The Secret of the Village Hidden in the Forest Part 1

Our first job will be to take care of a group of bandits who most likely have high-ranking adventurers and save the members of the party that went before us in case they are still alive. I didn't expect that my first quest would be to face against other adventurers, but for some reason, I'm not nervous. I also have the experience of when the group of bandits attacked my village some time ago. When I turn to see my friends, they don't show nervousness either and on the contrary, their expressions reflect enthusiasm.

"I recommend that you leave before noon. That way, you can reach one of the villages that are on the road before nightfall." Elina spoke, "Also if you need transportation, you can rent one of the guild carriages for five silver coins."

"How far is the place we have to go? "I asked.

"Let me show you," Elina said to later walk to one of the walls of the guildhall, where there was a large map on the wall. Pointing with her finger, she showed us, "The place you have to go is five days from here by carriage. The village that was attacked is called [Yarrin]."

The map is well detailed. It shows the capital [Riledo], which is also how the human territory is named. Asides from that, the other three important cities are also there; [Tristanis], [Oidao], and [Toterra].

If it will take us five days to arrive, that means we will be away for at least two to three weeks. I wonder if I can get back before my mother arrives.

Well, I guess we'll have to rent the carriage to make the trip easier after all. If each one puts in a silver coin, it will be enough to cover the cost. After shopping yesterday, I am almost out of money. It will be a great relief to receive the reward from this quest. Mmmm... let's see, the minimum number of members required for this quest is five people, but it doesn't mean that only five people can go. If Sophie and Ari go with us, we will receive almost thirty-three silver coins each, divided among six.

"Huh? By the way, where is Sophie?" I asked after realizing that she wasn't here.

"She left the city this morning on a quest." Elina replied.

"WHAT? So soon?" Ryul yelled.

"A party was looking for a healer to accompany them on a quest." Shalia replied, "They asked Sophie, and she agreed."

"Healers are scarce, therefore, they are always in demand," Elina added. "By the way, Gerald also joined a group and left shortly after Sophie."

"He too!? I-I see."

"HELL NO!" Ryul instantly replied, "Come on, guys! We have to hurry. They won't leave us behind."

I had already noticed that Ari was more quiet than usual and kinda sad, and most likely, it is because Sophie left without her. The two are always together, after all. Without Sophie and Gerald, we are exactly five, hence it will be enough to do the quest. Each one of us returned to their room to prepare. I took my swords and put on the ring that Syvis gave me. I put on a light armor that doesn't weigh much and doesn't limit my movements, which I also bought while shopping with Syvis yesterday. I packed the rest of my things in my magic bag and left my room, and before noon we left [Riledo] after renting the carriage on the way to our first quest.

The carriage is a little different from the one that brought me to the city for the first time. It is more spacious and pulled by two horses. Ryul and I took turns to lead the horses while Shalia guided us, considering she has the map. Ari, for her part, is in a corner, still crestfallen and Leona to my surprise, came out to sit next to me while I held the reins of the horses.

Leona was silent for a while in her usual stance with her arms crossed and her eyes closed. She is wearing a new armor too. Unlike mine, she is wearing an orange-colored armor that covers a large part of her body, and that in my opinion fits well with her hair color. Her shield and her sword are the same. I imagine that her budget was not enough for more.

"Darx, I'm sorry about what happened in your village. I heard from Ryul that it was completely destroyed," Leona told me breaking the silence.

"It was really unfortunate, but the important thing is that my mother is fine."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Leona has also changed a bit since I first saw her. Before it was almost impossible to establish a conversation with her, and she always seemed to be in a bad mood. Fortunately, now that we know each other better, she has more trust in us, and it is easier to have these little conversations.

"And how is your family?" I asked her, "Have you been in contact with them?"

"Yeah, they are fine." She said with an almost unnoticeable smile.

"I remember you mentioned that you have a younger sister. Is she also planning to become an adventurer?"

