Chapter 21. Goblin Lair The previous night, after being lavishly entertained by Cecilia and the believers she had brainwashed, I woke up refreshed in the morning.
Having satisfied several days' worth of lust at the Orgy Cult that Cecilia prepared for my long journey, my body felt lighter. Moreover, absorbing so much Vital Energy during the process made me feel even stronger.
Though my stats were gradually increasing and the efficiency of Vitality Absorption decreased with repeated encounters with the same partner... If this continued, I'd become unimaginably powerful.
Even surpassing that A-Rank Adventurer from the Half-Dragon race I'd encountered at the Adventurer's Guild.
"Triae, promise you'll be careful?"
"Do you think I'm a child? I'll be back soon."
"While you're gone, I'll work hard to increase our believers so I can please you like yesterday. So look forward to it."
"Haha..."
After arming myself and packing my belongings, I set out for Hush Village under Cecilia's farewell gaze.
My destination, Necri Village, was so distant that walking there would take far too long.
Thus, I needed to stop by a village first to secure a carriage or mount for the journey.
Since Hush Village was small and heavily reliant on traveling merchants, many carriages came and went there.
As expected, upon arriving at Hush Village, the marketplace was lined with carriages. I approached and began searching for one with an owner present.
Just then, a familiar male voice called out from behind me.
"Hmm? Miss Triae?"
"...Ajusshi? What brings you to this village...?"
"I'm a merchant, of course I'm here for business. What an incredible coincidence though. For complete strangers like us to meet three times in a row? This must be fate."
"Haha, indeed. Oh, Ajusshi - where are you headed next?"
"Necri Village. You've heard about the goblins running rampant there, right? Planning to sell weapons and medicine to make some coin."
"Wow! Could you give me a ride there? I need to get to Necri Village for a commission and was looking for transportation."
"Good timing. As for payment..."
"I'll pay in coin."
"...Pity. Then 50 copper coins. Giving you a discount since you're a lady."
I'd coincidentally met the merchant ajusshi again - the one who'd let me ride his carriage in exchange for sexual favors last time - allowing me to secure cheap transportation.
Carriages and horses were exorbitantly expensive, with basic fares starting at one silver coin. Merchants' carriages cost even more since they prioritized cargo space over passengers.
After finishing his business in Hush Village, the ajusshi drove his carriage toward Necri Village with me aboard.
"It'll take a while to arrive. Might be good to get some rest."
"I'm fine, not tired... And it'd be rude to sleep while you're driving alone after your kindness."
"What a considerate lady."
Though etiquette wasn't my only concern - sleeping might invite unwanted advances.
During the journey to Necri Village, I bonded with Merchant Ajusshi through conversation, exchanging information and personal stories. Being friends with well-traveled merchants proved beneficial.
This ajusshi didn't seem like a bad person... As long as I maintained "transactional" boundaries, I could gain more than just information from him.
"Come to think of it, I never introduced myself properly. I'm Barden. Used to trade across the sea in the Eastern Empire, but now I'm taking it easy with small-scale trading around here."
"The Eastern Empire? What's it like there?"
"It's where Beastkin live - half-human, half-animal races. They build houses with Giwa tile roofs and mainly eat rice with vegetable side dishes."
"Hmm... Doesn't sound too different from us."
"Different races, but same people. Ways of living might differ, but life's essence remains similar."
Barden Ajusshi nostalgically described the Eastern Empire and Beastkin culture, explaining tourist spots and local customs.
Including some lewd anecdotes.
"My trading region was famous for hot springs. Their open culture meant most baths were mixed-gender. Some even operated alongside Red-Light Districts - pay extra for special services. Hehe."
"Ah... Haha..."
"You should visit someday. Heard they offer services for women too."
"I'll keep that in mind... If I ever get the chance."
Would I ever cross the sea to the Eastern Empire? This was my first time traveling far from the church...
Well, once I've saved enough money, traveling there with Cecilia might be nice. Should discuss it with her later.
While conversing, we passed several villages and finally approached Necri Village.
"We're nearly there. I'll stay two days - come find me when you leave. If you don't return by then... I'll assume something happened and notify the Adventurer's Guild."
"Thank you, Ajusshi."
Barden Ajusshi headed toward an inn while I went to the village hall to discuss the commission with the client.
A young woman nearby directed me to the Village Chief's house serving as the hall. After bowing thanks, I knocked and entered.
Inside sat a wrinkled, white-bearded elder (presumably the Village Chief) and a sturdy middle-aged man (likely his son).
"Excuse me, is this the Village Chief-nim's residence?"
"It is... Might I ask who this lovely lady is...?"
"I'm Triae, a B-Rank adventurer here about the Goblin Lair extermination commission. Came to confirm details."
"Ooh...! Finally! Please, adventurer-nim... Save my granddaughter...!"
I see... Though I'd heard two women were captured, one must be the Chief's granddaughter.
The middle-aged man calmed the Chief and escorted him inside, then discussed the commission with me.
"I hope my father didn't burden you."
"Not at all - both must be deeply worried. Could you tell me about the goblins? Knowing their numbers and lair location would help."
"You want details of their raid? Well... Three days ago, my daughter was grazing sheep when over twenty goblins broke through The Wall. They stole seven sheep and kidnapped her into the mountains."
"How many total?"
"At least twenty raiders, plus archers in the forest - likely over thirty. Before you came, another female adventurer tried rescuing her but... hasn't returned."
"Do you know her rank?"
"D-Rank."
How reckless - a D-Rank venturing alone into a goblin nest rather than just hunting strays...
At least stealing sheep meant they probably hadn't killed the adventurer yet. Goblins keep women as breeding sacks until food shortages or infertility, then eat them.
After confirming the lair's mountain cave location (a former bear den), I bought torch oil and cloth at a general store.
Then began climbing the mountain.
* * *
"Gurgle... Gack..."
As described, three goblin guards loafed at a large cave entrance halfway up the mountain.
Despite broad daylight, they yawned and dozed through guard duty - likely working in shifts.
Hidden in bushes, I assessed them: one asleep, one nodding off, one barely awake.
Formulating a plan, I grabbed a stone and acted.
-Whoosh!
"Gurgle?"
-Thud!
My stone-throw (enhanced by immense Strength stat) obliterated the awake goblin's head like an overripe melon.
The noise startled the dozing guard awake. Before it could comprehend the situation or rouse its sleeping companion, I lunged.
"Gack, intruder-! Intru-"
"Not so fast!"
-Crunch!
Grabbing its face to muffle cries, I smashed its skull against the cave wall. As it collapsed, spilling blood and brain matter, I drew my mace and crushed the sleeping goblin's face.
-Squelch!
After eliminating all three guards in seconds, I scanned for reinforcements. Thankfully, no other goblins emerged from the cave.
Wiping mace-blood, I marveled at my growth. Mere days ago I'd been an ordinary adventurer - now Energy Drain made me overpowered.
I hid the mangled corpses in bushes to avoid detection by returning patrols. After crafting an oil-soaked torch, I boldly entered the goblin-infested cave.
With my Succubus Soul Absorption granting incredible stats, these weak goblins stood no chance. I advanced to rescue the kidnapped women.
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