Chapter 1
It was already noon after we finish our quest, which is to hunt down 6 {Hobgoblins}. It was written in our [Inquisition Draft] (note: it's a quest form, where the quest is written)
*———>HOBGOBLIN QUEST<———*
Take down 6 {Hobgoblin}s that lurks in the vicinity, west of the [Village of Portch]
Take each of their right ears as a proof of the completion of the quest
QUEST COMPLETION REWARD:
12 silver coins, and 50 copper coins
If you take down a special variant of {Hobgoblin}, additional 18 silver coins, and 25 copper coins will be given
Take it both ears and its right arm for proof
*————~^^~————*
{Hobgoblin} is another species of Goblins, they aren't that much buff like those {Goblin Champions}, just a bit taller than any Goblin. They pecialized in wielding magic or sword. They much cloak than most Goblin, so it's much easier to know which is which, even if they lurk behind their brethren's back. {Hobgoblins} are quite smart than most Goblins, but they aren't much different to young child's brain.
Whereas {Hobgoblin Variant} are mostly dyed in red. They wield much higher profession in sword or magic. They sometimes appear in a 6 members team, with 5 {Hobgoblins} as loyal guards. Fighting against 1 variant is tough, but possible.
After we took the Quest from the [Inquisition Draft], we then headed back to our Inn to prepare everything we need. The Inn we rented isn't far away from the guild, just 5 turns from the south. We rented it for 10 silver coins, and 8 copper coins per week, quite cheap really. The Inn is made from wooden materials, with some space mostly tattered, though still quite maintained. It has 3 floors, with 5 rooms each.
After we have gathered our items in our respective bags, we then moved as we went towards one of the shop, that we needed to stop by before going to our designated Quest area, [ERICKS ALCHEMY PORT], which is just a turn from the left in the west, and 10 meters walk. It's one of the best cheap shop in this city, with a lot of recommendations and reviews from different people.
...
As we arrived to a 1 floored, yet wide house, we then went inside. Shelves upon shelves of potions can be seen around, from those deadly ones, to the most everyday need. Poison, paralysis, heal, strength, and some more. It was well organized, with each written tag and prices on it.
A [Paralysis Potion] is needed if by some chances you have encounter a {Hobgoblin Variant}, which is proficient in sword. When encountering one, then it's much better to paralyze it before it could attack, that way, you could easily deal with the 5 remaining {Hobgoblins}, before killing the variant. It's much better to take out the small fries before the leader. But if some chance its a magic wielder type of {Hobgoblin Variant}, then it's much better to use a [Sleep Potion]. If you can't take the variant out, at least you can stop the other 5 {Hobgoblins}, and take the leader out, but we aren't using these for that. As we are able to take what we needed, we then headed to the cashier area and brought the necessary items.
"Welcome to the [ERICKS ALCHEMY PORT], how may I help you?"
Ask by the cashier in front. We then took the 2 [Sleep Potions] , 3 [Paralysis Potions], and 1 [Poison Potion] and placed it near the cashier. He then took it, look and appraise its name and price.
"2 [Sleep Potions] for 2 silver coins, and 5 copper coins each, 3 [Paralysis Potions] for 7 silver coins, and 8 copper coins each, and 1 [Poison Potion] for 10 silver coins. That would be 35 silver coins, and 34 copper coins, or 1 big silver coin, 5 silver coins, and 34 copper coins. Will that be all?"
I then nodded. After we have received our item, we then left and headed to the next one, [JASPER ARMOR AND WEAPON SHOP]. It's just a 3 turns and 5 meters walk south-east from [ERICKS ALCHEMY PORT].
....
After carefully examining the sword I took, I then went towards the cashier area, where the old man is, though he isn't that much older than 40.
"I would like to buy these 2 swords, and I would like to request for a repair for my sword"
I asked
"Oh, ya got some good eyes there eh lady. This ain't some knock on mile weapon don't ya know? That would be 8 silver coins each, and for the repair, that would be 3 silver coins and 10 copper coins. Which will cost ya 19 silver coins, and 10 copper coins, anything else lad?"
" That would be all"
The old man the went inside the room behind him, and started repairing my sword. Like the 1st shop, this one is also made in wooden materials, but much sturdier, with a couple of stone used as pillars, and such. The weapons are lined up in orderly fashion, place in each respective shelves.
...
After a minute or so, the old man then came back, with the sword I ask him to repair. After I paid him, we then left and headed to the last place, the Stable, we needed to either procure some Horses, or fetch a carriage. And luckily for us, there is a carriage that is heading to the direction we are going, though only passing the village we would be heading.
