Kidnapping! (1)

In a vast field blooming with flowers of all kinds, a raven-haired woman stood watching over two children as they played together, their laughter ringing through the air.

She stood like a guardian, her sharp eyes ensuring their safety.

A gentle smile formed on her lips as she saw the joy reflected in the children's faces. But that moment of peace was shattered when she heard it—

A low, eerie cackling, creeping closer.

Her body tensed.

Instinct took over as her gaze darted across the field, searching for the source of the sound.

Then—movement.

A small figure leaped from a bush, soaring above the children.

Time seemed to slow.

The woman's heart pounded as she recognized the creature—

A Goblin.

Judging by its lean frame and quick movements, it was a scout—a clear warning that more goblins were nearby.

She had no time to hesitate.

Channeling magicules into her feet, she launched herself forward at blinding speed, closing the distance just in time.

The children, once carefree, now stood frozen in horror as they recognized the creature above them.

But before the goblin could strike—

A violent impact.

The raven-haired woman collided into the goblin with tremendous force, slamming it off course and hurling it across the field.

It flew until it crashed headfirst into a distant tree—

And in an instant, its skull splattered.

Silence.

Then—

"Sister Didi!"

The two children ran to her, their small hands clutching at her arms as they buried their faces against her.

Didi gently reassured them, stroking their hair. "It's okay. You're safe now. But we need to move—quickly."

Scooping both children into her arms, she hoisted them onto her shoulders and took off running.

She could feel it—

The approaching presence of the goblins.

They ran through the field, their little hands clutching onto her as she pushed her body to its limits.

Then—

A sharp whistling sound.

Didi's instincts screamed at her.

She jerked her head to the side just in time to dodge a poisoned needle, its tip gleaming with a deadly substance.

Her worst fear was confirmed.

The goblins were catching up.

They wouldn't outrun them.

Didi skidded to a stop, placing the children gently on the ground.

She knelt before them, placing a firm hand on each of their small shoulders.

"Sister Didi?" The little girl, Brittney, tilted her head in confusion.

Didi smiled, brushing a lock of red hair from the girl's face before turning to the boy.

"Tom, my hero—can you save me and your little sister?"

Tom, though clearly frightened, straightened his posture. He puffed up his chest with childish bravado and declared,

"Of course! I—Tom Grey, future hero of the West—will do anything for you, Sister Didi! What do I need to do?"

Didi chuckled softly, seeing the fear behind his confident stance. She turned to Brittney, her tone gentle but firm.

"Brittney, my sweet angel, listen to your big brother, okay? No questions."

The little girl nodded silently, her eyes glistening with fear.

Then, Didi turned to Tom, her expression growing serious—her voice now sharp, commanding.

"Future Hero of the West, Tom Grey! Your first official quest is assigned by me! Do you accept?!"

Tom snapped into a salute.

"Yes, Commander Didi!" he yelled, his voice trembling but determined.

"Good! Your mission is to safely reach the town and inform them of my situation. Get help from the Adventurers' Guild! Do you understand, Hero?!"

"Yes, Commander!" With no time to waste, Tom grabbed Brittney's hand and took off running.

Didi watched until they disappeared beyond the trees, ensuring they were far enough before turning back—

And facing the incoming threat.

She could feel them approaching.

The ground trembled beneath their numbers.

Taking a deep breath, she activated her bloodline skill.

"Corliptus Saintena!"

Golden aura exploded around her, forming a shimmering cloak of raw power. The air shook as the aura condensed, taking the shape of a 13-foot-tall spectral warrior—

A radiant knight in gleaming armor.

The golden figure's upper body materialized, clad in a breastplate and helmet, radiating overwhelming divine energy.

Didi, now bathed in golden light, turned her gaze toward the enemy.

"Now… let's take care of you all."

A mass of goblins emerged from the trees, their bloodthirsty eyes locking onto her.

Her sharp gaze counted:

40-50 goblins.

Two hobgoblins—larger, stronger, and deadlier.

One goblin paladin, with blue skin & clad in gold armor, gripping a steel sword.

Didi clicked her tongue and she annoying spoke:

"This just got more troublesome."

But she stood her ground—

Ready to fight.