Chapter 3 Who damaged this land!

They returned to the Adventurer's Guild with confident steps after successfully defeating Shadowclaw near the Great Forest. Arion, Malvin, Seir, and Gala entered the guild with enthusiastic glints in their eyes. The atmosphere inside the guild remained lively, with both new and experienced adventurers mingling, sharing stories, and exchanging information.

Seir felt a sense of pride as he saw their names climb up the guild's achievement board. "This is just the beginning of our adventure," Seir said with a smile.

Arion looked at them seriously, "You have proven your potential. But remember, every adventure comes with risks. Wisdom and cooperation are the keys."

Seir responded calmly, "Sure thing, Master Arion."

Malvin, appearing more relaxed, added, "Yeah, Mr. Arion. But it's okay to have some fun during adventures. Everyone here has their own stories."

They sat in a corner of the guild, compiling their reports. Seir and Gala detailed the battle, while Malvin added a touch of humor to their story. Arion listened attentively.

"It seems you've found a good balance between strength and tactics," commented Arion. "However, there's always room for improvement. This is a good start."

Gala turned to Seir, "Sir Seir, maybe we could seek advice from Arion or other senior adventurers to enhance our abilities."

Seir agreed, "That's a good idea, Gala. Let's learn more, not only about monsters but also about this world as a whole."

Arion nodded, "You both have a strong adventurer spirit. There will be many opportunities and challenges ahead. Stay vigilant and focused on your goals."

Meanwhile, Malvin provided an enthusiastic look, "Hey, you two! How about celebrating this success with a drink at the nearest tavern?"

Seir and Gala agreed, and they continued their discussion at the tavern. The atmosphere there was lively, filled with laughter, singing, and adventurers' tales. They were surrounded by adventurers of various classes and levels.

"Sir Seir, Gala, let's raise our glasses to the adventure we've just overcome and the ones that lie ahead!" exclaimed Malvin as he raised his glass.

Their glasses clinked, and they enjoyed the moment together. Seir felt grateful to have friends like Gala and Malvin in his adventure in this world.

Malvin raised his glass in front of them, starting the toast, "For our new adventure!"

Arion followed, "For my students!"

Next was Gala, "For Sir Seir!"

Seir, the last but before that, said in his heart, "I feel this adventure will be long... I must prepare myself for something worse..." And Seir raised his glass, saying, "For the beginning of a long adventure!"

They all cheered together, "Hooray!"

After the drinks, they returned to the guild to report their mission's completion to the guild. The guild acknowledged their success and assigned them new, more challenging tasks.

Seir presented the proof of their victory, saying, "This is the magic stone from Shadowclaw, whom we defeated in the cave."

The receptionist, examining the magic stone, replied with a friendly smile, "Thank you for your hard work. This indeed is the magic stone from Shadowclaw. I accept today's proof of defeat." She took the magic stone.

Continuing the conversation, the receptionist asked, "Would Seir like to take on another mission?"

Seir answered enthusiastically, "Of course, while training with Master Arion. I also want to become stronger and learn more information."

The receptionist, suggesting a quest data sheet she thought was suitable, said, "In that case, this mission seems suitable for beginners. Please take a look."

Seir read the quest sheet, "Defeat 10 Goblins in Yune Village. Reward: 200 Zol." Then Seir said in his heart, "I think this is suitable. Although the reward isn't too big, I can expand my connections with people in this world."

Seir said with enthusiasm, "Yosh! I accept this mission!"

The receptionist, smiling warmly, replied, "Alright, please sign here." Pointing towards the document.

Continuing, she added with a slightly embarrassed smile, "Ah, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. Just call me Herta."

Seir, holding the mission paper, walked back to their group.

Seir said, "This is the mission recommended by Herta. Take a look." Showing the mission paper to them.

Arion started to read it aloud for the others, "Defeat 10 Goblins in Yune Village, reward: 200 zol."

Malvin commented, "Well, not bad for beginner adventurers."

Gala asked Arion, "Sir Arion, will you join us this time?"

Arion answered, "Yes, of course. Because you're my students."

Malvin interrupted, "Wow, thank you, Sir Arion... But the reward is quite small."

Arion said casually, "Don't worry; I don't need a reward. Having students is already a reward for me."

Malvin, with enthusiasm, exclaimed, "Not only strong, but Sir Arion is also humble! I will definitely be useful for this mission!"

Gala said to Seir, "Sir Seir, I'm sure this mission will be exciting! My instincts tell me so." Gala smiled sweetly, radiating her excitement.

Seir blushed and replied, "Uh, yeah."

"Your adventures have just begun. Don't hesitate to find out more, meet new people, and always improve your skills," Arion said before they left the guild.

With burning enthusiasm, Seir, Gala, and Malvin prepared for their next adventure. They stepped out of the guild; the Adventure in Zonis City had just continued, and their tale in this world was still unfolding.

