The sun had barely risen when Mio, Aron, and Reina gathered in front of the guild hall. Morning dew glistened on the cobblestones as merchants set up stalls in the market square, and a few early risers moved about, beginning their daily routines. But the trio’s focus was solely on the large quest board in front of the guild, where colorful posters and announcements were pinned haphazardly.
Mio scanned the postings until her gaze settled on one notice in particular: a quest to subjugate a solitary ogre that had been sighted too close to the town for comfort. The words were scrawled in bold, with a drawing of the ogre’s hulking, menacing silhouette below.
“This… might be a bit above our rank,” Aron muttered, glancing nervously at the listing.
“But with two spellcasters, we have an advantage,” Reina said, her eyes sparking with determination as she looked to Mio for her opinion. "The guild wouldn’t have posted it if they didn’t think we could handle it.”
Mio nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “An ogre will be challenging, but it’s a good opportunity for all of us to grow. We can rely on our skills and teamwork—and it’ll give us a chance to try some new strategies.”
Reina and Aron exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and apprehension passing between them. With Mio’s encouragement, the decision was made. They marched up to the guild’s receptionist, who raised an eyebrow at the three of them before nodding approvingly.
"Two spellcasters, huh?" he remarked, scribbling down their party’s information. "You’re in luck. Normally, we’d assign this to a higher rank, but with your party composition, you’ve got a fair shot. Just remember—ogres are stronger and more resilient than most creatures you’ll encounter in these woods.”
“We’re ready,” Mio replied with calm confidence, her gaze steady.
After finalizing the quest details, the trio checked their gear. Aron inspected his newly upgraded sword, a fine blade he’d had reinforced at the blacksmith’s shop. Reina held her staff with a determined grip, her magical aura faintly visible as she tested a few spells. Mio took a moment to adjust the hands of her staff, subtly modifying the enchanted grip. With preparations complete, they left the town, heading toward the dense forest on the outskirts.
As they walked, Mio took the lead, keeping her senses attuned to the subtle shifts in mana around them. They hadn’t gone far into the forest when a rustling in the bushes caught her attention. She held up a hand, signaling the others to halt.
“Stay alert,” she whispered. “We’re not alone.”
Almost immediately, three goblins sprang from the underbrush, their yellow eyes glinting with malice. Aron reacted first, stepping forward with his sword drawn, his stance steady.
Reina tightened her grip on her staff, casting Magic Beam. A concentrated burst of energy shot from her staff, striking one goblin square in the chest and sending it sprawling. Aron moved in with quick, decisive strikes, his blade flashing as he slashed through the remaining goblins with calculated precision.
But the goblins were agile, darting around him and aiming for Reina, hoping to catch her off guard. Seeing this, Mio cast Magic Shield around Reina, deflecting the goblins’ attacks. “Focus on your spells, Reina,” she said calmly. “I’ll cover you.”
Reina took a steadying breath and raised her staff, casting Minor Shield to reinforce her defenses. Another goblin leaped at her, but she swiftly countered with another Magic Beam, her aim steady as the spell struck its target.
Aron was holding his own, his movements more confident as he parried a goblin’s crude dagger and dispatched it with a single strike. He turned to Mio and Reina, grinning, but his expression shifted as he spotted a goblin slipping around them, its eyes fixed on Reina with a dangerous glint.
The goblin lunged, its twin knives flashing as it closed in on Reina. She raised her shield instinctively, but the creature was faster than she anticipated. It managed to slip one of its knives past her defenses, the blade piercing her leg.
Reina cried out, her shield faltering as she stumbled back. Without hesitation, Mio stepped in, her expression fierce. She swung her staff with precise strength, the hands gripping at the head shifting to form a solid grip. Her staff connected with the goblin’s ribs, shattering bone as it sent the creature flying. The goblin hit the ground with a sickening thud, its body motionless.
“Hold still, Reina,” Mio said gently, kneeling beside her. She placed a hand over the wound, channeling a soft healing spell. A warm, green light emanated from her fingertips, knitting the torn flesh together as the pain in Reina’s leg faded.
Reina winced but managed a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mio. I… I didn’t see it coming.”
“It’s alright,” Mio replied, her tone calm and reassuring. “That’s why we’re here together. It’s part of the learning process.”
