The air split with the crack of displaced wind as Arthur burst from the fern thicket, [Haste: Lv 1] surging mana through his legs.
The two Gloom-Stalkers whirled, their obsidian scales bristling, but Arthur was already inside their threat radius. Pushing [Body Reinforcement: Lv 1] through his upper arms, he brought his steel longsword down in a brutal arc. The blade sheared through the first beast’s neck before its instincts could register the strike.
The second Gloom-Stalker hissed, lunging for Arthur’s exposed flank with distended fangs. Arthur triggered [Mana Barrier: Lv 1], a translucent pane of force absorbing the impact of the beast's pounce with a dull chime. Capitalizing on the monster's momentary rebound, Arthur ignited [Flame Blade: Lv 1]. Compressed thermal mana roared along the steel, and with a swift backhand thrust, he drove the burning point straight through the Gloom-Stalker's chest cavity, collapsing the beast into a smoking heap on the muddy forest floor.
Arthur flicked the dark, sizzling blood off his blade and sheathed it in one smooth motion, shutting down his active skills to preserve his MP pool.
He turned immediately toward the mossy rock outcrop.
The dark elf woman was staring at him, her dark, dusk-purple skin slick with cold sweat and her full, voluptuous curves trembling against the stone. Her striking amber eyes, wide with a mixture of shock and wariness, tracked him as he cautiously approached. Her silver-white hair cascaded in damp strands over her full chest, where her torn dark-green tunic strained against her heavy breathing.
"Easy," Arthur said in a low, grounded voice, holding his open hands out to show no hostility. "I'm an adventurer from the frontier outpost. I'm not here to hurt you."
The dark elf let out a ragged exhale, her regal posture slumping back against the rock. "You... arrived just in time, hunter," she gasped, her voice a deep, smooth contralto laced with exhaustion. "My name is Vanya... I am a healer."
"Arthur," he replied, kneeling beside her injured leg.
A jagged tear ripped through her leather guard, exposing a nasty claw wound that trickled dark blood down her thigh. Arthur reached into his hunting pack, pulling out a water bladder and a roll of clean linen bandages.
"I tried to cast a basic restoration spell," Vanya murmured, her eyes dimming slightly as she leaned her head back against the granite. "But the wave... it drove me from my retreat. I haven't slept in two days, and my mana is entirely spent." The source of this chapter is novelping.com.
"Save your breath," Arthur instructed gently. He uncorked the water bladder, using a clean corner of cloth to wipe away the jungle dirt and clotted blood surrounding the wound.
Vanya hissed softly at the sting, her long, pointed ears twitching back, but she didn't pull away. As Arthur expertly wrapped the linen around her thigh, pulling it taut to seal the bleeding, her amber eyes softened, taking in his broad shoulders, stern jaw, and steady hands.
"You move with precision for an E-Rank hunter," Vanya noted, catching sight of the iron badge at his collar. "And your mana control... dual-channeling physical reinforcement with thermal magic without destabilizing your stance is no minor trick."
"I work hard for my progress," Arthur said, tying off the bandage before helping her slide into a more comfortable posture. He looked around at the darkening jungle canopy. "The sun is dipping fast, and the scent of monster blood will draw larger packs soon. We can't stay near the main path."
"There is a hollowed tree-root alcove roughly fifty yards north," Vanya offered, resting her arm over his shoulder as he helped her to her feet. "The stone overhang above it blocks wind, and the natural moss dampens scent."
"Lead the way."
Supporting most of her weight against his side—her soft, generous curves pressing against his reinforced leather coat—Arthur guided Vanya through the dense underbrush to the alcove. The natural shelter was hidden beneath the roots of a massive banyan tree, providing a dry, protected pocket well above the damp mud floor. Read the latest chapters at novelping.com.
Arthur laid down his heavy travel cloak for her to sit on, then gathered dry pine needles and deadwood to build a small, concealed fire inside a pit of stones, keeping the light hidden from the open trail.
He produced two strips of dried ration meat and handed one to Vanya, along with the fresh water bladder.
"Eat," Arthur said, toggling [Iron Recovery: Lv 1] for a brief moment to flush the tightness from his own shoulders after carrying the gear and supporting her walk. "It's not a fine inn meal, but it'll restore your physical energy."
Vanya took the food with a faint, grateful smile, her gaze lingering on Arthur as he sat across from her, carefully checking his blade edge by the firelight.
"A skilled swordsman, well-prepared, and surprisingly courteous," Vanya murmured, taking a slow sip of water. "I fled the southern reaches when a rogue monster surge wiped out my sanctuary. I intended to seek refuge in the frontier town, but I underestimated the Mistwood's lower sectors. If you hadn't come..."
"I'm here on a clearance contract to push my Standing," Arthur replied quietly, looking into the flames. "Tomorrow, I'm clearing the Gloom-Stalker dens further in. Once your mana recovers, you can rest here, or..."
"Or I can aid you," Vanya interrupted smoothly, her amber eyes reflecting the warm orange glow of the embers. A subtle, mature charm settled in her expression as she looked at him. "My offensive capability is gone without my staff, but my support seals and tactical knowledge of monster anatomy remain intact. Consider it a down payment for saving my life."
Arthur met her gaze, noting the calm, steady resolve returning to her dark elven features.
"We'll talk tactics at dawn," Arthur said, laying his longsword within arm's reach. "Get some sleep, Vanya. I'll take the first watch."
Vanya leaned back against his cloak, pulling the wool wrap around her shoulders. Her eyes remained fixed on Arthur's solid profile as he sat near the entrance of the alcove, keeping a vigilant eye out into the darkened jungle night.