I wake with a start, beads of perspiration sticking to my skin, the memory of that horrific scene replays in my mind. The Demi-Human, mercilessly twisting the goblin's neck, the audible snap echoing through the air... it sends chills crawling down my spine, even as I shiver under my blankets.

The memories of last night come flooding back, and my thoughts turn to my conversation with Lucy. Her solemn warnings about the Demi-Humans' brutal hunting practices, targeting humans for sacrificial rituals, still ring fresh in my mind.

I lie there in a pondering silence, my attention diverting to the small yet significant presence within me – my mana core. Drawing deep within myself, I gently trace the essence of my mana as it courses through my body. With careful concentration, I send some of it swirling through my veins and sinews, trying to familiarise myself with its flow and control.

We had been traveling for roughly two days, and surprisingly enough, everything had been blissfully problem-free so far. It puzzled me a little – it all seemed a bit too good to be true, considering the dangerous nature of our surroundings. It didn't quite sit right with me.

I remain on high alert, my senses heightened as I diligently continue examining my mana. A nagging feeling of unease refuses to leave me, making me hyper-aware of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

I observe as Zoe approaches me, a cheerful smile on her face as she strides over, her hands held coyly behind her back.

She’s a young woman, slim yet athletic in build. Her black hair is currently tied back in a loose bun, with a few strands framing her face. She has a smattering of freckles across her nose and high cheekbones, which give her a youthful, spirited appearance.

Zoe finally reaches me and plops down beside me under the trees, her voice cheerful as she greets me. "Mornin', Bow Boy!"

I let out a small smile, amused by her playful nickname. "Mornin', Zoe," I reply.

Zoe looks lost in thought. So be both sit there in silence for a moment, before she breaks the tranquility. "You know, your brother's a bit of a player, ain't he?"

I can't help but chuckle at her comment, She has no idea.

Her gaze remains fixed on me, her voice laced with curiosity. "You're not the same, are you?"

I take a moment to reflect on my life prior to the System's arrival. "No," I reply, my tone soft yet firm. "No, I don't think I am."

I look at her now, and it strikes me just how beautiful she is. But there's something that nags at me – the feeling that her smile is often forced, a facade rather than genuine.

I realize that she has caught me staring at her, and she quickly speaks up, steering our conversation in a different direction. "Anyway," she inquires, her tone curious, "where are you from? Your accent is rather intriguing – I can't quite pinpoint it."

My reply comes out quietly, a hint of homesickness in my voice. "Australia,"

Her smile widens further, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I knew it!" she exclaims, her voice filled with delight. "I've always wanted to go and see the Opera House in person!"

Her bubbly demeanor remains as she shares more about herself. "I'm from Canada," she reveals, her voice chipper. "Vancouver, to be precise."

Despite her engaging presence, I start to feel fatigued from the conversation. "Oh, nice." I reply with a smile, trying to at least act polite.

She studies me closely, and seems to have noticed something. "Anyway," she says, her smile never faltering, "nice chat, Bow Boy. I'm going to go check on Jake."

I continue to sit there, idly toying with my mana and observing the rest of the group. Morning passes by as I remain in my spot, my thoughts drifting and my senses on high alert.

My gaze shifts to Lucy as she takes charge, barking out orders to the group. Everyone seems to defer to her leadership, she gives instructions to pack up our supplies and get ready to move on.

The journey is slow-paced as we trail along the rudimentary path leading towards Mala – the last remaining human city, as I now know.

I feel a sense of unease as if someone’s gaze is focused on me, making me squirm uncomfortably. I try to pinpoint the source of the unseen stares, my senses heightened and on edge.

I finally catch sight of Jane, walking a short distance behind me. She's fixated on my back, her gaze burning into me. I turn to her and speak. "Go to your parents."

Her head falls forward, hiding her face as she mutters something under her breath, likely assuming I can't hear her. But thanks to my heightened stats, I catch her words.

Her mumbles reach my ears: "I don’t have any..."

Ah shit. That was insensitive. Of course, there’s only like what. Twenty people out of the three hundred there used to be.

