Hello everyone,

Long time no see. Sorry about that. I have worked out some things on my end so I should be able to publish more consistent from now on. The chapters are going to be much shorter than what I typically publish. However Given that, I should be able to publish them more frequently.

Alright So that is everything this time.

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The narrow streets of Alsace were always bustling with life, a constant hum of daily activity. Merchants cried out their wares, enticing potential customers with promises of the freshest bread, juiciest meats, and most fragrant herbs. Children darted through the crowds.

Bell, Alice, and Aki followed Tigre and Titta as they weaved their way through the crowded market square. The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meats and earthy herbs, creating a mouth-watering scent that filled the air. The colorful stalls stood in neat rows, each adorned with vibrant awnings that fluttered gently in the cool breeze.

"This is the heart of Alsace," Tigre explained as he pointed to different vendors, "Every day, merchants come from the surrounding villages and even farther afield to trade here. It's a good place to find almost anything you could need."

"It's so lively," Alice said happily as her eyes lit up as she spotted a stall selling shimmering fabrics in every color imaginable. She bounced on her toes excitedly as Tigre led them closer.

Meanwhile, Bell had found himself drawn to a table loaded with weapons and tools. The burly vendor was boasting about the quality of his work, but Bell focused on testing the balance of a short dagger in his hand.

"These are truly exquisite," he marveled, tilting his head back to admire the craftsmanship of the merchant's wares.

The man beamed with pride. "Only the finest quality," he boasted, gesturing to one of the gleaming daggers on display. "This one is perfect for close combat, light and swift."

Alice interjected, pulling her companion away with a roll of her eyes. "We didn't come here to buy, we came to browse. Don't get carried away with the first shiny thing you see."

"There is plenty more to see." Tigre said as he chuckled.

They continued deeper into the bustling market, passing by a stall brimming with luscious fruits and vegetables. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, offered them a taste of a golden fruit Bell had never laid eyes on before. He took a bite, relishing in the burst of tart, juicy flavor that made his eyes widen in delight.

"This is incredible!" he exclaimed, earning a hearty laugh from Titta.

"It's a local delicacy," Titta explained. "We call it sunfruit. It only grows in the hills surrounding Alsace."

As they strolled along, Aki's attention was drawn to a quieter stall tucked away near the edge of the market. The vendor, a wiry man with sharp, observant eyes, was selling meticulously carved wooden figurines and trinkets. She paused to examine a small carving of a bird mid-flight, its wings spread wide with intricate detail.

"You're fond of that one?" the vendor inquired in hushed tones.

"It's stunning," Aki replied softly, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the wood.

Tigre noticed her fascination and grinned. "That stall has been here for as long as I can remember. My father used to buy my mother carvings from him."

As Aki lingered, Alice and Bell were drawn to another stall, their senses peaked by the strong aroma of spices and herbs that hung in the air. The vendor, a lively woman with a deep belly-laugh, held up a small jar of red powder.

"This one is not for the faint-hearted," she warned with a grin. "It'll ignite your mouth on fire if you take too much"

Alice raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the challenge, while Bell leaned in to sniff the jar and immediately pulled back, coughing uncontrollably. "She wasn't exaggerating!" he managed to say through his hoarse voice.

Titta giggled at their reactions. "You're brave to try that. Even us locals use it sparingly."

They continued their tour of the bustling market, stopping occasionally to admire a piece of intricately crafted jewelry, a basket overflowing with freshly baked pastries, or a musician skillfully playing a tune on a stringed instrument. The market seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the town, each stall and vendor contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the place.

"This market is truly remarkable," Alice exclaimed as they paused near the central fountain, its crystal clear water shimmering under the warm rays of sunlight. "It's unlike anything in Asgard."

"Alsace may be a frontier town," Tigre said with pride laced in his voice, "but we make do with what we have. Everything you see here represents hard work and determination."

Bell nodded in agreement, his initial excitement now replaced with newfound appreciation for the town and its people. "It feels... authentic. Like everyone here is working towards something together."

"That's Alsace," Titta said with a smile. "And I hope you enjoy every moment here. There's still so much more to discover."

Standing by the bubbling fountain, surrounded by the lively sounds and scents of the market, the three young adventurers felt a sense of belonging to this place. It was a town carved out of the untamed wilderness, brimming with energy and potential, yet still standing on the cusp of uncharted territory.

