Chapter 41

As I wandered back through to the crafting area, the sounds of clanging metal and the soft crackle of the forge reached my ears. I spotted Corwin immersed in his work, a focused determination on his face as he assembled communication devices. The sight brought a bittersweet pang to my heart.

Part of me wanted to approach him, to share in his enthusiasm and pride, but another part held me back. Guilt twisted in my stomach, weighing me down like a lead anchor. He was thriving, leveling up and reclaiming his agency, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that I was responsible for the turmoil he had just faced and was sure to continue to suffer.

I watched as he moved with confidence, the way he carefully pieced together each device, and a small flicker of admiration sparked within me. It was clear he was making progress, but I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, a specter haunting his accomplishments.

He looked so at ease, his brow furrowed in concentration. A notification flashed before him, and I caught the smile that spread across his face as he received the acknowledgment of his level-up. I felt a pang of envy mixed with pride, wishing I could bask in that glow alongside him.

But instead, I remained on the fringes, a silent observer. I couldn’t shake the nagging thoughts swirling in my mind—thoughts of Jessica and her unnamed sponsor. They became shadowy figures lurking around my consciousness, and the deal she had dangled in front of me like a carrot. The weight of my decisions pressed heavily on my shoulders, making it hard to breathe.

As I stood there, watching Corwin interact with the other settlers, I felt an overwhelming urge to find Felix and comfort him. Yet, my own insecurities held me back, whispering doubts that tangled with my feelings of guilt. What if I was no longer the person he needed? What if I had ruined everything?

With a heavy heart, I turned away, seeking solace in the shadows of the crafting area. I moved to a quieter corner, hoping the distance would ease the ache in my chest. The vibrant chatter of the settlers around me faded into a dull hum, blending into the background noise of my internal turmoil.

The isolation I felt was suffocating, a reminder of the bonds I feared were slipping through my fingers. As I leaned against a wooden post, I caught sight of Felix laughing with another settler, the sound light and carefree. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a future where I could be vulnerable and truly connect with him, but the vision quickly darkened as reality crashed back in.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I needed to be strong, to help and get back in the good graces of the people of Galene. But how could I do that when I felt so lost myself?

As I opened my eyes again, I watched Felix for a moment longer, my heart heavy with longing and regret. It was time for me to confront my fears and decide how to move forward, for both of our sakes.

I just hoped that when I did, it wouldn’t be too late.

As I stood lost in thought, a familiar whirring sound broke through the haze of my worries. Byte zipped back into view, his feline frame reappearing as he rubbed between my legs. Relief washed over me at his return, but that feeling was quickly replaced by a sense of urgency in his movements.

“Byte!” I exclaimed, crouching down to greet him. He beeped excitedly, his LED eyes flashing in what I interpreted as a mix of joy and urgency.

He paused for a moment, then projected a small holographic image of a map, complete with blinking dots marking different locations. I squinted at the screen, trying to decipher his intentions. “What’s this?” I asked, my heart quickening as I recognized a familiar clearing—the place where we had killed the orc.

Byte flashed one of the dots emphatically beeping insistently. “You know where Jackie is?” I asked, my voice rising with hope. He nodded vigorously, and I felt a surge of excitement.

“Okay, lead the way!” I said, pushing off from the wooden post and following Byte as he zipped ahead, guiding me through the camp.

As we left the crafting area, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The lingering guilt about Corwin faded momentarily as I focused on finding Jackie. Maybe I could help both of them today.

Byte led me through winding paths, each step bringing us closer to the clearing. As we ventured deeper into the forest, I kept my eyes peeled for any herbs or crafting materials along the way. My mind began to drift back to the new designs for engineering and ways to enhance our lives.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Suddenly, Byte stopped abruptly, drawing my attention to a patch of vibrant green leaves shimmering in the dappled sunlight. I knelt down to inspect them. “These could be useful for Susan,” I muttered to myself, gathering a handful of the herbs.

Elysian Leaf

Rarity: Uncommon

Description: A vibrant green herb with delicate, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. When brewed into a tea, it enhances focus and mental clarity, granting a temporary boost to intelligence.

