It's been a few days.
A few days since I left the guild — and a worried Reina — behind, heading toward the location of the goblin extermination quest.
When I told her I wanted to take this quest solo, she fumbled with her papers and warned me not to get overconfident.
But I chose to go alone.
Not because I'm arrogant — no, nothing like that.
It's just that, unlike the other newbies, I already have a huge advantage.
Experience.
Taking a quest solo as an adventurer is risky — some would even say suicidal.
But under certain conditions, there are exceptions.
Like being experienced, as I said. Having done this kind of thing before, whether in their hometown or...
Being an old hero who got reincarnated.
In my case, it's the latter.
And that alone makes me firmly believe I can handle this quest by myself.
Another condition?
Being immensely powerful — the kind of strength that makes caution seem pointless. Of course, underestimating monsters is always a mistake… but still, power does shift the odds.
Anyway. After days of travel — across well-built roads, vast plains, and finally through the nearby forest — I can now see the end of the path.
As I pass the trees, the village comes into view.
Krran.
Just a small, peaceful place.
Self-sufficient, paying their taxes on time, with no record of criminal activity.
But also… perfectly isolated.
And poorly defended.
A perfect target for goblins.
I unfold the quest paper one more time, reviewing every bit of information.
Just to be sure. To be prepared.
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Quest Title: Goblin Extermination
Location: Ruins near the village of Krran
Objective:
Eliminate all goblins nesting in the ruins.
Rescue any captured women.
Retrieve stolen supplies, if possible.
Threat Level: Copper–Silver Rank
Reward: 30 gold coins
Villagers' Testimony:
"Please, save our wives and daughters! The goblins keep attacking us—they steal our food and take our women! We can't endure this any longer!"
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Classic goblin behavior, huh ? Poor people.
The thing about goblins is that they always go after the little ones — the defenseless, the isolated. Don't get me wrong, saving the world and defeating great evils is important.
But helping villagers in some faraway settlement, tucked miles from any major city?
Back then, heroes — myself included — rarely had the time for such "trivial" matters.
We were too busy.
Fighting demons.
Pushing back the darkness.
Leading charges against the demon army.
As the Hero, my missions were grand in scale, world-shaping.
I wasn't assigned to protect remote villages like this one.
And that's exactly why I'm so grateful for adventurers... and the guild.
They're the ones who take on these smaller, thankless tasks — the kind that don't make legends, but save lives all the same. Helping villagers, exterminating pests, dealing with "small fries" — all while gaining experience and sharpening their skills.
It's a noble system.
Even if I know its dark sides, the good it brings — to the kingdom, to the people — is immeasurable.
At least I can say this with certainty:
In the early days of the guild, it truly was created for noble reasons.
Not for profit. Nor for fame.
To help. To connect.
To share discoveries with the world.
That was the spirit of the adventurer:
To pursue knowledge. To push boundaries.
To go beyond what was known — in magic, in martial arts, in science, and beyond.
But as I look at the village before me now, I can't help but wonder...
Have we lost that vision?
So many adventurers today chase only glory or wealth. The thirst for discovery has become a secondary thought — if it exists at all.
Still, if there's a silver lining... it's this:
More adventurers means more protection. More quests completed. More lives saved.
Even if the reasons have changed, the results still matter.
Like right now — These villagers, waiting for someone, anyone, to step in.
From the distance, I spot an old man standing near the village entrance.
Beside him, a younger adult grips a worn pitchfork, holding it like a makeshift weapon. Both look tense, alert.
I make my way toward them slowly, hands raised in a non-threatening gesture.
The man tightens his grip and raises the pitchfork toward me instinctively, eyes narrowed. But the moment he sees my face — human, calm, and not in a rush — he hesitates. Then slowly, he lowers the tool.
The old man steps forward, his expression cautious but polite. Wrinkles mark a lifetime of toil, his eyes tired but kind.
"Hello, traveler," he says with a gentle nod. "I sincerely apologize, but if you're simply passing through and looking for a place to stay… Our lovely village isn't the best place right now."
"No, no. I'm not here to rest for the night."
I pull out the quest paper and hold it up for them to see.
"I'm an adventurer. I came to help."
The old man's eyes widen slightly. He glances over his shoulder at the younger man with the pitchfork, then back to me.