...
Tak Tak Tak Tak Tak Tak Tak
As the carriage drove its way towards the east, me and my companion peacefully gaze at the beautiful scenery before us. The plain vast green land, the full grown trees, and the blueish sky, and of course the shining rays of the sun above, gives us the pleasant scenery of adventure and excitement.
.....
As we arrived to our destination, just outside of the village, we then departed the carriage. The Coachman didn't ask us, nor did he accept the payment for the ride, so we were able to save some coins. We were quite early than expected, as we thought we might arrive at noon. As he left, we then gaze upfront of the forest, and went in.
.....
As we transverse the dense woods, walking around with steady, and observe step, we then found not just far from us
Snort Snort Snort
Grunt Grunt Grunt
2 Wild Boars in our sight, munching some fallen fruits in the ground, and just a couple of distance from them was a small pond, such day really bless us with luck.
"Natsumi"
As I called her, she then went upfront from the left. Natsumi is our Archer, she was wearing this traditional Archery clothe from her hometown, Wafuku (note: japanese clothing for archery, could also referred as kimono). It's a clothe with white at the upper shirt, and a black lower skirt. She made hers quite shorter than what was allowed, for easy maneuver in a decisive fight.
She also got some well-formed average butt that keeps showing its glamour in her skirt. Her shapely, big ample breast, shining as how the dress gives an additional charm of her breast, and well curve waist. Her slender arms and soft skins, plus her mature looking face despite being young, and her long hair with a twin-ponytail hairstyle.
As she slowly approached the spot where she needed to snipe those beast, she then took an arrow from her Quiver. Bending one of her knee in the ground, she then aimed her bow and arrow at the defenseless beast. As the wind blow pass her
"[Swift Shot]"
Swoosh
She the released a quick response, aiming at the 2 Boars weak spot, piercing the 1 arrow at the Boars neck
Squueellll!!
As the 2 Boars cried as they stumble, both then fallen to their death. Before we headed towards the 2 dead beast, we observed our surrounding area for any potential danger. Finding nothing in the vicinity, we then went towards our hunted prey.
As I took a glance to my left, I then saw her smirking, which made me pat her head, instinctively. After killing them, we then started dismantling the corpse, from its tusk, to its organs.
.....
After a minute or so, I was able to finish dismantling the Boat in my side, I was glad it didn't turn out into a battered tomato, which is quite a development in myself. But as I look at my left, I was awed, as the much bigger Boar, was carefully break up by Sheryl, our petite Assassin.
She always wore a black dress, equip with 2 daggers, and such busty butt. She was always mistaken as a child with her height, but believe me, she could easily outmatched some grown men in a fight.
As she look at me, she the smirk with hint of victory. I just patted her head right after. We then took some meat for us to cook for our lunch and dinner, and prepared our tent to rest. I asked Natsumi to pick some mushroom and some fruits in the forest as I took care our fire for cooking, and Sheryl took the role of chief.
After I finish setting the fire, it was then Sheryl turn to take over. She cut the Boar's meat into some fine pieces, the spices we took on the way here and some vegetables, just some leftover from our last shopping. She took our cooking equipment from her bag, placed it atop of the flame, letting it heat up before adding the Boar's fat, letting it fry and produce oil itself.
After a while, not long enough or the Boar's fat might burned, she then added the Boar's meat. She then continued cutting the vegetables, some Carrots, Cabbages, and Squash. The dish she was cooking is just a dish we thought of out of nowhere. After the Boar's meat gives a golden-brown colored layer, she then added some spices and seasonings. After a few seconds, she then added a full bottle of water which is 20cm tall and 4.5 inch width. She then covered it and let it boil to smoothen the meat. She then added some fire woods in the fire right after, and then waited for a bit.
As time goes by she then opened the boiled meat. She then added the vegetables, add some salt to make it more delicious. Salt are quite expensive to be brought, it goes from 2 big silver coins to 5 big silver coins for a baby fist pack, so not much people were able to enjoy such luxury. But if you are quite resourceful, then you could take some for free, which we got after we headed west in our last expedition. It was near an ocean, so we took the opportunity and grabs some bucket, we borrowed then of course, then headed straight to the ocean. We took some water to fill the bucket full then put it atop of a rock and let the sun do the rest.
