After about an hour, Lare came into the room to check on Nobina.

“Do you have the information?” he asked, looking at the table Nobina was working on

“I got everything ready,” she replied, closing one of the books. “Is the meeting starting?”

Lare gave a nod, prompting Nobina to stand and follow him. As the two headed to the second floor, Nobina saw Sarah at the front, handling business as usual. The guild hadn’t sent out the emergency quest notice yet since Eric was the one who ultimately had to issue it as guild master.

“Sarah,” called Lare.

“Right,” said Sarah. “Attention all guild members. Please be on standby for an important announcement. That is all.”

Everyone was understandably confused except those who had been with Nobina earlier. They remained silent, already expecting what was going to be announced. As for Sarah, she left the receptionist’s desk to follow the two of them upstairs.

Once they were in the meeting room, Nobina could sense the tension as everyone took their seats. Eric was already there, looking absolutely calm despite everything.

“Now then,” said Eric as everyone finished sitting down. “I’ve been told the basics of the situation from Lare, so now I need the information from Nobina.”

Turning to Nobina, she began giving her report.

“Currently, we have fifteen C-rank adventures active, either on quest or in town. We have eight retired C-ranks we can call upon. As for D-rank’s, those are numbered twenty-five and ten respectively. E and F ranks we don’t track, but I estimate that those numbers are similar to the D-ranks, about twenty-five each. However, the retired portion is likely also around twenty-five, as many adventurers quit in those ranges.”

Eric gave a nod.

With that, Nobina continued her report.

“Our town is decently sized, but many of our adventurers come from outlying villages. Those who have aspirations to make it big and such. As a result, despite our town’s size, you could say our adventuring count is relatively low compared to other towns. It’s the reason we depend on the Goblin Nests, as without them we’d likely lose most of our adventurers. It’s also why we don’t have any beyond C, minus Mimiki and you guild master.”

“The situation is grim, yes,” he responded. “Thank you for the report Nobina. Can you tell me how many adventurers are on quests and how many are in town?”

She nodded, relaying that information.

“About fifty percent are currently on quest, while the other fifty percent are in town and available. At least, that’s what I’m estimating. There is currently no easy way of tracking who is and isn’t in town. Just data that could indicate what the numbers are likely to be.”

“So, what’s the plan,” asked Lare.

“We shall go ahead and initiate the Emergency Quest,” said Eric, his voice emphasizing the importance of what he was saying. “Boost the reward to above standard amounts as well as increase the Adventuring Progression amount. We’ll send out most of what we can. Since we got about a week or so before the actual attack, I want everyone ready to move out in three days. Got it?”

Lare gave a nod.

“Sarah. Work to establish two scouting quest and put that priority as high as possible. We need to know the status of the Northwest and Northeast Nests. I’m hoping that neither are showing obvious signs of attack, but if they are… We’ll have to consider what to do.”

“As you wish guild master,” said Sarah.

“Nobina,” said Eric, turning to her.

“Yes, guild master?” she asked, ready to do whatever she could.

“Head to the medical office and then every smith you can. Arrange for the acquisition of raid-capable gearing. Due to the raid difficulty, if adventures go in with anything less than D-rank quality gear, then it might be a slaughter. Also, speak with the alchemist about acquiring as many potions as we can afford.”

“Sir. We might not be able to afford all of this,” said Nobina, aware of the guild’s financial situation.

“See to it that they are paid partially and tell them the guild will pay back the rest with interest. Got it?”

Nobina gave a nod.

“Lastly. Sarah. Arrange for our fastest adventuring party to head to the nearest town. We need reinforcements, even if it just ends up being one nest we have to deal with.”

“Guild master. Aren’t you capable of reaching the nearest town within three days? Our fastest party might take a week due to how isolated we are.”

“I can’t afford to use my ability that distance Sarah. If any of the other nest are threatening the town, then I need to be able to cull it myself in the worst case.”

Thinking about Eric, a former S-rank adventurer, fighting a whole Goblin Nest himself excited Nobina. When she noticed Eric’s gaze fall on her, she immediately tried to hide her excitement, but Eric gave a chuckle in response.

“Nobina. Don’t let this whole situation make you feel like you have to hide how you feel, good or bad. The thought of seeing an S-rank in battle seems cool to you, right?”

“Absolutely,” she responded.

“Then perhaps when all of this is over and we are in a more peaceful situation, you can watch me in action. How’s that sound?” he said, watching for her response.

“I’d love it,” said Nobina, giving the biggest grin.

