"We will be awaiting you in the meeting room," Lizard Priest announced as he and his companions made their way up the stairs to the guild hall's second floor.
Goblin Slayer began to follow the silver-rankers but stopped when he realized nobody was following him.
"You're not coming?" The adventurer asked, looking behind to face directly at his self-proclaimed mentor.
"They were seeking an audience with you, not I," Saltzpyre replied respectfully. "How you deal with your affairs is entirely up to you."
"I see," Goblin Slayer responded thoughtfully. "I would still prefer you come. Your insights would be useful."
"I suppose that is true. Very well then, if that is what you wish, I shall accompany you," the witch hunter stated, following the adventurer up the stairs.
"Um, should we..." Priestess called out to the pair questioningly.
Saltzpyre looked to Goblin Slayer, awaiting his answer; the adventurer shook his head in response.
"You should stay here," Goblin Slayer stated before continuing upstairs with the witch hunter.
Priestess responded with a disheartened nod as she watched the pair disappear to the upper floor.
"Don't take it too badly, darling," Sienna said reassuringly. "The men just want to spend some quality time with each other; you know how they are."
"I guess," the girl replied, still seeming disappointed.
The wizard thought of what else she could say before she came up with a mildly mischievous idea.
"Tell you what," she began. "Why don't you get a cup of nice, warm tea while I do a little eavesdropping?"
"Huh?" Priestess said surprisedly.
"I'll tell you all about it when I get back," Sienna replied as she quietly made her way up to the second floor.
The cleric thought about stopping the wizard, but she knew such an attempt would've been futile; that, and she was curious about what the men were discussing with the silver-rankers.
With all of her companions now absent, Priestess made her way to her party's usual table, taking a seat before making an order to the waitress, who soon returned with her beverage.
As she sipped her tea, Priestess looked toward the reception desk, where her older companions' friends had occupied themselves.
"One-Eye's acting sanely now? Sienna was right; he has gone mad," Kerillian remarked before looking towards her dwarf companion. "Looks like neither of us won our bet."
"Bet? What bet?" Kruber asked.
"Don't you listen to her, Azumgi!" Bardin denied. "You know how she gabbles on."
The mercenary eyed his two companions; his confused expression soon turned into one of suspicion. "Wait, have you two been holding out your coin on me?"
"No, Kruber, we haven't been 'holding out our coin' on you," the elf replied flatly.
"That better be true," Kruber stated sternly. "If it ain't, you two can kiss your Mondstille gifts goodbye."
"Now hold on, Azumgi, let's not act rashly now!" The dwarf protested.
"Excuse me, but do the three of you have business here?" Guild Girl asked, interrupting the group's argument.
"Now that you've reminded me, yeah, we do," Kruber answered, shifting his attention to the receptionist. "This is the adventurer's guild, innit?"
"That's correct," Guild Girl confirmed. "Are you here to submit a quest, or are you looking to sign up?"
"The latter, me and my mates are looking for work, and it sounds like this place is offering it," the mercenary continued. "Seems you're already pretty familiar with two of us."
"Two of you?" Guild Girl said confusedly, looking at the trio before the details of their appearances finally clicked. "Oh! Witch Hunter and Bright Witch; you must be the three they got separated from."
"Yeah, more or less," Kruber responded; it'd be simpler to leave it at that instead of explaining how they'd journeyed through the hellscape of the Chaos Wastes. "So, how do we start?"
"It's simple really," Guild Girl said as she withdrew a registration form. "Just fill this out to the best of your ability."
"Oh," the mercenary said as he stared at the document. Initially, the others assumed he was reading it over, but it soon became clear that he was confused.
"You know you can just admit you don't know how to read, Kruber," Kerillian suggested impatiently.
"You can't read?" Guild Girl asked. "That's completely fine, there are many adventurers who can't either. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Oi, don't put words in my mouth," Kruber said annoyedly. "And despite what you think, I can read, but in Riekspiel, not whatever this is."
The elf and the dwarf looked over the form to see what their companion was talking about; they were surprised by what they saw.
"These writings are completely unfamiliar," Kerillian stated, looking over the foreign characters. "But I can understand them."
"What? Really?" The mercenary asked, surprised.
"Aye, I can too," Bardin added, furrowing his brow.
"Alright, you two are pulling my leg now, aren't you?" The man questioned skeptically. "Getting a laugh messing with old Kruber again."
