It was close to dinner time when Goblin Slayer's party finally reached the farm, in a few short hours the sun would be down and the horde would be upon them. From the map Goblin Slayer had gotten he had seen a pattern in the attacks and figured that this Beast Master had been purposely targeting the farms furthest from the Mountain Pass and was steadily working his way in, drawing closer to the town.

"He has been scouting the town all this time, and no doubt has found the weakest areas to exploit."

"Milord Goblin Slayer, if his plan is to take the town, why risk a chance of victory in revealing himself to us?"

"I doubt that was his intention, Wolf and I just happened to discover his identity."

"He seemed more interested in the fact that silver ranked adventurers were involved now."

"True enough, most higher ranks, save Beardcutter and ourselves, don't get involved with goblins."

"I'm still not sure how to feel about constantly fighting goblins?"

"If nothing else Lady Ranger, it has given us a better understanding of what the little devils are really like and how to be better prepared for them."

"Again…not sure if I call that a good thing."

"We're here."

The farmstead was a little bigger than Goblin Slayer's own farm, three good size houses and the barn surrounded by a small fence barely a meter tall. The farmer workers were surprised to find the group enter through the gate, even more surprised to see the dire wolf with them. Two of the farmers reached for their tools, fortunately Priestess was quick to intervene.

"The dire wolf is a member of our party, we'll make sure he doesn't cause any problems. We're here to aid with the goblins."

"I thought they were here to help with that."

The owner of the farm pointed to a trio of adventurers, each around the same age as Priestess. Their leader, a warrior with a short sword, stepped forward with weapon in hand and a look of despair bordering on panic. As the leader he tried to muster up the courage equal to his position, but to the rest it sounded rather weak.

"We…we were sent here to deal with the goblins should they come. You won't be taking…our jobs from us."

Goblin Slayer looked toward the warrior's companions then back toward the farm, completely ignoring them after that first glance. Before the warrior could respond, the anger and humiliation of being looked over as if they were worthless, the man in the armor spoke, and his words were made more chilling by his emotionless tone.

"The Goblins will be here tonight."

The warrior and his party, along with the people on the farm, were all at a loss. Each hoped that this evening would pass without incident, but now they were told they would die just like the others.

"You're sure?"

"I am. We don't have much time if we are to be ready for them."

Goblin Slayer strode past them looking over the buildings and the fence, Wolf casually following beside him. In that instant, warrior remembered the reports of a man in leather armor and a large wolf by his side, he raised his sword and boldly challenged the man.

"You're the Beast Master aren't you? You'll pay for your crimes in this region!"

Goblin Slayer paused, but only because he wished to place a small pebble along the ground near the fence. The warrior was completely shocked, as were his party members as they watched Goblin Slayer continue on his walk by the fence. Goblin Slayer's party however was used to his actions, both Priestess and High Elf Archer sighed while Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest chuckled to themselves.

"Didn't you hear me? Don't look down on us because we're porcelains!"

He then felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and turned to see the Dwarf Shaman smiling back at him.

"Give it up son, you'd have an easier time breaking a diamond with your bare hands than getting through that thick skull."

"But this man…"

"If he really was the Beast Master, would he be trying to warn you? We were sent by the Sword Maiden to assist with the goblin problem."

"I…um…"

"Now then, let's follow his lead and get to work."

The young warrior sighed in resignation and joined the others as they made the preparations for the goblins that evening. The young warrior introduced the rest of his party members, a male half-elf archer and a female mage; all three were members of the local guild and like many other beginner groups were sent out to deal with Beast Master and his goblins. Every group had been wiped out, but higher ranks still refused to take on such a menial task.

"So that's the Goblin Slayer, a silver rank…he doesn't quite match up with the ballad we've heard."

"I know the feeling, the moment I met Orcbolg I was sure we had found the wrong person."

"Orcbolg?"

"It the Elvish name for Goblin Slayer." Priestess smiled as she conversed with the others around her age.

Goblin Slayer and Wolf finally finished their tour of the farm and now he was ready to share his plan. For the new adventurers and farmers, everything he called for was unusual, but for his party members it was just work as usual.

xxxx

The massive warg slept, though its ears could always hear the goblins chattering away, it had been far too long since it was allowed to hunt and devour the tiny creatures. Suddenly its ears picked up the new footsteps entering into the chamber, it looked up to see the two humans enter. It quietly growled as it looked toward the man in the armor, but would not attack so long as he had the terrible whip by his side. The man, this Beast Master, looked toward the warg and smirked as he gave the whip by his side a few pats.

"You keep trying, but until that day I am alpha."

The Beast Master finished affixing the black hood over his head and made one final check of his equipment. His bull whip, his sword, ring on his hand and gave the pouch on his side a couple pats, smiling as he reaffirmed the objects he would be bringing with him.

