Nyx strode through the bustling streets of the village, the weight of her shadowy encounter still fresh in her mind. The pouch of herbs swung lightly at her side, her footsteps quick as she approached the familiar grand entrance of the Everhunt Guild.

Inside, the guildhall buzzed with energy—hunters swapped stories at the tables, arrows clinked against quivers, and the job board flickered with new requests. Nyx weaved through the crowd, heading straight to the counter where Lyssandra greeted her with a practiced smile.

“Back already, little one?” Lyssandra asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nyx nodded, placing the pouch of herbs on the polished oak counter. “I collected everything on the list… and a little extra,” she added, her tone brimming with quiet pride.

Lyssandra picked up the pouch and peeked inside, her black hair catching the light. “Well, well. You’ve outdone yourself, Nyx,” she said, counting the moonblossoms and other herbs Nyx had gathered. “Impressive work for a new hunter.”

Lyssandra waved her enchanted quill over the ledger, recording Nyx’s contribution. “Four silver coins for your effort.” She handed them over with a slight nod of approval.

Nyx accepted the coins eagerly, slipping them into her pouch. “Thank you!” she said earnestly.

As she turned to leave, a voice called out from behind her.

“Hey, you there—little hunter!”

Nyx paused, glancing back to see three figures approaching her. A female hunter in sleek leather armor led the group, her bow slung across her back. Two male hunters flanked her—one broad-shouldered with a greatsword strapped to his side, the other smaller, his dual daggers gleaming under the hall’s lantern light.

Nyx stiffened slightly. “Uriel, who are they?”

“Guild members, Nyx,” Uriel responded calmly. “But remain cautious. Not everyone’s intentions are pure.”

Nyx nodded subtly, letting Uriel’s warning sink in as the group came to a stop in front of her.

“Well, aren’t you a surprising one,” the female hunter said, her tone light but curious. “We’ve been hearing rumors about a silver-haired kid who joined the guild. Didn’t expect to see you here so soon. How’s your time in the village so far?”

Nyx tilted her head slightly, taking a moment before answering. “It’s… been nice. Everyone’s been kind.”

The taller male hunter chuckled. “And what about the guild? Think you can handle life as a hunter?”

Nyx straightened her posture, meeting his gaze evenly. “I like it so far. It’s different from what I’m used to, but I’m learning.”

The smaller male hunter smirked, crossing his arms. “Learning fast, huh? You’re already bringing in extra herbs. Not bad.”

Nyx offered a small smile but said nothing, her grip tightening slightly on her pouch.

The female hunter stepped forward, her tone more serious now. “What do you say to joining us tomorrow? We’re heading out on an expedition—a monster hunt for goblins. We could use an extra hand.”

Nyx blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “An… expedition?”

The hunter nodded. “Yes. A group of us are heading out to clear out some goblins. You’d be with our party. We’re registered with the guild, so you’d be covered under the rules. And don’t worry—we’ll take care of you.”

Nyx hesitated, unsure of how to respond. “I… I don’t know. I’ve only done small jobs so far.”

“Everyone starts somewhere,” the taller male hunter said, leaning on the hilt of his sword. “You’re a guild member. As long as you’re registered, you can join any party that invites you. No fee, no extra rules.”

The female hunter added, “There’ll be other hunters there too. It’s not just us. Safety in numbers.”

Uriel’s voice whispered in her mind. “Be cautious, Nyx. They seem genuine, but you’ve only just met them. This could be an opportunity… or a risk.”

Nyx thought for a moment, weighing Uriel’s advice against her own curiosity. Finally, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll join.”

The female hunter smiled, extending a hand. “Good decision. Meet us at the village gate tomorrow morning. Don’t be late.”

Nyx shook her hand, her small fingers barely gripping the hunter’s calloused palm. “I won’t.”

The hunters exchanged a few more pleasantries before heading off, leaving Nyx standing near the counter with a mix of excitement and nerves swirling in her chest.

“Uriel,” she said quietly, slipping out of the guild and into the evening air. “Do you think I’m ready for something like this?”

