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

Chapter 9

"... How can she ride such a thing..?"

High Elf Archer stared out the back of their transport carriage, watching as the petite and frail looking Priestess rode slowly behind them on Mastiff's back. Arthur suggested that, as part of her practice, she rides the giant dog until they make camp. For the first hour, Priestess had trouble balancing and keeping up. But as time went on, she was able to figure out the trick to remaining calm and keeping herself steady. That didn't lessen any of the shock HEA and her companions felt as they watched Priestess slowly master the art of riding her mount.

"You're doin' good! Whenever you're ready to take a break, let me know." Arthur called out, smiling as he sat at the edge of the back across from HEA, arm leaning on the edge of the back.

"Your group is full of oddities. I daresay more so than our own," Dwarf Shaman laughed.

"I've heard of certain beasts being used as mounts. Seeing such a petite young woman ride such a large beast is a sight to behold," Lizard Priest stroked his chin in interest.

"Hey, she wanted the big guy. I was plannin' to get her a horse." Arthur shrugged.

"I'm ready. We've been going for a while," Priestess called out, approaching the back of the wagon slowly. Arthur stood up and reached forward, picking Priestess up under her arms almost like a child and foisting her up. After setting her down, Arthur tied the reins to the back.

"We should set up camp soon. It's getting dark." Goblin Slayer noted.

"Yeah. The big fellow will be alright 'til then." Arthur nodded, sitting back down. Priestess sat next to Goblin Slayer, leaning on him tiredly.

"So… is he friendly?" HEA asked, her eye twitching as she slowly extended a shaky hand toward Mastiff. She retreated when the massive dog looked right at her, its giant head leaning into the carriage. "He-Hey! Don't-" And slobbered its giant tongue across her face. "AGH!"

"Looks like our big boy likes you!" Arthur laughed, reaching out and petting the dog's head. "Who's a good boy?"

"Isn't he the most adorable thing?" Priestess said, her expression glowing as she looked at her mount with pride.

"S-Sure…" the elf said as she wiped the saliva from her face.

"We're pulling off the path! There's a good spot for you lot to set up camp!" The wagon driver announced from the front. As dusk arrived, the group soon left the wagon and made camp next to several gathered logs, likely left behind by other adventurers in the past. As the two moons illuminated the night, the group set up a fire and started a hot pot of soup. Strangely enough, Arthur set up a smaller pot to the side with a small pit of fire on its own, though he kept what was inside lidded.

"So, why did you all become adventurers?" High Elf Archer asked, looking at her companions curiously.

"For the glorious food, of course." Dwarf Shaman smiled as Lizard Priest handed him and Arthur a meat skewer. "What about you?"

"I wanted to see the outside world, and everything it-"

"This is delicious!"

"Hey! I'm talking here!"

"This is pretty damn good…" Arthur nodded, chewing on a piece himself.

"I'm most pleased to hear you like it." Lizard Priest gave a sharp toothed smile that was somewhat intimidating. "It is made from a swamp creature."

"Like an alligator?" Arthur asked curiously, taking another bite.

"Correct! Are you familiar with this meat, Mister Gunslinger?"

"I've hunted a few. Almost been eaten by a few, too." Arthur chuckled, taking another bite. "Good meat if you cook it right. Thanks."

"Ugh. That doesn't look appetizing to me…" HEA stuck her tongue out in disgust.

"A sheltered elf like yourself wouldn't know the glories of fire roasted meats, would you? A shame," Dwarf Shaman chuckled, causing her to click her tongue in irritation.

"Don't worry, there's plenty of soup to eat, instead." Priestess offered with a kind smile. The petite young woman was currently leaning back against Mastiff, who wrapped around her like a mother dog to its pup, laying on its side. Priestess had to maneuver quite a bit to escape his furry embrace to pour a bowl.

"Oh, thanks!" HEA took the bowl and sipped on the broth, letting out a content sigh. "Delicious!"

"As for my own reasons, I became an adventurer so that I may raise my status by rooting out heresy, with the hopes of becoming a dragon." Lizard Priest declared, bringing the topic back to HEA's question.

"Oh, I see." Priestess nodded in understanding.

"You can become a dragon?" Arthur asked incredulously.

"It is more of a title than a true transformation. Though I will indeed grow in stature due to such a change."

"Huh. Guess you learn somethin' different all the time."

"Well, Gunslinger? What about you?" HEA asked, crossing her arms as she regarded him curiously. "Why'd you become an adventurer?"

Arthur scratched at his beard, looking down at the fire in thought. "I guess it was 'cause I'm only good at a few things. Bein' an adventurer was the most honest way of puttin' 'em to use."

"'Honest'?" HEA repeated in wonder, looking at her companions in question.

"That's the nice way of puttin' it. Best to leave it at that." Arthur said, giving a wry smile.

"If you say so…" HEA mumbled, scratching her head in thought. All attention then shifted to the final member of the group, Goblin Slayer sitting silently next to Lizard Priest.

"Goblins."

"Yeah, I guess we all figured that one." HEA sighed as everyone else gave a sheepish chuckle.

"The soup was delicious, thank you. In return, I'll give you my own special treat," HEA reached into her satchel and produced a small leaf wrap. Unwinding it, HEA produced several square bread loaves, offering one to Priestess. "Elven traveling rations, or lembas bread. We aren't supposed to share them with others, but this is a special occasion."

"Oh, thank you!" Priestess took a square, nibbling at the corner before her face lit up. "Oh, wow! It's so good!"

"Happy to hear!" HEA winked at her.

"If we're exchanging offerings, I suppose I'll contribute as well." Dwarf Shaman spoke up, pulling a jug out from behind him. "A special brew of my kind! We call it fire wine!"

"Fire wine?" HEA tilted her head curiously.

"Ah, that stuff. Only heard about it, but never tasted any." Arthur said, perking up in interest.

"Surely someone of your advanced age and maturity has had a sip or two of drink before?" Dwarf Shaman sneered as he held the jug out to High Elf Archer.

