Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

~

Despite your limitless potential, you are too soft to be one of us. It's a shame but, it's better if I just off you now. Die, son.

~

".........."

The hell? Why am I awake? Didn't I die? There's no way my old man wouldn't mess up a death.

".....ugh...."

Slowly sitting up is a young Japanese male in his late teens. The teen's clothing consists of tattered jeans, an old white shirt with several holes in it, and a torn leather jacket. His black hair was somewhat long and reached down to his shoulders. Standing up, he is quite tall standing at an impressive six feet and has a well toned body. The teen looks from side to side to see that he was in a forest that's unfamiliar to him. Seeing the sun rising, the teen can assume that it was morning.

"Did my old man dump my body in a forest or something? Talk about being lazy." the boy mutters. "Still, the fact he didn't finish me off is unsettling."

The teen then pats the areas where he was stabbed and was shocked to see that he felt no pain.

"Huh? My injuries." the boy asks, raising his shirt up. "My stab wounds are gone! That's impossible! The old man skewered me with his katana!"

The boy looks around the forest a bit to see if he can see any sort of familiar building or landmark. No matter which forest he is in, he expected to see one of the Japanese mountains or a temple, but nothing. As the boy continues to walk through the underbrush, he looks up and his eyes widened in shock to see two moons.

"A red and green moon?" the boy asks himself, stunned. "I get it now. This is that common trope of where you die and reincarnate in a different world."

From his days as a young boy to the age where he is now, the teen admired the thought of reincarnation. A popular genre among light novels, anime and manga, there was no way he wouldn't be excited over this. Since he hated his previous life of dark dealings and warfare, it was an impossible dream of his of being reborn and starting anew.

"Magic! Let's see if I can use magic!" the boys said excitedly.

The boy then starts to wave his hands to try and use some sort of magic, but nothing. The teen clicks his tongue disappointed.

"Okay then, how about 'Menu, open'!" the boy yells as he hopes to see some screen pop out in front of him.

Again, nothing happened and the teen becomes depressed as he continues to walk deeper into the forest. As the boy continues to explore this new world, it didn't seem any different than his old one. It's quite the disappointment to say the least. Perhaps the difference between fact and fiction was much different than what others thought. After all, it's not like anyone went through such an experience and came back to tell the tale.

"So I can't use magic or bring up a magic status menu." the boy sighs as he kicks a nearby stone. "Some new world this is. It's nothing like what I read. How boring."

The boy takes a look at the forest and lets out a sigh.

"Then again, this feels much better than my previous life." the boy said with a satisfied nod.

The boy looked down and noticed something strange. He found a bunch of footprints. As a former member of the Yakuza, he was forced to learn the ways of tracking so he could follow his victim in the rare scenario they would've escaped his grasp. That being said, he wasn't so familiar with animal footprints, but even so, he can tell that these were made by no animal that existed in his world. They were small, about the size of a child's, and looked human. However, they were also claw marks on each foot which is something humans don't have. The tracks also all have four toes instead of five. This is the boy's second sign of being in another world and it intrigued him.

"This is exciting! It reminds me of those manga scenarios I read!" The teen was excited. "I'm glad I snuck those manga books away to read them. This is way better than living in the Yakuza!"

The boy eagerly follows the trail of unknown footprints to a nearby cave. Under normal circumstances, the teen would use his phone's flashlight to guide him in the dark, but it was destroyed before his death.

"Spelunking without a light source is too dangerous." the boy grumbles. "If only I could make a torch..."

As the boy checks his surroundings to find something suitable to light up, he smells something all too familiar to him. The smell of blood. It came from inside the cave and the boy curiously peeks inside.

"Damn, what the hell happened?" the boy asks himself as he covers his nose. "The smell here is rancid!"

Upon closer look, the boy sees the freshly dismembered body of a young boy, not much older than him. He was dressed in leather armor, but it was all in tatters due to the number of knives and arrows which were struck into his back. Next to his body was a used torch and a small sword. Despite the sight, it wasn't anything this boy had seen before due to his previous line of work, but the body wasn't what concerned him, but how it was left out.

"This was a sloppy job and was not done by humans." the boy said observing the corpse. "If they were bandits or criminals, they most likely wouldn't leave the body so openly nor would they kill in such a way. Unless the culprit is a mental psychopath."