"Humm, that is her plan. At the moment, she is training and in two years, she will be old enough to take the ritual." Leona said while looking at the sky, "I need to have enough money to bring my parents too when my sister comes to [Riledo] to take the ritual."

"It's normal; I imagine you miss them."

"It is not only that."

"Eh?"

"In [Riledo], even though there is a lot of discrimination, it doesn't compare to [Tristanis], especially with the Beast-Kind. Unlike [Riledo], where there are people of all races, in [Tristanis] most of them are only human. Someone of another race stands out a lot more. It's not safe for my family, and that's why I want to bring them to the capital."

Reading being my hobby, I have read a lot and enough about history to know that even in these times there are many scars that don't heal. After the great war against the demons, the alliances were broken, and seeing the very weak state in which the humans were, the Beast-Kind tried to invade the human territory. The humans managed to resist the attack thanks to the hero Riledo, who was also the one who led the army attack against the demon's invasion, however, he lost his life in the war against the Beast-Kind. The human capital was even named after him in his honor. Many years later, the humans tried to invade the Beast-Kind territory too but failed, and since then, both races have been in constant conflict.

Shortly before dark, we arrived at a village that was on the road, as Elina said.

"We're finally here!!" Ryul yelled with joy, "My ass hurts from sitting in the carriage all day. I'm dying for delicious food and a bed."

"Do we have the money for that?" Shalia asked.

"Uh?"

We were all watching each other to see if someone offered to pay, however, we quickly realized that we were all poor. After renting the carriage, I only have one silver coin left for the whole trip.

"I guess we'll have to camp," I said in a discouraging tone.

We went to the outskirts of the village, near a river. Thanks to Syvis, I have everything I need to spend the night out. Having little time before night, we divided some tasks. While Leona and I prepared where we would sleep, Shalia and Ari fed the horses, and in the meantime, Ryul collected firewood for a campfire. Once everything was ready, we gathered around the campfire to eat some bread that we brought.

"All we have to eat is bread?" Ryul asked gloomily.

"We should have hunted something on the way," Ari replied, "You guys have no idea how to live outside." She continued, raising her head like she was proud.

"If you knew, why didn't you tell us before?" Ryul asks her angrily, "That you were a skilled hunter seems like a lie to me now."

"S-Shut up! I-I was not in my best state of mind."

"Ohh... it's true, Sophie abandoned you, right!?" Ryul continued while laughing machiavellically.

"Take back what you said!" Ari replied by standing up and pulling her kunai.

"Stop fighting!" Shalia intervened, "Today, we learned a good lesson, so not everything is bad. From now on, we know what we have to do. Instead of fighting, why we don't take a bath in the river. Even though it is the night, it is still warm and the water from the river will be refreshing, Okay!?" Shaila said addressing Ari and Leona.

Moments later, Shaila, Leona, and Ari headed towards the river, but before that, Shalia turned to see us and said with a threatening smile, "No peeping!"

"O-Okay..." Ryul and I responded simultaneously.

"Ryul, if I see you near the river, I'll cut your balls." Ari said too before leaving.

While the girls were at the river, Ryul and I stayed at the campfire. I was looking at the map to see tomorrow's road when Ryul called me in a low voice.

"Hey... Darx... d-don't you think we should take a look? M-Maybe the girls need help, hehe! There might be a pervert spying on them you know... and it's our responsibility to make sure that doesn't happen, hehe!"

"The only pervert here is you." I said while drinking my water.

"Come on, man!! Don't tell me you're not curious. Looking at three beautiful ladies taking a bath is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Are you not afraid of what Ari said? I don't think she was joking."

Ryul's face went pale, and he instinctively covered his crotch area, "M-Maybe you're right..." He said to later sit down.

Thanks to my good hearing, I can hear them laugh from here. W-What are they doing? Because of Ryul, I am having strange thoughts.

