Disclaimer: I own neither Goblin Slayer or Red Dead Redemption 2

Chapter 3

Goblins might have lacked intelligence like that of a human, but the special goblins, mostly their shamans, were at least able to talk and process in a similar capacity to one. In some cases, they might even be smarter. But with that intelligence came stories. Stories of heroes and murderers of their kind. People who were known throughout the dark forces of the Demon Lord's army for killing other hordes.

One hero in particular stuck out among the chatter involving goblins. A man given the simple yet nerving title of Goblin Slayer. Uttering his name in the presence of even lesser goblins would rile them up, thirsty for his blood. Goblins may not have been smart, but they remember what grudges to hold. And should the Goblin Slayer ever be caught, the horde that capture him would break him in every way they could imagine before killing him.

But the thought of having to fight the monster would send a chill up any goblin's spine. It was almost an instinctual fear. For the Goblin Slayer had honed his skills in the past four years by simply killing all manner of goblins over and over again. One horde might think it's the one to put him down once he finally finds them, but the next night that same horde will be in a pile of burnt corpses.

But still, a shaman must maintain its command over their horde. Any sign of weakness, and their horde will move on to follow another. But not before killing him, of course. So when the scout the shaman sent out came back and told him that the Goblin Slayer had come for their horde, he knew better than to hide in his cave. Instead of waiting, the shaman ordered for his troops to march forward, hoping to catch the Goblin Slayer unprepared at the mouth of their cave. He might have been strong, but could one man take on close to fifty goblins in an open field?

But that was the shaman's first mistake. He had assumed that it would only be Goblin Slayer waiting for him outside.

The moment his servants had flooded out, it happened. The smell of alcohol filled the air. Barrels of spirits bursted above the goblin horde, drenching them all. And then, fire and glass rained down upon them. The sound of small explosions rang through the air one after another. Before the shaman knew it, the hobgoblins at his side had holes in their head big enough to see through. The shaman acted quick, jumping from his throne chair and hiding amongst the crowd of goblins.

"You weren't lyin'! Didn't think we'd get the whole damn cave to come flyin' out!" Arthur laughed, hatchet in hand as he lobbed the head off of a burning goblin that approached him.

"Goblins normally have a greater advantage with their numbers in an open space." Goblin Slayer bashed the head of another with his shield. "And they assume I work alone."

"Guess they wouldn'ta been wrong not too long ago!"

Another loud bang. The unknown man had a strange weapon in his off hand. The shaman observed him from the panicking crowd of goblins, watching as the man put a hole in another one's head.

He's the one…the unknown... kill him! KILL HIM!

The shaman shook off its fear, grabbing the neck of one if its grunts to use as a cover as it took aim with its staff. It chanted in its native tongue. But before it could finish the job, a knife flew into its arm, causing it to drop the staff and let out a wail of pain.

"Found the shaman."

"Good eye. Let's kill the little bastard," Arthur grunted, taking aim and firing. The shaman's instincts saved it, using its servant to take the bullet. Though the bullet ended up going through and piercing his hand. The shaman hissed in pain, seeing little option but to retreat and aiming to run back into the cave. But before it could go too far, a rope suddenly wrapped around its waist, jerking it backward through the air.

"Where do you think you're goin', partner?" Arthur huffed, quickly reeling the shaman back in before it could escape. Its fingers dragged painfully across the ground, blood trailing from its fingers as it struggled. As it was pulled out of the cave, Arthur took a heavy stomp down on its back, crushing its ribs and keeping it from running away.

"How many left?" Arthur called out, looking back as he casually opened his revolver for a reload.

"Not many. Most are burning and dying," was Goblin Slayer's answer, hacking through the gut of another goblin.

"Got it. I'll finish this off, then," Arthur nodded. Through the blood choked groans, Arthur heard the shaman let out incoherent sounds and noises. "You know… makes me wonder if that's some spell you're cookin' up or just some of your garbled language. Well, guess it don't matter."

Arthur chambered up the revolver again, taking aim at the shaman before it could finish whatever it was attempting to grumble out and putting a hole in its head, splattering its brains across the stone ground.

"Shaman's dead," Arthur said, turning back around and taking aim at one of the few goblins still twitching with life. He fired his gun several times, reassuring them both that the last of the goblins were completely dead. Goblin Slayer's helmet slowly turned, scanning the remaining corpses for any life.

"So are the rest of them. Forty seven in total."

"I'd call that a good day o' killin' goblins," Arthur holstered his revolver, hanging his hands from his belt. "Good idea with the barrels. Worked even better than I expected."

"When you showed me the potency of alcohol, it only made sense," Goblin Slayer nodded.

"Fair enough. Sure doesn't help with the smell, though."

"No. But regardless, effective." Goblin slayer turned back to Arthur. "Good work."

"Same to you, partner. Now let's get outta here and get a drink," Arthur suggested, taking a step past the burning goblins.

