Read Infinite Flames: A Tale of a Dragonborn Deity :: The Goblin Hunt

In the quaint city of Ulche, where towering mountains loomed in the distance and a gentle breeze carried the scent of pine, three young adventurers were about to embark on their first official mission. Korin, the 8-year-old swordsman with fiery determination; Verin, the 8-year-old ice mage with a heart as cold as his magic; and Ralph, the 9-year-old hand-to-hand combat specialist with boundless energy, gathered at the guild headquarters.

Their supervisor Layla, welcomed the trio with a warm smile. "Good luck on your first mission, little ones! You're tasked with clearing out a small goblin camp near the outskirts of the Forest of Shadows. Be cautious, and remember to rely on each other."

With a confident nod, the trio exited the guild hall, their tiny footsteps echoing through the cobblestone streets. The Forest of Shadows awaited them, its dense trees casting long shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the trio felt a growing sense of anticipation. The rustling leaves and distant hoots of owls created an eerie ambiance. Suddenly, a clearing appeared before them, revealing a small goblin camp.

As they approached the goblin camp, Verin whispered, "Remember, guys, stay focused and coordinate our attacks. We don't want any surprises."

Korin nodded, his grip tightening on his Katana. "Agreed. Let's take them by surprise."

Verin conjured a shimmering ice barrier around them, providing a protective shield. Ralph cracked his knuckles, ready for action. The goblins, unaware of the approaching adventurers, were huddled around a flickering fire, exchanging guttural laughs.

The goblins, engrossed in their crude conversation, remained oblivious to the impending threat. Korin raised his hand, signaling the attack. In a synchronized assault, they charged.

The trio initiated their attack simultaneously. Korin lunged forward, slashing at a goblin with precise strikes. Verin unleashed a barrage of ice shards, immobilizing another group. Ralph, displaying impressive acrobatics, darted between the goblins, delivering swift punches and kicks.

As the battle unfolded, the goblins proved to be formidable opponents. One of them, armed with a crude club, charged at Ralph. With a swift sidestep, Ralph evaded the attack and countered with a powerful roundhouse kick, sending the goblin sprawling.

Verin, concentrating his magic, created an ice javelin and hurled it at a distant goblin archer. The javelin pierced through the air, shattering the goblin's bow and leaving it vulnerable to Korin's final strike leaving the goblin headless.

Midway through the skirmish, a particularly menacing goblin emerged from the shadows. It stood taller, with a gnarled club that hinted at a higher rank. Korin felt a chill down his spine but steeled himself for the challenge.

"Damn it, what's a ogre doing here." ,Ralph was drawing the attention of the 2 of them.

"Shit, a ogre had to appear now when I thought we were finishing this mission too" , Verin sounded disappointed.

As the battle raged on, the trio faced the formidable ogre, who proved to be a worthy adversary. Its attacks were precise, and its movements were calculated. Korin, Verin, and Ralph found themselves on the defensive, struggling to keep up.

Korin gritted his teeth, parrying the goblin's strikes. "This one's tougher than the rest! We need to work together!"

Verin, maintaining the ice barrier, nodded. "I'll try to immobilize it. Korin, look for openings, and Ralph, be ready to exploit them!"

The dynamic trio adjusted their strategy, coordinating their movements to counter the high-ranking goblin's onslaught. Verin unleashed a blizzard of ice shards, momentarily freezing the goblin in place. Seizing the opportunity, Korin lunged forward with all his might, landing a series of powerful blows.

Despite their efforts, the goblin broke free from the icy restraints and retaliated with renewed ferocity. The battle reached a fever pitch, each clash of weapons echoing through the forest.

Amidst the chaos, Ralph called out, "We can't keep this up forever! We need to finish it!"

Verin, summoning the last of his magical strength, created a blinding ice explosion, temporarily disorienting the goblin. Seizing the opportunity, Ralph, despite his injuries lunged forward with all his might, landing a critical blow that left the goblin staggered.

Korin, delivered a final, decisive strike. The high-ranking goblin fell to the forest floor headless. The trio, battered and bruised, stood victorious.

Collapsed on the forest floor, Verin managed a weak laugh. "We did it, guys. But I think I overdid it with that ice explosion."

Ralph grinned through the pain. "Nothing we can't handle. We make a pretty good team."

Korin, catching his breath, nodded in agreement. "We should probably head back to the guild. They'll want to know about our success, but look there is one more of them"

The last goblin, realizing the dire situation, attempted to flee. Korin, determined not to let it escape, chased after it with Verin and Ralph close behind.

The goblin led them deeper into the forest, navigating through the dense foliage. Suddenly, the ground gave way, revealing a concealed pit trap. Korin, with lightning-fast reflexes, managed to avoid the pit, but the goblin wasn't as fortunate. It tumbled into the hole with a surprised yelp.

Seizing the opportunity, Ralph leaped into action. With a daring somersault, he descended into the pit, capturing the startled goblin in a tight grip. The trio pulled the captured goblin out of the pit, securing their victory.

As they made their way back to Ulche, the trio shared a mix of laughter and groans, the camaraderie forged in battle making the journey more memorable than any victory.

Exhausted but triumphant, the young adventurers returned to the guild headquarters, goblin captive in tow, and with the head of the ogre. Layla greeted them with applause. "Well done, my brave little ones! You've successfully completed your first mission. The town is safer thanks to your efforts and killing a ogre in your first mission is important, you advanced in E-Rank, congratulations"

As they basked in the cheers of the onlookers, Korin, Verin, and Ralph couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their adventures.

AGAIN..., SOMEWHERE IN THE OTHER PART OF THE WORLD

"He did it again, this time he killed an ogre"

"He's so strong even if he's young, he kinda reminds me of you when you arrived for the first time in the Kingdom"

"Yeah, but i had mana when we first met, but he killed an ogre without magic and his ability, I want to meet him so much"

"Patience honey, I know we will meet up with him, but we need to wait"