Chapter 5 : The shadowvale encounter

Reo and Lucia moved through the dense Shadowvale Forest, their eyes scanning for movement. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant howls of monsters.

Their mission was simple: eliminate at least three goblins each and return with proof.

"Stay sharp," Reo whispered. "Goblins aren't strong, but they're sneaky."

Lucia smirked. "You're talking like some veteran already."

"Just common sense."

Suddenly—rustling in the bushes.

Reo's eyes flashed as he activated his Appraisal Skill.

[Species: Goblin]

[Strength: Low]

[Threat Level: E-Rank]

"Two goblins, right ahead," he muttered.

Lucia grinned. "Let's do this!"

---

The Hunt Begins

The first goblin lunged with a rusted dagger, snarling.

Lucia sidestepped and swung her sword, slicing clean through its neck.

One down.

The second goblin tried to flee.

"Not happening."

Reo vanished—his Shadow Step activating in an instant.

Before the goblin could react, Reo appeared behind it and stabbed his dagger into its back.

Two down.

Lucia whistled. "Damn, you're fast."

Reo shrugged. "Basic movement."

Just as they were about to collect proof, a deep growl echoed from the shadows.

A massive figure stepped forward—far larger than a goblin.

[Species: Hobgoblin]

[Strength: High]

[Threat Level: C-Rank]

Lucia's eyes widened. "That's not part of the test."

Reo grinned. "Looks like extra credit, then."

---

Reo's First Real Fight

The hobgoblin roared and charged.

Lucia raised her sword, but Reo stepped in front of her.

"Stay back. Let me handle this."

"Wait—are you serious?"

Reo didn't respond. His eyes gleamed as he raised his hand.

"Summon: Arcane Blade."

A black-and-gold sword materialized in his grasp, humming with energy.

The hobgoblin swung its club with tremendous force.

Reo dodged by a hair's width and countered with a clean slash across its chest.

The monster roared in pain.

Lucia gasped. That sword… it's not normal.

The hobgoblin recovered quickly and swung again.

But this time, Reo vanished.

Shadow Step.

He reappeared behind the monster and drove his sword deep into its spine.

The hobgoblin shuddered… then collapsed.

[Hobgoblin Defeated.]

Reo wiped his blade clean and turned to Lucia. "We should head back."

She stared at him. "…Who the hell are you, really?"

Reo smirked. "Just an adventurer."

---

The Guild's Reaction

Back at the guild, Reo and Lucia turned in their goblin ears as proof.

Garret examined them and nodded. "Not bad."

Then his gaze landed on Reo. "But there's something else, isn't there?"

Lucia crossed her arms. "Yeah. Reo took down a hobgoblin. Alone."

The entire guild fell silent.

Garret's eyes widened slightly. "…A hobgoblin? At your level?"

Reo just shrugged. "Got lucky."

Garret studied him for a long moment before speaking.

"From now on, you're officially a D-Rank Adventurer."

The guild erupted into murmurs.

"Wait, he skipped E-Rank?!"

"Who the hell is this kid?"

"That's insane!"

Reo just smiled.

Meanwhile, Celestia's voice echoed in his mind.

"You did well, Reo. But this is just the beginning."

(To be continued…)