Chapter 3

"We await your order, Lord!" they chorused, synchronized in their bow, expressing their readiness to follow Caelum's lead in this unknown territory.

Caelum surveyed the surroundings once more, trying to figure out what he could do. Taking charge, he instructed the three men without professions to scour the area for anything that might aid them.

"Aric and Galen, you're coming with me," Caelum declared, his voice carrying a blend of authority and camaraderie. Together, they embarked on a journey through the remnants of the ruined city, their footsteps echoing against the backdrop of destruction.

Guiding Aric and Galen through the outskirts of the desolated city, Caelum's keen eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of potential resources or threats. To their surprise, they stumbled upon a semi-transparent barrier, mysteriously erected to shield them from potential invaders that could harm them.

"So, this is the protection that will safeguard us throughout the Novice Test preparation," Caelum remarked, gazing upward at the dome-shaped, semi-transparent barrier before him. The mysterious shield stood as both a barrier and a beacon, marking the boundary of their sanctuary.

Caelum walked past the barrier, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse beyond. As anticipated, another system notification promptly appeared.

[You left the Novice Protection; beware of the danger lurking outside the barrier.]

The air outside the protective dome felt different—tense, with an underlying current of uncertainty. Aric and Galen followed closely, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

Caelum took a deep breath, bracing himself for the challenges that awaited them beyond the safety of the Novice Protection. "Stay vigilant, and let's scout the area. We need to find resources, assess potential threats, and gather information," he instructed, his voice projecting both confidence and determination.

The trio ventured further into the wild, navigating through dense forests and open plains. The rustling leaves and distant calls of unknown creatures added to the mysterious ambiance of their surroundings.

Caelum, turning to Aric with a sense of anticipation, asked, "What do you see?" His question hung in the air as Aric, with the trained eyes of a hunter, surveyed the landscape.

Aric, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "I can smell the distinct odor of deer droppings, and I've spotted some tracks. However, I can't be certain about the creature they belong to." The forest, with its hidden mysteries, seemed to challenge even the keen senses of a hunter like Aric.

Caelum nodded and issued instructions for the group to follow the tracks, with Aric leading the way. The forest, once silent, now echoed with the sounds of their footsteps and the rustling of leaves as they delved further into the heart of the forest.

After a few minutes of tracking, Aric signaled the group to halt and lower themselves to the ground. His keen hunter's instincts had detected movement ahead. Pointing stealthily, he directed everyone's attention to a pack of dog-like creatures standing upright. Caelum recognized them as kobolds, their presence signaling a potential threat in the unexplored wilderness.

[Character Status]

Name: Kobold

Category: Monster

Profession: None

Level: 4

Skills: Sharp Teeth Level 1, Improved Smell Level 2

Strength: E-

A sense of urgency gripped Caelum as he observed the Kobold's Improved Smell skill. The heightened olfactory senses of these creatures meant that even at a distance of 50 meters, their presence could be detected. The potential danger loomed larger, prompting Caelum to consider his options carefully.

"We could not go back. These Kobolds can track our smell. As soon as they know that there are humans inside the ruins, they will hunt us once we go back out" Caelum whispered to Aric and Galen, a sense of urgency colored the air.

"It's much better if we hunt them than them hunting us," he added, his voice was firm and resolute. The group, now aware of the impending danger, tightened their grips on their weapons, bracing for the imminent clash with the dog-like creatures.

Caelum, recognizing the need to thin the Kobold ranks, turned to Aric with a determined gaze. "Aric, take a shot at one of them. We need to reduce their numbers, and if possible, aim for a kill in one shot." The air became tense as the group prepared for the impending confrontation.

Aric, feeling the weight of the command, swallowed nervously but nodded in acknowledgment. He carefully notched an arrow, trying to steady his trembling hands. The pressure of the impending action loomed over him, and he aimed carefully at one of the Kobolds, his nervousness blending with determination.

Caelum, realizing the importance of strategy, turned to Galen with a firm command. "Galen, move ten meters in front of us and prepare for an ambush. We need to outsmart them if we want to survive this encounter." As Galen silently nodded and swiftly followed the instructions, the group began to position themselves, each member ready for the impending clash with the Kobolds.

With Galen stealthily repositioned and ready for an ambush, Caelum turned to Aric. "Now, Aric, take your shot."