Let's fast forward a little, shall we? After...
"Ehhhhh?? What happened to the first mission??" my daughter asked.
"Hmm? Ah, nobody wants to hear about that so I let's skip it," I told her.
"But I wanted to hear about your very first mission," she showed me a sad looking face. Sorry kid, I will bring that story to my grave. I just patted her head which seems to cheer her up a little bit.
"Daddy will be telling the story about the very precious item that forged the very path of my adventures. Don't you want to hear about that?" I asked her while still stroking her head.
"Oh I do! You met mommy after that right?" she asked me.
"Whuert? Noo... no no no... I didn't meet mommy. I met a little sister. But let's not jump too far ahead. Got to keep things interesting for the readers," I said.
"Who are you talking to daddy? There's only me here," she tilted her head and asked me. I completely forgot she can't break the fourth wall.
Ah well.. time for more story.
***
As I was saying, after a couple more mundane quests, I entered the rank of Fighter. The Dark Lord was happy with my performance hence he deemed me worthy to skip the rank of swordsman (when I say happy, I just assumed on that. I did not see him smile, smirk or gave any hint of happiness).
I am at the age of twelve now. Very uncommon for Fighter rank to be this young but according to Rick, it is probably due to the Dark Lord felt my potential is wasted in doing such mundane quests when I almost kicked his butt in the sparring test. By right, I am at the level of Shadow Knight at this point. But sadly, I still need to prove myself further before I attain that rank. My current goal is to at least attain a Shadow Knight rank before heading to the Elemental Guild for an audience with the Elementalist. From what I gathered, he is the guildmaster of the guild. By becoming a Shadow Knight, I should at least have some name or fame to myself and if things get ugly at the guild, I could at least fight my way out. Not that I was hoping for bad things to happen but.. y'know, gotta prepare yourself.
I "could" techically ask Lily for help but we barely meet up at this point. For the first few months after we successfully joined our guilds, we still met up often at the tavern to share our stories and meal together. But when Lily had to head to another city for her special training (elemental training is strict), it was just John and me that met often. Although at this point, John was ranking up as quick as me. He is a the rank of Great Axeman which is similar to Fighter rank. His remarkable strength pushed him much faster than other candidates. I won't be surprised if he ended up becoming the Viking Lord one day. So my current goal is the following.
Main Objective: Attain the rank of Shadow Knight and request audience with the Elementalist.
Sounds easy enough. Just need to continue to do more quest until the Dark Lord deemed me worthy of attaining a higher rank. My current room is way bigger than I had when I was at a Warrior rank. Queen-sized bed, a bathtub, a small kitchen, wardrobe and such. In terms of size, it was doubled.
It would take me at least two years before I finally become a Shadow Knight. A lot of quests and a tournament which I lost (maybe I'll tell it as a side story), before I finally attain that rank. But I would like to tell the story about how I find my little precious. No it is not a golden ring. It is something that helped me shape my define my path.
I was thirteen at this point. Quests for Fighter rank are much more interesting as we do get to hunt lower class monsters but as a group. The group is usually a mix of members from other guild as well. As this world does not have magicians or healers, we make up for each other with our guild abilities. Although it is mostly the four guilds that approve of this. Elemental guild are a more secluded guild hence I never met Lily for the past year or two. I won't lie, I do start to miss her. Not in a romantic sense mind you but as a friend.
"W.. what's with that look? Why are you squinting like you're judging me?" I asked my daughter.
"Daddy is a cheater," she said to me bluntly.
"Hey whert? I'm not in any relationship at that moment. Don't judge me when I was just a lonely kid looking for a little romance," I explained to her. She continued to give her judgmental face. Ahh well back to the story.
And so we headed out on a guild quest in a team of four. A Lancer, a Crusader, a Great Axeman and me as a Fighter rank. Sadly it is not John that is following on this quest but I am kind of glad. Otherwise I would not be able to explain to him on my weird behaviour after the quest. You would think a party of four males would result in high testosterone arrogant behaviour that you would be expecting from teenagers but surprisingly no. All four of us acted very civilised surprisingly. The usual "my guild is better than your guild" must have passed when they were lower rank. We stopped outside the cave we were suppose to explore for a quick lunch. We chit-chatted a little.
"Sae, what age ar ye? Ye looked verra young," asked the great axeman.
"I'm thirteen now," I said.
All three of them were surprised. What's wrong with me being young?
"Is something wrong?" I questioned.
