Pfft!
Within the dense forest, an arrow swiftly cut through the air like lightning, piercing straight through the Kobold fleeing in a panic in the distance.
The ragged Kobold stared incredulously at the blood-stained arrow protruding from its chest, finally collapsing to the ground with a thud.
"This damned place, it's full of these things."
Nearby, there came a rustling sound, as two figures approached, reaching out to retrieve the arrow stuck in the Kobold's back.
"Come on, we're better off now. If we were crossing the Bloody Border a few days ago, we'd have faced more Beastmen."
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, illuminating the figures—a pair of humans!
These two were dressed in somewhat worn leather armor, covered in dust, as if they'd been traveling for a long time. One, tall and thin, held a bow and arrow, while the other, more robust, carried a war axe, both displaying a fierce demeanor, appearing to be mercenaries.
