Chapter 12

The next day around noon ---

"There it is."

Gald, with a sword at his waist, pointed. It was a cave that had opened up in the rock mountain.

At the entrance, two goblins were standing guard, armed with crude spears.

Goblins are rather popular monsters, standing about 150 centimeters tall, and are bipedal like humans. Their skin is brown, and their heads are large. They have yellow, pupil-less eyes and a large mouth with fangs that extends to their ears. They have their own language system, but their cultural level is low, and the clothes they wear are shabby.

The guards were dozing, lacking concentration, probably due to their nocturnal nature.

We had come to raid the goblins' sleeping quarters. We were now hiding in the bushes near the cave, watching the situation.

"It's finally happening."

Next to me, Rola whispered nervously.

To explain how we got here, we need to go back to last night.

With our suspicions cleared, we were led to Rola's village.

On the way, Rola and Gald had this conversation.

"Uncle Gald, do goblins live in the nearby cave?"

"Yeah. As long as we didn't approach their territory, they didn't do anything. But as you know, Rola, things have changed in the past year."

"Yeah. There were several incidents where villagers who went outside were intimidated."

"Fortunately, there were no casualties... But finally, the day after Rola left the village, they crossed the line."

"What happened?"

"They attacked the village."

"Wh-What!?"

"Fortunately, it was just a few weak goblins, so the young men managed to repel them without any deaths..."

"That was dangerous."

"So, the village is on high alert... We, the strong ones, have been keeping watch."

"What about the goblins? Are you just going to leave them alone?"

"No, no... If they really attack, we can't hold them off. We've asked the lord to send troops. We plan to attack first."

Thus, the village was holding a welcoming party for the five soldiers sent by the lord.

Gald was considerate enough to invite us.

"Sit at the edge of the party and have some food. There's good stuff being served."

"Let's sneak in and have some delicious food, Albert!"

Though I wasn't particularly interested, I couldn't leave Rola, who was our host and guide. So, I reluctantly followed.

At the party, the five soldiers were talking loudly and in high spirits.

"Hahaha! Leave the goblins to me, Sir Garsia! I'll cut them down one by one!"

The five were drunk and boasting loudly about their strength.

... Judging from the strained expressions of the village women surrounding them, they didn't seem to be very high-quality people.

"Be grateful for the lord's kindness! He sent us, his elite, to this cursed village!"

It seems the drunk Garsia didn't notice, but the villagers' faces showed signs of distress.

... Cursed village...?

Perhaps reacting to that word, I could ask Rola next to me, but... it's hard to ask...

At that moment, the drunk Garsia turned his eyes toward us.

"Hey, hey! There's a cute young girl! Come here and entertain me!"

Garsia's words made Rola's body tremble.

"What, you don't like it!? We're risking our lives for this village! Is that attitude okay!?"

... That's too much...

Feeling indignant, Rola said in a small voice.

"It's fine."

Rola sat next to Garsia.

"Women are best when they're young, aren't they?"

Garsia, with his alcohol-laden breath, spoke in a cheerful tone.

As Rola awkwardly tried to keep up the conversation, Garsia's eyes fell on her hair.

"Hmm? You have a lot of white hair... Could it be? Is the witch's blood strong in you?"

"... Yes, probably..."

"Then you're a magician, right?"

"Yes, I can use a few."

"Great, great, great, great!"

Garsia, excited, pounded the floor.

"The more power, the better! You, come with us to fight the goblins!"

"Eh?"

"Wait, wait! This child is still young --!"

A woman sitting next to her hurriedly interjected.

Garsia rudely pushed her aside.

"Magic has nothing to do with physical strength, right? It doesn't matter if you're a child. Can you use a few attack spells?"

"Yes."

"For the village. Will you come?"

"Of course."

Rola nodded without hesitation.

It wasn't because Rola was told to, but I could sense her determination to fight for the village.

So, I decided to help as well.

I can only use one magic spell.

But fortunately, it's an attack spell. It will surely be useful in fighting the goblins.

Thus, the next day around noon, I became a member of the goblin extermination team.

The team consisted of five soldiers including Garsia, twenty villagers, and Rola and me.

The soldiers were armed with metal swords and armor, but the villagers had only short swords and hand axes. Only a few wore leather chest plates and gloves as a token of protection. They were almost completely defenseless.

It's not a good idea to put the villagers on the front lines...

"Hey, white-haired girl. Cast Magic Arrow."

"Understood."

"Prepare your bows."

Four villagers quietly drew their bows.

"Fire in sync with the girl's magic. Got it?"

Rola raised her wand.

She took a deep breath and then spoke the trigger words.

"Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow!"

Immediately, two white arrows generated by magic were released toward the goblin guards.