"I'd be careful with that. It might not be a good idea to be drinkin' somethin' so strong right before we hunt in the mornin'. Especially someone small as you." Arthur smirked, deciding to egg on the elf.

"Why you-who do you all think you're talking to?! I can handle a drink just fine! Give it here!" HEA snatched the ladelle from Dwarf Shaman and fished up a good amount of wine before taking a drink. Her face immediately turned red, dropping the ladelle as her breath caught in her throat. After several seconds, she finally coughed, holding her neck as she hunched over.

"Would you like some water?" Priestess asked in concern, all the while Arthur and Dwarf Shaman bellowed with laughter.

"Come on, Loud Hunter! Beard Cutter! Take a drink for yourselves!" Dwarf Shaman offered, holding the jug out.

"Well, I guess if the lil' lady did." Arthur chuckled, scooping out some of the drink with a tin cup. He took a quick swig before gasping, eyes blowing up in shock. "Je~sus! No wonder she's practically dyin'! That's some strong stuff!"

"Only the strongest from the dwarves!" the shaman laughed as Goblin Slayer silently sipped from the ladelle.

"I-I'll have you know that I was not dying!" HEA hissed out drunkenly, pointing an accusing finger at Arthur. Her face was red and her movements were obviously unbalanced. "I am in tip-top shape!"

Arthur raised a brow, setting his cup down. "That brew hit her real quick, huh? Guess I'm not surprised."

"Y-You don't know what you're talkin' about!" HEA huffed, sticking her finger closer to his face. "I could shoot an apple off yer head with muh eyes closed!"

"I'll have to pass on that idea."

"F-Fine! Be that way!" HEA grumbled, falling over in place. She quickly scrambled on all fours, crawling around the logs over to Goblin Slayer. "And you! Why dun' you at least take yer helmet off! We're eatin' here!" She drunkenly clawed at his helmet, forcing Goblin Slayer into an awkward position.

"In case of an ambush. I don't want to get hit in the head and knocked out." Goblin Slayer answered, sounding unusually restrained.

"Thass so lame~! Come on, you an' Al Federear gotta give somethin' too!" HEA said, occasionally giggling for no reason.

"Well, what I can offer is more for whoever stands watch tonight. But if y'all wanna try, go ahead." Arthur said, reaching over to the pot he had cooking. He opened the lid, revealing a dark liquid inside, pouring a cup. "Any of you had coffee before?"

"Coffee? You mean those little black beans?" Dwarf Shaman raised a brow. "I've never tried a brew made from it."

"It's good stuff. Once you get used to it, of course. It'll keep you up and alert when you need it. Guild Girl fell in love almost immediately." Arthur said, pouring a cup of coffee and handing some out. "You can put milk in it for taste, but I don't got any on me."

Arthur had come across a merchant selling coffee beans for cheap. It seemed that the people of the land had yet to discover their use aside from chewing them, which Arthur was quick to do. He ended up popularizing it in town, and worked out a deal with some of the shop owners in town to brew some for customers and sell it. It was looking to be another successful business venture like he had done with pencils.

"Oh, oh, oh! Is it sweet? I want some!" HEA said, hopping on top of Mastiff and leaning over his head. To the dog's credit, it had reacted as if she weren't there, in fact turning its head to Arthur so that she was facing him.

"It's bitter. I doubt you'll like it. But it might help get your head clear after that drink." Arthur chuckled. "But get off the dog before you do. I don't want you spillin' on him and causin' a wild bear attack."

HEA puckered her lips for a moment before huffing and digging her face into Mastiff's fur. "No! He's too cuddly. Keep your coffee!"

"I'm sure you'll get plenty in the mornin' anyway." Arthur chuckled before taking a sip from his own cup.

"It certainly does have a bitter flavor to it. But the aftertaste isn't so bad…" Dwarf Shaman noted, stroking his chin in interest.

"The aroma is intoxicating despite the differing flavor. It makes the brew strangely appetizing." Lizard Priest said, sipping from his cup.

"I used to not like it much, but it really does help when you're tired. I would drink a few cups when we would go on quests periodically." Priestess admitted, scratching the back of her head.

"Sorry for pushing you…" Goblin Slayer said somewhat shamefully.

"Hey! It's your turn to give something, Goblin Slayer! Your turn!" HEA said, perking her chin up on the dog's head again. Goblin Slayer was silent for a moment before fishing into his bag, producing a wheel of cheese wrapped in cloth and unveiling it for the others.

"Will this do?"

"Whatever is that?" Lizard Priest blinked in interest, hovering over the block.

"Cheese. It's made from fermented cow or goat's milk, then hardened."

"You've never heard of cheese, Scaly?" Dwarf Shaman asked in disbelief.

"My people hunt livestock. We do not raise any of our own, so products like this are unknown to us." Lizard Priest explained, picking up the cheese wheel by the cloth and inspecting it with great care.

"If you've got anymore of that meat left, you should try meltin' some and puttin' it on top. Cheese makes for a helluva toppin'." Arthur said, causing Lizard Priest to raise a scaly brow in wonder. "But melt it a little first, then eat it."

"Oh! Oh! Lemme cut it! I-agh!" the drunken elf fell with little grace from the dog's back, hitting the grass with a plop. She popped back up in a hurry, holding up a dagger and grinning. "I'll cut it real good!"

"Careful not to cut yourself…" Arthur muttered, somewhat worried that the drunk was wielding a knife so freely.

"I'm fine! Shhh! Shhh!" HEA hushed him, causing Arthur to chuckle and raise his hands in surrender. Surprisingly enough, she cut the cheese into fine, even slices for everyone to take.

Lizard Priest stuck the end of his cheese slice and melted it over the fire, allowing it to cook until it oozed enough to almost fall off. He quickly took a bite before it could. His expression lit up immediately, his tail flailing behind him in excitement. "Sweet NECTAR~! This is surely the nectar of the gods!"

"I think the big guy liked it."

