Chapter 9 - Lost girl in the woods

Training with master has felt like a fever dream. We wake up at 06:00 eat breakfast then start training till noon, we eat lunch then train to dinner, sleep and repeat.

This has been going on for around two weeks now, and I feel my skills refine more then they ever have training by myself. Just analyzing master alone makes my skill feel like it's rising, add myself training on top of that... This amount of growth is crazy even for me.

My swordsmanship is still rank B but I feel with a few more weeks I will break through that barrier.

Today I won't be training though, It's the day of Sophia's return and I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world.

Lately I've found myself missing her more and more as the days pass us by, I feel as if we have become attached over the short year of meeting her.

I put the old Iron short sword I used when I was a toddler on my wait and headed out. I'm going to meet Sophy by her house to welcome her back with open arms.

As I make my way, I take my usual detour walking against the wall of trees surrounding the city.

Lately, I've noticed more and more goblins then usual. Although the wooden sword provides a huge boost to my training, I put it away when I leave the house. Using an actual blade makes dispatching these goblins way easier, I'm to the point where I can kill them in a single blow now.

As I'm lost in thought about my growth over the last few weeks, I hear screeching noises further into the forest along with a feminine scream.

I never actual entered the forest, this would be the first time. But I cant let someone die, when I'm able to help, I grip the hilt of my sword find my resolve and head in...

As I enter the forest, the whole atmosphere changed. The air is so thick with mana, It's almost suffocating to be inside.

The screams are getting louder, I need to hurry before its too late. I take off in a full sprint to the screams

I stop, the blood in my body runs cold as I see the situation in front of me. There's three goblins and another greenish-orange figure next to them standing double in size.

I look up and see the girl in the tree screaming as the goblins shake the tree to get her down.

I use analyze on the larger humanoid monster

Name: Hobgoblin Threat level: E Health: 50 Skills: D: Unarmed Abilities: B: Extreme Strength

*Gulp* sweat starts to form around my forehead

This will be my strongest enemy to date, lately my levelling has stopped drastically as I continue to fight Goblins. They just don't provide sufficient XP anymore to level, I look at my new prey and smile.

I walk up to the pack of monsters, with an unwavering expression on my face. As the goblins approach me, they lose their heads instantly as I let out a sigh of boredom. These monsters are below me, why should I even raise my sword if this is all the can present to me.

As I feel unsatisfied, I remember my fathers words when I killed my first goblin. This is what he meant when he said the greed of growth is more dangerous then the monsters, I grip my sword and shake my head. I can't be thinking like this, especially when this girls life is at stake...

The Hobgoblin notices it's pawns have been slayed, It turns and looks me in the eyes with rage.

Without a second thought it charges me, it almost looks like a raging bull with its head down running straight at me.

As I trace it with my eyes, I just think one thing.... Too slow

The monster might as well be standing still in my eyes, I quickly get behind it slashing through its shoulder relieving it of its right arm.

The monster lets out a loud battle cry before grabbing the air where its arm once was, then his whole body glows a yellow tint.

I guess this means the monster is finally going to get serious in this fight

While its speed hasn't improved, with every swing it throws leads to destruction. The ground, surrounding trees everything around it is getting pummeled. I only think if it used this before I arrived, this little girl would of been long dead.

I need to finish this before it makes it's way to her, as it charges me again I run at a tree behind me.

I wait for it to get closer, then I sprint at the tree using it to jump of and launch myself into the air towards the Hobgoblin. I'm now rotating in the air towards the monster with my sword held out. *CLINK*

My blade reaches the Hobgoblins neck, almost looking like there was no damage done at all the monster just stares at me. *Gulp* did that really do no damage? I'm severely confused

The monster prepares itself, and starts to run but something completely unexpected happened. As it took off, its head hit the ground, and it's body fell to the floor in front of it.

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{Well that was a delayed response} I giggle watching it fall helplessly

*+100 experience points*

*Level up*

"Gluttony" I quickly absorb the fallen Hobgoblin

*Skill acquired - D: Unarmed*

*Ability acquired - B: Extreme Strength*

{That was quite a haul for one kill} I think to myself, before I instinctively read my new ability I was interrupted

"H-hello mister, are you going to... kill me?" She said visibly shaking at my recent display of skill

"Huh?" I almost completely forgot she was there, I was so consumed in my battle.

As I answer her I start picking up the mana stones they all seem to be small earth stones. Even the one dropped from the Hobgoblin is just another small stone "Disappointing" I murmured under my breath

"No I actually came here to save you, what's your name?" I ask while walking over to the tree

"A...Abigail is my name, but please call my Abby!" She said calming down

"Well Abby, my name is Onyx. Here allow me to help you get down" I hold out my arms, signaling her to jump down

She doesn't hesitate, and falls into my arms

I can clearly tell she is in a weakened state, her arms are skinny and she almost looks like she's on the cusp of death

"This may be rude of me Abby, but have you eaten anything in the last week. You look sickly" I said with a serious tone

"I... No I haven't, I got lost in the forest after goblins killed my parents..." Tears start to fall down her cheeks as she grips onto me harder

"It's alright I got you Abby, please hold on to me. I need to make a quick stop to meet a friend, then I will take you to my house" I said while shuffling her onto my back

Its been around 10 minutes, not a word has been spoken but I can feel her completely limp. Her breath is getting lighter, as she enters a deep sleep.

