A New Home

Emerging from the dense forest, Gerard discovered a meandering dirt path that diverged from the direction of Solares. With cautious steps, he followed the path, eventually coming across a scattered cluster of modest houses, too sparse to be considered a proper village. The absence of fortifications or sentries struck him as peculiar, unlike the civilized enclaves he had encountered before.

As he neared the settlement, a man in tattered attire strutted down the wide dirt path, eyeing Gerard with suspicion. The man's voice carried a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

"Hey! You! What are you doing here?"

"I just made it through the nearby forest and I was looking for a place to rest. Is everything okay?"

"Nearby forest? You don't mean the goblin's forest, do you?"

"I did encounter goblins on my way here, yes."

"An adventurer, then? No, those robes... Are you from the Institute? Way out here? Why?"

"You have quite an inquisitive nature. Yes, I am affiliated with the Institute. I am conducting research on the behaviour of goblins in their natural habitats, and I required respite, which led me to this village. But it seems you are in dire straits yourself," Gerard responded, his gaze shifting to the worn-out state of the man.

"I see... Well, you came to Kilreath at a bad time. Bandits raided us a few days ago, taking our women, plundering supplies, and killing some of our guards. And just last night, goblins further ravaged our already suffering village. If you're looking for somewhere to sleep, we can offer that, but we cannot feed you or provide anything else. Our hunters are about to go into the woods to look for game as we speak, but we cannot even offer any of their bounty."

Gerard contemplated the situation for a moment before proposing an idea.

"Would it be possible for me to accompany your hunters? I could assist in the hunt and, in return, perhaps be granted a portion of the spoils?"

"No. We can't have you burning our forest or the animals we hunt."

"It's okay; I can use ranged weapons. I'm not bad with throwing knives."

"A throwing knife, to hunt game?"

Gerard gestured to a knife on the guard's belt, and he offered it reluctantly. Gerard aimed for a building four doors down and threw it. It rotated several times before hitting a bird perched on the roof.

The assisted strength and dexterity from his higher level and advanced evolution help polish some of his old skills.

The guard's mouth dropped in shock.

"Wait, that bird wasn't some protected animal or someone's pet or anything, was it?" Gerard asked.

"No, just a bird, but your aim..."

"Good enough?"

"Of course, it's more than good enough. Follow me, and I'll get you acquainted with the other hunters. We need all the help we can get."

The guard led him down the dirt path through the village. It became apparent that the villagers were in desperate need of help. Large piles of charcoal sat where several houses once stood, many houses no longer had doors, and Gerard spied a blood-soaked floor in one of the houses.

"These are harrowing times, I know. We are almost there," the guard said, his voice tinged with sorrow.

At the edge of the village, several villagers in pale green and brown cloth rummaged around in sacks at their feet. A couple of them sported some leather protection, but a man with the most leather armour spotted Gerard on his approach.

"Who's this then, Willam?"

"This is a researcher who wants to join in the hunt. He killed a bird at twenty meters with just a knife." The guard introduced Gerard as though the mentioned skill was somehow his own achievement.

"The name's Gerard." Gerard gave an affirming nod.

"You can call me Fletch. I craft all of the arrows for the village and the name just sort of stuck with me."

The other hunters inspected their quivers, loosening their bowstrings and firing a few test shots to ensure their aim remained true. Gerard could sense the urgency in the air.

"Pleased to meet you, Fletch," Gerard said, extending a grateful smile.

"Likewise, Gerard. We require every capable hand we can muster. If you manage to bring down a worthy catch, I will personally buy you an ale at our inn."

"I appreciate that, but I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart; I want food, so I'm working for it."

"Straightforward and hard working. I like your spirit. You'll fit in well with us," Fletch remarked warmly, motioning toward one of the hunters.

"Fetch this man some knives. Let us test just how skilled his aim truly is in the heart of the forest."

Eager to prove his worth, Gerard watched as the hunter scurried off and swiftly returned with a sack akin to the others, brimming with blades. Though slightly worn and chipped, the daggers boasted satisfactory quality.

"Thanks." Gerard smiled warmly.

"Alright, let's go!"

The hunters strapped their packs to their backs and lined up behind Fletch. Gerard attached a couple of the better-quality knives to his belt and swung his sack over his back. Fletch led the hunters towards the hills in the distance.