A month had passed since the return of the young warriors from the settlement. The memories of the brutal orc attack still haunted their dreams, and the scars, both physical and emotional, were a reminder of that fateful night.
Bennet and Hugo had changed during that time. Their combat skills had improved immensely, and they had reached level fifteen. The experience gained from battling the orcs had been invaluable, but it came at a cost.
The guild master, recognizing the toll it had taken on the young warriors, had assigned them simpler tasks. They were no longer sent on dangerous missions but instead given assignments like escorting merchants, patrolling the outskirts of the town, or even assisting in training new recruits.
Since the missions are not that hard, they usually have time to visit Tharin, the half-goblin boy whom they had met during their earlier mission. Tharin had embraced a different path. Instead of wielding swords or axes, he had chosen the bow as his weapon of choice.
Bennet, Hugo, and Leo found themselves spending more and more time with Tharin, they had quickly learned that, despite being a half-goblin, Tharin was afraid of direct combat. He avoided getting too close to opponents and had a strong aversion to melee combat.
His half-goblin heritage proved to be a distinct advantage when it came to his archery skills. While most people experienced decreased accuracy in the darkness of night, Tharin's vision was quite the opposite. Day and night held little difference for him, for his goblin lineage granted him the ability to see clearly in even the darkest of hours.
Curious about his extraordinary perception, Bennet and Hugo often questioned Tharin about what he saw at night. Tharin's response was nothing short of fascinating: in his eyes, all living and breathing creatures emitted a soft, radiant red glow.
"Imagine the world bathed in shades of crimson," Tharin explained, his eyes gleaming with the memory of countless nights spent observing the world. "It's as if every living being carries a hidden fire within them, casting their presence in an ethereal red hue."
Bennet marveled at the idea. "That must be incredibly useful for tracking targets during nighttime missions. You can see them even in complete darkness."
Tharin nodded, acknowledging the practicality of his unique vision. "Indeed, it's a skill that has proven valuable. I can track movements, detect hidden threats, and identify friend from foe with ease."
Hugo couldn't help but wonder about the goblin aspect of Tharin's lineage. "Do you inherit any other goblin traits besides enhanced night vision?"
Tharin paused, considering the question. "Not that I'm aware of, but I've always felt an affinity for the shadows. It's where I feel most comfortable, and it complements my archery skills."
While the group was chatting, a familiar presence made itself known. Toma, the black puppy, padded over to the group, his tail wagging energetically. Over the past month, Toma had grown somewhat, although he was still very much a puppy. The companionship he provided had endeared him to the young warriors, and they often left him in the care of Tharin to keep him company.
As Toma approached, his shiny black fur glistening in the sunlight, he let out a series of joyful barks, expressing his excitement.
"He's as lively as ever," Bennet remarked, bending down to scratch Toma behind the ears. The puppy responded with a delighted whimper, his tail swaying like a metronome keeping time to his happiness.
Hugo chuckled as he watched the interaction. "You'd think he's grown bored of us by now, but he always comes back for more attention."
Tharin, who had been quietly observing, added, "Maybe he's picking up some of our adventurous spirit. Who knows, he might grow up to be a brave adventurer dog himself someday."
Bennet couldn't help but laugh at the notion of Toma becoming an adventurer dog. He knew that the naughty spirit was trapped inside and most probably cursing at them now.
He missed his late-night talking buddy but he found Toma the dog more lovable now that he couldn't talk back nor could he give any insulting remarks.
After a pleasant afternoon spent with Tharin and Toma, Bennet, Hugo, and Leo decided it was time to pay a visit to the guild. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, orange glow across the city as they made their way to the familiar guild building. Their pockets had grown lighter in the past month, and they knew it was high time to seek out a new mission. Hugo, in particular, needed funds to buy a new armor because as his old one was damaged pretty badly by the orcs.
As they entered the bustling guild hall, they were greeted by the usual lively atmosphere. Adventurers of various ranks mingled about, sharing tales of their latest exploits, and the enticing aroma of hearty food wafted from the guild's dining area.
Bennet went straight to the job board looking for a mission that they could take.
Meanwhile, Hugo glanced at the newsboard, a headline caught his attention, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He knew he had to share this startling news with Bennet.
"Bennet, you won't believe what's on the news!" Hugo exclaimed a sense of urgency in his voice.
Bennet turned to Hugo, curiosity piqued by his brother's tone. "What's going on, Hugo? What did you find?"
"It's about the Silver Blade pirates. They attacked the Black Hornet pirates and managed to defeat Captain Gustavo, the Pirate Lord of the Naigard region."
Bennet's eyes widened in response. The Pirate Lords were renowned figures in the world of piracy, and Captain Gustavo was one of the most feared and respected among them. For a pirate crew like the Silver Blade to not only challenge but defeat a Pirate Lord was an astonishing feat.
"The battle lasted for three days," Hugo continued, "and in the end, the Black Hornet pirates were defeated. Captain Gustavo was killed, and the survivors from his crew joined the Silver Blade pirates. Those who refused the offer were not spared."
The very mention of that infamous crew ignited a burning fury in his heart, it reminds him of the day his father had been ruthlessly killed by the Silver Blade pirates.
Hugo noticed the change in his brother's demeanor, the subtle shift from curiosity to seething anger. He placed a reassuring hand on Bennet's shoulder, understanding the storm of emotions that raged within him.
"Bennet, I know what you're thinking," Hugo said quietly, his voice laced with empathy. "But we must tread carefully. The world of piracy is a dangerous one, and seeking vengeance won't bring our father back."
Bennet took a deep breath, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "You're right, Hugo. But knowing that those pirates are out there, thriving and causing havoc... it's hard to just stand by."
Hugo squeezed his brother's shoulder in a gesture of support. "We'll find a way to make things right, Bennet. And when the time is right, we'll confront the Silver Blade pirates, but we'll do it on our own terms, and with a clear plan."
Bennet nodded then looked away but something grabbed his attention. It was as if fate itself guided him, leading his gaze to a particular mission.
Without hesitation, Bennet snatched the paper from the board, his fingers trembling with a mix of excitement. The moment he read the mission's title aloud, his voice reverberated with unwavering resolve. "This," he declared, "is the mission we've been waiting for."
His peace was abruptly shattered when he saw Bennet's swift action. Intrigued, he set aside his meal and approached his comrades, curious about the mission that had given such a reaction from Bennet
As Leo reached Bennet and the others, his expression was one of inquiry. He cast a questioning glance at the mission paper that Bennet was clutching tightly. With a mixture of curiosity and a touch of apprehension, Leo inquired.
"Bennet, what's that mission you're so eager to take?"
In response, Bennet turned the paper around, ensuring Leo could read the mission's description clearly. It was a straightforward but weighty task: "Liberating a town from the pirates."
As the implications of the mission settled in, Leo's face shifted from curiosity to shock. A tinge of dread crept into his expression, and he felt a cold sweat form on his brow. He remembered the unfortunate truth that had haunted him for years – a severe and persistent case of sea sickness.
Leo's stomach churned with nausea at the mere thought of sailing the treacherous seas, let alone facing pirates on their own turf. The memories of him simply riding a small boat which only lasted for an hour and the suffering he had endured threatened to overwhelm him.
"A-are you sure about this mission?" asked Leo.
"Yes! Vice-Captain Kai is leading this mission, I'd love to learn from him" answered Bennet.
"Okay," said Leo. Right there and then, he made peace with his maker.