“That’s Nobina for you,” laughed Sarah. “She’s becoming more and more like Mimiki to this day.”

“Oh right,” said Nobina, hearing Mimiki’s name. “What about Mimiki?”

“She should be around the Northeast Nest at the moment for a promotion test,” said Eric. “Ideally, her report tells us there’s nothing to worry about. However, even if she indicates the nest is active, it’s better we have that information now so we can plan.”

With that said, no one had anything left to say. Eric dismissed everyone, leaving himself in the room.

“The nests… shouldn’t be active this soon… Hopefully I’m wrong about this but…”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Eric didn’t finish the thought as he left the room, a concerned look remaining on his face.

Back at the front, Nobina and Lare were standing in the back as Sarah began giving the announcement.

“Attention all adventures. We are issuing an Emergency Quest to cull the South Goblin Nest. The rewards will be greater than usual to highlight the importance of getting this done. Due to the other two nests’ status being unknown, we are also asking for two D-rank level scouting parties to investigate the other two nests. This takes a higher priority, so please consider this quest over the others. Lastly, anyone who has seen the Asure Riders or any of their party members please let me know. They have a personal quest that has the highest priority. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask me.”

As soon as she was done speaking, a few adventurers headed to the front to bombard Sarah with their questions regarding everything going on. As for Nobina, she began heading out to the medical office to speak with Medical Mage Kim.

Arriving there, she waited in the lobby as Witmi told her Kim was seeing someone.

“What’s going on anyway Nobina. The look on your face makes it feel like something horrible just…”

As she was about to finish her words, Witmi noticed Nobina’s concerned look.

“Oh Nobina…”

“It’s alright Witmi,” she replied. “A lot… is happening. I just need to make sure Kim understands… That’s all.”

Witmi gave a nod.

After about ten minutes, Medical Mage Kim appeared with another adventurer who looked freshly healed.

“Thank you again Kim,” he smiled. “I feel ready to fight a goblin army.”

“You and your confidence,” she chuckled. “Make sure you heal up first then you can go back to fighting… four to five goblins.”

He gave a sigh as he shook his head.

“One day though… I’ll be able to decimate a goblin army like Eric. You just wait,” he grinned.

“I’d love to see that,” she smiled.

With that, the adventurer left the room. When Kim saw the worried look on Nobina’s face, she couldn’t help but return her own frown.

“Oh Nobina. Are you alright? Did something happen with goblins?”

When she gave a nod, Kim shook her head.

“Goblin humor is what usually comforts Retan, so I was just joking with him. I’m sorry if you’ve suffered and goblin-related trauma.”

“Oh it’s… alright,” said Nobina. “Thing is, something serious is happening. Mind if we talk in private?”

“Of course I don’t mine,” she responded, her face giving a serious look.

The three of them headed into the back, where Nobina relayed the situation.

“Oh dear,” said Medical Mage Kim. “Moments like this make me wish I could go on the field, but I’d imagine that I must remain here just in case.”

“That is correct. We cannot afford having you leave the town where we still don’t know the status of the other two nest.”

“This is horrible,” said Witmi. “Is it even safe being in the town with so many adventurers away?”

Nobina didn’t know the answer to that, but Kim had her own response.

“Many of the townsfolk here aren’t on the younger side Witmi. Most can’t afford to just pack up and leave. Even if the town is safe when they come back, moving a whole town population is rather difficult. They’d have to keep all the adventurers here and understand the town would likely be razed to the ground.”

The thought of everything burning entered Nobina’s mind, making her sick as she imagined the carnage that could unfold.

“Sorry about giving you that image Nobina,” said Kim. “But… That’s just my reasoning to justify how you guys are handling things. Hopefully you understand.”

“I do,” she replied. “I’m… thankful for your input. Anyway, I shall give my official request. The guild is requesting you heal anyone who needs immediate medical attention. Do not worry about payment, as the guild will cover.”

“We will do so,” said Kim. “Tell the guild master we shall only take what you can afford to give us. Saving lives is our primary concern at the moment and if the money is needed elsewhere, spend it as you wish.”

Nobina smiled and gave a nod.

“Thank you, Kim.”

“Godspeed Nobina… Godspeed,” Kim replied.

With that, Nobina left the medical office. As she did, she began wondering if there were gods watching over them right now. The only god she knew about was likely Nonomo, but she didn’t even know if he was a god. There was also Gaze, but she wasn’t sure if they were gods either. They felt more like observers, if anything.