I offer her a gentle apology, my voice soft and sincere: "Sorry."

We continue walking in silence for a time, and eventually, Jane finds her way beside me as we march along the path.

I acknowledge that I'm not exactly a social butterfly. I'm grateful that it seems like Jane appreciates the quiet too. There's comfort in sharing this mutual understanding without needing words.

As we continue our trek, I had assumed the sensation of being watched originated from Jane, so I allowed myself to relax. It turned out to be a costly mistake – one I won’t repeat again.

The peaceful silence is shattered by a woman's horrifying scream as a wolf lunges at her, its rider perched upon its back. Panicked commotion ensues as the group attempts to react swiftly against the unexpected attack.

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The goblin rider, perched atop the wolf's back, swings at the woman, connecting with her head and knocking her violently to the ground.

Jane lets out a chilling scream, her voice snaps me out of my momentary paralysis. I shake off the initial shock and immediately spring into action.

"Stay beside me," I call out to Jane, readying myself for what lies ahead. My bow is nocked, the arrow poised and ready to fly.

More goblin riders surge from the cover of the forest, their vicious wolves attacking anyone within sight. Among them, a particularly enormous goblin emerges, his presence unmistakable. A pang of recognition hits me as I lay eyes on him.

It suddenly dawns on me – the realization hits hard. The goblins we had inadvertently led here when we escaped from the Demi-Human.

With determination coursing through my veins, I begin maneuvering through the chaos unfolding around us. Focusing my thoughts, I urgently search for Alex. Jane closely follows behind me, her small steps matching my frantic movements.

A goblin notices us, eyes narrowing as it spurs its wolf into a charge. With adrenaline pumping through my veins, I can feel my heart pounding within my chest. Instinctively, I channel mana through my body, preparing myself for the impending confrontation.

With my heart beating rapidly, I infuse my arrow with mana. My aim is true as I release the charged arrow, striking the goblin and causing it to fall off the wolf's back. Despite the goblin's fall, the wolf continues charging towards us relentlessly.

As I focus my mental energy, my mana circuit begins to awaken within me. A stream of mana courses through my body, building up until it becomes almost too much to contain. I can feel the immense power coursing through me like a wild river, threatening to overflow its banks.

The wolf lunges forward, teeth bared and jaws open wide, preparing to strike. Acting on instinct, I swiftly raise my bow to block, bracing for impact. The impact is solid as the wolf's jaws close around my bow with a loud crack, the wood straining under the force of the powerful jaws.

Fueled by the surge of mana coursing through me, my reflexes kick into overdrive. With a swift and powerful twist, I throw the fearsome wolf to the side, sending it crashing onto the forest floor.

Despite my bow protesting under the strain, I focus intently on nocking another arrow. With a powerful pull, I draw the string back, the bow creaking under the added stress. Without a moment's hesitation, I release the arrow, which flies straight and true, finding its target on the wolf, causing it to stay motionless on the forest floor.

Turning my attention to Jane, I see her face is ashen, her fear evident. I call out urgently, my voice steady yet commanding. "Quickly, follow me!"

My eyes scan the chaos around us until finally I spot Alex in the distance, battling a horde of goblins alongside Zoe, Asha, and Leah. Urgency fuelling my steps, I move swiftly, making my way towards him.

The air is filled with screams as the battle rages on all around me. I navigate through the chaos, pushing through the violence, my focus solely on reaching Alex.

As I draw closer, I witness a goblin swarming Leah. It thrusts its sharp dagger mercilessly, the motion rhythmic and brutal. Leah's screams are gut-wrenching, her defenceless form being mercilessly attacked.

Leah falls to the ground, her body weakening under the onslaught. Alex's eyes burn with fury as he witnesses the attack on her. His sword becomes a vengeful fury, cutting down goblin after goblin in a blind rage.

Asha drops to her knees beside her slain sister, grief and anguish etched on her face. She breaks down, tears streaming down her cheeks. Meanwhile, Zoe remains steadfast beside Alex, engaged in the brutal battle against the goblins, her own weapon slicing through the horde.

