Upon reaching Greenridge town, Heega provided the location of his store to Kyoma and the other four adventurers, extending an open invitation to visit anytime. He informed them that his store specialised in consumable items for alchemy, formation setting, and potions for adventurers. After bidding farewell, Kyoma, Soma, and their companions proceeded directly to the adventurers' guild to claim their rewards for the completed quest. As Kyoma's familiars were monsters, the three goblin undeads disguised themselves by wearing a black hood that concealed their entire bodies, including their heads, to avoid revealing their true monstrous appearance. Only the windcutter rabbit was visible, proudly perched on Kyoma's shoulder. Meanwhile, Heega and the group of merchants left the bandits to the gatekeepers and guards.
As Kyoma stepped into the adventurers guild, he was met with the same intense stares from the other adventurers, reminiscent of walking through a dark alleyway filled with the mafia. However, having grown stronger since his first visit, he no longer felt as intimidated by the atmosphere. Making his way to the counter, he approached Miya, the same receptionist he had met before. Despite Kyoma's past awkwardness, she greeted him warmly and asked how she could assist him.
"I've completed the quest for killing 5 field rabbits. Here are the rabbit feet," Kyoma presented the required remains to Miya at the counter. "Also, do you have any quests related to goblins?" he inquired. Miya took the rabbit feet and rewarded Kyoma with 10 bronze coins, the standard payout for the quest, and then produced a scroll related to goblin hunting. The task required adventurers to collect goblin horns, with G-ranked adventurers being tasked with collecting horns from low-level goblins. The guild offered a payment of 15 bronze coins per horn, with the value increasing based on the horn's quality. Kyoma accepted the quest and took out 27 goblin horns from his bag. He kept 10 goblin horns for emergency purposes.
As Miya received the pile of goblin horns from Kyoma, she examined him closely and was surprised at how a newbie adventurer managed to slay 27 goblins in such a short time. She wondered if he had obtained the goblin horns by finding them on a fallen adventurer or by stealing them from a group of adventurers.
Kyoma would have laughed in exasperation if he had heard Miya's thoughts, as he not only defeated way more than 27 goblins but also a mutated hobgoblin that was twice his size. If anyone should be suspected of thievery, he would be the last person on the list!
Just as Miya was about to give Kyoma some advice about the dangers of thievery, the main door of the guild was kicked open by a group of adventurers who exuded a strong aura.
Greenridge Town's mightiest adventurer had returned! Gladius and his team, a group of C-ranked adventurers, had finally made their way back to town. The crew consisted of five members, including Gladius, who was a sword master wielding an enormous sword, a healer, a mage, a scout, and a tanker. Their party was well-balanced, with each member fulfilling a vital role. Gladius himself was clad in a set of heavy metal armour, with his greatsword slung across his back. Despite the dim lighting of the guild, his armour gleamed as though it was generating light from within. His long golden hair flowed like a lion's mane, adding to his majestic appearance. Standing beside him was the tanker, dressed in a dark suit of heavy armour and carrying a large shield on his back. The tanker's armour concealed his entire body, making it impossible to discern his appearance. Gladius and the tanker towered over their teammates, who looked like children standing beside them. The scout was clad in a stealthy ninja outfit, sacrificing defence for agility. The tight-fitting outfit showed off the assassin's lean, muscular physique, befitting one of the town's top-tier assassins.
Both the mage and the healer were female, adorned in opulent attire with gleaming pendants adorning their necks and precious gems sparkling on their fingers. In this realm, mages usually wore full-length robes that concealed their entire physique, and both the mage and the healer followed suit, except their robes appeared to be crafted from rare materials obtained from powerful monsters.
As the strongest adventurer party entered the guildhall, a hush fell over the room. The silence was so profound that one could hear a pin drop. Gladius and his team strode towards the reception counter reserved for high-ranking adventurers, dragging a massive Wyvern corpse behind them. One of the more knowledgeable adventurers exclaimed in shock, "R-Rank B threat Wyvern!" Upon seeing the beast, the guildhall erupted in noise as everyone began discussing Gladius's party and their incredible feat. A Rank C party taking down a Rank B Wyvern meant they were on the verge of promotion. Could this be the first party in Greenridge to reach Rank B? The numerous rowdy adventurers felt a sense of pride that they hailed from the same town as Gladius and his team.