"I'm not 'messing' around," the elf retorted as she read out the form. "The first few lines ask for your age, gender, build, hair color, eye color, title, and a 'class'."
"That's what I'm seeing too," the dwarf affirmed.
"Is that right?" Kruber asked, looking to the receptionist for an answer.
"Uh- that's correct, yes," Guild Girl confirmed, somewhat puzzled by the situation but having an idea of its cause. "Do any of you use language comprehension magic?"
"No, we don't. But, it might have been cast on us," Kerillian thought aloud, thinking of the flash of light that enveloped them back at the Citadel of Eternity, before turning to the mercenary. "Some of us, at least."
"Bit unsettling if we have the same thought on where it came from," Bardin commented uneasily; even if the effects were seemingly benign, magic, especially chaos magic, should always be taken with caution. "Maybe it was a blessing you avoided the enchantment, Azumgi."
"You think the Lady wanted to keep him from reading?" the elf asked amusedly. "Actually, that might not be too far off."
"The lady?" Guild Girl repeated confusedly.
Kruber placed a hand on his brow and shook his head in frustration. "For Taal's sake, why's this have to happen to me of all people?"
"Um, mister?" Priestess said as she approached the mercenary, drawing his attention. "I could help you fill out your form. I learned how to read and write from the temple of the Earth Mother."
"The Earth Mother?" Kruber repeated questioningly before his expression became relieved. "Guess I must still have some good fortune if I'm getting help from you."
The two sat down on the nearby bench as the girl began helping the man fill out the document while his companions did the same on their own.
After a while of filling out their forms, the group had completed the paperwork.
"This all seems in order," Guild Girl said as she reviewed the three's forms. "Just come with me to the back; I'll mint and hand you your tags."
"I don't understand why Sienna makes paperwork out to be so bad; this went rather quickly," Kerillian commented as she followed the receptionist.
"You know how Zharrin is; she's got little to no patience. Reckon it's the fire magic doing that," Bardin added as he followed suit.
"Sounds good," Kruber said before turning to face Priestess. "Thanks for the help. Sienna was right; you're a real lifesaver."
"Oh, I didn't do much, mister," Priestess replied, slightly flustered by the praise. "And I still owe you for damaging your hat."
"This old thing?" The man said questioningly, placing a hand on his headwear. "Don't worry your head over it. Besides, it wouldn't be right for me to hold something like that over a sister of Rhya."
"Are you a follower of the Earth Mother as well?" Priestess asked. From her time with Witch Hunter and Bright Witch, she had picked up that the name 'Rhya' referred to the Earth Mother in their homeland.
"Well, it's not like I'm much of the religious sort," Kruber began. "But I give a prayer here and there, and I try to follow what tenets I can."
"I'm sure the Earth Mother appreciates you all the same, mister," the girl assured.
"I'm certainly hoping so," the mercenary replied as he began making his way to where the receptionist and his companions had gone. "If you ever need help with something, don't be afraid to ask; Taalites and Rhyans have to stick together."
"Taalites?" Priestess repeated confusedly as she watched the man head into the back room. It must have been another god from their homeland, but whether it was another familiar deity under a different name or one that was entirely foreign, she couldn't tell.
"Hey."
Priestess' thoughts were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice. Looking behind her revealed a pair of rookie adventurers: a boy and a girl; both around her age if she had to guess. From their appearances, the boy looked to be some kind of warrior, carrying a sword and shield on his back; the girl seemed to be a cleric of the Supreme God judging by the look of her staff and necklace.
"You're porcelain-ranked too, right?" The boy asked. "Wanna come adventuring with us?"
"Oh, I appreciate the offer," Priestess began. "But I'm already partied with-"
"The creepy weirdos, right?" The girl spoke, cutting Priestess off. "Yeah, we know."
"It's actually the reason why we're asking you; those guys are bad news," the boy explained. "The one who never takes off his helmet is a freak; I heard that he was using you as bait."
"And there's something off about that fire maniac," the girl added, her grip around her staff tightened as if worried. "It's like she's possessed."
"And that old guy is insane," the boy continued. "When he first came here, he threatened one of the receptionists."
Priestess' expression bore a look of shock at the horrible accusations and rumors she was hearing. She had never been used as bait by Goblin Slayer, the one about Bright Witch was absurd and unfounded, and Witch Hunter's, while technically true, was just a misunderstanding. The thought of her party, who had been so benevolent towards her, having their reputations defiled was abhorrent.
