"The maid on the mountain's so fearsome and free; she's waiting for someone; she's waiting for me!" Markus, Bardin, and High Elf Archer sang out as they continued wandering along the path.
"What a wondrous song," Lizard Priest commented. "I would join in myself, but I'm afraid my kind do not have the same vocal capabilities as all of you do."
"Bah, that's not any reason to keep you from at least trying," Bardin said dismissively. "Show us what you've got!"
"Never heard one of you lizardmen sing before, but there's a first time for everything," Kruber added.
"They're right," High Elf Archer agreed encouragingly. "Come on, maybe you actually have a great singing voice."
"I suppose I could try it in the manner of my people's traditional singing," Lizard Priest thought aloud before clearing his throat.
The air began to fill with the sound of primal throat singing to the tune of 'Maid on the Mountain'. Though somewhat off-note, it followed through smoothly in its own unique way; as it finished, the others were left bearing looks of fascination.
"Well, I have to say, that was strangely beautiful," Bardin remarked.
"Why did I not see this coming?" Kerillian said annoyedly, as she attempted to ignore the singers.
"I'm surprised you're not joining them, Bark-Skin," Dwarf Shaman remarked. "I guess that makes you an exception to your kind, not that I'm complaining; we've got too much singing already."
"What's wrong, Beer-Barrel? Can't appreciate a good travel song?" High Elf Archer asked tauntingly.
"More that I appreciate it in moderation," Dwarf Shaman retorted. "I enjoy a bit of song and dance now and again, but every waking moment is too much!"
"On that, we can agree," the Waystalker replied in unexpected solidarity.
"You're one to talk, Wutelgi," Bardin remarked. "Back when we were celebrating in Helmgart, you were singing 'Hearts of Gold' with us the loudest."
"What an astute observation; enjoying your antics requires brain-ravaging intoxication," Kerillian responded.
"There's no need to keep lying, elf," Kruber jabbed. "We all know you want to join in too."
"For once, I'm looking forward to reuniting with One-Eye," the waystalker stated. "He might just help in keeping the two of you silent."
"Hey, so, who's this 'One-Eye' guy anyways?" High Elf Archer asked curiously. "Is he another adventurer?"
"Funny you should mention that," Kruber began answering. "Thing is, we think he might actually be that Goblin Slayer bloke you lot are looking for."
"Really?" The archer said, surprised and interested. "What's he like?"
"Hm, how would I describe Saltzpyre?" The mercenary thought aloud. "Wait, I got it."
The former sergeant took a moment to clear his throat before raising his arms in an exaggerated gesture and speaking with a ridiculous voice. "I am Saltzpyre! Fear me heretics!"
"Pff- hahaha!" Kerillian tried containing herself before bursting into laughter. "Wait, I have a better one."
"Holy Sigmar! Bless this ravaged body! Hahahaha!" The wood elf said mockingly before breaking into another laughing fit.
"Master Goreksson, please stop spreading those stories about Sigmar's beard!" Bardin added humorously, joining in on the fun as well.
The three from Ubersreik laughed together as High Elf Archer looked on in confusion.
"Uh... is he any good at what he does?" The archer asked, her confidence in Orcbolg taking a hit from the trio's mockery.
"Well, I'd say he's the best man I've ever served under," Kruber answered genuinely, remembering how the witch hunter had given him the means to leave the army. "In a way, he saved my arse, so I can't complain."
"He's a raving and delusional madman, but a surprisingly capable one at that," Kerillian stated flatly.
"Aye, Grimgi can be a right itch in the dongliz sometimes, but he's always been a solid drengbarazi," Bardin added.
"Oh," the archer said as she realized the group's mockery of their companion was merely a testament to their bond. "Well, whatever he's like, I'll be looking forward to meeting him."
"Don't expect the same sentiment from him," Kerillian advised. "One-Eye has a thing against elves; he always nags about us and our 'trickery'."
"Hah, a human after my own heart!" Dwarf Shaman said enthusiastically.
"Huh?" High Elf Archer said, confused. "Was he raised by dwarves or something?"