"Just surprised that you're able to be fighter rank at that age. We are mostly fifteen or sixteen here before we were able to attain that rank. You must be something else huh," said the lancer. The crusader kept quiet. There was some bitter rivalry between the Light and Dark Guild on who is better than the other. I favour none of that as it's just some drama that does not help me in reaching my goal.
"Shall we heid in? I'm itching te swing my axe," said the great axeman. Hungry for combat as always. Hope he doesn't start eating the monsters during battle.
"Let's go," I said.
"Make sure you stay at the back and let the seniors handle it," said the crusader. Ok I was wrong. This guy is not mature one bit. But hey, more meat-shields in front of me the better.
We headed in while me and the lancer held a torch each. I stayed all the way back as I do not mind being the support. I would also like to avoid trouble with that Crusader. The three of them were in front of me walking ahead. The cave is wide enough for at least three people to walk side by side. Oh, I forgot to mention on what we were doing here. Let me update my quest log.
Side Objective: Hunt for the goblin paladin
Goblins are opportunist creatures that prey on the weak. Despite their size, they are actually quite intelligent and cunning. Alone, they are easy to defeat. But in packs, they are dangerous. Capable of defeating adventurers that underestimate them with surprise attacks. A goblin paladin is their way of imitate the Light Guild's rank or something.
Hmm what's that you say? Sounds like a certain manga? Nawww.. this world's goblin doesn't kidnap female adventurers. At least, I hope it does not turn that way. Otherwise I will turn into the slayer myself.
After some distance in, we heard noises and chatter. All four of us stopped in our tracks. The crusader took the lead to check the commotion. He peeked out of the corner to see where the noise is coming from.
"What is it? Is it goblins?" asked the lancer.
"Not good, they have riders. We will be at a disadvantage if we were to fight in here. We might need to lure them out of the cave," he whispered.
"My axe will be no sae effective ere. It wad be better te fight outside," said the great axeman.
"Any ideas everyone? Should we smoke them out or something? Or someone be the bait?" asked the crusader.
I took a peek out of the corner. From where the hole we are peeking out from, on the left is a straight line that leads further into the cave. It is a clear line of sight to where the goblins and their wulvettes are kept. The goblins are in a larger area of the cave with light shining from above.
The intersection that we are peeking out has at a dead end on the right. We can fight here with our backs facing the dead end and focus just on the front. Need to make sure that it is not hollow though. No paladin in sight. Must be hiding deeper in the cave.
Defeating the paladin is our main objective. We do not need to defeat all of them. I passed the torch to the great axeman and walked out towards the dead end on the right.
"H... hey, where are you going? You're going to attract them!" said the crusader but I ignored him completely. It was extremely dark in the cave and the goblins were busy chattering away having fun.
I knocked on the cave walls with my ear pressed to it. Hmm, sounds solid. Low chance of it breaking down here unless an ogre or a troll smash through it. We can definitely fight here. I walked back to the group and discuss our tactics.
"We can fight here with our backs facing the dead end. It sounds solid so there is low chance of ambush from behind. The path ahead is narrow so even with riders, they can at most come at us two at a time," I said.
"Too risky. We have two melee combatants here that require more space for combat. They both won't be so effective in combat here," said the crusader.
"I beg your pardon but I am fully aware and prepared for such scenario. I've brought some short spears that can be thrown or used to stab in such tight spaces. My main spear can also retract to be used in here. You do not need to worry about me," said the lancer. Well prepared I see. That is good.
"I can just use my fist ere. Nae complaints eh?" said the great axeman. Complete opposite of the lancer.
"Hmm, seems like we are all prepared for tight combat. How many is in favour of fighting here instead of outside?" asked the crusader.
"If we fight outside, we might be surrounded by the riders from all sides. I vote to fight in here instead as we have a higher chance to protect one another when we can focus all our attention to the front," I gave my feedback.
"I vote to fight here too. Seems like our Fighter's insight is remarkable. Are you sure you're really thirteen?" asked the lancer.
"Verra smart for yer age. I voted te fight ere. My fists ar itching for blood nou," said the great axeman.
"Very well, we shall fight here. I'll volunteer to get their attention first while you all wait. Any questions?" asked the crusader.
We gave none. You want to be the bait? Be my guest but that's none of my business. The three of us proceeded to the right while the crusader went to attract the goblins. Hmm? He took out some throwables and threw at the goblins. Is that.. pepper? He then proceeded to rush back towards us.
