Trouble in front of the church

As you made your way to the church, you could still hear the sound of fighting from around the town. It seemed the battle had not ended yet, and the defensive lines on the town's entrances had been broken. Monsters were now spreading throughout the town, hopefully the citizens were safe inside their houses. You and Elizabeth were able to avoid most of the monsters by taking detours through alleys and side streets where it was less likely to be monsters around. You stopped every so often, making sure the road was clear before moving.

Even though it took quite some time, eventually you had nearly reached the church. However, you told Elizabeth to stop moving as you heard noises coming from its direction. You took a peek around the corner and saw that there were several monsters gathering at the entrance. Most of them were goblins, but there were also other beasts such as wolves and giant bats. Several adventurers were trying to fend them off, but it was obvious that they were about to be overwhelmed. The only good thing that you could notice was that it didn't seem like the church's door had been breached yet.

"Miss Liz, let's help them," you said, preparing your bow, "we can't let them break into the church"

You looked at Elizabeth and noticed that she seemed hesitant. She was a great herbalist, but you had never seen her in combat. You didn't know how good she was. However, you couldn't do this on your own, so you need to have her help. Elizabeth looked like she was about to say something, but she eventually nodded, and the both of you prepared to attack the monsters. You put the bag of potions down as it would hinder you, and nocked an arrow onto your bow. The adventurers and monsters were too preoccupied with each other to notice your approach. You quietly drew back your bow and aimed carefully, before you released the arrow.

It flew true and hit its target, a giant bat that was giving trouble to a guy with a sword. Your shot tore a large hole in the bat's wing, and the beast crashed to the ground. The adventurer finished the work by stabbing his blade through its neck, and the creature quickly laid still. You pulled another arrow from your quiver and shot the next monster in line, a wolf. By now you no longer had any difficulty differentiating Pochi from these vicious monsters, and so you did not hesitate to shoot this one down.

Unfortunately, your arrow was not enough to kill it in one shot. When this wolf loudly yelped in pain, the monsters had finally noticed your presence. Several goblins who were hanging out in the back turned to face your direction. As you drew your third arrow, you could feel a faint magical aura surrounding Elizabeth who were standing behind you. It seemed she readied herself to cast a spell. A pair of goblins broke away from the mob and charged towards you. They wielded simple spears, and their movements were quite predictable. You shot one down right on their head, but the other one closed the distance too fast for you to get another arrow nocked and ready in time.

It was at that moment that Elizabeth acted. She threw her arm forward, and a sphere of dark energy burst forth from her fingertips, crashing into the goblin and sending it flying. You sighed in relief, ready to put more monsters down. However, out of nowhere, you heard a loud thud behind you. At nearly the same time, you were then thrown off balance as something had struck you from behind, knocking you off your feet and causing you to tumble across the stone floor. While grimacing due to a throbbing pain on your back, you looked up from the ground and you saw a woman... no, a monster resembling a woman.

She had wings for arms and her thighs ended in furried legs and talons. But aside from that, she had the body similar to a human female. She was a beauty, with voluptuous body and flawless skin on her torso, completely naked. However, her eyes were filled with bloodlust and her mouth was twisted in a sinister grin, sharp teeth and all, with parts of her white feathers stained with dried blood. It was a harpy, a winged monster that usually lived in mountains and hills.

Elizabeth was already on the ground, under the harpy's feet. It must be the loud thud you heard before. The harpy's sharp talons were digging into her dress, possibly into her stomach as well. You were about to draw your bow but you stopped when you heard Elizabeth screaming. Apparently the harpy strengthened her grip on the witch, her face showed that she was taunting you, telling you that if you move even just a little bit, she would hurt Elizabeth.

You couldn't stand the sight of Elizabeth being injured, so you dropped your bow and put up your hands towards her, signaling her to stop and your surrender. The harpy laughed at you, with a melodious voice unbefitting of her wild demeanor. As you were starting to panic, you could feel Blue's soothing presence in your mind. You glanced at the slime, who was laying on the ground beside you.

"Don't worry, Alexis. I won't let them harm Miss Liz"