Volume 2
Chapter 1
After we have finished the [Hobgoblin Quest] that we took from the [Inquisition Draft], which supposedly only about hunting {Hobgoblins}, but rather we have fought a horde of {Hobgoblins} and {Hobgoblin Variants}, 3 {Goblin Champions}, and a new [Named] monster variant, which was exhausting, so we then headed to the [City of Palawan] (note: means heroic, Philippines) to report our finding to the [Adventurers Guild].
After we shown our ID for identification, we then headed straight to the [Adventurers Guild], not on the receptionist desk but on the main office, where the guild master reside, the [Guild Master's Office]
Knock knock
"Come in"
A deep man voice then response after I knocked. As we opened the door, we then saw a huge man at the center, as big as {Bulan's} final form. With its bulky and muscular body, a nice shaved beard, a sharp looks as he wore an eyeglasses, and a 3 clawed scar on its right arm, seated infront, as he read piles after piles of documents in his desk
"It's been a while since we have meet, Creeper, how is it been?"
He asked, after he put down the paper he was holding and his glasses in his desk, and looked at me. I then smiled and replied
"Yes, it's been a while guild master, and also, for your nephew to get married, congratulations"
Sigh
As the guild master took a deep sigh as I spoke my word of congratulaion
"The wedding was canceled"
"Eh?"
"The husband, the groom of my nephew, was a wanted thief in another kingdom. He was planning to steal some artifacts from her. But as my daughter was there, she was able to immobilize him, even almost ravish him like a dismatled Boar"
"?!"
As the 3 of us look towards the guild master with deep look of questionable gaze, he then continued
"And the worst part, what was came right after. The man wasn't in love towards my nephew, but rather to my daughter, Isabelle. He was just using her as a bridge between my nephew's wealth, and my daughter's hand. He even dared tried coaxing my daughter right in front of my nephew, but rather almost meet his end as he was greeted by a straight punch from Isabelle, and dislocated his jaw. "The man I love isn't a scum like you! How dare you to toy with my dearest sister!" she said before punching the unconcious man in the ground, and pounding him like a mochi"
Sigh
The guild master then placed his left arm on his forehead, as he made a deep sigh
"...so, she's back ha..."
I spoke, in timid voice. The guild master then look at me
"....Isabelle was anticipating your arrival. She just arrived yesterday, and was impatiently waiting for you"
"...is that so..."
I said, Sheryl and Natsumi then look at me, worriedly, as I spoke in low weak voice
".....talk to her"
The guild master spoke
"A bridge can't be build without the carpenter and woods. If you want this situation to be settled, talk to her. If you keep running away, then its much better if the two of you wouldn't meet again"
As the guild master gave me a stern look, I then lowered my gaze just to not meet his
"...… I don't know uncle....I'm confused"
The guild master then smiled and replied
"Its been a while since you have called me "uncle". Its just like yesterday when you came to us, how nostalgic"
I smiled and look at him
"And thanks to you and auntie, I became who I am right now"
The guild master, Eric, was my uncle, technically he wasn't really my blood related uncle, I was just adopted in there household after his wife found me in the forest, all alone, dirty and with tattered clothes, that was 10 years ago. I was been in their care for almost 4 years, and those 4 years were the most memorable memory that I wanted to share to my women. They never let me get spoiled, as they let me experience how to live as a living being, and Isabelle, her daughter, my non-blood related cousin, or big sister, is someone who is special to me, someone close to me.
During the time I was adopted by them, Isabelle was my 1st friend and trainor. She was the 1st one to teach me the basic of swordsmanship, and as she was also a receptionist. She was also tasked to supervise me. From then on we became acquinted to each other, we became companions, friends, and partners....which then bloom to something we didn't notice
"..."
The last time we talk was during the time I became solo, to run away from her. As I recolled my past, I clench my fist to how stupid I was
"Take your time"
The guild master spoke
"There's no need to rush, the world isn't going anywhere....take your time"
I just smiled on his words as he looked at me
"Son"
"Word is like a droplet of water, pour too much it would spill, pour less, then your glass will be half-full. Know your limit, know your place, then you will have a full glass of water, for you to drink"
"...."
