The Battle at the Ravaged Hollow

The rhythmic creak of the wooden cart echoed along the dirt road as the adventurers traveled toward their destination. The sky was painted with hues of gold and orange, the sun beginning its descent. The trees on either side swayed gently, their leaves whispering secrets in the breeze. The dirt path ahead twisted through thick forests and uneven hills , the perfect hunting ground for goblins.

Jace sat across from Nick, gripping the hilt of his newly acquired sword. He traced his fingers along its worn handle, the strange energy he felt before still lingering faintly.

"So, Jace," Ronan's voice boomed, breaking the comfortable silence. "First mission, huh? Excited? Nervous?"

"Bit of both, I guess," Jace replied, forcing a grin. "Not every day I get to swing a sword at monsters."

Felix smirked, resting his feet lazily on the edge of the cart. "Trust me, goblins are a good warm-up. Annoying little pests, but easy to kill. Just don't let one bite you. They have nasty teeth."

Selena shot him a glance. "Not to mention their tendency to set traps. Keep your eyes sharp, Jace."

"Right. Got it," Jace nodded. "Stay sharp. Don't get bitten. Easy enough."

Nick chuckled. "And if you do get bitten, well, you’ve got a healer with you."

Jace smiled at his new friend. Despite his self-deprecating words, Nick carried himself with the steady resolve of someone who had seen countless battles. Jace felt lucky to have him around.

"Tell me," Ronan leaned forward, his massive frame making the cart groan slightly. "That steel magic of yours  ever tried using it in combat?"

"Not really," Jace admitted. "I only found out about it recently."

"Hah! Then consider today your trial by fire," Ronan said with a grin. "Let’s see if you’re worthy of that sword you’re holding."

The Ravaged Hollow

By the time they arrived, the sun had almost set. The forest had grown eerily silent, the only sounds being the distant chirping of insects. Before them lay a clearing , a ruined village, its skeletal remains half-buried in twisted roots and shattered stone. Wooden huts were reduced to cinders, and dark stains of dried blood still marred the cracked earth.

"This is it," Selena said, her voice calm but firm. "The Ravaged Hollow. Goblins use places like these as nests. Be ready."

The party disembarked, weapons drawn. Jace could feel his pulse quicken. The air smelled of damp soil and decay. The oppressive silence gnawed at his nerves.

"Stay close," Nick advised. "They might not seem like much, but goblins are cunning when they fight in packs."

As they cautiously approached the ruins, a guttural snarl echoed from the shadows. Beady yellow eyes gleamed from the darkened corners. Then, without warning, the goblins sprang forward.

"Here they come!"

The Goblin Fight

Jace barely had time to react. A goblin lunged at him, jagged dagger gleaming. He swung his sword instinctively, the clash of metal vibrating through his arms. His form was unsteady, his strikes wild. The goblin hissed, slashing at Jace’s side, narrowly missing.

"Focus!" Selena called out, loosing an arrow that pierced through a goblin’s chest. "Don’t overextend!"

"I-I’m trying!" Jace grunted.

Ronan roared, his massive axe cleaving through multiple goblins with ease. Felix weaved between enemies like a shadow, daggers flashing. Nick stood behind, casting protective wards and healing the minor wounds of his allies.

"Keep your stance!" Nick shouted. "Sword up!"

Jace corrected his footing. Another goblin charged. This time, he met the attack head-on, parrying the blow. With a growl of determination, he slashed across the goblin’s chest, sending it crumpling to the ground.

"Not bad, rookie!" Ronan laughed.

"Think you can keep up?" Felix smirked. "Let’s see who kills more!"

"Oh, it’s on," Jace shot back, the thrill of battle igniting his spirit.

The two charged forward, competing blow for blow. Jace stumbled, barely avoiding a goblin’s club, but every mistake brought a lesson. His sword became steadier. His reactions sharper. His confidence grew with each swing.

The Mudspire's Arrival

The party had just finished the last goblin when the ground beneath them trembled. A guttural roar echoed through the clearing, sending shivers down Jace’s spine. From the fractured earth emerged a monstrous form  a creature with the muscular body of a tiger, but its fur was laced with jagged stone. Its eyes glowed with malicious light, and its limbs pulsed with the power of the earth.

"A Mudspire," Selena whispered in horror. "A-rank."

"Stay calm," Ronan ordered, though his own grip on the axe tightened. "We can take it if we work together."

The beast roared, sending a wave of earth magic rippling across the ground. Sharp stone pillars erupted, narrowly missing the party. Jace barely dodged in time, stumbling to regain his footing.

"Damn it!" Felix cursed. "This thing’s on a whole other level!"

Nick immediately sprang into action, casting protective barriers and sending waves of healing magic. "We can’t retreat! If it reaches the town, people will die!"

"Then we hold the line!" Ronan bellowed.

The battle raged. Ronan’s axe met the beast’s hide with deafening force, but the Mudspire retaliated with devastating earth spikes. Felix darted in, slashing at its limbs, but the monster's stone-like skin resisted his blades. Selena’s arrows struck true, yet the creature barely flinched.

Jace fought with all he had, though every swing of his sword felt insignificant against the monstrous foe.

"Ronan! Nick!" Selena shouted. "It’s too strong!"

Ronan’s eyes met Nick’s, a silent understanding passing between them. Without hesitation, Ronan slammed his axe to the ground, sending a shockwave of air that blasted the others away. A powerful barrier of swirling wind enclosed him and the Mudspire.

"No!" Jace screamed, pounding against the barrier. "What are you doing!?"

"I’ll buy you time," Ronan growled. "Get out of here!"

"Who do you think you are?!" Jace roared. "I’m the hero here!"

Driven by fury, Jace slashed at the barrier, but his strikes were useless. Then, as if answering his desperation, the sword pulsed with dark energy. Black tendrils coiled around his arms. With one final swing, he was able to open a small hole.

Jace burst through, standing beside Ronan.

"I’m not leaving you."

The Mudspire lunged. The battle was far from over.

To be continued....

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