"Now that's a fun thought, Grimgi being raised by dawi," Bardin remarked amusedly.
"I think it's more that he nags about you, Kerillian," the former sergeant corrected. "And to be fair, you do prod him into it most of the time."
"Only because he makes it so easy," Kerillian responded.
"Well, if I can deal with dwarves, I don't think I'll have that much trouble with him," High Elf Archer said confidently.
"Alright, now you're being too optimistic," Kruber said as the group began passing by a farmstead with a modest herd of cows. "Beautiful sight here, healthy livestock grazing the fields, reminds me of back home."
"You grew up on a farm?" High Elf Archer asked, surprised; she'd assumed that the man had come from a background of higher status based on his attire.
"Right, I did," the mercenary answered. "My folks raised a lovely herd of Talabec cows. Great milk from that breed; really sweet cheeses too."
"Cheeses?" Lizard Priest spoke up, his curiosity piqued as he examined the livestock. "So, these are the beasts that produce 'cheese'; I will make note of that."
Eventually, the group found themselves at a crossroads; a broken, charred signpost stood at its split.
"There was a storm yesterday," Kerillian said as she examined the post. "It was likely hit by lightning."
"Kruk," Bardin said annoyedly as he took out his map. "Give me a moment, dawri."
"Why don't we just ask one of the locals?" Kruber suggested as he spotted a red-headed woman tending to one of the cows.
"Hey!" The former sergeant called out to the woman, getting her attention, before approaching her. "Is this your farm?"
"Kind of, it belongs to my uncle," the woman answered. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, actually," Kruber said as he pointed at his companions. "Me and my mates were headed to a place called 'Frontier Town', but it looks like the signs are gone."
"Oh, yeah, it got damaged during the storm," the woman responded before pointing in the direction of one of the paths. "Just keep going straight down that way; you should arrive there after a short walk."
"Got it, thank you," the mercenary said as he turned to head back to his companions. "Oh, and good luck on being a mother."
"Huh?" The woman said confusedly as she felt the sides of her waist; had she been gaining weight?
"Your cow," the former sergeant clarified, looking at the animal's abdomen. "She's pregnant, ain't she?"
"Oh, that's right," the woman said, feeling a bit silly; the man she was speaking to must've grown up raising cattle as well. "Thank you, good luck on your travels!"
With their directions confirmed, the group continued on their way as the woman continued tending to the herd.
After a couple more minutes of walking along the path, the group eventually made it to Frontier Town.
"Looks like we're finally here," Kruber said as he surveyed the bustling streets and merchant stalls; the architecture reminded him of a typical Empire town.
"Hey, the guild hall's right there!" High Elf Archer observed enthusiastically. "He should be there; let's go inside already!"
As the group started to enter the building, a distant familiar voice caught the attention of the group from Ubersreik.
"Did you lumberfoots hear that?" Kerillian asked curiously.
"Aye, it sounded like-" Bardin began to speak.
"Are you guys coming?" High Elf Archer asked, holding open the door as Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest waited in line.
"You lot go ahead; we'll come in later," Kruber said, as he rushed in the direction of the voice.
"Oi, don't leave us behind, Azumgi!" Bardin complained as he chased after the mercenary.
"Typical mayfly-brain, so compulsive," Kerillian muttered as she followed suit.
As they caught up, Kerillian and Bardin suddenly stopped in their tracks when a metallic 'thunk' rang out as a projectile struck the former sergeant's head.
"Alright, darling, try to hit it," Sienna said as she let a small fire slowly float across the targeting area in the training yard of the guild hall.
"Okay," Priestess said as she loaded and swung her sling, landing her shot and causing the flame to dissipate.
"Impressive," the wizard remarked, "You've really been practicing, haven't you?"
"Yes, whenever I can," Priestess answered.
"Well then, let's see how you handle something a bit faster," Sienna said as she sent out another floating flame.
This time, it took Priestess two shots before she managed to hit her target, but it was still a success nonetheless.
"Not bad," the wizard commented, as she sent out yet another, faster-moving flame.
"Wait, I'm having some trouble keeping up," Priestess said as she tried to keep her aim on the quickly moving target.
