Goblin (2)

Several days had passed since I devoted myself to goblin hunting.

Never again did I hunt over thirty in a single day like the first time.

With each passing day, the frequency of goblin ambushes decreased.

Even after roaming the forest all day today, only six attacked at once.

This was hardly profitable.

Had rumors about me spread among them?

Killing dozens daily would surely make me infamous among their kind.

Regardless, there were other jobs besides goblins.

I decided to try one last day before considering stopping the hunts.

With my plan set, I tilted the wine glass to my lips.

The fragrant red wine lingered momentarily before sliding down my throat.

After a grueling day, I sat alone in the inn's dining room sipping alcohol.

Though my body didn't require food, drinking was another matter.

Today felt like a day to indulge in intoxication.

"...Hic!"

An involuntary hiccup made me purse my lips.

I must already be getting tipsy despite drinking little.

The wine wasn't particularly strong.

I simply had low alcohol tolerance.

With lightheadedness setting in, I scanned the dining area.

People who'd finished their daily work sipped drinks here and there.

Among them, several virile men occasionally stole glances my way.

I lowered my gaze to inspect myself.

I'd intentionally left my robe in the room since it bothered me when sitting.

Consequently, my full silhouette was clearly visible.

My ample chest and slender waist couldn't be fully concealed by the corset vest.

The snug leather pants perfectly showcased my hips and thighs.

Though self-praise felt embarrassing, objectively my figure was art-like.

The kind that would make anyone, regardless of gender, look twice.

But what good was that?

The men here only peeked secretly, never making advances.

Though reluctant to admit it, part of me wished someone would approach.

Days of pent-up sexual desire were beginning to overflow.

Today was manageable, but I'd reach my limit within another day or two.

Had I not masturbated nightly, this would've happened sooner.

Ultimately, the thirsty must dig ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠their own well.

If it became unbearable, I'd have to initiate contact with men.

But for now, I had leeway. Sleep first, decide later.

I downed the remaining wine and headed to my second-floor room.

The next morning.

Another typical day began.

Stretching nude in morning sunlight, I armed myself as usual and left the inn.

The repetitive daily routine held nothing special.

The anomaly occurred just as I exited the city gate toward the forest.

"Hey, wait a moment!"

I stopped and turned.

The speaker was a young woman in light hunting gear.

From the crossbow and dagger at her waist, she must be a hunter or mercenary.

Facing her, I responded.

"What is it?"

"Oh, I was wondering—you're heading to the Goblin Forest, right? Would you join our party?"

An unexpected proposal.

Before considering, I examined the man standing behind her.

He was quite large with decent muscle.

The steel longsword on his back suggested combat competence.

"Three is ideal for goblin hunting. I brought plenty of paralysis antidotes too, so you can fight worry-free."

"Hmm..."

I fell briefly into thought.

I had been struggling with solo hunts recently.

Moreover, I couldn't work alone forever.

Coordinating with others this once might not be bad.

"Alright. I'm Rene."

"Nice to meet you, Rene! I'm Maria. This impressive gentleman is Crowd-nim."

Her honorific suggested they weren't equals.

Not that I needed to lower myself accordingly.

Moderate respect would suffice.

"Pleased to meet you."

"Ahem. Likewise."

Despite greetings, his gaze remained fixed on my chest.

Unremarkable, so I ignored it.

"Shall we go then?"

Introductions complete, our newly formed party headed straight for the Goblin Forest.

The half-day journey took considerable time on foot.

Alone, I'd have run and arrived quickly, but today required patience.

We exchanged miscellaneous chatter while walking.

Crowd was somewhat taciturn, leaving Maria to lead conversations.

She revealed she wasn't a licensed mercenary but originally a hunter.

Learned various skills from a forester relative and made a living that way.

Maria's constant chatter kept focus off me.

Between humoring her and moving, we reached our destination before noticing.

"Everyone ready? We're going in."

Following Crowd, I too stepped into the Goblin Forest.

I'd hooded my face just in case.

If goblins recognized me, they might not ambush.