I know, I know very well
".....but uncle I-"
"That is not my concern, neither my responsibility. Both of you are at the age to think and move. You aren't kids anymore. You are by no means a cage bird. Me and your aunt won't intrigued on this matter, the decision will be yours and hers. I have by no means the right to interfere, nor I will"
He said, as he cut off my words of excuses. As Sheryl saw my daze expression, she then swayed her big butt, and told me "it's okay". After I looked at her, Natsumi also gave her sign of approval as she nodded, while taking a small peek at me.
"I'll see to it, but don't get your hopes up"
Uncle made a small grin as I stated that. After we exchange our usual father (uncle) and son talk, I then muttered
"Uncle, there is a new mons-"
Ting
My uncle halt my words, as he pressed the bell in his right, and raised his left hand, telling me to wait. Then
Knock knock
Creak
"Guild master, you have called?"
A beautiful woman then appeared before us. She was a clerk in this guild, married and already had childrens, asked
"Bring us some snacks here, a black coffee for me, and hot chocolate for these 3"
The clerk then looked at us, and smiled
"It might take a while, so please wait a bit"
After she went out, uncle then moved from his desk to the couch in front. The sofa is made from a sturdy-soft material that could only be obtained from a monster in the east, dyed in black. Its arms where imported, exclusively from the west, made from the most precious and hard-to-get woods, painted with brownish color, and the couch seat was crafted from the most softness flower found in the north-west, made this couch a worth a dime to be brought for.
We then seated in front of my uncle. He then strectch his back, did a few stretches on his neck, and then look at us
"2 days ago, after you departed, we-I received a report of constant appearance of new monster in the outskirt, in deep ocean, inside the forest, at the top of the mountain, or in the plain meadow. Monsters of new species out of a sudden, pops out in the darkness like weeds, and just now, I just got a mail that a new dungeon appeared in the west side of the [Kingdom of Porcel], not just 1 but 8, 8 empty small dungeons were spotted"
"??"
Sheryl and Natsumi were both baffled, as the guild master told us that there were not only our site that seems peculiar, and suspicious
"New monster were reported by the adventurer, after they took the quest a day or 2 in their journey. Some of them went missing and were never been found. As of late, there are 10 new siting for monsters, and 20 adventurers that went missing. We have been in constant alert in this situation"
He spoke in a calm tone
"The dungeon that was spotted, were all but empty, not just monster but also the treasure inside, there were none left to be scavenge. Right now, we don't know the reason"
As he continued
"This event seems, skeptical uncle, not only new species of unknown monsters appear, but also appearance of empty dungeon, it seems someone is pulling the string here"
I stated, my uncle, Eric the guild master, nodded
"Yes, I thought the same. The constant appearance of new monster is quite suspicious, the timing of each one of them were...peculiar, as they appear one after another, near a village, outskirt of the kingdom, atop of the abandoned mountain, even the areas where tourist venture"
"In our site, we encountered a dozen of dozens of {Hobgoblin Variants}, that lead a horde of {Hobgoblins}"
I said, guild master Eric then made a puzzled look. I then look at Sheryl and gave her a signal. She then took the bag that we carried here, and placed it in front of my uncle
"This is?"
"The head of new variant monster that ruled the horde, a {Goblin Champion Variant}, {Bulan}, a [Named] monster"
Guild master Eric then made an astound look, as he question what I just told him. I then continued, as I placed a bow in the table
"This is from the horde that we fought, a {Hobgoblin} used a bow in that battle, some variant too. Uncle, this isn't something a simple group of law breakers would do"
I said, he then went on a deep thought, before he muttered
"[Prophet]"
As he spoke, the 3 of us then made a grim look, as we heard that name. [Prophet] is a group of people, or organization who had a Caller class. Caller is not combatant one, they could only buff monster to protect them. Think of it as a Monster Tamer or monster caller, its a new class that appeared 12 years ago, and the group they created was establish, 10 years ago. The one of the best example of a caller ability is, a [Named] monster.
As my uncle spoke the name of the most suspicious group, he then stood up, and walked back to his desk. He then opened his drawer and took a pile of papers, and then stated
"These are the reports of the sudden appearance of new monsters, all of them were [Named]. Few were new. The one that I just got yesterday, was reported by a group of mid iron rank adveturer, as they spotted 3 {Goblin Variants}, and a [Named] one"
"What!?"
