The Linxia Territory of the Northwind Empire had long enjoyed its quiet routine. But that peace shattered when the sky darkened without warning.
A heavy gloom spread like a shadowy veil, unsettling the hearts of the people below. Merchants paused mid-bargain, laborers froze in their work, and children clung to their mothers as unease crept through the streets.
Among the crowd, those with knowledge or power wore grim expressions. They recognized the disturbance — the unmistakable aftermath of a powerful breakthrough.
"It's not a disaster-level creature," one murmured, "but it's dangerous enough. The Empire won't ignore this."
The Adventurer's Guild buzzed with speculation.
"Another monster on the rise?" Fiona chuckled, twirling her staff. "I wonder how much gold this will earn us."
"You laugh too easily," Amy scolded. "Even a minor disaster can destroy a city. Don't underestimate this."
"Relax," Dita grinned between sips of ale. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it."
But Morris wasn't listening. The armored warrior sat frozen, his fingers twitching against the hilt of his blade. His breathing had quickened. Beneath his helmet, his face had gone pale.
"This... can't be..." Morris whispered. His mind reeled with memories — memories of blood, fire, and an unstoppable force.
"Morris?" Amy asked, noticing his state. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Morris muttered, forcing himself to his feet. The sky had cleared, but the unease remained. "We're leaving."
"Leaving?" Fiona blinked. "Why the rush?"
"Our job is simple," Morris said coldly. "We kill goblins."
The others didn't argue — they knew better than to question him when he looked like this.
Meanwhile, at the counter, a young adventurer named Ike collected a mission slip. His team, the Demon Hunting Squad, had just formed and was eager for action.
"Alright," the receptionist smiled. "That's your main task registered." She paused. "There's also a side mission available — no risk, no penalty, but the reward's generous."
"How generous?" Lisa, one of Ike's teammates, asked.
"One hundred gold coins."
"A hundred?!" Lisa gasped. "That's... ridiculous!"
"What's the task?" Ike asked, suddenly curious.
"An elf," the receptionist answered. "Find them, that's all."
"We'll take it!" Lisa blurted out.
"Wait, there's more," the receptionist added. "Another task — simple as well. No penalty, just bonus gold."
Ike leaned lazily against the counter. "I'm here to fight, not babysit."
Then his gaze drifted to the door — and there stood Morris. Ike's eyes widened in awe.
"Wait!" Ike rushed forward, calling out. "You're Morris! The Goblin Slayer!"
Morris stopped but didn't turn around.
"You're a legend!" Ike beamed. "You've killed thousands of goblins — saved countless lives! I'm your biggest fan!"
"Hmph," Morris muttered, uninterested.
"Let's team up!" Ike suggested eagerly. "We can hunt goblins together!"
"No," Morris said flatly. "And let me give you some advice — don't underestimate goblins." He paused, voice low and firm. "They're never as weak as you think."
"But—"
"Stay away from them," Morris warned, then walked away, his team following close behind.
"What's his problem?" Lisa muttered, crossing her arms.
"Who knows?" Dita grinned. "He's just a guy who got lucky killing a few low-level monsters."
"Yeah," Lisa agreed. "It's just goblins."
"Just goblins..." Ike repeated quietly, masking his growing unease.
How strong can they really be? he wondered. Yet somewhere deep down, he knew Morris' warning had weight — and that weight lingered like a cold shadow on his mind.