Chapter 4 – Journey to the Great City
The morning sun cast a gentle light as I stood before my home, tightening the straps of my backpack.
Beside me, Bloo bounced around excitedly, while Gobu checked our equipment with a serious face.
Father and Mother stood on the porch, their expressions a blend of pride and worry.
> "Remember, Zeno," Father said, patting my shoulder firmly, "take good care of yourself. And don't hesitate to use what we've taught you."
> "We believe in you, son," Mother added with a warm smile. "But... don't be reckless, okay?"
I nodded firmly.
> "I'll come back... as a great adventurer."
With that vow in my heart, we began our journey to Tredolus, the great city where the Adventurers' Guild was located.
This journey... would be the beginning of everything.
---
The first stretch of the trip was peaceful.
A small trail cut through the forest and open fields, birds chirping and the scent of fresh earth filling the air.
> "Waaah! Look, Zeno! That cloud looks like a loaf of bread!" Bloo exclaimed, pointing at the sky.
> "I'm more focused on these footprints," Gobu said, crouching down seriously. "There's a chance... we'll face danger."
I chuckled softly.
Bloo was always cheerful, while Gobu remained vigilant. But both of them—were my true companions.
---
Around midday, we entered a denser forest.
Tall trees blocked out much of the sunlight, and the path grew narrower.
And that's when the first trouble struck.
A low growl echoed from the bushes. I immediately stopped, drawing my sword. Bloo leapt back, and Gobu took a defensive stance.
Two forest wolves leapt out, their fur ragged and their eyes wild.
> "Zeno! Should we run?!" Bloo panicked.
> "No. We'll fight," I replied calmly, taking my stance.
One wolf lunged at me.
I dodged quickly and slashed sideways, forcing it to retreat, whimpering.
Meanwhile, Gobu faced the second wolf.
He let out a deep growl—a technique Father had taught him to intimidate enemies.
When the wolf attacked, Gobu blocked it with his wooden sword and pushed back with his remarkable strength.
Gobu's body had changed drastically over these past fifteen years. His muscles were firm and strong—a testament to the grueling training he endured under Father.
> "Hyaaah!" Gobu roared, slamming his weapon into the ground and startling the wolf until it fled.
> "That was awesome, Gobu!" I praised him.
> "Hehe... I was a bit nervous though," Gobu admitted bashfully.
---
After the brief battle, we pressed on, staying more alert.
Several hours later, we heard strange sounds again.
This time, a group of goblins emerged from the trees—five or six of them, wielding crude wooden clubs and rusty knives. Their eyes gleamed with malice.
I immediately drew my sword.
But Gobu... hesitated.
He looked at the goblins with a conflicted expression—sadness flickering in his eyes.
> "They... look just like me..." he muttered.
I understood how he felt.
Fighting your own kind wasn't easy.
But in this world, mercy could mean death.
> "Gobu. They're not your friends. They're attacking," I said firmly.
Gobu's hands trembled.
But when one goblin lunged at Bloo, Gobu moved instinctively.
With swift movements, he struck his opponent with the flat side of his wooden sword, knocking the goblin unconscious without killing him.
We fought alongside Gobu, subduing the rest without taking any lives. After tying them up, we left them in the woods.
Afterward, we sat beneath a tree, catching our breath.
Gobu hung his head, his voice low.
> "Am I... a traitor?"
I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
> "You're not like them, Gobu.
You're my family."
Bloo jumped onto Gobu's shoulder, adding cheerfully:
> "That's right! Gobu isn't just any goblin! You're a special Gobu!"
Slowly, a smile crept onto Gobu's face.
He wiped his tears quickly and stood back up.
> "Alright. I'll get stronger... to protect you both."
---
The journey continued.
We crossed rolling hills, open meadows, and rocky paths.
By late afternoon, as the sun dipped westward, we finally caught sight of it—a massive city in the distance.
Tredolus.
Towering walls loomed over the landscape.
Banners bearing the image of a lion fluttered proudly in the wind.
And before the grand gates, a long line of merchants, adventurers, and villagers waited to enter.
Bloo let out a squeal of excitement.
> "Wooooow!! Is that a city?! It's huge!!"
Gobu stared in awe.
> "I've never seen a place this big..."
As for me... my heart pounded wildly—half with nerves, half with excitement.
Here, in this sprawling city... my new life would begin.
> "Come on, guys," I said, clenching my fists. "Let's start our adventure."
Together, we stepped forward toward the gates of Tredolus—toward the destiny that awaited us.
"Thank you so much for reading until the end!
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