Aron sheathed his sword and took a deep breath, glancing between his companions. “Let’s take a short rest. We need to stay focused for what’s ahead.”
They found a nearby clearing, where they settled down, and Mio took the opportunity to check over their injuries. She used a low-level spell to remove any lingering fatigue from Aron and Reina, restoring their energy and helping them recover from the encounter.
As they rested, Mio turned to them, a thoughtful look on her face. “You both fought well. You’re improving with each encounter. But I want to ask—would you like my help to push you further?”
Reina’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Yes! I want to get stronger, to cast more powerful spells and hold my own in tougher fights.”
Aron hesitated, glancing at Mio before shaking his head. “I appreciate the offer, but… I want to grow stronger on my own, at my own pace. I need to prove to myself that I can stand alongside you both.”
Mio nodded, respecting his decision. “Understood, Aron. Everyone has their own path. I’ll do what I can to guide you both, but I won’t interfere with your growth.”
With their break over, they gathered their gear and continued their journey deeper into the forest. The trees grew thicker, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that cast deep shadows across the ground. They moved cautiously, senses alert for any sign of their target.
As they approached a more isolated section of the forest, the atmosphere shifted, a faint tension lingering in the air. The silence was heavy, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. Mio noticed traces of disturbed earth and scattered bones littering the area—signs that the ogre had been here recently.
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Stay sharp. We’re getting close.”
They moved forward carefully, each step measured. Aron led the way, his sword drawn, while Reina stayed close behind him, her staff ready. Mio remained slightly apart, keeping her gaze trained on the surrounding forest.
A faint rumble broke the silence, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching through the trees. Branches snapped, and the ground trembled as a massive figure lumbered into view—a towering ogre, its eyes glowing with a dull, malevolent light.
The creature was every bit as imposing as they’d imagined. Its skin was thick and gray, covered in scars and grime, and it wielded a massive club, its gnarled surface dotted with the remnants of past victims. It let out a low, guttural growl, eyes narrowing as it spotted the intruders in its territory.
Aron raised his sword, his stance steady as he prepared to engage. “Alright. We stick to the plan. I’ll draw its attention. Reina, focused on attacking from a distance. Mio, cover us with support spells.”
Mio nodded, her mind racing through the spells she had prepared. “Stay close enough for me to reach you with healing if needed, and call out if you need anything specific.”
Aron gave her a quick nod before charging forward, his sword raised. The ogre’s eyes locked onto him, and it raised its club with a roar, swinging it down with bone-crushing force. Aron dodged to the side, the club slamming into the ground with a thunderous impact, sending chunks of earth flying.
Reina stepped back, her eyes focused as she channeled her mana into a Magic Beam. The spell shot forward, striking the ogre’s shoulder with a burst of energy that left a smoldering scorch mark on its thick hide. The ogre let out an enraged bellow, momentarily distracted from Aron as it turned its gaze toward Reina.
Mio quickly cast Minor Shield around Reina, reinforcing her defenses as the ogre shifted its attention. Aron took advantage of the distraction, closing the distance and slashing at the creature’s leg. His blade bit into the ogre’s thick skin, drawing a deep gash that oozed dark, thick blood.
The ogre snarled, turning its attention back to Aron, who leaped back, narrowly avoiding another crushing blow from the club. Mio watched the battle unfold, assessing each move carefully, ready to step in if necessary.
As the fight continued, Mio realized that she would need to be ready to adapt her spells to keep Aron and Reina safe. The ogre was stronger and more resilient than the goblins they’d faced, and this battle would demand the full extent of their teamwork and strategy.
With her focus steady and her mana at the ready, Mio prepared for whatever came next, knowing that every decision she made would be critical in this high-stakes battle.
The air around them crackled with tension as the battle with the ogre intensified. Aron moved quickly, sidestepping and weaving in close to land cuts along the creature’s legs and torso. His new blade glinted as he struck, each blow drawing a fresh stream of dark blood from the beast’s thick skin. But despite his precision, the ogre seemed barely fazed, its massive body absorbing the damage as though it were nothing more than an annoyance.
