Chapter 45: Gains

Blossom collects her dagger from the troll's eye socket, her eyes steely with determination. With a final, solemn nod towards us, she disappears into the dense forest, leaving the battlefield behind. I hope she will face no further difficulties in reaching her destination. She isn't exactly in combat-ready health.

Ayame and I survey the scene around us. Goblin corpses lie strewn about around their crude weapons and makeshift armor that has been shattered. Pools of dark blood mix with the dirt, creating strong visual evidence regarding our hard-fought victory.

I make my way to the fallen war troll. Finally, its massive form is now lifeless and still. I bend down and retrieve my steel spear from where it was embedded, feeling the reassuring weight of the weapon in my hands. The spear, with its smooth, well-crafted shaft and padded grip, feels like an extension of my own arm.

Now that we are not in a life-or-death situation I can finally examine my new weapon.