Soon after that, some men who said they were Lean's brother's men showed up and talked with Lean for a while.

　When I showed them the reddish-purple stone I had pulled out of the goblin's forehead, they were very surprised, but they said they needed it to do some research, so I gave it to them.
　They thanked me and left, but by then it was getting a little dark.

　We forgot about the passing of time and concentrated on fighting the goblins.
　It is said that when it gets dark, night monsters become active and the forest becomes more dangerous.

　We left the Forest of Monsters in a hurry...
　We left the Forest of Monsters in a hurry, rushed to the capital, and finally returned to the Adventurer's Guild.
　Of course, it was to report on the "goblin extermination".

"Uncle, he's back.　
"Hey, Noor. Why are you in such a good mood?

　The uncle of the Adventurer's Guild seemed to have noticed the difference in my mood, as if we had been seeing each other every day.
　Yes, it's true that I'm feeling a little carried away right now.
　But I suppose that's to be expected.

　My first kill of a goblin.
　It may be a small thing for most adventurers, but for me, it's a big step.
　I was able to defeat it.
　The goblin is said to be the gateway to adventure for beginners.
　My joy naturally shows on my face.

"Yeah, I managed to kill a goblin.
Really?　...... You didn't do anything rash, did you?
Yeah, I was going to, but ...... it was a lot harder than I thought.
　With Lean's help, we managed to defeat them, that's about it.

　In fact, it was quite a dangerous fight.
　The goblins were too strong for me to fight alone.
　It was only because Leanne was with me that I was able to find and defeat them.
　I owe her more than I can ever thank her for. .......

In fact, Leanne did most of the work for me. ...... It's amazing what the silver class can do. I'm not sure what I would have done without her. If it weren't for her, I don't know where I'd be now.
I was just helping my teacher. ......!

　Leanne looked somewhat flustered and red.
　You don't have to be so modest.
　But I guess that's what's really great about her.
　Even though she has tremendous ability, she is not conceited and treats everyone with humility.
　At her age, she's such a good person that I'd like to learn from her.

"Well, I'm glad to see you're not hurt. Even though they're just goblins, they're still a threat to a beginner. ...... It was a good experience, wasn't it?
"Yeah, that's really true. Everything is an experience. I never thought that goblins were like that until I saw them in person, and I never thought that goblins had stones buried in their foreheads that made them vulnerable.



　The uncle made a funny face when I said that.

"Hmm?　A stone ...... on your forehead?　What's that ......?
No, it's a beautiful reddish purple stone. ......
Oh, you mean the magic stone. But the magic stones that are produced in the goblin's body are usually buried near the heart, throat, or near the center of the body. ......?
"...... Is that so?

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

I'm sure it was a goblin.
I'm sure it was a goblin. ...... Isn't that right, Leanne?
"Yes, if you say so, ...... it was a goblin. I don't care what anyone says.

　I'm not sure what you mean by that. ...... What do you mean?
　Well, she says it's a goblin, so it must be.
　The uncle still had a strange look on his face when he heard Lean's words, but he seemed to be convinced.

"Well, I'm sorry for doubting you. There are many kinds of goblins. I just wanted to make sure.
...... Don't goblins usually have stones in their heads?
Well, usually, yes. It's not always the case, however. ...... It's not unheard of to have a stone buried around the head. There might even be one buried in your forehead. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
"I see, individual differences in goblins... there are such things? That's interesting.

　After all, there's nothing better than experience.
　But even if I fought him again, I'm not sure I could beat him.
　I managed to defeat him because Lean was there, but there's no guarantee that something unforeseen won't happen.
　It was a good thing that we only ran into one goblin, but we would have been in danger if we had been surrounded by several goblins of that size.

But I also learned that goblins are very dangerous creatures. I was lucky enough to win this time because there was only one goblin, but if there are two or three, ...... it will be tough.
There are many cases where a careless beginner is attacked from behind and gets killed. It's a good thing there aren't many of them around.　
"I think I'll stop killing goblins for the time being. I think I'll stop killing goblins for the time being. This time I realized that I'm not good enough. ...... It's better not to be too confident in myself and do something dangerous.