Sheryl exclaimed, as she couldn't hide her shocked, why would she anyway? As not just a variant of a strong monster, that could go toe to toe to a peak silver rank, to peak gold rank adventurer and above appeared, but also for the newbies too. Variant is a strong kind of a said race of a monster, only exclusive for the strong rank one, anything below it, couldn't, but this event just bash out that research
"If even Goblin can be [Named], then.."
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
As Natsumi pound her brain, questioning and thinking
"Right now, I made the [Goblin Quest] a bit higher than before. From mid iron rank, I placed it to early or mid copper rank, for the safety of the newbies. I also added that they need to be atleast, 5 to 6 members in a group. For now, this is the best we can do, as we are still investigating this event"
As we were in deep thought
Knock knock
A sudden knock then came. The 3 of us then look, and saw the clerk entering the room, as she pushed the tea cart that he brought along with her, toward us. It contained the snacks we ask, a tea set and a letter, which she then handed to my uncle. After she had placed all our snacks, drinks and plates, she then bowed before heading out
"Hmmm"
As my uncle stared at the letter he was holding- it was a tanned colored envelop, sealed with a deep red seal- I know for sure it is something important, but as I wasn't born to eyesdrop to people's privacy, I just averted my gaze from it, and enjoyed the bread I was eating. It was filled with pink and red berry all together, making its sweetness gone max. As I enjoyed eating my 5th bread, my uncle then called
"Creeper"
"Hmm?"
He then pointed the letter towards me, telling me to read it. After I have swallowed my 7th bread, I then took the letter from my uncle's hand, it had a seal mark with the symbol of life, and longevity. I then opened it and started reading the letter
——————:[><><><><><]:——————
To the Guild Master Eric, may this letter be recieved,
As the king of this kingdom, the safety of my people is my top priority. As I am in desperate need of your help, I will cut our usual pleasantaries, and etiquette. So to speak, the [Kingdom of Entel] is under seige by an unknown entity. Dozens of adventurers, and some of my royal men, died and butchered. Some were spared for the purpose of telling us tales of horror, and message of threat.
Day by day, kids to adults, were abducted, killed, and played. Adventurers of our kingdom started ignoring our call, as they headed out from the situation we were in. For weeks it's been, the penetrator still roam free outside of our kingdom. If I dare say, I would ask for your shoulder to be leaned, just a group of adventurer to investigate this event.
The kingdom shall reward the help you have aided unto us, and to assure to compensate the adventurers who took our call. May this letter be our bridge of communication, so to say, we shall welcome the help that you might give.
——————>{××××××××}<——————
A letter from the [Kingdom of Entel], in the south-east region - the kingdom where once the high elfs reside, before they then migrated to the east - is short, and direct. There is really no usual pleasantaries or the likes, but the king still didn't let this opportunity go from his hand
"He asked for your cooperation, but rather he wanted to build a connection between you and him with this event, he even stated that he will compensate the adventurers you will send. But I know for sure, he will likely try to gain approval from them, and would surely give an offer that only in that kingdom will be found, and lastly, "the said reward for your aid" means, that-"
"The [Kingdom of Entel] will ask me to join hands with them, and they will support me, willingly"
As the Guild Master Eric continued my remark, the two of us knew what the letter mean 'help us then we are your ally but ignore us, we shall be your enemy' or something. They might be in pinch right now - if they were - but who knows what excatly their sitaution now, as the letter only talks about "that said entity", but never further explain what it is. Right now, the letter is more or like, a simple cooked, grilled with mushroom sauce, Boar meat, if we dare to take the bait, then
"What should we do uncle?"
Munch
I asked, as I took a huge bite to the 20th Twister Bread I ate. Guild master Eric then went on a deep thought, while he drank his black coffee. After his lips detached from the cup's tip, he then spoke
"I will send you there. It's much better if it's you. This event is surely lacking the information we need, but if we have you there, I'll say, it would be easy, just like how you gobble that 21st bread"
Gulp
"And lastly, I just ordered few of my trusted people to investigate this anomaly, so right now, I just had a few more left in my disposal, not counting the newbies, so it's much better if it's you. Give us a call if the situation is grim, even if they dare threathen us, we shall not abide to their call if your safety isn't assured"
As he spoke, I smiled and replied
"Uncle"
And pointed the bread in my hand
"It's my 24th, not 21st"
Then 4 of us chuckled in delight. After we have finished, I then asked for our quest reward which is 12 silver coins, and 50 copper coins, and an additional 18 silver coins, and 25 copper coins, which gave us 30 silver coins, and 75 copper coins in total. We will sell what we loot tomorrow.