Blacksmiths:

The group weaved their way through the labyrinthine streets of Alsace, the bustling market square now fading into the distance as they neared the smithy. The air was thick with the rhythmic clang of hammer striking steel, the sound echoing through the street and filling their ears. Bell, Alice, and Aki exchanged eager glances, all intrigued by the prospect of witnessing a blacksmith at work.

Tigre confidently led them towards the open door of the forge, where the intense heat from the flames hit them first, followed by the sharp smell of molten metal and burning coal. Inside, the blacksmith stood tall and imposing, his brawny arms swinging down with each strike of his hammer against a glowing piece of iron on the anvil. His face was smudged with soot, and beads of sweat glistened on his furrowed brow, but he seemed completely unfazed by the intense heat and physical exertion.

"Master Jorik!" Tigre called out loudly as he stepped into the forge. "We've brought some visitors to see your incredible craftsmanship."

Jorik didn't pause in his work, but his deep voice carried effortlessly across the room. "Visitors? Bring 'em in then, Tigre. I'll be done here soon."

Tigre motioned for the trio to follow him deeper into the forge. The three apprentices - all young men in their early teens - paused in their tasks to observe the newcomers with wide-eyed curiosity.

"This is Master Jorik," Tigre introduced proudly as they approached the roaring furnace. "He's renowned as the best blacksmith in all of Alsace. If you need something crafted or repaired with skill, this is the man to seek out."

Bell's eyes were immediately drawn to the array of weapons hanging on the walls: swords, daggers, and axes, all gleaming and freshly forged. Alice was more focused on the tools of the trade, her gaze tracing the hammer and tongs Jorik used to shape his work.

"Jorik, I want you to meet my dear friends Bell, Alice, and Aki," Tigre introduced with a gesture towards the trio. They approached the forge cautiously, eager to see how weapons were crafted in the region of Alsace.

At last, Jorik lifted the piece of metal he had been working on and plunged it into a vat of water with a loud hiss. He turned to face them, his watchful gaze taking in every detail of the three travelers standing before him.

"Aha, travelers, eh? Well, if it's weapons you seek, you've come to the right place." The blacksmith set down his tongs and wiped his soot-covered hands on a rag. "Let's see what you've got."

Bell stepped forward first, unsheathing one of his daggers and presenting it for Jorik's inspection. The blacksmith took it in his massive hands, fingers tracing along the blade with practiced ease. His eyes lit up in admiration.

"Absolutely stunning. One of the finest works I have ever laid eyes on. Perfect balance and a masterful blend of mithril and Adamantite." Jorik grunted in approval. "Where did you acquire such a weapon?"

"We obtained them from the Brokkr and Eitri Familias," Bell replied proudly, puffing out his chest at the praise.

"Don't let that go to your head. A weapon is only as good as its wielder," Jorik cautioned with a wry smile before turning to Alice. "Your turn now."

Alice unsheathed her sword, a sleek and deadly blade with a sharp edge that glinted in the light. Jorik took it in his hands, inspecting it with a scrutinizing eye. He ran his fingers down the blade, feeling the smoothness of the metal and admiring its craftsmanship.

"This is another exquisite piece," he said, his tone thoughtful. "You can tell the smith knew exactly what they were doing."

"Thank you," Alice replied, trying to contain her excitement and pride.

Jorik handed the blade back to her and turned to Aki, who had been silently observing. She stepped forward with a quieter demeanor, drawing her smaller yet equally well-made rapier from her belt. Jorik took it in his hand, his large fingers wrapped around the hilt. He tested the weight, balance, and sharpness before nodding again.

"Small but deadly," he said with a grin. "I like this one. The maker clearly knew how to work with lighter metals." He handed it back to her, his approval evident.

The children stood there for a moment, gazing proudly at their weapons, but Jorik wasn't finished yet. He turned to the apprentices who had been watching from the sidelines:

"Do you see this?" he asked them sternly. "Pay attention, because these blades are the real deal. No shortcuts or fooling around. If you want to create something as fine as these, you must put in hours of hard work."

The apprentices nodded solemnly, their eyes wide with admiration. One of them, a lanky boy with a crooked grin, stepped forward and asked eagerly, "What kind of metal was used for these blades?"