"Wait. I need to check the cave," Goblin Slayer said, turning around and heading into the mouth. "There could be infants."

"I doubt it if they all came out like this, but… whatever, go ahead. Keep an eye out in case one of 'em lagged or snuck off," Arthur sighed, moving the cave wall and leaning back. Goblin Slayer gave a silent nod before going inside.

"Even when the job's done, he's workin'. Heh."


Been a while since I wrote in a journal. Hadn't realized how much I missed writing until I spotted one in the market. I'm happy to have it.

It's been a month since I came to this world. Been working with this guy called Goblin Slayer. He's got a one-track mind, but the man sure puts in work. I woulda liked him as a member of the gang. Quiet, but fights good and hard. Kinda reminds me of Charles, but… more broken.

Not that I'm one to talk. I'm just better at hiding it. Not that he tries.

Before I realized it, we sorta formed a 'party' as others call it. Guy comes in, we go goblin hunting. I'm used to working this often and this hard, that's no problem. Been giving me lots of experience and time to learn about the world. At this point, I daresay I'm an expert at killing goblins. When we work together, it's like clockwork.

Only problem is, it doesn't pay well. Only reason our first job together paid so good was because I guess some adventurer left money for the town in case of emergency. Still, I've made some decent money over time. I don't need much, but I need enough for food, equipment upkeep and to pay for my room among other things. I think I might branch out a little, see what other jobs I can work.

Gonna need to get a promotion. Might be hard to do that only killing goblins. Hate to leave Goblin Slayer hanging, but he's been doing that job for years without me. I'm sure he won't care one way or another.

Did I mention that there are TWO MOONS in this place? A green one and a red one. I swear, I still go outside and stare sometimes.

Arthur closed up his new journal and stuffed it into his satchel. He thankfully had the pencil he was used to carrying around before coming to this world. Not only because it gave him something to write with on the go, but also because it seemed that he was becoming the technical inventor of the pencil in this world. When seeking out a way to make one for when his current pencil would run out, a carpenter took a particular interest in it, and offered to help make more and reproduce them as a business. Stylus's were often used for on the go writing, but a pencil was far less messy and easier to hold by comparison.

Arthur was fine with that, and suggested that if there was money to be made, all he wanted was a percent of the take. Since he wouldn't be doing much work aside from giving the idea, he was fine with a 20 percent cut of profits. Something the carpenter was more than happy to accept. It would take time and some money to start, but graphite was cheap to buy even in large amounts. Even if the idea didn't take off, they wouldn't lose too much money in the process. Even on the low end of possible sales, Arthur and the carpenter would likely make a decent amount of coin.

Here's hopin' for a little cash on the side.

Arthur slung his guns on his back and left his room, stretching his arms out and cracking his shoulders. Digging into his jacket pocket, Arthur produced a leather pouch, pulling out a freshly rolled cigarette and popping it into his mouth. He walked over to a candle that was left lit in the hall and lit the end.

Tobacco here ain't bad. Now if only I could get one of them alchemists to figure out how to make matches.

The thought was often reoccurring in his mind, but only briefly. Blowing a puff of smoke, Arthur let the cigarette hang from the edge of his mouth as he proceeded forward and headed down the stairs of the guild.

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Gunslinger!" He heard Guild Girl's kind voice.

"Mornin' to ya, ma'am," Arthur greeted back, tipping the end of his hat as he looked down at her from the stairs. "Has our mutual friend arrived yet?"

"No, not yet. I'm sure he'll be in soon, though," Guild Girl smiled back.

Arthur nodded, moving to the quest board and glossing his eyes across it. "Well, I guess he don't normally gotta be here early as possible to get his hands on a goblin quest, huh?"

"Considering his competition, I suppose not," Guild Girl giggled, Arthur sharing a small laugh.

"Let's see… got a few regular ol' huntin' quests up here, huh?" Arthur mused in interest. If there was anything he was already good at, it was hunting animals.

"Of course! Some adventurers do like big game hunt as opposed to fighting demons and dragons," Guild Girl nodded before blinking. "Oh, are you thinking of taking one up?"

"Yeah, I need to get out there a bit. Huntin' goblins with Goblin Slayer has been workin' well so far, but I need to give a few other things a try. Plus, ain't much money in huntin' goblins. At least not when we're workin' together on it," Arthur answered honestly, rubbing the scruff of his chin as he inspected the board closely. Some of the beasts were things he'd only read about in some of the books given to him. But others were actually animals he'd hunted in his own world.

"A-Ah, I see. I suppose that makes sense…" Guild Girl nodded hesitantly, causing Arthur to spare a look her way. She was putting on a smile, though he could read through it easily.

"Oh, don't go gettin' all nervous, now. Goblin Slayer's been on plenty of quests without me helpin' him before I got to this place. He'll survive a few hunts without me," Arthur tried to reassure her, causing Guild Girl to wave her arms sporadically.

