It was getting dark quickly, the sun already completely behind the mountains, leaving only a faint orange light tinging the sky.
"Could it really be the Culprit?" Haru asked, looking at the trail where Kira had detected the danger.
"There's only one way to find out." Haru said, stretching, arms raised, neck twisting from side to side, and began walking straight towards the danger without hesitation.
Kira grabbed Haru's arm forcefully, pulling him back.
"No, Master, don't go! Mr. Gandloaf said the creature is Lower Maestro 1! If it really is him..."
"Even better." Haru smiled slightly. "In an instant I'll finish him off and drop more XP..."
"What do you mean..." Kira barely finished the sentence when something came running quickly between the trees.
A goblin, a green creature about a meter tall, with pointed ears and sharp, protruding teeth, wielding a rusty knife, screamed a high-pitched sound as it lunged straight for Haru's neck.
Haru reacted instinctively.