"Never be afraid to push yourself, darling," Sienna responded. "Just try your best; it's alright if you miss a few times."
Listening to the wizard, Priestess loosed multiple shots at the flying fire, eventually hitting it on her sixth attempt.
"I knew you could do it!" Sienna said encouragingly, before once again letting loose a flame of an even greater speed.
Priestess began letting loose a barrage of stones at the target, each missing their mark, but she remained undeterred.
It was then that Sienna caught notice of a seemingly familiar figure in the corner of her eye.
"Markus!?" the wizard called out in surprise.
"Huh?" Priestess said confusedly as her concentration broke, accidentally releasing her shot early. The projectile flew backward, causing a metallic 'thunk' as it impacted against whatever had the misfortune of standing in its way.
Priestess turned around worriedly, anticipating the harm caused by her mistake.
Kruber watched as his plume, along with the now broken pin that once secured it, fell to the ground in front of him; feeling around his dome revealed that the impact of the projectile had also left a notable dent in the skullcap that lay underneath his hat, "Bloody-"
"Sienna!" Kerillian called out, interrupting the former sergeant's words, as she rushed to the wizard, taking her hand and feeling the unnatural warmth of her palm. "Hah! It really is you!"
"Kerillian?" Sienna said in surprise before excitedly bringing the elf into a hug. "You can't just leave a reunion at just a handshake, darling!"
"Zharrin's here? This is a cause for celebration!" Bardin said as he approached Sienna and Kerillian, taking out a bottle of ale from his bag. "A toast to good fortune and health!"
"Drinking this early, dwarf? Have you no sense?" Kerillian questioned, shaking her head. "Who am I kidding; of course, you don't."
"Sorry, but she has a point, Bardin," Sienna said, declining the drink. "And besides, you know how alcohol tends to react with fire."
"Bah, for all your talk about fire, you're cold enough to break a dawi's heart without a care," Bardin responded playfully.
Kruber watched the exchange from where he stood; a warm smile grew on his face as he witnessed the sight of his friends' reunion.
"Yeah, you lot keep celebrating," the mercenary said humorously. "Don't let an assassination attempt on old Kruber sour the fun."
"I'm so sorry!" A girl called out as she rushed toward him. "Are you hurt?"
The former sergeant looked at the girl before him; she was dressed in what appeared to be the garments of a nun, though of what faith he couldn't tell. Her age, if he had to guess, was likely no more than when he ran away from home to join the Grunberg militia, and he remembered more than his fair share of training accidents from that time.
"I'm alright, nothing wrong, see," Kruber said as he took off his hat, revealing his unscathed head underneath. "But be more careful next time; not everyone wears protection, and that shot could've killed an unlucky bugger, I can tell."
"I- I will; I'm sorry," the girl said apologetically as she picked up the feathers and broken pin from the ground and handed them to the mercenary.
"Oi, Azumgi, quit dawdling and get over here already!" Bardin called out. "I need someone to toast with!"
"Markus, darling!" Sienna called enthusiastically as she turned to look at the former sergeant.
"Finally remembered me, eh?" The former sergeant replied with a grin. "Good to see you're doing well, Sienna."
"A lot better now that you're all here," Sienna responded. "We should go see Victor; he's been antsy ever since we all got separated."
"Antsy? You mean like when he shaved his head and started beating himself with sticks?" Kerillian questioned mockingly.
"Oh, no, nothing ridiculous like that," the wizard responded. "Well, not yet, anyway."
"Um, excuse me," the girl from before spoke up. "Are you all Ms. Bright Witch's friends?"
"Witch?" Kruber repeated questioningly, before remembering the cultural quirk about titles in the region; knowing Sienna, she likely chose hers to mess with Saltzpyre. "We're more than just friends; we're the Ubersreik Five!"
"Ubersreik Five?" The girl repeated confusedly.
"Well, soon to be five," the former sergeant corrected.
"He's the only one who calls us that," Kerillian added.
"Yeah, so far, but it'll catch on eventually, you'll see!" The mercenary said defensively.