We then headed out, back to our house. Right now, I just wanted to take a deep, long, peaceful sleep. The 2 then hooked their arms to mine as we walked towards our house.
...
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Chu
Muah
Hehehe
A loud erotic panting and kisses, woke me up. As I opened my eyes to see who is it
"Mnnnm?"
It was none othe than Sheryl, in her lucid night gown
"Oops, did I wake you up? I'm sorry, you were just so cute when you sleep, I just can't help myself fufufu"
She said, as she gave me a kissed in my lips, before continuing
"Its already morning now, sleepy head~. Breakfast is already serve, shall we get going then? Or"
She then stared at my blanket, that I used to cover my naked self. She then lick her lips, and gently caress my chest
"Or, shall I help you get dress first, darling~?"
"No!"
We were both taken aback to the sudden impulse. It's was Natsumi who responded, as she cling on me, and leaned her head to my left shoulder
"Darling is mine, you can go flat-loli. Sho sho, I only have darling for breakfast, thank you"
She then giggled, as she tighten her grip to mine
Slap
"Ouch! How dare you!"
"How dare me? How dare you too. Get your filthy hands off from darling, he needs to eat, to alteast help a cow-tit like you not get pass out"
She stated, as she slapped Natsumi's hand. Natsumi then blushed, and hurriedly look at me. I then giggled on Sheryl's remark, which made our cow-tit to get more embarassed
"Y-you bully~!"
As she hides herself in my arms, but I can't blame her when she pass out, we did really went almost all night that night. Both were exhausted, but Natsumi was the one who passed out first, while I was still ramming her
"N-n-next time I won't- it won't happen again! I will make sure of that!"
She stated, confidently. Sheryl just made a doubtful look, while I raised my right hand and pat her head, then give her a kiss
"Okay, okay, but for now, let's eat okay"
I said
"Moou~"
"Tsk, okay"
She replied as she made a pouting face, before letting me go.
...
After we took our breakfast, a hot bath - which this time, I insist on going alone, because when we all did went in, we might even get late. Last time when we had a sex in the bathroom, it lead us arriving last for the meeting for a certain subjugation quest that we took, giving us penalty that time.
After we had our separate bath, we then wore our clothes and headed out. Our 1st destination today is the [City Central Market], or it should be, as we need to get all our required necessities before we depart to the south-east, but as we don't have money, we went back the [Adventurers Guild] to sell our loot.
"80 {Hobgoblins} right ear for 5 silver coins, and 10 copper coins each, which gives you 400 silvers, and 800 coppers, or 11 big silver coins, and 23 silver coins. 40 {Hobgoblin Variants} for 18 silver coins, and 25 copper coins - right and left ear - which total for 720 silvers, and 1,000 coppers, or 20 big silver coins, and 30 silver coins. And for each {Goblin Champions}, you will have 1 big silver coin, and 20 silver coins, as you have killed 3, you will get 4 big silver coins, and 25 silver coins. Lastly, a {Goblin Champion Variant}, for now, will neat for 5 big silver coins, so all in all, you have a total of 42 big silver coins, and 78 silver coins, or 1 gold coin, 1 big silver coin, and 8 silver coins, that would be all, anything else?"
The receptionist asked. If Sheryl's [Araneae] didn't have that swallowing effect, we might get more than this. We also sold the weapons from the {Goblin Champions}, and we are able to fetch 1 big silver coin, and 20 silver coins on it, so in total we had, 1 gold coin, 2 big silver coins, and 28 silver coins. After we have took the money, we then headed to the market.
