“You can only take quests of the E and F rank until the guild formally approves your ranking,” said the foxkin behind the counter.

“Yeah. Yeah. I know.” Sighed Evan. It had been five days since the entrance exam for the adventurers guild. They still hadn’t decided on this rank or even what his crazy high magical reserve numbers meant. “I’ll just take this quest, thanks.”

“Ok. I have registered the collection quest against your name. Do you need anything else?” Asked the foxkin.

“No, that’s will be all thanks… Ah, I didn’t get your name, sorry.” Replied Evan, a smile plastered across his face.

“Oh, sorry. You can call me Reynara. Or Rey for short.” Said Reynara.

“Thanks, Rey.” Evan’s reply came as he made his way out of the guild’s front doors. The sunlight blinded him for a second as dots danced across his vision.

“Right. It’s time to head out. I need to buy better equipment. And to do that, I need to make some coin.” Thought Evan as he held the hilt of the rusty sword from the dungeon. “Still amazed they even thought to bring the sword out with me.”

Looking around, the buildings of Sylvanreach rose in front of the bustling town square. Evan stepped to the side of the entrance for the adventures guild as its doors, decorated with symbols of exploration and conquest, swung back and forth as a constant stream of adventurers flowed in and out, each new group exchanging stories, recruiting companions, and preparing for new quests.

The Whispering Oak tavern asserted itself proudly, standing directly opposite the guild, it was a lively hub of activity, through the open windows, the sounds of joviality spilled into the square, carrying with them the aroma of spiced mead and hearth-cooked venison. The ambience resonated with the harmonious blend of laughter and the strumming of a bard’s lute.

Heading down the cobblestone paved roadway that ran beside the tavern. Evan passed buildings that lined the street, each one made of sturdy wood and stone, displaying a charming mix of architectural styles. Small shops with colourful awnings line the road, offering a variety of goods, from trinkets to supplies.

Evan walked down the main road, and approached the main gate, eager to complete the day’s quest. The aroma of freshly baked bread from the nearby bakery made Evan remember that he needed the reward money to eat. The amount the guild took from each quest as repayment barely left him anything with which to buy food.

The Main Gate was part of the formidable stone defensive wall handled by the town’s vigilant soldiers surrounding Sylvanreach. A large iron gate protected the main entrance and a sturdy gatehouse overlooked the surrounding lands.

“Heading out again, Evan.” Said one of the guards. They had gotten to know him quickly from his constant questing. Passing through the gate multiple times a day.

“Yeah.” Repiled Evan. Waving as he passed through. “I’ll be back later today, though. They got me going deep into the forest this time.”

“Well, safe journey then.” Came the reply.

Evan jogged down the road that led away from Sylvanreach. It was only a short distance to the forest edge. The town guard had cleared enough area around the town’s stone wall to detect any attacks before they got too close.

The breeze rustled through the leaves above Evan as he entered the forest. Looking back at the direction he had come, Evan sighed, his forehead beading with sweat. His thoughts kept coming back to how much he needed to improve. “Need to get my fitness back. If I treat every quest as training, hopefully, next time I need to fight, I won’t be exhausted too quickly.”

His eyes scanned the surrounding forest, hoping to quickly spot any traces of the rare flora he needed for his quest without having to go too deeply. The dense canopy filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. “Ah, I guess I was being too hopeful. The notes did say it was located deep in the forest on the way to Frostholm.” Evan thought as he jogged. “No point in hoping to find it quickly.”

His fingers brushed against the leaves and flowers, identifying each plant as he went, the knowledge from his past life proving to be worth all the effort he had put in previously. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and the sweet perfume of blossoms. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their melodic songs creating a symphony that resonated through the forest.

Lost in the rhythmic dance of nature, Evan’s thoughts returned to his conversation with Lyra. “She said it could take the guild a long time to send someone from Arcadia. Maybe it would be quicker if I just went there instead. Goddess knows Ardentrex wants me to go that way.” Evan sighed. He hated admitting that he may need Ardentrex’s help. “First, let’s find this Silverbane plant. I can discuss with Ardentrex exactly what he wants after. ”

As Evan ventured deeper, a distant cry pierced through the forest. Evan halted, turning his senses towards the direction the sound had come from. A cry for help echoed through the trees again, pleading for assistance.