"I'm surprised you're bringing those. You never had need of them before."

He turned to see his wife now changed into her black shroud and cloth mask to hide her face.

"This one will be interesting, he'll be ready for me, so I need to be ready for him. Three should be more than enough"

"Do you think they know who we are?"

"Oh yes, that boy's mangy cur easily picked up on Scar's scent. The young one probably didn't pick up on it, but that boy did."

"Speaking of which…did you have to be so friendly with her?"

Beast Master smirked, realizing that she was jealous, he walked toward her staring into her bright amber eyes before pulling her close and embracing her tightly. At first surprised, she easily melted into his arms and returned the embrace with a warm smile beneath her mask.

"It feels just as good as when he first found me."

"You're the only one for me, no need to be jealous."

"That's all I needed to hear, my apology for being foolish."

"None apology needed, but now it's time to strike."

"Will you use your full force?"

"No, I want to test him first, see what's going through his mind. But know I'll finish him like those other adventurers…they need to know their place."

Beast Master walked forward until he reached the edge and looked over the balcony to see the dozens of goblins down below. They looked up and screeched with weapons raised as they awaited their master's orders. Beast Master raised up his left hand, the jewel on his ring glowing, then pointed forward before shouting his orders.

"Forward! You shall bathe in the blood of our enemies this night!"

xxxx

A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, briefly illuminating all around the area, before being followed by the loud thunder clap. Another bolt of lightning flashed, Goblin Slayer and Wolf stood at the front of the group close to the entrance to the farm staring out into the darkness. Behind them were three members of his own party, Priestess, Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest with them were two of the rookies Young Warrior and Rookie Mage. Both young ones were shaking, this would be there first real combat mission and even though goblins were small and weak, all the stories they heard up to now filled them with unease.

"Are you sure they'll come?"

"They'll be here soon. When they start shooting their arrows, stay behind the barrier."

"Yes sir."

Both rookies tightened their grips around their weapons and tried to steady their breathing, they looked around to see the others tense but remained calm as they awaited the goblins. They were especially surprised to see the Priestess, who had to be around their age, calmly praying to the Earth Mother for their safety. She looked toward them and saw the same face she had so many times, she knew she had to say something to help with the situation.

"It's alright to be afraid, even now I too am afraid, have faith in those around you."

The young rookies were surprised by what she said, even as a steel ranked adventurer she admitted to being afraid, and as they looked back at the others they could see the reassuring smiles and nods from the other two. The two smiled, it was weak, but they felt better knowing that these people were fighting beside them, and one look to see Goblin Slayer and Wolf standing ready for battle before them only added to their reassurance. Up on the rooftop were High Elf Archer and Half-Elf Archer watching the country side ahead of them and the groups conversing below. Like his comrades, he too was nervous, all he could do was put his faith in those around him and Goblin Slayer's plan.

"I don't mind telling you, I'm nervous too."

"I'd be surprised if you weren't. Just remember, we take out as many as we can from above, with the buckets of water we douse any fires before it consumes these houses. The front line warriors will push forward while the spell casters bring up support. Keep a level head, and let's see this through to the end."

"Yes ma'am."

High Elf Archer smiled, but that soon changed as she heard the cries of the goblins, despite the howling of the wind and the constant thunder rolling on, she could hear them clear as day. She looked out into the darkness and was able to make out multiple shapes marching forward.

"Get ready, here they come!"

Another bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, and in that instant all were able to see a force made up of dozens of goblins marching towards them, at least ten hobgoblins bringing up the rear and the front were two humans and a large wolf. In that moment, whatever courage the rookies had was gone, their instincts were telling them to run, but how far could they get. Lizard Priest summon forth his Dragon-Tooth Warrior and armed it and himself with a tooth blade; both warriors stepped forward to stand on the other side of Wolf.

"There's too many of them!" Rookie Mage could feel a warm sensation running down her leg as the force drew closer.

The Young Warrior felt the same fear and took a step back, but stopped himself when he realized the Goblin Slayer was not moving. The man, this human had no magic abilities, just his sword and shield, yet he was standing his ground before this force.

"We'll hold them here while you run."

There was no anger in his voice, he was not being condescending to them in anyway. Young Warrior and Rookie Mage looked on with wide eyes as the rest of the party stood ready to do battle with this small army. He suddenly felt great shame for his cowardice, he stepped forward and took his place beside Goblin Slayer with sword raised.

"What kind of adventurer would abandon his allies in battle? I'll stand with you all…if you'll have me."

"Good answer."

"Alright you two, we can't let them put us to shame. Time to show these little devils what spell casters can do."

