[Moonshine]
Yes, I remember now. It was back when I fought against the Inductee. It was banging its shield constantly, and it seemed that each noise and bang that it made was in correspondence with a command. It does not surprise me that they could issue commands vocally as well.
Godspeed once again began to talk after my reply. "Although it is more apparent in Inductees and the higher classes of the Hobgoblins, it is still possible for those in the lower castes of their society to communicate.
I say that, but I don't mean that they can issue orders or complex commands. But they don't need to, as that isn't what's so dangerous. They have this certain shriek, a low-pitch shriek, that is capable of reach the ears of any hobgoblin in a 20 meter radius. And do you know what that call means?"
I could easily guess what he meant.
"It's a call. A call for help like an SOS, correct?" I replied.
"Mm. You pick up on things fast." That might have been the only compliment I have received all week. It would almost make my day, if not for the fact that I would be barreling into monster territory any moment now.
"That is why it is imperative for you to be able to kill them as quickly as possible. But if you are not able to annihilate them, you need to---!"
He paused for a second and stuck out his hand in a fist, signaling to pause.
'Is there a Hobgoblin nearby?' Thinking that, I immediately cupped my ear, doing my best to listen for any unnatural sound around us.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
FWOOMPH!
I... I don't know what just happened but what I know right now is...
'My face is in the ground.' Godspeed is not around, either. I suppose that he shoved me down to hide me maybe, but... did he really have to slam me so hard!?
'Damn bastard!'
Although I wanted to curse as loud as possible, I knew that would just jeopardize my situation so, keeping the words back, I scanned the area looking for any disturbance, and sure enough, there It was.
The orange hide, jagged and unruly teeth, long and slender arms, and a snout like that of a wild hog, there stood the 150 cm tall creature. Looking left and right, the Hobgoblin slowly walked across land enshrouded by grass and other foliage not much shorter than it. Doing my best to calm my pounding heart, I army-crawled across the earth to enter his blind-spot, hoping that it didn't have over perceptive ears. Every so often, I would have to pause and freeze my entire being.
Whether it be my breathing or movement, all of it would pause as the monster's eyes scanned over my position. Luckily, what I do know is that Goblins and their variants-- Hobgoblins included-- do not have the best eyesight in regards to Satisfy.
Eventually, without having my position compromised, I came up behind it. I waited until its visage was facing completely forward and then--
Shlick!
"Hoo..." I was finally able to breath out my anxiety. I was able to slice the monster's neck in a single, quick action.
Although I was nervous the whole time, I still feel rather proud of myself for being able to complete such a challenge.
"Now where is my so-called 'teacher'..."
Thud!
"Hey-o! Congrats on your kill! Super impressive, bro-ski!"
'And there he is.' As if he was the tardiest shining knight ever, he appeared by dropping out of the trees, flashing his way too brilliant smile like always.
"Okay. Explain me this: why the he---" but right before I could start scolding[she's nagging him, really] he quickly interrupted me.
"Woah there, buddy boy. I know exactly what you are gonna say. Let me explain, please. First off, Once I detected the presence of the Hobgoblin, I decided that this would be your best chance to put your training into live field work!
And as for me pushing you into the ground, that was just me giving you the slightest push, just in case you didn't get the memo of the monster appearing. Ya see, it was all planned out, baby!"
'Hmph.' I couldn't 'completely' rebut his reasoning. They did help me, as much as want to deny.
"... Ignoring those names you just chose to call me... I can 'somehow' see your reasoning for your actions. So I suppose I can't berate you this time." Yes, I acquiesced. ignoring the delivery in his methods, I can see why he acted the way he did. And in the end, it was still a plus for me.
"Ah!" Suddenly, Godspeed grabbed at his chest. "How heartfelt! I'm finally being praised by my student!"
'Yeah, I kind of want to take that back now.'
Alas I didn't, and we continued our rummaging around in this forest, slowly but surely encircling something, which I can only imagine is the Hobgoblin Grounds.
And it seemed my thoughts were confirmed right after.
"Aight, so here's the deal." We were currently crouched down in that grass, keeping the possibility of us being seen down as much as possible. God continued to whisper.
"That last Hobgoblin that you defeated was a bit of a peculiarity, honestly. They don't usually go so far out from their Grounds just to patrol. Now, as you probably guessed, we are pretty close to the Grounds. It is much more likely that we will be finding sentries posted around here, so you need to be careful. Like before, I will not be providing you much assistance.
Your goal will be to eliminate the sentries that you find to be the most distracted and away from the main bustling of the Grounds. Btw, the sentries are also Inductee class, so be careful, as just one mistake can spell your end. Your current mission will be done once you reach the walls. There, I will once again regroup with you."
Hearing the details, I turned to look towards the Hobgoblin Grounds.
About 100 feet in front of us, there laid the walls protecting their space. The walls were made of sharpened branches strapped together by thatch. Although it looked rough, it still went to show why the Hobgoblins are known as the smartest branch of their main species. The front of the wall seemed to span 150 feet, and there 2 guards were placed, with each one at their respective corner.
The only thing that I could see inside of the walls was a building Much Larger than everything surrounding it. Just the sight of it gave me goosebumps, although I couldn't confirm why exactly.
Taking my eyes away from the Grounds, I looked right at Godspeed's eyes and nodded.
"Understood."
[The quest has been accepted.]