Back at the Glistening Timberlands, Eris and Benjamin continued to press on, despite a couple of hiccups along the way. A large orc holding a spiked club impeded their progress in the middle of their expedition. Eris did her best to fight it off while Benjamin waited on the back line, deciding his next course of action.

“Hey, Eris, is there anything I can do to help? Since, you know, you’re by yourself and all.”

“I can handle this,” Eris told him as she deployed a shield to block off a strike from the orc’s club.

“What? But I want to help.”

“Pilkons are not powerful creatures. They’re normally focused on magic and defensive boosting.”

“But then, how come Midoricha and Bridget could use offensive attacks?”

“I said normally, they can amplify it when making a Pilkon Pact.”

Benjamin’s eyes perked up. “Hey, does that mean—?”

“It only works for pure-blood Pilkon, which is something you’re not. Just focus on staying alive, alright?”

“Ok...” Benjamin muttered in defeat.

The orc smashed its way through Eris’ shield, shattering it‌. Eris did her best to dodge every attack without missing a beat. She ducked, rolled, and jumped off trees to slow it down until she landed on top of the club. She kicked the weapon in front of the orc, hitting its face as she backflipped to the ground.

The monster grew enraged after shaking most of the dripping blood from its face. It breathed fire on the club and spun it around. Eris ran around it, trying to avoid the ember. When it didn’t work, the orc breathed more fire toward Eris. She threw a magic blast to counter the fire. They went back and forth until they made a light explosion, prompting them to jump back.

Benjamin watched from behind a tree and exchanged glances between the two. He didn’t want to get in the way, but also didn’t want to sit back and let her do everything herself. He thought up an idea. While they’re distracted, Benjamin snuck up from behind the orc as it raised its weapon high.

“Hey, you!” He called out. The orc snapped around to find him from below. “Why not come and get me instead? I’m much easier to get. Look how small and powerless I am.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Huh, how clever. Eris smirked, watching the display unfold.

The orc swung at Benjamin, who zoomed and sidestepped the creature in a heartbeat.

“What’s the matter? Is that the best you can do?” Benjamin taunted. “I thought you were better than this.” The orc fumed and chased after the magician Pilkon.

While distracted, Eris used her magic to possess its club and smack the orc in the back of the head. Once Benjamin caught up with Eris, the monster stormed closer to the two as they got ready to fight. The bushes rustled from behind. A long, sharp tongue wrapped itself around the orc and pulled it into the bushes. Eris and Benjamin stepped back and covered their mouths and eyes as a liquid substance poured out from the bushes. Blood-curdling screams echoed through the area, then silence.

“What’s going on?” Benjamin whispered.

“I don’t know,” Eris whispered back. “But whatever the case, stay on guard.”

The duo made a ready stance as the bushes continued to rustle. Eventually, a small white creature with black beady eyes hopped out of the shrubbery.

“Wait, this thing?” Benjamin lowered his guard temporarily as he tilted his head and inspected the creature. “How can such—?”

“Keep in mind what I told you.”

“I know, but still, we should fight—” More of the little creatures hopped over, their beady eyes slowly turning white as they opened their mouths to reveal their sharp teeth and pointy tongues. Benjamin gulped as Eris made an aside glance at him. “...Or we can run. That works, too.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

The duo made a break for it as the small creatures chased them. Eris made sure not to trip while Benjamin maneuvered around branches and trees. He stayed at the front as Eris turned back to throw shadow spheres at the enemies. She clicked her tongue, noticing her magic did not affect the creatures or slow them down.

What’s going on? What could their weakness possibly be?

“Hey, what’s that up there?” Benjamin asked, looking up.

Bright lights emanated from above, hiding and shining in the trees. The creatures jumped back and hissed at the light before turning and hopping away.

Eris and Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief. They turned to thank their saviors, only to find something odd about them. Smaller humanoid creatures with wings on their backs flew over and threw the light orbs at the lanterns to light them up. They were used to prevent other monsters from entering their home uninvited.

“Are you, by chance, a Sprite?” Eris inquired.

“Of course.” One of them replied. “That was a close call. That road’s dangerous. Keep that in mind next time you visit.”

“Sorry, and thanks for saving us. We owe you.”

“It’s not a problem. In fact, Demi and Pilkon, we’ve been expecting you.”

“Expecting us?” Benjamin repeated.

Another Sprite nodded. “Do you know Scarlet?”

“Yes, she’s my familiar,” Eris replied.

The Sprites bowed before them. “Please follow us.” They insisted. “Welcome to The Glimmering Grotto.”