“You are capable,” Uriel replied, his tone measured. “But remain vigilant. This is your first group expedition. Observe their tactics, trust your instincts, and use your skills wisely.”

Nyx nodded, exhaling softly as she made her way through the village streets. The warm glow of lanterns lit her path as she stopped by a stall to buy a small pastry. Its sweet, flaky layers crumbled as she bit into it, the taste lifting her spirits.

As she walked, she spotted Till coming down the road, a bundle of firewood slung over his shoulder.

“Nyx!” he called out, hurrying over. “You’re out late. Everything okay?”

Nyx nodded, brushing crumbs from her cloak. “Yeah. I was just at the guild. I finished my job.”

“Good,” Till said, setting the bundle down for a moment. “What else?”

Nyx hesitated, then smiled. “I’m going on an expedition tomorrow. With some hunters from the guild.”

Till’s eyes widened. “An expedition? With who?”

“I… forgot to ask their names,” Nyx admitted sheepishly, scratching her head.

Till sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Nyx, you can’t just agree to something like that without knowing who you’re going with!”

“I’ll be fine,” Nyx said, her tone light. “They’re guild members, and I’m registered now. It’s official.”

Till frowned, clearly unconvinced. “I still want to see who they are before you leave. Just to make sure they’re okay.”

Nyx chuckled softly. “Alright. I’ll introduce you tomorrow.”

“Good,” Till said firmly, picking up his bundle again. “I’ll find you in the morning before you go. Promise me you’ll wait.”

“I promise,” Nyx said, holding up her hand as if making an oath.

Till shook his head, muttering something about her recklessness as he headed off. Nyx watched him disappear down the street before turning toward the church. The sky had darkened to a deep indigo, the stars beginning to glimmer faintly overhead.

Uriel’s voice broke the silence in her mind. “Tomorrow will be a test. Be prepared, Nyx.”

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Nyx nodded, her resolve hardening as she stepped through the orphanage doors.

Nyx stepped through the familiar doors of the orphanage, the warm glow of lanterns lighting the cozy interior. Sister Clara was waiting in the hallway, her ever-present gentle smile greeting Nyx.

“How was your day, Nyx?” Sister Clara asked, folding her hands neatly as she leaned slightly forward.

Nyx’s silver hair caught the light as she looked up, her lips curving into a small, earnest smile. “It was fun,” she said simply.

Sister Clara raised an amused eyebrow, chuckling softly. “Fun? It’s not every day you hear a child talk about hunting jobs like that. You’re something special, aren’t you?”

Nyx shrugged lightly, her cheeks tinting faintly under the compliment.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” Sister Clara continued, her tone shifting to a motherly firmness. “And remember, you’re still a child. Don’t rush to grow up too fast. You should take time to enjoy yourself.”

“I’ll be careful,” Nyx replied, her voice soft but sincere.

Sister Clara ruffled Nyx’s hair gently before stepping back. “Good. Now go wash up before dinner, alright? And no sneaking extra snacks!”

Nyx nodded, a small grin forming. “Yes, ma’am.”

She hurried to the washroom, scrubbing off the day’s dust and feeling the refreshing coolness of the water against her skin. Once clean, she slipped into the dining hall, her cloak neatly folded and tucked away.

The hall buzzed with the chatter of children, the once-awkward stares having mostly faded. Nyx caught a few curious glances, but most of the children had grown used to her presence. She made her way to a familiar seat beside Billy—the boy who had been the first to talk to her.

Billy’s face lit up as she sat down, his auburn hair catching the light from the lanterns above. “Hey, Nyx! How was today?”

Nyx smiled, taking a sip of the sweet granapple and rushberry juice before replying. “I went herb collecting for the guild. It wasn’t as exciting as fighting, but it was nice.”

Billy tilted his head curiously. “Fighting? Wait—are you already fighting monsters?”

Nyx laughed softly, shaking her head. “Not yet, not really. But I did see some interesting creatures in the forest. It’s peaceful, mostly.”