"Oh, I have just the idea," Sienna announced as she turned to address the girl. "Darling, could you go find our Witch Hunter and bring him over here?"
"Um, alright. He said he was going to the blacksmith, so I'll check there," Priestess said as she began to leave. "It was nice meeting you; sorry about your hat again, mister!"
"She seems nice," Kruber commented as the girl disappeared around a corner before he turned his attention back to the wizard. "So, mind telling us what's been going on with your side of things?"
"Well, darlings, to start..." Sienna began explaining
"There's a small gap in your guard," Goblin Slayer stated as he and his companion exited the shop. "When you strike, you leave your shoulder open."
"You've noticed it as well?" Saltzpyre remarked, recalling Kruber's similar criticisms of his stance. "I wonder, then, why you didn't exploit such a weakness when we sparred."
"Your frontal defense was solid; I wasn't able to break through it," the adventurer replied. "But, if a goblin, or multiple, were to flank you..."
"Yes, that would be a concern; I shall heed your advice. But with that said, I myself have some concerns about how you operate," the witch hunter stated, eying the cheap, botched blade the adventurer had purchased moments ago. "For one, you seem to have the bare minimum of concern regarding the quality of your equipment."
"Goblins are capable salvagers," Goblin Slayer said. "When I fall, I won't allow them to take anything that would give them too much of an advantage."
"If you fall," Saltzpyre corrected. "That is the other concern I have with you; your commitment to your duty is admirable, but I do not find your outlook the same. Acceptance of one's mortality is appropriate for those in our field, but you seem to take that to its excess. You should place more value on your life."
"I see," the adventurer said thoughtfully. "I will keep that in mind."
"As you well should," the witch hunter remarked, seemingly satisfied. "On this note, I believe now is an appropriate time to present you this."
As he finished speaking, Saltzpyre withdrew an old, simple necklace fashioned from steel; a pendant in the shape of a comet hung from the chain.
"This necklace is similar to the one you wear," Goblin Slayer observed.
"Indeed, it is the twin-tailed comet, a symbol of Sigmar," the witch hunter explained. "I am aware that you, along with most others here, are unfamiliar with my faith. But I would like you to have it nonetheless. You may consider it a token of my respect."
"I see," Goblin Slayer said as he accepted the trinket.
"Within my order, an act such as this would be considered a rite of passage," Saltzpyre elaborated. "I have decided, as a templar of the Silver Hammer, to formally assume the role as your mentor."
"Is that so?" The adventurer said, listening on.
"This, of course, would make you my apprentice," the witch hunter continued. "Now, as your acting superior, I hereby revoke your permission to die."
"Hm?" Goblin Slayer said confusedly. "I'm… not sure I understand."
"It is quite simple," Saltzpyre began. "From now on, you are no longer permitted to die under my watch; you, as my subordinate, must do what you can to avoid perishing, and I, as your superior, shall ensure you fulfill your duty. Is that clear?"
"I see," Goblin Slayer said as he began putting on the necklace. "I accept your terms."
"You were not offered a choice on the matter, but your compliance is appreciated," the witch hunter replied with a facade of coldness.
A few moments after Saltzpyre finished speaking, a familiar clerical girl appeared before the pair.
"Hello, Goblin Slayer sir, Mr. Witch Hunter," Priestess greeted.
"Hi," Goblin Slayer replied flatly.
"Greetings, girl," Saltzpyre greeted back. "I thought you and the wizard had occupied yourselves training. Did something occur?"
"Well, Ms. Bright Witch told me to come get you, Mr. Witch Hunter," Priestess answered. "I think she and her friends want to talk with you."
"Her friends?" Saltzpyre said questioningly. It didn't surprise him that Sienna had formed connections with some of the other locals; he'd done the same amongst a few of the temple's regulars, and she had always been much more sociable than him. "What do they wish to discuss?"
"I'm not sure," Priestess admitted. "But it sounded like they knew you too; there was a man, a dwarf, and an elf."
That detail piqued the witch hunter's interest.
"You will have to continue resupplying without me," Saltzpyre told the adventurer to his side. "I must address this matter. I shall meet you in the guild hall later."