{Wow she's out already, she must have been exhausted} "Don't worry I'll protect you from now on" I find my resolve to see it through to helping her

I reach the gate of Sophies house, later then I wanted to and ended up missing her arrival. But I'm sure she will forgive me as I explain everything...

I walk through the gate and knock on the door of Sophia's home

*Click* The door unlocks, revealing Mr. Godfrey as he opens it

"Hello Onyx, have you come to see Soph..." He stops talking as he sees the girl on my back

"I see.... Come in and quickly put her on the couch" He insisted me urgently

I'm confused I came to see Sophy but he must think it's for the girl on my back. Well this also works out in my favor

"I must ask you one question Onyx" He turned to me after I placed Abby on the couch

"Do you know she's an Elf? If people see her, they will try to capture and enslave her. You may also be put in danger hanging around this little girl" He said with a serious expression

She's an Elf? I had no idea as I didn't bother to analyze her in the forest. Even so be it Dwarf, Beast-kin, Elf or Demon I will protect anyone who needs my help.

"I understand, no matter who comes after her. I will protect her, even if I have to kill whoever tries" I stare him in the eyes, almost signifying he is no exception

*Gulp* Just who is this kid thought Godfrey.

"I'm happy to hear that Onyx, please keep that same resolve for my daughter as well" Godfrey smiles knowing Onyx is completely serious. It makes him happy that this boy will someday wed his daughter, she's in safe hands with him.

"Now please get Sophy, her room is down the hall on the left. I will tend to your friend until you return" Godfrey extends his palm, White light consumes Abby as her cuts and scratches begin to close instantaneously

I make my way down the hall and see a door completely painted pink, with a big sign saying "KEEP OUT"

I chuckle and start knocking on the door

"WHO IS IT?! Father I told you I was taking a nap" I can hear her pouty voice from the other side of the door.

"Sophy I missed you" I said from the other side

*Thump* It sounded like something fell to the floor, I hear shuffling going on inside for what felt like a minute

*Creak* Sophy opens the door, with bright red cheeks while wearing a wavy pink dress.

"Princess..." I said under my breath

Am I really falling for Sophy, as much as I deny it I cant help but fall in love. When she's not with me, I feel like a part of me is missing. And when she's around me I lose my sense of reason.... But we are too young still, there's plenty of time in the future to venture further into these feelings

{Did he just call me a princess...} Sophy is glowing a deep crimson

"S-stupid!" She starts wiggling around avoiding eye contact

Seeing her this way, it's just too cute. I quickly grab her shoulder "I've missed you Sophy, but we have a problem please follow me"

She meets my eyes and nods, we head to the living room.

As we enter I see Abby start to sit up, visibly shaken she looks around the room frantically. Her eyes lock onto me and she calms down, while still breathing heavily

"Welcome back to the land of the living" Said Godfrey while patting her head

"Thank you for healing her!" I exclaimed then I saw Abby she still looks so frail and her lips are completely chapped almost cracking.

Sophy sees her and immediately runs over to her. {With a little bit of food, she's gonna be a tough competitor} Sophy lost in thought, just blankly staring at Abby.

"U-uh is she okay?" asked Abby awkwardly

"hahaha" Laughed Godfrey as he realized what was going on. He turns to me once he finished laughing

"Onyx are you taking her to your home? If you want I have an extra room here, and I don't mind taking care of her" Godfrey looks at the two girls staring at each other

"Sophy you don't mind?" I ask hesitantly

Sophy comes back to reality and gets embarrassed at the display she just showed

"I-i... don't mind if she lives here..." Sophy said hesitantly, but how can she let her jealousy jeopardize this girls safety. {You know, I could use a friend that's a girl} thought Sophy

"Okay its settled then" Godfrey claps his hands then looks at Abby "Little lady it looks like you will be living here with me and Sophy, do you have any questions?" He looked at her awkwardly

"I... I want to be with Onyx" She cried breaking eye contact with Godfrey and looking directly at me

"It's okay Abby, I promise to hang out with you every day okay!" I said comforting her

After 10 minutes of crying, she finally agreed to stay with Sophy and Godfrey. That's a burden off my shoulders having to explain that to my parents, but it would of been nice to have another person in the house. Its been increasingly lonely now that only me and Ricky are left, but Ricky will be departing for the capital in 6 months...

As I'm lost in thought, I just see hands waving in front of my face

"HELLOOOO, Gaia to Onyx, are you there?!" Godfrey clearly getting annoyed

"Huh... Oh yes sorry I was lost in thought" I smiled awkwardly

"It's getting dark, and I still need to get Abby's room situated. Please head home, you can come back tomorrow" Godfrey said in a demanding tone, as if saying I'm overstaying my welcome

"Y-yes sir, I understand. Please take care of her for me!" I head for the door, but not before turning around to look at Sophy

"Sophy... I'm glad your back, see you tomorrow" I walk out into the night and make my way home

Name: Abigail Race: Elf

Age: 6

Level: 2 Health: 18 Mana: 23 Stamina: 8 Intelligence: 23 Strength: 8 Agility: 18 Luck: 18 Abilities: S: Spirit Magic, A: Child of the Forest Skills: E: Blessing of Water Spirit, E: Blessing of Fire Spirit, F: Blessing of Earth Spirit, F: Blessing of Wind Spirit