"None of that is right!" Priestess argued defensively. "Why would you even think that?"
"We were there when that one-eyed creep threatened Guild Girl," the girl argued back. "One of the silver-rankers had to get him to back off before he did anything."
"That-" Priestess readied her retort but was suddenly interrupted by a voice behind her.
"You're gossiping about One-Eye?" Kerillian asked.
"You know him?" The boy asked.
"More than I'd like to," The waystalker replied. "He's a paranoid, raving lunatic who can't tell the difference between his delusions and good sense."
"Huh!?" Priestess said in shock, wondering how Witch Hunter's friend could say such terrible things about him.
"I have to say, it's rather brave of all of you to be doing this," the elf remarked.
"What do you mean?" The girl questioned warily.
"Talking about him behind his back when he's still so close by," Kerillian explained. "Even I wouldn't be that blatant."
"But he's up on the second floor in a meeting," the boy responded. "There's no way he can hear us, right?"
"If he were an ordinary man, perhaps that'd be true," the elf continued. "But surely you've noticed; he's quite unnatural."
"Now that you mention it, a few nights ago, we caught him rambling to his horse," the boy remarked. "When he noticed us, it was like he could see right through the dark."
"And his skin's really pale," the girl added. "Probably doesn't get much sunlight; almost every part of him is covered up."
The waystalker perked up at the pair's words, sensing an opportunity.
"Have you ever wondered why that all is?" The elf questioned. "Or why he always has the scent of blood about him?"
"Wait, that weird metal smell, that's blood?" The boy asked worriedly.
"It's even worse in his breath," Kerillian added conspiratorially. "Especially during the night after he's had the chance to feed on an unsuspecting victim."
"Hold on, are you saying he's a vampire!?" The girl asked, disbelievingly.
"What!?" Priestess said in shock. "No, that's-"
"Don't say it so loudly!" The waystalker scolded in a whisper, glancing around the room before continuing. "I found out after catching him in the act. If he realizes we've figured him out, he'll silence us."
"Silence us?" The boy repeated worriedly.
"Keep your heads low and try to avoid his notice," Kerillian advised ominously. "If you leave now, he might not suspect you two."
The rookie pair exchanged nervous glances with each other before hurriedly exiting the guild hall.
As the door shut, the elf's tense demeanor relaxed, turning to one more casual as she moved to lean against the wall.
"That stuff about Mr. Witch Hunter being a vampire, was it all true?" Priestess asked, doubtful of what to believe.
"Typical mayflies, so gullible," the waystalker scoffed before turning her gaze directly to Priestess. "Word to the wise, child; don't believe everything you hear."
"Why?" Priestess said confusedly, unable to comprehend the elf's actions.
"Because some of them are lies," Kerillian explained condescendingly. "It's impressive how you mayflies get more dull-witted with every generation."
"N-no, I meant, why would you spread such a horrible rumor about him?" Priestess asked. "Aren't you supposed to be his friend?"
"Friend?" The elf repeated amusedly, holding back a laugh. "The world will freeze over twice before I ever call him a 'friend'."
"Well, it's still wrong," Priestess argued. "Think about how he'll feel when he finds out about it."
"Oh, spare me your preaching; One-Eye can handle it," Kerillian replied dismissively. "Much better than the wizard, at least."
"Huh?" Priestess said confusedly. "What does Ms. Bright Witch have to do with this?"
"Knowing Sienna, she's probably tried to make a good name for herself," the waystalker began. "Those rumors, no matter how dubious, would've soured it. Now they'll all be focused on One-Eye instead, who I'm guessing already isn't too well-liked anyway."
The waystalker sat down, leveling herself to the girl, as she continued speaking.
"Besides, you should know how he is after working with him for a month," Kerillian continued. "If he heard those rumors about Sienna going around, he'd do something foolish to try to stop them, and that'd only make things worse for her."
"I guess that might be true," Priestess conceded; the elf's rumor would likely draw attention away from Bright Witch and, by extension, Goblin Slayer, preserving their reputation. "But that still doesn't make what you did to Mr. Witch Hunter right."
"Like I said, he can handle it; it'll only last a few weeks at most until they figure out the truth," the elf insisted. "And he's been an outcast of his order for years. None of their ridicule was able to break him; this won't either."
