StossTruppen was always fine with waiting for someone. However, there was a huge difference between waiting a couple of minutes….and half an hour. To add more insult to injury, it was still morning, and he had left several minutes early. Now, Stoss was near the outskirts of the frontier city, by a small, busy food market.
After several minutes of really nothing happening. He started to stomp away from the area. Before a loud, "Wait! I'm here!" was heard in the distance. Turning his head. Grenadier, Stoss' ammunition supplier, came into view. Driving his wagon towards him. The horse making an abrupt stop right in front of him. "Mein fehler..", Grenadier told him, exhaustion in his voice.
Even though the morning was slightly windy. Stoss could still see the sweat pour down Grenadier's face. Despite wearing an army issued, "Spiked helmet". Along with a brown colored cloak over his blue-grey uniform.
"Let's just get this over with," Stoss said, his voice annoyed. But relieved. Something, other than waiting, was happening. Plus, Stoss figured he would pay Grenadier a fraction of the price, for his tardiness.
Nodding. Grenadier hopped off his wagon and moved to the back of it to grab something. After a few moments, he returned back to Stoss and held out an immaculate, wooden rifle. "Here she is, the pride of the Kingdom!" Grenadier exclaimed, with stunning delight.
Grabbing the rifle. Stoss began looking down to examine it. Overall, he admitted. The rifle wasn't as skinny as his "Needle Rifle", but was still shorter than it. "Is this standard issue?", Stoss asked. Turning the rifle back and forward, admiring the craftsmanship. It reminded him alot of another rifle used by the Kingdom, just with a different look to it.
"This baby? Of course not!" Grenadier said, gently grabbed the rifle from Stoss and began to point it to the sky before continuing. "The 'Gewehr'! A pure, bolt-action rifle that can fire up to 15 rounds..per minute! " he finished, with a sorta of...lustful tone? Stoss just awkwardly stared at him.
"In that case..you could destroy a goblin horde by yourself," Stoss said in astonishment. Noticing Grenadier making a wry grin. "What?"
"Well….that isn't it," He said with both his hands behind his back. Quickly. He moved back to his wagon once more. Stoss deciding to follow him this time. Hoping it was something decent.
As Grenadier rummaged through the bags and supply boxes that were scattered here and there. Stoss decided to ask, "So, how's it back home?"
Grenadier replied, "Not bad actually. But, it has been a bit on high alert sometime after you left." he said between struggles of lifting several of the boxes out of the way. "Some of the Reichswehr has even begun to lock down outside travel of any kind- ah! Got it!... Here you go.", Grenadier heaved fairly big box, labeled 'Achtung: gefährlich!' to Stoss.
Grabbing the box, Stoss felt himself stagger back and felt himself almost collapse. "Scheiße! What's in this thing!? Rocks!?"
Grenadier stood there silent, "...nooooo", he said suspiciously. Causing Stoss to raise an eyebrow. Before he could protest, Grenadier went on, "Just test it out in the next few days. But..make sure it's not near civilization. Trust me, she's a beauty."
Slightly unnerve. Stoss shook the box and heard a metallic noise from the inside. Whatever it was, it must be something good. It better be. Sighing. Stoss nodded and gently dropped the box to the floor
.
"Gut!" Grenadier exclaimed. "Now for payment-", he began but was cut off by Stoss tossing him two gold coins with an eagle on it. "...It's four coins." He told him.
"Really?" Stoss said sarcastically, his index finger on his cheek. "Well, It would have been that. If you actually showed up early!" He exclaimed. "But since I need to leave..I'll trade you," Stoss said, placing the gewehr onto the floor. Then, unstrapping his Needle rifle from his shoulder, and pulling out his flintlock from his belt, gun-holster. Exchanging his old weapons to Grenadier, and began to pick up his new gear to leave.
"Wait!", Grenadier said, causing Stoss to turn. Now, completely unnerved from this business transaction. "Here... It's a new model." Grenadier said, placing an oddly shaped pistol on top of the wooden box Stoss held. Looking down, he saw small writing on it. C-93
Confused. Stoss looked up to ask, but Grenadier had already hopped up to his wagon. Waving goodbye, before turning around and urging his horse to gallop in the opposite direction. As some of the dust blew into his face, Stoss watched his friend..comrade? Acquaintance. His Acquaintance, move until he was out of sight. Grenadier had been his supply line, considering Stoss wasn't anywhere near das Vaterland. Still, he couldn't figure why Grenadier still gave him this heavy box. *Metallic shaking. Well, at least I'm better equipped, he thought to himself. Before, looking down the long stretch of road in the direction to the Guild. He yawned. Wanting nothing more but extra sleep right now. Regardless of what he wanted. The wind continued to blow into his face. Sighing, Stoss pulled up his black scarf over his nose and began to trudge down the dirt path.
/…
Schrauben...sie diesen Tag!, Stoss thought to himself. The box's weight was finally getting to him as he continued forward. Hopefully, the others are already at the Guild, he thought. The past few days, his body was feeling a little sore from the off and on goblin nests raids. It seemed like for every one nest destroyed, two more spurted out. However, after he returned with Wizard from their last quest, along with the rest of his party. They found out goblin attacks around the Frontier had subsided. Giving his group a bit more time to rest.