"Why, this is quite the quality cheese!" Dwarf Shaman complimented as he and the others began to eat their own.

"This cheese comes from that farm you live on, right?" Priestess asked.

"Yes."

"It's wonderful!"

"Good." Goblin Slayer turned his head slightly. "Don't touch." A drunken HEA flinched as she was caught in the act of creeping behind Goblin Slayer, reaching for something in his satchel. "It's dangerous."

"I just wanted a peek…" She whined, looking away from him with a pout.

"Not a good idea."

"Someone needs to go to sleep already." Arthur sighed, pushing off his seat and going over to HEA.

"Oh, come on~! I'm fine!" HEA complained as she childishly waved her arms as Arthur picked her up. She was surprisingly light in his grip, he noted. "I've never seen a magic scroll before! I'm curious!"

"Magic scrolls are highly dangerous items, containing magic long lost to us. They require no skill to wield. Unravel it and it shall cast itself." Lizard Priest noted with interest.

"More often than not, parties will rely on their own magic and sell scrolls to collectors rather than use them." Dwarf Shaman added.

"Well, at least tell me what spell's in it!" HEA groused as Arthur set her down against Mastiff, allowing herself to fall into the comfortable fur of the now sleeping behemoth.

"No."

"Why not?!"

"What if you're captured and tell the goblins?"

"That's stupid…" HEA mumbled, digging her face into the fur. "You just don't like me, do you?!"

"I'm not particular."

"Hmph! Whatever…" HEA spread her arms out, vainly attempting to wrap around Mastiff's body. "You like me at least, right giant dog?" Mastiff was still out cold of course, eliciting a giggle from HEA. "Of course you do…"

"Remind me to get her drunk again if you guys hang around." Arthur laughed next to Dwarf Shaman.

"Yes, she isn't such a hassle to be around when she's quite drunk, eh?"

"I heard that, you cave dweller!" She lifted her head to retaliate before falling back into the fur.

"By the way, there is something that I've longed to know." Lizard Priest spoke up, bringing their attention to him. "Where is it that goblins come from exactly? I was taught that they come from a kingdom deep underground."

"When I was young, the Sisters at the orphanage would tell us that if you misbehave, a goblin appears." Priestess said this time.

"Huh? Are you serious?" HEA lifted her head up to look at Priestess in disbelief.

"Sounds like somethin' to keep kids from actin' up." Arthur pointed out.

"Pretty much. Kids won't misbehave if they think it'll create a goblin."

"If that were true, I'd have made enough to flood the country." Arthur laughed.

"I heard…" eyes moved to Goblin Slayer, as the stoic adventurer spoke without being addressed for once. "I heard that goblins come from the moon."

"The moon? One of the ones above us?" Lizard Priest asked curiously.

"Yes. The green moon. On that moon, there are no trees or water or food. It is a baron place, which makes the goblins envy us. They grew jealous because we have what they don't."

"Does… that mean shooting stars are goblins?" HEA asked in mild interest, propping herself up to look at him.

"I'm not sure. But what I do know is that when you become jealous of someone, you become like a goblin."

"Who told you all this?" Priestess asked.

"My older sister."

"You have an older-" Arthur put a hand on Priestess's shoulder, shaking his head.

"Had." Goblin Slayer answered regardless. "I had an older sister."

Well. That's one clue as to why he's like that. Arthur thought as he watched Goblin Slayer gaze up at the green moon.

"I'm not sure if it's true… all I know for sure is that my sister never made mistakes."

A quiet spell passed over them, Goblin Slayer's head only drooping over a bit. Arthur raised a brow before standing up and pushing his shoulder. "Looks like he fell asleep."

"Ah, so the fire wine finally kicked in, eh?" Dwarf Shaman chuckled.

"Perhaps this is a good time for us all to rest. We have a long day ahead of us." Lizard Priest suggested, standing from his seat. "We can take turns keeping watch."

"I'll take first watch." Arthur offered, standing up from his seat and picking up his pot. "Might as well put this coffee to use, after all."

"Thank you, Mister Gunslinger." Priestess smiled before going over to Goblin Slayer and draping a blanket over his shoulders. She trailed her hand to his chest plate, looking back at Arthur in concen. "His sister… was she…?"

"Probably. I haven't asked myself, but… some things are best left unanswered." Arthur answered with a grim expression. "Come on. Get yourself to sleep."

Priestess nodded silently, pulling away from Goblin Slayer and joining HEA to cuddle into Mastiff's fur. Arthur took a seat next to Goblin Slayer, lighting a cigarette as his eyes drifting up to the green moon.


The sun dipped over the mountains in the distance, the orange of a sunset grazing over the open country. Just below a hill hidden from that sun, a brick built entrance stood, guarded by two goblins and a small wolf. The goblins stood boredly as they watched the dull trees and land ahead of them, nothing of note catching their eye. But as they fought their own desire to sleep, a small glint in the air caught one's eye. But as it looked up to see, the goblin soon found its head pierced through the side, an arrow driving right through it and then through the goblin next to it. The wolf stood up, ready to howl, only for another arrow to pierce through its skull.

"That was amazing…"

With the cave's watch dead, the party of six and Mastiff came out from the foliage, High Elf Archer raising her head proudly as they approached the entrance.

"Truly splendid. Was that some form of magic?" Lizard Priest inquired.

"I know that it can be hard to tell the difference between magic and mastered techniques." HEA smiled as she put her hands on her hips.

"I'm not fully convinced this ain't magic." Arthur stroked his chin, causing the elf to glare at his back. "An arrow can barely go through one person. Goblins are small, sure, but they ain't that flimsy."

"Perhaps you just don't know high skill archery like I do?" HEA huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"If you say so." Arthur shrugged, knowing not to question too many of the things that happen in this world. He knelt down next to one of the bodies while Goblin Slayer did the same, both pulling out knives and cutting into their guts.

"H-Hey! What are you two doing?!"

"Goblins are sensitive to smells. Especially women, children, and elves." Goblin Slayer explained, soaking a rag in the goblin's blood.

