This world is a beautiful place—green mountains and clear waters, blue skies and drifting white clouds, birdsong and blooming flowers, vibrant and full of color. Yet it is not a kind place. It is saturated with cruelty and darkness of every sort.
Perhaps those who live in great cities, in the seat of the Church Patriarch, or in the capital of the human kingdom can enjoy full and secure lives thanks to sufficient military protection and developed social order.
But the majority of this world consists of small villages. Let alone the handful of cities fortified with castle walls—whether urbanization has even reached five percent is questionable.
For those living along the wilderness frontier, such fortune does not exist. They must constantly face wild beasts and invasions from various monstrous races roaming the wilds. A single moment of carelessness can mean the destruction of their homes and families. That is hardly uncommon.
And among all these threats, what the frontier residents fear most is not some overwhelmingly powerful monster. Dragons, high-tier magical beasts, demon lords—those are too distant from their lives to feel real.
To subjugate, slay, or drive those away is the task of adventurers—or perhaps the legendary Hero.
What truly terrifies them are the creatures often treated as beginner fodder in Western fantasy tales—goblins and the like—monsters that appear again and again as experience points for novice adventurers. Because those creatures are inseparably tied to their daily lives.
The man walked ahead in silence, leading the way.
The thickening sunlight filtered through the sparse canopy overhead, scattering across the tamped and leveled road. As passersby moved along it, shifting shadows mottled the ground. There was shade, yet also a faint heat from the sun's gentle scorch.
The temperature rested comfortably within the human tolerance zone—warm enough to refresh the spirit.
Following behind the man who called himself "Goblin Slayer," crossing a wooden bridge built over a narrow stream, Li Sushang and the others officially entered the small medieval town, glancing about in curiosity.
At a glance, though it could not compare to cities that had entered the Industrial Revolution, the town possessed a respectable scale of its own, embodying a harmonious beauty between humanity and nature.
Multi-story buildings lined both sides of the street. The pedestrian flow, while not endless, was certainly dense. Farmers with tools slung over their shoulders, peddlers hawking wares along the roadside, coachmen cracking whips as their wagons advanced slowly, adventurers entering and leaving with all manner of equipment... they were everywhere.
The entire town radiated a refreshing novelty.
"Seele, look! A genuine Western fantasy adventure town!"
Bronya had already thrown the matter of Esdeath borrowing her game console to the back of her mind. With childlike excitement, she tugged at Seele's soft hand.
"Bronya-nee..." Seele called helplessly. Bronya was wonderful in every way—except for her slight gaming addiction. Now that Western fantasy adventure games had become reality, it held undeniable appeal for her.
"Tch..."
How could Senti, ever eager to show off, possibly stay quiet at a time like this? She immediately jumped in with a contrary opinion.
"It's not that impressive. It's so crude... so small. Totally different from the fantasy city I imagined."
The townsfolk along the road secretly observed this strange group.
"Isn't that the weirdo who only kills goblins?"
The man wore specialized leather armor and an iron helmet, both filthy and covered in countless small scratches. Many places were stained with blood that would never wash clean.
Fully armed, yet cheap and shabby—that appearance was unmistakable. Especially among adventurers.
No need to look at the silver identification tag hanging at his chest. Most residents of this frontier town knew who he was—Goblin Slayer.
"I never expected him to take on a mission other than 'goblin subjugation,' and an escort mission at that... A noble young lady's countryside excursion group, maybe? The reward must be hefty. Could be dozens of gold coins."
"But why choose him? He is indeed a genuine Silver-ranked adventurer, but aside from goblin extermination, he doesn't seem to have any other achievements..."
"Your information is outdated. I heard he's formed a team now. Together with a Priestess, a High Elf Archer, a Dwarf Shaman, and a Lizard Priest, he resolved the commission in the Water Town. Even the Sword Maiden found that problem troublesome."
"I see... his reputation's grown. No wonder..."
It was mid-morning, the busiest time of day.
Though this medieval fantasy world lacked the saying "The whole day's work depends on the morning," the principle was the same.
At the town entrance, residents preparing to head out—whether for quests, farming, or trade—chatted animatedly.
"What are you staring at? Never seen such a dashing, outstanding adventurer before?"
Being stared at like zoo animals irritated the short-tempered Senti. Hands on her hips, she glared back fiercely until the murmuring crowd lowered their heads.
At the same time, she subtly infused her voice with a trace of Lion's Roar technique. The shout made the onlookers shudder and scatter at once, quickening their steps and not daring to linger.
A domineering noble young lady. Not someone to provoke. Better disperse. If careless words caused trouble, that would be disastrous.
"Hmph. Now you know how formidable this Immortal is."
Bonk!
"Ow!"
"Do not use martial techniques recklessly." Fu Hua retracted her hand without expression. "But you showed restraint this time. I'll let it pass."
"Brother, many thanks." Stepping forward, Li Sushang once more produced a small gold bar and offered it. "However, we still need you to lead us to the inn where adventurers gather..."