Sometime later, the girls returned, and after having a chat, we went to sleep. We decided to leave someone up and take turns. After all, we are near the forest, and monsters can appear. Besides that, there may be thieves and we have to be careful with the horses. The first turn will be taken by Ryul, followed by Leona and then me.

I remember seeing the sky full of stars before closing my eyes, then when I opened them again, I found myself in the dark place which I'm already used to. Looking straight ahead was Ophelia's silhouette; kneeling on the ground with her hands at her sides held high by what appear to be chains. It makes me feel bad to see her like this every time I'm in this place-specially when I don't come for many days.

"Ophelia!" I called her. After waiting for her response and hearing nothing, I called her again, "Ophelia, can you hear me?" After not hearing an answer, I tried to get closer, but it is impossible because of the strange invincible barrier that don't let me get closer, "OPHELIA!"

(D-Darx...) Finally, she answered me in a weak voice.

"Are you okay? I thought something had happened to you because you weren't answering me."

(Well, I'm getting weaker by the day. My conscience disappears at times however, being in this place, I have no idea for how long I lose awareness)

"It's only been a couple of weeks since I was here."

(I see... It's not that long time. I can see that you are stronger now)

How I wish I could help her, however, the only thing I can do at the moment is to become stronger. Only in that way, our connection will be stronger, and maybe that way I can find her.

"If you are well, I would like to continue with the training." I said.

(Of course! And I can feel you have new abilities)

"Yes! In fact, now that I am a C-Rank, I should be able to use two different magic elements. I'd like help with that."

(You can use water magic already, but before we start, do you already know, what is the other element you want to specialize in? That is something you have to decide by yourself)

Unlike any other adventurer that their magical element to which they are compatible is selected in the ritual. I can choose the elements that I want to focus on. My first element was water and now that my rank is higher, I can use one more. The question is, which element should I choose?

(I see you have trouble deciding. Take your time. Remember that once you make the decision, there is no going back)

Ophelia is right. I have to think about which element feels good to me and fits better with the skills I already have.

Early in the morning, we were on our way once again. The next few days, on the way to the village of [Yarrin], we survived by camping and hunting what we could on the way, while I kept thinking about what magic element to focus on. In general, the road was peaceful, yet we had to deal with some giant wolves that did not give us many troubles. Thanks to the materials we got from their bodies, we were able to exchange them for two fishing rods in one of the villages we passed through. Now we can also fish on the way if we find a river or lake.

Two nights before reaching our destination, I met Ophelia once again; already having an answer.

"I would like to learn wind magic."

(Wind!? What made you make that decision?)

"I heard on one occasion in the castle that wind magic has many spells that you can use on yourself to strengthen yourself or make yourself faster. Since I depend a lot on my melee skills, I think wind magic will help me a lot."

(If that is what you decided, I will help you with what I can)

On the fifth day, near sunset and almost reaching the place where the map marks the village is located, we saw a girl, who was walking in the opposite direction. The girl, after seeing our carriage, began to scream and wave her arms trying to get our attention.

As we stopped in front of her, she quickly walked towards us, "HELP! PLEASE HELP!" She screamed to then fall to the ground.

Shaila quickly got out of the carriage to help her, "Are you okay? What happened?" Then she started using [Whispering Dawn] on the girl. Which is her healing spell.

The girl is not seriously injured, but she has a couple of bruise marks on her face, and she appears to be exhausted.

"Who are you? Can you tell us what happened?" I asked the girl.

"I am from the village that is near here following this path. A-A group of bandits arrived a few days ago, they... they killed the guards and since then, they have robbed us, they have kidnapped us. They won't let us leave the village. I-I managed to escape to ask for help. Please help us! My family and everyone in the village is in danger!"

"Don't worry," Shalia told her, "We are adventurers and we are here to help you."

"A group of adventurers came before us. Do you know what happened to them? Leona asked her.

"Y-Yes, A few days ago, a group of adventurers tried to help us, but... they couldn't win against Borak and the hooded wizard."