Priestess and Rookie Mage both smiled and followed behind Dwarf Shaman and readied themselves for the coming attack. A few meters away from the farm the army stopped, Beast Master and Fallen Magician stood before their minions and looked out at the adventurers before them. A smile formed beneath Beast Master's hood as he saw the boy from earlier, this Goblin Slayer standing in the front.

"Good, I figured you'd be on the front lines leading." He then looked toward the lead goblin and formed his left hand into a fist as the red jewel on his ring began to glow. "First squad, advance!"

Some thirty goblins howled with anger as they charged forward with weapons raised. In a few seconds they'd reach the adventurers, but a sudden volley of arrows came raining down from the rooftops above. Both archers fired away, easily taking out the goblins, reducing their numbers by at least ten. The others pushed forward, enraged by the loss of their brothers and easily leapt over the fence, but the moment they touched down, the ground gave way to a deep pit lined with spikes, several of the goblins fell in screaming in pain and the stake pierced their bodies and made even worse as other goblins fell on top of them. The few goblins who had avoided the pits looked back with wide eyes, confused at the sight, but that moment of distraction was all that was needed for the warriors. The warriors and Wolf charged forward and made short work of the goblins; Goblin Slayer looked over the carnage before turning back toward the goblin army.

"Th, that was easy." Young Warrior panted heavily yet happily as he looked at the goblins he killed then back to Goblin Slayer.

"He's testing us, be ready for the next wave."

"Yes sir."

Beast Master's eyes were wide with delight, the adventurer knew what he was doing, he prepared for the goblins tactics down to the very last detail.

"Magnificent. Normally that many would have been enough to take this farmstead, yet here the force has been completely wiped out."

He suddenly drew out his sword and cut the arrow that would have hit him and Fallen Magician. He looked up to see the female elf actually surprised by how fast he was able to deflect both arrows.

"Not bad, if they're all like this…then this will be fun!"

"You're enjoying yourself then?"

"Indeed, a shame that I have to kill them, but these adventurers need to pay for their crimes." He raised his left hand once again, the jewel still glowing then in a downward motion pointed toward the group. "Attack!"

The full goblin force charged forward, goblins archers returning the own volley of arrows, a mixture of poison and flame arrows flying through the air. As if on cue, Priestess used Protection to create a barrier to protect herself and those around her. High Elf Archer and Half Elf Archer fired arrows when they were able to, they rolled to the right to dodge the poisoned arrows and the moment the flaming arrows hit, they quickly removed them and threw water on the spot. Both Dwarf Shaman and Rookie Mage used their spells, Stone Blast and Firebolt respectively, to wipe out the goblins who drew closer. Young Warrior continued to battle the smaller goblins while the others challenged the Hobs.

Beast Master walked forward with a bold stride, sword in his left hand and whip in his right as he drew closer to the battlefield, close behind were Scar and Fallen Magician. Fallen Magician followed behind, drawing out her black magic rod adorned with a brilliant green jewel and pointed it at the protection barrier. Scar growled as he picked up the scent of the dire wolf, he looked around and saw his opponent devouring the innards of a fallen goblin.

"Can't let them have all the fun. Love, destroy that pathetic barrier then see about putting a performance for them. Scar…the young boy…tear his throat out."

Scar growled loudly as he charged forward pushing past the goblins to make for Young Warrior. Fallen Magician began to chant and the jewel on her magic rod began to glow, as she finished the last of her incantation, a bolt of white flew forward tearing through the goblins before her and eventually the barrier. There was a bright blast and in that instant the barrier was shattered sending all around it to the ground. The moment he saw the blast coming toward them, Dwarf Shaman instantly recognized he spell she was casting.

"The disintegration spell!"

"Very observant. Now, shall we continue?"

With a wave of her and multiple copies appeared around them, each pointing their rods at the groups and chanting the firebolt spell. Dwarf Shaman pulled both Priestess and Rookie Mage towards him and quickly cast Spirit Wall just as the blasts flew forward, only one was the real one of course, but he didn't have the luxury to sit there and figure out which one was which. The warriors quickly picked themselves up to continue the fight while the two archers covered them. Young Warrior picked up his sword, but suddenly heard a growl, he turned in time to be tackled by the large brown wolf. The wolf, no the warg, bit down on the sword and growled as it pushed forward, Young Warrior screamed as he struggled to keep the warg from moving any closer until the warg was struck by a large black object. Young Warrior looked to his side to see the warg and the dire wolf snarling and snapping at each other. He then looked up to see a goblin with spear ready to stab him, or rather it was until a blade pierced its chest from behind. The dead goblin was pushed aside, and behind was Goblin Slayer with left hand extended.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes…thank you." Young Warrior took the steady hand and was helped back to his feet.

