As the slime readies itself for combat, you see that its attack pattern seems to be focused on tripping and entangling its opponents with its tentacles before delivering a debilitating blow. You'll need to be careful not to slip on the slippery floor yourself or risk being caught off guard.

You charge at the slime, trying to close the distance quickly before it has a chance to react. However, your footing slips on the slick surface and you fall awkwardly just short of reaching it. The tentacle lashes out, wrapping around your leg tightly and yanking you off balance. You struggle against the monster's grip but can't seem to break free.

"A pity," the orc says with a nod, looking around at the debris of battle. "But we have each other now. Perhaps together, we can survive whatever comes next." He extends his massive hand once more, offering you a chance to form an alliance. Do you accept?

The orc grins broadly at your acceptance, his yellowed teeth bared in a display of genuine friendship. "Good," he says, gripping your hand tightly. "Together, we'll find what we need to survive this cursed land." With that, the two of you set off into The Hostile Forest once more, ready to face whatever dangers lie ahead...

You follow the ranger back to the village, your head hung low in shame. As you near the settlement, she glances over her shoulder at you and says, "Oh, by the way... my name's Celaena. I hope you understand that this wasn't personal." Her expression is still unreadable, but there seems to be a hint of sympathy in her voice.

Once you arrive back at the village, people gather around, murmuring amongst themselves as they take in your defeated state.

Celaena nods curtly to the villagers, introducing you as "just another fool who thought he could handle the forest's monsters." The people of the village exchange knowing glances, some looking disappointed and others amused by your failure. After a few moments, Celaena clears her throat and turns back to you.

"Well then," she says briskly. "I suppose we should get you cleaned up and tended to before you try anything else stupid."

You swiftly strike down the first goblin with a mighty blow, its limp body falling to the ground. The other two goblins are not so easily disposed of, however. They dart around you nimbly, trying to land as many bites and scratches as possible. One manages to trip you, causing you to lose your balance momentarily before regaining it.

You swiftly dispatch the remaining two goblins, leaving their corpses strewn about the clearing. As you stand victorious over your foes, a sense of accomplishment washes over you. However, you know there are many more monsters out here waiting for someone like you to come and relieve them of their lustful desires...

You crouch down low and raise your shield in front of you, planting it firmly on the ground. Your sword springs up from your other side, held horizontally like a gatekeeper's spiked barricade. The two creatures skid to a halt several feet away, their eyes widening as they take in this new defense.

The first beast snarls and charges once more, aiming for the gap between your shield and sword. You lean forward, meeting its charge head-on.

As you meet the creature's charge, your shield clangs against its chest with enough force to send it staggering backward. The second beast takes advantage of this opening and leaps forward, claws extended as it aims for your unshielded side. You spin quickly to the left, narrowly avoiding the vicious swipe.

The first creature recovers quickly and charges once more, this time aiming lower than before.

As the knight helps you to your feet, you glance over at the other girl. She returns your gaze with a weak but grateful smile. Together, the three of you work to free her from the demon's chains, and once she's released, she collapses into your arms, sobbing with relief.

"Thank you," she whispers hoarsely between sobs. "I thought I was going to die..."

The knight nods gravely, his expression grim. "

He bows solemnly, his expression unsmiling. "It is my duty to protect the innocent," he says simply. "But we must leave quickly. There may be others like this one lurking nearby, and they will seek vengeance for their fallen comrade."

Without waiting for a response, the knight turns and begins to lead the way out of the forest. His pace is brisk but not overly taxing; clearly, he knows these woods well and wishes to avoid any potential dangers.

As you walk, you can't help but steal glances at the other girl.