"There's no need for that trouble. I think I understand what you mean. You're referring to the Adventurer's Guild. Follow this main road. The largest building at the end is it."
With that, the man turned as if to leave.
So he still doesn't want it? I wonder if he's handsome beneath that helmet. Li Sushang mused.
She found herself appreciating him somewhat. Not admiration—don't misunderstand.
In simple terms, having followed Cheng Lingshuang (Fifth Disciple of the Immortal Phoenix) since childhood to study martial arts, she had not learned many characters. Coupled with her love of wuxia opera as a child, she easily developed goodwill toward those who embodied a spirit of chivalry.
At the same time, she did have a slight appreciation for good looks. Even now, when handsome men stared at her, Li Sushang would feel a faint flicker of delight.
"Wait, please don't refuse just yet. The silver tag on your chest should be some sort of identification system. We've just arrived and would also like to register as adventurers. We need your help for that."
"To trouble you again and again while you let us accept it without qualms—what do you take us for? Pitiful commoners?"
"Once you register at the guild, there will be staff to guide you..." Though he did not say it outright, it was clear the man was still refusing.
"Oh? You truly don't want it? You should be in great need of money right now. I can sense the hesitation in your heart," Li Sushang interrupted, as if she had seen straight through Goblin Slayer's thoughts.
He did need a great deal of money. Hiring adventurers to subjugate the goblin horde targeting the farm—one or two hundred of them—would require a substantial sum. And he did not know whether his current savings would be enough.
In the instant he hesitated, Li Sushang suddenly stuffed the gold bar into his arms.
"Take it. Consider it this young lady being in a good mood and rewarding you." Stepping back a few paces with her hands clasped behind her, Li Sushang spoke boldly.
"Honestly, what an indecisive man." Senti slapped Goblin Slayer on the back, nearly making him stumble. With her hands clasped behind her head, she clicked her tongue.
"If we say take it, then take it. It's not much anyway. Serve this Immortal well and there'll be as much gold and silver as you want."
"Lead the way!"
"..."
Staring at the flawless gold bar in his hand—its quality impeccable, without visible defect—he lifted his head.
"Thank you."
...
The Adventurer's Guild was said to have been founded long ago by a group of people who gathered in a tavern to support the Hero.
Unlike the guilds of priests or clerics, the Adventurer's Guild was not a mutual aid society. It functioned more like an employment agency.
At this moment, the guild hall was filled with bustling noise. The clatter of weapons, the tearing and chewing of food, and the hearty laughter of men and women blended together.
For adventurers, seizing the moment was paramount. That was the shared understanding of most.
Despite the grandeur of the title, no one knew when or where they might die—within ruins, caves, plains, or desolate mountains—under the claws of monsters.
"Today's commission is a manticore in the hills? Hm, good money?"
"Not that good. In terms of actual profit, raiding ruins is still better."
"Then how about subjugating goblins?"
"Forget it. I'm at least a Ruby-ranked adventurer. Going after those underlings would look like I'm stealing from rookies. And it doesn't pay well either. All effort, no reward."
"True."
Just then, a small bell rang lightly. The guild doors were pushed open wide, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
At this hour, most full adventuring parties should already have departed. Those coming and going were usually lone wolves or small groups of two or three. To fling the doors open so dramatically—aside from some show-off—meant a large party had arrived.
Who was it?
What came into view first was a man in cheap leather armor and an iron helmet, a small shield strapped to his arm and a plain iron sword at his waist.
"What the—oh, it's you..." A spearman clad in fitted armor glanced at him, about to tease—then froze the next second.
"Y-you... all of you..."
Behind Goblin Slayer stood a group of well-dressed women. Their garments were finely tailored, clearly the attire of the wealthy or noble.
Everyone fell silent. First in awe of their beauty, second because of the restrained aura they carried. Even seasoned adventurers felt a prickling warning in their instincts when those calm gazes swept across them.
"Hey, didn't you brag about being the strongest on the western frontier? Those are all noble young ladies." A voluptuous female mage with a long pipe dangling from her lips nudged the spearman beside her.
"Uh... maybe not."
"Oh, it really does resemble an inn from Shenzhou." Lightly patting Goblin Slayer on the shoulder, Li Sushang strode inside with bright enthusiasm.
The interior of the Adventurer's Guild resembled a fusion of a large inn and a tavern, combined with staff responsible for issuing commissions.
"Is there anyone performing music?"
"Mhm, and preferably some dancers," Senti added eagerly, the master and grand-disciple singing in perfect harmony.
"Swordsmen, spearmen, mages, dwarves, elves, beastfolk... Bronya, they're all here just like in the game," Kiana murmured, glancing around curiously.
There were human adventurers clad in armor, spellcasters carrying staffs and wearing cloaks.
Elsewhere stood dwarves with axes and long beards, leather-armored long-eared elven archers. There were even peculiar races with human bodies and beastly heads speaking human language.
Armed figures of various races and ages sat in groups of three or five.
"My apologies, honored ladies. Our branch does not provide music or dance services," the receptionist hurried forward, apologetic.