Alone it wouldn't matter, but I couldn't inconvenience the party.

Tense moments passed as we advanced along forest paths.

Then Crowd at the front groaned sharply.

Turning, I saw him removing a poison dart from his arm.

"Ambush! Battle positions!"

"Right!"

Maria responded to his shout ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠by readying her crossbow.

I too drew my sword and took position.

"Ugh! Damn that stings."

Crowd poured antidote on the dart wound.

So this was standard procedure.

Distracted, I noticed goblins approaching.

I instantly bisected one while assessing Crowd and Maria.

Which needed support?

Normally Maria, but Crowd was vulnerable while applying antidote.

"Come at me! You filthy monsters!"

Two goblins charged him.

Crowd hurled the empty vial and fiercely swung his greatsword.

Not my equal, but still a ferocious strike.

One goblin died instantly, shoulder cleaved through.

The other's fate seemed equally sealed.

Clearly he needed no help.

I turned toward Maria.

She was fleeing from a single goblin, barely maintaining distance.

Bolt-embedded ground showed her missed shots.

Whether from error or lack of skill, the situation was precarious.

I immediately pursued and stabbed her pursuer.

"Whew...! Thanks, Rene. You're really strong."

"It's nothing. You unhurt?"

"Yes! I'm quite fast on my feet!"

I silently nodded at her confident smile.

At least her mobility was decent.

Thus concluded our first uneventful battle.

Roaming the forest, we endured three more ambushes.

Though three strong, combat fell mostly to Crowd and me.

Maria's marksmanship was abysmal, making me question her forester training.

"Heheh. Hard to hit today. I'll handle the ears—you rest!"

Maria awkwardly laughed while severing goblin ears with her dagger.

At least she didn't shirk dirty work—admirable.

While Crowd and I cleaned bloodied blades, she finished all preparations alone.

She clearly tried pulling her weight in her own way.

I didn't mind.

Her lesser contribution meant more goblins for me.

Considering it earning points rather than splitting rewards made it acceptable.

After repelling another attack and resting briefly—

"Huh? Wait! Everyone see this?"

Maria from the rear suddenly called us.

Approaching, she pointed at the ground.

Staring, I barely noticed faint indentations in soil.

Why had she summoned us for this?

Reading my expression, she explained.

"Goblin tracks."

Now that she mentioned it, they resembled goblin feet.

Too subtle for me to have spotted alone.

"I see. So?"

"We can track these to find their nest!"

At Crowd's indifferent question, Maria excitedly continued.

Normally cautious goblins left almost no traces.

Even professional hunters couldn't locate them first.

Yet now we'd miraculously found tracks.

A rare chance to counterattack.

"Let's follow them! Who knows? Finding it would be a huge achievement!"

Maria seemed exhilarated.

Finally her moment to shine, perhaps.

"I'm in."

I agreed immediately.

More goblins to hunt—why refuse?

"...Fine. Lead the way."

Crowd's nod initiated our tracking.

Maria scouted ahead while we guarded closely.

Her terrible aim contrasted with genuine tracking skills.

Her bushwhacking movements looked quite professional.

After over thirty minutes tracking goblin signs—

Maria finally ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠halted.

"...Found it. That cave ahead."

A natural cave, half-hidden by a slanted tree.

Black vines coiled around its entrance exuded ominous energy.

Clearly something lurked within.

"Shall we enter?"

"Wait. Now?"

Crowd interrupted, looking perturbed.

Maria blinked in confusion.

"Huh? It's still daytime."

"No, I mean..."

He trailed off awkwardly.

I understood his concern.

We needn't assault the cave ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠today.

Dozens likely hid inside—three mercenaries stood no chance.

Normally, returning for reinforcements would be wise.

Though with me present, "normal" didn't apply.

He couldn't know that.

Crowd looked to me.

Seeking my opinion on this situation.

I remained silent.

Wordless agreement to enter immediately.

"Tch. Fine. We'll slaughter everything inside."

Though reluctant, Crowd yielded to majority rule.

Retreating before two women would bruise his pride.