Billy exhaled in relief. “Good. That sounds safer.” He paused, poking at his vegetables with his fork. “My day wasn’t nearly as exciting. I helped Sister Clara sort books in the library. Again.”

Nyx chuckled, cutting into her steamed trout. “Sounds like you’re getting really good at organizing, though.”

Billy groaned, his cheeks reddening. “I guess… but it’s nothing compared to running around in the forest like you.”

They both laughed, their conversation blending seamlessly with the hum of the dining hall.

The meal was simple but satisfying—steamed trout that flaked perfectly under her fork, warm rolls, tender vegetables, and the sweet, refreshing juice that Nyx found herself savoring.

When dinner was over, Sister Clara clapped her hands lightly to gather the children’s attention. “Alright, little ones, time to brush your teeth and get ready for bed!”

The children groaned in unison but obeyed, filing out toward the washroom.

As Nyx brushed her teeth alongside the others, she caught herself smiling at how easily she’d slipped into this routine. It wasn’t like the forest—wild, unpredictable, and brimming with magic—but it was comforting in its own way.

Nyx closed the door to her room quietly, the soft glow of the lantern casting long shadows across the walls. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against the edge of her veil.

“Alright, Uriel,” she said softly. “Let’s see them again.”

Her shadow rippled unnaturally, the edges distorting as if a breeze was blowing through it. Slowly, two figures began to rise from the inky darkness, their forms shifting and solidifying until they stood before her.

The shadow goblins knelt in silence, their glowing silver markings pulsing faintly as they awaited her command. Their hollow eyes, glowing faintly like embers, stared up at their new master.

Nyx hopped off the bed, circling them with a hand on her chin. “Mmhmm,” she murmured, examining them from head to toe.

“What do you think, Nyx?” Uriel’s voice chimed in her mind.

She hummed thoughtfully. “They’re… interesting. But how do I use them?”

“They will do anything you command,” Uriel explained. “Their loyalty to you is absolute. Give them an order, and they will obey.”

Nyx’s silver eyes widened behind her veil. “Anything?”

“Yes. Try it.”

A mischievous grin spread across her face. She cleared her throat, standing tall like a commanding general. “Alright, you two—jump up and down!”

Without hesitation, both goblins leapt into the air, their movements perfectly synchronized despite their shadowy forms.

“Spin around!” she ordered, her voice tinged with amusement.

They began twirling on the spot, their clawed hands outstretched as if performing a bizarre dance.

Nyx clapped her hands. “Alright, stop!”

The goblins froze instantly, dropping to their knees in perfect unison. Nyx couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of her.

“They’re pretty fun,” she admitted, her tone light. “It’s like having my own puppets. They’ll do whatever I say!”

“Precisely,” Uriel replied. “They exist to serve you, whether it’s aiding you in battle, gathering resources, or eliminating threats.”

Nyx raised an eyebrow. “Eliminating threats? That sounds… intense.”

“They are not ready for such tasks yet,” Uriel clarified. “They are too weak at the moment. But they can grow stronger, just like you. They’ll need to hunt and gain experience to level up.”

Nyx’s interest piqued. “So, training them will make them stronger?”

“Exactly.”

She nodded thoughtfully, then paused. “Calling them ‘Shadow Goblin 1’ and ‘Shadow Goblin 2’ feels… boring. Can I name them?”

“Yes,” Uriel replied. “Giving them names will strengthen your bond with them.”

As soon as Uriel finished speaking, glowing message boxes appeared above the goblins:

< Shadow Goblin 1 >

< Shadow Goblin 2 >

Would you like to change their names?

YES / NO

Nyx grinned and selected “YES” without hesitation.

She paced the room, her hand on her chin as she brainstormed. “Hmm… names, names… Uriel, do you have any ideas?”

“You could start with names that hold meaning to you,” Uriel suggested.

Nyx froze mid-step, a memory flashing through her mind. “Names that hold meaning…”

Her thoughts drifted to Len, her first true friend in the forest. She could almost hear his voice, guiding her as they explored the wilderness together.

A young Nyx stumbled through the underbrush, her hands groping blindly as she used echo vision while her eyes struggled to sense her surroundings.