"Hey, you can put yours on Priestess. I'll give the elf her shower," Arthur smirked deviously, making sure to seep his own rag deep into the goblins blood and only squeezing out a little.

"Okay."

"W-Wait! You can't be serious!" HEA recoiled from them, turning to Priestess for help. "M-Make them stop!"

"You get used to it." Priestess said with a wry smile, her eyes blank as painful acceptance stretched across her face.

"N-No way…"

"Now, hold still, lil' lady. It'll only stink for the rest of the day." Arthur chuckled as he held the rag above her head.

"Don't you da-" Arthur squeezed the rag, blood seeping down HEA's head and body, causing her to squirm in disgust. "Gods, why?!"

"Normally I'd make a joke, but… even I must be sympathetic to this case," Dwarf Shaman grimaced as he watched.

"Perhaps keep reminding yourself that it's for the good of the party. We do not wish to alert the goblins of our presence through a small mistake being unprepared." Lizard Priest supplied.

"It doesn't help~," HEA whined as she plugged her nose. "And it reeks!"

"Don't worry, lil' lady! It doesn't quite stain like regular blood if that helps." Arthur tossed the rag aside, wiping what blood was left on his hands on her shoulders. "I think we're ready now."

"Okay. Let's go." Goblin Slayer turned to look at Mastiff. "He should stay here. He'll take up too much space in the tunnel."

"True enough. While a likely good companion in a more open area to fight and hunt, Mastiff might make it difficult to maneuver in a tight space with the party." Lizard Priest agreed.

"Oh, I see… that's too bad," Priestess frowned, walking up to Mastiff and putting her hands on its gigantic face. "I need you to stay and guard the tunnel entrance, okay? Don't let any goblins get away."

Mastiff licked her face despite the blood, sitting patiently like an alert guard dog at the edge of the entrance.

"Thank you, Mastiff. We'll be back." Priestess smiled before moving to join Goblin Slayer.

"Good boy." Arthur walked up and scratched the dog's ear a bit before the group proceeded forward, Goblin Slayer leading the way with a torch. Unlike most of the caves and mines that goblins occupied, this one was paved with stone walls and tiled floor. Across the surface were old faded paintings, depicting some sort of battle between monsters and people.

"This ruin is quite ancient. It might have been a shrine once." Lizard Priest commented in interest.

"It looks like some kind of battle took place here during the age of the gods. It might have even been a fortress…" Priestess muttered, tracing her fingers across the painting. "Whatever the case, this place was definitely made by humans."

"And now the goblins have taken up refuge here in their place after it was abandoned. What a terrible joke."

"Ugh…" HEA grumbled from the back, breaking the tense atmosphere with her squirming. "It feels so gross…"

"You okay there, elf?" Dwarf Shaman asked, retracting hi hand after briefly thinking of patting her shoulder.

"No, of course not!" HEA snapped, trembling with anger and stomping up to Arthur and Goblin Slayer. "Don't think I'll forget this after we're done here!"

"Understood."

"I'm sure you'll remember the smell plenty." Arthur teased, causing HEA to let out a frustrated grunt before stomping past them.

"Stop it, Mister Gunslinger," Priestess scolded, nudging Arthur in the side.

"Ah, come on now. I'm just havin' a little fun." Arthur didn't bother to hide the smirk on his face, only letting it drop as the blonde continued to stare at him with a puffy cheeked glare. "Oh, alright. I'll save it for after."

"Wait!" HEA called back, causing the party to stop dead in their tracks. She immediately stooped low to the ground, her eyes narrowed critically.

"Is it an alarm?" Goblin Slayer asked.

"I think so… I only noticed it because it's fairly new." HEA explained, her eyes scanning the ground as she noted the kicked up dirt around one of the tiles.

"Those little monsters. This place could be crawling with traps." Dwarf Shaman cursed, stroking his beard in thought.

"Strange…" Goblin Slayer's helmet shifted slightly. "There are no totems around."

"What does that mean?" Dwarf Shaman asked.

"Oh, that there are no goblin shamans around." Priestess explained, well informed on the subject by now.

"That's good, then! We won't have to worry about spells flying around!" HEA said positively.

"Maybe, but maybe not." Arthur said, spitting to the side as he scratched the scruff of his chin. "Goblins without a shaman are usually too dumb to set traps. They only do that when one's around to tell 'em what to do."

"Exactly." Goblin Slayer nodded.

"So then… someone or something else is leading them?" Dwarf Shaman asked in minor disbelief.

"It's safe to assume so."

"I've heard many tales about the large nests you've bravely destroyed in the past," said Lizard Priest. "What would be your typical approach in eliminating them?"

"Burning them has been the preferred way since partnering with Gunslinger." Goblin Slayer stated, Arthur nodding casually along with him. "In some cases we'll smoke them out and eliminate them one by one. Forcing them into a river and drowning them is another way. There are many options. But those won't work now. Are there any tracks?"

HEA blinked as she was addressed, having stared at the two in a mixture of disgust and disbelief. Getting back to business, HEA turned back around to look at the marks. "It's hard to say. The floor is too smooth to tell."

"Allow me…" Dwarf Shaman knelt down, inspecting the floor. "Their hideout is to the left."

"How can you tell?"

"The floor is more worn in this direction. It looks as if they typically go left, then right, then left again. It's the far more treaded path." Dwarf Shaman elaborated skillfully, standing at full length.

"What do you suggest, sir Goblin Slayer?"

Goblin Slayer looked at Arthur, who shared a grave look of understanding. "We go right."

"Uh, didn't you just hear him say their hideout is left?" HEA asked in wonder.

"Yes. But if we go now, it'll be too late to go back." Goblin Slayer said, moving to the right without another word.

"Huh?"

"You'll understand soon enough." Arthur said, drawing his axe from his hip as he followed close after. The others hesitated for a moment before quickly catching up, trailing behind the two closely. As they continued down the path, a vile stench filled the air. It was potent enough to make their noses crinkle in pain, Lizard Priest putting both hands over his snout.