After a while when all the water turned air, and all that's left are just some salt rocks, pebbles to be exact, we then have a 3 bucket of salt that we could fully enjoy a full course menu of luxury, we then pack it up. After Sheryl added some salt, it was already the time for Natsumi to come back. As she appeared before us, she was able to bring 2 or 3 different kind of fruits, the usual Apples, some Fucu-nana, (note: it's a banana with a shape of cucumber: much better than banana-ber or cum-banana) and Oralon, a big Melon with Orange flavor, which is quite sweet and good for desert, popular for women and people with sweet tooth. It will be our dessert for today's dish that Sheryl cooked, [LA-UYA] (Note: U is pronounce O for some reason, a Filipino dish).
When she saw how Sheryl was so immersed and looking impressively stunning, as if she was a wife cooking for her husband, she then stares at Sheryl with a deep cold gaze of jealousy. As our petite assassin felt a killing intent in front of her, she didn't put her guard up as she knows whose aura was emitting. She just look up and saw the jealous Natsumi carrying some fruits and mushroom. She then straighten her posture, swayed her butt in the left and put her left hand on her left waist. She then carried the ladle towards her lips, enough for her to blow it. She then give a lively sweet grin and look at Natsumi with some sharp gaze, which made Natsumi puffed her cheeks, and stomp her right foot in the ground.
I stared at them before giving a big sigh, and stood up. I walked towards her, as I help her put down those fruits she was carrying. I then hand over the fruits to Sheryl as Natsumi wasn't in the mood to do so, quite stubborn she was. Sheryl then give a big smile when she received the things Natsumi brought. After she took the lead off and tasted the soup, and the tried the softness of the vegetables, she then added some bits of spices for the final touch. It only took a couple of minutes to finish the dish. Afterwards, Natsumi took care of distributing our bowl, after Sheryl then put two big scoop of [La-Uya] into our bowl.
Munch
"Mhhhmm delish"
As I took a bite and state what my taste bud tasted
Chomp
"So good! Yummy~ but mine still better"
As Natsumi added my positive review
Chew
"It is delicious but if we got some Ginger-berry, maybe.."
As Sheryl give her own opinion of her own cooking. Ginger-berry is a small sized Ginger, a much preferred one as it much give a combine taste of 3 Gingers and Garlic especially when its ripe. When tasted raw it full packs a bond of 5 Gingers and some spices. After we finish our lunch, I then ask the girls to take a dip for some minutes in the near pond. The two nodded in agreement as both were covered with some dirt and sweat, while I went to our tent and took care of our equipment.
...
"We're finished~❤!"
"You can go ahead and take a dip too"
Which I then did.
...
After taking a deep, I then went back to the tent, and there I saw both of them, sitting and happily chatting with each other. At first these two look like cats and dog fighting for dominance, but after a while, those two would become a war companion who shared blood and sweats in the battlefield, which is a very pleasing relationship to see. As to not destroy the mood, I silently and swiftly went to our tent.
I then went back and saw both of them taking a sip of some hot and refreshing drink, maybe a hot milk or chocolate.
Chocolate is from a sweet fruit called [Chocos]. It's from the name of a pet bird choco, owned by a certain peddler that first ever discover this fruit. It let out a dark brown or brownish liquid that has a sweet and delicious taste. It was then named chocolate when he keep muttering his late bird name, and was then interrupted by someone shouting "late". He then became the first ever to produce chocolate products in the city.
They both joyfully sipping the mug with either hot milk or hot chocolate, and as I approach them. As both then notice my presences, Natsumi then took a mug then poured some hot chocolate-milk on it
'So it was chocolate plus milk ha'
And give it to me. I smilingly took the mug and took a sip. It was sweet and has a nice aroma.
.....
After some of our nice relaxing bonding time, we then cleaned our area and the equipment we used. As I was packing our things in our bag, Natsumi was helping me folding our tent, which is supposedly where we about to take a nap, but as we wish to finish this quest quite early, so we just pass it. Sheryl finished tidying all the equipment and putting them inside her bag, and I and Natsumi did as will. We then started heading east, the direction of the [Village of Portch]. We keep our guard up and always scanned our area, looking around for some trap, ambush, or monster as we were heading to our destined place. After a while, we then saw 7 Goblins just few meters away from us, it has a {Hobgoblin} as a leader.
The {Hobgoblin} wields a sword and the Goblins were carrying either a small club or short sword. I asked Natsumi to take care of the {Hobgoblin} while Sheryl for the 6 remaining goblins. They then nodded.
