Arkon raised his eyebrow, piqued by the intriguing question Vincent posed. His expression went cold from that of arrogance to a cold shell.

“That damn woman is fine, Vincent.”

“It’s been five years, Arkon. You still haven’t moved on from Hulios?”

Arkon stared at Vincent with a rather stern look. His voice raised and his tone went angry, he stood up and yelled.

“Do you even think that Maria could ever replace Hulios? VINCENT!!?”

“Woah, woah. Arkon, ya really serious bout that? I can’t really help ask but why are you like this?”

“Shut the fuck up, Vincent. I don’t like you talking about Hulios and Maria.”

“Eh!? That’s quite cold coming from my former teammate.”

Arkon stood angry with fists clenched and eyebrows met, his veins were saying hi.

“VINCENT.”

“Arkon, you’re really putting the blame on Maria till now?”

THUD! The sound of Arkon’s slap resounded as Vincent blocked it with his arm.

“I thought you had changed, Arkon. Tch.”

Vincent shaked Arkon’s arm off and made a little more distance between them. Arkon sat angry, the tension between the two rose as they approached the town of Dyyln.

“Yo, deal with these wolves again.”

As Elijah’s command reached them, Arkon still sat angry and unmoved. Elijah then stood up and proposed.

“I’ll deal with them.”

Vincent hopped off the carriage to fend off the wolves who tried prying into their goods.

SHIING, the sound of iron passed as he unsheathed his sword.

“I’m in no good mood, you damn pests.”

Vincent mercilessly killed the wolves. Choked the first wolf down as it pounced, one down, crushed the head with his foot, two down, took its’ head off with a clean slice, three down, bursted its internals with fire, four down, and the other two retreated. The path became quite bloody, such is the fate of the common breed of wolves.

GROWLLL The alpha stepped in, twice bigger than those earlier. Vincent adjusted his poise, eyes grew bigger and aura more alert.

“Eh, finally something challenging-!”

Vincent sparred with the alpha wolf, each strike carefully calculated- with a mix of instincts. Despite being a base beta adventurer, life isn’t something you can risk just because you’re a ranked adventurer. Wolves are generally known to be dealt by Delta-ranked adventurers, but Alpha wolves should be able to be dealt with Gamma-ranked adventurers. Still, not an excuse to say it’s easy. Each pounce from the alpha wolf’s paw resonated throughout the blade, yet Vincent kept pace. Elijah took notice that Vincent was starting to sweat, it became dangerous.

“Hoi, Arkon, you might want to help Vincent.”

Arkon pretended he didn’t notice, he just ignored and slept through, but with his brows met together? After a few more exchanges, Vincent ended it with two stabs to the side of the throat and one through the skull. It’s not a surprise he can deal with these. Elijah had his bow ready, but Arkon dealt with it earlier than expected.

“I guess I pay what’s worth, let’s go on.”

The carriage moved forth to the town of Dylnn. They arrived an hour after sunset, a successful mission! Elijah handed Vincent a small bag of coins, consisting of ten copper coins, about enough to last them 2 days.

Author’s note: The world’s economy revolves around three main currencies, “Demonoils” and “Kingdom”. The Kingdom’s currency is accepted throughout the entirety of the continent, used by all races and countries. The Demonoils’ currency runs through the barren lands of the Demon continent where harsh conditions arise. Dull is 1/10, Half is ½(duh), and Pure is the base value.

Kingdom’s Currency: Dull Copper, Half Copper, Pure Copper, Dull Silver, Half Silver, Pure Silver, Dull Gold, Half Gold, Pure Gold.

Demons Currency: no spoilers :>

“And here’s a copper for the kid, go buy yourself something.”

“T-thanks.”

Zikito accepted the coin, a spare change of a pure copper. Vincent approached Arkon and gave him half.

“Fifty-fifty, no objections.”

Arkon accepted it and took it, he then grabbed Zikito’s arm away from Vincent.

“Dad?! Where are we going-?”

“Aren’t you hangry dimwit?”

Zikito followed silently without objections. He too, was hungry. The town’s lights were nice as they lit up the town. It wasn’t too advanced nor far behind, just the standard town any medieval towns are expected to have. Arkon did treat Zikito to something nice, this a rare occasion where Arkon gave proper meals. They ate warm steak, a nice warm steak to enjoy the night. Arkon sat still, he was quite serious looking. He posed a question.

“Sonnie, do you hate me?”

“D-dad?”

“Forget that, finish up eating damn it. We’re staying in an inn for the night.”

“O-okay-?”

Arkon finished up eating and left as if he was in a hurry, Zikito followed confused. They both stayed in an inn to rest for the night. Amidst the silence, Zikito had his thoughts and looked at his father.

“You’re strange, dad.”

They both fell asleep early that night. Arkon woke up earlier next morning, already with a bottle of wine in his hands. Arkon took a sip directly from the bottle, but he didn’t appear drunk, perhaps he always was that it looked normal, or he’s being normal right now.

