Chapter 50

If we are to raise levels 10 and 9, the stream we went to before would be just right.

While gathering Vaz grass, it’s also possible to search for goblins.

Although it’s a bit late, I’ll inform everyone of our destination and get their approval.

By the way, the number of completions is 1 per request. There are no exceptions, and even if multiple people take on the request, it’s still 1. Therefore, the lower ranks are generally thicker. Requests that can be taken individually can be received by one person. For parties, adjustments are needed each time. Usually, the leader is prioritized, and the lower-ranked members are assigned accordingly.

Incidentally, power-leveling is recommended. In fact, it’s to encourage the cultivation of successors while the veterans explain and guide them.

In essence, higher-ranked individuals complete the requests and let the lower-ranked individuals earn the completion count.

However, this is only for level 9 and below. If you can’t even kill goblins, you won’t be able to progress.

Upon reaching the stream, we decide on our roles.

Riz will give instructions on the target and train with her equipment. I’ll practice with a wooden sword or something similar when we get back, so first, she needs to get used to using the hammer.

Fia will raise her "Alertness" by patrolling the surroundings and spotting goblins. She will mark 2 and an arrow, and patrol in a loop.

I will gather Vaz grass. I need to earn money and points.

"Riz, when goblins come like this, try to hit their head, chest, and legs."

"Like this?"

"Exactly. Repeat it until you memorize it with your body. Then, imagine different directions they might come from."

I complete my role as the imaginary enemy and gather Vaz grass.

After giving Riz a few more instructions, Fia returns quickly.

"Two goblins are on the move."

"Where?"

"They’re coming this way."

"Alright, let’s move and hide to take the initiative."

With Fia leading the way, we jog as quietly as possible.

We hide in the bushes, crouch down, and point.

Two goblins are slowly walking by.

"Fia, keep an eye out for any others. Riz, I’ll need you on the left. Run through and hit the chest with the hammer. I’ll take the right. Start when I signal."

I give instructions and visualize a window in my head. Suppressing the nausea, I simulate the image of hitting the goblin’s chest. The chest is undoubtedly shattered. I adjust the compression and speed. The previous image was too excessive. I keep the speed the same but lower the compression scale. It’s approved.

I point my right index finger at the goblin’s chest. I’m ready. I nod to signal.

"Execute."

The moment I shout, the chest of the right goblin explodes, and it falls backward.

At that instant, Riz leaps out of the bushes and, with the momentum, strikes the chest of the left goblin with the hammer. The flat part of the hammer cleanly hits the chest.

She pulls the hammer out with a slight hook, and the goblin slides to the left with a dull thud, stopping. The goblin’s body is convulsing, but its chest is caved in, and its ribs are likely broken.

Riz pulls out the machete from her waist and cuts the goblin’s neck artery. After a few more convulsions, it stops moving.

Riz and I quickly return to our original position.

"What was that!? It’s your first time, right!? Why were you so efficient!?"

Fia says, surprised.

"I’ve seen my father hunt."

Riz smiles.

There’s no disgust, only a sense of accomplishment. As expected, someone who has seen life and death is different.

"I saw you, Riz. You were amazing. I’m so proud."

I don’t forget to praise her. She looks proud when I whisper it.

After that, we continue to gather Vaz grass and ambush goblins as we find them.

In the case of three goblins, Fia also steps forward. However, the goblins, confused by the preemptive magical attack, are no match.

We complete 30 bundles of Vaz grass, and by then, we have 20 noses. The prey was denser than expected. It must have been lucky that we hadn’t found them before.

It’s about time for the sun to start setting.

"Shall we head back?"

"Sure. But it was super easy. What was all the trouble before?"

Fia is happily jumping around.

"I’m glad I could help Hiro."

Riz is also in high spirits.

On the way back, I take the rear, keeping watch. Checking with the "Recognition" skill, I see that Fia’s "One-Handed Sword" has slightly improved, and Riz has gained "Hammer Technique."

We arrive at the guild and get our items appraised. It’s the usual staff.

"The completion reward is 40,000 for 20 goblins and 24,000 for 30 bundles of Vaz grass, totaling 64,000 wahl. Is that okay?"

"Yes. Please give the completion count to Riz."

This brings Riz’s completion count to 50.

The reward is divided into four parts, and one part is pooled as party funds, which I will temporarily hold. I guess I’m the provisional leader. It won’t be provisional for long, I’m sure.

"Wow, even divided into four, it’s 16,000 per person in one day. That’s crazy. It’s unbelievable."

Fia is ecstatic.

"Alone, I can only manage 3 goblins in a day if I’m lucky. Sometimes I find no income at all. I occasionally find herbs and gather them, but they rot before I reach the quota."

"You lack planning."

"Riz, you’re the best."

The banter begins.

"But, being in a party is great. I was always lonely and scared when I was alone."

Fia whispers softly and quietly.