"I-I-N-No that's not what I was…" Guild Girl tried to lamely excuse, though doubtful look from Arthur caused her words to die in her mouth. Out of most people that knew her, Arthur was one of the few that had pegged her feelings for Goblin Slayer and called her out on it. Without his knowledge, of course.

"O-Okay, yes… I guess I was thinking of that."

"He'll be fine. He never needed me holdin' his hand before, he don't need it now," Arthur said, his eyes trailing back up to the board.

"I know that, it's just… ever since you arrived and started taking jobs with Goblin Slayer, he's been a bit more… active, I suppose," Guild Girl suggested, causing Arthur to look at her again. "Not to mention that unlike when he worked alone, he seems to come back in much better shape and far more quickly!"

"Ah, I see. You just want me to go with him to make sure he's around more, right?" Arthur teased as a small smirked edged at his lips.

"Th-That's not it! Stop teasing!" Guild Girl whined. "I'm just saying that… that I appreciate the help you've been giving him. Like I said, not many people are willing to do goblin quests, so seeing someone help him out so much has been nice…"

Arthur could hear the sincerity in her voice, making him give a small sigh. "Look, I ain't plannin' to cut off from him now just because I wanna try my hand at a few other things. Man's still my partner. Even if we haven't said so officially. But that don't mean we can't do our own things from time to time."

"I… I know. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to guilt you about it. I just know he can get reckless," Guild Girl sighed.

"Maybe sometimes when we're in the heat of things, but from my experience, he plans out a lotta fights pretty well," Arthur shrugged. The more he worked with Goblin Slayer, the more he learned just how creative the man got when dealing with goblins. He certainly didn't just brute force his way through them like some might expect. Though that didn't mean he wouldn't on occasion. Part of the cowboy thought that such recklessness only stemmed from the fact that Arthur was there to cover him.

Arthur spared a look across the board again. Now that he was looking at it, he did notice something about it. "There are actually a surprisin' amount of wild animal huntin' jobs up here. People don't like goin' on those?"

"Hm? Well, I suppose not. Sure, they're not looked down on like goblin slaying jobs, but a lot of the lower ranked hunting quests get passed up by rookies because they usually don't know how to hunt and track. It's easier to search out an enemy like rats in the sewer since they'll often fight rather than run," Guild Girl explained, earning a nod from Arthur.

"Makes sense… a lot easier to fight and kill somethin' that'll tackle you head on and ain't tryin' to hide itself or run away. Guess it'll be good to start with somethin' more familiar for me, then. These pay pretty well, too," Arthur pulled down a poster with the job of hunting some direwolves.

"Mister Gunslinger~!" Arthur peered past the board to see a young woman popping her head out from the tavern, grinning at him expectantly. She was a young woman likely around Guild Girl's age. She was dressed in a full traditional maid's outfit. She had long brunette hair tied in a ponytail at the top. But her most notable feature was the pair of dog ears sitting on top of her head and the tail coming from her back.

"Why hello there, miss Padfoot Waitress. There somethin' I can do for you?" Arthur asked, shooting a smile at the young woman from the side.

"I've got your usual breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and bacon hot and ready for you!" She said with a thumbs up.

"Why thank you, ma'am. You do know I appreciate your cookin'. I'll be over in a few to eat," Arthur nodded.

"Alright, just don't let it sit for too long, got it?" Padfoot waitress said with a playful glare before giggling and going back into the tavern.

"I would not dream of it," Arthur chuckled, looking back up at the board and grabbing certain hunting posters.

"I have to say, you've really gotten popular around here lately," Guild Girl said.

"What can I say? I'm a charmin' man," Arthur joked, earning an amused eye roll from Guild Girl. "Nah… people here are actually… pretty friendly. It's nice. Hell, Padfoot Waitress just likes to find food people like to eat. And since I ain't much of a picky eater, she keeps lookin' for things to surprise me with."

"Yeah. It's always been a thing with her to find certain meals that any adventurer can enjoy," Guild Girl nodded. "But still, I'll be the first to admit I didn't expect you to stay like you did when you first walked in here with Goblin Slayer."

"If I'm bein' honest, neither did I. I guess things just worked out for the best, right?" Arthur chuckled. The doors to the guild soon opened, drawing their attention to see Goblin Slayer walking in.

"Ah, there you are! Did you sleep in?" Guild Girl asked as a bubbly expression crossed her face. As Goblin Slayer walked up, he spared Arthur a quick nod in greeting which the cowboy returned.

"No. Had some errands to run, first. Any goblins?" Goblin Slayer asked.

"Yes, a couple. None of them too big, though," Guild Girl nodded, pointing to several posters on the board. "Though you should speak with your partner, first."

Goblin Slayer looked at Arthur, his helmet tilting ever so slightly. "Something wrong?"

"Nah, nothin' bad. Just thought I'd let you know that I'm gonna go on some other quests today. Need to stretch my legs a bit and make some money," Arthur explained.