Meanwhile, Reina stayed at a distance, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she raised her staff. She began channeling mana for another Magic Beam, her hands steady despite the wild fury of the ogre before her. Her spell shot forward, striking the ogre’s side, leaving a scorch mark across its skin. The creature snarled, its attention snapping toward Reina as it swung a meaty hand at her as if it was swatting a fly.
"Reina, watch out!" Mio called, her tone urgent as she saw the ogre shift.
Without missing a beat, Mio cast Magic Shield around Reina, creating a shimmering barrier that absorbed the force of the slap. The impact sent a small shockwave through the air, the ground trembling beneath them, but Reina remained unharmed behind the protective shield.
“Thanks, Mio!” Reina called out, her voice steady but her face tense with focus.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Keep it up!” Mio replied, her eyes darting between her two companions, ready to step in the moment either of them needed her support.
Aron, seizing the opportunity, lunged forward, his sword slicing a clean line down the ogre’s side. The ogre roared in pain, the sound echoing through the forest as it staggered from the blow. Aron took a step back, catching his breath as he raised his sword in anticipation of the creature’s counterattack.
The ogre’s eyes glowed with rage as it locked onto Aron, its massive hand tightening around the club. With a guttural snarl, it swung down, its strength fueled by fury. Aron barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as the club crashed into the ground, leaving a crater in its wake.
Reina, sensing an opening, raised her staff and cast Fireball, the glowing orb of flame hurtling through the air toward the ogre’s back. It struck true, exploding in a burst of fire that engulfed the creature’s upper body, searing its skin. The ogre roared in pain, swatting at the flames as it turned, disoriented and enraged.
Mio observed the fight, her mind racing through potential support spells to give her companions an edge. She cast Raise Abilities on Aron, a subtle glow enveloping him as his muscles tensed, his strength boosted by the magic. He gave her a quick nod of thanks, his grip on his sword tightening as he prepared for the next assault.
Aron charged again, his enhanced strength allowing him to land a heavier blow on the ogre’s leg, the blade sinking deep into its flesh. The ogre let out a strangled howl, stumbling as it lost its balance. Reina followed up with another Magic Beam, aiming for the creature’s head, but the ogre raised an arm just in time, the spell striking its forearm instead.
The creature’s movements became more erratic, its attacks more reckless as it swung its club in wide arcs, desperate to hit anything in its path. Aron ducked under one swing, barely escaping its reach, but a sudden change in the ogre’s stance told Mio it was about to attack from a new angle.
“Reina, brace yourself!” Mio called out, sensing the ogre’s focus shifting.
The ogre, now fully aware of Reina’s ranged assaults, turned its enraged gaze on her, raising its club high above its head, ready to bring it down on the young spellcaster. Reina’s eyes widened, her hands moving to raise another shield, but Mio was already in motion, knowing the Magic Shield wouldn’t be able to stop the club.
In a heartbeat, Mio cast Teleport, appearing directly in front of Reina just as the club came crashing down. She raised her staff, and the hands on its head shifted, fingers clasping around the club’s rough wood with a firm grip. The impact sent vibrations through her arms, but she held steady, her expression calm and unyielding as she absorbed the brunt of the blow.
Reina gasped, her eyes filled with a mixture of awe and relief. “Mio...!”
“Stay behind me,” Mio instructed, her voice steady as she kept her grip on the ogre’s club.
Using her mental threads, Mio simultaneously cast Minor Heal on Reina’s minor injuries and Sap Strength on the ogre, a faint green glow spreading from her hands to the creature’s weapon. She felt the spell take effect as the ogre’s grip weakened, its strength slowly draining and transferring to Mio.
With a powerful tug, Mio released the club and willed her staff to reshape itself, the hands transforming into opposing fists to form a makeshift hammer. Her grip tightened around the newly formed weapon, and she took a step forward, planting her feet firmly as she prepared to strike.
“Get ready to follow up,” she told Reina, her eyes focused on the ogre.
Without waiting for a response, Mio swung her staff, the blunt force of the hammer crashing into the ogre’s chest. The impact forced the creature back, staggering it as it struggled to regain its footing. Mio continued the assault, hammering blow after blow into the ogre, splintering the club as it tried to parry her staff with it. Aron, seeing his opportunity, charged from behind, slashing at the back of the ogre’s leg, his blade cutting deep into the muscle.