Goblin Slayer nodded in response before heading off to another store along the street.
"Take me to them," the witch hunter ordered as he and Priestess made their way to the guild training yard.
"One month?" Kruber repeated disbelievingly.
"We were only here for a week at most," Kerillian added.
"Seems like that kruting dumi magic messed us around timewise," Bardin remarked.
"Well, you know how it is with Chaos, darlings; we're lucky we got away with just this little," Sienna commented. "We could've ended up turned into mutants, maybe even Chaos spawn."
"Those are some rather unnerving thoughts for the imagination, Zharrin," Bardin said with a shiver of discomfort. "Best to just keep them out of mind, I'd say."
"A rare case, but I agree with the dwarf," Kerillian added, her eyes reflecting her discomfort.
"Can't say I'm opposed to that," Kruber remarked, already turning the thought into a distant memory and moving on to another subject. "So, you and Saltzpyre must've been quite active this last month. The locals are even singing ballads about him."
"Really?" Sienna questioned interestedly. "Were any of them good?"
"Well, we only heard one, Zharrin," Bardin answered. "From the sound of it, Grimgi's made a big name for himself killing gobbos."
"That sounds about right," the wizard responded. "We've been clearing out those nasty little greenskins together since we arrived."
"And yet that song only mentioned him," Kerillian remarked. "Typical One-Eye, self-centered as always."
"You can't really blame him for what the bards do, Kerillian," Kruber defended. "Lone heroes tend to make popular tales, and those artsy folks will change up the stories if it makes them sell better, like how Catrinne does when she makes paintings of our adventures."
"Don't even remind me of her," the elf scoffed, recalling the paintings the artist had made; a fair number of them featured Saltzpyre standing alone against sinister foes, a trend which persisted even when depicting events in which they'd all been present. "Her infatuation with One-Eye is nauseating."
"But you do have to admit that her work is pretty impressive," Sienna argued. "I think she's drawn me rather well in the ones I've featured in."
"Now that you mention it, out of all of us, I think she's only ever painted you and Saltzpyre; wonder why that is," Kruber thought aloud, before turning his attention to another question on his mind. "But anyways, who was that girl earlier? It sounded like you two were close."
"Oh, I'll tell you right now, darlings, she's a real treasure," the wizard said affectionately. "We met her a short while after we got here; she's a priest from the local temple."
"A priest? Her?" Kruber questioned. "Ain't she a bit young for that? Priests are usually on the older side, aren't they?"
"Well, she's not any 'usual' member," Sienna replied. "She can do miracles."
"She wields divine magic?" Kerillian asked. The nature of 'miracles' and magic shared a common point: their users were sensitive to and capable of wielding the aethyr, the source of all magic; knowledge of this, though common to her kind, was rarely heeded by humans, such as Saltzpyre, who preferred to uphold arbitrary distinctions.
"That's right," the wizard answered proudly. "It just takes her a quick prayer before some nasty wound gets sealed shut. Saved a handful of lives that way so far."
"You seem to think rather highly of her, Zharrin," Bardin observed. "She must've made a real impression on you."
"Oh, you don't know the half of it," Sienna replied. "Just a few days ago, she helped us burn down a whole greenskin-infested fortress."
"She's been hunting greenskins with you?" The mercenary repeated bewilderedly; he and Saltzpyre had begun their careers around her age, training under their respective seniors; but unlike them, she didn't seem to fit such a field in the slightest. "Are you sure you're not being a bit reckless here?"
"Azumgi's got a point," Bardin added. "As much as I enjoy it, hunting grobi isn't the safest of activities; it only takes a little slip to get gutted by the wazzocks."
"What? No, she's done fine, and we make sure to look after her," Sienna reassured. "Of course, we're not letting her go into the deep end; as much as I like thrills, even I know what's too much to handle."
"Still, can't imagine her folks would approve," Kruber responded, remembering how he ran away from his family to join the Grunberg militia.
"Well, the thing is, she doesn't really have a family, in the traditional sense at least," the wizard began. "She's an orphan."
"Oh," the mercenary said solemnly in realization.
