The guild hall was abuzz with activity as Brunhild handed Kael, Lyriel, and Draven a map. A red circle marked a location near the valley of a mountain. She tapped the map with a stern expression.
"This is your target," she said. "A Goblin camp has been causing havoc here. Your mission is to eliminate them. I trust you three can handle this."
Kael nodded, his hand resting confidently on the hilt of his sword. "We won't let you down."
With their mission set, the trio set out, following the path on the map. The journey took them through dense forests, where the towering trees cast long shadows as the sun began to set. The rustle of leaves and distant chirps of birds accompanied them as they neared their destination.
The camp was nestled at the base of the mountain, hidden by natural formations. The group stayed low, using the terrain to stay out of sight. Peering through the foliage, they saw a makeshift camp with ten goblins bustling about. The largest one, adorned with crude armor and wielding a heavy club, seemed to be their leader.
Draven whispered, "The leader's the real threat. The others will follow his lead."
Kael nodded. "We'll take him down last. Let's start with the smaller ones."
Lyriel smirked. "I'll provide cover with my magic. Draven, your precision will be crucial here."
They planned their attack carefully before charging into the camp. Draven moved like a shadow, his arrows striking goblins with pinpoint accuracy. Lightning sparked from his fingertips, disorienting the goblins and lighting up the dark camp.
Kael engaged a group of goblins head-on, his sword flashing in the dim light. "Come on" he shouted as he parried a spear thrust and countered with a lethal slash. Lyriel stayed back, her hands glowing with fiery energy as she launched fireballs at the goblins. The camp descended into chaos.
The leader roared, rallying the remaining goblins. He charged at Kael, swinging his massive club. Kael barely dodged the blow, the impact sending a shockwave through the ground.
"You're tougher than you look," Kael muttered, gripping his sword tighter.
The two clashed, Kael's sword meeting the goblin's club in a flurry of sparks. Each blow from the goblin leader tested Kael's endurance. Meanwhile, Lyriel and Draven worked together to handle the remaining goblins. Draven's arrows whizzed through the air, taking out goblins one by one, while Lyriel's fire magic kept the rest at bay.
Kael grunted as the leader's club grazed his shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through him. He retaliated with a swift strike, but the goblin leader blocked it with his club. Draven, noticing Kael's struggle, nocked an arrow and aimed for the leader. With a precise shot, he hit the goblin's knee, bringing it to the ground.
"Kael, now!" Draven shouted.
Kael seized the opportunity, plunging his sword into the goblin leader's chest. The leader let out a guttural cry before collapsing. The camp fell silent.
"That was close," Kael said, wiping sweat from his brow.
Lyriel approached, a smile on her face. "Nice teamwork, everyone. Draven, your skills are incredible."
Draven shrugged modestly. "I couldn't have done it without you two."
They gathered the goblins' ears as evidence of their victory and headed back to the guild. Brunhild greeted them with a nod as they presented the proof.
"You've passed the test," she said.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Test? What test?"
Brunhild explained, "The goblins have been forming camps all over the mountains, disrupting trade routes and killing adventurers. Over twenty-five have lost their lives already. We need strong adventurers to handle this threat. You've proven yourselves capable."
As she spoke, another group of adventurers entered the guild. They consisted of a spear-wielding human named Tarian, an elven mage named Selene, a cat-person axe user named Mira, and a dwarf supporter named Borin. They had also cleared a goblin camp and brought proof of their success.
Tarian stepped forward. "Looks like we're in this together."
Kael "????"
Tarian "Ohh, how rude of me, let me introduce myself." With that he introduced himself and his teammates. Then Kael and his team introduced themselves to them as well.
Kael extended a hand. "I hope we can work together to put an end to this, Goblin crises"
Brunhild handed both teams a map with multiple marked locations. One spot was highlighted in red. "This is where the Goblin King is believed to be. Rest for today and set off tomorrow. Remember, if things get out of hand, fall back. We can't afford to lose more adventurers."
Kael and his team headed to a nearby restaurant to discuss their plans over dinner. As they waited for their food, Kael said, "Teaming up with Tarian's group might be our best bet. Two teams working together can handle more goblins."
Lyriel nodded. "Agreed. We'll need all the help we can get."
They overheard a nearby adventurer lamenting the loss of his comrades. "Damn those goblins, if only I was stronger, they didn't have to die" he muttered into his drink. "They've taken everything from me. I will make them pay for my losses."
Kael exchanged a somber glance with Lyriel and Draven. "We're lucky to still be standing," he said quietly.
Their meal was delicious but came with a shockingly high bill. When Kael questioned it, the server explained, "The goblins have blocked trade routes. There is a severe shortage of supplies. I am really sorry but we can't afford to sell our dishes for the normal prices. When this crises is over we will reduce the prices. Until then please co-operte with us."
Kael and others have no other choice but to pay the high price.
After dinner, Draven mentioned he was looking for a place to stay. "I only just arrived in town this morning," he said.
Kael offered, "You can stay with me, if you don't mind. There's an extra room in by house."
Draven smiled. "Oh thanks no problem with me. I'll pay rent, of course."
On their way home, they passed a crowd of adventurers and soldiers gathered outside a blacksmith's shop. Complaints about delays in weapon and armor upgrades filled the air. "The goblins have taken over the mines too," someone said. "There's no ore to work with." They could do anything but watch.
At Kael's house, he showed Draven to the spare room. "Make yourself at home," Kael said.
Lyriel waved her hand at them and proceed to her home. Draven noticed Lyriel's house nearby. "You two must be close neighbors."
Kael laughed. "Practically family."
After a bath, Kael made coffee for them. As they sipped their drinks on the balcony, Draven spoke of his family. "I come from the Elyndor Forest, where my parents, Vaelith and Zelara, live. It's a large dark elf colony."
Kael "I see, so you really are a child of the forest."
Draven smiled a little.
Kael shared his own story. "My mother, Elara, is a researcher, and my father… well, he's a commander in the Kingdom of Therandil, Rorik Draven."
Draven's eyes widened. "Rorik Draven? No wonder you're so skilled."
Kael "You heard about my father?"
Draven "Well, he is super famous among the people."
Kael with a small smile "I see..."
As the rain began to fall, they moved to the balcony's edge to watch. The soothing sound of raindrops was interrupted by cries from the streets. People were running toward the town's gates in a panic.
Kael frowned. "Something's wrong."
Draven grabbed his bow. "We should check it out."