Jorik answered without hesitation, "A perfect blend of mithril and adamantite. But it's not just the combination of metals that makes these blades exceptional. It's the heat, the hammer, and the skilled hands that shape them. You can have the finest metal in the world, but if you don't know how to work it, you might as well be holding a mere rock."

Tigre watched as the apprentices returned to their work, eager to learn and refine their craft under Jorik's tutelage. The children took a moment to observe them, each apprentice focused on their own piece of metal, shaping it with precision and skill. It was evident that while their work wasn't yet perfect, they were dedicated to the art of smithing. For them, it wasn't just about creating weapons; it was about crafting something that could endure and protect. After observing the apprentices for a little while longer, the group departed, leaving behind a sense of admiration and respect for the young smiths in training.

Monster Appearances(3 Months After the groups arrival in Alsace)

The setting sun cast a warm glow over the fields of Alsace, stretching out for miles and miles. Bell, Alice, Aki, and their companions strolled along, taking in the peaceful landscape that surrounded them. The rolling hills were dotted with quaint houses, and the air was crisp and clean, free from the usual city smells. Despite the tranquility, their instincts remained sharp and alert, honed by years of battling formidable threats.

Tigre and Titta led the group down a winding dirt path, their easy banter filling the space around them. Alfia walked a few paces behind, her keen eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. She hadn't spoken much since they had set out, but Bell knew better than to worry about her silence.

"It's so quiet out here," Alice remarked as she gazed across the vast fields.

"That's because danger always starts with quietness," Aki replied in a monotone voice, adjusting the sword at her waist while keeping a watchful eye.

Bell let out a nervous chuckle, feeling his chest tighten with tension. "Let's not jinx ourselves."

Tigre chuckled softly in response. "No need to worry about jinxing here. But it's true, the further we get from town, the more we have to be on guard." The gentle breeze carried whispers of distant laughter and birdsong through the air, adding to the serene yet foreboding atmosphere of their journey.

As they approached a small glade of tall oak trees, the first sign of danger emerged - a low growl from the north woods. The sound was unsettling, a sharp, jagged rasp that sent chills down their spines.

"What was that?" Alice questioned, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword.

Titta stopped beside them and turned to face the direction of the noise. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "That didn't sound like any animal I've heard before."

Bell's heart began to race as he felt a sense of impending danger. His hand gripped his dagger tightly as he stepped forward, determined to investigate. "We need to check it out."

But before they could move any further, the noise came again, even louder this time. Then from the brush emerged a group of menacing creatures.

Goblins stumbled out into the clearing, their green skin and sharp teeth barely visible under the thick canopy of trees. Their eyes gleamed with malice as they hissed and chattered amongst themselves. Behind them stood an even larger creature - an orc wielding a massive club in its hands. Its tusked face twisted into a snarl as its eyes locked onto the group. And just behind it, two hell hounds appeared with flickering flames reflected in their glowing eyes. The ground sizzled beneath their paws as they advanced towards the group.

"Get ready," Alfia commanded, but did not move to engage. She stood back, observing the situation closely and ready to take action if needed.

Tigre's keen eyes scanned the enemy camp, his bow already at the ready. He assessed the beasts before them - a group of goblins, an orc, and two hell hounds. Without hesitation, he aimed and fired an arrow at one of the goblins, hitting it with deadly accuracy.

"Alice. Aki. Take out the goblins 'll be the easiest targets. Tigre take care of the hellhounds and then do cword control. I will distract the Orc" Bell called to his comrades.

Alice and Aki sprang into actionass they began moved in tandem, their blades flashing in the dying sunlight as they engaged the remaining goblins. The creatures hissed and snarled, their clawed hands reaching out to grab at the young women. But Aki and Alice were too quick, too skilled for such clumsy attacks.

Alice's sword sang through the air, a deadly arc of silver that separated a goblin's head from its shoulders. The creature's body crumbled to dust before it hit the ground. She pivoted gracefully, her long hair whipping around her face as she faced the next opponent. Two goblins lunged at her simultaneously, but she deftly sidestepped, allowing them to collide with each other. In one fluid motion, she thrust her sword through both their bodies, her blade emerging from the back of the second goblin in a spray of dark blood.