"Is- is that true?" Priestess asked concernedly; she didn't know too much of Witch Hunter's background apart from his occasional mention of it. "That sounds really sad, and lonely."
"Only if you think the praise and company of delusional zealots and fools have any value," the elf replied. "For what it's worth, One-Eye's likely the best of them."
"Really?" Priestess said curiously.
"Most others of his ilk wouldn't even think to work with wizards or elves, much less help them," the elf stated. "Considering that, I suppose he's tolerable, at least."
Priestess sat momentarily silent, thinking over the elf's words and actions. Despite their seeming hostility, there appeared to be a strange sense of admiration and respect between her and Witch Hunter.
"You really are his friend, aren't you?" Priestess asked with a slight smile.
"Your naivete is baffling, child," Kerillian scoffed. "But I suppose it's part of why Sienna's taken a liking to you. Think whatever you want of the matter."
"What matter?" Bardin asked as he and Kruber came back into the reception area; newly minted porcelain tags hung from their necks and clinked against their armor.
"Mind your own business, Goreksson," the elf replied coldly.
"Hold on a moment," the mercenary spoke up. "Now that we've got our titles made official, we should get used to using them instead of our names. Be all professional and the like."
The former sergeant cleared his throat before turning to Priestess.
"Mercenary Captain, happy to meet ya," Kruber said as he extended a hand to the girl.
"Nice to meet you, Mercenary Captain, sir," Priestess greeted back as she shook the man's hand.
"Waystalker," Kerillian stated flatly, pulling her tag up from where it had been concealed beneath her cloak.
"Dwarf Ranger Veteran!" Bardin announced proudly.
The dwarf's companions gave him an odd look upon hearing his title.
"You don't think that's a bit much?" The mercenary remarked.
"What's wrong with it, Azumgi?" The dwarf asked. "It says what I am, what I do, and how good I am at doing it; a dawi should have pride in all three."
"No, no problem with that; it's just a bit of a mouthful, you know?" Kruber said carefully.
"Not to mention obnoxious," Kerillian snidely remarked. "I'm not going to say that whole title every time I have to refer to you, dwarf."
"What do you expect me to do then?" Bardin asked. "Go without one?"
"You could just shorten it," the elf suggested flatly.
"Yeah, maybe change it to just 'Dwarf Ranger' for short, eh?" Kruber added.
The ranger's expression visibly soured upon hearing his companions' words.
"Short!?" Bardin exclaimed angrily. "Why don't I shorten the two of you!? I can do it right now by knocking you down on your arses!"
"You're really going to make a fuss over this?" Kerillian questioned before sighing. "Of course you are."
"Alright, keep it as is," the mercenary conceded, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "Taal's teeth, it was just a suggestion."
"'Why don't you just shorten it?' Bah!" The dwarf pouted. "For shame, drengbarazi, I expected better of you."
"I think your title is fine, Mr. Dwarf Ranger Veteran," Priestess reassured.
"Don't encourage him, child," the waystalker scolded.
"Hah, good to see some manlings still have good sense!" The dwarf remarked. "You should learn from her, Azumgi."
"Yeah, whatever, let's just get started already," Kruber said as he began browsing the quest board, only to turn to Priestess soon after. "Say, could you help read these out?"
"Of course, Mercenary Captain sir," Priestess agreed, as the group began looking through the contracts.
From a distant table, a woman in provocative attire looked on at the group. She had considered intervening earlier, but the situation seemed to turn out fine without her.
"Fascinating," she said amusedly as she took a puff from her pipe; she would definitely be keeping note of them; Goblin Slayer seemed to be attracting some interesting individuals lately.
"Huh, did you say something?" Her spear-wielding companion asked obliviously.
"Are you really a silver-ranker?" High-Elf Archer questioned skeptically, looking at the unkempt adventurer sitting before her.
"That's what the guild says," Goblin Slayer answered.
"Unbelievable," the archer said, shaking her head. "I've seen bugs that looked better than you."
"Mind your tone, elf," Saltzpyre interjected, staring down High-Elf Archer. "You are here to make a request of master Goblin Slayer; act like it."
"See, that's how a silver-ranker should be," the elf said, pointing to the Witch Hunter.
"I am of porcelain rank," Saltzpyre corrected.
"What? You're kidding, right?" The archer asked disbelievingly.
"You've made a right fool out of yourself so far, Long-Ears," Dwarf Shaman remarked. "We've got a master of his craft before us. Let me tell you what I see."
