Chapter 1 - 8, Trying a new challenge

After ensuring that no goblins remained in the valley, Saphire and Elenea decided to take a brief rest in one of the safer spots—a place beneath a large tree that shielded them from the sun. That afternoon, the air felt calm, a stark contrast to the chaos of the battle they had just endured.

Elenea sat leaning against the tree trunk, retrieving a water pouch from her bag and sipping slowly. She then extended the pouch toward Saphire, who accepted it with a slight nod. Saphire drank the water quietly, though her mind was still swirling with thoughts of the recent fight.

"I haven't seen a battle that intense in a long time," Elenea remarked lightly, her eyes gazing up at the sky. "Usually, the goblins aren't very organized. But today, they seemed smarter."

Saphire nodded in agreement. "Maybe they were led by someone stronger than usual. That goblin leader was clearly more trained than the others." She brushed the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and leaned against the same tree as Elenea.

"How can you remain so calm in the midst of battle?" Elenea asked, breaking the silence.

Saphire offered a small smile. "Training and experience." She paused for a moment before continuing, "And I always remind myself that out there, there are people who depend on me."

Elenea chuckled softly. "You must be talking about that little girl, Aria." Her voice was full of understanding. "I saw her with you for a moment—she adores you."

Saphire looked at Elenea, slightly taken aback by her accurate observation, though she did not deny it. "Yes, she's become a part of my life now. I have to make sure she's safe."

Elenea nodded, then decided to continue her story. "Of course, I understand what it's like to be a protector." Her eyes grew a bit distant, as if recalling a far-off past. "I once had a family too, but..." She fell silent for a moment, seeming hesitant to continue.

Saphire waited, giving Elenea the space to decide whether she wanted to share more. When Elenea finally spoke again, her voice was softer, deeper. "I lost them in a monster attack a few years ago. Since then, I chose to keep to myself and wander as an adventurer, helping wherever I can."

Saphire fell silent, feeling a deep sympathy for Elenea. She knew the pain of loss, even if in a different form. Losing her original world, her family, and the life she once knew made her feel a connection to Elenea's story.

After a moment of silence, Elenea lightened the mood with a small smile. "But now, it seems fate has brought us together. And I'm glad to have met you, Saphire."

Saphire returned her smile gently, then stood up. "We should head back before nightfall. The valley might be safe for now, but the forest around it isn't so certain."

Elenea nodded, rising nimbly despite the evident fatigue from the earlier battle. The two began walking back toward the town.

As they walked, the sun began to set, casting long shadows along the path they trod. The air grew a little cooler, and the sounds of nocturnal birds began to echo from the surrounding trees. The quiet journey gave them a moment to mentally recover from the intensity of the fight.

In the midst of their walk, Elenea broke the silence. "What's your plan next, after this?"

Saphire stared ahead, her thoughts drifting to Aria. "I'll continue working as an adventurer, at least until I can ensure that Aria is safe and has everything she needs. And perhaps..." She paused briefly, choosing her words carefully. "Maybe I'll find a way to return to where I come from. But that's still far off."

Elenea looked at her curiously, but didn't press further about this "place of origin" that Saphire mentioned. She understood that every adventurer held secrets, and it wasn't her place to pry.

When they finally reached the city gate, the sun had nearly disappeared, leaving behind an orangey-red sky. Saphire and Elenea walked through the gate with little conversation—only exchanged smiles that spoke of mutual respect and admiration.

"Thank you for your help today," Saphire said as they paused near the entrance of an inn.

"Not a problem," replied Elenea with a smile. "I'm glad to have fought alongside you. If you ever need anything else, you know where to find me."

Saphire nodded and stepped into the inn, while Elenea continued on her way home.

---

After returning from her assignment with Elenea, Saphire entered the inn feeling both tired and content. Inside, she was immediately greeted by the sight of Aria cheerfully serving food to the guests. With her pale blonde hair cascading gently down her back, Aria looked eager in her small tasks. When Aria saw Saphire, her eyes sparkled.

"Mom!" she exclaimed as she waved and quickly ran toward her.

Saphire bent slightly to welcome the warm hug from Aria. "Did you finish your tasks, Aria?"

"Yes, I'm so happy to help here! Everyone is so kind to me," Aria replied with a bright smile, her eyes twinkling. "They even said I'm like the mascot here, Mom."

Not long after, Elara appeared from the kitchen, carrying a large pot of food. "Oh, Saphire! You're back. How was it—did Aria have any trouble?" she asked with a warm smile.

Saphire glanced at Aria, who was still standing beside her, then shook her head. "No trouble at all. It seems Aria is enjoying her work."

"That's right!" Aria chimed in enthusiastically.

Elara smiled with satisfaction. "The guests really adore her. They often give her little gifts as tokens of thanks."

Feeling relieved after seeing that Aria was well, Saphire decided to head to her room. Aria returned to serving the guests cheerfully while Saphire slowly climbed the wooden stairs to the upper floor. Once in her room, she immediately placed her katana in the corner.