The ogre roared, dropping to one knee as it struggled to support its massive weight. It clawed at the ground, its eyes wild with desperation, but Aron and Reina showed no signs of relenting. Reina channeled her mana into another Magic Beam, this time aiming for the creature’s head. The beam struck with precision, scorching its face and momentarily blinding it.
Aron positioned himself at the creature’s side, keeping his sword ready for any sudden movements. “Mio, it’s weakening!” he called, his voice laced with anticipation.
Mio nodded, her gaze unwavering as she assessed the situation. She raised her staff, the hammer-like fists gleaming in the sunlight as she prepared her final move. With a powerful leap, she launched herself into the air, bringing her staff down in a devastating arc.
The hammer struck the ogre’s head with a resounding crack, the force of the blow reverberating through the clearing and fracturing the ground around the impact. The ogre’s body went still, its eyes losing their ferocity as it slumped to the ground, defeated.
The forest fell silent, the echoes of the battle fading into the distance as the three companions caught their breath. Aron lowered his sword, a grin spreading across his face as he looked between Mio and Reina.
“We did it,” he said, a note of pride in his voice.
Reina smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Thanks to all of us working together. And Mio... that was incredible.”
Mio gave a small nod, her expression softening. “You both did well. You’re stronger than you think.”
The three of them took a moment to rest, sharing a quiet sense of accomplishment. Their teamwork had been tested, their skills pushed to the limit, and they had come out victorious.
As the dust settled, Mio, Aron, and Reina found themselves standing over the massive body of the fallen ogre. The creature lay motionless, its thick skin marred with cuts and burns, the lingering evidence of their fierce battle. The air was filled with the faint smell of smoke and earth, and a sense of accomplishment lingered between them as they caught their breath.
Aron rested his sword against his shoulder, letting out a long sigh of relief. “Well, that was... intense.” He looked at the massive creature at their feet, a note of pride in his voice. “I didn’t think we’d manage it so smoothly.”
“‘Smoothly’ is one way to put it,” Reina replied with a wry smile, wiping the sweat from her brow. “I’m still catching my breath.”
Mio watched them both, a faint smile on her lips. “You two did exceptionally well. That wasn’t an easy fight, but you stayed focused and worked together.”
She knelt beside the ogre’s hand, examining its massive, gnarled fingers before drawing a small knife from her belt. With a swift, precise motion, she cut off the ogre’s pinky finger—the part they needed to prove their success to the guild. The finger was as large as her hand, and its weight surprised her as she held it up, admiring the rough, scarred texture.
Reina looked away from the sight, her nose wrinkling. “Do we really need that thing? It’s... well, disgusting.”
Mio chuckled. “Consider it a trophy. Proof of what we’ve accomplished.”
Aron let out a laugh, clapping Reina on the shoulder. “We’ll get used to it. Besides, it’s better than lugging the whole body back to town.”
Reina shook her head but managed a small smile. “I suppose you’re right.” She looked at Mio, and then to the ogre’s broken skull. “Though, I think someone here could probably do that.”
Mio chuckled and tucked the ogre’s finger into a cloth bag and tied it to her belt. The weight of it was reassuring, a reminder of their strength as a team. She turned to her companions, studying their faces, and then nodded toward a nearby fallen log.
“Let’s take a moment to rest,” she suggested. “This was a big fight, and I want to make sure you’re both recovered before we head back.”
Aron and Reina nodded, grateful for the break. They settled down on the log, letting the tension ease from their shoulders. Mio remained standing for a moment, observing them thoughtfully before she took a seat on the ground across from them. She was enjoying seeing their growth, and expected to read about them in the history books long into the future.
She placed her hand over Aron’s shoulder, channeling a gentle Heal to tend to a minor dislocation he’d suffered during the battle. With a second thread of focus, she did the same for Reina, ensuring that her energy and minor injuries were restored. The green glow of the healing magic faded as she withdrew her hands, and she could feel both of them breathing easier.
“Thank you, Mio,” Reina said softly, giving her a grateful smile. “I don’t know how we’d manage without you.”
Mio returned the smile. “It’s what I’m here for. But you both proved today that you’re more than capable. You’re growing stronger with every fight, and I want to help you keep pushing those limits.”
Reina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “Really? I want to learn more spells and improve my control over them. Today showed me that I still have a long way to go.”
