Now that we know what we're up against, we can head out and hunt some goblins! Tria shouted enthusiastically.

  Seraphine gave a firm nod, her expression carved from discipline and resolve.

  Then we move for Thatchrun, She declared.

  We should depart at once, Tria replied.

  Luna inclined her head in agreement, fingers tightening around the polished grip of her bow.

  We can't allow the villagers to suffer another night.

  Tria stretched languidly, arms raised toward the sky as though this were nothing more than a pleasant outing.

  And our party's funds are thinning, she added with a sly grin. We need that reward. I'm longing for a big steak and some fine wine.

  Luna shot her a flat look. Focus. A quest is not a game.

  I am focused, Tria replied lightly. Our goal is survival—both ours and our finances.

  Without further delay, Luna signed the quest contract and offered Mirelle a brief nod of thanks. Then she turned to Rain. With a sharp tug on the leash clasped around his wrist, she jerked him forward.

  Move, she said coolly. Surely you'd like to earn a decent meal. You'll lead the way.

  Rain stumbled, glaring back at her.

  Stop treating me like a dog. It's not like I'm running away. And how am I supposed to lead? I don't even know this world.

  Then try not to die in it, Luna replied calmly.

  Tria chuckled. You'll get used to it. Probably.

  His protest earned little sympathy.

  As they neared Thatchrun, the scenery shifted. Lush woodland gave way to orderly fields and thatched cottages. The sun lingered low along the horizon, bleeding amber light across dirt roads and timber walls. Long shadows stretched unnaturally across the village square.

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  The air felt wrong.

  No livestock grazed in the open. No children played near the wells.

  Villagers hurried between homes with lowered voices and anxious glances. Doors shut quickly. Windows latched tight.

  With a serious look, Rain said, this is no ordinary goblin work.

  Seraphine drew her cloak closer, a chill crawling up her spine.

  Something isn't right...

  A shutter banged closed nearby.

  Luna's gaze sharpened. Her hand rested lightly upon her bowstring.

  Stay alert, she murmured. We don't know what watches us.

  A faint creak echoed from somewhere beyond the cottages. Then silence.

  Tria's playful demeanor faded, if only slightly. That wasn't the wind, was it?

  No, Seraphine agreed quietly. It wasn't.

  Luna stepped forward and stopped at the center of the dirt road, near the village entrance.

  She closed her eyes.

  And listened. Not with ears alone.

  She inhaled deeply. A calm breath left her lips as ancient elven syllables flowed like wind through leaves.

  By nature and lineage, this domain is mine... Spiritvine Field Perception. Luna activated her detection skill.

  Spiritvine Field Perception

  Type: Wide-Area Detection / Domain Scan

  Race Affinity: Elf/Druid/Spirit User

  Rarity Tier: Common

  Damage Type: None — Utility Skill

  Base Range: 100-meter radius (scales with level)

  Cast Time: 5–10 seconds

  Mana Cost: Minimal

  Emerald energy spiraled outward from her feet in a widening vortex. The grass bent beneath an unseen current. A circular field of faint, luminous vines spread across the land, weaving through walls, soil, and shadow alike. With the skill's help, Luna was able to sense creatures within a 500-meter radius.

  The party felt it—a subtle pressure, like standing beneath the canopy of an ancient forest.

  Within moments, an invisible sovereign boundary was established.

  Every creature with a heartbeat fell within the reach of Luna's senses.

  She stiffened.

  Tria noticed immediately. Report, she stated.

  There are villagers inside the houses, Luna said slowly.

  That much is obvious, Tria muttered.

  Luna's brow furrowed. And something else...

  The wind died completely.

  Rain glanced around seriously. Something else... what?

  Luna's fingers twitched slightly.

  It's a bit far from the village. I sense several dozen monster-like creatures.

  It must be the goblin horde, Tria replied.

  And there is something else. A bit bigger than the goblins—but it is not moving.

  A faint pulse brushed against her awareness—cold, thin, wrong.

  In what direction? Seraphine asked.

  North side, Luna whispered. In the middle of the forest.