My eyes widen in horror as the enormous goblin emerges, a sinister cackling escaping its lips, “Try keep them alive. Master needs more blood.” The sound chills me to the bone, filling the air with an ominous presence.

I push myself forward with every fibre of my being, rushing towards my brother as quickly as possible. Goblins try to intercept me, but my arrows fly true, taking down one after another without hesitation.

The colossal goblin wields a massive mace, swinging it fiercely. Alex attempts to block the devastating blow, but the force of the attack knocks him to the ground. He crashes hard onto the earth, dazed and vulnerable.

Zoe tries to strike at the colossal goblin with her short sword, but the creature is undeterred. It swiftly kicks her in the chest, sending her flying backwards with a fierce impact. She lands heavily on the ground, the wind knocked out of her by the brutal attack.

I watch in horror as a wolf lunges at Zoe, clamping onto her leg and dragging her away into the dense foliage of the forest. Her screams of terror fill the air, echoing through the chaos of battle before disappearing into the trees.

My mind races with conflicting thoughts, torn between the urge to help Alex and the need to aid Zoe. But in a split second, my decision is made. Family comes first, and I turn my attention towards my brother, my loyalty steering me towards his side.

The big goblin's maniacal laughter fills the air, its sinister gaze turning towards me as I desperately battle through the onslaught of goblins attacking from all sides.

Alex springs back onto his feet, a look of determination etched on his face. He engages in a fierce exchange of blows with the burly goblin. Their clash is intense, each strike more powerful than the last. But suddenly, the goblin launches a brutal punch to Alex's face, sending him staggering backwards.

I freeze in terror as Alex crumples to the ground, his gaze meeting mine, a desperate plea etched on his face. His mouth forms a single word – “run” –

I take in the horrifying sight around me – the motionless bodies of villagers and goblins alike littering the ground, more goblins begin to arrive by the second, there wolves howling all around me. A knot forms in my stomach as the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on me.

I lock eyes with Jane, her fear etched across her face. The weight of responsibility settles on my shoulders, and without hesitation, I hoist her into my arms, with one last look at Alex’s crumpled form, I turn and sprint away from the chaos.

Respecting Alex’s command, I make the painful decision to retreat. Gripping Jane tightly, I plunge into the shadows of the forest, fading into the concealment of the trees.

Goblins and their ominous wolves charge after me, their feral growls and panting breaths echoing through the forest. But I move with a fluid grace, darting through the trees like a spectre.

With my bow in one hand and Jane securely held in the other, I push my body to its limit, dashing through the labyrinthine forest. My mana circuit comes alive, its rhythmic pulsations coursing through me like a steady heartbeat. Time seems to meld into a series of blurred images as I swiftly navigate the dense foliage.

With the forest now eerily silent, I cautiously scale a gigantic tree, finding refuge among its sturdy branches. My lungs heaving from the strenuous escape, I perch myself and wait, straining my ears for any sign of pursuit.

Jane's soft sobs fill the air, a painful reminder of the horrors we've just endured. Unsure how to offer solace, I remain silent, my own thoughts swirling within me like an unforgiving tempest.

I left him.

As the urge to turn back arises within me. My mind races, assessing the risks and realizing the futility of a return. There are far too many goblins waiting for us – going back would be suicidal. I clench my jaw, determination coursing through me.

With unwavering resolve, a firm decision solidifies within me. No matter what order my brother may have given, the desire to save him becomes paramount. The thought of abandoning him to whatever fate might await is unbearable. I set my jaw, my determination now an immovable force.

Just as I’m about to jump to the ground, my attention is drawn to a small hand tugging at my side, and I glance down to see the fear etched across Jane's face. In that moment, I'm struck by the realization – I can’t leave her alone, defenceless and vulnerable in this expansive, dangerous forest.

A pang of guilt and disappointment tugs at my conscience, mingled with a hint of self-hatred. I find myself torn between my duty to my brother and the need to protect Jane. Reluctantly, I remain where I am, cursing myself silently for the decision I've made.