"She's a good girl, cares a lot about others, wants to help them," Sienna continued. "Sometimes I wonder if Victor and I are bad influences on her; neither of us are really used to dealing with youths, and you know how we are."
"I'm sure she appreciates you, Sienna," Kerillian said in a rare show of genuine supportiveness.
"Well, this was unexpected," Bardin stated before raising his bottle of ale. "Another toast to you; congratulations on starting a family, Zharrin."
"Hm?" The wizard said, flustered. "What do you mean, Bardin?"
"Family's more than just blood," the ranger added, taking a swig from the bottle. "From the sound of it, you and Grimgi took that girl in; that makes you her family, so congratulations."
"You're just using this as an excuse to drink more, aren't you?" Kerillian asked, rolling her eyes at the dwarf. "Not that I disagree with the sentiment."
"Bardin's right, Sienna," Kruber added. "You and Saltzpyre'll do fine with her, I'm sure."
"Oh, you're all getting too ahead of yourselves," Sienna replied dismissively but failed to hide her smile. "She was raised by the nuns in this town's temple for as long as she could remember; if anyone's her family, it's them."
"I see you're already gossiping," a familiar voice said.
The group turned to face the new arrival and were greeted with the sight of their old companion paired with the girl from earlier.
"Speak of the devil!" Kruber remarked. "Looks like the Ubersreik Five's finally reunited!"
"Grimgi's here! Time for another toast!" Bardin said as he took another swig from his bottle.
"Drinking as usual, master dwarf?" the witch hunter questioned.
"Want to take a sip?" the ranger asked, offering his bottle to the man.
"You know I will not," Saltzpyre replied, refusing to even look at the bottle.
"Took you long enough to get here, One-Eye," Kerillian taunted. "But I suppose that's to be expected from a fading lumberfoot past their prime."
"And yet, even as one 'past my prime,' I'm able to keep pace with the likes of you," Saltzpyre countered. "What does that say of your capabilities, elf?"
"All it 'says' is that I've been gracious enough to hold back and accommodate a withering mayfly such as yourself, One-Eye," the waystalker replied.
"Holding back? A flimsy excuse; you know it, elf," the witch hunter began. "It seems your wits have dulled without myself to challenge them; I can only imagine how your other abilities have fared, but I suppose complacency is the fatal flaw of your kind."
"For your kind, it's ignorance paired with unwarranted self-importance," the wood elf responded before pointing a thumb to Bardin and Kruber. "Your mind would've been dulled as well from having to listen to their near-constant, obnoxious singing."
"Well, if you joined in, it could've been your near-constant, obnoxious singing too," the mercenary replied.
"Constant singing?" Saltzpyre repeated dreadfully. "A rare case, but you have my sympathies, elf."
"Bah, looks like we'll have to hold off a bit now that Grimgi's back," Bardin complained.
As she witnessed the ongoing conversation between the group, Priestess began feeling somewhat awkward among the strangers. "Um, should I leave?"
"Perhaps that would be for the best," Saltzpyre replied. "Occupy yourself however you wish, but be sure to return to the guild hall within the hour. Is that understood?"
"Alright, I guess I could help with restocking our supplies," the cleric thought aloud as she took her leave, heading back to where she and Saltzpyre had left Goblin Slayer. "I promise I'll be back soon, Mr. Witch Hunter."
"Not going to introduce us to your daughter, sir?" Kruber asked with a grin as the girl went off in the distance.
"What are you talking about?" the witch hunter replied confusedly before turning to Sienna. "What did you tell them?"
"Just what we've been up to for the last month," the wizard replied with her usual, vaguely mischievous smile.
"Well, drengbarazi, now that we're all here, we can start figuring out how to get back to Helmgart," Bardin announced, pulling out his map and a piece of charcoal. "You know this place better, Grimgi; where should we go next?"
"I'm afraid I'm not sure where to start, master dwarf," Saltzpyre said solemnly before he turned to address the rest of his companions. "We should all be prepared to remain here indefinitely."
The seeming lack of determination from their usually zealous companion caught the concern of the rest of the group.
"Giving up so soon?" Bardin questioned. "That isn't like you at all, Grimgi."