"What is that repulsive smell?!" Dwarf Shaman blurted out.

"It reeks worse than the blood!" HEA grit her teeth. Looking to the side, HEA could see an instinctual fear overcome Priestess as opposed to reacting just to the smell. What's wrong with her?

"It's okay. Don't think about it, just be ready." Arthur said to Priestess, gently gripping her shoulder in comfort as she trembled. Arthur pulled the bandana on his neck over his nose, his hand tightening over the grip of his axe.

"Breath through your nose. You'll get used to it." Goblin Slayer advised, stepping up to a door wooden door to their right before kicking it in. The stench became more pronounced, causing the newest members of the party to cover their noses.

"What is this place?!"

"A goblin waste heap." Goblin Slayer said.

"Watch your step here." Arthur advised, absent of humor. Goblin Slayer raised his torch as he neared the center of the room, a figure being made evident in the shadows. Much to their horror, a blonde elf woman was revealed, her body naked and covered in gashes and bruises from torture. HEA's reaction was instant, barfing into her hand as the sight overwhelmed her.

"By the gods…" Dwarf Shaman mumbled in dread.

"Poor miserable soul…" said Lizard Priest.

"P-Please… you have to…" a weak voice echoed, causing Priestess and HEA to inhale a breath.

"She's still alive!"

"Quick, a miracle!"

"Wait." Arthur held out a hand, stopping her short.

"W-What?! Why?!" Priestess asked pensively.

"Please… you… you must kill…" The girl uttered out weakly.

"I understand." Goblin slayer gripped his sword tight in hand.

"You got it?" Arthur asked, eyes narrowed.

"Yeah."

"W-Wait! She can still be helped!" Priestess cried out urgently.

"Don't do it!" HEA shrieked.

Goblin Slayer didn't bother to heed either of their pleas, dashing forward with his sword raised. Just as the girls prepared to cry out, a small blade flickered in the darkness below the elf.

"Please… kill this monster!"

A goblin burst from the shadows, a knife in hand. What little good it did it as Goblin Slayer sunk his short sword right into its skull. Priestess and HEA widened their eyes, watching as the armored adventurer drew his blade back from it.

"Three." He announced, flicking blood off his blade. "I don't know what you were all thinking, but I only came here to kill goblins."

"Have a little faith in us," Arthur said, moving past Goblin Slayer and working at the chains holding her up.

"Kill… kill them all…" the woman muttered, unable to lift her head to look at them.

"Of course." was Goblin Slayer's answer as he sheathed his sword.


"O, horns and claws of the father, Iguanodon, be four limbs and walk upon this earth with two legs... "

Arthur had to admit that Lizard Priest was still the most mysterious member in the party to him. He had never seen a faith based Lizardman before. And to see one of his miracles bring a few claws to life as a full sized, walking skeletal figure was quite the sight.

"A miracle of my ancestors. A dragontooth warrior." Lizard Priest explained, looking at Arthur.

"That was quite a sight. Never seen nothin' like that before. At least not from someone on my side." Arthur admitted.

"Here. I wrote a letter explaining everything." Priestess said, holding up a piece of parchment. Lizard Priest took it, ordering his summon to take the elf out.

"My dragontooth warrior will get her to the Elf Forest safely. Arthur's eyes followed the skeleton as it ran out, feeling some relief to know that she might make it, And we won't have to go back ourselves. Hopefully Mastiff don't try and take a bone.

"What the hell is going on?! I don't understand!"

Arthur craned his head back, looking to see the party's ranger curled up against the wall, wiping her eyes of tears. The cowboy sighed, feeling some sympathy for the elf. Even though Arthur was used to the brutal sight they saw, he knew it wasn't something you simply stomach with time. He still felt disgust every time. Arthur had simply gotten better at hiding it.

"Sorry if this ain't your ideal 'adventure'. But now you got a better idea of what's out there." Arthur said, his voice grave but not harsh. "Goblins do some mighty terrible things for bein' small."

"Mister Gunslinger!" Priestess whispered harshly.

"It's better she know now rather than later." Arthur dismissed her gaze. "That's just the reality of it."

"I've found it."

Arthur drew his gaze up to Goblin Slayer as he came back out from the room, a bag in his hand.

"What'd you find?"

"A map of the ruin. It was in a rucksack. It was likely the elf's bag." Goblin Slayer explained, pulling out a rolled up parchment and tossing the bag in front of HEA.

"Anything worth knowin'?" Arthur asked, walking up alongside him.

"Yes. The left was indeed the way toward their hideout. We have some ways to go, though." Goblin Slayer held the map up for them both to look at.

"So you didn't believe me?" Dwarf Shaman scoffed.

"I did. But the more information we have, the better." Goblin Slayer denied, causing the dwarf to grunt.

"He's just cautious like that. Don't mind him." Arthur chuckled before crouching down next to HEA. "Hey. I know that was rough, but we gotta get movin'."

"Mister Gunslinger, we can give her a little more-"

"No, he's right." Goblin Slayer dismissed, walking past them. "You can take the bag. We need to move."

"Both of you are-"

"It's alright." HEA's voice drew Arthur's attention to her, a look of fury in her eyes. "They're right. We need to go."

"Yes." Goblin Slayer nodded. "There are goblins to be slain."

HEA nodded in fierce determination, standing from her spot. "Okay!"

"Hey." Arthur gently grabbed her shoulder, HEA whipping her head back to look at him. "It's good to be angry enough to keep goin'. Makes it even easier to kill goblins. But don't let it get too much in your head."

"I'm fine." HEA pulled her shoulder away from Arthur, storming off after Goblin Slayer. Arthur clenched his jaw, looking at Priestess briefly. The blonde looked concerned of course, but neither knew what to say. There wasn't much to say really, so they decided to just push forward from there.