The dwarf gestured to Goblin Slayer, drawing attention to the adventurer's equipment.
"Leather armor to provide ease of movement, chainmail to stop unseen daggers, a sturdy helmet to protect his head, and a small sword and shield fit for fighting in narrow spaces," Dwarf Shaman listed off.
"The dwarf comprehends the value that the elf is incapable of even noticing," the witch hunter remarked. "Typical."
"Hah! Your friends weren't kidding; you're practically a dwarf in a human's body," the shaman commented amusedly.
"I appreciate your praise, master dwarf," Saltzpyre replied.
"Yeah, well, can't he at least keep himself a little cleaner?" The elf asked.
"Clean metal has a distinct scent; the goblins have an excellent sense of smell," Goblin Slayer responded. "But I do sterilize my equipment regularly to kill off the spores."
"Spores?" High-Elf Archer repeated confusedly.
"The greenskins produce fungal spores," Saltzpyre began. "That you were unaware of the matter is only further proof that you should adhere to master Goblin Slayer's expertise."
"But it was you who informed me of that fact," Goblin Slayer said, addressing his companion. "Wouldn't it be your expertise?"
The witch hunter slowly turned to face the adventurer.
"She didn't need to know that," Saltzpyre whispered, frustrated that his attempt to aggrandize his apprentice had been foiled.
"You see, this is what I meant, Long-Ears," Dwarf Shaman continued. "We've managed to stumble into a treasure trove of goblin hunting expertise, and to think you were all too ready to toss it all away. You should learn from those older and wiser than you."
"I'm two thousand years old," the elf argued. "You only look like my elder; I've got dozens of lifetimes over you."
"So many lifetimes, and yet you have retained the mannerisms and ignorance of a juvenile," the witch hunter remarked. "Two millennia of stagnation; how wasteful."
"Oh, he got you there, Long-Ears!" The dwarf exclaimed mirthfully. "I've got to remember that one."
"Those guys were right; you are a pain to deal with," High-Elf Archer muttered, regretting her prior optimism to the meeting.
"Enough of your bickering," Lizard Priest interrupted. "We must focus on the matter at hand."
With the lizardman's words, the three ceased their quarrel.
"Of course, apologies for going off-topic, master saurus," Saltzpyre stated before looking to Goblin Slayer to take the lead.
"What do you want with me?" The adventurer asked.
"First, please hear our story," the lizardman began. "The army of the awakened demon lord stands ready to invade. Hence, the chieftains of our tribes, the kings of men, the leaders of the elves, and those of the dwarves held a great conference."
"We're the ones they chose as their representatives," Dwarf Shaman added.
"More and more demons have appeared near the capital lately," High-Elf Archer began. "As I'm sure you know."
"I do not," Goblin Slayer replied before turning to Saltzpyre, expecting his insight.
"You would do well to keep an open ear about current events, master Goblin Slayer, even if they do not appear to involve the greenskins; it may prove useful," the witch hunter advised.
"I see," the adventurer remarked.
"From what I have heard, the capital has been besieged by heretical forces," Saltzpyre said with disgust. "Such things rarely occur unprecedented. Some among the city's leadership must have been compromised, turning traitor to the ruinous powers of Chaos. Cultists likely infested all branches of its society, which the righteous, for one reason or another, failed to root out and purge."
"Oh, so he's an expert in demons and dark cultists as well," Dwarf Shaman remarked.
"My expertise lies in the eradication of all enemies of humanity," the witch hunter stated flatly.
"Well, we'd really appreciate your help," the archer said, reaching out her hand to the pair. "So, what do you say?"
Saltzpyre ignored the elf's outstretched hand; he turned to look toward his companion, awaiting his decision.
"Find someone else," Goblin Slayer stated flatly. "I hunt goblins, nothing else."
At that moment, everyone's expressions shifted, some to surprise, some to disappointment, and others to anger.
"What!?" High-Elf Archer said, confused and angry, slamming her hands on the table before her, "Don't you get it!? There's an army of demons coming! Do you understand what that means!? This could be the fate of the world!"
"Yes," Goblin Slayer began. "But before the world ends, goblins will put an end to many more villages. We cannot ignore the goblins just because the world is in danger."
The elf turned to Saltzpyre, looking at the witch hunter expectantly.
"You! You're an expert on these things. You should know how important this is; tell him why he's wrong!" The archer demanded.
