The early morning mist clung to Ravenspire’s cobbled streets as Felix made his way to the guild hall, his nerves buzzing with anticipation. He’d never been part of an official team before—let alone for a real mission. After weeks of basic training, he felt a mix of excitement and unease, each step bringing him closer to the unknown.

“Felix!” Braxton’s voice boomed, calling him over. Standing beside him were three adventurers, each with an aura of experience and grit that instantly put Felix on edge.

“Meet your new team,” Braxton said with a proud grin. “They’ll be your mentors in this venture. Pay close attention.” He gestured to each of them. “This is Lina, Tarek, and Maris.”

A woman with a lean build and a mischievous glint in her eye stepped forward first. “Name’s Lina,” she said, offering a firm handshake. Her sharp gaze held a hint of a smile. “Scout and part-time pest controller.”

“Good to meet you,” Felix replied, nodding. Lina wore light armor that seemed both durable and flexible, and a pair of short blades rested on her hips, gleaming faintly even in the morning fog.

Next was Tarek, a man built like a fortress. His square jaw and stoic expression made him look as immovable as the steel blade strapped to his back. “Tarek,” he said, his handshake brief but crushing. “Frontline. Stick close, and try to keep up.”

Felix barely had time to steady himself before the last of the trio introduced herself. Maris, clad in dark mage’s robes, observed him with a quiet intensity. Her hands glowed faintly with an aura of energy that Felix could sense even without her casting a spell. “Maris,” she said, inclining her head. “I’ll be covering us with magic. Just… try to avoid the fire.”

Felix chuckled nervously, feeling both out of place and invigorated. “Noted. I’ll do my best not to get in the way.”

Braxton nodded, slapping Felix on the back. “They’ll be guiding you through this mission. Listen, learn, and keep your eyes open.”

The team departed from Ravenspire alongside a small caravan of merchants, their carts laden with goods and supplies. The merchants had hired the guild for extra protection, as the road led through lands known for goblin raids and wild beasts. Felix took in the details of the entourage as they set off—a mix of horses, a few pack animals, and sturdy wooden wagons creaking under the weight of trade goods.

The caravan’s leader, a portly man with a greying beard, walked with a slight limp but an air of authority. Beside him, two guards in simple leather armor flanked him, each armed with spears and short swords. Felix noted the way they kept their hands close to their weapons, eyes scanning the horizon.

“This is a serious group,” he muttered, half to himself.

Lina overheard and chuckled. “Merchants aren’t known for taking chances. The leader’s named Berron—been around these parts for decades, or so he claims. Those two guards are his regulars, and the man takes pride in keeping them sharp.”

A small group of attendants, cooks, and handlers walked alongside the wagons, each one moving with practiced efficiency. Felix watched as they checked harnesses, patted down the horses, and occasionally exchanged quiet words with the guards. He could tell this was a seasoned crew, well-prepared for a long journey.

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“Keep your eyes open, Felix,” Tarek said, his voice a low rumble. “Anything can happen out here, even when things seem calm.”

After hours on the road, the caravan halted near a riverbank just before dusk, the gentle flow of water offering a refreshing change from the dusty path. The team set up camp, and Felix found himself working alongside the merchant’s entourage to gather firewood, pitch tents, and prepare a simple meal. The smell of roasted meat and herbs soon filled the air as one of the cooks tended to a small fire, his movements precise and efficient.

Lina caught Felix’s eye as she sharpened her blades by the fire. “So, new kid, what brought you to Ravenspire?”

Felix shrugged, sitting down on a log. “Fate, I guess. I just… ended up here.” He hesitated before adding, “I wasn’t exactly looking for adventure.”

Tarek snorted from across the fire, his armor casting shadows on the ground. “That’s usually how it starts. Not everyone’s born with a sword in hand.”

Maris gave him a half-smile. “Or a spellbook.”

Felix grinned, feeling more comfortable as the banter continued. The other guards and attendants joined in the conversation, sharing tales of past journeys and encounters with creatures Felix hadn’t even imagined. They spoke of goblins, sure, but also whispered of creatures that lurked in the forests—creatures with eyes that glowed in the dark, and claws that could tear through steel.

Berron, the merchant leader, approached with a steaming mug in hand. “Here, lad,” he said, handing it to Felix. “Nothing like a good brew to settle the nerves.”

Felix took a sip, the warmth spreading through him. “Thanks. This is… actually pretty nice.”

Berron chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’ll need all the warmth you can get, lad. The road isn’t as forgiving as it seems.”

Just before dawn, as the camp stirred awake, a shrill scream echoed through the trees, sending a shockwave of panic through the group. Felix jolted upright, heart pounding, as shadows darted toward them from the forest’s edge.

“Goblins!” one of the guards shouted, brandishing his spear.

Felix scrambled to his feet, grabbing his staff as the goblins charged. Their twisted, scrawny forms moved with an eerie speed, their eyes glinting with malice. Lina and Tarek were already in formation, blades drawn, as Maris began chanting under her breath, gathering mana into a swirling orb of fire.

“Stick close to me!” Tarek barked, swinging his sword in a wide arc as a goblin lunged at him.

Felix took a steadying breath, positioning himself behind Tarek as he watched the goblins’ chaotic advance. One of them broke through, rushing him with a makeshift dagger raised high. Felix dodged to the side, bringing his staff down with a sharp crack against the goblin’s arm, sending it reeling backward.

Maris released her spell, a ball of fire that shot into the goblin ranks, exploding in a burst of flames. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, and Felix felt a mix of horror and grim satisfaction as he saw the goblins hesitate, fear flashing in their eyes.

> “Focus!” Lina’s voice cut through his thoughts. “They’ll take advantage of any distraction!”

Another goblin leapt at him, claws outstretched, and Felix barely managed to block its attack, feeling the impact reverberate up his arm. The creature snarled, trying to claw past his guard, but Felix twisted his staff, knocking it off balance before delivering a swift jab to its gut. The goblin crumpled to the ground, wheezing.

The camp fell quiet as the last goblin fell, its body slumping onto the grass. Felix’s hands trembled as he wiped his brow, his pulse slowly returning to normal. Around him, the others were catching their breath, their faces grim but satisfied.

Berron approached, nodding in gratitude. “You lot just saved our skins. I owe you more than a drink.”

Lina sheathed her blades, a smirk playing on her lips. “Just doing our job, Berron. But we’ll take that drink anyway.”

Felix chuckled, the tension slowly easing from his body. Maris walked over, handing him a small vial of salve.

“Here,” she said, her tone softer than usual. “You did well out there. But take care of those bruises.”

Felix took the salve, nodding. “Thanks, Maris. I… couldn’t have done it without you all.”

Tarek clapped him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. “You held your own, kid. Just remember—stay close and don’t hesitate.”

He nodded, absorbing their advice and feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the salve or the fire. He had been part of something today, something real and grounded. For the first time, he felt like he belonged.