He was abruptly awakened by pounding on his door, accompanied by Kisa's annoyed voice calling out, "Wake up, Ethan Okamura! Wake up!"

Ethan sluggishly sat up and shuffled to the door, opening it to find Kisa's pinched face. "Good morning, Kisa. How kind and gentle of you to wake me up," he remarked sarcastically.

The woman remained unamused, scowling at him. "Oh, be quiet! Someone important is here to see you. Get downstairs and greet her!"

Raising an eyebrow, Ethan intended to inquire about the visitor's identity, but Kisa had already stormed off. He yawned and returned to his room, slipping on his new boots and running a hand through his slightly overgrown hair. He headed downstairs.

There, he found a woman donned in chainmail, steel greaves, and gauntlets, with a helmet tucked under her arm. She stood tall and broad-shouldered, her brown hair reaching her shoulders, and faint scars adorning her face.

As Ethan approached, he couldn't help but notice her peculiar facial features—sharp and angular—and her towering height that exceeded his own. Although he was not a particularly large man, this woman loomed over him.

He offered a polite bow and said, "I am Ethan. How may I assist you?"

The woman's expression remained neutral as she scrutinized him from head to toe. "Ethan Okamura, I need you to come with me. I have questions for you."

Surprised, Ethan inquired, "Have I done something wrong?"

With a single shake of her head, the woman replied, "No, not exactly. However, rumors have been spreading about goblins gathering around the mountain, and I've been told that you may be involved."

Ethan sighed, muttering, "Gochuk..."

The woman curtly nodded, "Gochuk. If he is truly gone, we suspect an impending attack. New chieftains often resort to such measures to consolidate their power."

Frowning, Ethan asked, "By attacking villages? What purpose does that serve?"

The woman's smile turned grim. "A chieftain needs to demonstrate strength, and raiding a village, seizing people and livestock, accomplishes just that."

Uncertain how to respond, Ethan nodded at the woman. "Very well, I will accompany you. If I can be of any assistance, I'm willing to help."

Kisa sniffed disapprovingly, but the warrior paid her no attention. She simply gestured toward the door. However, Ethan had a thought and interjected, "Just a moment, let me grab something before we go."

He ascended the stairs and opened his old pack. Inside, amidst a few pilfered items from the workshop, was the one he desired. He retrieved the crystal knife, still wrapped in leather, and tucked it into the inside pocket of his simple robes. He then descended the stairs and followed the warrior into the street.

Outside, two more warriors, one male and one female, awaited them. Ethan suspected they were definitely human, unlike the tall woman. However, he didn't dare risk offending her by asking about her origins.

As they walked through the village, Ethan couldn't help but notice the increased number of stares directed his way. People seemed to halt in their tracks and scrutinize him, making him feel uneasy under their gaze.

On the far side of town, near a road leading out of the village, stood a sizable stone structure. It lacked aesthetics, appearing more like a solid block of stone with a large door and a few windows. The sound of conversation emanated from within, but it fell silent as Ethan was led through the door.

Several warriors occupied the interior, all dressed in the same armor as his escorts. Perhaps "soldiers" would be a more fitting term. Ethan found himself seated at a long table, with the tall woman positioned opposite him and the others flanking him on either side.

Glancing from one side to the other, he frowned at the woman. "Is this a discussion or an interrogation?"

She responded with a slight smile. "I'm not sure yet, Ethan Okamura, but let's start from the beginning. My name is Calandra, and I am the captain of this garrison. The individuals surrounding you are my guardsmen."

Ethan surveyed the silent room and nodded. "Okay, Captain Calandra, pleased to meet you. I am Ethan Okamura, but please, call me Ethan."

Calandra raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Ethan Okamura your name?"

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He let out a sigh. "Yes, but Okamura is my family name..." Recalling his conversation with Lork, he added, "Never mind that. The point is, Ethan is sufficient."

She nodded. "You're quite an interesting individual, but I'll honor your request. Ethan, you killed Gochuk?"

Deciding that honesty was the best approach, Ethan nodded. "Yes, I did."

Calandra stared intently into his eyes. "And you did so by blowing him up?"

Once again, Ethan nodded. "That's correct."

A few mutters circulated through the room, but a stern glare from Calandra silenced them. "I see. I've been informed that you're an enchanter."

