Ancient Tree

Elysia scanned the reports of goblin sightings piling up over the past few weeks. The tension in the air was palpable. She could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders. The goblins were becoming bolder, and their presence was a growing concern for Misty Cove.

A soft knock on her desk startled her as she read through the latest report. She looked up to see a familiar face—Ranger Helen, a school friend from her past. Helen's blonde hair framed her face, and her bow clanged to the floor as she rushed forward.

"Helen, you're here!" Elysia exclaimed, standing up and hugging the elf woman.

Helen returned the hug with equal enthusiasm. "It's been too long, Elysia."

Their reunion was interrupted by a huff from the doorway. Magnus, leaning against the door frame. Looked at them with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Helen, what a surprise."

Elysia released Helen, who rushed to Magnus, kissing and hugging him. Magnus grabbed her ass, lifting her off the ground. "You do not change, do you, pervert?" Helen teased, laughing.

Magnus lowered her, holding her shoulders. "You're still a beauty."

Helen pushed him away. "That's why I dumped you. You're still handsome. Yet, all you want to do is—"

Magnus placed his hand over her mouth, cutting her off. "Nothing to see here," he said, dragging her into his office and motioning for Elysia to follow.

Once seated, Helen sighed, looking at Elysia with concern. "We have a bit of a problem," she said. Elysia handed her bow to her. "Oakfield Forest..."

Helen looked at her short skirt. "You know that when we sit and you stand, we can see your panty, Elysia."

"I know," Elysia said. "Magnus needs a bit of convincing at times. That is why I am wearing white transparent lace today."

Magnus winked at Elysia. "Thank you, detective."

"See, he is still a horny pervert," Helen said. "Now for the matter at hand. Magnus, please stop staring at Elysia. She has a lovely vagina, I know. This is life or death."

"In my defence, the short skirt helps me fight with my sword," Elysia said.

"I understand," Helen said. "No restriction in movement when fighting goblins."

She fell silent, and Magnus leaned forward, his expression serious. "What is wrong?"

"Tell us everything," Elysia said, holding Helen's hand.

"They have set up camp near the ancient tree," Helen continued, her voice trembling.

"Who set up camp?" Elysia asked, her brow furrowing.

Magnus lit a cigar, puffing furiously. "Goblins are looking for the ancient book hidden inside the ancient tree."

Magnus rummaged in his small fridge behind him and slapped a blood bag on the table. "Filled it yesterday," he said, offering it to Elysia.

Elysia took the blood bag, her expression thoughtful. "We need to act quickly. We can't let them find that book."

Magnus nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Elysia is our best swordswoman in the force. Her sword has the detective class swordswoman emblem on the hilt," he bragged.

Helen looked at Elysia, then at the sword at her hip. The emblem identified her as a detective swordswoman. "Impressive," Helen said, admiration in her voice.

Elysia placed her legs apart, saluting, her resolve firm. "We will leave in the morning. Helen, sleep at my place tonight."

Magnus's eyes widened. Her skirt had lifted, and he had a clear view of her. "Am I invited?" he said, wiping his mouth.

Helen gave him a look. "You've had enough of me when we were dating."

"Yes, but I never had Elysia. You could double-team me tonight. We could teach her the ropes," Magnus said with expectation.

Elysia took Helen by the hand. "You should meet my girlfriend," she said with a smile.

"Oh brother, no," Magnus wailed, shaking his head.

Elysia and Helen walked side by side. The cool ocean breeze rustled their hair as they followed the winding path along the coast. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden light over the landscape. As they walked, Helen reminisced about her time in Oakfield Forest.

"This is the way to the old inn," Helen said, pointing ahead. "Magnus and I used to stay here all the time back then."

Elysia could see the memories still fresh in Helen's mind. Her eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips and spoke volumes. "Why did you not marry Magnus?" Elysia asked, curious.

Helen stopped walking, her gaze fixed on the ocean. "Fear of being tied down," she admitted. "I love living in the forest. I have a husband now—he is our best ranger."

Elysia stopped, surprised. "You're married?"

Helen took her hand, a teasing smile on her face. "You're married as well," she said, touching the glowing ring on Elysia's finger.

With a chuckle, Elysia nodded and pushed open the door to Silvi's Coffee Shop. The cold air from outside was replaced by the warm, inviting atmosphere within. The hearth in the corner crackled, sending sparks into the air and filling the shop with the fragrant aroma of burning wood mingled with brewed coffee.

Elysia introduced Helen to everyone in the shop, saving Ignatius for last. "This is my husband," she said with a grin. "Don't tell Magnus; he thinks Luna is my partner."

Ignatius extended a hand to Helen, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nice to meet you, Helen."

They all settled around a table, discussing the problem in the forest over a hearty meal. The warmth of the hearth and the camaraderie. It made the serious conversation feel a bit lighter.

Helen took a deep breath, her expression sombre. "The goblins have set up camp near the ancient tree. They're looking for the ancient book hidden inside."

Ignatius frowned, deep in thought. "We need a plan. We can't let them get their hands on that book."

After some discussion, they came up with a strategy. Ignatius outlined the plan. "We'll chase the goblins into our trap. The rangers will wait in the trees four hundred meters to the west. Taking out the lead goblins as they defend against the swordswomen."

Helen nodded, her resolve firm. "I'll leave after breakfast and rally the rangers."