Arthur had to admit that he initially underestimated the size of the ruin. They wound up walking for several hours, much like one of the fortresses he and Goblin Slayer had infiltrated in the past. Though understandably, Arthur much preferred the usual fortress due to being above ground. They had briefly encountered several goblins along the way, HEA pushing herself quite a bit as she tried to take out the majority of goblins in their path.

But Arthur quickly caught on to her exhaustion. She was still shaken by earlier. While rage guided her arrows, it was overwhelming her. Her aim started to slip, and goblins nearly escaped to alarms when she would miss fatal shots. Arthur and Goblin Slayer were quick to rectify the mistake. It was at that time that they decided to take a break.

"How many miracles do we have left?" Goblin Slayer asked, a torch propped up on a stone to light the area they sat in. Lizard Priest and Dwarf Shaman sat across from him while Arthur leaned back against the stone wall, arms crossed and his hat tilted down over his face.

"I have three miracles left, but can only make one more of the dragontooth warrior." Lizard Priest explained, holding up the teeth used for his conjuring.

"I have about four or five miracles left myself," said Dwarf Shaman.

"I only used minor heal, so I have two miracles left." Priestess said, standing by HEA and giving her a flask of water. The elf greedily gulped down the contents.

"Don't drink too much. No more than a few sips." Goblin Slayer said, causing HEA to stop. "If you drink too much, it'll slow your blood flow and dull your movement."

"Mister Goblin Slayer! Can't you be more-"

"There's no need to act tough." Goblin Slayer spoke bluntly. "If you can come, come. If you can't, don't. It's as simple as that."

"But-"

"He's right." Arthur cut Priestess off, pushing up the brim of his hat. While he was more sympathetic, his expression remained stoney. "We don't wanna have her come along if she ain't good to keep goin'. We don't wanna lose people because they pushed too hard."

"I'm fine." HEA finally spoke, wiping off her lips before standing up. "I'll keep going. Besides, who will look out for traps and scout ahead if I don't?"

Technically I could, but I won't mention that. Arthur smirked, pushing his hat up.

"We'll make do with what we have." Goblin Slayer said not so tactfully.

"Guh! You're so… There's no way I can go back!" HEA finally blurted out in frustration. "After what they did that elf… My home is near here…"

"I see." Goblin Slayer nodded, standing up. "Then let's go."

HEA clicked her tongue, glaring at Goblin Slayer sideways. "Don't get so worked up, long ears. You cause a commotion on enemy ground." HEA opened her mouth to retort until Arthur stood from his seat.

"He's right, lil' lady. You'll get too riled up by what happened and make a mistake." Arthur said, walking up to HEA. "I know I ain't your favorite person, and I haven't exactly made it easy. But just know that revenge is a fools game. It'll make you mad, and you'll do somethin' stupid 'cause of it."

"You want me to just forget what happened to that girl?!" HEA snapped in frustration.

"Not at all. I want you to keep from lettin' what happened to her from bein' what pushes you." Arthur explained, pointing a finger. "Don't look at what we're doin' as revenge for her. Look it at like we're keepin' anyone else from gettin' the same treatment."

The elf's eyes softened, allowing Arthur and Dwarf Shaman's words to process. She spared a look at Priestess and Lizard Priest, both giving encouraging smiles. She let out a sigh, letting the anger built up inside dissipate somewhat. "Alright… I hear you. I hate taking advice from a dwarf and a jerk, but… you're both right."

"Nice to know you have such a high opinion of me." Arthur chuckled, resting his hands on his belt.

"Sounds like you're back on your feet, long ears. Just know that goblins are dwarves' mortal enemy." Dwarf Shaman declared, grinning. "We'll make sure that everyone gets their just desserts!"

"Right. Let's go!"


The echoes of light snoring filled the large, round hall of the underground ruin. Goblins were sprawled out across the ground, each sleeping peacefully as they awaited any order from their leader. Despite gathering in support of the new Demon Lord, it seemed that they had a strange amount of down time. They were even able to catch a wandering elf in their ruin and make sport out of her. It seemed that they could rest without a worry of intrusion in such a large ruin, as well.

One of their many mistakes.

*PFFFFT*

One of the goblins stirred from his sleep, slowly sitting up when he heard a strange sound above. He rubbed his eyes clear asa he noticed a thin veil of mist in the air. And on one of the spirals above, a stout dwarf stood, performing a strange dance.

"Drink and sing, spirits! Sing, dance and sleep like a log! Show me dreams of fire wine~!"

The goblin stared for a moment before opening his mouth to scream. His throat itched as no sound escaped his throat, causing him to gag as he looked up in confusion. Only to see a young woman standing on another ring.

"O merciful Earth Mother, grant us the peace to accept all things!"

The goblin continued to choke on its voice, only to be overwhelmed by a wave of drunkenness, falling to the ground asleep. With the reassurance that all of the goblins were fast asleep and unaware, Goblin Slayer lead the rest of the adventurers into the hall, each one brandishing a blade.

They quickly dispatched of any and all goblins in sight. HEA quickly took her blade to the first goblin she could, stabbing it repeatedly regardless of what life was left. She stopped after a fourth stab, looking at Arthur from the side. She remembered his words and tempered herself, taking a deep breath and moving on from the mutilated body in front of her and onto the next.

Don't let revenge drive you. Do it to keep others safe from it ever happening again.

Arthur spared HEA a glance as she moved onto another Goblin, her thrusts far less agitated as before. At least she's willin' to learn.

From there, the miracle's affect soon wore off. But not before every goblin was dead, blood staining the floor. Priestess and Dwarf Shaman came down from the upper levels, but each party member remained quiet. Goblin Slayer motioned silently to a large door at the end of the hall, the six getting ready to check it for the leader.

*THUMP*

The party froze, the ruin shaking around them as they heard heavy footsteps from within. A small breeze blew from the door with each thud, causing them all to quickly get on guard. The thumping grew louder until an enormous figure stepped out from the door, a large tar black foot stomping into the ground.

"No way…" HEA swallowed a lump in her throat, quickly drawing an arrow and putting it in her bow. "An ogre!"