"You?" he asks, voice filled with uncertainty. His gaze shifts past me. "You came alone? Where's your party?"
I scratch my cheek, a little embarrassed. Explaining this part always feels awkward.
"I'm going solo," I admit. "Sorry if that makes you worry."
The old man shakes his head, not in anger but with concern.
"Listen, kid… it's not that I doubt your abilities. But you're not the first adventurer we've seen come through here. And you're really young."
He steps closer, placing a rough, weathered hand against my chest, like a father trying to guide a son.
"There are some obstacles in life that can't be overcome alone. You shouldn't let pride blind you. You should ask for help when—"
I gently take his hand, stopping him mid-sentence. A soft smile spreads across my face.
"Old man," I say, doing my best to sound confident without sounding cocky, "trust me. I can do this. And besides, I already accepted the quest. The least you can do is let me try, right?"
He stares at me, momentarily speechless. Then he sighs deeply, shoulders slumping as if weighed down by worry and resignation.
"Alright… I understand," he says. "Even if every part of my gut tells me not to let you go, I can't go against the guild's rules, can I?"
He turns and gestures for me to follow.
"Come on. Let me show you around."
I nod and walk alongside the old man, offering a slight bow of acknowledgment to the man guarding the entrance. He returns the gesture, still wary.
As I step into the village, I'm immediately met with cautious gazes.
Eyes filled with suspicion, curiosity, and quiet apprehension.
The villagers say nothing, but their stares speak volumes, surely wondering who I am and why I'm here.
It's only natural. Not every traveler brings goodwill.
As we pass between the modest homes, I spot mothers and perhaps older sisters or brothers, quickly ushering the younger children inside.
Closing doors. Twitching curtains.
The arrival of a lone outsider never goes unnoticed in a place like this.
But it wasn't a big deal. Eventually, we reach the heart of the village, where a larger house stands.
Unlike the others, it's better maintained — clean walls, a few carefully tended flowers by the door, and a sturdier structure overall.
Not extravagant, but solid. Purposeful.
"Please, come in," the old man said as he opened the door and stepped inside.
I followed him into the house. The interior, though simple, had a certain refinement to it — more polished than the other homes I'd seen on the way in. It was easy to tell this was the chief's residence.
"Have a seat, young man," he offered, gesturing to a low cushioned seat.
I nodded and sat down, sinking slightly into the cushion. As I looked around, my eyes landed on an older woman standing nearby. She wore a simple dress, a silver ring glinting on her finger, likely his wife. I gave her a polite wave, which she returned with a warm smile before disappearing momentarily.
The old chief sat across from me, his posture a mix of weariness and dignity.
Moments later, the woman returned and placed a small tray of tea on the table between us. The scent was calming — herbs and something faintly floral. I smiled at her and nodded gratefully, accepting the cup she offered.
As we both settled into our seats, the atmosphere grew quieter.
It was time to speak about why I was here.
"So… the quest," I said, leaning forward slightly, pressing the topic.
The old man let out a long sigh and gently set down his teacup.
"I still think you should reconsider," he said slowly. "We've already had three groups go after those goblins… none of them ever came back."
My eyes widened. "Really?"
He nodded gravely. "Yes."
"It wasn't mentioned in the quest details."
"That's because it wasn't just adventurers who went," he murmured, his voice growing heavier. "The first group… they were villagers. Foolish enough to think they could handle it on their own. None of them returned."
He paused, his hand tightening slightly around the edge of the table.
"The second group was made up of real adventurers. Better equipped, more confident. But still…" He shook his head slowly. "It's been weeks. No sign of them either."
I remained silent, letting the weight of his words settle. Then he drew in a shaky breath, and I noticed his hands trembling slightly.
"The last one…" His voice dropped, barely above a whisper. "The last one was my niece. My granddaughter… The daughter of my son, the hunter who protected this village before he was killed by those damned monsters."
He took another breath, but this one was sharp, uneven — like his chest was tightening.
"She got it in her head to go after them. To avenge her father… and save her friends. That foolish girl slipped away without a word, thinking she could do it alone."
His voice cracked. "It's been two days now. And she hasn't come back."
His eyes glistened, not with weakness, but with frustration and grief.