Still, with his new weapons, he was eager to use them on the green murders. And whatever was in this large box, would make sure of it. Regardless, he passed through the same market he saw on his first day. However, the atmosphere felt different from that day. He noticed several of the shopkeepers, and the customer looked up at him as he walked by.
"Is that him? Shouldn't he be taller?"
"Yea look at his uniform, it matches the description.."
".., I think you're right. That's him alright..the Dreaded-"
"Stoss!"
Stoss halted his march. Confused on his name being called. Turning around. He saw Fighter waving her hand as she made her way to him. "Fighter! Gute-..good morning!" he greeted, as she returned with a bright smile. Stoss was glad her and Warrior made it back in one piece. Even if their worn out clothes said otherwise. "I half expected you to be at the Guild. What's up?"
"Not much actually. Wizard, Warrior, and I were at the Guild waiting on Priestess, Goblin Slayer and you. Buuut...since you guys didn't show up. I figured I should go and find at least you." she finished with wink.
"At least find me?" Stoss asked confused. Thinking it was probably him being the leader and all. "Did Warrior do something inappropriate again?" I'm starting to remember why he was so eager to go to the water village…
Fighter exhaled and placed her hands on her hips. "No.," she said disappointed. "But, remember when Priestess said her and Goblin Slayer saved a girl group when they were at the eleven fort?" Stoss nodded. "Well, they're at the Guild right now...and would like to meet you. Something about 'returning the favor'? "
Returning the favor? Stoss thought to himself. He wasn't there during the elven fort quest, so why him? After thinking it over, he shrugged. He'll find out soon. "Well...shall we?" Stoss said with a grin.
Fighter chuckled. "Let's". She concurred as the two made their way in the direction of the guild. Stoss noticing Fighter humming in delight. He wondered why she was suddenly in a better mood.
/...
After a few minutes, they arrived at the front of the Guild. Stoss thanked the heavens, he was still able to carry whatever was inside the cursive box. What's in here!? Rocks?!, kept playing in his head. Fighter laughs a bit but opened the Guild door for her troubled comrade.
Making his way inside. Stoss spotted Guild Girl and gave her a nod. She smiled and waved back at him. He smiled. As he proceeded to scan the room. Quickly spotting his group. Along with, he assumed, was the female party Fighter mention earlier.
"Well don't be shy, Stoss. Lead the way!" The fighter said, with a friendly shove. Causing him to stagger forward and grab the attention of his party. Damn her and her inhuman strength!
"Stoss! Thank god you made it. Wizard was getting worried-" Warrior began, but was cut off once Wizard jab him on his side with her staff.
Ignoring that. Stoss and Fighter made their way to the table. As he began setting the box on top of it before taking a seat. Before, addressing his attention to the female group looking at him. It took him a second or two to observe the group. The party included a human Knight wearing armor and wielding a broadsword, a human Monk who wore a simple white dress, a Rhea Ranger who wore a scarf around her neck with a green shirt and shorts, and an elven wizard.
"Hallo. You guys asked for me?" Stoss asked, still unsure of this get together. The female Knight, the leader Stoss assumed, rose up from her seat.
"Good day, StossTruppen. I must apologize for the inconvenience." The Knight said with an upper-class tone, as she extended her hand out towards him. Slightly taken back. He shook her hand. Before, she introduced him to the rest of her party: Rhea Ranger, Human Monk, and Elven-Wizard. Their uniforms matching who they are. Greeting each one, the Knight went on. "You see after we began our assault on the elven fort. My group set off a trap by accident, and before I knew it. I was almost knocked out by a goblin slingshot...", she said with a slight shiver to her voice. Stoss noticing a small scar near her forehead. The Knight continued, "My party was almost wiped out….but your other friends were able to rush in and help us burn the fort to the ground…." she trailed off a bit before she looked up at Stoss with determining eyes. "As thanks for your party's actions, we wish to return the favor, sir Truppen!"
Taking this all in, Stoss was glad these girls were okay. ..m-my...my friends….they...in front of me. He frowned. Balling his hand into a fist. Wizard noticed and remembered that look. As if knowing she was looking at him, he glanced over and met her eyes. He calmed down a bit, before replying. "Well...I don't know yet. Our actual Party leader is actually Goblin Slayer." He said, stashing the back of his helmet. "But..if he comes around...I'll let him know." he finished. Getting a nod from the Knight as she and her group began to get up from their through, the loud *creaking, from the Guild Door stopped them.
Looking over to the direction of the door, Stoss spotted Priestess and Goblin Slayer….along with three other adventurers he didn't recognize. The girl of the party looked like a high elve, with green hair that is long in the back and short in front, with two braids on each side. She wore a green sleeveless archer corset, shorts, a pair of uneven black gloves, knee high boots, and a hood. Behind her was a Dwarf, who's outfit reminds him of a shaman and what seems to resemble a type of cuirass on his waist. Then finally the Lizardman, had what is presumed to be the traditional garb.