“We’re doing one more mission then we go home.”

“That’s not really bad.”

“Get your ass up, we’re leaving now.”

Arkon picked up his bag as he headed out, Zikito followed quickly. They went to the nearest adventurer’s guild to do another mission.

“Missy, whatchall got for a gamma-ranked adventurer?”

The lady looked at him for a second and then smiled, she then showed him a few papers.

“Noone’s taken this request for almost a day now, we’d appreciate it if you could do this guy a favor.”

“Hm? Give me that.”

Arkon took the paper and read what it said.

[TEMPORARY DUNGEON PARTY: LED BY ANON]

“Where’s this brat?”

“We’ll notify him when he comes by, you can wait by the table over there.”

“Aight, let’s go boy.”

As they were about to head to their table, they were greeted from behind.

“Speak of the devil, you’re Anon, correct?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“You’re quite a sharp man, I’m a special beta-ranked adventurer, nice to meet you.”

“Tch, where are the other members? A healer at least?”

“Haha! I planned on going solo, and I find it funny you’re bringing your child along.”

“Hmph, I’m a semi-gamma adventurer, so what dungeon is it?”

“Not really a dungeon, but a goblin sightings in a village was getting higher. We’re going to commit genocide.”

“You’re being an idiot, do you really think we can do it as two?”

“Three should be enough.”

“Tch, then fuck it.”

“Wait- dad, I’m still fi-.”

“Ya both in or out? The pay’s good.”

“Right, right. When will we start?”

“Right now, let’s go!”

“Sonnie, let’s go.”

“But dad, I’m still five-.”

“Eh, five? I’m surprised that you were even ranked to begin with, just be careful kiddo.”

“I-.”

“Quit whining sonnie, we’re going.”

Zikito followed them reluctantly, his eyes clearly questioned what they were doing. The walk took a few hours until someone broke the silence.

“Kid, you’re not tired yet?”

“N-no.”

“Well, don’t worry, we’re here.”

“O-oh…”

[ ANON’S PARTY: GOBLIN EXTERMINATION ]

[MEMBERS: 3 - 2 men, 1 child]

Anon stepped onto the Village’s territory, a mysterious Aura filled the village, a quite terrifying and menacing aura.

“Let’s try and wrap it today, I don’t like goblins.”

Anon’s smile quickly turned serious, this was no joke. Goblins are known to quickly reproduce if not exterminated. Their primary victims are the unfortunate villages far from towns, and most of them are women.

“They’re disgusting.”

Anon added, further strengthening his grip of his sword. Most of the houses in this village are fortified with petty wood, guards who don’t even have the skills to wield a sword. A feeble old man ran towards them in great hurry.

“Master Anon! We’re glad you took our request! Thank.. Thank you!”

“Tell me everything you know now.”

Arkon scouted the surroundings as he tried to assess what’s happening.

“God damn, it feels eerie here.”

“We. Will. Kill. These. DAMN. GOBLINS.”

“Master Anon… please do bring peace to the victims…”

“We damn sure will. Give me an hour to track them down.”

“Sonnie, stay close to me or that man.”

“Y-yes.. Dad…”

Anon investigated the village, searching for evidence and traces of mana while Arkon and Zikito patrolled the area.

“I’d like to swear right now, but god damn.”

After 40 minutes, Anon had determined where the goblins are located.

“I’ll wring their heads out, disgusting creatures. ARKON! KID! Over here!”

Arkon and Zikito immediately headed to the direction of the voice with haste. Anon’s bloodlust for goblins had oozed from him, and it seems that these are no normal goblins.

“I’ve investigated the mana left behind. I hate it so much…. Goddamn disgusting creatures… They… Are…. HUMANS.”

“Humans!?! You alright brat? The villagers reported that they clearly saw goblins.”

“No… no… this is even worse… Someone has controlled a goblin chief….”

Author’s note: Goblins are to be dealt with by Gamma adventurers, so usually it’s not much of a threat when it’s just 4-10 goblins. However, a goblin den is to be dealt by Beta adventurers, and a human controlling the goblin chief, the strongest in a goblin den… that human has to be at least a beta-ranked adventurer… or an Alpha….

“Goblins should be easy enough for a special-beta ranked adventurer, why panic brat?”

“The fact that a being of the same species is doing these….”

THEY MUST DIE

Anon’s eyes turned angry, it was pure disgust and resentment. He clenched his fist, his teeth gritted, he was emanating an aura of pure killing intent.

“Let’s go now, I can’t withstand them breathing the same air.”

“You brat… let’s go.”

“Dad… what’s happening..?”

“Just follow us, sonnie.”

“O-okay….”

They walked for half an hour until they arrived near the den- it was fortified.

“Yo brat, this isn’t any normal den. This is a goblin base…”

“DAMN THAT, a human is behind this, we’re killing them now.”