We definitely have the goblin's attention now. A couple of them were sneezing but a few of them were either charging towards us or attempting to release the wulvettes. Then we heard something flying at high speed.
fuulp
The crusader fell face forward to the ground clutching his left leg. What was that? An arrow? Where did it come from? I rushed towards the crusader leaving the other two behind. Not a moment later, I reached him. The arrow pierced his knee. Will he end up being a city soldier instead after this?
Goblins are getting close now and the crusader is in no fighting shape. We have to make our stand here while he patch himself up. Sadly, there is no health potion in this world. We only have medicine to staunch the bleeding or potion that gives you a stamina boost like an adrenaline rush. It is still the good old bandage wrap that are adventurer's lifeline.
I see two goblins are running towards me. Time to test out the guild's specialty. I used Fear on the goblins. They halted in their advance and started shivering on their knees. Great, I should take this opportunity to...
RAWR!!
A great roar can heard throughout the cave. This made the two goblins snap out of my Fear spell. Now, where are you Mr Paladin. There, I see you now. Hiding in the shadows huh. So he was the one that shot the arrow seeing that he is holding a bow.
I rushed forward to cut both of the goblins head clean off with my dagger. Now how should I play this? Do I hang back along with the others to fight off the other goblins while the paladin take pot-shots at us, or do I rush ahead to kill him and finish our main objective immediately? It won't be an easy task fighting the paladin with other goblins around. Not to mention someone will need to protect the crusader while he is patching up.
The other two came to my side. I took a quick look behind and saw the crusader patching himself up after removing the arrow. He will have difficulty moving so he won't be that effective in combat.
"Any brilliant idea on what we should do? We are kind of exposed to the paladin's arrows here," said the lancer.
"Aye, we ar sitting ducks ere," said the great axeman.
"I have a plan and I would need both your help," I said. I whispered to them on my top secret plan.
"Are you sure? It won't be easy fighting the paladin on a one-on-one," said the lancer.
"I am not. You will be supporting me as well and I hope the crusader would give us some buffs after he is patched up. Are the both of you ready? The paladin is about to take a shot at us now" I said. Both of them nodded.
The paladin shot his arrow at us and the three of us dodged. The lancer stood his position while both me and the great axeman rushed ahead towards the paladin. The lancer will be protecting the crusader while he can use his short spears as range weapons. The wulvettes are out of their cages now and is charging towards both of us. One, two, three.. thankfully there is not many of them. I hope the great axeman can handle it.
slice!
Out came one of the wulvette's head along with the goblin riding it. "Haha! I can swing my axe ere! Come ere ye little twerts an taste me axe!" said the great axeman. He seems to be having fun.
My battle will be more serious as I faced the goblin paladin head-on. I looked like a hobbit in front of him. I sheathed my dagger and unsheathed Inazuma. This is not a battle I would take any chances on. The paladin threw his bow away and unsheathed his two-handed sword from behind. Ok, that is huge. Even with my chained cloak I might still be sliced in half. The paladin in turn is armoured but not fully. Some parts like his elbows, knees and neck are exposed. This would affect his speed and mobility which would be to my advantage. I activated Fear on him. Hmm.. seems like little to no effect on him. I guess it is the good old sword-fight then.
The paladin roared. I can see the more goblins converging on my position. One goblin came close and leaped at me. But he was immediately pierced by a short spear. Glad the lancer is accurate in his throwing. I pulled the short spear and immediately threw it at the paladin. The paladin blocked with his armour and rushed towards me with his two-handed sword. Seems like iron armour perhaps. This is going to be a tough fight. I took a quick glance behind. The great axeman is helping me in fending the other goblins off along with the lancer. But it won't be long until he runs out of short spears eventually.
I faced the paladin. He swung his sword sideways which I dodged by ducking underneath the swing and immediately rushed forward. I slit the paladin's left knee and took some distance. The paladin then turned his body and swung his sword downwards which I dodged to the side. I slit his other knee. He should not be able to stand up properly now that both of his knees are slit.
How wrong was I. Seemingly ignoring the pain, the paladin rushed at me once again with the sword in his hand. Out of nowhere, a goblin grabbed one of my foot. I quickly stabbed the little bugger with Inazuma and kicked his hands away. The paladin was extremely close to me now. Not good, I might not be able to dodge this fast enough.
"Accelerate!" someone shouted.
I felt my speed doubled and I managed dodged his overhead swing at the very last moment. Close call indeed. Finally the crusader got back up. I can see the great axeman throwing some of the short spears back to the lancer. Alright, enough is enough. I almost died earlier. No more playing games.