Aki, meanwhile, moved like a shadow among the goblins. Her rapier darted in and out with lightning speed, finding gaps in the creatures' crude armor and vital points in their misshapen bodies. A goblin swung a rusty sword at her head, but she ducked under the blow, coming up inside the monster's guard. Her blade found its heart, and the goblin exploded into a cloud of ash.

From his position at the edge of the clearing, Tigre's bow sang a deadly song. Any goblin that tried to flee or circle around the two swordswomen found itself pinned to the ground by a precisely placed arrow. One particularly large goblin managed to break away from the melee, its eyes wild with fear as it sprinted for the treeline. Tigre's arrow caught it in mid-stride, piercing its throat. The creature stumbled, gurgled, and dissolved into nothing before it hit the ground.

As Alice dispatched another goblin with a vicious downward slash, she caught sight of movement to her left. A goblin, craftier than its brethren, had used the chaos of the battle to sneak up on her. It leaped, a crude dagger raised high, aiming for her exposed neck. But before Alice could even react, an arrow whistled past her ear, catching the goblin in mid-air. The force of the shot sent the creature tumbling backward, dead before it landed.

"Thanks, Tigre!" Alice called out, flashing a quick grin towards the archer before turning back to the fight.

Aki, her face a mask of concentration, wove through the diminishing horde of goblins like a deadly dancer. Her rapier flicked out again and again, each thrust resulting in another puff of dissolving goblin. A particularly agile goblin managed to dodge her initial attack, cackling as it darted away. But its triumph was short-lived. Tigre's arrow found its mark in the creature's leg, and caused the creature stumbled, giving Aki the opening she needed to finish it off with a swift thrust through its chest

The last few goblins, seeing their numbers dwindling rapidly, tried to escape but:

zing. zing. zing. zing. zing.

Each goblin was immediately stuck through either its magic stone or head in rapid succession by Tigre.

"Tigre! That's awesome." Alice shouted while Aki nodded along. Even Alfia acknowledged Tigre's skill with a single arched eyebrow.

Meanwhile, Bell darted to the side, his feet barely making a sound as he positioned himself behind the orc. The beast towered over him, its muscles rippling with each powerful swing of its massive club. But Bell was no stranger to fighting larger opponents. He relied on his speed and agility, dodging the orc's wild attacks with calculated precision.

He stole a quick glance at Alice and Aki, who were holding their own against the last of the goblins. With a nod of determination, Bell turned his full attention back to the looming threat in front of him.

The orc roared in frustration, its eyes filled with rage as it swung its club in a wide arc. But Bell was always one step ahead, ducking and weaving out of harm's way. His sword struck out biting deep into the orc's exposed side. Though not a fatal blow, it left a deep, bleeding gash down the creature's arm.

Bell's heart raced as he faced the enormous orc, its hulking form towering over him. The creature's beady eyes gleamed with malice as it hefted its massive club, the weapon easily as thick as Bell's torso. The young adventurer's mind raced, formulating a plan as he danced just out of the orc's reach.

"Over here, you overgrown brute!" Bell taunted, his voice carrying across the battlefield. The orc roared in response, its thunderous voice shaking the very ground beneath their feet. It charged forward, swinging its club in a wide arc that would have pulverized Bell had it connected.

But Bell was ready. He ducked low, feeling the rush of air as the club whistled over his head. In one fluid motion, he darted between the orc's legs, slashing at its ankles with his dagger. The orc bellowed in pain and frustration, pivoting clumsily to face its nimble opponent.

As Bell continued to harass the orc, drawing its attention away from his companions, the hell hounds circled the perimeter of the battle. Their eyes glowed like burning coals, tracking Bell's every movement. Suddenly, one of the beasts lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut mere inches from Bell's arm.

"Bell, watch out!" Tigre's voice cut through the chaos. An arrow whizzed past , burying itself deep in the hell hound's shoulder. As the creature yelped in pain, Bell rammed his sword through the hell hounds open mouth driving it through the creature's skull. The creature spasmed once, then twice before it burst into ash.

The orc lumbered towards him, its club raised high. Just as it was about to strike, Bell launched himself into the air, somersaulting over the orc's head. Time seemed to slow as he sailed through the air, his dagger flashing in the fading sunlight. He struck true, the blade sinking deep into the orc's thick neck.