This caused another stir, but Ethan ignored it and nodded for the third time. "That's correct as well."

Calandra leaned back in her chair, studying him intently. Then she spoke again. "Since your arrival, Ethan, I've heard your name mentioned more than once. You reside with Bolg the hunter, designed a new wheel for his wagon that has people buzzing, and Lork's business is booming with requests. Furthermore, you struck an agreement with Karin regarding a self-sharpening knife, and now I hear you're responsible for the death of the goblin chieftain."

Ethan shrugged. "I suppose that's accurate, yes."

Calandra smiled. "You are a fascinating individual, Ethan, not just to me but to many in the village. Now, for the real reason you're here: the goblins are approaching, and we are quite certain of it. We don't have time to call for reinforcements from Bilgrad, which means we're on our own. Although this village has a few capable and willing fighters, they are only villagers."

Calandra took a deep breath before continuing. "We need an advantage, Ethan, and you seem to possess talents that could be of use in this matter. Would you be willing to aid us in safeguarding the village?"

There it was—an invitation to contribute to something related to warfare. Just a few days in the village, and already people were seeking his help in such matters. He had anticipated something like this eventually, but he had hoped it wouldn't arise so soon.

Ethan studied Calandra, taking his time before slowly nodding. "I suppose I could provide some assistance, if what I help you with is only intended for protection."

Calandra smiled. "Excellent, and that is indeed the purpose. We already have a few defensive measures in place, but time is scarce. Come with me, take a look, and perhaps you can identify areas for improvement."

Calandra led him outside and away from the village. They ascended a hill that provided a sweeping view of the entire area. Ethan realized they were situated in a valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides. As he absorbed the scene, he couldn't help but smile—the natural beauty remained awe-inspiring to him.

Calandra pointed, and Ethan followed her gaze. "That's where they'll be coming from."

Ethan studied the forest in the distance, recognizing it as the same one he and Bolg had traversed. He could even make out the towering peak in the far distance. Dervin's Rest lacked any defensive walls or fortifications. Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Why hasn't the village built any walls?"

Calandra frowned. "We've suggested it numerous times, but they've rejected the idea repeatedly. They have unwavering faith in their hunters and believe they don't require walls."

Ethan sighed. "Seems foolish to me. If it were up to me, knowing there are monsters out there, I'd definitely construct some form of defensive perimeter. Somewhere to retreat to, at the very least."

Calandra nodded. "I agree, but this is the situation we're dealing with."

Ethan looked at Calandra with concern. "How many goblins are we expecting?"

Calandra stared into the distance as she replied, "Our best estimate is 300 to 400."

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, and he hesitated before asking the next question. "And how many people do you have?"

Calandra offered a grim smile. "Fifteen, not counting myself. There are around 30 hunters in the village as well, but that's the extent of our numbers."

Ethan turned his gaze back to the forest, a sense of unease settling over him. "That won't be enough..."

Calandra nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it won't. We have a couple of old ballistae, and we can equip the citizens with spears. But many will likely lose their lives. That's why I was willing to take a gamble with you."

Ethan pondered the situation, trying to come up with a plan. He had played plenty of strategy games in the past, and defensive positions were often the key to limiting losses. Walls and archers raining down arrows would be ideal, but those options were unavailable here.

He looked at Calandra. "How do you think the goblins will act?"

Calandra glanced over and shrugged. "They usually charge in like wild animals. I don't see why they would behave differently in this case."

Ethan tapped his chin thoughtfully. "So, Captain, how are you planning to address this?"

Calandra growled softly. "Normally, I would prefer to meet them head-on, intercepting them before they ever reach the village. But in this situation, I'm thinking of arming the villagers, forming a line of spears with archers behind, and hoping we can hold them off. I don't have mages, adventurers, or skilled alchemists in the village. Honestly, evacuating the village and returning with an army might be the best option."

Ethan nodded, having considered the same possibilities. "Let me guess, the villagers are unwilling to leave."

Calandra nodded with annoyance. "You've got it right. Since my duty is to protect the villagers, I can't abandon them either."

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, contemplating his options. He did have a few ideas, although he wasn't entirely certain of their efficacy. If Calandra listened and they failed, the consequences would be on his hands as much as the goblins'. "I do have a few ideas, Calandra, or rather one in particular."

She turned to him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Please, any ideas would be welcome at this point."