As the evening ended, Elysia and Helen returned to Elysia's house. The night was quiet, and the stars twinkled in the clear sky. They entered the cosy home, and the warmth starkly contrasted with the chilly night air.

***********

After breakfast, Ignatius, Luna, Elysia, and Christie sat around the table. Discussing Ignatius's plan. Helen had left earlier to rally the rangers. The air was thick with anticipation and a sense of determination.

Ignatius spread out a map on the table, pointing to specific locations. "We'll fight the goblins, thinning out their ranks. Once we've weakened them, Helen and her rangers can remove the stragglers."

Elysia leaned in, studying the map. She kissed Ignatius on the cheek. "Your plan will guarantee Helen and her rangers' safety."

Ignatius nodded, his expression serious. "That's the idea. We need the experience to level up, girls."

The group prepared for the mission, donning their disguises and gathering their gear. They stopped near the forest, their senses heightened. Christie flew back to them, landing gracefully.

"They have sentries set up around the clearing," she reported with a wicked grin. "I got rid of them."

Ignatius gave a satisfied nod. "Let's get this fight started."

Elysia and Luna drew their swords, their eyes gleaming with determination. Ignatius led the way, walking into the clearing with his hand held out before him. He used Shield of the Ancients, a shimmering barrier forming around him. Arrows thudded against the barrier, but none penetrated.

"Luna activated Swift Parry!"

Luna's movements became a blur as she deflected incoming attacks with ease. Meanwhile, Elysia bit into Ignatius's neck, activating her vampiric abilities. Christie, in her succubus form, stood behind Ignatius as his guard.

Goblins entered the barrier, swords drawn. Ignatius thrust his hand forward, unleashing an Eldritch Blast on the archers. The shield of the ancients winked out of existence, but the goblins were already in disarray.

"Luna used Sword of Light!"

Luna retreated, her glowing blades cutting down goblins with precision. Elysia used her advanced Shadow Step. Appearing out of shadows across the field, confusing the goblins. Christie's tail tore into the goblins that rushed Ignatius—driving them back into the forest.

Screams of dying goblins echoed from the forest. Helen and her rangers targeted the fleeing enemies. The battle raged for twenty minutes, with Ignatius on his knee, supported by Christie. He used Touch of Vitality to heal Luna as she fought.

Elysia stepped out of the shadow, biting into Ignatius's neck again. She moaned, clear droplets running down her legs. Her wounds healed, and she rejoined the fight with renewed vigour.

The tide of battle began to turn, with the remaining goblins retreating into the forest's depths. Christie supported Ignatius as the fight ended. As Christie approached the tree with Ignatius, his head hung from mental fatigue. His feet dragged on the ground. Christie held him around the waist, half dragging him. The ground moved, revealing a set of steps.

Ignatius, Luna, Elysia, and Christie gathered around the passage's entrance. Ignatius took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "This must be where the ancient book lies."

Goblin cries came from the forest as the rangers hunted them down.

Luna nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Let's go. We can't let the goblins get their hands on it."

The group descended the steps. The air grew cooler as they moved deeper underground. The passage was narrow, with ancient runes etched into the walls. The light from their torches flickered, casting eerie shadows.

As they reached the bottom of the steps, they found themselves in a large chamber filled with shelves of ancient scrolls and artefacts. At the centre of the room stood a pedestal with an ornate book resting on it.

Elysia approached the pedestal cautiously, scanning the room for any signs of danger. "This must be it," she whispered.

Ignatius moved to her side, supported by Christie. His eyes fixed on the book: "The ancient book of Oakfield Forest."

Ignatius touched the book. It glowed with a golden light script left the book flowing onto Ignatius

The script appeared before them, and Ignatius translated. You have gained life surge: Luna's nature balm and Elysia's aura of fear. You have reached level ten.

A golden light enveloped them, and their moans echoed in the chamber. Christie held Ignatius, and she could feel his strength returning. Ignatius closed his eyes. Christie held him, preventing him from falling. 

They vanished as the light faded. Luna and Elysia sat in the back. Christie held Ignatius in her arms.

"We're back in the vehicle," Luna said. "Is Ignatius ok?"

"Sleeping," Christie said as she brushed her fingers through his long black hair.

Luna and Elysia dressed in their everyday clothes, and Luna fastened her belt, her sword at her hip. Christie changed back to a fairy, taking her maid's outfit from the back. "How are you feeling?" Elysia asked, opening the door for Ignatius.

He yawned, stretching as he exited the vehicle. "Much better, thank you," he said as Christie undressed him.

They walked to the clearing, on guard for any goblin strays. Christie, now a fairy again, floated behind Ignatius. Her power surged as her eyes glowed. Elysia had her uniform on with her sword strapped to her waist.

"You were amazing girls. You never disappoint." Ignatius said, slapping their asses. Thank you. Luna said, her face red. Elysia looked away, her ears red like tomatoes.

Helen searched the corpses with the other rangers. Elysia, how did you dispatch this many? Where's Luna's sword? Luna showed them her sword, which looked like a knife.

Helen blushed, looking to the side. "Thank you all for helping."

Ignatius laughed. "We were sitting in my off-road vehicle, right Christie."

"Yes, Master, I am but a maid," Christie said, bowing.

"Elysia and Luna did all the work. As planned, their swords culled the horde and drove them into the forest." Ignatius said proudly.

Helen promised them roe deer meat. She would deliver it herself to Elysia.