Defeating the enemy isn't enough to survive | Fantasy Novel | Side Story "Intention" Introduction
When you hear the word "adventurer" in a fantasy world, what kind of image comes to mind?
A warrior wielding a sword to face the enemy.
An archer firing arrows from the rear.
A healer supporting wounded comrades.
However, what an adventurer needs is not just strength or courage.
If it's a winnable fight, should you pursue the enemy?
When you discover a new threat during a mission, how far should you push in?
When the leader falls, who takes over the decision-making?
And in a situation where leaving one person behind might save the others, what do you choose?
The side story "Intention" is a tale of five young adventurers who learn,not the techniques of fighting, but the judgment required to survive and return home.
◾️Episode 1: RTB (Return to Base)
Episode 1: Synopsis
This is the first field training for the five of them.
Encountering a pack of goblins in the forest, they form ranks as drilled and engage in controlled combat.
The enemy breaks, and the remaining goblins flee deep into the forest.
They can still fight.
If they pursue, they might be able to finish them off.
Just as they think this, Dia's sharp command rings out.
RTB Return To Base
Why must they return when they are winning?
In the first episode, it is not the outcome of the battle that is questioned, butnot losing sight of the mission's objective.
◾️Episode 2: SL (Squad Leader)
Episode 2: Synopsis
The next mission is to locate an enemy base and assess their strength.
Dia announces that they must choose a commander from among the five.
Ryan from the vanguard and Rhea from the rearguard step forward.
One who prioritizes immediate action.
One who tries to organize the facts before deciding.
When opinions differ in the field, who decides?
What do you do if that decision is wrong?
In the second episode, what is required of a commander is questioned.
◾️Episode 3: CA (Caution Area)
Episode 3: Synopsis
Appointed as commander, Rhea leads the five into the forest.
Hand signals.
Movement while alternating guard duty.
Fixed-point observation from high ground.
Techniques to find the enemy and bring back information without fighting.
Eventually, the five discover a goblin base and a large quantity of weapons being brought in.
The mission is to locate the base and assess their strength.
They were not ordered to do anything more.
Should they return now?
Or should they take one more step forward before it's too late?
In the third episode, whether one should change their decision when new information is obtained is depicted.
◾️Episode 4: RIF (Reconnaissance in Force)
Episode 4 Synopsis
The five, having infiltrated the goblin stronghold, witness a force beyond their expectations.
They obtained the information they needed. All that remained was to retreat.
However, they are discovered by the enemy on their way back, and the situation changes completely.
A comrade is injured, and there is no time to wait for the commander's decision.
When someone falls.
When someone's orders don't reach you.
What should each person present do?
In Episode 4, the question is asked: What is a unit that can act without orders?.
◾️Episode 5: NLB (Nobody Left Behind)
Episode 5 Synopsis
Arrows running low.
Shields breaking.
Pursuers closing in.
A comrade with deep wounds.
If they all continue like this, they might be caught.
If they leave one behind, the others might be saved.
In such a situation, the five are forced to make a choice.
NLB Nobody Left Behind
Nobody left behind.
That is not just an ideal.
To return without leaving anyone behind, they must divide their equipment, change their roles, and reorganize how they fight.
In Episode 5, it is depicted how much resolve and skill are required to choose not to abandon a comrade.
◾️Episode 6: ENDEX (End of Exercise)
Episode 6 Synopsis
To intercept the pursuers, the five begin their final operation in the forest.
The five fight by not only sticking to their assigned roles but also by compensating for each other's shortcomings.
Even so, the number of enemies does not decrease.
There is no escape route.
What they did not let go of until the end, even when cornered, was not victory.
Returning home alive together.
The words taught in the first episode return with a different meaning in the final episode.
In Episode 6, it is depicted not how to defeat the enemy, but how to end the battle through their own judgment.
◾️Ella and Yoru | Side Story: Intention
"Intention" is a side story to the fantasy novel "Ella and Yoru".
Even if you haven't read the main story, you can enjoy it as a coming-of-age story for the five.
On the other hand, for those who have read the main story, the background of the tale—such as the hometown they lost and the pasts the instructors carry—becomes clearer.
Defeating the enemy isn't enough to survive.
Being right doesn't always mean you can save someone.
Even so, you must decide.
And in the end, you all return together.
The adventurer guild "Intention".
This is a story about five adventurers learning to make "judgments".