As she lay down on the bed, Saphire's thoughts drifted back to the battle against the goblins. Yet one thing troubled her—typically, after a battle like that, she would level up. But this time, there was no sign of any increase.

"Why didn't I level up?" she wondered, frowning. "Could it be that the higher my level, the harder it becomes to level up further?"

She lay there for a while, trying to ignore the creeping anxiety, and eventually decided not to dwell on it too much. The overwhelming fatigue finally made her succumb to sleep. As her body grew light, Saphire closed her eyes, ready to rest.

---

The morning sun shone brightly, and the chirping of birds outside the window was melodious as it woke Saphire. The enticing aroma of breakfast being prepared by Elara from the inn's kitchen filled the air, gradually rousing her from sleep. When she tried to get up, she felt something gently holding her back.

Turning to her side, she smiled softly. There, lying beside her, was Aria, curled up warmly under the blanket. Aria's pale blonde hair spread across the quilt, creating a striking contrast. Her steady, peaceful breathing exuded an aura of calm that warmed Saphire's heart.

Saphire carefully tried to rise so as not to wake Aria, but as she moved, Aria stirred slightly and opened her eyes. Her blue eyes met Saphire's in a half-awake gaze.

"Mom..." she mumbled sleepily.

Saphire smiled warmly, gently tousling Aria's hair. "Good morning, Aria. Did you sleep here last night?"

Aria nodded slowly, still half-asleep. "I couldn't sleep in my own room, so I came here... Sorry, Mom."

"It's okay. You can sleep here whenever you want," Saphire replied softly.

Relieved, Aria returned a small smile. Saphire then carefully got out of bed, allowing Aria to continue sleeping peacefully. She could hear Elara's voice from the busy kitchen preparing breakfast, and the aroma of the food grew even more inviting.

Descending to the ground floor, Saphire's steps were light on the creaky wooden stairs. At the dining table, Elara had arranged plates with toasted bread, smoked meat, and a bowl of warm, enticing soup.

"Good morning, Saphire," Elara greeted with a warm smile. "I've prepared breakfast for you. Sit and eat before it gets cold."

Saphire smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Elara. It smells wonderful."

Elara laughed softly. "You always love my cooking. Just enjoy it—you definitely need the energy after such a long day yesterday."

Before sitting down, Saphire felt that her face still showed signs of fatigue. "I'm going to wash my face first, Elara. Just a moment," she said as she headed to the small bathroom at the back of the inn.

The bathroom was simple yet clean. Saphire turned on the cold tap and splashed water on her face. The refreshing chill of the water cleared her thoughts. She looked at her reflection in the small mirror, her blue eyes reflecting a hint of the weariness from previous days, yet she felt rejuvenated after a good rest.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself of the challenges ahead. "I must stay strong... for Aria," she murmured to herself, then dried her face with a small towel and returned to the dining area where Elara awaited her.

Back at the table, Saphire sat on a wooden chair warmed by the morning sun streaming through the window. The simple meal before her—crispy toast, aromatic smoked meat, and a bowl of steaming soup—was both comforting and satisfying.

Elara greeted her once more with a smile, "You must be hungry after yesterday. Eat as much as you like."

Saphire smiled and reached for a piece of toast. As she bit into it, the crunchy, savory flavor filled her mouth, warming her body freshly washed by the cold water. She continued with the warm soup, each spoonful soothing her and evoking a sense of familial warmth that, although once unfamiliar, now felt comforting with Aria's presence.

"I never tire of your cooking, Elara. This is delicious," Saphire said, savoring her soup.

Elara giggled softly. "You know I always love cooking for you. Besides, you need the strength for your next adventure."

After finishing her breakfast, Saphire felt energized. She stood up and tidied her clothes. "Thank you for breakfast, Elara. I'm off to the Guild now, to see if there are any other tasks I can take on."

Elara looked at her with slight concern. "Be careful out there. I know you're strong, but don't underestimate your foes. If anything happens, you can always come back here."

Saphire nodded with a smile. "I'll be careful, don't worry."

She grabbed her katana—already fastened at her waist—and checked her equipment one last time. Once ready, she hurried off to the Guild, bidding farewell to Elara and asking her to watch over Aria for a while.

Stepping out of the inn, Saphire walked calmly. The city streets were still quiet, with only a few residents opening their shops or preparing for the day. The warm morning sunlight glistened on the stone pathways, gently illuminating the gaps between the buildings. The sound of birds chirping created a peaceful atmosphere along the road Saphire traversed.

She walked confidently, each step sure yet light. The route to the Guild wasn't far—just a few blocks from the inn—but along the way, she could feel the city gradually coming to life. Some vendors began displaying their goods at small stalls, while children played and ran around the market. The scent of freshly baked bread and spices from nearby shops even made her stomach rumble a little, though she was already full from Elara's breakfast.

