[Is there a bow and arrows in the luggage? (If not, the Guard will use throwing weapons)]
[The source of the bow and arrows is]
1. The coachman's hunting bow
2. Every Guard has one ♛
3. A Guard is an Archer
After finishing the brief combat meeting, the Guards fetched short bows from the luggage, one for each person.
The Hero was somewhat surprised at this sight.
"I thought all of you were melee fighters!"
"While that's true, in reality, there isn't much of a barrier between different professions."
Guard A checked the bowstring and drew an arrow, taking aim.
"Although each profession has its own philosophy, a warrior can reincarnate as a Magic Swordsman, and an Archer can become a melee Ranger. As soldiers, we've been trained in the use of long-range weaponry like bows and arrows, so it's only natural for us to do so."
Seeing the Hero's half-understanding expression, Guard B added.
"Besides, the journey is long, and it's more reliable to hunt for game with bows than with swords." Guard C adjusted his armor.
"Then I'll stay here to protect the young lady, please take care of the rest." Guard Ding handed over the bow, arrows, and a spare sword to the Hero.
"Are you really sure you want to come with us? We could just take the potions from you." Guard B asked the Hero for confirmation.
"She is also my friend, and besides, I am the Hero." The Hero stated his identity with a soft tone, making the Guards widen their eyes in surprise.
"The more special the being, the more likely to attract Elf Rabbits... I guess I should count as one, right?" The Hero said with an insecure smile.
After all, his father had told him that even he found the story of the Hero taking revenge on Goblins to be a funny tale; perhaps the Elf Rabbits would think so too.
Moreover, although she had no interest in hunting other Magic Creatures, this was also her calling.
Only by seizing the opportunity to become stronger could she kill more Goblins; all battles were fought for this purpose.
However, for the Hero at present, there had been a slight change.
—Now, she fights for her friends.
"At such a young age? Never even heard of such a Hero on the frontlines..." murmured Guard A in a low voice.
"Don't ask, you know how Heroes come to be... and besides, the young lady's matter is urgent." Guard B shook his head.
The three Guards, ready for battle, stepped toward the forest alongside the Hero.
"Take care, everyone! We'll be ready to set off at any moment; if the Magic Creatures are too strong, hurry back!"
The coachman waved his hand, sending off their figures as they disappeared into the forest.
[The secluded Nameless Forest LV]
Away from the villages, away from the cities, the forest silently watched those who passed through her.
"...This should be far enough."
About ten minutes into the forest walk, the fallen leaves underfoot grew denser, concealing even animal trails beneath a thick layer.
Although common medicinal herbs could be seen along the way, they were of little use to the Little Girl's condition, especially since none of the group were a Magic Alchemist capable of miraculous transformations.
After ensuring they were deep enough, the Hero raised a Crystal Bottle in her hand.
The three Guards spread out: two drew Longswords, while one readied a bow at the back.
The Hero, too, carried a Longsword, planting it in the Earth beside her. After making eye contact with each of the Guards and nodding, she took out a potion, uncorking its lid. A fragrance difficult to describe wafted from the bottle's mouth.
The Hero remembered what the kind-hearted girl, who owned a potion shop, had told her: to attract specific Magic Creatures, specific ingredients were necessary.
However, after walking and pondering for a long while, the Hero couldn't figure out which special ingredient would attract the Elf Rabbits.
"I'll just add nothing then." With a deep breath, the Hero stopped hesitating.
Embracing prayer and belief, she flung her arm and cast the Magic Potion out as a curtain of water.
[The Hero used a Treasure: Monster Attraction Potion (D3+90) (one-time Stacking use, fixed Potion effect +90)]
When the Potion effect exceeds 150, Elf Rabbits will appear; the number of attracted Magic Creatures is determined by the Potion's effect; with an effect over 300, Magic Creatures exceeding the Map Level will appear.
—Remember, the sky above and the earth below are the domain of Magic Creatures.
3d100+90=d100(14)+d100(18)+d100(30)+90=152
[The Potion had an effect]
[A Special Event started: Elf Rabbit, truly adorable, bunny hunting, glittering]
Each time Magic Creatures appear, perform a Hero's Luck check; if it exceeds 5, an Elf Rabbit appears. If it never does, an Elf Rabbit will appear after the last wave, which is the third wave of Magic Creatures.
[First Wave - Hero's Luck]
The Potion's fragrant scent slowly diffused through the forest.
In the Hero's sense of smell, the place where the Potion was sprinkled emitted a tempting fragrance, making even her feet reluctant to move. However, the Guards frowned slightly, as the scent didn't seem as pleasant to them.
Yet none complained, waiting calmly for the attracted Magic Creatures.
"Is it okay? Centering on me." The Hero pulled the sword, which felt somewhat heavy, and felt sweat on her palm.
Their current formation had the Hero at the center with the other Guards spread around her, two in front and one behind, forming an inverted triangle.
Wielding a Sword for humanoid combat... While it wasn't her first time, if a kitchen knife also counted as a sword, then it all had always been against Goblins.