The night passed peacefully. I feel well-rested and fully awake. I thought over everything that happened yesterday. I will no longer be a passive defender. I will make them pleased with me.
My spirit feels oddly unburdened.
I don't remember what I dreamed about last night. Everything I saw was a blurred, indistinct haze. I felt a slight discomfort. At first, I heard someone screaming, but it soon faded, leaving only the rustle of leaves in my ears.
I feel as if I've had a peaceful sleep for the first time in ages. My mind is clear, and I feel excellent.
I rise from beneath the Tree-Heart and prepare my gear. I am ready. I have a clear goal in mind.
As I took my first step to leave the central grove, I noticed Aio, Keira, and Reika intensely arguing about something. The night had clearly not been kind to them. The Rusalkas have tangled hair, and the dryad has dark circles under her eyes. They point at me, visibly terrified.
It must be about yesterday.
Today will be better. I won't make the same mistake.
I turn my back on them and head out. I'm going hunting.
Walking through the forest, I noticed no intruders on our territory. But I will not wait passively for prey.
This is what they expect of me. Why didn't they just say it outright?
There are many things I still don't understand. But step by step, I will learn how this world works. I also can't comprehend why I constantly feel like I'm missing memories. As if there are things about myself I simply don't know.
No, impossible. I'm unnaturally distracted today. Time to focus on the task.
I reach the spot where I found the dirt road yesterday. I hide in the thicket and listen. Silence.
I don't expect the forest to send me prey quickly.
I decide to walk along the road, sticking to the shadows of the trees and dense bushes.
There!
I hear the neighing of horses in the distance.
Today, I will prove my worth!
I move toward the sound as silently as I can. My bow is ready, an arrow nocked on the string.
Where did I learn how to hold this?
I hadn't thought about it when my companions handed me the weapons. I took them and instantly knew how to use them.
Thoughts are distracting me again!
I take a deep breath and calm my racing mind. My target emerges from around the bend.
I spot an enclosed carriage pulled by two horses. Six warriors march around the vehicle. Two of them wear metal breastplates. The remaining four wear leather armor. None have helmets. One in leather carries a bow; the rest are armed with swords.
I draw the string. I aim. I release.
I watch it fly and bury itself in the right shoulder of the steel-clad warrior. The armor only protects his neck and torso. His arms are covered in a gambeson. The Rusalkas' arrows have a unique design. The arrowheads are barbed with hooks.
They won't pull that out without tearing the arm apart.
The warrior falls to the ground, convulsing, and stops moving. The arrow worked better than I thought.
The guards already know they are being hunted. One in leather armor runs to the fallen man and tries to rouse him.
It's useless.
The rest stand in combat formation by the wagon, looking around tensely.
"It's magic! Watch out for arrows!"
I sneak to a new position, but the moment I hear those words, I loose a second arrow. This time it hits the archer's thigh.
They know where I am now. They move in my direction. I grab my spear and dash out of hiding, ready to thrust. They don't know I'm alone.
I attack a warrior in leather armor. He's slow. He doesn't parry in time. I pierce his side. I feel the spear pulsing in my hands. A strange sensation. I dodge a sword swing from the plate-armored guard. I leave the spear in the body, and the wounded man begins to scream in agony. He loses his strength and collapses. The remaining two still aren't certain I am alone. I pull one of my arrows from the quiver and instantly dodge another sword strike. With brutal force, I slam the arrow straight into the armored warrior's eye.
I tear the dryad's gift from the previously pierced body.
I parry a downward strike with the butt of the spear. I adjust my grip and deliver a massive, sweeping blow to the last man's head. He fails to dodge.
Blood spurts from his mouth. He must have bitten his tongue. He can barely stand. I kick his exposed knee and drive the spear through his larynx. Wasting no time, I yank the weapon out and do the same to the stunned, bleeding opponent nearby.
Now, all that's left is to finish off the paralyzed ones with Aio's spear and check the wagon.
Come to think of it, I don't know if the paralysis fades once the arrow is removed.
I kill the downed men one by one and retrieve my magical arrows.
I won't risk it. I'll ask the Rusalkas later.
I am cautious. I know an enemy will use anything to survive.
I would try anything to survive.
The sound of a creaking wagon breaks me from my thoughts. The shadow of a figure outlines against the door. I don't even hesitate. I ready the spear, take a running start, swing, and hurl the weapon from my hand.
It punches through the wooden door effortlessly. I hear something slump heavily against my weapon.
Now, only the silence of the forest remains.