Evan shook his head. “So much for this being just a simple herb collection quest.”

Following the direction of the calls for help. Evan changed his path through the forest. The sounds of a struggle grew louder, prompting Evan to break into a run.

“You don’t have to help the weak.” Came Ardentrex’s voice. “Dragons don’t help any of our kind if they cannot protect themselves.”

“That’s just twisted.” Thought Evan. “Humans help each other.”

“That’s why your race is so weak. You humans would rather die trying to protect someone. It is just pathetic.” Replied Ardentrex.

“That fact that dragons wouldn’t help others is the reason your race is so despised.” Thought Evan.

Emerging from the dense forest, Evan shielded his eyes from the sudden sunlight in the clearing. The overturned carriage and lifeless bodies created a grim scene, a stark contrast to the serene beauty of the woods. Evan’s sharp eyes quickly scanned the area. Lifeless bodies surrounded the carriage.

“Whoever did this is not trying to capture anyone.” Thought Evan. As he spotted a man fighting desperately against a group of assailants, his sword a blur of motion. The forest echoed with the clash of steel, a symphony of blades meeting in a dance of violence.

Each of them wielded a gleaming sword, the cold steel reflecting the pale light as they circled their intended victim. Tension hung in the air as the man tightened his grip on his sword, steeling himself.

The first assailant, a tall and agile figure, lunged forward with a lightning-quick strike.

The man deftly dodged the attack, the clash of steel echoing through the forest. Their blades locked briefly before the man skillfully twisted his sword, disarming the first assailant and sending their weapon flying into the underbrush.

No sooner had the first opponent been dealt with than the second assailant closed in, slashing horizontally with controlled aggression.

The man sidestepped the attack with practised ease, feeling the wind of the passing blade. Seizing the opportunity, he slid beneath the second assailant’s sword, his movements fluid and precise. As he emerged on the other side, he executed a swift kick, aiming for the assailant’s legs in an attempt to break one of them.

The second assailant stumbled, momentarily off balance, giving the man a split-second advantage. Capitalising on this opening, he brought his sword down in a sweeping arc. The assailant barely parried the strike, their blades meeting with a resounding clash.

Evan’s gaze fixated on the third assailant, who drew a wicked dagger from a hidden sheath.

Sensing an opportunity to strike from the shadows, Evan crept up behind the man with calculated stealth. However, the man’s heightened awareness saved him as he swiftly turned, anticipating the ambush. His sword clashed with Evan’s sword, sparks flying as they pushed against one another.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Now engaged with the third assailant, Evan found himself in a precarious position. He needed to end his fight quickly to help the man. He was still outnumbered and surrounded. Struggling, Evan pushed the third assailant back. Feinting left as he brought his other hand up.

“Ignis pila.” Said Evan. A tiny spark briefly flashed, but nothing more.

“Dammit. Why?” cursed Evan as he reengaged with the third assailant. “Why can’t I get the magic to work.”

“Do you require my help again, human?” Ardentrex’s voice echoed. “As I told you before. You still need to be taught how to wield magic. It is not something you are familiar with. You don’t know how it feels, what it requires. Until you learn this, you will never truly be able to use your magic.”

“Shut up.” Came Evan’s angry reply as he grabbed the assailant with his free hand and smashed his head into the assailant’s face.

As the assailant stumbled away from the blow, Evan brought his sword up and drove it through his chest. Blood bubbled from his mouth as Evan pulled the blade out and stabbed it back in. Sweat mixed with blood as the assailant coughed, spraying Evan’s face.

“Oh, Gross.” Mumbled Evan, spitting the tangy blood out of his mouth.

Evan stepped back as the assailant’s body collapsed to the ground. Looking over to where the other three were still fighting. The sounds of their fight echoed with the clash of steel meeting steel, punctuated by grunts and the occasional shuffle of feet.

Evan noticed movement near the edge of the clearing. A woman dressed in fine clothes was struggling with another assailant.

Evan hesitated, torn between helping the woman or the man. The conflict raged within him as he debated the value of each choice.