~~~~~{>÷<>÷<>÷<}~~~~~
÷¦[World's Currency: PANGEA]¦÷
100 coppers for 1 silver
35 silvers for 1 big silver
25 big silvers for 1 gold
100 golds for 1 big gold
35 big golds for 1 platinum
25 platinums for 1 golden-platinum
(note: search phillipines new 20 peso, that's the reference for golden-plat)
(note: pangea is a floating world like asgard, twice big as how the 7 continents in 1)
(note: except for the copper and big silver, and gold, other coins have the same size, but vary in design)
~~~~~\\//~~~~~
As we were in the [City Central Market], we then went on to our shoping list, for the items we needed to venture the south-east region. South-east region is mostly pack with dessert, there are still few forests and such, but it will take you months to get there. As south-east or south is a hot region, we need to atleast buy some light clothes, and lot of lot of [Icicle Orb], for hydration.
[Icicle Orb] is a spiral ice like stone that would gave you water without refelling your canteen, or bottle, it would only last until the orb melts. It mostly goes for 4 hours straight, could fill a meter and a half container. And we need to also fix our weapons or buy a new one, as the south-east area is much harsher than here, and food essentials too. So when we agreed to which store should we go first, we then headed to the [Marie's Retailing Shop]. It was located north-east of the market, it takes 5 turns and 50 meters walk to get there, its a well-know shop, though its pricey, but they mostly sell high quality clothes. As when we got there, we then entered the 5 storey building
"Welcome, may I assist you?"
Asked by the sales lady, who greeted us. As we entered the shop, I then asked
"I would like a clothe that is well-suited for the south-east region climate"
As I said that, the sales lady then guided us. We then headed to the 3rd floor of the shop
"Oho"
"Wow"
"This is, amazing"
As the 3 of us were awed, astonished to the sight that we saw. Clothes after clothes were piled, arrange, and well-placed in order for the customer to easily pick, and notice their well-woven design
"Dear customer, our clothes here are all exclusively crafted, and made from best well-known workshop around the world, from your everyday getup to elegant ball dresses. You can take your time as much as you want to stroll around, and see to it if there is any of our product that is to your liking. I will be here to assist you, if ever you need a hand"
Then the sales lady went behind us and followed, we then looked around the place, and see if there is any clothes that would fit our budget. After a few circling, we were able to choose 6 clothes, 2 each for the 3 of us, and after that, we then headed to the [Counter Station], which is located at the corner of this building. The building had a 40-50 meters diameter length, and 35 meters width, each floor had its own [Counter Station].
The sales lady helped us choose our clothes, as she explained the effect and benefit of the clothes had, she even let us try it out if it could fit us. I was also one of the judges, to see if my girls clothes would fit during combat
"6 hot summer clothes, 1 set each, would that be all?"
The counter lady asked
"Yes"
"That would be 18 big silver coins"
After I replied, she then stated the price of the clothes we brought, pricey isn't it? But we still paid. After that, we then headed to the [Jerry's Weapon Shop], as I need a new sword, as the one I used during the battle with [Bulan], shattered and burned. So right now, except for my [Flame Knuckles], and [Flame Gauntlet], I don't have anymore weapons in hand. Sheryl and Natsumi will just upgrade their weapons, as they found something they have found interesting back in the dungeon.
As we entered the shop, we then roamed around, well, only me though, the 2 went directly to the counter person, for their personal request of upgrading their weapons by adding additional feature, or strengthening it, so for such, I'm all alone now. As I stroll around, testing weapons after weapons, I was able to choose a few that interest me. I then went to the counter person to buy the item I took, a scythe, a war-hammer, a battle axe, and a sword
"That would be 2 big silver coins, and 30 silver coins"
He said. The weapon shop that we choose is much bigger than [Jasper Armor and Weapon Shop]. It's a branch shop of the [City Central Market], a well-known weapon shop. After I have brought the weapons I need, I then stored my weapon inside my [Rune Sphere]. My [Rune Sphere] could be used as an inventory, for weapons only. I then waited for the 2.
.....
2 hours and a half later, the 2 then came back, with a big smile of proud Ness and please, holding their weapon in their very grasp. We then headed out, this time we will be going for our final place, before heading back home.
