5. Ulann Forest

Date: July 19, 2025

We finally stepped out of that suffocating, damp cave.

A beam of morning light was hitting our faces.

"No more damp darkness, I really prefer to feel fresh air and freedom," Jessic said happily

"Huh—Yeah! can breathe normal air again." Little Bun took a long breath.

She held my hand tightly, her steps were still a little unsteady.

Her face looked full of fatigue, but her eyes were bright, full of curiosity

—like she still had countless curiosity about this world.

"Once we get through this forest, we should be able to reach the outskirts of Ulann City," Yin said, walking ahead, his voice low and steady.

His hand was still tightly holding the hilt of the sword,

his every steps were as cautious as ever,

and he was always on alert,

as if he would never guard down.

[Master, Little System is loading map for you...Please be patient~~]

[Current Area: Ulann Forest]

[Monster Level Range: E ~ D]

[No enemy response detected yet]

I slowed down my pace and turned to Little Bun,

saying softly, "We will reach Ulann City after passing through this forest."

Little Bun nodded. "Mmhm, Sister."

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from the leaves in the forest

—It didn't sound like the wind was blowing. nor did it sound like animals were moving.

The sound was too obvious

—Like something, or someone, approaching quickly.

A tightness crept up my back.

I hurriedly shouted, "System!"

[Warning, Master!]

[Detected: Three-person squad]

[Classification: Thieves]

[Average Level: D+]

[Status: Rapidly approaching!]

I immediately yanked Little Bun behind me,barking under my breath,

"Stay close, someone's coming!"

Yin had already drawn his sword, half-turning to shield us behind him.

"Three targets, outflanking from the southwest, skilled in action."

Before his words even fully landed, three figures burst from the underbrush

—they were light and had blatant ridicule on their faces.

"Let's see. Two kiddies and a little baby girl? Woahh, a great present,"

sneered a masked blond man, spinning a dagger in his hand playfully.

''Kids, you know, you have to pay a toll here."

Another tall and thin woman sneered.

"We don't want much toll,just leave the little baby girl behind, and we'll let you two leave here safely."

The third masked green-haired man said.

"You guys are kidnapping children, and you think you're justified!?Cannot be." 

''What a crazy guys, so funny you all"

"Get out of here right now!" I said angrily. 

The next moment, I pulled back my bowstring.

"Wind Blade!"

The arrow tore through the air toward the blond guy

—but he just leaned aside, smooth as anything, like it was nothing.

This bunch… they weren't just some random thugs.

"Fiery one, aren't you, Redhead?" Blondie teased as he leaned aside.

Yin rushed in, sword slicing out fast and sharp.

The three of them split up, moving like they'd done this a hundred times

—quick, precise, annoying as hell.

They taunted us between swings, like they were just playing around.

Their attacks came in fast, but… weirdly careful. Not a single one went for anything fatal.

The battle lasted until dusk.....

My HP bar hadn't dropped too much, but…

It was so strange.

These people didn't seem to want to kill us,

but more like "controlling the situation".

In these few hours, I felt like playing with prey.

But before I could think about it,

at this moment, an almost imperceptible chill rose from behind me.

[Warning! Master!]

[Fourth enemy detected!]

[She is using special skill: "Super Stealth"]

[Unable to capture accurate data]

[The target's identity can only be inferred to be an Level-A thief]

"What?!" I turned around—nothing there.

And then—

A cold breath brushed my ear.

"You're good. Just not good enough."

The voice was low, a whisper from the shadows.

I wanted to turn around, but a dagger was already on my neck.

I couldn't breathe or dare to breathe.

Flash screen of Death suddenly appeared in my mind again....

And then—

Little Bun screamed.

A shadowy figure snatched her right before my eyes

—one flash of movement, and she vanished into the forest.

"BUN!!" I shrieked, watching helplessly as her small body was whisked away.

"SISTER—!! SISTER—!!" She cried, but her voice became farther and farther away until only the sound of leaves colliding remained.

I thrashed wildly, but the thief only sneered and shoved me away.

I flew back, crashing into a tree trunk.

Yin reacted instantly. "One Style!" His sword lashed out, but only struck bark.

The three thieves retreated like smoke, their exit smooth and rehearsed.

"Wanna find her?" one of them called back.

"Then come to Ulann City."

And then—gone.

I knelt on the ground, my fists kept falling madly towards the tree trunk,

and my chest rose and fell violently.

"Bun… she… they took her away…" I murmured, my voice shaking like myself.

At this moment, I collapsed!

[I'm sorry, Master…]

[Target was never within detection range, the warning was not triggered.]

[However, all enemies avoided lethal strikes. Estimated objective: abduction, not extermination.]

I clenched my jaw. "So what?! She's just a kid! She can barely fight!"

"Jessic." Yin knelt beside me, voice quiet, gaze steady.

"You need to calm down."

I slapped his arm away.

"How can I calm down now?! It's my fault! I couldn't protect her!"

He said nothing—then suddenly pulled me into a hug.

His embrace was so warm.

Like a furnace.

Like a barrier against my breakdown.

"You've already done well." His voice was deep and grounded.

"They had the numbers. And they were skilled. But they didn't strike to kill us."

"What do you mean?" I choked out.

"They were holding back.

Every move felt designed—like they were acting."

"They never really wanted to hurt us. Just to take her only."

I was stunned.

"You mean… they were just 'catching people', not 'killing'?"

"Exactly." He let go and looked me in the eyes.

"They even left a clue—'come to Ulann City.'

That means Bun is still alive and will not be in danger for now."

I sucked in a shaky breath.

My eyes were still burning,

but my head was starting to clear.Bit by bit, I could think again.

"I understand…"

Night become darker. We found a clearing and made camp.

The fire flickered, casting tired shadows across our faces.

I sat on a rock, clutching the small cloth doll in my hands.

It was the doll that Little Bun gave me in the cave.

Said it was her lucky charm

—something that protected her in danger,

just like I always protect her.

She even said it "looked like me."

I'd laughed back then,

told her she needed glasses.

Now, it felt like it was tearing my heart apart.

Yin sat beside me, silently, just keeping me accompany.

"I thought I was strong enough," I whispered hoarsely.

"You're stronger than you think," he said.

I gave a bitter smile. "But still not strong enough to protect her."

He didn't say anything else.

Just handed me a warm water.

My hands still trembled as I took it.

But at least I was no longer breaking.

"We have to get strong, more stronger" I murmured.

"Not just to win. But have to save people."

He nodded.

The firelight reflected a resolute expression on his face, and I suddenly felt that,

Maybe I wasn't alone on this path anymore.

Maybe… I belonged here.

The moon grew brighter. The night air colder. I wiped my tears and started rechecking my gear.

"From now on, we need more training.

I need to level up.

I must learn how to control the battlefield.

How to view any moment in every fight."

"You recovered so fast," Yin said lightly.

"I don't have time to waste." I stared into the flames,

no hesitation left in my eyes.

Little Bun is still waiting for me.

''I believe she's somewhere in Ulann City—maybe crying, maybe trying to escape, or hiding.''

But I know she believes I'll come for her. And find her.

I stood and looked out into the distant horizon, where Ulann City lay.

"You wait me, Bun."

"Sister will come bring you home."