Final Life Online-Chapter 306: Island VII

The troll swung hard, the log cutting through the air where Rhys had been a moment earlier. Rhys rolled aside and came up low, keeping close to its legs.

Puddle surged forward, its surface flashing bright. The sudden light hit the troll’s face, making it flinch and lose focus.

Caria didn’t wait. She released her spell in a tight burst, striking the troll’s upper body and forcing it back a step. The ground shook under its weight.

Rhys moved in again, aiming for the same injured leg. His strike landed cleanly. The troll stumbled, dropping the log with a heavy thud.

It tried to recover, roaring in anger, but its movements were slower now. Caria followed with another controlled blast, pushing it off balance.

Puddle wrapped around the troll’s lower legs, not holding it fully, but slowing it just enough.

Rhys took the opening. One final, precise strike brought the troll down hard onto the rocks. It struggled briefly, then went still.

Silence returned to the camp.

Rhys stepped back, breathing steady. "That’s all of them."

Caria lowered her hands and scanned the area. "No movement."

Puddle drifted through the camp once more, then settled, its surface calm again.

Rhys looked over the wreckage. "Camp’s clear. The road will be safer now."

Caria nodded. "Let’s make sure nothing’s left behind, then head back."

They moved through the camp carefully, checking for traps or survivors. There were none. When they were done, they turned back toward the road, the task finished cleanly.

They took their time searching the camp. Rhys checked the stacked stones and broken carts, making sure nothing was hidden beneath them. Caria looked through what remained of the supplies—mostly spoiled meat, cracked tools, and scraps taken from travelers.

Near the fire pit, Rhys found a small pouch that had survived the mess. Inside were a few coins and a simple token, likely taken from someone who hadn’t been as careful. He handed it to Caria. "Proof for the village."

She nodded and put it away. "They’ll want to know it’s done."

Puddle circled the edge of the camp once more, then returned, giving a clear sense that nothing remained.

With that, they left the rocky rise and followed their own tracks back toward the road. The smell faded as they moved away, replaced again by clean air and open land.

When they reached the road, Rhys paused and looked both ways. It was quiet. No sign that anyone else had come near the camp.

"We’ll head back to the village," he said. "Report it and move on."

Caria agreed. "No reason to linger."

They turned west, walking at an easy pace. The land felt lighter now, as if the tension had been lifted. The road stretched ahead, clear and calm, carrying them back toward their next step.

They followed the road back without trouble. The walk felt easier this time, and nothing crossed their path. The forest edge came and went without incident, and soon the open fields appeared again.

By the time they reached the village, the sun was already lowering. Smoke rose from chimneys, and people were finishing their work for the day.

They went straight to the square and found the same notice board. A few villagers noticed them and paused when they saw the pouch in Caria’s hand.

Rhys spoke clearly. "The troll camp is gone. Three trolls. No survivors."

A short silence followed, then a few quiet murmurs. The man from earlier stepped forward and looked relieved. "You’re sure?"

Caria handed him the token. "This was taken from travelers. The camp won’t be a problem anymore."

The man nodded and called someone over. Within minutes, word spread. People didn’t cheer, but their posture eased. The tension that had lingered in the village finally faded.

They were paid without delay. Not a large reward, but fair—coins, food, and a written mark showing the job was complete.

"You’re welcome to stay the night," the man said. "On the village."

Rhys shook his head. "We’ll move on. But thank you."

They restocked water, adjusted their packs, and left the village before dark. A few villagers watched them go, offering quiet thanks.

Once they were back on the road, Caria spoke. "Clean job. No loose ends."

Rhys nodded. "That’s how it should be."

Puddle drifted ahead, calm and steady.

They walked on as evening settled in, the road open in front of them, ready for whatever came next.

They walked until the village lights faded behind them. The road was quiet, and the sky slowly darkened as the sun set.

Rhys checked the ground ahead and chose a spot a short distance off the road. It was open, with clear sight in every direction. "We’ll camp here," he said.

Caria agreed. "Good visibility."

They set up quickly, using what light remained. Puddle stayed nearby, watching the road while they worked.

Once the camp was ready, they ate a simple meal. No one spoke much. The work was done, and there was no need to rush plans.

After eating, Caria looked toward the dark road. "Tomorrow, we continue east?"

"Yes," Rhys said. "We follow the road and see what comes next."

The night stayed calm. No sounds came close, and the land remained still.

They rested, taking turns watching, but nothing disturbed them.

By morning, they would move again—leaving the village, the trolls, and the quiet road behind them.

Morning came with a pale, even light. The air was cool, and the road was still empty.

Rhys woke first and checked the area. Everything was unchanged. Caria rose soon after, and they packed without wasting time. Puddle drifted back into place once they were ready to move.

They returned to the road and headed east. The land stayed open, with low hills and wide sightlines. The road was firm and easy to follow.

After some time, they noticed signs of regular travel again—old cart tracks, boot prints, and a marker stone set near the road. This route saw more use than the forest path from before.

Caria glanced ahead. "This should lead to a larger settlement or a trade junction."

Rhys nodded. "Which means more information. And more problems, if we’re unlucky."