"You know what Knight?" Stoss began, grabbing the female Knight's attention. "I think you'll be doing the favor pretty soon," he said, getting up to greet his other comrades once he heard Guild Girl greet the small party. After a few feet forward, the green-haired elf spotted him, once he was a few feet in front of them. Priestess turned to him and gave him a warm smile.
"StossTruppen!", she exclaimed. Causing the High-Elf, along with her comrades to gaspe in surprise.
"Hold on. Don't tell me you're Dreaded Trooper?" the elf asked with demused tone. Stoss glanced back at her. Realizing she was one or two inches taller than him. Dreaded Trooper?
"I don't know? It's not my name so.." Stoss said unsure.
"Hm." The High Elf crossed her arms, examining his gear. "You sure do look like him from what villagers say about you. But you look too green" she told him.
It kinda struck a nerve with Stoss. Are we really doing this again? he thought. Getting day one, flashbacks again.
"Ha haha. Come on Long Ears, give the boy a break. Look at him." The Dwarf said, getting High Elf to inspect StossTruppen, more in depth. "His helmet protects his neck and head from incoming projectiles. The uniform helps with better movement inside a cave, instead of being slowed down by armor. And his sword-cleaver, along with his gunpowder weapons help fire enough rain to get on of a pinch." He smiled. "Perhaps you shouldn't judge a person at first glance like Beard-Cutter over here."
High Elf's face turned bright red. "Hey! I'm just trying to make sure we have someone reliable!" she shouted back at the dwarf smirking.
"If you two have concluded your infighting, we have more pressing issues to address." The LizardMan told his companions. "Sir StossTruppen, may we have a moment of you?" he said in a polite manner.
Stoss was dumbfounded, wow...the most intimating of the group is the most polite...I guess there is a gott! He thought, looking over at Goblin Slayer for his input.
"...I already said yes." He assured him. Stoss nodding in response.
"If you would like, there's meeting rooms upstairs." Guild Girl informed them.
"Good. Let's go." Goblin Slayer said as he began to make his way there.
"Wait! S-should I-?" Priestess began, but Goblin Slayer looked back. Shaking his head. "Oh...okay", she said, lowering her head a bit.
"It won't take long." High Elf assure. As her party made their way upstairs to the meeting room. Priestess started to sigh. Before she felt a hand tap her on the shoulder. Turning her around, it was her comrade Stoss.
"It'll be quick, I promise," he assures her, giving a small smile. Her face brightens up a bit, as she nodded. Relieved, Stoss turned his attention to his party and repeated the gesture. "..in the meantime. Just entertain yourselves..or something." Stoss said as he began walking up the stair as well. Once he started closing the door to the meeting room. He heard Warrior start up a conversion. But knowing him, he hoped Fighter would hold him at bay before he returned.
/…..
"..I see. The nest was completely abandoned?" Goblin Slayer asked as he looked at a map the Lizardman gave him. Showing a red dot on the map, marked "Ruins, ABANDONED!".
"Yea, when we scouted the area beforehand, there was guards upfront. But…" High Elf began to explain, "..when we returned a few days later. There was no signs of the guards or anything else inside the cave. Like they just decided to pack up and left."
"That's not all," Dwarf Shaman began. "We found two villages in complete destruction not too far from the abandoned nest."
"We believe this is that nest's doing. But are unsure how these goblins operate, and how these attacks are so well coordinated." Lizardman stated. "So we require your services to quel this dilemma."
"Which is why...Orgbolg, Dreaded Trooper, we choose you." High Elf told the duo. Leaving a small silence to fill the room. Stoss covered his mouth with a glove in thought. Surprised on the goblin nest's rapid movement. Goblin Slayer told the trio if there was any Goblin Lords or Champions in the nest's ranks. Obviously, they didn't know if they had any or not. Considering High Elf wasn't to0 knowledge on these types.
Still, Stoss felt his body tremble a bit. It was odd. He couldn't tell if it was fear or excitement. It's just like that day….fokussiert.
"Any idea where they would strike next?" Goblin Slayer asked.
High Elf got up from her chair and moved next to Stoss to lean in on the map. "Here," she said, pointing to a lone village a couple of hours away. That's the nearest village. We think they'll attack here next."
"I see. We'll leave immediately." Goblin Slayer said as he quickly got up and began to make his way out the room. "Are you coming?" he asked the soldier. Removing him from his inter thoughts on the attacks.
Quickly shaking his head, he replied, "Yes, sir!"Getting up and slugging his rifle over his shoulder.
"In the meantime. You may figure out the payment. " Goblin Slayer said, closing the door behind him. Leaving the trio inside, a bit taken back. "T-they're going by themselves?" High Elf said shocked.
Note: With that, the story continues. It took a while on how I should go about changing some elements from the story, but not too much. So the next two chapters should come out sooner than later. Btw, the descriptions of the female group and High Elf's party was pretty much taken from the 'Goblin Slayer Wiki'. It saves time and it would probably be identical if I typed it manually, so no credit for me there. Other than that, my bad for the wait and thank you all for reading. Make sure to favorite/follow the story for the next updates. Leave your thoughts on the story. All comments are read and appreciated. And as always! Have a good one guys! Happy Holidays!