Yune Village, a peaceful settlement on the outskirts of Zonis City, was surrounded by lush green fields. Traditional thatched-roof buildings imparted a sense of tranquility to the village. Seir, Gala, Malvin, and Arion entered the village with enthusiasm, ready to complete their mission.

Seir remarked, "So, this is Yune Village... Not bad." They proceeded into the village.

Yune Village echoed with the cheerful sounds of children playing in the yards, while the villagers were busy with their daily activities. A cart loaded with fresh farm produce was ready to be sent to the city, and the countryside air wafted along the streets.

"Lord Seir, seeing this village warms my heart. So peaceful and beautiful," Gala said with a smile.

Seir agreed, "Yes, indeed. Sometimes, life in a village like this makes you miss the tranquility of the forest."

"Good morning, adventurers! Can I help you with anything?" greeted a mother arranging vegetables in front of her house.

Seir responded warmly, "Good morning! We're on a mission. Is there an issue in the village?" he inquired.

The woman replied with a hint of concern, "Oh, thank you! Finally, someone came to deal with those Goblins... There's a group of goblins that often damage our fields. Please help us, we can't handle it alone. We would be very grateful."

Gala enthusiastically said, "Certainly, ma'am! We're on an adventure, and helping this village will surely be a good experience."

Arion calmly asked, "Could you provide more details about this issue?"

The woman explained in detail, "The goblins are active mostly at night. The men keep watch at night with torches, but they can't fend off the goblin group. The goblins carry weapons like wooden clubs, swords, and tattered shields. They usually come from the west of the village."

She provided information about the goblins' whereabouts and pointed the way to the frequently targeted fields. Seir, Gala, Malvin, and Arion headed towards the damaged fields.

The fields stretched widely, with neat rows of green plants. However, a small mischievous group of goblins had damaged crops and stolen some harvest. Arion checked the damaged area with Malvin.

Pointing at footprints in the soil, Arion said, "Indeed, these are goblin tracks."

Malvin picked up a worn sword at the edge of the damaged field, raised it, and brought it to Arion. "Look, Lord Arion, this is a worn sword mentioned by the woman earlier."

Arion and Malvin brought the worn sword to Seir and Gala, who were near the field. Arion said, "See what Malvin found at the scene."

Gala reacted with slight surprise, "A worn sword... I thought goblins couldn't use human-made weapons."

Seir continued with a brief evaluation, "Looks like what Herta said is true. Goblins can think, but they're rather instinct-driven and somewhat foolish."

Arion stated seriously, "You're right, Seir. Surprising that you've noticed. Goblins might be foolish, but that doesn't mean they're mindless monsters."

"We'll wait until nightfall since it's getting late now. Be prepared, everyone!" Arion commanded.

Seir, Gala, and Malvin responded in unison, "Yes!?"

Night had fallen. They were ready to eliminate the goblins. They headed to the fields, with Seir at the front carrying a torch, illuminating the path. Gala was on Seir's left, unwilling to part with her Master, Arion on the right with two swords on his back, and Malvin guarded from behind with a shield and a sword.

In a nutshell, they reached the location, the road beside the field. Since the goblins were busy with their theft, they were unaware of Seir's group.

Seir said to his companions, "Alright, we need to drive away these goblins and protect the fields. Remember, avoid killing them unnecessarily; our mission is to defeat only 10 goblins."

They approached the goblins cautiously, unseen. Seir used telekinesis to disrupt the goblin formation, while Gala prepared her magical attack.

"Get ready, Lord Seir," Gala whispered as she prepared to unleash her magic.

Seir nodded, and they launched the attack simultaneously. Malvin led with his sword, Seir used telekinesis to hinder the goblins, and Gala unleashed her magic to subdue them.

The battle happened swiftly, and with good coordination, they managed to drive away the goblins without fatally harming them. Some goblins were injured, and 10 were killed in the process, but Seir ordered them to retreat.

"Good job, Lord Seir! They won't come back after this," Malvin said with a smile.

Seir looked at the now-safe field and smiled with satisfaction. "We did the right thing, and this village is now safe from goblin threats." Seir continued, "Next, I'll collect the ears of the five goblins as proof of their defeat. Gala, please assist me."

Gala responded with a hint of disgust, "My Lord, letting a beautiful maiden like me do such a task... Lord Seir, you're truly ruthless."

Seir, with a slightly puzzled expression, muttered to himself, "Oi oi, even though you look like a beautiful European noblewoman, your true form is a monster, you know!"

Gala continued her previous sentence with a sigh, "Well, if that's what Lord Seir wants. Whatever Lord Seir wishes will be granted!"

After assisting the village, they returned to the village center. The villagers were grateful and expressed their thanks. Seir and his companions also had the opportunity to explore the village further, interact with the locals, and enjoy the warmth of village life.

Gala found a small shop selling handicrafts. "Lord Seir, look at this! The items are so beautiful. Maybe we can get souvenirs for Herta and the others at the guild."

Seir agreed, "That's a good idea, Gala. Let's choose some nice items."

After shopping, they strolled through the village streets, enjoying the beauty and daily life of the villagers.