The morning air was crisp as Louis, Betty, and Locob stood before the Adventurers' Guild, listening to the details of their new mission.
A guild official, a man with a thick beard and a serious expression, handed Louis a parchment with the details. "A high-risk target was sighted near the forest beyond the safe shield. However, several lower-ranked beasts have been acting strangely as well. Your mission is to investigate and eliminate any threats you encounter."
Louis skimmed through the parchment. "Understood. Any reports on what kind of beasts we're dealing with?"
The official nodded. "We've confirmed sightings of C and B-rank creatures, including Razor Wolves, Stoneback Boars, and possibly a Mad Goremane. Be cautious."
Betty smirked, adjusting her bow. "Sounds like a good training mission for our newbie."
Locob gulped. "You say 'training mission,' but those sound dangerous."
Louis clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You'll do fine. Just stick with us and follow our lead."
With their preparations complete, the trio stepped beyond the safe shield, entering the dense woodland where the beasts lurked.
---
First Encounter – The Razor Wolves
The deeper they ventured into the forest, the quieter it became. The usual sounds of birds and insects had faded, replaced by an eerie stillness.
Betty, walking ahead, suddenly raised a hand. "Stop."
Louis tensed. "What is it?"
She pointed toward the trees, where glowing red eyes were watching them from the shadows.
Then, a low growl rumbled through the air.
Three Razor Wolves emerged from the underbrush.
These beasts were C-rank creatures, known for their high-speed attacks and sharp, serrated fangs that could tear through armor. Their gray fur was matted, their claws clicking against the dirt as they slowly circled the group.
Betty nocked an arrow. "They're testing us."
One of the wolves suddenly lunged at Locob.
"Locob, dodge!" Louis shouted.
The young mage barely reacted in time, stumbling backward as the wolf's jaws snapped inches from his face.
Louis dashed in, slashing with his daggers. The wolf snarled as a deep gash opened along its side, but it wasn't enough to kill it.
Betty took aim and loosed an arrow, hitting the second wolf in the leg. It yelped but didn't fall.
The third wolf tried to attack from behind, but Louis used his newfound Analysis skill to anticipate its movement. His body moved on instinct. He spun, slashing upward—his dagger cut clean through the wolf's throat, dropping it instantly.
Locob, breathing heavily, raised his hands. He had to do something.
"Fireball!"
A small orb of green fire formed in his palms, and he hurled it toward the wounded wolf. The flames erupted on impact, consuming the beast in a burning explosion.
The last remaining wolf growled, baring its teeth—before suddenly turning and bolting into the woods.
Betty lowered her bow. "It's retreating?"
Louis frowned. "Something's off. Razor Wolves don't run unless they're seriously injured."
Locob wiped sweat from his brow. "That… that was intense."
Louis patted him on the back. "Good job, but stay sharp. We're not done yet."
---
A B-Rank Threat – The Stoneback Boar
After disposing of the wolf corpses and collecting their magic stones, the trio pressed on, deeper into the woods.
That's when they heard it—thunderous footsteps shaking the ground.
Then, a massive figure burst through the trees.
A Stoneback Boar, its hide covered in thick, rock-like armor, stomped into view. The beast's massive tusks curved like scimitars, its beady eyes locked onto them.
A B-rank monster.
Betty cursed. "That thing's gonna be tough to take down."
Louis tightened his grip on his daggers. "We have to be smart. Locob, you need to aim for its weak spots—try to heat its armor and make it brittle."
Locob nodded, swallowing his fear.
The boar snorted, then charged.
Louis dodged just in time, feeling the wind as the tusks grazed past him. The beast collided with a tree, snapping it in half like a twig.
Betty fired an arrow, aiming for the creature's eyes, but its thick hide made it difficult to penetrate.
Louis used Analysis again, scanning for a weakness.
---
Stoneback Boar (B-rank)
Defense: High (Weakness: Heated armor becomes brittle)
Speed: Moderate
Weak Spot: Underbelly
---
Louis smirked. "Locob, aim your fire magic at its back! Betty, when it lifts to attack, shoot its underbelly!"
Locob focused his mana, summoning a wave of green flames. The fire engulfed the boar's armor, causing cracks to form.
The boar roared in pain, its movement slowing.
Betty seized the opportunity—her arrow struck true, piercing the exposed flesh under its belly.
The beast collapsed, letting out a final huff before falling still.
They had won.
---
Aftermath and the Bigger Threat
As they caught their breath, Louis collected the magic stone from the fallen boar. It pulsed with energy, indicating its high rank.
Locob slumped onto the ground. "That was… insane."
Betty stretched, wiping sweat from her brow. "You handled yourself well, kid."
Louis stood, glancing around. "But something's not right."
Betty frowned. "What do you mean?"
Louis gazed toward the darker part of the forest. "The wolves were acting strange, the boar was unusually aggressive… Something is disturbing the balance here."
A deep, guttural growl echoed from the shadows.
Locob stiffened. "W-what was that…?"
Louis narrowed his eyes. "We might be dealing with something bigger than we thought."
To be continued…