"Ah, hell…" Arthur cursed, quickly drawing his revolvers and taking aim.

"I thought those goblins were being awfully quiet." The ogre's voice boomed as he towered above them. The creature was well over thirty feet tall, with a large muscular body and a brown beard across its jaw. In one hand, it wielded a long rectangular steel club that could be confused for a pillar. "Pathetic. They don't even make good foot soldiers."

"Oh, so you're not a goblin." Goblin Slayer said, a slight bit of disappointment in his inflection.

"What?! No, that's an ogre! An ogre!" HEA snapped in frustration. "Have you never heard of one before?!"

"Once from Gunslinger."

"Yeah, I've fought one before. Ain't no fun, neither." Arthur sighed, spitting off to the side. "Just picture it as a giant goblin, and we should be fine."

"Okay."

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"You bastards! How dare you compare me to those insect goblins!" The ogre growled in irritation as he glared at Goblin Slayer. "I was given this army by one of the Demon Lord's generals! I will not be mocked!"

"I knew there were more powerful beings. But I only heard about you and the Demon Lord's generals recently." Goblin Slayer answered honestly, putting his shield up.

"GRAAGH!" The ogre slammed his club into the ground next to him, causing a small wave of air to shake the ruin. "Fine then, worm! If you wish to see my power, I will show you!" It raised its arm, a flame forming in its palm. "Carbunlculus… Cresscunt... " It expanded in an instant, the ogre raising the raging flame over its head.

"A fireball is coming!" Dwarf Shaman screamed in fear.

"Scatter!" HEA suggested.

"Look at the size of that thing! Where would we go?!" Dwarf Shaman pointed out. Indeed, it was far too large to attempt to run, the flames likely to fill the entire floor when thrown.

"Guess this is where I come in." Arthur said, taking aim with both guns as sweat trailed down his brow. "You better cover those ears!"

"Huh?" HEA blinked, but followed his instrunction along with everyone else.

"What are you going to do, Sir Hunter?!" Lizard Priest asked in concern.

Arthur didn't answer. He focused, allowing the world around him to slow. He breathed out a long breath as steadied his hands. Once his targets were acquired, he fired both revolvers.

*BOOM BOOM*

In an instant, both eyes of the ogre exploded.

"GRAAAGH~!" It wailed in pain, losing focus of the magic as it brought both hands to its face. "What was that?! What did you do, you insect?!"

"Y-You shot his eyes… bu-but what are those things?!" HEA asked in alarm.

"Now ain't really the time to worry about it! He's gonna heal soon enough, so get movin' to higher ground!" Arthur waved his arm toward the upper level. "We gotta go for its head! That's the only way to kill it for sure!"

"Understood." Goblin Slayer nodded, looking back at Lizard Priest. "Create another dragontooth warrior. We'll need more support."

"Right away!" Lizard Priest threw the teeth onto the ground, conjuring his miracle and bringing them to life. He then produced another lone tooth, this time conjuring something else. "O sickle wings of the velociraptor… slice, fly, and hunt!" the tooth soon morphed into a sickle blade, Lizard Priest picking it up and swinging it around.

"Shit, if I had my rifle, this coulda been quick…" Arthur cursed, stuffing his revolvers away and unslinging his shotgun. Considering that they had gone into an underground ruin, he had elected to bring his bow instead of his Rolling Block rifle. "We need to get 'em on his knees! I'll blow his brains out if I can get close enough to his head!"

"Understood! Sir Mage, Sir Goblin Slayer! Let us cut away at his legs!" Lizard Priest said, charging ahead of them and slashing at the ogre's legs with his sickle. Goblin Slayer quickly followed after him, slashing at the opposite leg with his short sword.

"You bastards… You think you can force me to my knee so easily?!" The Ogre roared, gripping his large club and swinging wide with it. Lizard Priest and Goblin Slayer narrowly avoided the club as it didn't swing with any accuracy in mind.

"Time to work, you gnomes! Roll grains of sand together and they become rock!" Dwarf Shaman began to chant, tossing up a cloud of sand. The sand started to enlarge, each grain becoming large as small rocks. "Stone blast!" With a wave of his hand, the rocks shot out at the ogre, causing a small splash of dust as they shattered on impact. The ogre staggered back, eyes still covered as he tried to regain footing.

"What should I do?!" Priestess asked, sweat trailing down her face.

"Stay back! Save a miracle for when we really need it!" Arthur told her, taking aim with his shotgun and letting off several shots. Even though it plugged notable holes into the ogre's body, he watched as they soon healed, proving to only do minor damage in the long run.

"You damned human… You'll be made to suffer the longest!" The ogre snarled, pulling his hand away from his eyes to reveal that they were healed. Arthur attempted to aim at them again, only for the ogre to hold up his hand to block while the other reeled back for a swing. "I'll crush your lower half and let you live as the others are mutilated!"

"Ah, shit!" Arthur dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding the club. It still made a powerful impact, sending Arthur flying to the side and roll across the ground.

"Mister Gunslinger!" Priestess called to him in worry, rushing to his side.

"I said stay back!" Arthur shouted, gritting his teeth as he tried to regain his bearings.

"Hmph! Perhaps you don't have to die last…" The ogre cackled, holding his palm up as a flame formed in his palm again. "Take joy that you'll die with that girl in flames! Carbunculus.. Crescunt…"

"He's launching another fireball!" HEA warned, drawing an arrow and aiming for his eyes, only for the ogre to block her line of sight with his club.

"Run, Sir Hunter! Young Priestess!" Lizard Priest called out.

"Leave this to me!" Priestess said, quickly standing between Arthur and the ogre. "O, merciful Earth Mother! Protect us, the weak, with the powers of the earth!"

"Run, goddamn it!" Arthur said, pushing off the ground.

"Iacta!"

"Protection!"

As the ogre threw his fireball, Priestess created her barrier of light, stopping the blaze from reaching them. Her arms strained as she exerted her power with great difficulty, trying her best to hold out as the fireball pushed against the light. Arthur raised his gun to try and shoot through the barrier, but the fire was making it difficult to find his target. "It's barely holdin' out! Run while you can!"