Natsumi will take care of the leader with her arrows. After the leader gets killed who took the command, the small fries Goblin will surely in dismay that would be the perfect time for Sheryl to strike. It's better to cut off the main communication of the group before it gives a signal to its comrade in the vicinity, if there were any. Natsumi then took one arrow from her waist. As she put it in the bows string, she then stretch it up and locked her target
"[Sparrow Shot]"
Another swift shot she released from her bow, much faster than [Swift Shot], which took down the {Hobgoblin} in a mere second before it noticed the arrow between his eyes. As the leader was taken down, the Goblins that was accompanying it were just standing still, questioning what the hell happened. After a couple of seconds confirming their leaders death, all the Goblins went in dismay, some took a stance and prepared for battle, some were still in confusion as to what happen. 2 goblins in front were scanning the area, looking for the penetrator but suddenly their vision went down as their world turned upside-down.
The 3rd Goblin holding a small club noticed the death of the 1st two Goblins in front and swiftly taken a battle stance but was already too late as its head were cut from its neck. The 4th and 5th Goblin were shocked and started running but stumble down. As they both look to what just happen, their two legs that was attached to their hips, was now gone, giving them both the fear and surprise and afterwards a loud crack was heard as both the Goblin's neck were twisted before they could let out a loud cry, and the finally the last Goblin.
The 6ths were already took a quite a distance from the scene, running in full straight line, making the killer 6ths kill as easy as pie. She then took a needle from her waist which was hidden by her dress. She then snipe the running Goblin upfront, and
"Pierce through, [Hornet Sting]"
And throwed the needle fast enough that it could compete to Natsumi's [Swift Shot]. It took down the Goblin whose distance were already far enough. A swift and deadly shot hits its target enough to pierce its skull all the way to the forehead. And as the last Goblin stumble down, Sheryl then give a breathe then went towards the last killed Goblin, to take out her needle which was struck in the nearby tree, a meter or half from the dead body of the 6th Goblin. But before she continued forward, she looked around her surrounding area.
After everything is clear, she then continue walking. Before Natsumi shot and killed the {Hobgoblin} leader, Sheryl already used two of her assassin skill, [Concealment] and [Swift Feet]. Making used of the plain wide range vicinity of the forest, she was able to hide herself just a couple of meters away from the Goblin group before taking her strike when Natsumi killed the {Hobgoblin} leader. She didn't used any skill in cutting her enemy down, as the neck of the Goblin were soft as a 3 or 4 years old child, so it was easy enough to slice it through with no difficulty. I was just there looking at my two beautiful women killing their prey and showing their respective strength.
Sheryl then took each goblins right ears including the {Hobgoblin}, while Natsumi and I tried to see if there's any more valuable item these Goblins carried. But except for the weapons and a couple of bottled aphrodisiac we found in the {Hobgoblin}s small sling bag, there were nothing that much "valuable" so we then carried on to our journey.
We are able to reach the [Village of Portch] which is our quest destination before evening. It was a small village with a 2 to 3 meters tall logs that surrounded the entire village, quite a protection I say. As we get neared to the village gate, we spotted two men above at each side of the archer tower which is 3 to 4 meters tall, much taller than the fences. The other man who was guarding the said post was a young one probably at 15 of age, and the one at the right could be called an uncle, maybe at 30s already but his face was giving off a 25 or below at age. The uncle was the one who called as out
"Are you the adventurer who took our plea(quest)?"
He asked
"Yes, I'm Creeper, the leader. This is my teammates, Sheryl from the left and Natsumi from the right. We are the one who took the [Hobgoblin Quest] which is requested by you villagers, and your village chief in the village called Portch"
As I answered his question, the uncle then gave a big sigh of relief, but the young man, well it's something that we gotten used, sneered and look at us, as if his watching some clowns preparing for some circus play. He then shouted
"You look really weak! And not just that, with only 3, with 1 guy and 2 girls? How can you kill some {Hobgoblin} with that kind of party? And nevertheless, maybe even a Goblin or two will be a tough battle for the 3 of you!"
As we didn't bother looking at the young man, the uncle then gave a one stern look at his face, before he bowed down to us
"I'm sorry about my nephew, his just like this because we didn't let him get out from this village much often, and thought because he can hunt 3 to 4 wild Rabbits made him quite boastful, and saying that some {Hobgoblins} are nothing but small fry for him. Please ignore his ignorance and come in"
So he was his nephew ha, quite cold for an uncle but he isn't sugar-coating his words. It's both praise and scolding, but I think only the latter part was nailed inside that kids head as he give a big disappointing face to us and his uncle, before looking back and just stood there. His uncle look at him again and made a big sigh.
