Chapter 12: Defense

The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

It had been a few days since Caled, Quinn, and Meisie had completed their last quest, and now they were on another adventure.

This time, their mission was to help a small village near the kingdom's capital. Goblins had been terrorizing the villagers, and the trio had been called in to deal with the problem.

Though goblins were considered weak, they could still be dangerous in numbers. For Rank F adventurers like Caled, Quinn, and Meisie, this quest was well within their capabilities.

Still, Caled reminded the group to stay alert. Even the weakest foes could cause trouble if underestimated.

It took half a day of walking through the forest before they finally reached the village. The settlement was small, with only a handful of houses and a few fields of crops.

Most of the villagers were farmers, their hands calloused from years of working the land. It was no surprise they lacked the combat skills to fend off the goblins themselves.

Quinn stepped forward to greet the village leader, an old man with a weathered face and a kind smile. She was always the most social of the group, able to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Meisie watched from a distance, admiring how easily Quinn connected with people.

"Quinn's really good at talking to others, isn't she?" Meisie said softly.

Caled nodded. "Everyone has their own strengths. Quinn's good with people, and you've got plenty of your own talents."

Meisie smiled at his words, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She still wasn't used to receiving compliments, especially from Caled.

The villagers welcomed the trio warmly, offering them a simple lunch of bread, cheese, and stew. As they ate, the village leader explained the situation.

The goblins only attacked at night, sneaking into the village to steal food and supplies. The villagers had tried to defend themselves, but they were no match for the creatures.

Caled listened carefully, his mind already working on a plan. "We'll defend the village tonight," he said. "Once morning comes, we'll track down their nest and take care of them for good."

The village leader nodded, relief evident on his face. "Thank you. We're grateful for your help."

As they finished their meal, Caled noticed a small crumb on Meisie's cheek. Without thinking, he reached over and gently brushed it away with his finger. He popped the crumb into his mouth, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Meisie's face turned bright red, but she didn't say anything. Caled's casual gestures always caught her off guard. He had a way of making her feel cared for, even in the smallest moments. It was one of the things she liked most about him.

After lunch, the village leader brought out a map of the surrounding forest. Caled studied it intently, asking detailed questions about the terrain and landmarks. His sharp mind quickly pieced together a plan, considering every possible outcome and minimizing risks. Quinn and Meisie watched in awe as he laid out their strategy.

"Caled, you're really something," Quinn said, impressed. "I didn't know you were this good at planning."

Caled shrugged modestly. "It's just about thinking ahead. We'll be fine as long as we stick to the plan."

In the afternoon, Quinn helped the villagers prepare for the night's defense. She showed them how to set up barricades and use simple tools as weapons.

Meanwhile, Caled took Meisie to scout the area. As the party's tank, she needed to be familiar with the terrain to protect everyone effectively.

"Make sure you prioritize your safety," Caled said as they walked. "You're our shield, but that doesn't mean you should take unnecessary risks."

Meisie nodded, touched by his concern. "Thank you, Caled. I'll be careful."

As they walked, Caled gently took her hand in his.

"Your hands are so soft," he commented, his tone casual.

[Affection Meter: 40.]

Caled had started to notice a pattern. Meisie didn't respond much to words of praise, but she didn't pull away when he touched her. It was subtle, but he could tell she didn't mind. She didn't openly show her feelings, but her reactions spoke volumes.

After a moment, Caled let go of her hand. Meisie's expression flickered with a hint of disappointment, but she quickly masked it. She didn't say anything, but her fingers lingered on the spot where his hand had been.

Caled walked ahead, a small smile playing on his lips. He loved a challenge, and Meisie was certainly that. She was quiet and reserved, but there was a warmth to her that he found endearing. He knew it would take time to earn her trust, but he was willing to be patient.

Meisie watched him go, her heart fluttering. She touched the back of her hand, still feeling the warmth of his touch. A small smile crept onto her face as she followed him, her steps light and her spirits high.

As the sun began to set, the trio regrouped in the village. The barricades were in place, and the villagers were as ready as they could be. Caled went over the plan one last time, making sure everyone knew their roles.

"Quinn, you'll stay here with the villagers and help defend the village. Meisie and I will take the front lines. Remember, we're not just fighting to protect the village—we're fighting to make sure everyone stays safe."

Quinn and Meisie nodded, their determination clear. They were ready.

As night fell, the forest grew darker, the shadows deepening. The villagers huddled together, their faces tense with fear. Caled, Quinn, and Meisie stood at the ready, their weapons in hand. The goblins would come soon, and when they did, the trio would be ready to face them.

For Meisie, this was more than just another quest. It was a chance to prove herself, to show that she belonged in the party. And with Caled by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

The night was quiet, the tension thick in the air. But as the first rustle of movement came from the trees, Caled's voice broke the silence.

"Get ready. They're here."

The goblins emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming in the darkness. The battle was about to begin.