"We need to finish this fight."

Wolf and Scar continued to snarl at one another until they charged forward, both rearing up and snapping at each other with such ferocity that the goblins quickly ran away. The wolves broke apart and circled each other once again, until Scar charged forward with the intention of going for Wolf's throat. Wolf however moved back just as the jaws snapped shut and then bit into Scar hide shaking its head from side to side. Scar yelped then steadied himself and bit into Wolf's left forepaw, constantly chewing over and over. Neither wolf relented, blood running from their wounds, until Wolf finally flung the warg to the ground. Wolf limped forward, growling as he readied to attack Scar, when it felt a sharp biting sting pain across its right side.

"Damn wolf, know your place at my feet."

Beast Master stepped between Wolf and Scar and cracked the whip along the floor; the strike from his whip left a long ugly gash along Wolf side. Wolf growled as he limped forward once again, and just as before Beast Master cracked the whip along the injured side once again, knocking Wolf to the ground with a yelp. Wolf looked up to see this human strike once again, but this time a new object stood before Wolf. The whip wrapped around Goblin Slayer's left arm, the leather biting into his flesh causing the blood to drip to the ground. Beast Master undid the whip and recoiled it as he placed it back upon his belt, the smile beneath his head widen with each passing moment.

"Nicely done boy."

"Get away from Wolf."

"I have to say, I've been looking forward to this." Beast Master removed his hood, tossing it to the side as he focused on Goblin Slayer. "You should have killed me the moment you met me."

"Now that I have confirmed you as the leader of this horde I will."

Goblin Slayer rushed forward and both blades struck, Beast Master followed with his own attack but Goblin Slayer pushed this back with his shield. The two continued to trade blows, Beast Master punching Goblin Sayer across the helmet every chance he got close. Goblin Slayer pushed back with his shield and slashed his sword across Beast Master's left leg, the wound was superficial, but surprisingly it brought out a big laugh from Beast Master.

"Good. That's the way, fight using any and all means necessary to win. Whoever trained you taught you well, but you can still go further. Become my student, and I'll push your teachings to their limit."

"I am Goblin Slayer…I slay goblins. If you will use them to kill others, then I will slay you as well."

Beast Master frowned as he heard the comment, this one was just like any other adventurer. Only interested in their own selfish desires, not looking at the bigger picture, just as one trains a dog to obey its master, he would force them to obey as well.

"I hoped for better from you boy…but it's adventurers like you, people so damn stubborn, that are the reason I exist. If you are not willing to help me, then you are an obstacle in my path."

He reached into his side pouch on his right side and drew out a small clay sphere with a short wick at the top. Holding the sphere in right hand, he gave his fingers a snap and the fuse was lit, he tossed the sphere forward, Goblin Slayer immediately knew what it was and quickly put himself between Wolf and the sphere raising the shield on his left arm. With a bright flash and a thunderous bang, the sphere exploded with enough force to knock both Goblin Slayer and Wolf back a couple meters. The others immediately heard this and saw as Beast Master drew out another clay sphere and tossed it forward, the rest of the party ran and like Goblin Slayer were thrown to the ground from the blast.

"That's enough then." Beast Master raised his left hand, the jewel on his ring glowing once again as he gave his orders. "All forces pull back."

The surviving goblins and hobs looked toward him questioningly, but at the sight of the jewel followed the instructions and turned around marching back into the darkness. Scar pushed himself up and growled as it walked past the downed Goblin Slayer and Wolf before joining Beast Master and Fallen Magician. High Elf Archer and Half-Elf jumped down from the rooftop to help their fallen friends, fortunately everyone was still alive. Goblin Slayer struggled to push himself up, his left arm in such pain he could not use it, instead he used his right arm to push himself up to his knees. He looked to his right to see Wolf was okay, though still injured from strikes the whip dealt earlier. Goblin Slayer was finally back on his feet and turned toward Beast Master and the others just as the rain finally started to fall upon them.

"I give you this one chance boy, leave this place. This is as far as my mercy goes, the next encounter will cost you more than just your life."

"I will not leave until the goblins are dealt with."

"My offer still stands, your friends are welcome to join as well, assuming you can come to your senses." Beast Master smiled but soon that smile turned to a frown as he looked back at the party of injured warriors. "You can't hope to stop me, this force was not my full army, if you get in the way of my quest for justice, I will have no qualms about killing any of you."

Beast Master and his comrades turned and followed behind the remnants of the goblin army. The others were left there, though the farm and its people were saved, it was a hollow victory for Goblin Slayer and the others. Wolf slowly walked up toward Goblin Slayer and put its head under his right hand where Goblin Slayer gave him a few gentle pets.

"This will not stand."