Just as there are some humans with superior and inferior abilities, there are also some goblins with superior and inferior abilities.

However, in rare cases, an extremely capable goblin will be born that is far beyond the margin of error.

For example, there are goblins who can use magic.
They have the same physical abilities as normal goblins, but they have the same high intelligence as humans, and they use the same kinds of magic that human mages use, though they may not know where they learned it.
Because they pose a threat on a different level than ordinary goblins, they are specially called goblin mages, and are treated with particular caution by adventurers.

On the other hand, there are goblins with superior physical abilities.
These goblins are called goblin guards, goblin chiefs, and many other names, but their ability to fight with flesh and bullets makes them a special kind of goblin with a different level of threat than ordinary goblins.

However, if asked which goblins pose the greatest threat, most adventurers would probably answer.

Goblin Lords.
Known as goblin lords, only one goblin lord can be found per goblin pack, and they are rare and powerful.

Their bodies are not inferior to those of humans, but are rather large in stature, with muscular yet supple muscles.
Although he is not particularly skilled in combat, the power and sharpness of the attacks he unleashes from his blessed body, as well as his sense of fighting, are said to far surpass those of ordinary humans.

In terms of intelligence, goblin lords also far surpass those of ordinary goblins.
Although they rarely use magic, lords are able to intelligently and accurately lead goblins to attack human settlements, and goblin groups with lords are said to be significantly more amazing than normal groups.

Goblin mages, and goblin lords.
A party of novice adventurers who encounter a goblin horde led by one of these special species will undoubtedly face an uphill battle, possibly resulting in death, and in the worst case scenario, annihilation.

It is no exaggeration to say that we drew the worst possible card in this regard.
Encountering a pack with both a goblin mage and a goblin lord is as bad a miracle as rolling two dice and getting a one on both.

But one thing that doesn't make sense to me is that William, who is so cautious, has a wizard's eye? I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

Satsuki let out a sudden thought.
We are now marching towards the hall where the goblin lords are supposed to be.

This cave is unexpectedly deep, and the passage from hall to hall is unexpectedly long.
We're still a long way from our destination.
I pondered and replied to Satsuki.

'There's a difference between trying to reduce the risk you face as much as possible and running away without facing the slightest risk...' Does that answer your question?

'Ah, I think I understand, but I don't know...'

I was a little troubled by Satsuki's reply.
As I was thinking about how to explain it, Cyril interrupted me from the side.

'There's a difference between bravery and recklessness. Cautious is not the same as cowardly. A coward can't be an adventurer in the first place... isn't that what you're saying?

'...... Well, you're right, but...' Does Satsuki understand with that explanation?'

'Hmm, I think I understand that too, but I don't.'

'Besides, if you want to cancel the quest once you accept it, you have to pay a penalty. You've wasted your time, and now you'll have to pay back three times as much.

Mee, who was walking in the lead while keeping a watchful eye on her surroundings, continued her vigilant behavior and joined in the conversation.

'Oh, I can understand that too! It's not good to run out of money. When I was traveling, I almost lost myself because I ran out of street money. I kept the kimono and the sword, but that was a bad time. It was really bad. I almost sold myself.

Mi and Cyril chuckled at Satsuki's repetition of 'it was bad, it was bad'.

Quests received at the Adventurer's Guild usually come with an advance payment and a penalty fee.
The party receiving a quest usually receives 10% of the reward in advance as a deposit.

This money is used to prepare the adventurers for the quest.
In the case of this quest to exterminate goblins, the reward is twenty gold coins, so we have already received two gold coins from the guild as an advance payment.

Adventurers use this money to buy food and lodging for the round trip.
This is necessary because many adventurers are unpredictable and rush to find another quest after they have spent all the rewards from the previous one on drinks and women.

On the other hand, there is a penalty for cancelling a quest.
This is because the party that requested the quest cannot afford to have the party that accepted the quest simply say "I quit".

If the party does not accept the quest, the request will remain on the adventurer's guild board, and another party of adventurers may accept the quest.
However, once a quest has been accepted by one of the parties, it is removed from the Adventurer's Guild quest requests.

Many quests require a quick response, as is the case with the goblin extermination.
The longer the goblins are left unattended, the greater the damage to the village will likely be.

Therefore, once a party has received a quest, they must take responsibility for completing it as quickly as possible.
This responsibility is expressed in monetary terms in the penalty system.

The amount of the penalty is usually three times the amount of the advance payment.
In the case of the quest to exterminate goblins, you can cancel the quest by paying six gold coins to the Adventurer's Guild.
This means that you will need to return the full amount of the advance payment and pay another four gold coins.

This is only true if the actual content of the quest does not deviate too far from the 'expected irregularities'.
This does not apply to rare exceptions, such as being attacked by a dragon while trying to kill a goblin.

The adventurer's guild will send assassins to any party of adventurers who take the money in advance and quit.
In other words, it is a law that an adventurer should never do such a thing.

'But then there's the matter of wanting extra rewards for goblin lords and mages, isn't there? I thought it was just a normal goblin extermination, but if there was actually a lord or a mage, it would be a poor lot.

When Satsuki expressed her honest opinion, Cyril responded.

'I guess we have to take that into account when we accept the quest. The villagers who asked us to exterminate the goblins were offered that amount of money as a reward for solving the whole problem, and I don't think they'll agree if we ask them to pay extra for something unexpected afterwards. If you threaten to take it away by force, we are no better than bandits.

I listened to Cyril's comment and was secretly impressed.
I raised my opinion of this priestess one more notch.

Human beings are often creatures that see things subjectively from their own standpoint.
Nevertheless, the fact that she can think from the other person's point of view is evidence that she is an intellectually capable person.

If she can think from the other person's point of view, she will be able to take into account that point of view and seek her own optimal behavior.
By doing so, it is possible to avoid unnecessary disputes caused by unnecessary communication errors.

In fact, when I receive a quest to exterminate goblins, I consider the possibility of goblin lords and mages before deciding whether or not to accept it.
This is the worst case scenario, not the worst case scenario.

However, it is certain that there are many adventurers who cannot think in such a way.
Satsuki was the same way, and she did not seem to be convinced by Cyril's story.
In her case, however, it was quickly swept under the rug and she seemed to have no problem with it.

Compared to Cyril, Satsuki is more frank.
To put it more bluntly, she is not very competent in the intellectual aspect.
He is not a very competent person intellectually, but his unflappable humanity is quite likeable. .......

'Hmm, what is it?

Then, as I was thinking this, I noticed Cyril beside me staring intently at me.
The priestess smiled at me and called out to me.

'Excuse me. I'm a little curious about you. I was wondering what Satsuki looks like to you, a wizard.

I saw that Satsuki was now talking to Mee.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

'...... Hmm. As a human being, I don't dislike her. However, I feel that he can be a bit too quick-witted.

'You have a low opinion of her in terms of her abilities.

'...... Well, to put it bluntly, yes.'

Cyril chuckles when I say this.

'I knew it... but it's good to see. I think even you'd be surprised at what she can do.



'......'

As Cyril and I talked about this, we eventually came near the last hall, our destination.
We cut off our idle chatter and proceeded to walk carefully.