The orc's roar of pain was cut short as it stumbled, dark blood gushing from the wound. But Bell had no time to celebrate his success. The second hell hound was upon him, its fiery breath singeing the air around them. Bell rolled to the side, feeling the heat of the flames licking at his heels.

Once again, Tigre's aim proved true. An arrow found its mark in the hell hound's skull causing the creature to twitch once before it burst into ash.

The orc, though gravely wounded, wasn't finished yet. It swung its club wildly, its movements becoming more erratic and unpredictable. Bell continued to dodged as his muscles began to burning with exertion.

Bell's chest heaved as he narrowly avoided another wild swing from the orc's club. The massive creature, despite its grievous neck wound, seemed fueled by a primal rage that refused to let it fall. Blood matted its coarse fur, and its eyes burned with a feral intensity that sent shivers down Bell's spine. having finished the other monsters, the rest of the group joined Bell in taking down the orc.

"We need to end this now!" Alice called out, her sword flashing as she darted in to slash at the orc's hamstring. The beast roared in pain and fury, pivoting with surprising speed to face this new threat.

Aki seized the moment of distraction, her rapier a blur as she struck at the orc's exposed back.

"Aim for its vital points!" she shouted

Tigre, positioned at the back of the group, nocked another arrow. His keen eyes searched for an opening, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The orc's erratic movements made it a challenging target, but Tigre's never lossed focus.

Bell circled the beast, his mind racing. The orc's thick hide had proven resistant to their attacks, but there had to be a weakness. As he watched Alice and Aki harass the creature from different angles, an idea began to form.

"Tigre!" Bell called out, catching the archer's attention. "When I give the signal, aim for its eye!"

Without waiting for a response, Bell charged forward. The orc, distracted by Alice's relentless assault, didn't see him coming. With a mighty leap, Bell vaulted onto the creature's broad back, clinging to its matted fur.

The orc bellowed in surprise and anger, thrashing wildly to dislodge its unwelcome passenger. Bell held on for dear life, his muscles straining as he fought to maintain his grip. With one hand, he reached for one of his , searching for purchase in the beast's thick neck.

"Alice! Aki! Keep it distracted!" Bell shouted, his voice strained with effort.

The two women redoubled their efforts, darting in and out of the orc's reach. Their blades flashed in the dying light, leaving shallow cuts across the creature's legs and torso. The orc roared in frustration, its attention divided between the threats on the ground and the one on its back.

Bell finally found his opening. With a grunt of effort, he drove his dagger deep into the orc's neck, right where he had struck before. The beast let out a ear-splitting shriek of pain, its movements becoming even more frenzied.

"Now, Tigre!" Bell yelled, using all his strength to wrench the orc's head back.

In that split second, Tigre's arrow flew true. It whistled through the air, a streak of silver in the twilight, and found its mark in the orc's exposed eye. The creature's roar cut off abruptly as the arrow penetrated deep into skull. The creature twitched once before it exploded into ash.

As Bell began to fall, he felt himself be almost immediately be caught in a soft embrace by Alfia. Her arms were like warm blankets, enfolding him gently but securely, as her sharp eyes glared daggers at the danger that had just threatened them.

"That was reckless," she admonished, her voice stern but laced with concern as she carefully checked Bell for any injuries.

Breathless and sweat-soaked, Alice emerged from the fray with her sword in hand. Her chest heaved with exertion as she wiped it clean on the grass.

"We did it," Bell gasped, relief flooding through him.

"That was tough."Aki said

"Good work," Alfia finally spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. "But stay vigilant. There's always the possibility of more out there."

Tigre lowered his bow, his expression perplexed as he eyed the piles of ash. "It's odd for them to come this close to town. Something must be driving them out of the forest."

"Whatever it is, we'll be ready," Bell declared, determination in his gaze as he looked over at the remaining piles of ash.

"We're just getting started," Alice added fiercely, gripping her sword tightly.

"Right, we will protect people," Aki affirmed.

The children returned to Alsace and immediately reported their encounter with the monsters to Lord Urs. He wasted no time in ordering more patrols and scouts into the surrounding landscape to try and pinpoint the source of the creatures' sudden appearance.