The witch hunter's face reflected his feelings of disappointment as he looked at his companion.
"Master Goblin Slayer, I must say that I do not agree with you on this matter," Saltzpyre began.
The adventurer gazed silently at the old man; his expression was hidden behind his helmet, but an aura of tension radiated from the pair.
"Yeah, listen to-" the elf said before being cut off.
"However, I completely understand your reasoning, and I shall stand with you on your decision," the witch hunter finished.
"What!? What are you doing!?" High-Elf Archer shouted. "You're supposed to convince him to help us!"
"Let me tell you an anecdote, elf," the old man began. "There was once a city that rested upon a river; said city relied on a dam to prevent flooding. Many wished to ensure the dam's integrity, so they made efforts to protect the dam from any threats."
The witch hunter's gaze intensified as the story progressed.
"But there was one threat that many overlooked, and those who would try to bring attention to this threat were met with ridicule and undermined," Saltzpyre continued. "One day, a rat, which many believed was of no threat to the dam, gnawed upon a spot that had been worn down by its kin over the years, causing the dam to break and the city to flood soon after. That flood marked the city's demise."
"What does that have to do with anything!?" The elf asked incredulously.
"You do not have to understand its entire meaning," The witch hunter stated. "Just know that I will not fault master Goblin Slayer for prioritizing a threat that most others view as insignificant."
The armored adventurer seemed to appreciate the old man's words; his tense form relaxed upon hearing the witch hunter finishing his assessment.
"Why you- listen here!" The elf shouted as she bolted to her feet.
"Hold it, Long-Ears!" Dwarf Shaman exclaimed, pulling the archer back. "We didn't come here to force anything on them!"
"Milord Goblin Slayer, it appears there has been a misunderstanding," Lizard Priest began diplomatically. "We have, indeed, come here to request that you slay goblins."
"I see," the adventurer stated. "Then I accept. Where are they? How many are there? Are there any exceptional ones among them?"
The witch hunter gave a nod of approval to his companion's sudden change in decision.
"Seriously, what's up with this guy?" High-Elf Archer muttered as she relented, sitting back down.
"Hahaha, you're that easy, are ya?" Dwarf Shaman remarked as he sat back down. "The problem, y'see, is that those nasty little goblins have been growing more active on elven lands."
The dwarf turned to High-Elf archer with a look of empathy.
"I wouldn't blame the lass too much for being antsy," the shaman commented.
"It would be a concern in of itself to not be when such a vile menace threatens one's home," Saltzpyre added, turning to the elf. "Your insolence up to now shall be pardoned, elf. Just this once."
"How generous of you," the elf muttered sarcastically.
"Have any champions or lords emerged?" Goblin Slayer asked.
"Champions? Lords?" High Elf Archer repeated questioningly.
"The greenskins are typically disorganized and anarchic," Saltzpyre explained. "But on occasion, they will rally under one of their more capable ilk. These 'warbosses', as they are referred to in my homeland, usually distinguish themselves through feats of sorcery, strength, or leadership."
"Our investigation revealed a single, exceptionally large nest," Lizard Priest stated. "But I'm afraid we have not determined the precise composition of their forces."
"Do you have a map?" Goblin Slayer questioned.
"Here," the lizardman said as he handed the parchment to the adventurer.
"Old ruins," Goblin Slayer observed.
"Ones that go beneath the ground," Saltzpyre added, looking over the adventurer's shoulder. "The greenskins may have excavated certain areas for expansion; this map could be inaccurate now."
"I see," the adventurer responded before asking another question, "Numbers?"
"All we know is that there are many," Lizard Priest answered.
"Okay," Goblin Slayer said as he folded the map before turning to the witch hunter. "We leave immediately."
"It is decided then," Saltzpyre said before turning to face the door. "Wizard, prepare your things; we are departing!"
The sound of rushed, stumbling steps emanated from behind the door, growing distant over a few moments.
"Oh? What was that?" Lizard Priest asked.
"Nothing requiring your concern," the witch hunter dismissed as he opened the door, holding it for his companion.
"Huh? Wait," High-Elf archer began confusedly.
"Pay us whatever you choose," Goblin Slayer stated as he and the witch hunter exited the room.
"Are they planning to go without us?" The elf asked, finishing her thought.
"It appears so," Lizard Priest observed. "But it would be improper of us to allow such a thing."