“Hopefully meeting with the smiths goes as smooth,” she told herself.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Each smith Nobina met with had resource problems. Even with the offer of future payment, they couldn’t accept it because they needed to replenish their supply. It frustrated Nobina, and she wanted to lash out at their greed, but she could tell it wasn’t merely that. They wanted to help, but if they gave most of their gear and used more of their current supply, they’d be at a loss until payment was received from the guild. The fact that the guild’s own coffers weren’t too sizable made the current problem apparent.

As Nobina finished seeing the third and last smith on her list, she felt disappointed she could only arrange for two-thirds of the gear they needed for the South Nest adventuring groups.

“Hopefully it’s good enough,” she told herself.

Last on the list was meeting with Siva. Arriving at her potion store, Nobina noticed there were already a lot of C-rank adventurers purchasing as many potions as they could. When they noticed Nobina, they made way, allowing her to speak with Siva.

“Nobina,” said Siva. “I have an idea on why you’re here. Let me finish all their orders first.”

“Got it,” she responded, taking a seat.

It took about an hour before the last adventurer was gone, and Nobina could tell they were preparing for the raid themselves. Most of the healing potions were gone, and a lot of utility potions were gone as well. There was likely only enough to fully kit out a few adventurers.

“Will the guild purchase the remaining supply? I can likely make a few more sets, but I’ll need way more herbs and other alchemy ingredients to fully stock up,” said Siva, wasting no time.

“Yes we will,” said Nobina.

Unexpectedly, Nobina didn’t need much to buy the remaining stock. It seemed the adventurers were ensuring they had the potions they needed rather than depending on the guild handouts. People might have wondered why they didn’t just let the guild give them free potions instead of buying them, but it made sense if one thought about it. There was a limited amount of healing potions, and if the guild bought them all and there was maybe one at most per person, people would feel more at risk. Plus, them having it meant they could do more and earn more rewards. An investment, as they say.

As Nobina packed the last potions into the box, Siva closed up shop and began assisting Nobina in carrying them over. Despite her age, she carried it with ease, making Nobina shocked.

“Potion Mule,” chuckled Siva. “Even at my age, this ability lets me carry potions with ease. It’s like I’m carrying an empty box right now. Of course, I still need to be careful since it doesn’t last forever, but it’s helpful for moments like this.”

Nobina nodded, following Siva as they headed to the guild. Once they were there, the potions were put down in the back. There was still plenty of time in the day, but Nobina was finally feeling tired. The accumulated fatigue was getting to her, and Sarah was quick to notice.

“Nobina. Head home for the day. I know you’ve likely been awake for awhile. Your face shows it, but no one would have said anything since you’re working so hard.”

She nodded, thanking Sarah for working hard.

“Tomorrow’s a new day and we’ll need to be in top shape,” she smiled. “Eat up and get some sleep.”

Nobina left the guild office and saw it was sunset. As she looked at her growing shadow, she felt the call for sleep getting strong. She wanted to eat, but she also wanted the sweet embrace of her bed as well.

She made her way to the inn, asking Harris for quick food. Seeing her condition, he asked the customer whose order he had in hand if he could give it to Nobina. They were about to complain, but seeing Nobina and her guild officer markings, he merely nodded.

“Sorry,” said Nobina, giving a bow.

“It’s alright,” he said, a worried look on his face. “It looks like… you need it way more than me.”

With that, Nobina began eating the plate of Chizen. Unlike before, the Chizen felt less flavorful, making her wonder if all of this was getting to her. She finished the food quickly, thanking Harris before she headed to her room. Once she was there, she saw Pausers immediately go to her and try to give her comfort.

“Pausers,” said Nobina. “I wanted to joke around and demand you tell me why the Gaze gave you a cigarette but… I’m too tired to ask…”

Pausers merely looked at her, a seemingly confused look entering their face before they snuggled up against her.

As that happened, her Gaze bag glowed. Opening it up, she saw a book called How to Raise Your Totally Normal Bunny. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she read through the book. The moment she reached the 13th “do not” bullet point regarding raising your bunny, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“So it looks like one of you is reasonable. Of course giving a bunny a cigarette, even if it makes them look edgy, is a bad idea.”

As she said that, she looked at Pausers, who once again, looked at her confusedly before snuggling against her.

She then recalled the book for later and instinctively said summon, bringing out her diary on her desk. However, she felt no urge to write at the moment. All she wanted to do was sleep and wake up rested, ending the day on the laugh she had.

“Tomorrow,” she told herself.

Nobina headed to bed, falling asleep shortly after.