“Brat, you’re going into suicide, there’s only three of us.”

Anon pushed Arkon away, further stepping into the goblin fort’s territory.

BRRRR! The goblins were alerted, the sound of horns flooded the field.

Annoying sounds of goblins bursting into the ears- there were hundreds of them ready for battle.

“You brat… you’ve really done it-.”

Before Arkon could say another word, Anon bursted off at great speeds, slicing each goblin’s head with finesse. He was heading for the gate.

“GET OUT, HUMAN!”

Anon screamed, his veins popped and his yell bursted. His anger enveloped the battlefield, the goblins went silent.

THUD! The fort’s gate opened with a slam.

Clap, clap, clap A mysterious man in black robe appeared in front of them.

“That was a flash entrance for an adventurer, Alpha-ranked maybe?”

The man was escorted by four giant goblins thrice the size of a full grown man. The man commented further.

“Regardless…I don’t like you.”

The man raised his hand as he grasped something mid-air.

SHHHHHWWWWWW!!!!!!!

The man casted an absurdly fast ice projectile.

“The likes of you shouldn’t exist.” The man added.

CLING! Anon parried the attack, his oozing aura was undeniable.

“YOU MUST DIE.”

Anon sprinted towards the fort’s gate, however, the giant goblins stomped at the same time- it shook the ground!

BAM!

It was a loud stomp that could’ve made the ordinary person curl up. Anon’s nose bled slightly, but it appears he wasn’t fazed.

“MHMGH-!”

As Anon grunted to make a desperate hit, the giant goblin stopped his blade with its bare hands. However…

SWING!

Its arm fell off with a clean cut.

“You’re one crazy person! Interesting! MAY I KNOW YOUR FAMILY’S NAME?”

Anon’s eyes opened wide as he attempted to land another hit. It was getting more challenging this time. There was no way he could block the sheer force of the clubs the goblin giants carried. The goblin giants turned aggressive as they too tried to defend the mysterious man.

“I must’ve been sloppy! I let an informant see our base! HAHAHA!!!!”

The man hysterically laughed as he slowly walked towards Anon who was losing his strength by each passing minute.

“RUN AWAY AND TAKE THE CHILD DAMN IT.”

Anon screamed with all his lungs, warning Arkon and Zikito who was just watching. Arkon clenched his teeth, he was guilty of how he couldn’t do anything. Again, Anon picked the pace up and clashed with the four giants and the man. It was a risky four versus one.

“TCH, YOU BRATS DON’T COMMAND YOUR ELDERS THAT EASY.”

Arkon ran towards the battlefield as he tackled a giant quickly. Arkon quickly blocked the giant’s attack with his earth magic barely holding up.

“A man and a child…. HAHA….. HAHAHA!!!! INTERESTING! HAD YOU BEEN WOMEN WE COULD’VE BEEN A LITTLE LESS ROUGH!”

The man unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the man, the giants withdrew, they seemed to be in a more exhausted position compared to Anon. Anon was still at full killing intent. Anon’s eyes grew more fiery, attacking the man without a second thought. The man’s eyes were pierced through, but the man pushed the blade away in a quick-second decision, costing him his arm.

“Now you’ve… now you’ve…. I can’t play like this in front of my army! A KING HAS TO SHOW A LITTLE MORE…. Wits…”

The man covered his eye with his left hand as it was bleeding. The man became more insane, his breath could be heard as he was frantically breathing.

“You… What's your name…? And you…? You’re both quite intereSTING! YOU MIGHT BE OF USE!”

Vines headed towards Anon and Arkon as the man waved his arm. It was like a whip, and sadly, it hit Anon.

“BRAT.”

Anon vomited blood, he knelt down for a second but quickly recovered with his eyes burning brighter than before.

“You’re a father. Take the child and go home.”

Anon commanded Arkon, this time, it was imperative. Anon felt goosebumps, he reluctantly accepted and grabbed Zikito’s arm who couldn’t do a single thing.

“Why can’t I help…”

Zikito’s mind went blank as he saw Anon holding them off, his mind clouded with thoughts.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH— URAGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Anon was becoming more brute, his body trying to exceed limits.

“I know that you’re just some random man….”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Anon received a clean hit, a vine’s whip resonating throughout his every cell.

“Yet why….”

Anon grabbed the vines with his bare hands, which the man countered by growing spikes that pierced through Anon’s hands.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

“Do I feel this way….?”

Zikito’s emotions were becoming mixed water. The man’s goblins tortured Anon, his pain could be vividly felt as the small goblins caused Anon misery.

“I’m sorry…. I’m sorry…..”

Zikito’s tears ran down his face as he was carried by his father desperately running away from the goblin’s base. Arkon’s expression was bitter, he regretted something.

“I’ll remember that man…”

Zikito grew angry as he engraved the man’s face into his mind until he fell…

Asleep…

CHAPTER 2 END.