"Is this what you meant when you said One-Eye was acting 'antsy'?" Kerillian whispered to the wizard at her side.
"Partly," Sienna whispered back.
"Sir, you sure you're alright?" Kruber asked concernedly.
"Do not mistake me. My words are not ones of surrender; they are of simple observation," Saltzpyre responded commandingly.
"Guess that's true, but we can't just sit about doing nothing now, can we?" The mercenary argued. "Definitely don't have the funds to just layabout; well, not anymore."
"We already said we'd pay you back later, Kruber," Kerillian replied.
"Aye, you can always trust a dawi to settle their debts, Azumgi," Bardin added.
"Yeah, but getting it then doesn't mean much if we're penniless and forced to the streets now," Kruber retorted, feeling his nearly empty coin pouch.
"Well, darling, if you want to earn some coin, you could take a couple of contracts at the adventurer's guild," Sienna recommended. "That's how we've been keeping ourselves fed and housed this past month."
"Yeah, that'll work," the mercenary accepted before turning to Saltzpyre. "Speaking of adventurers, we met some on the way here; apparently, they were looking for you, sir."
"Is that so?" The witch hunter asked with intrigue. "And why is it that they wish to seek me?"
"All they said was that they wanted your help with some kind of mission," Kruber replied. "They're in the guild hall right now; you should have a chat with them."
"I see," Saltzpyre responded as he turned to leave. "Very well then, I shall speak with them."
"Just try to be open-minded about them, sir," the former soldier called out as he followed suit. "They're a bit of an odd bunch, but they seem nice enough."
"Aren't we all, Markus?" Sienna commented, joining her companions.
"I bet my next five silver One-Eye throws a fit when he meets them," Kerillian whispered down to the dwarf as she walked along.
"That's hardly a bet in itself; we both know it's guaranteed to happen," Bardin whispered back, keeping up with the waystalker's pace. "My coin's on the elf setting him off."
"Then I'll take mine on the lizard," the waystalker responded. "One-Eye already tolerates your antics, and that dwarf was much milder than you."
"Fine by me," the ranger replied, finalizing their wager.
"Woah, look at her!" A rookie adventurer said with amazement.
"She must be a high elf," a different adventurer commented.
"Their ears really are longer than other elves," another added.
High Elf Archer listened to the gossiping adventurers as she and her companions reached the front desk.
"Hello, how can I help you?" Guild Girl asked the group.
"I'm here to ask about Orcbolg," High Elf Archer stated.
"Eh- I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" The receptionist asked, confused. "You said Oak..."
"Orcbolg," the elf corrected impatiently. "I heard he worked at this guild."
"Orcbolg?" Guild Girl repeated confusedly; it was a name she'd never heard before. "I'll check our records; please give me a moment."
"You needn't bother," Dwarf Shaman said to the receptionist before turning to his companion. "I told you the humans wouldn't understand your elf silly talk Long-Ears. You have to ask using his proper name: Beard-cutter!"
"Sorry, but that name isn't familiar either," Guild Girl replied.
"It isn't?" The shaman said, confused and surprised.
"So much for dwarven wisdom," High Elf Archer taunted. "And you were so convinced that you were right. Your kind really are stubborn as rocks."
The dwarf bore a momentary look of mild frustration before his mouth turned to a grin.
"Heh, typical elf," Dwarf shaman began his retort. "Hearts as cold and hard as anvils, with chests just as flat."
"Wha- that has nothing to do with anything!" The elf responded, clearly flustered. "And you say that as if all dwarf women don't look like barrels!"
"What you mean is they're voluptuous," the dwarf argued. "Not that you elves would ever understand that."
"Um..." Guild Girl said awkwardly, seeing the argument between the two getting out of hand.
"Pardon me," Lizard Priest spoke up. "But if you two must fight again, please do so elsewhere; you are causing a scene."
The lizardman gave a polite nod to the receptionist before continuing. "I humbly apologize for the quarrelsome behavior of my companions."
"Oh, not at all! I understand how passionate some adventurers can be," Guild Girl politely responded, defusing the tension, before examining their paperwork and taking note of their silver ranking.