Goblin Slayer was silent for a moment before giving a short nod. "I see."

"Sorry to do that outta the blue. I'll be back on the hunt with ya soon, just wanna try my hand at a few things."

"I see," Goblin Slayer nodded, his voice neutral. Arthur was getting better at picking up certain emotional cues when it came to Goblin Slayer's vocal and bodily expressions. So at the moment, he could tell that Goblin Slayer was fine with his decision.

Arthur nodded, taking the poster for the direwolves. "I'll be handlin' this if you don't mind."

"Understood. I'll be sure to mark it down in the books. Good luck on your quest," Guild Girl said, giving a wave as Arthur tipped his hat to her. He spared a look at Goblin Slater, who gave him a brief glance. The two nodded to one another before the cowboy took his leave. Goblin Slayer turned back to the board, taking down one of the posters.

"I'll take this one," He said, placing it on the counter for Guild Girl to see.

"Ah, of course!" She nodded, jotting down the job for him. She spared a small look up at the poster. She frowned, seeing how little the job had to offer in terms of payment. She could see why Gunslinger wouldn't be interested in working such a low paying job. What was worse was that the other goblin hunting job paid even less.

"I guess it's better that he went on his own job this time, huh?" Guild Girl offered, putting a stamp in her ledger. "You two having to split that much would mean so little for either of you."

"Yeah. I do need more money," Goblin Slayer admitted.

"Well… be careful on your quest, okay? Mister Gunslinger isn't going to be there, so you have to be more careful!" She said, wagging a finger at him.

"Okay." He picked up the poster and turned back around, heading for the exit. She watched him as he left, a small frown spreading across her face.

"Well… hopefully something better paying will come in. Though I guess that would mean more trouble for someone else…"


Two days had passed since Arthur took the quest to kill the direwolves. After a rough time putting down the pack, he was now on his way back home with wolf pelts hanging off the butt of his horse. He hadn't spent too long hunting, as the direwolves sought him out the moment he arrived in their forest. He could see why there was a quest made out for them, as they were twice as big as any he'd hunted before aside from the legendary wolf, and numbering at seven.

"Looks like you've been busy, Gunslinger!" A familiar street merchant called, watching as Arthur dismounted his horse.

"Sure as hell wasn't easy. Those wolves nearly ate me alive," Arthur laughed, pulling the pile of pelts from his horse's back. "How much for each of these?"

"Let me see 'em," The merchant took a pelt, holding it up in the light and inspecting it. "Hm, nicely done. These look to be in good condition. I'm surprised you didn't end up getting blood all over it."

"Wasn't easy. A couple of 'em don't look too great after I had to resort to some desperate tactics," Arthur said, holding up one of the dirtier pelts.

"Ah, okay. Tell you what: I'll give you a two silver coins per each good pelt an fifty coppers each for the rest."

"Make it 75 coppers and you got a deal," Arthur bartered.

"Sixty coppers!"

"Seventy."

"Agh. Fine. But only because I like ya," The merchant chuckled, putting a small smile on Arthur's face as he put he pile on the merchant's stand. The merchant fished out some coins, counting them for each pelt.

"Funny. With how much you've been going out with Goblin Slayer, I only expected to see some worn leather from you. Decided to cut off from his party?"

"Nah, nothin' like that. Just wanted to make some decent money doin' my own thing. Goblin huntin' is good and all but it certainly don't pay good," Arthur sighed, scratching the hairs of his chin. "By the way, you seen Goblin Slayer come through?"

"Ah, yes. I believe he walked into the guild not too long ago." The Merchant said, making Arthur nod.

"Thanks. I hope those sell well," he said, taking the promised money before turning back around to head inside. Opening the front door, Arthur could see Goblin Slayer staring at the board while Guild Girl seemed to be watching him, looking somewhat pensive.

"Howdy," Arthur called out, causing both to shift their attention to him.

"Ah, Mister Gunslinger! Welcome back," Guild Girl smiled, looking almost thankful.

Goblin Slayer gave a small nod in greeting before returning to the board.

Arthur walked up to Guild Girl and put a parchment on the table. "Job's done. I had some free time while campin', so I filled out the report for you."

"Ah, thank you, mister Gunslinger! I'll go grab your reward!" Guild Girl said, hurrying into the back room. Arthur peeked back at Goblin Slayer, walking up to his side and looking up at it.

"Everything goin' alright?"

"Looking for work." He answered.

"I figured as much, but that don't normally take you too long," Arthur chuckled, pulling the cigarette pouch from his chest pocket and putting one in his mouth.

"There are no goblin quests."

Arthur hesitated, looking back up at him with a raised brow. "Really?" He spared a look back at the board, looking for anything entailing a goblin hunt. To his surprise, he didn't find a single one. "Well I'll be damned… felt like we had at least one a day this past month. Didn't think either of us would catch a break."