　I think I'll train a little harder and get stronger before I try again.
　Besides, I'd better get used to handling that heavy black sword.
　I had a hard time dealing with the goblins when they scattered all the large trees.
　It's not good if you can't wield it properly at a time like that.

If you're not sure, that's wise. Don't be reckless. You only have one life.


"Yeah, I think I know what I'm capable of best. No pressure.

　But I'm not sure I'm cut out for goblin slaying.
　It's not very pleasant to kill something that takes the form of a person.
　I felt sorry for the goblin as I was killing it.
　Next time, I'll ask you to introduce me to other demons to kill.

"Then give me the proof of defeat. I'll exchange it for cash.
Hmm?

　What's that?
　What was that?

What was it? - "Huh?" No, I said .......　The goblin's proof of defeat is in his right ear, so don't forget to bring it back.
...... By the way, you burned it.

　The goblin was burned whole by Lean's skills.
　The goblin was burned whole by Lean's skill. I was too busy killing it to think about that.

"Hey, hey, we can't give you a reward unless you bring us the proof. You can't give out a reward if you don't bring me the proof.

　The old man complained and threw me a silver coin.

What's this?
It's my 'first goblin kill' gift to you. Take it. You've earned very little today.　It'll buy you a bath.
Is ...... okay?　I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. I'll take it then.

　It's true, I earned very little today because the construction site was closed.
　I feel bad for Leanne who helped me, and I'll give her this later.
　I've got enough money for a bath, and I'm sure I'll be fine.

Thanks again for all your help. I'm going home now. See you tomorrow.

　I said goodbye to my uncle and left the Adventurer's Guild. 　
　It's been a tough day.
　I think I had a much better workout than the usual "earth moving".
　After all, slaying demons is hard work.
　I'm going to stop by a bathhouse on my way home to wash off the sweat.

　...... You don't think Lean is going to follow you there, do you?
　It's time for you to go home. ...... Let's do that.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ......

　...... Good.
　He's going home.


　No, you can't be happy about that.
　She's been really good to me today.
　You should at least thank her.

Of course. I really appreciate your help today. I might ask you to do it again if there's a chance, okay?
"Yes, if it's okay with you. Yes, if it's all right with you, I'll definitely be of some help.

　Lean smiled, put his hand on his chest, and bowed quietly.
　You do that every time you visit ....... You're so polite.
　I don't think you need to be so awed by me.

"Well, Guildmaster. I'll leave you to it.
"Yeah, see you later, Lean.

　We both waved Leanne off as she walked towards the guild entrance.
　The uncle watched Lean's back with me and spoke to her in a low voice.

"So, Noor ......, how long are you going to keep doing this?
What do you mean by this?

I'm not sure how many times we've talked about this, so I'm sure you know. ......
　Today, the master of the building guild asked me to persuade him to join us because he really wants him.
　He seems to like you a lot, doesn't he?
　It's not every day that a stubborn old man praises someone so much, you know?
　I hear the pay's pretty good too. It's nothing compared to goblin extermination.
　That place has some of the best merchants in King's Landing, and if you go to that old man, you'll never run out of food. I'll guarantee it.
　You're old enough to have a family of your own...
I don't care how many times you say it, it won't change my mind.
Yeah, I know, but you know...

　I was about to leave the adventurer's guild when I heard my uncle start his usual long story.
　I was about to leave the guild, when I suddenly spotted a figure coming into the guild entrance. 　
　I think it was...

"Lean. Is Lord Noll here?
"Brother?

　Lean was a little surprised when he saw the person coming through the entrance of the guild.
　Yes, he's Lean's brother.
　When he spotted me, he walked straight up to me.
　The guildmaster's uncle and I looked at each other.

"Hey, hey, what's going on today?　I heard that not only Linneburg-sama but also Rain-sama wanted to see you. ...... Are you sure you didn't do something wrong?


"No, I didn't do anything.

　......, I think. Maybe.
　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a great deal more information on the web.

　When we were a little confused.
　Lean's brother came straight up to me...

　He had a very grim expression on his face and said.

"Mister Noor. I'm sorry, but I need you to go to ...... tomorrow morning with Lean to a city in the mountains. I will send a carriage and an escort. I'm sorry, but I can't give you the details right now, but I need your help.