Unexpected Attack (1)

The rocky mountain forest stood in the east of the Guild. To reach it you would have to get into a forest and walk uphill to get to the top. Travelling leisurely by foot would take only about two days for normal people. But for skilled mages like Jerome, Oliver and Sigrid such distance could be cleared easily in a day. After their emotional confrontation Sigrid and Oliver with stronger bond than ever rushed to catch up to Jerome who had been walking towards the forest. As the trio entered the lush Forest less and less rays of light were able to travel through the intertwining old branches full of thick leaves. As they began walking on a narrow trail up the forest it got darker and darker. Usually, this place had only weak magic beasts and because it was so close to the Guild not many people dared to mess with the travellers or merchants passing through. But as they went deeper and night befell them Oliver and Sigrid began feeling something ominous. A feeling heavy and cold like a thick mist began to envelop even the fearless Jerome. As they continued on the narrow trail in the harrowing night suddenly a sound of something flying through the air was heard. all of them fast to react, Oliver swiftly jumped in front of Sigrid casting a nature control spell to move the branches and roots of the trees. The old thick trees given life by Oliver's magic quickly enveloped Sigrid, giving her protection from all sides. 

At the same time, Jerome roared in a booming voice. "What kind of maggots dare to ambush me?!!." Jerome slowly moved his large frame to get closer to Oliver taking a defensive position. 

Sigrid not having to worry about her defence spread out her darkness aura which easily cut through the forest. "I feel about ten, no fifteen powerful life forces, they don't feel like humans, except maybe one of them... " Sigrid in an ice-cold voice shared crucial information with the two men who stood in front of her. 

As the distant sounds of movement from the forest were getting closer Oliver in a slightly surprised tone considered what Sigrid just Said. "fifteen? And if they seem powerful even to you what are they doing at such a place?"

Jerome listened to Oliver and aggressively sneered. "C'mon, it's not hard to figure it out. It makes sense now why my Father and Elder Aldis got us on this seemingly walk-in-a-park trip. They knew something was going on and sent us out."

Sigrid nodded after hearing Jerome's deep voice. "Indeed, It would make no sense to gather such a powerful team for dealing with some farmers' problems, Grandpa Aldis knew for sure that this would happen."

As Sigrid finished talking with her sweet voice the sound of arrows flying in the air was heard again, the whistling arrows got closer suddenly a sound of metal clashing into something hard boomed, sparks flying around. As Sigrid looked through the gaps in the branches she saw Jerome standing straight like a spear, a red hue shimmering around his dark skin and a slight steam rising from his massive body. The broken arrows lay shattered on the ground in front of Jerome's figure. "His body hardening enchanting level has increased to such a level… non-magic weapons are basically useless against him now... I wonder about his magic resistance enchantment now." Sigrid thought to herself with a solemn expression as her husband who was standing quite close to Jerome had to take one step back to endure the steamy heat Jerome's body was emitting after he enchanted his body.