The Last Link

Chapter 1 – Part 3: The Cave

The Last LinkThe road leading away from the capital was quieter than I had expected. The towering walls behind us slowly disappeared, replaced by dirt paths and scattered vegetation.

Eleanor stayed close to me, gripping her staff tightly. Her eyes darted around constantly, every sound making her tense.

Alana: “First mission?”

She nodded quickly.

Eleanor: “Y-Yes. I’ve trained inside the city, but… this is my first time outside the walls.”

Alana: “Don’t worry. We’ll protect you.”

She gave me a small smile, though her hands were still trembling.

Daiki walked ahead of us, silent as ever, his movements sharp and alert, like a predator on the hunt. Cain followed close behind, his posture rigid.

Cain: “The cave isn’t far. Stay alert. They’ve been attacking travelers.”

Yadiel: “If they’re hiding in a cave, they’re either desperate… or confident.”

Not long after, we saw it—a dark opening carved into the rock. A faint, unpleasant smell drifted out from within.

Cain: “That’s the place.”

The inside of the cave was cold and damp. Water dripped from the ceiling, the echoes carrying through the narrow tunnel.

We hadn’t gone far when something shifted in the darkness ahead.

Cain: “Contact.”

Small figures emerged from the shadows—goblins, their eyes glowing faintly as they spotted us.

Alana: “So that’s them…”

They charged without hesitation.

Daiki moved first. In a blur, he struck down the nearest goblin with brutal precision. Cain followed immediately, blocking another attack as his sword flashed in the dim light.

One of the goblins slipped past them and rushed straight toward Eleanor.

Alana: “Eleanor!”

She froze for a heartbeat—then raised her staff.

Eleanor: “P-Please… light…”

A soft glow burst from the tip of her staff and slammed into the goblin, throwing it back against the cave wall. It let out a sharp scream before collapsing.

Eleanor stared at her hands, stunned.

Eleanor: “I… I did it…”

Alana: “You did great!”

The remaining goblins hesitated, then quickly fled deeper into the cave.

Cain: “They’re retreating. That’s not normal.”

Yadiel: “Which means something worse is waiting ahead.”

The tunnel widened as we pressed on, the darkness growing heavier with every step. An uneasy feeling settled in my chest.

Whatever was waiting for us deeper inside…
this mission was far from simple.