"You know what I am? What do you mean?" I stopped walking, my voice sharper than I intended.
Infernia sighed again, her eyes flicking away for a moment before locking back onto mine. "We Draconics can sense… spiritual threads. The connections people have to this world. Everyone carries them, faint, but always there. But when I look at you, Jay, I find nothing. Empty. Like you're a guest who never checked in."
My chest tightened. "You could tell from just that?"
"It's not just that," she said softly, lowering her voice so the others ahead wouldn't hear. "Your presence feels… displaced. Like you exist, but not according to this world's rules."
I frowned, uncertain if I should feel exposed or grateful someone knows something about me. "Doesn't that mean I will attract attention? To be honest… I don't even know what I am. I don't know where I belong."
Infernia studied me for a long moment, her emerald eyes sharp yet strangely gentle. "You belong here as much as anyone who walks beside us. This world may or may not be yours… but that doesn't mean you can't call it your home."
I blinked at her. I hadn't expected comfort. From Sarah maybe, but not from someone I'd only just met.
She tilted her head, a teasing smile breaking through. "Besides, secrets make people interesting. You don't strike me as the kind to crumble under the weight of one."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "You're surprisingly easy to talk to."
Her smile faded into something more serious. "Careful with that, Jay. In this world, people are either drawn to mysteries… or they try to destroy them. Make sure you know which ones you're dealing with."
Before I could reply, Cleo called back from the front, "Hey slowpokes, keep up!"
Infernia glanced ahead, then back at me. "For now, your secret's safe with me." She gave me a light pat on the arm before striding forward, her posture casual, as if nothing had happened.
Huh, she's… different.. I guess that's that…
Slowly the forest path opened into a clearing, and ahead, the Silver-ranked party was waiting. Their presence seemed composed, professional; nothing flashy, yet every movement felt deliberate.
A man in a plain white cloak over simple mail stepped forward. At first glance, he seemed ordinary, but the weight in his gaze pinned me in place for a moment. His every movement seemed precise, economical, as if he had already accounted for every possible outcome. I couldn't help but straighten my own posture, drawn into the weight of his presence.
Max walked forward as well, shoulders squared. "This is the party my father sent. Daelric Ironheart here is a Gold Ranker, leading these four silvers. Daeleric, it's good to meet you. This is my team, Sarah Cleo, Jay. And these are Alaric and Hayden Quickfrosts, Clive and Infernia." His voice carried a calm as he introduced us.
Daelric's eyes scanned our group briefly before returning to Max. "We'll coordinate together. Since you have two irons, they can be in the same team, so that there isn't any unnecessary risk involved. Max and Alaric you decide the teams. I will be working solo and the silvers have it sorted." His tone was neutral, but I could feel the subtle weight of experience behind it.
Alaric Quickfrost smirked, "Looks like Max finally decided to bring a full team. Here's how it will be, Hayden takes point with you, Max, supported by me and Sarah. Cleo and Clive are going to work as the second team with Jay and Infernia, so that they can look out for them. "
Max nodded once. "Maintain formation. Jay, Infernia, you better be careful. Don't overextend."
Infernia leaned slightly toward me. "Looks like we'll have to keep pace. Don't get in trouble, okay?"
I nodded, adjusting my grip on my sword. I felt ready, though still aware of the gap between my Iron rank and the others' Silver and Gold.
Max stepped forward, Alaric moving to flank him. Daelric lingered slightly behind, observing, calm as ever. I exhaled slowly, letting the tension settle.
Cleo flitted to my side, her tail twitching. "We'll watch each other's backs, Jay. Just trust yourself and your skills."
I nodded again, letting the new energy from the Echo Resonator pulse faintly within me. "Alright… let's see how this goes."
Infernia gave me a sideways glance. "Don't get cocky just because you can kill a few goblins."
I smirked slightly. "Don't worry. I'm not trying to die."
She chuckled softly. "Good answer. Just remember, the goblins aren't human, a single second of hesitation can get you killed."
I felt a knot of anticipation tighten in my stomach. This is more than just a hunt, it's a test.
The forest thinned gradually, giving way to a plateau that overlooked a winding river below. Sunlight shone across the water, but the scenery was deceptive. The river gurgled and tumbled over smooth stones, the constant rush of water masking the faint movements of the goblins along its banks. I could hear the soft crash of rapids in the distance, punctuated by the occasional splash where some creature disturbed the current.
Max's voice broke the quiet, calm and precise. "Spread out, but keep visual contact. Iron ranks, stick with your assigned team. Observe the enemy numbers and positions before engaging."
Alaric moved ahead, flanking slightly, his smirk still in place. "Looks like the goblins have no idea we're coming. Could be an easy skirmish… if they don't scatter."
Infernia leaned toward me, her eyes scanning the terrain. "River to our left, cliffs to the right. High ground is ours if we need it, but don't get careless. Goblins love ambushes."
I nodded, gripping my sword tighter. The plateau stretched wide, grass and rocks broken by occasional shrubs. Shadows shifted in the distance; small, fast, and alert. The Goblins. Not the biggest threat individually, but clever and numerous.
Cleo crouched beside me, tail flicking. "They're organized… Watch out for traps."
The current masked most sounds, but I could pick out patterns: goblins gathering, small rocks kicked into the river.
Infernia's eyes glimmered with anticipation. "Stay close, Jay. We hit first, we hit smart. You follow my lead, alright?"
I let out a slow breath, letting the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. "Alright… let's do this."