The cool morning breeze tousled her neatly tied black hair. A clear blue sky, free of clouds, hinted at a good day ahead. As she walked, her thoughts centered on her next assignment at the Guild. The goblin mission had gone well, and although she was still a bit tired, Saphire felt ready for the next challenge.

When she finally arrived at the Guild, the large building seemed busier than usual. Several adventurers came and went, and the chatter inside was lively. Saphire took a deep breath before stepping inside.

Inside, the Guild's atmosphere was as usual—a bustling hub of adventurers gathered around the mission board and the receptionist's desk. Her eyes immediately caught sight of a familiar figure: Elenea, standing at the reception desk, reporting on the previous mission.

Elenea looked as graceful as ever. Her long, wavy blonde hair cascaded down her back, blending with the warm morning ambiance, and she wore green adventurer's attire accented with silver. She spoke calmly to the receptionist, her voice carrying even from a distance.

Saphire smiled and approached her. "Elenea!"

Hearing her name, Elenea turned with a slight smile on her lips. "Oh, Saphire. You're here too," she greeted.

Saphire drew near, and after finishing her own report, Elenea fully turned to her. "Yesterday's mission went smoothly, and I've already submitted my report. I want to thank you for your help—without you, I might have struggled."

Saphire nodded. "Glad to work with you."

Suddenly, Elenea produced a small pouch from her bag and placed it into Saphire's hand with a calm gesture. "This is for you. A reward from yesterday's mission. There are 10 gold coins inside."

Saphire was momentarily surprised but then nodded and accepted the pouch. "Thank you... I didn't expect it."

Elenea beamed. "You deserve it. You were a great help."

Saphire slightly opened the pouch and saw the glimmering gold coins inside. A sense of relief washed over her. With this money, at least she would have some extra funds to take care of Aria.

She tucked the small coin-filled pouch into her bag with a slight smile. "This will definitely come in handy. Thanks a lot, Elenea."

Elenea smiled warmly, lightly brushing a few strands of her golden blonde hair from her shoulder. "No problem. We made a great team yesterday. The goblins were nothing." In a lower tone she added, "Maybe we can take on another mission together later?"

Saphire raised an eyebrow, considering the offer. "That sounds interesting. But I have to check the available missions for today first. Who knows, there might be one that's more suitable for now."

Elenea nodded in understanding, waved goodbye, and left the Guild. Saphire watched her retreating figure before turning her attention to the mission board. In the corner of the room, a large board covered with various mission papers and requests was bustling with activity.

Saphire walked closer, brushing aside a few stray black hairs that fell in front of her face. Her eyes landed on the newly posted mission: "Hunt: Wolf Monster Attack in the Eastern Forest."

"Wolves, huh?" Saphire murmured softly. There was a thrill in the thought of facing fierce beasts in a forest that might be far more agile than goblins. Moreover, the Eastern Forest was notorious for being a dangerous territory filled with many nocturnal predators.

Another adventurer standing nearby—a woman with a thin beard of determination and sharp eyes—glanced at the paper Saphire was reading. "Wolves in the Eastern Forest are no joke; they're swift and deadly. Are you sure you want to take this mission?"

Saphire turned to her, giving a brief nod before shrugging, "If I don't try, I'll never know how strong they really are, right?"

The woman chuckled as if appreciating Saphire's courage. "Well, good luck, deadly newcomer."

Hearing that title—"deadly newcomer"—brought a small, inward laugh to Saphire. That nickname had started circulating ever since she won the martial arts competition.

Saphire then walked to the receptionist's desk. A middle-aged woman with neatly tied brown hair greeted her with a professional smile. "Which mission would you like to take today?"

Saphire pointed to the wolf mission she had just read. "This one—the wolf attack in the Eastern Forest."

The receptionist scanned the document briefly before nodding. "A challenging mission, but given your track record, it shouldn't be too much for you. Are you ready to depart now?"

Saphire nodded firmly. "Yes. There's no reason to delay."

While handling the mission formalities, the receptionist glanced at Saphire as if to mention something. "By the way, have you heard the rumors about a big monster roaming around there?"

Saphire tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing with interest. "A big monster? What kind?"

The woman leaned closer and spoke more quietly. "People say there's a large, four-legged creature with glowing red eyes in the darkness. Possibly an alpha wolf. But no one knows for sure."

Saphire just smiled faintly. "If it's true, it'll be exciting."

After wrapping up the paperwork, Saphire left the Guild with her mission documents in hand and a few basic preparations. Outside, the sky began to grow overcast, and a gentle breeze lifted her long black hair. The city streets were still fairly busy with vendors calling out their wares along the roadside.

After a few minutes of walking, Saphire reached the edge of the town where the high grass began to replace the stone pavement. The urban ambiance slowly faded behind her, replaced by the tranquility of the wild. In the distance, the Eastern Forest loomed, its towering trees casting long shadows over the path leading in.

This mission might be tougher than the last, but Saphire always relished such challenges.