With gentle amber eyes, she wore her neat uniform impeccably. Her light-brown hair was braided and draped over her shoulder.
"No music, then? In that case, prepare a large private room for us and bring out all your signature dishes." Pulling back the two who were about to make even stranger requests, Fu Hua spoke apologetically.
At the same time, she signaled Durandal and Rita to handle negotiations. Both had once stood at the upper echelons of Schicksal. Especially Rita—her diplomatic skill was beyond question.
"Good day, miss. Could you please arrange the procedures for registering us as adventurers?" With her hands folded at her abdomen, Rita dipped into a graceful curtsy, wearing a polite and gentle smile.
Though phrased as a request, her tone left no room for refusal.
Beside her, Durandal quietly heightened her vigilance, carefully observing the surroundings. She found it strange. The adventurers here were weak. Why would Esdeath choose this place as a trial ground?
Was there some hidden factor? A powerful figure concealed in the shadows? Or were these adventurers hiding their strength? It did not seem so.
Within the group, Raiden Mei and Kiana also cast subtle questioning glances toward Durandal. If this was all there was, then these adventurers were far too weak.
"Please prepare adventurer registrations for them," Goblin Slayer added.
"Ah—yes, right away!"
Overwhelmed by Rita's commanding elegance and prompted by Goblin Slayer's words, the receptionist energetically spun around and dashed behind the counter like a top.
Rita stood before the counter with a faint smile, watching as the staff hurriedly retrieved the necessary registration documents.
Soon, a delicate porcelain cup was placed gently before Rita, pale red tea steaming within.
At the same time came the receptionist's inquiry, "How many people?"
"Twelve." The Olenyeva sisters, Bronya and Seele, Li Sushang and Pardofelis, Rita and Durandal, Fu Hua and Senti, Kiana and Raiden Mei.
"Then please fill out these forms. If there is anything unclear, feel free to ask."
It was an adventurer record sheet. Gilded lettering stood out against light-brown parchment.
Name, gender, age, occupation, hair color, eye color, physique, skills, spells, miracles...
How tedious.
...
"C-come, come! Please, have a seat!"
Finding a quiet corner with few people around, Senti plopped down decisively, crossing one leg over the other. Sitting on the chair, she waved enthusiastically at the others who were still looking around.
Uh...
After the fierce glare she shot earlier, even the adventurers nearby had hurried away in fright.
"You really think you're an adventurer now," someone remarked.
"Of course."
Once seated, Kiana patted the hard wooden chair that creaked beneath her and bragged a little. "Too bad Aunt Theresa couldn't see this in person... I wonder how she's doing."
As the current Archbishop of Schicksal, Theresa Apocalypse obviously had responsibilities different from the ordinary "foot soldiers" like Kiana. She needed to assist the planetary governors dispatched by the Empire with tasks such as reorganizing military forces, restoring order, resuming production, and rebuilding after the war.
"Don't worry. Within the Empire's secure zone, the Principal won't face any life-threatening danger," Raiden Mei reassured her.
Meanwhile, after fulfilling his promise and bringing these "noble young ladies" here to begin registering them as adventurers, Goblin Slayer nodded to the receptionist. Then he stepped away.
However, he did not head toward the seat he usually occupied.
Instead, he walked to the center of the reception hall.
Taking advantage of the brief silence in the hall, when everyone's attention had unconsciously focused on him, he spoke in a low and steady voice.
"My apologies for disturbing everyone. But please hear me out."
"I have something I wish to ask of you all."
Under the gazes of speculation and suspicion, the man said word by word, "I hope to receive your help... to subjugate goblins."
The moment the words fell, the entire reception hall froze. Many wondered whether they had misheard.
"Goblin Slayer asking others for help?"
"I think this is the first time I've ever heard him speak."
"But hasn't he always operated alone?"
The lone wolf known as Goblin Slayer was asking for assistance. And the request was for goblin subjugation—the very task he specialized in.
Goblin Slayer looked around the room, his gaze moving from one adventurer to another as they exchanged puzzled glances and whispered among themselves.
"Early this morning, during my scouting, I discovered something. A large group of goblins is coming. They will likely reach a ranch outside the town. Most likely tonight. I do not know the exact number. But there are at least a hundred."
"Just from the tracks left by the scouting party, there were already more than ten goblins. There is a very high chance a specialized leader-type mutant is present."
"There is not enough time. If this were inside a cave or a narrow ruin, that would be different. But the battlefield will likely be an open plain with almost no cover. Night combat in the open field. Alone, I cannot fight so many."
"So I ask for everyone's help. Please."
He bowed deeply.
For a moment, the Adventurer's Guild hall filled with murmuring voices. Judging from the reactions, most adventurers were unwilling.
"Hey, you..."
With a heavy thud, a spearman slammed down his barrel-sized mug of ale and glared sharply at Goblin Slayer.
"Your request is pretty rude, you know."
"We're adventurers. You didn't even mention any payment. You expect us to fight for free? Who would take that—"
Smack!
"So there's a fight, huh? Perfect. This Immortal accepts!"