The sight of Gladius and his party basking in their glory inspired the younger adventurers to strive towards becoming as strong as them in the future. They envisioned themselves slaying a fire-breathing dragon and returning to town with its head, celebrated as heroes. However, there were a few who feared Gladius and his party. The windcutter rabbit cowered in fear at the sight of Gladius and his party, seeking refuge under Kyoma's leather armour, while the two dark goblins, disguised as humans, scurried behind Kyoma for protection. Only the hobgoblin stood its ground, being the only undead able to withstand the pressure emanating from Gladius and his crew.
"Oho, a beast tamer, how rare," The scout in Gladius's team noticed Kyoma's familiars and praised the rarity of his class before refocusing his attention on the receptionist and following the rest of the group into a VIP room. A black hood was unable to hide the identity of Kyoma's familiar. However, what the scout did not know was that Kyoma was not a beast tamer, but a necromancer.
Once the guild had settled down, Miya swiftly exchanged Kyoma's 27 goblin horns for 5 silver coins and 40 bronze coins, completely forgetting the advice she had been about to give him. The value of each horn had been increased to 20 bronze coins due to the fact that they were obtained from a dungeon. In this world, 100 bronze coins equated to 1 silver coin, and 100 silver coins equated to 1 gold coin. As Kyoma received his payment, he asked, "Is there a chance that a goblin stampede is on the way?" He recalled Heega's words, which suggested that if a potential goblin stampede was approaching, the price of goblin horns would increase. The guild would increase the payment for goblin horns in order to cull the goblin population and avoid a potential stampede that could cause significant loss of life.
"I'm not in a position to comment on this, so I apologize, but it seems that there have been more goblin sightings in the Southern forest. Some of them have even attacked passing merchants," Miya responded in a professional manner. The Southern forest was located near Kyoma's reincarnated location. To reach the Southern forest, one would have to cross the field that contained field rabbits and venture deeper into the woods. The Southern forest was a dangerous place, home to monsters ranging from rank G to D. There were even rumours that the Tyrant Black Bear, a C-ranked monster, had been sighted in the central region of the Southern forest.
"Kyoma, typically this quest is only available to rank F and higher adventurers. However, due to the urgency of assessing the goblin situation and the unavailability of most of our adventurers, we have decided to offer it to you. Your ability to bring back 27 goblin horns demonstrates that you are strong enough to handle the investigation regarding the goblin stampede," Miya explained as she searched for a quest scroll. "The quest involves investigating the goblin problem in the Southern forest. Are you willing to accept this mission?" This quest not only served as an opportunity to assist the weaker residents but also as a means of testing Kyoma's true abilities.
Kyoma took some time to contemplate before ultimately accepting the quest. As he was about to leave the reception counter, Miya reminded him, "Remember, this is just a reconnaissance mission, not an extermination one. If you encounter any danger, prioritise your safety and try to escape. Your life is the most important thing."
"Thank you, I will keep that in mind," Kyoma responded kindly.
As he was leaving the guild hall, Kyoma approached Soma and the others who were also finishing up their bodyguard quest.
"Isn't Gladius impressive? He's both handsome and strong," Soma gushed as if she had a crush on him.
"Yes, his greatsword looked very powerful," Kyoma replied. "By the way, I'm heading to the southern forest to investigate the increased goblin sightings. What are your plans?" Kyoma asked.
"We each have our own things to take care of. I have to attend church services, and Hikaru and Takumi are returning to their village to see their families. Only Rina will be alone," Soma explained, nudging Rina, who was still too shy to look at Kyoma.
"Rina, would you like to come with me on the goblin expedition?" Kyoma invited Rina, who was lost in thought.
"S-sure, but keep in mind that my services aren't free," Rina countered, still blushing.
"How about we split the profits 50-50?" Kyoma suggested, holding up all five fingers towards Rina with a smile.
"Deal. When should we set out?" Rina asked.
"How about tomorrow right after the gates open?" Kyoma suggested. Time wasn't precisely measured in this world, so setting a specific meeting time wasn't practical. Instead, the gates opened around 10 am every day, so it made sense to start then.
"Alright," Rina agreed.
"Great, see you tomorrow then!" Kyoma said, waving goodbye to Rina and her friends before leaving the adventurer guild to find an inn for the night.