"Oi, goblin," I said to him while glaring. He glared back at me and smiled. He must have though he have a chance seeing he almost killed me earlier.
"Now I'm mad," I said and used Fear on him. I don't know what he saw but it seems to work this time. The paladin seems to be shaking and hesitating in attacking now. I immediately took the opportunity and rushed at him. With my speed doubled, it took me less than a second to reach him. He held the two-handed sword in front of him to block my attack but I was never aiming to attack him from the front. I rushed to his side instead and lobbed off his right arm at the elbow and leaped behind him. He roared in pain as he held his right arm. I quickly threw my dagger which pierced through the back of his neck nicely. He is chocking and gagging from his own blood now. I rushed in to finish him off but he then did the unthinkable.
He pulled out the dagger that was stabbed behind his neck and threw it at me with his left hand. Not only is that foolish but he will be bleeding to death much faster. I blocked the dagger and saw that he running away. He was heading deeper in into the cave. His tenacity is amazing. I run towards the paladin but I stopped midway. In front of where the paladin was running, the crusader stood there. His sword in hand.
"I am in a lot of pain now because of you. Perhaps you should just.. die," said the crusader as he rushed in to cut the paladin's knee. The paladin tried to dodge but as his knees was already slit, he is not as nimble anymore. His right leg fell off. He shouted loudly throughout the caves. I really hope there are no more goblins that will be rushing to help him. The crusader walked closer to the paladin and chopped his head off without hesitation.
The sudden silence was eerie. Our mission is done now. Some close-calls but all of us are alive thankfully. The crusader looted the paladin for a trophy to prove that we have done our mission. Most probably a teeth, or perhaps the arm that I lobbed off.
The four of us headed back out. No time to celebrate until we are out of the cave just in case more goblins come to find us from deeper in the cave. As we were heading out, there was a sparkle at the dead end we saw earlier. Huh? What was that? Did anyone else saw that? I looked at the other three. None of them seems to noticed as they were chatting among themselves and headed back out. I let them walk a few distance away and rushed to the dead end. What was that sparkle? I searched around but I don't see anything. Without a torch, it is certainly difficult to see.
twink!
There it is again. I looked closer. Hmm? Is that... looks like the edge of a.. chest? You can barely see the chest as you can perhaps only see around two or three millimetres of the chest's edge. But it is gold. A gold chest. This is an excellent opportunity for me. I rubbed my hand together.
We always have some small tools to help us in prying or digging out some small objects. Sadly, there is no way for me to open the chest at this angle. I would need a pickaxe to break the stones covering the top of the chest. This will certainly take some time. I quickly head back out to avoid suspicion and kept this secret for myself. This loot will be mine and mine alone. Heh heh.
Heading back out, I was praised for my quick thinking and combat abilities by the three of them. Facing the goblin paladin on a one-on-one is extremely as a Fighter rank. We do not have much spells at our disposal yet. I apologised to the crusader for what happened to him but he said it is his own fault for being careless. None of us were expecting goblins to be using bow and arrow. He will be limping his way back to the city until he receives a more proper treatment. The three continued to chat all the way back to the city but my mind was fully occupied by the gold chest that was left behind. I need to know what it is in it.
But unfortunately.... It took me ONE YEAR to dig this damn chest out! Bringing one pickaxe alone was a mistake. The stones surrounding the chest was ridiculously hard and solid. It breaks or blunts the pickaxe after just a few swings. The first time I came back to this cave, my pickaxe broke after about five swings. I was speechless. Not only did it took quite some time to come back here, it took less than a few seconds for my one and only pickaxe to break. This will not do. Is it economically worth it to continuously purchase pickaxes in an attempt to dig this chest out? I must persevere. Whatever is in that chest will be mine!
Six months into digging, I contemplated on whether I should even continue. I was burning through pickaxes faster than I was drinking water. Sure, a pickaxe is a copper or two at most but is the reward worth it at the end. Not to mention I was juggling between doing quests and spending my free time digging for this chest. Damn it. I've come this far, I should see it to the end.
While I was not losing money on an extreme level as the quests I do brings me a decent amount and grandfather's secret money stash had a lot in it. I only took a quarter of the total gold coins and buried the remaining. A quarter was about fifty gold coins. Grandfather had two hundred gold coins hidden! Man was he loaded! Yet he decided to live in the forbidden forest instead! And survived on bread and stews!
A day will come when I finally dug out the gold chest which would coincide with my promotion, meeting the Elementalist also the day I met her. My little sister, Rose.