I stayed silent for a moment, letting the information sink in. Goblins… they rarely leave survivors.
Men and children are usually slaughtered.
As for the women… well, let's just say that, depending on who you ask, death might be the kinder fate.
"Understood," I finally said, my tone steady. "So I should prioritize rescuing any possible survivors, while eliminating the goblins and retrieving any stolen supplies. Is that correct?"
The old man gave a quiet nod as I took another sip of the tea. He watched me closely, perhaps still expecting me to give up and walk away.
But I didn't move.
"So," I asked calmly, "where's their nest?"
The old man let out another sigh — this time, one of resignation. He had finally given in.
"To the east of the village," he said. "Deep in the forest, there are ancient ruins. The goblins made their den there."
I narrowed my eyes. "How do you know for sure?"
He looked down, his hands curling slightly in his lap.
"Because of my son," he replied. "He tracked them. Fought them. Got caught… barely escaped. But the wounds he came back with… they were too much. He died shortly after. That's what drove my granddaughter to go after them."
He let out a slow breath, the wieght of the burden threatening to crush him.
"But he brought back useful information, didn't he?"
"Y-yes… he did," the chief said, his voice unsteady. "Not much, but enough. He said the goblins have watchmen posted at each of the ruin's entrances. Because of that, they keep few patrols inside. Most of them just sit around, eating, drinking, completely unguarded."
He took a final sip of his tea to wet his dry throat.
"He didn't find where they kept the women or supplies… but he did mention an entrance to an underground passage in the center of the ruins. So… it would be logical to assume that's where they've hidden them."
I nodded, finishing the last of my own drink. I met the old man's gaze, my expression calm but resolved as I asked :
"Is that all you've got?" I mutter, processing the last bit of information.
The old man nodded slowly. "Yes… that's all. But if I can add one last thing, be careful. We don't know what else might be hidden inside those ruins."
"Of course," I replied, rising to my feet. "I'll stay alert. Goblins are known for their cunning. Ambushes and traps are second nature to them."
He looked up at me, worry etched deep in the lines of his face.
"Still… I must insist. Please reconsider. Or at least wait for reinforcements. These ruins are their territory. You'll be outnumbered, outmatched, and—"
"Old man." I cut him off gently but firmly, my tone serious. "I'm already here. And more importantly… we don't have time. Every second that passes—who knows what the goblins are doing to the hostages?" I met his eyes. "Don't you want me to save them? Your granddaughter included?"
He froze. Words caught in his throat. The desperation was clear, but so was the fear.
I softened my voice.
"Old man." I gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Trust me. I'll bring them back."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed toward the door. My footsteps were steady, my heart resolved. Behind me, the old man and his wife remained still. Bewildered, worried, but holding on to the hope I had left them with.
As I stroll again trough the village, I look around slightly as I pass trough the various house. But as I got near the entrance, a group of children waited for me. I stop as they all looked at me, a red haired boy approached me and a blond young girl too as they look up at me quite shyly
The red haired boy approached first, looking up and facing me
"A-are you the adventurer who gonna save our family ?"
"You gonna save them right ?" The blond girl encouraged by her little companion follow suit.
Looking at them I smile before getting on one knee to be at their level
"Yes. I swear I will bring all of them back home. I promise" I vowed with a smile.
The kids visibly happy with my promise, all start to grab things from their purse, just some flowers, some piece of bread or anything they could before strolling away visibly shy.
But even as they left, one remain, the blond girl stay, as she approached me. I could determine she was the oldest one but she was maybe around the same age as my little sister.
"You're gonna save our big sister right ? "
"You're big sister ?"
"Yes... The chief didn't tell you. Big sis Elaria... His daughter. She took care of all of us orphan. And all the people who lost their family." She said in verge of tears "She and her father. They took care of us when we lost our family. Please save big sis... After father Ellis died she went rogue ! And we couldn't stopped her. Please save her..."
I pat her head gently and reassuring her with a smile.
"Don't worry I will." I said as I stand up. "Big brother here doesn't show it but" I flex my arm showing a little bit of strenght "I am confident in my power."
As she look up at me she smile and nod as I past next to her. She wave at me as I stroll away.
Right into the forest, right into the darkness. Right into my first quest.