"Borak and the hooded wizard? Did they kill them?" Ryul asked.

"I saw them fight in the village, and I saw how Borak killed two of them. They were moving around a lot and I don't know what happened next. They kept fighting while trying to escape into the forest and then I-I don't know what happened next. Nevertheless, the adventurers did not return."

It has been several days since the other group of adventurers faced the bandits and from what the girl told us there is little chance that they are still alive. It seems that there are at least two high-ranking adventurers. In theory, we should have the advantage, if the rest of the bandits are normal or low-ranking people.

"Can you tell us about Borak, who is he?" I asked.

"Borak... He seems to be the leader. He stays with several girls from the village where the village chief used to live. I don't even want to imagine what's going on in there."

"Asshole! We won't be able to do anything by staying here doing nothing." Ryul spoke up, "We're close, aren't we!? Let's go take care of those idiots."

"W-Wait, Didn't you hear what I said? Borak and his group of thugs are very strong. If you go, you will end up like the other group of adventurers. We better ask for help... If we tell what happened in the city, maybe they can send more guards. I... I had enough of this." The girl spoke anguished and ultimately broke into tears.

"What is your name?" Shalia asked the girl.

"My name is Julia."

After hearing her name Shaila continued, "Julia, the closest city is five days from here. While we go and come back it may already be too late for the villagers. Also, at this moment, almost the entire army is in another place dealing with an incident that happened in another place. They don't have people to spare right now."

"T-Then what should we do?" Julia asks with tears in her eyes.

"We may not seem like it, but we are high-ranking adventurers." Shalia answered, "We are part of Midnight Dawn guild, so you can trust us."

"Midnight Dawn!? I've heard of that guild. It is one of the three great guilds."

"That's right! We are the best of the best!" Ryul said confidently.

"B-But wait, still you can't go like this."

"Now what?" Ari said in an irritated tone, "Didn't you hear what they told you!? You can count on us."

"It's not that. After the other group tried to stop them, the bandits took hostages and took them to another location. They told us that if we tried to do something they would kill them. My mother is among the hostages. I don't want to put her in more danger."

Did they take hostages to another place? I don't understand, what is the purpose of these bandits? The bandits that attacked my village just seemed to be looking for everything of value and tried to get out as fast as possible. It seems that this group of bandits plan to stay in the village for a long time, but why?

"If what the girl says is true, we cannot risk entering the village through the main entrance and starting a frontal confrontation," Leona spoke.

"Leona is right," Shalia agrees, "We cannot put the hostages at risk."

"Then what do we do?" Ryul asked.

"We need to find where the other hostages are kept before we can do anything," I reply.

But how will we find where they have them? The village is surrounded by forest and it is not an area that any of us know. I imagine there is a great density of monsters in the surroundings as well. If we are not careful, we run the risk of running into one, and if we are **** to fight, that will alert the bandits.

"I can take care of that!" Ari spoke, "I can move silently through the forest and I'm a great tracker. I don't think they took the hostages very far from the village considering the area."

"Will you be okay?" Ryul asked.

"Don't worry about me, it's creepy!"

"If you need help I could..." Shalia tried to tell Ari before she cut her off.

"No offense, but for this type of work, I prefer to go alone."

"I see... Then please, be careful!" Shalia reply.

"Julia, could you help us enter the village without being seen?" I asked.

"If we wait for nightfall, I think it is possible."

"Do you want to infiltrate the village?" Leona asked me.

"I know maybe it's a better idea to wait for Ari, but I feel like there's something more to all of this. Why would those bandits wait in the village if they knew adventurers will come to stop them?"

"I think they are looking for someone?" Julia spoke.

"Looking for someone?" Who? Shalia asked her.

"I don't know."

It seems that it will not be something easy, as I naively thought at first. After agreeing on a meeting point, Ari ran towards the density of the forest disappearing into its shadows. Meanwhile, we waited for the sun to go down, so we could sneak into the village and try to find out what this is all really about.