Let's fast forward a little, shall we? After...
"Ehhhhh?? What happened to the first mission??" my daughter asked.
"Hmm? Ah, nobody wants to hear about that so I let's skip it," I told her.
"But I wanted to hear about your very first mission," she showed me a sad looking face. Sorry kid, I will bring that story to my grave. I just patted her head which seems to cheer her up a little bit.
"Daddy will be telling the story about the very precious item that forged the very path of my adventures. Don't you want to hear about that?" I asked her while still stroking her head.
"Oh I do! You met mommy after that right?" she asked me.
"Whuert? Noo... no no no... I didn't meet mommy. I met a little sister. But let's not jump too far ahead. Got to keep things interesting for the readers," I said.
"Who are you talking to daddy? There's only me here," she tilted her head and asked me. I completely forgot she can't break the fourth wall.
Ah well.. time for more story.
***
As I was saying, after a couple more mundane quests, I entered the rank of Fighter. The Dark Lord was happy with my performance hence he deemed me worthy to skip the rank of swordsman (when I say happy, I just assumed on that. I did not see him smile, smirk or gave any hint of happiness).
I am at the age of twelve now. Very uncommon for Fighter rank to be this young but according to Rick, it is probably due to the Dark Lord felt my potential is wasted in doing such mundane quests when I almost kicked his butt in the sparring test. By right, I am at the level of Shadow Knight at this point. But sadly, I still need to prove myself further before I attain that rank. My current goal is to at least attain a Shadow Knight rank before heading to the Elemental Guild for an audience with the Elementalist. From what I gathered, he is the guildmaster of the guild. By becoming a Shadow Knight, I should at least have some name or fame to myself and if things get ugly at the guild, I could at least fight my way out. Not that I was hoping for bad things to happen but.. y'know, gotta prepare yourself.
I "could" techically ask Lily for help but we barely meet up at this point. For the first few months after we successfully joined our guilds, we still met up often at the tavern to share our stories and meal together. But when Lily had to head to another city for her special training (elemental training is strict), it was just John and me that met often. Although at this point, John was ranking up as quick as me. He is a the rank of Great Axeman which is similar to Fighter rank. His remarkable strength pushed him much faster than other candidates. I won't be surprised if he ended up becoming the Viking Lord one day. So my current goal is the following.
Main Objective: Attain the rank of Shadow Knight and request audience with the Elementalist.
Sounds easy enough. Just need to continue to do more quest until the Dark Lord deemed me worthy of attaining a higher rank. My current room is way bigger than I had when I was at a Warrior rank. Queen-sized bed, a bathtub, a small kitchen, wardrobe and such. In terms of size, it was doubled.
It would take me at least two years before I finally become a Shadow Knight. A lot of quests and a tournament which I lost (maybe I'll tell it as a side story), before I finally attain that rank. But I would like to tell the story about how I find my little precious. No it is not a golden ring. It is something that helped me shape my define my path.
I was thirteen at this point. Quests for Fighter rank are much more interesting as we do get to hunt lower class monsters but as a group. The group is usually a mix of members from other guild as well. As this world does not have magicians or healers, we make up for each other with our guild abilities. Although it is mostly the four guilds that approve of this. Elemental guild are a more secluded guild hence I never met Lily for the past year or two. I won't lie, I do start to miss her. Not in a romantic sense mind you but as a friend.
"W.. what's with that look? Why are you squinting like you're judging me?" I asked my daughter.
"Daddy is a cheater," she said to me bluntly.
"Hey whert? I'm not in any relationship at that moment. Don't judge me when I was just a lonely kid looking for a little romance," I explained to her. She continued to give her judgmental face. Ahh well back to the story.
And so we headed out on a guild quest in a team of four. A Lancer, a Crusader, a Great Axeman and me as a Fighter rank. Sadly it is not John that is following on this quest but I am kind of glad. Otherwise I would not be able to explain to him on my weird behaviour after the quest. You would think a party of four males would result in high testosterone arrogant behaviour that you would be expecting from teenagers but surprisingly no. All four of us acted very civilised surprisingly. The usual "my guild is better than your guild" must have passed when they were lower rank. We stopped outside the cave we were suppose to explore for a quick lunch. We chit-chatted a little.
"Sae, what age ar ye? Ye looked verra young," asked the great axeman.
"I'm thirteen now," I said.
All three of them were surprised. What's wrong with me being young?
"Is something wrong?" I questioned.
