The forest grew denser as Mio followed Reina and Aron deeper into the woods. The sunlight dimmed under the canopy, casting long shadows across their path. Mio kept her senses sharp, scanning the surroundings as they moved. The thrill of a real quest ran through her—a chance to test her magic in a true fight, and not just against stray goblins but a leader who could coordinate and strategize. The hobgoblin would be no simple foe, and she looked forward to facing it.

Reina and Aron walked ahead, murmuring to each other about strategy. They were careful to keep their voices low, and Mio noticed the tension in their movements, the way they clutched their weapons as if bracing themselves. She admired their determination despite their clear nerves; they were brave, even if they were young and relatively inexperienced.

As they walked, Mio felt a twinge of admiration for them. They might lack skill, but they had something she rarely saw in her previous life: camaraderie. She didn’t know these two well, but she felt a growing respect for their courage.

“According to the guild’s scouts,” Reina whispered, glancing over her shoulder at Mio, “the hobgoblin’s lair should be near a rocky outcrop about half a mile from here. They said it’s guarded by at least ten goblins.”

“Are they well-armed?” Mio asked, considering her options.

Aron nodded. “Some are. The hobgoblin managed to get hold of a few decent weapons. Nothing magical, but enough to make a difference.”

Mio acknowledged this with a nod. Her magic was boundless, but even so, she was beginning to understand the importance of strategy in this world. Even her endless mana could only be channeled effectively if she chose her spells carefully.

Finally, they reached a clearing overlooking a cluster of jagged rocks, where the hobgoblin’s lair was hidden in the shadows. From their vantage point, they could see goblins patrolling the perimeter, their eyes sharp and their movements purposeful. This wasn’t the usual haphazard goblin encampment; it was organized, even disciplined.

Aron crouched low, peering over the edge. “There’s at least seven out front,” he whispered. “The rest are probably inside with the hobgoblin.”

Mio took a deep breath, feeling her mana swirl within her, eager to be used. “I’ll handle the initial strike,” she said, shifting her grip on her staff. “Once I draw their attention, you two can come in from the sides and pick off any stragglers.”

Reina nodded, her eyes wide but determined. “We’ll follow your lead.”

Mio focused her mind, letting her divided threads organize the spells she’d need. She began with Earth, raising thick walls of stone to block off the goblins’ escape routes on three sides. The walls rose silently, trapping the goblins within the clearing. They looked up in confusion, their momentary surprise giving her the opening she needed.

With her second thread, she cast Air, sending a powerful gust that swept through the clearing, knocking several goblins off their feet. With her third thread, she summoned Ice Arrows from Water, each arrow flying with precision, striking down goblins with ease.

Aron and Reina took their cue, darting into the chaos. Aron’s sword flashed as he struck down a goblin struggling to regain its footing, while Reina sent a well-aimed blast of energy toward another. The goblins, already disoriented by Mio’s spells, were easy targets for the two adventurers, who moved with a focus born of both fear and excitement.

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Mio advanced into the clearing, holding her staff high as she prepared for the next wave. She could sense the hobgoblin’s presence within the cave—it was a larger, more ominous aura, filled with anger and cunning. This wasn’t an ordinary goblin; this creature had intelligence, strategy. She could feel it watching her, assessing her as she approached.

A roar echoed from the depths of the cave, and a figure stepped into the light. The hobgoblin was massive, towering over the goblins around it. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it hefted a large, crude mace in one hand, snarling at the intruders.

“Invaders!” it bellowed, its voice rough and deep. “You think you can challenge me?”

Mio met its gaze, her expression calm. “I think you’ve been causing enough trouble for the townspeople,” she replied, her voice steady. “It’s time you stopped.”

The hobgoblin sneered, baring its fangs. “Bold words for a human. But let’s see if you can back them up!”

It charged at her, moving with surprising speed for its size. Mio raised her staff, her mind split between her threads as she readied multiple spells. First, she used Earth to send thick vines bursting from the ground, wrapping around the hobgoblin’s legs to slow its advance. The creature snarled, hacking at the vines with its mace, but before it could free itself, she cast Illusion to create three duplicates of herself, each one positioned to confuse and distract the hobgoblin.

The creature roared, swinging its mace wildly at the illusions, each strike passing harmlessly through the mirages. Mio moved in the shadows, her real self hidden from view as she prepared her next attack. With her free threads, she summoned ice shards from Water and sent them flying at the hobgoblin. Each shard struck true, piercing its skin and drawing blood.

Enraged, the hobgoblin broke free of the vines, its gaze locking onto her. She felt a thrill of anticipation as it lunged toward her, only to be met with a wall of Fire that sprang up before it, searing its skin. It howled in pain, stumbling back as the flames licked at its armor.

Reina and Aron took advantage of the distraction, darting in from either side to strike the hobgoblin’s flanks. Aron’s blade cut deep into its arm, while Reina sent a blast of energy that struck it square in the chest. The creature roared, swinging its mace wildly to ward them off.

Mio raised her staff, focusing her mana as she prepared her final spell. She called on Soul magic, letting its power flow through her as she targeted the hobgoblin’s essence. The spell wrapped around the creature’s spirit, sapping its strength, its movements slowing as its life force weakened.

The hobgoblin staggered, its breaths coming in ragged gasps. Its grip on the mace faltered, and with a final, defiant snarl, it collapsed to its knees. Aron and Reina struck together, their weapons finding their mark, and with one last shudder, the hobgoblin fell, its body crumpling to the ground.

The clearing fell silent, save for the labored breathing of Reina and Aron. Mio released the spell, allowing her mana to settle. The hobgoblin was defeated, its threat finally ended.

Reina and Aron stared at her, awe and gratitude evident in their expressions. “That was… incredible,” Reina whispered. “I’ve never seen magic like that. You didn’t even look tired.”

Mio smiled, lowering her staff. “I’ve had a lot of practice,” she replied, keeping her tone light.

Aron shook his head, clearly impressed. “With skills like yours, you could probably take on an entire guild by yourself.”

Mio chuckled, brushing off the compliment. “I think I’ll leave the guilds to you two. But thank you for letting me join your quest.”

Reina’s eyes sparkled. “You should come with us to town! The guild would love to meet you, and we’d be happy to show you around.”

Mio considered this, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of seeing her first town in this new world. The thrill of exploration, of learning about the customs and people, called to her. She nodded. “I’d like that. And I’m curious to see what your guild has to offer.”

Together, the three of them left the clearing, the weight of their victory lightening their steps. As they walked, Mio felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was beginning to understand the role she could play in this world—a protector, a guide, perhaps even a legend.

The town awaited, filled with mysteries and possibilities, and she was ready to face them head-on.