Gripping my sword tighter as I followed Crowd, I understood his worry.

So I resolved to fight seriously.

Focus purely on offense, disregard defense.

Then I could slaughter goblins like a wolf among sheep.

My clothes might tear, but that was acceptable.

Crowd led, I followed, Maria took rear.

Thus arranged, we cautiously entered the cave.

Dim but not pitch-black inside.

Glow moss lining walls provided faint illumination.

Breathless tension accompanied our advance.

Then came chittering sounds.

Distinctive goblin voices.

Their presence grew nearer.

I raised my sword, muscles tensing.

"Kikik! Kirikik!"

A goblin pack appeared, spotting intruders.

About ten in number.

Without hesitation, I lunged and swung.

One goblin collapsed, intestines spilling from a deep abdominal gash.

No reason to hold back.

I kept slashing, stabbing, cleaving.

Each strike claimed a life.

Blood saturated my skin and clothes.

"Kiririk!"

The initial ten were annihilated.

Yet more goblins endlessly replenished their numbers.

I carved through the waves in a frenzy.

My stamina wouldn't falter.

Channeling recovery through my body, I swung relentlessly.

My blade danced a bloody ballet.

I'd awaited such intense combat.

Each goblin was another stepping stone toward growth.

Another stride toward vengeance.

After slaughtering countless goblins—

Crowd's furious shout echoed.

"Damn it! Fuck off! Get back!"

I urgently turned.

Goblins I'd missed were swarming him.

An overwhelming horde.

Far worse than anticipated.

The party's safety couldn't be guaranteed.

While carving through endless goblins, I gradually retreated.

Though we'd just met, I couldn't let Crowd die.

Moreover, his fall would endanger Maria in the rear.

Between sword swings, I shouted over my shoulder.

"Retreat! I'll hold them—get out now!"

First evacuate them, then handle the rest alone.

However numerous, goblins were just goblins.

I was their superior predator.

With continuous regeneration, given time I could exterminate them all.

"Crowd! Maria! Understood?"

No response came.

Turning again, I froze.

A dagger protruded from Crowd's throat, gleaming ominously.

Not a goblin's wooden club or stone axe.

A forged steel weapon—human-made.

His murderer stood behind him.

"Retreat? Who said you could?"

"...Maria?"

I couldn't comprehend the situation.

Was this truly the same Maria I'd known?

As if confirming my doubts, her lips twisted into a sinister grin.

"Ahahaha!"

Simultaneously, the goblins withdrew.

Bizarre.

Everything was overwhelmingly confusing.

"Ahah... Ahahaha...!"

After prolonged laughter, Maria shrugged at me playfully.

"Really now. I must have acting talent. Or perhaps you're just too naive?"

I'd heard enough.

The conclusion was clear—she must die.

I sprang toward Maria.

The distance was considerable but surmountable.

A single slash would finish her.

That moment—

"Kuh...!"

Thorny vines erupted, ensnaring me.

The previously empty ground now sprouted vines binding me completely.

Incomprehensible events kept occurring.

But now wasn't the time for contemplation.

Gritting my teeth, I tore through the vines.

Sturdy, but insufficient to stop me.

As I prepared to lunge again—

Maria whispered something.

No ordinary language.

An ominous, unrecognizable incantation.

"...!"

I suddenly realized—magic.

Never witnessed before, but nothing else explained this.

Instinct screamed danger.

This must be prevented at all costs.

Still too far to reach.

I drew my arm back to throw my sword.

But couldn't complete the motion.

"Wh-why...!"

My sword clattered to the ground.

Strength drained from my body.

Madness encroached upon my mind.

My knees buckled as eyelids grew unbearably heavy.

"Tired, aren't you? Sleep well, Rene."

This couldn't be happening.

I desperately channeled recovery energy throughout my body.

Hopelessly, nothing improved.

This magic targeted the mind directly.

I couldn't endure further.

As consciousness faded, Maria's damnable voice echoed distantly.

"Now, gentlemen. Time for fun."

Green-skinned goblins surrounded me.

...That was my last memory.