Aron, however, glanced at the ground, his expression thoughtful. “I appreciate it, Mio. But I… I’d rather grow stronger on my own terms. I want to earn my strength.”
Mio nodded, respecting his resolve. “That’s fair. Everyone has their own path to follow.” She looked between them, her gaze steady. “Reina, I’ll help you learn after we get back to town. But for now, let’s talk about the battle.”
Both Aron and Reina perked up, intrigued. Mio gestured to the ogre’s fallen body.
“Notice how the ogre’s attacks were slow but powerful,” she began, her voice calm and analytical. “Aron, you did well to dodge and counter. Reina, your ranged support helped to distract it. But what would you do if we faced an enemy that was both fast and powerful?”
Aron frowned, thinking carefully. “I suppose... I’d have to rely even more on agility. Maybe try to keep moving and find weak spots instead of going for big hits.”
“Exactly,” Mio agreed. She turned to Reina. “And what about you?”
Reina bit her lip, considering. “I think I’d need to focus on spells that immobilize or distract, rather than just direct attacks. Something that buys Aron and me more time to react.”
“Good,” Mio said, nodding. “Magic isn’t just about brute force. It’s about strategy and control. Think about what spells will give you the upper hand—not just in damage but in manipulating the fight itself.”
Reina’s gaze was filled with determination. “I understand. I’ll practice more with different types of spells.”
Aron grinned, his excitement renewed. “I can’t wait to see how much stronger we get.”
After their brief discussion, the three of them rose, feeling refreshed and more focused. They began the trek back to town, moving through the forest with a lighter step, each of them reflecting on the fight and the new goals they had set for themselves. The weight of the ogre’s finger in Mio’s bag was a quiet reminder of their hard-won victory.
As they neared the forest’s edge, the sunlight breaking through the trees, Mio felt a sense of pride for her companions. Aron’s determination to grow stronger on his own and Reina’s eagerness to learn new spells spoke to their potential. She had seen it before, but today’s battle had solidified it—they were becoming true adventurers.
They arrived back at the guild in the early afternoon, the hall buzzing with activity. Adventurers and townsfolk alike turned to watch as they entered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Mio walked confidently to the receptionist’s desk, placing the cloth bag containing the ogre’s finger on the counter.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “You actually did it. I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure you’d be able to handle it, but I stand corrected.”
Aron grinned, his chest swelling with pride. “It was tough, but we managed.”
Reina nodded, her face flushed with excitement. “We worked together and took it down.”
The receptionist picked up the bag and examined its contents before nodding approvingly. “Well, you’ve definitely earned your reward. Ogres are no joke, and completing this quest puts you a step closer to rising in rank.”
He handed each of them a small pouch of coins, their reward for the quest. Mio accepted hers with a nod, her mind already drifting to the next steps for her companions’ stories.
As they exited the guild, Aron and Reina’s excitement bubbled over, their voices filled with laughter and animated recounting of the battle’s details. They talked over each other, describing their attacks, the ogre’s roars, and the final moments of the fight.
Mio let them revel in their victory, her own satisfaction quieter, more introspective. She watched the two of them, their bond strengthened by the day’s experience. This was what she had hoped for—helping them discover their own strengths, pushing them to grow in ways that would prepare them for even greater challenges ahead.
They stopped by a nearby vendor, where Reina bought a small pastry to celebrate, and Aron picked up a loaf of fresh bread. Mio accepted a small cup of tea from a street vendor, savoring the warm, earthy taste as she listened to her companions’ excited chatter.
As they made their way back to the inn, Aron turned to her, his expression sincere. “Thanks, Mio. I know we wouldn’t have made it without you.”
Mio shook her head. “You did it yourselves. I was there to support, but you two were the ones who did most of the work. Be proud of that.”
Reina’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. “Even so, I can’t wait to learn more from you. I want to be ready for whatever we face next.”
Mio smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. This was the story she longed to play out—a team bound by trust, ambition, and shared purpose. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together, each step forging those two into the adventurers they aspired to be.
As they walked into the evening, the town settling into the calm of dusk, Mio knew that today had been a turning point. The path ahead for the siblings was filled with dangers, but they would be ready to meet them, one battle at a time.