"Just surprised that you're able to be fighter rank at that age. We are mostly fifteen or sixteen here before we were able to attain that rank. You must be something else huh," said the lancer. The crusader kept quiet. There was some bitter rivalry between the Light and Dark Guild on who is better than the other. I favour none of that as it's just some drama that does not help me in reaching my goal.
"Shall we heid in? I'm itching te swing my axe," said the great axeman. Hungry for combat as always. Hope he doesn't start eating the monsters during battle.
"Let's go," I said.
"Make sure you stay at the back and let the seniors handle it," said the crusader. Ok I was wrong. This guy is not mature one bit. But hey, more meat-shields in front of me the better.
We headed in while me and the lancer held a torch each. I stayed all the way back as I do not mind being the support. I would also like to avoid trouble with that Crusader. The three of them were in front of me walking ahead. The cave is wide enough for at least three people to walk side by side. Oh, I forgot to mention on what we were doing here. Let me update my quest log.
Side Objective: Hunt for the goblin paladin
Goblins are opportunist creatures that prey on the weak. Despite their size, they are actually quite intelligent and cunning. Alone, they are easy to defeat. But in packs, they are dangerous. Capable of defeating adventurers that underestimate them with surprise attacks. A goblin paladin is their way of imitate the Light Guild's rank or something.
Hmm what's that you say? Sounds like a certain manga? Nawww.. this world's goblin doesn't kidnap female adventurers. At least, I hope it does not turn that way. Otherwise I will turn into the slayer myself.
After some distance in, we heard noises and chatter. All four of us stopped in our tracks. The crusader took the lead to check the commotion. He peeked out of the corner to see where the noise is coming from.
"What is it? Is it goblins?" asked the lancer.
"Not good, they have riders. We will be at a disadvantage if we were to fight in here. We might need to lure them out of the cave," he whispered.
"My axe will be no sae effective ere. It wad be better te fight outside," said the great axeman.
"Any ideas everyone? Should we smoke them out or something? Or someone be the bait?" asked the crusader.
I took a peek out of the corner. From where the hole we are peeking out from, on the left is a straight line that leads further into the cave. It is a clear line of sight to where the goblins and their wulvettes are kept. The goblins are in a larger area of the cave with light shining from above.
The intersection that we are peeking out has at a dead end on the right. We can fight here with our backs facing the dead end and focus just on the front. Need to make sure that it is not hollow though. No paladin in sight. Must be hiding deeper in the cave.
Defeating the paladin is our main objective. We do not need to defeat all of them. I passed the torch to the great axeman and walked out towards the dead end on the right.
"H... hey, where are you going? You're going to attract them!" said the crusader but I ignored him completely. It was extremely dark in the cave and the goblins were busy chattering away having fun.
I knocked on the cave walls with my ear pressed to it. Hmm, sounds solid. Low chance of it breaking down here unless an ogre or a troll smash through it. We can definitely fight here. I walked back to the group and discuss our tactics.
"We can fight here with our backs facing the dead end. It sounds solid so there is low chance of ambush from behind. The path ahead is narrow so even with riders, they can at most come at us two at a time," I said.
"Too risky. We have two melee combatants here that require more space for combat. They both won't be so effective in combat here," said the crusader.
"I beg your pardon but I am fully aware and prepared for such scenario. I've brought some short spears that can be thrown or used to stab in such tight spaces. My main spear can also retract to be used in here. You do not need to worry about me," said the lancer. Well prepared I see. That is good.
"I can just use my fist ere. Nae complaints eh?" said the great axeman. Complete opposite of the lancer.
"Hmm, seems like we are all prepared for tight combat. How many is in favour of fighting here instead of outside?" asked the crusader.
"If we fight outside, we might be surrounded by the riders from all sides. I vote to fight in here instead as we have a higher chance to protect one another when we can focus all our attention to the front," I gave my feedback.
"I vote to fight here too. Seems like our Fighter's insight is remarkable. Are you sure you're really thirteen?" asked the lancer.
"Verra smart for yer age. I voted te fight ere. My fists ar itching for blood nou," said the great axeman.
"Very well, we shall fight here. I'll volunteer to get their attention first while you all wait. Any questions?" asked the crusader.
We gave none. You want to be the bait? Be my guest but that's none of my business. The three of us proceeded to the right while the crusader went to attract the goblins. Hmm? He took out some throwables and threw at the goblins. Is that.. pepper? He then proceeded to rush back towards us.