"Well, we shouldn't just stand here," Dwarf Shaman stated, "Come on, after them!"
"How about that?" Bardin asked as he pointed to one of the quest flyers on the board. "'Troll Slaying'. I've been needing to replenish my stock, after all."
"Sorry, Mr. Dwarf Ranger Veteran, it says you need to be at least emerald rank to take that quest," Priestess replied, reading out the specifications.
"Kruting wazzocks with their 'rankings', bah!" The ranger muttered frustratedly.
"Say, what rank were we again?" Kruber asked, staring at the quest board.
"Porcelain, the lowest one," Kerillian answered, parsing through the flyers. "If the rank requirement says anything different, we don't qualify."
"Ah, alright then," the mercenary responded. "Does that start with a circle or a squiggle?"
"Here's one," Kerillian said, handing a flyer to the man. "The rank is written in this section."
"Oh, so it was a squiggle," Kruber said as he examined the markings before holding it lower for Priestess to read. "So, what's this quest for?"
"Oh, it's goblins," Priestess said as she read the quest description.
"Killing grobi? Sounds perfect!" Bardin responded.
"It'll be fine as long as you don't start rambling about their phalluses again," Kerillian added.
"What was I supposed to talk about, Wutelgi?" The dwarf questioned. "You saw it too; it was right in our faces!"
"That's precisely why you should've talked about anything else, dwarf," the elf argued frustratedly.
"Yeah, that sounds like something we could do," the mercenary remarked before realizing the odd detail. "Wait, I thought we were the lowest rank."
"Porcelain is the lowest rank, Mercenary Captain sir," Priestess said as she showed her tag. "I've been here for about a month, but I'm still a porcelain-ranker as well."
"Did you have any experience or training before then?" Kruber asked.
"Um, no, not really, mister," Priestess admitted.
The former sergeant looked at the girl, then at the flyer, then to his companions, his bewildered expression unchanging.
"This has got to be a mistake," Kruber thought aloud before catching sight of Guild Girl stepping out from the back room. "Oi, receptionist lady."
"I see you've already taken a quest," Guild Girl said with her usual smile. "Do you have any questions?"
"Sort of," the mercenary began, handing the flyer to the receptionist. "It seems there's been a mistake with this one."
"Goblin slaying," Guild Girl said as she looked over the flyer. "Everything seems in order here."
"Um, no, I don't think it is," the mercenary said, pointing to the spot that listed the rank requirement. "This has the lowest rank written here."
"I'm afraid that isn't a mistake, sir," Guild Girl responded solemnly. "Goblins are considered a porcelain-appropriate threat."
Kruber glanced at Priestess, then back at the receptionist.
"You're telling me this place is alright with sending people with little to no experience or training to fight greenskins?" The mercenary asked seriously.
"Unfortunately, some view the goblins as a low-level threat," Guild Girl began, her smiling facade now gone. "The reality, of course, is a much different story, but with the notion that they're weak and there being barely any reward for dealing with them-"
"The higher-ups leave 'em for the rookies and 'expendables' to deal with," Kruber finished.
"More or less," Guild Girl confirmed.
"Bloody typical," the mercenary said as he rubbed his temple, remembering all the times he had to deal with superiors who were completely out of touch with those they commanded. "We'll take it and a couple of others at that, better us than some unknowing youngblood."
"Yes, you seem more capable than most new adventurers," Guild Girl commented; if they were just as capable as Witch Hunter and Bright Witch, they shouldn't have any problems. "Good luck, and thank you."
"Don't go thanking us yet; we've still got to do it," Kruber replied as he collected more of the porcelain rank quests. "Well, mates, looks like we'll be hunting greenskins."
As the former sergeant finished his words, Sienna came rushing down the stairs.
"Ms. Bright Witch, you're back," Priestess greeted. "How was the meeting?"
"Well, darling, from what I heard, there's going to be goblins," the wizard began.
"What a coincidence," Bardin remarked. "We were just talking about going on our own gobbo hunt, Zharrin."
"Of course, you are," Sienna commented; the dwarf's songs often referenced the killing of greenskins. "But anyways, there's going to be a lot on this next one."
"I'll get ready then," Priestess replied.
"The thing is, darling, I think you should-" Sienna started to say.
"Wizard!" Saltzpyre called out as he descended the stairs with Goblin Slayer, approaching Sienna. "I would like to have a word with you before we leave."