(Natsumi's POV)
(2 hours before)
After we have entered the weapon shop, I directly went to the counter, to asked for an upgrade of my bow
"Personal request: upgrade"
I said, the person in front of me then went back, and called someone. After a few seconds, he then called me in. I was inside the workshop behind the weapon shop, 6 blacksmiths were pounding some iron after iron. Molding, sharpening, and wielding. I then went to the 5th blacksmiths, it was an old man. It had a long, thick beard, a little shorter than Sheryl, a Dwarf. I then handed the bow I own, and a steel I have found in the dungeon, a [Dump Ore].
It's a special ore that was naturally made from {Ore Pooper}, a big slug monster. They ate any kind of mineral, and dump a special ore from it. If they devoured an iron, then expect a high quality, and pure [Iron Ore]. As I handed the ore, I then give the diagram for the bow I wanted. He then nodded and started melting the ore I gave him. After 2 hours and a half, my bow was now done
"...."
I was speechless, so speechless that I could only stare at my bow. I know I'm the one who requested it, and made the diagram of the bow, but this is something that I, myself, didn't expect
"It's beautiful"
I exclaimed, as I found no word I could describe to the bow I grasp. In the diagram, I asked the blacksmith to cut my bow into 2 parts, with the same length and size, a bottom and a top. In the cutted edge, a few inch below it, was placed by a steal that wrap the bow, and stretch its edge from the bows back side till the bows bottom tip. A thin steel was then positioned at the center of the cutted edge, making the two cutted parts connect. A side beak, shape steel, was then set at the left side of the bottom part of the cutted bow, making it easy for my finger and arrow to be placed. With the thin steel part at the center, it could hold my arrow, enough for me to easily maneuver to which angle should I fire.
The bow was then wrapped with the molded ore, making it much sturdy. The string was then altered to make my released much stronger, and faster. The steel that wrapped around the bow was then curve with an diamond shape design, starting from the center till the bottom.
I then paid the said old man, which costed me 1 big silver coin, and 20 silver coins, as the materials was mine. I then headed out, with the new bow in hand.
(Sheryl's POV)
(2 hours before)
After we have entered the shop, I then directly went to the merging section of the shop. As my dagger can't be replaced as I already bestowed my [Quick Equip] on it, so I could only do merging. The merging site is stationed at the right side of the shop, behind it.
The process of merging an item to item is referred as [Gear Melding], and only Blacksmith, Weapon Holder, Craftsman, and Item Smith, could do [Gear Melding]. As I was there, I then asked 1 of the 7th personnel that handled the [Gear Melding] process, a woman. I then handed my daggers, and a red gem which is I have found in the dungeon, yesterday, a [Blood Stone], which is an ore that could be found in the deepest cave beneath the ground, which could only be procured when a thousand hordes of dead body was buried under, and if their compacted blood stream down, molding itself in an ore shape.
As I gave the [Blood Stone], and handed my daggers, I then waited. It will take hours to merge one item to another, so for such, I just patiently waited, as I seated to the chair that is provided by the shop. After 2 hours and a half, she then called me, and handed the daggers back at me.
I was awed, astonished, and everything you could possibly say about me being surprise, to how grandiose my dagger became. The dagger now had the ore as a gem at the center of the hilt, red like circles was then drawn from the daggers body. An inch away from the hilt, a tear like shape hole was carved in the dagger, till an inch away from the tip. The hilt that was dyed from black was now coated with vermilion paint, making it more stunning. I then paid the said person with 2 big silver coins, and went back with a new weapon in my hand.
(Creeper's POV)
After we have purchased and repaired our items, we then went to our last destined place, [Jeremy's Potion Store]. As we about to head to our next location, and finish our shopping before lunch, we then was greeted, by an unexpected guest
"Creeper!"
A familiar voice then resound the crowd. It was Isabelle, my non-blood related cousin, was waving at us, at me, a distance from us. I'm pretty sure she's using [Clairvoyance] just now, this lady is persistent. As the two knew the situation I'm in, kissed both in my cheeks, which made Isabelle frowned, and left me
As I was about to follow them, out of sudden, a big chill of danger breeze my spine, as a hand of a person I knew, I totally knew, like I really really knew, hold me tightly, and spoke
"Where does my cute little cousin be going?"
Isabelle just silently dashed at me, and grab hold of my arm, and locked it into hers, as she looked and smiled at me.
'I'm dead'