"I suppose it's a good and bad thing," Guild Girl said as she came back and placed a pouch on the counter for Arthur. "Good because no one's being hurt by their absence, but bad because that means no work for Goblin Slayer."

"I prefer when there are no goblins. But I still need money," Goblin Slayer said, causing Arthur to let out a chuckle.

"Guess it was bound to happen every once in a while. Still, I can see the problem," Arthur nodded, looking at the board again. He saw some hunting quests posted up but several were above the porcelain rank. But thanks to that, they paid much better than what his direwolf mission offered. "Well, you're in luck I got back when I did. How's about goin' huntin' with me?"

"Goblins?"

"No, not goblins. I ain't gonna just magic some up outta nowhere," Arthur huffed, shaking his head. "We've got a few quests to work with up here. Let's pick somethin' that'll be good even if we split it."

"... Okay." Goblin Slayer looked back at the posters, examining each hunt offered.

"Wow…" Arthur looked back at Guild Girl to see her staring in awe. "I… I think this is the first time he's going to take a mission aside from goblin hunting… you're amazing, mister Gunslinger."

"When a man needs money, he needs money," Arthur chuckled, giving a shrug. "So. Anything catch your eye?"

Goblin Slayer was silent for a moment before reaching up and grabbing a parchment. From what Arthur could see, it was a ruby ranked mission with a picture of some mangled, hairless creature like a dog and long quills sticking out of its back. Its face was haunting and its eyes blank.

"The hell is that thing?" Arthur mumbled as he took the paper.

"Oh, that's a howler. They're rather nasty creatures," Guild Girl said, drawing their attention to her. "They're about eight feet tall in size and are rather cruel creatures. They're cowardly, but surprisingly intelligent. What's the quest asking for?"

"Says a single one's been found outside a town. Guards have been tryin' to get rid of it, but the thing keeps runnin' away and pickin' off people." Arthur said, reading through request.

"That's strange… howlers often travel in packs since they're cowardly. Not to mention they're often only found in areas heavily controlled by dark forces," Guild Girl explained with a thoughtful expression.

"Strange… so what made you pick this?" Arthur asked, looking back at Goblin Slayer.

"I've killed one before. One that a goblin champion used as a mount," said the stoic adventurer.

"A champion? Didn't you tell me that's one of the tougher bastards we ain't run into yet?"

"Yes. I barely survived the fight," Goblin Slayer admitted without hesitation. "Killing the howler helped disable its movement, though."

"Yeah, demons and certain dark creatures can use howlers as mounts, too. Though that might explain why it's alone. Whatever horde it belonged to might have been killed so it ran in fear of its life," Guild Girl explained, holding her chin. "But even if it's one alone, it's still very dangerous. If you two take that quest, you have to be very careful."

"It pay good?" Arthur asked in interest.

"Yes," Goblin Slayer pointed to the reward at the bottom. Arthur's eyes lit up, seeing twenty gold coins being offered.

"Goddamn! Who the hell coughed up the coin for this?!"

"Likely a local lord in the area. If his soldiers couldn't slay it, they'll want to get rid of it rather badly," Guild Girl suggested, earning a sideways look from Arthur.

"This thing that dangerous?"

"Well, it's dangerous for sure, but its intelligence likely plays a role in that, too. It's stronger than a bear but much craftier. You also have to watch out for its quills. They can stab right through your body if you're not careful, even with chainmail."

"Sounds like we've got a real dangerous bastard on our hands," Arthur nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Well, I was the one who said I'd try some new things. Let's do it."

"Alright. We'll take this," Goblin Slayer put the quest on the counter.

"R-Right! I'll be sure to mark it down for you both. But please, remember to be careful! If you hear a howler's scream over the course of an hour, it could end up disorienting you!"


Arthur and Goblin Slayer trekked through the thick forest outlining a town. After paying a visit to the locals and finding out what they could about the howler, the two began their pursuit of the beast. Their target was apparently well hidden within the forest, keeping its distance from the town save for at night when it would pick off cattle and people who strayed. They decided not to chance an attack at night, not wanting to give the howler a sight advantage in a thick brushed forest.

"I've got tracks," Arthur called out, kneeling next to a large set of prints. "None like I've seen before, so I think it's safe to assume it's our culprit."

"Yeah. These look similar to what I saw before," Goblin Slayer nodded, raising his helmet to look around. "Fresh?"

"Not too fresh, but should give us a clue to where to go," Arthur stood up, looking for signs of any more disruption in the area. He recalled Charles words about tracking, look for the slightest hints. The path soon started to become visible to Arthur's eyes, slowly walking forward. "I've got a path. Come on."

"Okay."

The two continued in silence. It was a slow start as Arthur tried to make sure not to lose sight of any clues left behind. As they went on, Arthur leaned a hand on his hip holstered gun.

"We're gettin' close. Tracks are startin' to look fresh. Keep a lookout," Arthur suggested, earning a small nod from Goblin Slayer who drew his sword. "Speakin' of which, you said you killed one of these before. What happened?"