"Oh, Goblin Slayer sir," Priestess called out as she ran to the armored adventurer.
"Couldn't you have waited a bit?" The wizard said annoyedly. "What is it?"
"I noticed you eavesdropping on the meeting," the witch hunter stated.
"I don't know what you're talking about, darling," Sienna responded, trying to appear oblivious.
"You can't fool me, wizard," Saltzpyre began. "Your fire has a distinct sound and smell."
"Well, I'm flattered you pay enough attention to notice, darling," the wizard remarked.
"Of course I pay attention; that is part of my duty," the witch hunter replied.
"Are you really going to complain about something that you've been doing to us for the last few years?" Kerillian questioned.
"I do not have any issue with what was done in of itself," Saltzpyre corrected. "My point is that if I was able to notice it, surely the elf and the lizardman must have too."
"What's wrong with that?" Kruber asked. "Those blokes seemed nice enough if you ask me."
"They were here to conduct business with master Goblin Slayer," the witch hunter answered. "If they believed something dubious had occurred, it could harm his reputation. So, if you plan to enact any more mischievous ploys, I ask you to do so more subtly."
"Alright, will do, you grouchy nag," Sienna said dismissively as she moved to listen in on Priestess and Goblin Slayer's conversation.
"I'm coming with you!" The girl announced.
"Do what you will," the adventurer responded.
"Guess that idea's out the window," the wizard muttered, frustrated she'd missed her chance to talk the girl out of coming along.
"Sergeant, I would like to ask a favor of you," Saltzpyre stated, beckoning the mercenary to come closer.
"Sure, what is it, sir?" Kruber asked.
"I will be accompanying master Goblin Slayer in the purging of a greenskin den," the witch hunter explained. "The location is rather distant; it will likely be a while before we return. We require that someone continue our work here in the meantime."
"And you think we're up to the task?" The mercenary asked with a grin, before holding up one of the quest flyers. "Right ahead of you, sir! Me and the others were just about to go take out those buggers."
"That is a quest for sewer cleaning," the witch hunter pointed out.
"It is?" Kruber asked, looking over the flyer. "Huh, must've missed that."
"Are you unable to read the markings, Kruber?" Saltzpyre questioned curiously.
"Well… yeah," the mercenary admitted. "Look, don't make a big deal about it, sir. I've already got Kerillian making jabs at me."
"So the elf can read them then?" Saltzpyre continued. "Would I be correct in assuming that Goreksson can as well?"
"Yeah, it looks like it's just me who's out of the loop," Kruber sighed. "Run of bad luck, innit?"
"No, it's actually quite fitting," the witch hunter stated.
"You mocking me as well?" the mercenary asked frustratedly.
"I meant no insult to you, sergeant," Saltzpyre clarified. "What is it about Taalites and Rhyans that differs from Sigmarites, Myrmidians, Valayans, and... the followers of the elf's pagan patron?"
"How should I have any idea?" Kruber asked. "The only things I know about Myrmidia and Valaya are what Sienna and Bardin have told me. And all that Kerillian's said about Lileath were riddles, though a lot of them involved the Lady for some reason."
"From what I recall, the cult of Taal and Rhya rely much more on oral traditions than literature," the witch hunter stated.
"I guess that's right, but do you really think that's related to why I can't read this?" The former sergeant questioned confusedly, holding up the quest flyer.
"Do not be ashamed of what you lack, Kruber," Saltzpyre advised. "You were blessed for holy purpose in these lands."
"Um, alright, whatever you say, sir," the mercenary said dismissively as he pinned the sewer cleaning quest back onto the board.
"We should get going," Goblin Slayer stated as he and Priestess approached Saltzpyre and Sienna.
"Ah, Master Goblin Slayer, you should be relieved to know that my companions have decided to take on the duty of purging the local greenskins in our absence," the witch hunter announced.
"I see," the adventurer stated as he eyed the old man's companions."That is helpful. Thank you."
"It is only what is expected of us," the witch hunter responded. "Now, let us make haste."
"Hold on!" High-Elf Archer called out as she leapt down from the second floor. "Stop talking as if you're the only ones going; we're coming too!"
"To not aid you in this quest would surely shame my ancestors," Lizard Priest added as he descended the stairs.
"I can see it right now; this won't be boring," Dwarf Shaman remarked, following the lizardman.
"Do what you will," Goblin Slayer stated as he and his party began exiting the guild hall.