As I continued to collect, Byte darted off again, leading me toward a small cluster of stones partially obscured by foliage. I knelt beside them, revealing a cache of shimmering crystals nestled among the rocks.

Transmutation Alloy:

Rarity: Rare

Description: A special blend of metal that can change properties based on the holder’s will, allowing for versatile applications.

“Oh, good find Buddy! These will be perfect for crafting!” I exclaimed, finding as many as I could and carefully stowing them away in my bag.

Byte chirped happily, encouraging me as we moved forward. With each new find, my spirits lifted. The combination of the herbs and metal felt like a fresh start, a chance to create a peace offering.

We followed the trail of herbs and crafting materials off our path briefly when we stumbled upon a small clearing, and my heart quickened at what lay before us—a cache of glittering items scattered among the fallen leaves. I cautiously approached, my breath catching in my throat as I took in the scene. Crystals of various sizes twinkled in the dappled sunlight, their colors shifting as I moved closer. Tools with worn handles and glinting metal lay partially hidden in the underbrush, their potential whispering promises of creation and innovation. There were even remnants of an old device, something that looked like it could be repurposed into a new gadget. I began identifying things:

Durable Work Tools

Rarity: Common

Description: A set of tools, including hammers, chisels, and pliers, all showing signs of wear but still sturdy. Ideal for engineering and crafting tasks, they’ll assist in the construction of new devices.

Mystic Alloy Shards

Rarity: Rare

Description: Fragments of a unique metal that can change properties based on the user’s intent. Perfect for creating weapons or armor that adapt to their wielder.

“Did we have this cache on our map Byte?” I whispered, glancing down at my robotic companion, who seemed equally intrigued. He shook his head his sensors scanning the area as I knelt to examine the closest shard, its facets catching the light in a dazzling display.

But before I could reach out and grasp one of the shimmering shards, a rustle from the underbrush behind me sent a shiver down my spine. Instinct kicked in, and I grabbed my new blade as I turned just in time to see a group of goblins burst into the clearing, their beady eyes gleaming with mischief and malice.

Goblin

Level: 11

Description: A highly volatile cannibalistic race. Goblins tend to fight with any other enlightened race. They believe eating the brains of other enlightened species will further their evolution.

“Look what we have here!” cackled the leader, a level 12 goblin, brandishing a crude dagger that glinted ominously in the dappled sunlight. “Fresh meat!”

“Byte, get ready!” I shouted, my heart racing as I quickly assessed our surroundings. The clearing had limited escape routes, and the thick trees surrounding us which I originally thought could provide cover was currently trapping us in. Panic threatened to bubble up inside me, but I steeled myself, forcing my mind to focus.

The goblins advanced, their crude weapons raised, snarling and jeering at us. I gripped the hilt of the neon arc blade, my thumb poised to activate it. “I don’t want any trouble,” I warned, my voice steady despite the anxiety churning in my stomach. “We can share whatever this is.”

“Share?” another goblin sneered, lunging at me with a wild swing of his dagger. I barely dodged in time, adrenaline surging through my veins as I spun to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade.

With a fierce resolve, I swung my energy sword, my thumb depressing the button mid-swing. The blade hummed to life, shining a brilliant blue as it cut the goblin’s dagger in half with a satisfying hiss.

“Byte, now!” I yelled, urging my companion to assist. He sprang into action, darting forward with surprising speed. He lunged at the nearest goblin, clamping down with his powerful jaws. With a sickening crunch and a spray of gore, he finished off the goblin in one swift bite.

You have successfully defeated level 11 Goblin.

The remaining goblins hesitated, momentarily impressed by the brutal display. The goblins began cheering and what they lacked in durability I realized as I looked around, they more than made up for in numbers. Two dozen goblins began to close in on us.

“Get her!” The leader shouted, rallying his comrades, who began chanting, “Eat her. Eat her.”

I tightened my grip on the neon arc blade, ready for the next wave of attackers. “Byte, discharge” I commanded. I knew I had to stay agile and focused. The battle erupted around us, chanting and screaming filling the clearing as the goblins advanced, and I prepared to defend myself, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The only thought running through my head was, Felix was right.