Ep. 54 The First Job Part 2

"It shouldn't be much longer now. We could reach their group any second, so be ready." Smith's tone had transformed completely, the playful edge I'd grown somewhat accustomed to replaced by razor-sharp focus. I understood why—this was no time for levity.

The forest pressed in around us, an endless maze of ancient trunks so densely packed that sunlight struggled to pierce the canopy above. What little light made it through created dappled patterns on the forest floor, dancing with each breath of wind. The silence was almost absolute, broken only by the occasional trill of a distant bird or the betraying crack of a branch beneath our cautious steps.

As we continued our careful advance, a thought struck me. Despite preparing to fight alongside these people, I realized I knew practically nothing about their combat capabilities. What kinds of fighters were they? What classes and magic types did they possess? The questions bubbled up before I could stop them.

"Um, I was wondering..." I began, keeping my voice low. "What kinds of magic do you all specialize in? And your classes?"

Smith turned to me with genuine surprise etched across his weathered features, as if I'd just asked him why the sky was blue. After a moment, he collected himself, a slight grimace crossing his face.

"Gods, I completely spaced on that," he muttered, shaking his head. "You're right—that's pretty crucial information considering what we're about to face." His eyes remained fixed ahead as we navigated between the towering trunks, voice dropping to barely above a whisper.

"I'm a C-class mage with an affinity for fire," he began, fingers unconsciously brushing the hilt of his backup sword. "My magic alone isn't anything special, but I've learned to weave it into my swordplay. Makes for a pretty effective combination when you get it right."

He gestured subtly toward Cecilia, who had taken point several paces ahead of our group. She moved with the practiced grace of someone who'd spent years navigating hostile territory, each step precisely placed.

"Cecilia there is a C-class Earth mage, and a damn good one at that. She's talented enough that she doesn't bother with conventional weapons—doesn't need them, really." There was clear respect in his voice, despite their earlier friction.

His attention shifted to the rear of our formation, where Earlston brought up the rear guard.

"Earlston is our powerhouse—B-class adventurer and an Earth mage like Cecilia. Could probably level this entire section of forest if he wanted to, but he still prefers that battle axe of his. Says it keeps him grounded, if you'll pardon the pun."

Before Smith could continue, Lilia gracefully inserted herself into the conversation, her voice carrying that same gentle warmth that seemed to be her constant companion. "And I'm a D-class water mage," she offered with a small smile that somehow brightened the gloomy forest. "I've never had much luck with traditional weapons, so I focus entirely on my magic. It's not much, but I do what I can to support everyone."

The genuine kindness in her expression sent a wave of warmth through my chest, but the feeling was short-lived. Ahead of us, Cecilia suddenly froze mid-step, her right hand shooting up in a warning gesture that stopped us dead in our tracks.

"We're here," she breathed, the words barely audible as she dropped into a crouch behind a massive oak. The rest of us quickly followed suit, pressing ourselves against the rough bark and dense undergrowth.

Carefully, we peered through gaps in the foliage, and my heart nearly stopped. There, in a small clearing no more than thirty paces ahead, was our quarry. Goblins. And far more of them than I'd expected.

The creatures milled about their crude camp, their greenish-gray skin appearing almost sickly in the filtered forest light. I counted at least fifteen—no, twenty of them, armed with a motley assortment of rusty weapons and wearing scraps of leather and stolen armor. The sight of them made my borrowed sword feel suddenly very heavy at my hip.

My hands began to tremble slightly as the reality of our situation sank in. This wasn't training anymore. This wasn't practice or preparation. This was real—and in a few moments, we would be fighting for our lives against these creatures.

I glanced at my companions, trying to draw strength from their composed expressions. Smith's face had hardened into a mask of concentration, while Rowan beside me looked almost eager. Maya's fingers twitched with sparks, and even Lilia's eternal smile had been replaced by a look of grim determination.

This was it. Our first real test as adventurers was about to begin, and I could only pray that my lack of magic wouldn't get anyone killed.