After that little incident, I was dragged along by the kids.
("What have I gotten myself into…") [Solace]
It didn't take long for the kids to warm up to me. They introduced themselves to me as Amelia, Terrence, and Gerard. If you didn't get this gist of it, Amelia is the one girl and the other two kids are boys.
("...Where are they taking me to?") [Solace]
I held the hands of the children as they led me to who knows where. As we continued down the road, they swarmed me with questions.
"Where did you come from, mister?" [Gerard]
"Can you show me how to make my fist on fire?!" [Terrence]
"...Do you have someone you like?" [Amelia]
That was a red flag.
("I'm not a pedophile… What do I even say?") [Solace]
"I uh… I'm not interested in anyone at the moment." [Solace]
Hearing that, Amelia twiddled her fingers.
"Do you think you'll find interest soon…?" [Amelia]
Her reactions had me shook.
("Dear lord, this is a trial.") [Solace]
Trying my best to avoid the red flags, I barely managed to get to the village.
"Ah, father!" [Terrence]
The child ran up to a man holding a pitchfork in hand. It appeared that many of the villagers had gathered with sharpened tools for defense.
"Terrence!" [Worried Man]
Terrence's father hugged his child with relief.
"Are you okay? Are you not hurt?" [Worried Man]
"Nope!" [Terrence]
He smiled gleefully, causing the other villagers to be a bit more relaxed. It was then that an old man came forward.
"Amelia, Gerard. Who is that man with you?" [Old Man]
Amelia and Gerard looked at me, then back to the old man.
"He's mister!" [Amelia]
The villagers looked at me strangely.
"Um… The name's Alt." [Solace]
Using the same name as when I spoke to Fina, I introduced myself.
"I was on the way to Camerina mines until I saw the kids get attacked by a monster. Luckily I was able to defeat it before it caused any damage." [Solace]
The villagers looked a bit skeptical, but many lowered their weapons.
"I see. Thank you for helping our children. I am the village chief, Oswald." [Oswald]
Lowering his head a bit, he gave me a respectful bow.
"However, I fear that your journey is a dead end." [Oswald]
"...What do you mean?" [Solace]
Hearing the tone of his voice, I half expected to get attacked.
"The Camerina mines have run dry. There are no minerals to collect, and it has become a monster's nest." [Oswald]
"A monster's nest? What kind?" [Solace]
"...It has become home to goblins. We don't dare go near." [Oswald]
I breathed a sigh of relief.
("Just goblins?") [Solace]
"Is there anything of value inside?" [Solace]
Oswald shook his head.
"Nothing of note. Perhaps the only object of value is the goblins equipment, but I doubt anyone would try to get it." [Oswald]
I couldn't help getting excited.
("Did I just hear about free loot?") [Solace]
My gamer senses were tingling, and my hands were itching for combat.
"May I ask where the mines are located?" [Solace]
Oswald gave me a fearful look.
"You can't be thinking of going there, are you?" [Oswald]
"Of course. I can't leave such a danger near a village can I?" [Solace]
Oswald seemed to be surprised by my words.
"You have quite the heroic spirit, but I implore you to avoid the mines." [Oswald]
"Why not?" [Solace]
"The goblins are numerous! There's no telling how many there are!" [Oswald]
I shrugged.
"Can I not defeat them all?" [Solace]
"Good sir! The mines are dark! How will you see your foes?!" [Oswald]
I couldn't help but laugh at his question.
"I have the skill |Night Vision|. That should deal with that." [Solace]
Oswald seemed to be at a loss for words.
"E-even so…! The strength required to defeat them all is immeasurable!" [Oswald]
"How much strength do you think would be required?" [Solace]
Oswald wasn't too sure how to answer. After pondering a moment, Oswald pointed to a large tree off the side of the village entrance.
"I would be able to accept it if you were capable of felling a tree of that size with a single strike." [Oswald]
"Kay." [Solace]
I took that as a challenge.
"|Wind Edge|." [Solace]
Firing an invisible blade at the tree, I managed to topple it in an instant.
"Wha-?!" [Oswald]
"Woah!" [Terrence]
"Do it again!" [Gerard]
The villagers looked in amazement.
"So? Are you willing to guide me now?" [Solace]
Still completely baffled, Oswald turned towards me.
"I… I will." [Oswald]
"Many thanks." [Solace]