"I was clearing out a goblin nest when I discovered they had a champion. In close quarters, I didn't have much of a chance. I retreated to the forest outside the cave and planned to get the jump on the champion when he pursued," Goblin Slayer explained, his helmet shifting side to side as he kept his eyes peeled. "It caught up faster than I expected though because it had the howler to ride on. I ended up getting caught and almost mauled. I killed it by ramming a spear through its stomach, causing it to fall back on its rider."

"I see. Well this thing ain't gonna have a rider, so we gotta be more careful. Animals like this often work better when they're lookin' out for themselves," Arthur explained, coming to a stop. "The tracks are lookin' real fresh now. We're gettin' close. I think we should set some bait and wait for a chance to strike."

"Okay," Goblin Slayer nodded, grabbing the leather wrapped pouch from his waist and holding it out to Arthur. The cowboy took it and opened it up, revealing a predator bait he made while they were in town.

"If this monster's as smart as Guild Girl was sayin', the bait'll only work once. We should keep our distance from it and I'll try to kill it with my long rifle," Arthur suggested, pulling the Rolling Block off of his shoulder.

"How far will you go?"

"We don't wanna get our scent everywhere. He'll pick up on us if we're too close. Come on," Arthur said, leading Goblin slayer back on their previous trail. The forest was at a bit of slump as it was at the foot of a mountain, so the two went back down about thirty meters. Checking his rifle to make sure it was loaded, Arthur hugged a large tree and kept his eyes open as he watched the forest.

"Keep quiet. If it hears us, it'll likely bolt. I won't take a shot 'til I've got a good sight on it."

"Alright. I'll have an arrow ready," Goblin Slayer nodded, knocking his cheap bow but keeping from drawing it. And now the two played the waiting game, eyes twitching back and forth between the bait and the forest. They had left for the forest at midday, and so now the sun was starting to lower around them. Some time passed, but both hunters remained patient. If they jumped the gun too quickly, they might end up losing their target completely.

"Movement."

Arthur nodded silently, eyes narrowing as he slowly raised his rifle. He could see the foul creature slowly rising up from the brush, its mangled and ugly form making his skin crawl.

"Thing's uglier than the poster…" He mumbled to himself, getting better focus on the beast as it cautiously trotted toward the bait.

"Do you have a shot?" Goblin Slayer asked in a whisper.

"Almost… need it to come a bit closer to the bait…" Arthur said, the setting sun doing him no favors as the glare started to get in his eye from a certain angle. He leaned out a bit farther, making sure he had good line of sight on the howler.

"Almost… just a little more…"

Arthur's one small step became a big mistake. He stepped on a particularly noisy branch, causing the howler to immediately put its head up in alert. "Ah-shit! Take it down!"

Arthur let a round fly from his rifle, but his aim not quite on target as it punched a hole through the howler's shoulder. It wailed in pain, staggering for a moment as it looked around in panic. Goblin Slayer loosed an arrow, but the howler knelt down and let the arrow get caught in its quills. Its head quickly snapped to the two, watching as Arthur quickly loaded another round and took aim.

*SKRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH~!*

Arthur and Goblin Slayer buckled over, the cowboy covering his ears as the howler let out a piercing wale. His ears were particularly strong when compared to most others due to the often use of his guns, but the howler's screech was more piercing and high toned than anything he'd ever heard before.

Once it finally stopped, it took a moment for Arthur and Goblin Slayer to bring their attention back up. The howler was already on the run, somewhat limping from the bullet wound but still moving rather fast.

"Come on! We gotta finish it off!" Arthur called out, slinging his rifle back onto his shoulder and taking off in a sprint. Goblin Slayer wordlessly followed, his bow already slung and sword in hand. Arthur tried to keep the beast in his sights, but the dimming sky didn't help to keep their target completely visible.

"I'm losing sight on it," Goblin Slayer said, looking at Arthur.

"Shit, so am I. I can't…" Arthur and Goblin Slayer slowed to a stop, watching as the sun's light only continued to dim. "Shit… okay, we're gonna have to take this slow. I can track it from the signs, but we need to be on guard. That thing might be hurt but it's still big as a bear and probably pissed."

"Okay. I'll keep on guard while you track," Goblin Slayer said, gripping his short sword.

"Good idea, but… that sword's only gonna help when that bastard's real close…" Arthur unslung his shotgun, holding it out to Goblin Slayer. "You remember what I showed you about shootin' this?"

"Yes," Goblin Slayer nodded, taking the gun and turning it over. "Hold it tight and breath out as I shoot."

"You might not have the time to breath out, dependin' on what this thing tries. But knowin' you, you'll keep a cool head either way," Arthur drew his Schofield, keeping it in his right hand while he started to follow the trail of blood and tracks created from the howler's retreat. They kept their pace steady, not moving too quick and constantly on guard.