"N-No! I'll… hold out!" Priestess grit her teeth, sweat beading down her face as her legs began to shake. "I won't… leave you…"

"Hah! You're going to fall soon enough, human! Burn with the other ant!" The ogre laughed, continuing his push against her light.

"Don't worry. It's over."

Arthur looked around when he heard Goblin Slayer's voice. Before he knew it, the flames that pushed against Priestess's barrier ceased. Instead, a blinding blue wave erupted through the air. Right through the ogre. Widening their eyes, the party watched as the ogre's body was cut into pieces, all the way up to its upper body. Before they knew it, the light faded. And as Arthur started to stand up, he felt water rush against the ground he stood on.

"Mister Goblin Slayer…" Priestess muttered, lowering her arms before falling back.

"Whoa there, lil' lady. I gotcha." Arthur said as he quickly caught Priestess in his arms. He looked back up to see Goblin Slayer walking up to the ogre's upper body, the monster still alive as it groaned in pain.

"W-What kind of… magic was that..?" The ogre asked in disbelief, looking up at Goblin Slayer as he approached with his sword drawn.

"A gate spell. I opened it to the bottom of the ocean." he explained simply. "I was planning to use it for a goblin nest. But this works fine, as well. So, you were an ogre, correct? Though I guess it doesn't matter now."

"That has to be the smartest idea I've ever heard to use on somethin' real small." Arthur chuckled, helping Priestess move forward with the others.

"Goblins?! You would have wasted such power against goblins?!" The ogre blanched in shock.

"Yes. Compared to goblins…" Goblin Slayer stepped on the ogre's head, his eye flashing red as he raised his blade. "You aren't very troublesome." Putting all his weight behind him, Goblin Slayer lodged his blade through the ogre's skull, the monster letting out one last blood curdling scream before dying out in the ruins.


"G-Good boy…"

*Grrrrrr*

Two elves stood on the outside of the ruin, both with arms raised as they tried to get past Mastiff. The gigantic dog remained in its seated position, but a low growl gurgled in its throat when they tried to get close.

"Mastiff. Down."

The dog's head spun back when a voice echoed from the entrance. Goblin Slayer was the first one out with the others trailing close behind. Mastiff quickly trotted over to Priestess, the petite girl smiling as she leaned into the large dog.

"A-Ah, hello dear adventurers! We thought he might be yours," the first elf greeted with an uneasy laugh. "We got your message and came as quick as possible! Tell us, are there any goblins lef-" he was swiftly ignored as the adventurers walked by him, moving toward one of the carts. The only one to acknowledge him was Arthur, who patted him on the shoulder as he passed. Though he still failed to say a word to him. They quietly climbed into the back, Priestess even ushering for Mastiff to jump in with them. The dog's weight made the cart creak, but he soon made his seat at the very back where Priestess could snuggle against him.

"Well then… you all get some rest back here. We're going to scout out the fortress for a moment and make sure all is well."

"Don't waste your time. They're dead." Arthur finally spoke, leaning back against the wood and placing his hat over his face.

"O-Oh. Alright then… I suppose we'll just head off."

The wagon finally began to move, the adventurers all soon falling asleep in their seats. Mastiff curled his body around Priestess as the petite blonde laid back and prepared to sleep.

"Hey…" HEA spoke before she could, the blonde turning her head to look at the elf. "Does he always do stuff like that?"

"Yes. He's always like that." Priestess admitted with a sheepish smile. "And Mister Gunslinger can sometimes encourage him."

"I see. They certainly seem to understand each other…" HEA sighed, looking at Arthur briefly.

"Yes. But despite how it seems, Mister Goblin Slayer is aware of his surroundings." Priestess said, reaching a hand out and trailing it down Goblin Slayer's shoulder. "He's not obligated to teach me anything, but will. And Mister Gunslinger… he acts rudely sometimes, but he cares a lot more than people think. But… it feels like that care doesn't extend to himself."

The ranger raised a brow at that, looking back at Arthur again. She recalled the concern he had for Priestess when they were fighting. Was he disregarding his own life?

"I see…" Dwarf Shaman's snore soon interrupted her thoughts, causing her to sigh. "I guess we should sleep."

"Yeah." Priestess leaned back into Mastiff again. Looking at the dog, HEA dared to lean her head against his rear side, but the dog seemed to not mind in the least. HEA stared at the tapestry above, her thoughts going back to the brutal trek through the ruins before coming to a decision.

"I don't like them… Orcbolg or Ae Feredir." HEA finally said, sitting back up for a moment. "Adventures are supposed to be fun. Even if the world is dark and full of terrors… my adventures are the joy of exploring the unknown and discovering new things. Feeling accomplished or elated after a hard day's work. This… This wasn't an adventure."

The elf gazed across Goblin Slayer and Arthur, her lips forming a small frown. "One day… I'll take them both on a real adventure."

Behind his hat, Arthur felt a small smirk form on his lips. Maybe one of those wouldn't be so bad.

To be continued…

Well! That wasn't quite as much of a slog as I expected! It got surprisingly easier in the second half!

Sorry for the wait guys, I do hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I decided to knock out this arc in this chapter, and it ended up working out in the end. Sorry if the fight wasn't super compelling, it was difficult finding more creative ways to work Arthur into the fight. It makes sense that he would leave his sniper rifle behind considering they were in a ruin, and his shotgun would only be useful at a certain range with how thick the ogre's skull is.

Also, sorry that Mastiff didn't see any real action this chapter. This was a hard fight to justify his presence in. But don't worry, he's got plenty of goblin hunting trips ahead of him where he'll be put to work :P

But anyway, I do hope you all enjoyed the chapter and sorry again for the wait! I'm trying to get back on the horse and get my writing chops in full gear, so we'll see about future chapters. Please be sure to leave a follow, a favorite and a review if you'd be so kind. Thanks!