“Over here, Nyx!” Len’s cheerful voice called. He took her small hand in his and placed it gently on the stem of a plant.

“This is silverleaf,” he explained patiently. “Feel the ridges on the leaves? It’s great for healing cuts. But don’t eat it—it tastes awful!”

Nyx giggled, nodding as she carefully memorized the plant’s texture. “Thank you, Len. You’re the best!”

Len grinned, ruffling her hair. “Of course I am.”

Back in her room, Nyx smiled wistfully, her chest tightening with longing. “Len… Do you think it’s okay to name one of them after him, Uriel?”

“I believe it’s a beautiful way to honor his memory,” Uriel replied gently.

Her smile brightened. “Alright then. Goblin 1, your name is Len!”

The goblin stood, its glowing eyes flashing brightly as it began twirling in what could only be described as a happy dance.

Nyx giggled. “I guess he likes it.”

“Undoubtedly,” Uriel said, his tone amused.

The second goblin tilted its head, its silver hollowed eyes fixed on Nyx expectantly.

Nyx crouched slightly to look at it more closely. “Your turn now… Hmm, what should I name you?”

She closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting again. This time, she remembered Ryu, one of the mischievous Aetherlings who had always pulled her away from her tasks to play.

“Nyx! Stop being so serious!” Ryu’s airy voice teased, his translucent form darting through the trees.

“I’m not being serious!” Nyx called back, laughing as she tried to catch him.

“Yes, you are! You’re always collecting herbs or studying with Len. Come on, chase me!” Ryu taunted, his red light flickering like a playful star as he disappeared into the forest.

The others' laughter joined in.

Nyx sighed but smiled as she finally gave in, running after him with a laugh.

Back in the room, Nyx smiled fondly. “Ryu…”

Uriel spoke gently. “It’s a perfect choice, Nyx.”

She nodded. “Alright then. Goblin 2, your name is Ryu!”

“Alright, Goblin 2, your new name is Ryu!”

The goblin immediately jumped to its feet, joining Len in a jubilant dance. Their swirling, shadowy forms rippled with energy, the faint silver streaks across their bodies glowing brightly as they celebrated their new identities.

Nyx clapped her hands, laughing. “Alright, you two, settle down!”

The goblins returned to kneeling positions, their glowing names now visible in Uriel’s interface:

< Len

Shadow Goblin

Strength: 50

Agility: 54

MP: 60

EXP: 10

Level: 1 >

< Ryu

Shadow Goblin

Strength: 50

Agility: 54

MP: 60

EXP: 10

Level: 1 >

Nyx studied the stats with interest. “They’re kind of weak, huh?”

For now,” Uriel replied. “But with training and experience, they will grow stronger, just as you will.”

Nyx’s grin turned mischievous. “Well then, let’s get started.”

She spent the next hour testing their abilities, giving them simple commands and observing their movements. Len was more focused, executing her orders with precision, while Ryu often added a playful flair to every action.

“Jump over there!” Nyx ordered.

Len leapt directly to the spot she indicated, landing silently. Ryu, on the other hand, did a spinning flip mid-air before landing with a dramatic flourish.

Nyx laughed. “You’re such a show-off, Ryu.”

The goblin tilted its head, letting out a low, guttural growl that almost sounded like a chuckle.

“You’ve done well with them, Nyx,” Uriel observed. “Their personalities seem to reflect the names you’ve given them.”

Nyx smiled proudly. “Len and Ryu… I think we’re going to make a great team.”

As her eyelids grew heavy, Nyx finally called it a night. “Alright, you two, return to my shadow.”

With a ripple of darkness, Len and Ryu dissolved into the inky blackness at her feet, vanishing completely.

Nyx climbed into bed, staring up at the faintly glowing runes etched into the ceiling. A sense of calm washed over her as she pulled the blanket close.

As she climbed into bed, Nyx stared at the faintly glowing runes on her ceiling, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

“Goodnight, Uriel,” she whispered.

“Goodnight, Nyx,” Uriel replied, his voice a steady comfort as she drifted off to sleep.