We definitely have the goblin's attention now. A couple of them were sneezing but a few of them were either charging towards us or attempting to release the wulvettes. Then we heard something flying at high speed.
fuulp
The crusader fell face forward to the ground clutching his left leg. What was that? An arrow? Where did it come from? I rushed towards the crusader leaving the other two behind. Not a moment later, I reached him. The arrow pierced his knee. Will he end up being a city soldier instead after this?
Goblins are getting close now and the crusader is in no fighting shape. We have to make our stand here while he patch himself up. Sadly, there is no health potion in this world. We only have medicine to staunch the bleeding or potion that gives you a stamina boost like an adrenaline rush. It is still the good old bandage wrap that are adventurer's lifeline.
I see two goblins are running towards me. Time to test out the guild's specialty. I used Fear on the goblins. They halted in their advance and started shivering on their knees. Great, I should take this opportunity to...
RAWR!!
A great roar can heard throughout the cave. This made the two goblins snap out of my Fear spell. Now, where are you Mr Paladin. There, I see you now. Hiding in the shadows huh. So he was the one that shot the arrow seeing that he is holding a bow.
I rushed forward to cut both of the goblins head clean off with my dagger. Now how should I play this? Do I hang back along with the others to fight off the other goblins while the paladin take pot-shots at us, or do I rush ahead to kill him and finish our main objective immediately? It won't be an easy task fighting the paladin with other goblins around. Not to mention someone will need to protect the crusader while he is patching up.
The other two came to my side. I took a quick look behind and saw the crusader patching himself up after removing the arrow. He will have difficulty moving so he won't be that effective in combat.
"Any brilliant idea on what we should do? We are kind of exposed to the paladin's arrows here," said the lancer.
"Aye, we ar sitting ducks ere," said the great axeman.
"I have a plan and I would need both your help," I said. I whispered to them on my top secret plan.
"Are you sure? It won't be easy fighting the paladin on a one-on-one," said the lancer.
"I am not. You will be supporting me as well and I hope the crusader would give us some buffs after he is patched up. Are the both of you ready? The paladin is about to take a shot at us now" I said. Both of them nodded.
The paladin shot his arrow at us and the three of us dodged. The lancer stood his position while both me and the great axeman rushed ahead towards the paladin. The lancer will be protecting the crusader while he can use his short spears as range weapons. The wulvettes are out of their cages now and is charging towards both of us. One, two, three.. thankfully there is not many of them. I hope the great axeman can handle it.
slice!
Out came one of the wulvette's head along with the goblin riding it. "Haha! I can swing my axe ere! Come ere ye little twerts an taste me axe!" said the great axeman. He seems to be having fun.
My battle will be more serious as I faced the goblin paladin head-on. I looked like a hobbit in front of him. I sheathed my dagger and unsheathed Inazuma. This is not a battle I would take any chances on. The paladin threw his bow away and unsheathed his two-handed sword from behind. Ok, that is huge. Even with my chained cloak I might still be sliced in half. The paladin in turn is armoured but not fully. Some parts like his elbows, knees and neck are exposed. This would affect his speed and mobility which would be to my advantage. I activated Fear on him. Hmm.. seems like little to no effect on him. I guess it is the good old sword-fight then.
The paladin roared. I can see the more goblins converging on my position. One goblin came close and leaped at me. But he was immediately pierced by a short spear. Glad the lancer is accurate in his throwing. I pulled the short spear and immediately threw it at the paladin. The paladin blocked with his armour and rushed towards me with his two-handed sword. Seems like iron armour perhaps. This is going to be a tough fight. I took a quick glance behind. The great axeman is helping me in fending the other goblins off along with the lancer. But it won't be long until he runs out of short spears eventually.
I faced the paladin. He swung his sword sideways which I dodged by ducking underneath the swing and immediately rushed forward. I slit the paladin's left knee and took some distance. The paladin then turned his body and swung his sword downwards which I dodged to the side. I slit his other knee. He should not be able to stand up properly now that both of his knees are slit.
How wrong was I. Seemingly ignoring the pain, the paladin rushed at me once again with the sword in his hand. Out of nowhere, a goblin grabbed one of my foot. I quickly stabbed the little bugger with Inazuma and kicked his hands away. The paladin was extremely close to me now. Not good, I might not be able to dodge this fast enough.
"Accelerate!" someone shouted.
I felt my speed doubled and I managed dodged his overhead swing at the very last moment. Close call indeed. Finally the crusader got back up. I can see the great axeman throwing some of the short spears back to the lancer. Alright, enough is enough. I almost died earlier. No more playing games.