"We seek an adventurer, one known by the names 'Orcbolg' and 'Beard-cutter' by some," Lizard Priest began. "Lamentably, I am not all too familiar with human tongue, but I believe your name for him is-"
"Who is seeking me?" An old voice asked as the doors to the guild hall opened.
"Oh, you're here!" Guild Girl said welcomingly as she looked past the group of adventurers.
The three silver-rankers turned around, immediately noticing the tall, imposing figure that stood before them.
High Elf Archer looked the man up and down. His attire, though rugged, held a sense of noble refinement. His rough face displayed an unmistakable experience in his work. His posture reflected a stern and authoritative demeanor. She was nearly certain that he was the one they were looking for.
"Oi, you lot!" a familiar voice called out as Kruber joined the old man's side, followed by his other companions. "We found him."
The mercenary's word was the last confirmation she needed.
"You must be Orcbolg," the archer remarked.
"Orc bulge?" Markus said confusedly.
"Do you think it's something about the grobi's wil-" Bardin began to whisper.
"Do not start on that again; I mean it!" Kerillian interrupted in a low voice, scolding the dwarf quietly.
"Orcbolg?" Saltzpyre repeated questioningly. "Am I correct to assume that is some kind of title that refers to my dealings with the goblins?"
"Yes, that's right!" High Elf Archer said enthusiastically as she looked down at Dwarf Shaman. "Did you hear that, dwarf? I told you he was called Orcbolg!"
"I have never heard nor been referred to by that name before," the witch hunter corrected.
"Huh?" The archer said confusedly. "But-"
"Hah, got too ahead of yourself, Long-Ears!" Dwarf Shaman gloated.
"Both of you, please settle this matter at a more appropriate time," Lizard Priest interrupted his companions' bickering before respectfully addressing the man before him. "Greetings, we humble visitors have come to request your assistance on a matter of urgency."
"From my knowledge, your kind has diligently fought back against the forces of Chaos for ages, lizardman," Saltzpyre stated before giving a respectful bow to Lizard Priest. "You have my respect; I shall hear your request."
"That is assuring to hear; you have my gratitude," Lizard Priest said as he returned the gesture. "It would be preferable to discuss things further in private."
"If you'd like, you can use the meeting room upstairs," Guild Girl recommended.
"Indeed, that should suffice, thank you," Lizard Priest accepted before turning his attention back to the old man. "Shall we go then, milord Goblin Slayer?"
"Goblin Slayer?" Guild Girl repeated questioningly. "I think there's been a mistake."
"Oh?" Lizard Priest said confusedly. "How so?"
"Wait, you thought he was Goblin Slayer?" Sienna asked.
"He isn't?" Kruber questioned.
"That's 'Witch Hunter'," the receptionist corrected.
"I see," Saltzpyre stated, realizing his companions' error. "You are all mistaken, I am not the one you seek."
"What?" High Elf Archer said confusedly. "But you hunt goblins, don't you?"
"Indeed, I have worked to purge the greenskin filth," Saltzpyre began. "But I am not the 'Goblin Slayer'."
Just as the witch hunter finished speaking, the doors of the guild hall opened once more, revealing a young cleric and an adventurer in rough metal armor.
"We're back," Priestess said as she entered the building.
"Welcome, darlings," Sienna greeted the pair.
"Oh, it's you again," Kruber remarked. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know where some bugger called 'Goblin Slayer' is, would you?"
The mercenary's oblivious question caused Sienna to let out a snicker.
"How convenient," Saltzpyre commented before turning to address the adventurer. "We were just speaking of you, master Goblin Slayer. These people seek your assistance on a matter."
"Is that so?" Goblin Slayer said as he stepped forward. "Does it involve goblins?"
It was then that High Elf Archer finally got a good look at the adventurer. His armor seemed worn out and unkempt, his face was completely hidden by a large, battered helmet, and the sword at his side appeared cheap and crude. He was quite possibly the furthest thing from a seasoned adventurer in her mind.
"Huh?" the elf exclaimed confusedly, wondering if some trick was being pulled on her.