The following day dawned with no sign of the relic. Tension hung in the air as they pressed on, their determination unwavering despite the lack of progress.

Suddenly, a low growl shattered the silence, sending a chill down their spines. Before they could react, the woods erupted with a cacophony of snarls and hisses as dozens of creatures emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malice.

"Creatures of the woods!" Elara shouted, drawing her daggers. "Prepare for battle, Luis use your magic and tell us how many of them are!"

"Captain, there are 274 C and B rank monsters, we should protect the kids" Luis said.

" We can fight too!" The boys added preparing for the fight.

The Ironclad Reapers sprang into action, their weapons gleaming in the dappled sunlight as they fended off the onslaught of beasts. Blades clashed, arrows whistled through the air, and spells crackled with elemental fury.

Hours passed in a blur of adrenaline and chaos, until finally, the last of the creatures lay defeated at their feet. Breathing heavily, they surveyed the battlefield, their faces streaked with sweat and grime.

"We've wasted enough time," Verin declared, wiping blood from his brow. "Let's find that relic and get out of here."

"Are you three actally D-Rank adventurers? I just saw you Verin killing 20 Baboons with your Ice bullets, Ralph punching through a B-Rank Goblin Soldier armour and then killing some more with his kicks and punches and I saw Korin who was ambushed by 40 monsters at least slashing them with no drop of sweat, you guys for your Rank are monsters." One of the Shielders said clapping.

"Well I know even one A-rank spell at 8 years old, Ralph is a Tigertooth so he's pretty good with punches and kicks, and Korin was born with S-Rank Swordsmanship so if he has at least a sword he's doing fine." Verin giggles.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, the tension among the group grew palpable. The silence was broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig beneath their boots.

Suddenly, Verin held up a hand, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Do you hear that?" he whispered.

Korin strained his ears, listening intently. In the distance, he could make out the faint sound of rushing water. "There must be a river nearby," he said. "Perhaps it will lead us to the relic."

With renewed determination, they quickened their pace, following the sound of the water as it grew steadily louder. Eventually, they emerged into a small clearing, where a crystal-clear stream wound its way through the forest.

"It's beautiful," Ralph murmured, gazing at the sparkling water with awe.

"But we don't have time to admire the scenery," Korin said, scanning the area for any sign of danger. "We need to keep moving."

As they continued along the riverbank, their senses on high alert, Korin suddenly froze, his hand going to his sword. "Look," he said, pointing to a cluster of rocks near the water's edge.

There, partially concealed by moss and vines, lay a small stone pedestal, atop which rested a gleaming silver sword—the Barrier Relic.

"We've found it," Elara breathed, his heart pounding with excitement. "But something feels... off."

With renewed determination, they pressed deeper into the heart of Whispering Woods, their senses on high alert for any sign of danger. And then, at last, they stumbled upon it: a towering golem, its stone form looming ominously over the clearing, guarding the coveted Barrier Relic.

"So..., we will have to fight that" One of the archers said disappointed. "We should check his rank, he is at least a S-rank golem"

"I think we should get some more fighters, it seems really powerful" another shielder said to Elara.

"No, we are the Ironclad Reapers, the strongest team in this region, we have 3 S-rank adventurers of this Kingdom, and there are 7 of them, 5 A+++-Ranks and you think that we will need more people, look at this trio of youngsters they aren't weak, they'll help us no matter what danger awaits them" Elara shouted at the shielder, "Luis what rank is the golem"

"Captain, he is bad news, he's S+-Rank, so I think we better retreat for now, If we need to beat this thing we need 5 or 6 S-Rank adventurers"

"We'll still fight" said Korin with a grin on his face.

Before anyone could react, the ground began to tremble beneath their feet, sending shockwaves rippling through the clearing. And then, with a deafening roar, the earth split open, revealing a massive golem towering before them, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent.

"We've awakened the guardian," Verin said, his voice tinged with dread.

Ralph cracked his knuckles, a determined glint in his eye. "Then let's show it what we're made of."

Their next challenge awaited them. But that was a battle for another day.

To be continued...