So anyway, the uncle then guided us to the village chiefs house which is placed at the end of the village outskirt. But the thing is, inside the village, you find it impressive on how they built their houses. I mean, all of it are built in woods, from bed to furniture and stuff are mostly wooden products, which is easy to catch fire especially this village, is at the center of the forest, and forest fire are something that can or can't be avoided, which made it impressive as how they made space between each houses. That if by some chances the other accidentally caught by a fire, the other wouldn't be affected. And in the fences area, the logs that are defending the village has 3 or 4 meters range from the village houses, it was splendidly done. As I look around more, I could say that we could easily count how many people are there in the village, mostly around 30 to 40, exception are some pregnant that we saw as we pass by, people are here in this village, quite normal I could say.
"Here we are, the [Village Chief Residence]"
As the uncle welcomed us in the villager chiefs house. We are truly astonished on how simple but quite fancy the villager chiefs house we're.
When we entered the chiefs house, we were greeted by an average space which is totally different to a village chief's quarter. It could mostly accommodated at least 10 to 15 people, but if you wanted to push more, maybe 20 till 22 people could fit in.
The floor were made by some fine woods and the walls are crafted from a sturdy tree. The floor gives a yellowish-brown color, while the walls is coated with pale white paint. The furniture, stairs, chairs, tables, and some fine art works are all made from woods. It's all well-made, crafted, and created, giving this place a bit of fancy aura. The house from the base to the roof are quite mostly well build. Its 2 storey building. And in the left corner, just a few more steps away from the entrance, was the chiefs office, there we saw a not an old, which totally different to what we expect, but young looking man, maybe at most 30 of age, was there reading some papers on his desk.
And if you look closely to the desk he was using, you could spot some well design pieces of art, curved, twirled, lined, and connected to make a dazzling sea waves of waves, and the legs of the desk were curved in a bowed tip shape, colored with fine brown paint. Then as the chief was able to notice our presence, he then puts down the paper he was holding and faced us. His quite young to be the leader of this village but as he give such demeanor and unbreakable posture and looks, will truly makes you shut up and won't question why he was chosen as the villagers chief. We then look at him and speak
"Good afternoon, we are the adventurer who took the [Hobgoblin Quest] that you requested in [Adventurers Guild]. I'm the leader, Creeper, and this are my teammates, Natsumi who is at my right, and Sheryl who is at my left. We would like to further ask about this Quest you asked, and the most sighted place to which these {Hobgoblins} are sighted"
I greeted him as a start to not be disrespectful and make the negotiation/communication smooth. I then introduce myself and my partners, and afterwards tackled why we are here to not cut some chase, and wanted them to know that we aren't here just to play around, but also not to rush things up so added some questioning part. The chief then look at me then to the two ladies behind my back and then asked
"I'm sorry if this might be offensive but, what are your profession?"
He asked, and of course I know what his trying to say here, so I then didn't wasted any second, and give him a simple debriefing of our job/profession
"The one at the left, Sheryl, is an assassin. She wields two daggers and our vanguard and rearguard in the group. Natsumi is the woman in the right, she is the archer in our party, a rearguard and I'm Creeper, an elementalist and a vanguard. We are already at the mid of the silver ranked and after 8 or 7 more quest like this, or much higher, we will soon be promoted to peak stage of silver rank"
As I answered his question and hidden worries, he then gave a big look of shocked. He then hurriedly stood up and bowed on us
"I'm sorry for that question of mine, please forgive me as I was just curious of you and your member. To be so young but quite successful as an adventurer, I'm honored. And I am Allan, the village chief of the [Village of Portch], to welcomed you adventurers to our humble village"
After he apologize and covered his concealed doubt he then introduced himself and welcome us in the village. Well it isn't really that surprising if a village or two, even a city folks would doubt about my party. Sheryl is so small due to her structure which she is treated like a child, Natsumi whose beauty hid her warrior spirit and me, who is supposedly the leader of this merry band, are being looked down by our fellow adventurer and some people. Well, we got used to this kind treatment, and didn't find it sour or something, because what does it got to do with us anyway?
So afterwards, we then sat down just a few couple of distance in the chiefs' desk, after the uncle gives us a chair to be sat. The chief then didn't cut any chase as he directly confronted us about our Quest, which gives not only me but also Sheryl, and Natsumi a quite shocking gaze to the chiefs' word, who wouldn't anyway? As we didn't expect the words that the village chief muttered in front of us. The chief took a deep breathe before saying
"It seems there were a {Hobgoblin Variant} in the group, but it wasn't just 1 {Hobgoblin Variant} that are there. 2 of the woodcutters in this village were able to have a glimpsed of 2 or 3. They weren't that sure as they were scared enough to confirm, but, we can take a guess that this Quest is much higher that what we requested