"The trail's startin' to get weaker… I think it slowed down around here…" Arthur mumbled, cocking the hammer of his gun. He followed the blood trail closely, the howler's movement started to take them in another direction. It was starting to come to a head, causing Arthur to look up. "Alright… that thing's close by. Get ready for-"

*SKRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH~!*

Arthur and Goblin Slayer groaned as their ears were filled with the howlers cry. Arthur grit his teeth, realizing that the howler had lured them in for a trap. It was using its screech to throw them off his location. With that in mind, Arthur forced himself to stand straight and look for their target.

But then the screeching stopped. And before he knew it, bursting from the brush, the howler lunged at them. Arthur dived out of the way as did Goblin Slayer, narrowly avoiding a tackle from the beast. As they both spun to their backs, they watched the howler hiss as it stalked around them, apparently trying to figure out its target. But as Arthur took aim first, the howler seemed to realize the danger, quickly hopping on top of Arthur.

Arthur narrowly avoided a claw in his shoulder, the howler stooping over him and letting out a hungry growl before lunging for a bite. Arthur didn't avoid this one, large jagged teeth digging into his shoulder.

"Agh~!" He cried in pain, his left arm going numb. Relying on instinct, Arthur quickly pulled a knife from his belt and stabbed into its ribs, forcing the howler to release his shoulder and hiss in pain. That was when he heard his shotgun go off. The howler arched its back in pain, letting out a blood curdling cry. Another blast from the shotgun rang out, causing the howler to fall to the side and away from Arthur.

With breathing room made, Arthur sat up and ignored the raging pain in his left arm, drawing his Schofield up and holding it next to his left hand. "Just die already, you goddamn animal!"

Time seemed to slow down as Arthur took a moment to pick his shots. And with his hand positioned just right, he fanned the hammer of his revolver, loading each round into the hairless face of the howler. It didn't have another chance to let out a cry, its body falling limp to the ground with a heavy thud.

Arthur took long breathless heaves, dropping his Schofield as he fell back to the ground. He regretted that decision as he felt the sting of his bite wound, gritting his teeth in pain."Well… that coulda gone better…"

"Here. Drink," Goblin Slayer said, rushing to his side and offering a single glass bottle. Taking it, Arthur breathed out in relief as he felt the wound begin to heal and the pain slowly go away.

"Th-Thanks partner… shit…" Arthur groaned, slowly sitting up and nursing his arm. "That thing almost took a chunk outta me. Definitely smarter than most animals I've hunted. At least when alone."

"Yeah. It acted more intelligently than the one I killed with a rider," Goblin Slayer nodded, offering a hand to help Arthur up. Arthur took it, letting out a low groan as his shoulder slowly recovered. "You were right."

"Well, guess it couldn't have all gone so smooth. Job's done, at least," Arthur sighed, looking down at the howler's corpse and nudging it with his toe. "Ugly bastard… So, how was the shotgun?"

Goblin Slayer held it up, inspecting it for a moment before holding it out to Arthur. "Not bad. Effective at close range."

"That it is. Great for huntin' big ones like this thing," Arthur took it, slinging its back on his shoulder. "Let's go get our money."


"Jesus… gonna have to get my shirt stitched up after that…" Arthur grumbled, poking a finger through the holes left by the howler's teeth. He and Goblin Slayer had made camp on the way back to the Frontier, deciding to rest for the night rather than rush home. "The chainmail at least helped from keepin' the bastard from diggin' too deep."

"You reacted quickly," Goblin Slayer noted, drawing Arthur's attention from across the fire between them. "Have you been bitten like that before?"

"A couple times. It was certainly one of the nastiest things to try and take a chunk outta me, though," Arthur admitted, rolling his shoulder. "By the way, I've got a potion you can have for what you gave me."

"It's fine. We'll have plenty of money from the job after this," Goblin Slayer shook his head.

"Well… alright, if you're sure. Well, if we go on another hunt like this, I'll be sure to get our medicine for us this time," Arthur offered.

"Okay."

Silence fell between them. Something Arthur was more than used to sitting through when it came to working with Goblin Slayer. But he knew better than to push any talk. Goblin Slayer was a man of few words. Arthur could respect that. It didn't always make for fun conversation, but still.

"Thank you."

Arthur blinked, looking up at Goblin Slayer in surprise. "For what?"

"For taking me hunting. I need the money," was Goblin Slayer's short answer. Arthur raised a brow but felt a small smirk play on his lips.

"Well, you let me come along the first time around. Seemed only fair that I'd return the favor eventually."

"I see."

"So, now that you've gotten a taste for somethin' outside of goblin huntin', think you'll be doin' it again?" Arthur asked, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it on their campfire.

"Perhaps. If there are no goblin quests," Goblin Slayer shrugged, earning a small chuckle from Arthur.

