After some probing, the bandits that Tris had spotted chose to leave.
The members of the merchant caravan had no idea that they had narrowly avoided being dragged into a bloody battle—and one against their own kin rather than Magical Beasts.
Knowing the danger had passed, Rin voiced a question that had been troubling her during her current combat training.
Rin: "Master, why does the equipment‑enhancement exercise make my body feel exhausted so quickly?"
This exercise only required her to sit still and focus, completely different from the previous ones that demanded physical movement.
Yet Rin still felt her body quickly drained of strength. The fatigue was distinct: not muscle soreness, but a depletion of energy accompanied by a peculiar dizziness.
At first, Rin thought the dizziness was the "motion sickness" her Master had once mentioned. But after repeating the training several times, she realized it was simply the result of practicing too long.
Because of this, Rin had to rest frequently, unable to train continuously for long stretches. That slowed her progress and mastery.
Accustomed to uninterrupted training before, training in this new technical felt unnatural to her.
Tris explained: "The earlier exercises mainly involved controlling spiritual energy inside your body, with only minimal release outside.
But this one is different—it requires you to channel spiritual energy outward. Since you're just starting, mistakes are inevitable, and much of your energy is wasted in the environment. As a result, your limited reserves are quickly depleted, causing that unique fatigue."
Rin: "Is channeling spiritual energy outward similar to magic?"
Tris: "Only partly. It also requires a rather complex process of converting spiritual energy to shape magic.
Moreover, equipment enhancement only keeps spiritual energy concentrated around the item itself. As a result, it consumes far less spiritual energy compared to magic, which requires you to continuously release energy into the environment."
Rin: "That must be why there are so few Mages, right?"
Tris: "Exactly. That is also why Warriors developed techniques that rely on their own bodies, allowing them to narrow the gap and stand against powerful Mages or Magical Beasts with skills no less formidable than those of the Mages themselves."
The two continued chatting while eating lunch.
Afterward, both Tris and Rin took a short nap, just as they had the day before.
By mid‑afternoon, the caravan's peaceful respite came to an end as they were suddenly ambushed by a massive horde of Goblins pouring out of the forest—more than thirty in total.
Most were ordinary E‑rank Goblins, but a few Elite Goblins had reached D‑rank, mixed among them.
Tris: "This could be troublesome."
He assessed the enemy numbers.
Rin: "Are those green Magical Beasts really that dangerous?"
Tris: "Compared to our guards, they're weak. Given time, the guards can handle them. The problem is sheer numbers—each guard will face about three Goblins.
That makes it easy for some to slip through and attack the non‑combatants.
If the guards were trained soldiers used to fighting in formation, it would be different. But most are adventurers, skilled in solo or small‑group combat. Even the caravan's own guards don't look like regular troops. Coordinating perfectly to form a flawless defense line against so many enemies is difficult."
Rin: "So… do we need to do anything?"
Tris: "Let's watch for now. That axe‑wielder surely sees the problem too. Let's see how he handles it."
With that, Tris pulled out a large bag of roasted salted peanuts and shared half with Rin.
(っ´▽`)っ🥜 ς (｡･ω･｡)
The two children sat munching peanuts while observing the battle outside the carriage.
* * * * * * * * * *
As the Goblin horde charged closer, Liam shouted urgent orders:
"Drivers at the rear, move the horses forward—cluster all wagons and carriages together!
Two wagons in front, a passenger carriage behind, and the last two wagons to the sides.
Archers and Mages, climb to the roofs and shoot down any Goblins that approach. Watch out for thrown rocks!
You two, guard the rear of the carriage.
Everyone else, spread out and protect the people and horses up front!"
The group scrambled to obey.
Liam: "Drivers, move faster—they're almost here! Everyone else with any means of ranged attack, use them immediately to slow their advance. Buy time until the defensive formation is fully arranged."
Aside from the archer and the Mage who were firing arrows and using magics, the others joined in as well—some drew small crossbows and took aim, others hurled throwing knives, while a few simply bent down to pick up stones and flung them.
Under constant fire, the Goblins slowed, dodging or hiding behind trees. That gave the drivers time to maneuver into position.
* * * * * * * * * *
Tris: "His reaction and orders were quick—definitely a professional. He must have faced similar situations many times. munch munch"
Rin: "To calmly command so many people… he's truly impressive. munch munch"
Two adventurers rushed to the rear—one with a sword, the other with a shield and a war pick. War pick wielder:
"Don't panic, we'll protect you."
But what they saw were two children casually snacking, one tossing a peanut into his mouth.
No trace of panic could be seen on the two children's faces.
On the contrary, they seemed almost overly relaxed while everyone outside was struggling and rushing about.
Four pairs of eyes met, and the group paused for a brief moment.
Tris broke the silence:
"We've got plenty more. Want some?"
Sword wielder:
"Damn it, kid, just keep it for yourself—and don't jump out of the carriage. They're here!"
Moments later, the Goblins closed in, and the real battle officially began.