“She is not in immediate danger. We should kill the two still fighting.” Said Ardentrex’s voice. The man’s eyes met Evan’s briefly, a silent plea for assistance that echoed louder than words.

Shaking his head to clear the last of the black spots from the headbutt. Evan rushed toward the two remaining assailants. His presence was still unnoticed in the chaos.

The assailants didn’t register his approach until it was too late as Evan drove his sword through the back of the closet. Suprise was written across his face as he looked down to see the sword tip sticking out of his chest. Evan pulled the sword free and stabbed it back in again.

“You fight cowardly human.” Said Ardentrex’s voice disgusted. “There is no glory or honour in killing someone in such a way.”

“Shut up, Ardentrex,” replied Evan as he watched as the man he was trying to help was cut down before his eyes. His mind screamed at him to act, make a difference, and try to save him, but the harsh reality of the situation hung heavy in the air. The man was dead before he hit the ground.

The assailant turned to face Evan. Smiling as the fourth person of their group dragged the woman away, Evan’s fury solidified. “Release the woman.” Said Evan.

“Ha. You wish.” Came the reply. “I wouldn’t worry about her if I were you. You won’t be alive long enough.”

Evan ripped his rusty sword free from the dead body it was still in and sprinted at the last assailant. Dropping to his knees as he slid under the sword swing that would have cut across his chest a second ago. Evan pushed up, driving the sword into the unprotected chest.

The assailant looked at Evan in confusion as he looked down and grasped the blade. Trying to pull it out. Blood ran down both sides of his mouth as he tried to speak, but no words would come out.

Evan watched as the life left his eyes. “I warned you.”

A scream brought Evan back to the present. He sprinted towards the sound, weaving through the trees with a singular focus. The cries reminded him of the last time his father was alive.

The forest quickly became a labyrinth of shadows and obstacles the deeper he went.

As Evan sprinted, his mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The urgency to save the woman battled with memories of his past, threatening to engulf him. “Focus, Evan,” he muttered to himself. His legs burned with exertion as he ran, but the woman’s cries for help drove him on.

This had happened before. The mindless pursuit through the forest. His father had been by his side at that time. The men who had taken Lily had fought with a savagery they had not expected. The memories of his father falling to the ground. Dead. His throat cut. The pain of the loss. It began to overwhelm Evan.

“Focus, human. We do not have time for you to become caught in your memories.” Came Ardentrex’s voice, cutting through Evan’s thoughts. “You are here. Now. Focus. Let us save this human woman.”

Shaking his head to clear the memory away, Evan could smell the scent of damp earth mingled with the tang of sweat as he closed the distance. The rhythmic pounding of his footsteps matched the rapid beats of his heart. The woman’s desperate pleas reached his ears, pushing his determination to rescue her.

Amidst the foliage, Evan glimpsed the fleeting figures of the assailants, their rough silhouettes dancing through the trees. He gritted his teeth, his every sense focused on the pursuit. The forest seemed to conspire against him, branches snagging at his clothing and roots threatening to trip him.

Yet, Evan pressed on. “I will not let the past happen again.” Thought Evan.

The pursuit led him deeper into the forest’s heart, where the trees stood tall and ancient. The air grew thick with anticipation, and the scent of pine infused the surroundings. The distant cries for help spurred him forward, echoing through the wooded expanse.

As Evan ran, he emerged into another clearing. Shielding his eyes this time from the sunlight, he faced the chilling reality of the situation.

The woman’s desperate gaze pleaded for salvation, and Evan felt a surge of determination. His grip tightened on the sword as he confronted the harsh reality—outnumbered and surrounded, yet unwilling to back down, he would have to fight.

Without thinking of a plan, Evan charged. His rusty sword, still stained with the blood of the previous assailant, felt heavy in his hand.

The first assailant lunged at him with a savage swing, parrying the attack. Evan could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he dodged and countered, relying on his combat instincts. The years of training, the hard-fought battles fought over the many years of his previous life. Every second came into play.

Evan dodged under a ball of fire that singed hairs, passing just over his head. “Shit, that was close.” he cursed.

Blocking one sword as he ducked under the second incoming strike, his mind raced. He needed an advantage, something to turn the tide.

