The group advanced cautiously along the narrow path that wound along the border between dense forests and the open fields stretching before them. The wind blew lightly, carrying the damp aroma of trees and fresh grass, reminding everyone that they were in a completely new world, alive, full of dangers and opportunities.
Kuto walked ahead, alert, with Haru right behind him, watching every step with eyes fixed on him. The tension was palpable, but there was also excitement in the air. Jack, always confident, led, while Sónia and Sensi kept watch over the sides of the road. Romeu and Dimitri played around with each other, teasing Selina, who responded with furious looks but maintained an alert posture.
Suddenly, a muffled scream cut through the air. In the middle of the road, three wagons were surrounded by a group of 15 bandits. They were looting the possessions of helpless travelers with iron swords shining under the sunlight filtered through the tree canopy. Some of the travelers walking with the group froze, just watching the scene with wide eyes.
> "This… is this real?!" — muttered one of the people, fear evident in their voice.
But not Kuto, Dimitri, Romeu, Jack, Haru, Gunja, Sensi, and Sónia. They advanced without hesitation, instinctively knowing they would need to protect the helpless, even with their skills still limited.
The Confrontation
The bandits were not prepared for the group's audacity. Jack raised his sword confidently, positioning himself in front, while his warrior aura, still weak, vibrated, but with enough firmness to intimidate.
— Come on, everyone! — shouted Jack, his authoritative tone cutting through the air. — Show me what you can do!
Dimitri stepped forward, hands raised, manipulating small air currents spinning around his fists, trying to knock down the nearest bandits with simple but precise blows.
Romeu, with his bow in hand, aimed carefully. Each arrow, still simple, hit its target on the bandits' arms or shoulders, without causing lethal harm, but delaying them and creating space for the group.
Haru and Gunja advanced side by side. Gunja wielded his short sword with defensive technique, blocking attacks and protecting the more fragile allies. Haru, despite her calm appearance, focused on clean attacks, hitting enemies with quick, almost studied blows, while her legs executed agile feints.
Sensi launched small bursts of manipulation energy, directing stones and branches precisely against the bandits, making them retreat in confusion. Sónia, with her minor magical talent, created sparks of fire that jumped from her hands, illuminating the forest and scaring the enemies, even though they were still basic spells.
Kuto advanced with an adaptable stance. He remained flexible, dodging attacks and reacting to the bandits' movements, studying each pattern. When a bandit tried to attack him, he blocked with minimal force, but enough to push the enemy back, showing that even below level 10, he was extremely agile and intelligent.
The bandits, although outnumbering them, were inexperienced. Their heavy swords were ineffective against a coordinated group. Each attack was easily read, and the group's collective defense ensured that none of the allies fell.
The Dance of Skills
The battle seemed choreographed, like a deadly dance:
Jack swung his sword in wide arcs, creating an improvised defensive barrier and knocking down two bandits simultaneously.
Dimitri concentrated cutting winds, throwing three enemies backward while performing acrobatics to avoid attacks.
Romeu fired arrows with surgical precision, each creating small openings in the enemy line.
Gunja blocked consecutive attacks, opening space for Sensi and Sónia's attacks.
Haru struck with short, fast blows, hitting enemies' vital points without severely injuring them.
Sensi manipulated small debris, throwing it at the bandits and causing disorientation.
Sónia created dancing flames that burned superficial armor, making the bandits retreat.
Kuto analyzed each pattern, dodging with calculated steps, and sometimes counterattacking precisely and lethally for his level.
The bandits began to realize they were at a disadvantage. Some fled in panic, while others tried to fight until the last second. But the group's coordination and effectiveness were too much.
After a few minutes of intense combat, the remaining bandits threw down their weapons and ran into the forest, defeated.
As soon as the last sword fell, each member of the group noticed small status screens appear before their eyes, as if they were HUDs from a game:
Jack: Level 3 / Class: Warrior / HP: 120/120 / MP: 20/20
Dimitri: Level 3 / Class: Elemental / HP: 80/80 / MP: 40/40
Romeu: Level 3 / Class: Archer / HP: 90/90 / MP: 20/20
Gunja: Level 3 / Class: Paladin / HP: 110/110 / MP: 30/30
Haru: Level 3 / Class: Rogue / HP: 100/100 / MP: 25/25
Sensi: Level 3 / Class: Manipulator / HP: 70/70 / MP: 45/45
Sónia: Level 3 / Class: Sorceress / HP: 60/60 / MP: 50/50
Kuto: Level 3 / Class: Adaptive / HP: 95/95 / MP: 30/30
Selina: Level 3 / Class: Mage / HP: 90/100 / MP: 30/30
Then Célia used her Cleric ability to heal the minor injuries the group and the merchants had sustained during the fight against the bandits, and after doing so, her status system appeared:
Célia: Level 3 / Class: Cleric / HP: 100/100 / MP: 30/30
— Wow… it's like we're actually in a game — murmured Sónia, amazed. — You can see everything about our class, HP, MP, and even inventory!
Jack called his personal assistant, a floating holographic figure with an elegant appearance:
— Where are we now? — asked Jack.
— Apparently, we are in human-influenced territory — the assistant replied calmly.
— I already know that. I want to know the specific region — insisted Jack.
— At the moment, I cannot provide that information — she replied.
— Then what is your function? — questioned Jack.
— To guide and assist in this world — she replied.
— Then give me that information.
— At the moment, I cannot — she answered again.
— Okay, go rest — said Jack, resigned.
Interaction with the Merchants
One of the wagon owners approached, grateful:
— Thank you for helping us! How could we compensate you?
Romeu stepped forward, winking seductively:
— I don't want much… just your daughter's hand.
The merchant and the young woman recoiled, shocked. Before the situation worsened, Selina appeared behind Romeu and delivered a quick strike, throwing him several meters back:
— Sorry, sir, for my meddlesome friend. Actually, we just want to reach a nearby city we spotted.
Romeu, still on the ground, got up:
— Your class? — he asked.
— Mage — Selina replied angrily.
— Then why so much strength? — Romeu continued.
— To punch arrogant idiots like you and another idiot, my brother. — said Selina.
— I didn't do anything, sis! — Dimitri laughed.
The merchant, relieved, smiled:
— Well, if that's all, I can help you without problems.
Jack thanked him:
— We would really appreciate that favor.
Without delay, the merchant invited the group to board the wagons:
— With you around, the journey will be safer.
While the wagons resumed their path, the sun began to set. Golden rays pierced through the tree canopy, illuminating the group as if the world approved of their first victory.
Kuto looked toward the horizon, eyes reflecting the warm light of the evening. A slight chill ran down his spine — the feeling that even greater challenges awaited them.
> "This… is just the beginning."
The wind blew around them, carrying the scent of the forest and future adventures, as the path to Zordis stretched before the group, infinite and full of promises.
And so, each step was a silent preparation for what the world of Velerithon still had yet to reveal.