149 The Only Good Goblin Is A Dead One

It took me a few quests to get used to D rank. I followed Fina's lead. Preparation came first. Information gathering, equipment check, and then health check. It was mostly the information gathering that took the longest.

"So how many goblins are there again?" [Solace]

Just a few hours ago, Fina and I went on a quest to exterminate a goblin camp. It was a two hour walk, and it didn't help that Fina had no mana to use |Physical Boost|.

"The request said around ten. However, we can't rely on that  information if it comes from far out villages like these." [Fina]

"Why's that?" [Solace]

"Sometimes people will lower the threat in order to pay less or entice more people to come thinking it would be an easy quest." [Fina]

"Oh." [Solace]

I guess there are loopholes even within the guild's system.

"Keep it in mind since those types of quests have a high mortality rate." [Fina]

Her saying reminded me of how dangerous this world is. 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

We waded through a forest, until we started hearing voices. I could tell they were goblins considering they sound like a bunch of idiots playing around.

"Stay low." [Fina]

She whispered to me as we hid behind bushes. I could see a clearing within the forest that had makeshift tents built out of skin and bones. There were also signs of campfires, but I guess there was no point in using it during the day.

"Hey, I think I see them." [Solace]

There were many goblins. Short green skinned human-like gremlins. Their eyes were yellow like dirty teeth and some of them carried around either wooden clubs or old weapons. Most likely stolen from somewhere.

"...That's more than ten." [Solace]

I counted around fifteen. Twenty if you considered what I think were the children.

"I guess you were right, Fina. Do we get extra pay for this?" [Solace]

"We do. If we decide to continue that is. If the information is incorrect, we're allowed to abandon the quest." [Fina]

"Nah. I'll get rid of them. You stay put. I'll be back in a jiffy." [Solace]

"...Jiffy?" [Fina]

I made my way around the camp, prowling like a predator. I remained within the bushes, all while watching for any goblins who strayed from the pack.

("Oh, there goes one.") [Solace]

I saw one yawn before deciding to go for a walk. Little did it know that I was right behind it when it left.

"Bad move." [Solace]

It turned once it heard my soft voice, eyes filled with fright as my hand clamped over its mouth. As for the rest, I'm pretty sure you can guess.

("One down.") [Solace]

I repeated the same steps a few more times, allowing me to silently take down four more goblins. It was honestly a joke at how stupid they were. It wasn't until much later that the other goblins began to wonder where the others had gone.

("That's right. Come look for me.") [Solace]

Goblins took up arms and spread out into the forest. That only made my job easier.

("Let's make this quick.") [Solace]

I sped up the process by summoning |Liquid Bullets| and hitting headshots. The thud of falling bodies only attracted the goblin's attention, which ended in me landing more shots.

"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. You have gained a level." [Spirit Guide]

Only a month and I finally leveled up once. It was just so boring at school.

("That should be a little over half.") [Solace]

Yes, I was including the children in the count. I hadn't touched them though. They were huddled up in the makeshift tent with two goblins guarding it.

("I think it's time to wrap things up.") [Solace]

I stepped out of the brush and made my appearance. The two goblins there went wide eyed as they saw me, causing one of them to grab a horn to blow in. Of course, I decided to let them blow it.

"Gii?" [Confused Goblin]

"Translation: What." [Spirit Guide]

It looked at the horn with a confused expression. Maybe because no one showed up.

"Too bad, so sad." [Solace]

I inched closer as the two goblins readied themselves. One aimed a shoddily made spear composed of stick and twine, while the other had a very chipped machete looking sword.

"Gii!" [Hasty Goblin]

"Translation: Die." [Spirit Guide]

The goblin with the spear thrusted at me, causing it to snap when it hit my chest. It gave me a look of shock and awe before I literally knocked its head off with the back of my fist.

"You have gained |Experience|." [Spirit Guide]

These goblins were considerably low level. Well, compared to me that is.

"How about you?" [Solace]

I stared at the last goblin who shakily raised his weapon at me. Sweat seemed to pour out of its face, and it looked like a newborn fawn with how much his legs shook.

"Go on. Hit me." [Solace]

I know there was no point in speaking to a goblin, but it was something I felt like doing. I have to at least give it the minimum respect of a living being I guess.

"G-Gii!" [Frightened Goblin]

"Translation: G-Go away." [Spirit Guide]

The goblin lashed out and let out a cry as it swung. Obviously, the worn out weapon had no effect. Matter of fact, it shattered on impact.

"Gii?! Gii gii!?" [Frightened Goblin]

"Translation: Why. Why won't you die." [Spirit Guide]

I have no clue how the same sounding word could make two sentences like that. The goblin's language is weird. Anyway, I punched its head off.

"You have gained |Experience|." [Spirit Guide]

With the adults gone, there were only the children. The biggest being around the height of the average five year old.

("I'm not sure what to do with these guys. I guess I'll call Fina.") [Solace]

"Fina! You can come out now." [Solace]

Fina emerged from the bushes.

"Are you done?" [Fina]

"Almost. I think. What do I do with them?" [Solace]

I pointed at the goblin children. They huddled up against another, fear clearly imprinted on their faces.

"You do what anyone would do." [Fina]

She approached the children and flicked out a knife.

"Kill them." [Fina]

I was dumbfounded or maybe felt something similar to horror as I watched a pretty girl like Fina massacre five goblin children.

"Even the kids?" [Solace]

Fina gave me the side-eye.

"What do you think these children will do when they grow up? Goblins are known to cause harm wherever they go. It's a duty to remove them." [Fina]

"...Damn." [Solace]

I didn't know what to say. I just never saw Fina like this.

"So, what do we do now?" [Solace]

"Cut off their right ears for proof of completion." [Fina]

That's when I realized I did not keep track of all the goblins I took out in the forest.

"Hey, uh… I don't really remember where I killed the other goblins…" [Solace]

"Then look for them." [Fina]

"Ah… Okay." [Solace]

I was NOT going to argue with a blood covered Fina.

("Well, I think I'm traumatized.") [Solace]