached out, its fingers brushing his boot. He drove the blade into the eye socket, the steel piercing through to the goblin¡¯s brain. The creature went still. The silence that followed was absolute. Yonas stared at the corpse, his chest heaving. His blood dripped onto the leaves, each drop a drumbeat in the quiet. His vision tunnelled, the edges turning grey. His body slumped, and he collapsed against a tree, the bark rough against his back. The world dimmed, and he slipped into darkness. When Yonas opened his eyes again, it was to the dim glow of a fire and the sharp, metallic taste of blood on his tongue. His arm throbbed, the pain a dull, steady rhythm. He tried to move, but a weight held him down. ¡°Stay still.¡± Nasir¡¯s voice. Low, tired. Yonas turned his head, the world swimming. His uncle knelt beside him, one hand pressed against his broken arm. Soft wisps of light flowed from Nasir¡¯s palm, seeping into Yonas¡¯ skin. The pain ebbed slightly, a cool relief against the burn. ¡°What... happened?¡± Yonas¡¯ voice was a rasp. ¡°You survived.¡± Nasir¡¯s face was a mask of exhaustion, his eyes shadowed. ¡°Thirty goblins, Yonas. They came out of nowhere. You... you killed one.¡± Memories crashed over him¡ªthe goblin¡¯s teeth in his arm, its eyes under his fingers, the blade sinking into its skull. His stomach churned, bile rising in his throat. ¡°I couldn¡¯t... I didn¡¯t run far enough.¡± Nasir¡¯s hand moved to Yonas¡¯ forehead, the touch gentle. ¡°You did well. You did what you had to.¡± The warmth of the healing faded, and Nasir sat back, his breathing uneven. ¡°Your arm¡¯s not fully healed. I¡¯ve used too much energy. We¡¯ll need to wait until I recover to fix it properly.¡± Yonas nodded, the motion weak. His eyelids drooped, the pull of sleep irresistible. ¡°Are... are you okay?¡± Nasir managed a small smile, the first hint of warmth since the attack. ¡°I am. You¡¯re stronger than you think, Yonas. And braver.¡± Darkness tugged at him, and Yonas let it take him. The last thing he felt was Nasir¡¯s hand, steady and reassuring, resting on his shoulder.