"Oi, goblin," I said to him while glaring. He glared back at me and smiled. He must have though he have a chance seeing he almost killed me earlier.
"Now I'm mad," I said and used Fear on him. I don't know what he saw but it seems to work this time. The paladin seems to be shaking and hesitating in attacking now. I immediately took the opportunity and rushed at him. With my speed doubled, it took me less than a second to reach him. He held the two-handed sword in front of him to block my attack but I was never aiming to attack him from the front. I rushed to his side instead and lobbed off his right arm at the elbow and leaped behind him. He roared in pain as he held his right arm. I quickly threw my dagger which pierced through the back of his neck nicely. He is chocking and gagging from his own blood now. I rushed in to finish him off but he then did the unthinkable.
He pulled out the dagger that was stabbed behind his neck and threw it at me with his left hand. Not only is that foolish but he will be bleeding to death much faster. I blocked the dagger and saw that he running away. He was heading deeper in into the cave. His tenacity is amazing. I run towards the paladin but I stopped midway. In front of where the paladin was running, the crusader stood there. His sword in hand.
"I am in a lot of pain now because of you. Perhaps you should just.. die," said the crusader as he rushed in to cut the paladin's knee. The paladin tried to dodge but as his knees was already slit, he is not as nimble anymore. His right leg fell off. He shouted loudly throughout the caves. I really hope there are no more goblins that will be rushing to help him. The crusader walked closer to the paladin and chopped his head off without hesitation.
The sudden silence was eerie. Our mission is done now. Some close-calls but all of us are alive thankfully. The crusader looted the paladin for a trophy to prove that we have done our mission. Most probably a teeth, or perhaps the arm that I lobbed off.
The four of us headed back out. No time to celebrate until we are out of the cave just in case more goblins come to find us from deeper in the cave. As we were heading out, there was a sparkle at the dead end we saw earlier. Huh? What was that? Did anyone else saw that? I looked at the other three. None of them seems to noticed as they were chatting among themselves and headed back out. I let them walk a few distance away and rushed to the dead end. What was that sparkle? I searched around but I don't see anything. Without a torch, it is certainly difficult to see.
twink!
There it is again. I looked closer. Hmm? Is that... looks like the edge of a.. chest? You can barely see the chest as you can perhaps only see around two or three millimetres of the chest's edge. But it is gold. A gold chest. This is an excellent opportunity for me. I rubbed my hand together.
We always have some small tools to help us in prying or digging out some small objects. Sadly, there is no way for me to open the chest at this angle. I would need a pickaxe to break the stones covering the top of the chest. This will certainly take some time. I quickly head back out to avoid suspicion and kept this secret for myself. This loot will be mine and mine alone. Heh heh.
Heading back out, I was praised for my quick thinking and combat abilities by the three of them. Facing the goblin paladin on a one-on-one is extremely as a Fighter rank. We do not have much spells at our disposal yet. I apologised to the crusader for what happened to him but he said it is his own fault for being careless. None of us were expecting goblins to be using bow and arrow. He will be limping his way back to the city until he receives a more proper treatment. The three continued to chat all the way back to the city but my mind was fully occupied by the gold chest that was left behind. I need to know what it is in it.
But unfortunately.... It took me ONE YEAR to dig this damn chest out! Bringing one pickaxe alone was a mistake. The stones surrounding the chest was ridiculously hard and solid. It breaks or blunts the pickaxe after just a few swings. The first time I came back to this cave, my pickaxe broke after about five swings. I was speechless. Not only did it took quite some time to come back here, it took less than a few seconds for my one and only pickaxe to break. This will not do. Is it economically worth it to continuously purchase pickaxes in an attempt to dig this chest out? I must persevere. Whatever is in that chest will be mine!
Six months into digging, I contemplated on whether I should even continue. I was burning through pickaxes faster than I was drinking water. Sure, a pickaxe is a copper or two at most but is the reward worth it at the end. Not to mention I was juggling between doing quests and spending my free time digging for this chest. Damn it. I've come this far, I should see it to the end.
While I was not losing money on an extreme level as the quests I do brings me a decent amount and grandfather's secret money stash had a lot in it. I only took a quarter of the total gold coins and buried the remaining. A quarter was about fifty gold coins. Grandfather had two hundred gold coins hidden! Man was he loaded! Yet he decided to live in the forbidden forest instead! And survived on bread and stews!
A day will come when I finally dug out the gold chest which would coincide with my promotion, meeting the Elementalist also the day I met her. My little sister, Rose.