Glancing around, he spotted another sword discarded on the ground. The moment distraction cost him as a sword sliced along his back. Pain radiated from the cut. His left leg began protesting at the same moment. The strain from fighting this many people was starting to show.

In the blink of an eye, he snapped into action, swiftly sidestepping the swing from the closest assailant, Evan rolled, running his hand along the ground, grasping the fallen sword from the ground.

Ardentrex’s voice resonated in Evan’s mind just as he spun around, ready for the next attack. “Do you wish to perish, human? That was an unnecessary risk.”

“Not the time, Ardentrex.” Grunted Evan.

“You have potential, human. Let me lend you my strength again. Together, we shall crush these pathetic creatures.” said Ardentrex’s voice.

“What is this going to cost me this time?” Asked Evan.

“An agreement that you will go to Drakon’s roost. As soon as we are able.” Came Ardentrex’s reply.

“Fine.” Replied Evan.

Evan felt a surge of power burst out from his chest. The assailants, momentarily caught off guard, struggled as Evan’s blades danced through the air, faster than they had been mere moments ago. Creating a now blindingly fast, deadly symphony of strikes.

Energy and magic enveloped Evan. His senses heightened, and his movements became more fluid. With Ardentrex’s power coursing through him, Evan became a force to be reckoned with.

Roaring, he unleashed a burst of uncontrolled magic, creating a shockwave that sent the attackers staggering backward.

The forest clearing crackled from the raw magic power as Evan faced the assailants. His eyes locked onto theirs, a flicker of determination burning within. Without warning, the first assailant lunged forward, a blur of steel aimed at Evan’s chest. Evan sidestepped the attack on instinct, feeling the whoosh of air as the blade missed him by inches.

Evan countered with a swift, upward stroke, aiming for his opponent’s exposed flank. The assailant parried with a desperate clash of steel, the clash echoing through the silent woods. Evan pressed forward, relentless, as the assailant struggled to match his furious onslaught.

A second adversary, quick and agile, entered the fray, aiming low with a sweeping strike. Evan leapt backward, his boots skimming over the forest floor. The blade whistled past him, and before the assailant could recover, Evan lunged forward, exploiting the opening. His sword met the assailants with a forceful clash, and in a deft move, he disarmed the foe, sending their weapon spiralling away.

No respite came as the third assailant closed in, a dagger glinting wickedly in the dappled sunlight. Evan danced between strikes, each movement calculated, each parry executed with precision. Ardentrex’s power flowed through his every movement. The dagger’s cold steel clashed against Evan’s blade, sending sparks scattering like fireflies.

Despite the odds, Evan remained composed, his mind a battlefield of strategy, hard-won through the years of fighting in his previous life.

Closing the distance with a sudden burst of speed, Evan caught the third assailant off guard. A swift kick to the midsection forced them to stumble backward, leaving an opening for Evan’s decisive strike. The sword plunged into the assailant’s chest, a final gasp escaping their lips.

The remaining two assailants regrouped, fury burning in their eyes. Evan stood ready as the first attacker lunged again, sword raised high. Evan sidestepped gracefully, his movements fluid like the wind rustling through the leaves. A counter slash from Evan left the assailant groaning, a cut across their arm breaking their will to fight.

Seizing the opportunity, Evan turned his attention to the last assailant. Their eyes met in a silent exchange before blades clashed once more. The assailant fought with desperation, knowing they were the last barrier between Evan and victory. Evan’s strikes were relentless, a flurry of blows that tested the assailant’s endurance.

Sweat dripped from Evan’s brow freely now, his body screaming at the abuse. Evan felt a surge of energy again. Silently thanking Ardentrex for the help.

In a daring move, he disarmed the final assailant, sending their weapon spiralling away like its predecessors. The assailant stumbled backward, defeated and defenceless. Evan, undeterred, pressed forward, delivering a decisive strike, his sword sinking deep into the assailant’s throat. He collapsed to the forest floor. Dead.

The clearing fell into an eerie silence, the only sounds were the ragged breaths of Evan as he struggled to catch his breath. Evan, panting from the intense skirmish, surveyed the scene. Evan turned looking for where the woman had been.

“Shit.” Cursed Evan. Looking around the small clearing. “Where is she now?”