"Well… that's better than not at all, I suppose. Cheers to our first hunt without a single goblin in sight," Arthur held up a leather flask before taking a drink. He let out a small cough and smacked his lips. "Shit… and I thought our booze was somethin'..."

He held the flask out to Goblin Slayer to be polite, not expecting him to accept it. So imagine his surprise when Goblin Slayer took it slowly before taking a small swig. His reaction was small, letting out a brief cough before holding it back out to Arthur. Arthur numbly took it back, staring in shock for a moment before a smirk played on his lips.

"Heh. And here I thought you wouldn't take a drink."

"Some is fine. But I don't drink often."

"Ever been drunk?" Arthur decided to venture.

"No," Goblin Slayer answered easily.

"That don't surprise me. Still, I gotta admit… you got me wonderin' what kinda drunk you'd be." Arthur hummed, scratching the scruff of his chin.

"I couldn't say," Goblin Slayer shrugged.

"Well… how about we make a game of it? Next time we go on a goblin hunt, the both of us gotta take a shot after for every goblin we kill?" Arthur suggested with some amusement.

"We'd likely die."

"Hahah! Yeah, that's a good point. Too many of those little bastards to make a drinkin' game of it," Arthur laughed, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Well, I doubt I'll get you drunk tonight, but how about another sip to toast our first drink together," Arthur took another long swig before letting out a strangled breath and passing it over. Goblin Slayer accepted it again, taking a shorter drink but nonetheless accepting his offer.

"So… that your first hunt that didn't involve a goblin?" Arthur asked, his mood rising as the alcohol set in.

"I've hunted for food before," Goblin Slayer said, handing him the flask again.

"Ah, that makes sense. Man's gotta eat," Arthur nodded, setting the flask down. "Still, guess you don't got a reason to for the most part. The guild makes pretty good food for us. Plus we always seem to survive off provisions when we're workin'."

"I usually eat at home."

That drew Arthur's curiosity. "You cook for yourself?"

"Not at home. My friend usually does."

"Oh, okay. This a lady?"

"Yes."

Arthur blinked, genuinely surprised to hear that. "Well… I'll be damned. You married?"

"No."

"Oh… family, then?"

"Old friend. That's all." Goblin Slayer answered easily.

"Huh… okay... " Arthur was curious about the details of that, but didn't push his luck. All he would get would be short answers, anyway. "Well… I'll have to meet this friend o' yours one day. Have to ask them what it's like to live with a walkin' statue."

"Okay," Goblin Slayer nodded.

"Ah, you're no fun to tease," Arthur waved a hand, leaning back into the log he was using as a chair. "Though I guess that's part of your charm. Ladies seem to love that stoic, serious thing you got going on."

"What do you mean?" Goblin Slayer tilted his helmet in question.

"Forget it. She probably'd be mad if I said somethin'," Arthur chuckled, shaking his head as he stared up at the two moons. Green and red. Still blows me away.

"You still plan on hunting goblins?"

Arthur drew his attention back to Goblin Slayer, raising a brow. "Pardon?"

"You still want to go goblin hunting with me?" Goblin Slayer asked.

"Well, sure. Why not?"

"It doesn't pay well. And you are capable enough on your own," Goblin Slayer suggested.

"What, you tryin' to get rid of me, now?" Arthur asked, raising a brow.

"No. But still curious." the stoic adventurer admitted. Arthur knew he wouldn't lie, and nodded in understanding.

"Alright… well, I guess I just… like workin' with a partner," Arthur shrugged. "I don't mind workin' alone 'course, but I… well… guess it just ain't nearly as… fun as workin' with someone I trust. Not to say that I hunt goblins for fun or anythin', but it… certainly adds to it. If that makes sense…" Arthur awkwardly scratched his scruff, unsure how to articulate what he was trying to say.

"I see," Goblin Slayer said, seemingly understanding his point, at least. That or dropping it to spare him the embarrassment. Arthur was happy with either reason. "To more dead goblins, then."

Arthur took a moment to figure out what he meant before finally smirking, grabbing the leather flask and holding it up. "Damn right. To watchin' the little bastards burn."

Arthur took a big swig before passing it to Goblin Slayer, the stoic adventurer taking his longest drink yet.

To Be Continued…

Seriously, the speed that this story gained traction still surprises me. Thank you everyone for your continued support.

Well, that was a fun little chapter. Just thought I'd get a little more into the combo that is Goblin Slayer and Arthur. It was pretty fun to take them out and have them slay the D&D monster Howler. It was definitely one of the creatures that stuck out to me as a difficult hunt considering its size and strength. Especially for two guys who have never hunted something like it before, even with both being experienced.

Oh and I guess that makes for a small announcment: to spice up some original chapters, I may add more and more D&D monsters/creatures to the mix in the future. Since the Goblin Slayer world is built around the idea of that game, I figured it makes for a safe place to take certain things from. Hope you all don't mind.

Anyways, that's it for this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed! Please feel free to leave a follow, a favorite and a review if you'd be so kind!