The boy grabs the used torch and sword that was left behind as a dead man has no use for tools. Curious, he also plucked out the knives and arrows that were embedded in the man's body and took a whiff.

"Poison. Ah, I get it now." the boy grumbles. "This poor soul here was attacked and was left with shallow wounds, but had no idea he was poisoned and his strength soon left him. Once he got to the mouth of the cave, the attackers went up to him now that he lost any means of fighting back and brutalized him. Man, this attack makes my old man look like a saint."

The teen then rips off the clothes of the corpse and wraps it around the torch and then he goes through his pocket and pulls out some matches. Before his death, the boy was told to always hold on to a pack so he could aid his superiors when they wanted a smoke. Frankly, he hated that he was holding on to these, but is glad that he has them on for this occasion. After lighting his torch and strapping the sword to his belt, the boy decides to venture into the cave.

Whoever is lurking in this cave is cunning and crafty. the boy thought. Not only do they have numbers on their side, but they can also use weapons that are laced in poison.

The boy eventually finds more older corpses lined against the wall and took notice that they all had similar equipment and also died in a similar fashion. With such crude armor, one would think that other people in this cave would learn their lesson. However, the boy put that thought aside as he had no right to judge them as his attire was worse than theirs.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

The boy froze as he heard something coming from behind. Not only that, but the familiar feeling of bloodlust was being emitted from behind him. The boy turns around and sees a figure he has only seen in story books and manga leaving him wide eyed in disbelief.

No way, is that a goblin? Those things real?

WREEE!

The goblin jumps towards the boy and in response quickly knees the monster in the jaw breaking it and sends it crashing into the cave ceiling face first killing it. The boy sees another goblin running towards him and the boy pulls out his sword and swings it, beheading the monster. Due to the intense training and experience in the field, close combat was no secret to him and so taking on a surprise attack was nothing too hard.

"Yeah, that's a classic run of the mill goblin." the boy said observing the corpses of the monsters he killed. "Both had daggers which I can assume are poisoned as well."

The boy turns to look down the cave and begins to wonder if he is making the right decision in continuing deeper. The teen rubs his chin and thinks more about the situation he's in.

"Hmm. Goblins in a cave, a bunch of corpses looking like explorers, brought back to another world." the boy mutters. "If manga taught me anything, this means that this must be a dungeon with treasure at the end! This really is a magical world!"

Excited, for the adventure that may await the boy decides to continue his journey deeper into the cave disregarding any sense of danger. As he continues his journey down the cavern, the boy finds more goblins and he kills them all with a punch or kick. With his brute strength and fighting technique combined, he was able to kill eight.

"Still, these goblins are no joke and I need to be careful. They're at least smarter than your casual thug." the boy said as he recomposed himself. "These things can use bow and arrows and are also skilled enough to coat their weapons with poison. I can't be careless here and my combat skills won't do much good against projectiles in such a dark place."

As the boy walks deeper in the cave, he can't help but notice the smell of blood grows stronger. Not only that, but the sound of chatter and the shuffling of footsteps can be heard in the distance. Perhaps he was nearing the end of the cave where the monsters were keeping their treasure. Excited, the boy picks up the pace. He then sees a light source towards the end and heads towards it.

"Alright! Time to get some...treasure..."

Much to the boy's shock, the end of the cave system was actually the base of the goblins. There was no sign of treasure, but instead several bodies laying all around the place with torches barely lighting up the place. The boy counted at least twenty goblins including two big ones. The small ones were armed with a variety of weapons which included clubs, daggers, and bows, while the bigger ones had none. However, the boy can tell that their size alone is a weapon and each one of them big and small are no stranger to fighting. In the center of the group was a naked girl who had been beaten and judging by her expression, was sullied. At the very least, she was alive. The boy understood that the situation he's in is grave and fighting a group this large while preventing his only light source from going out would be difficult. The group of goblins slowly approaches the boy giggling and cackling, but the boy wasn't afraid, rather, he was feeling the opposite effect.

"You bastards." the boy growls. "To do this to such an innocent girl, you deserve nothing more than the death penalty. I may not have any obligations to saving her, but I didn't leave the Yakuza just to see this shit again!"

The goblins screeched loudly and the majority smaller ones charged towards him while the others shot arrows at him. The boy crouches down and easily dodges the arrows as he had experience in dodging throwing knives in the past. However, the dimly lit cave made it hard and he was forced to wave his torch around to get a better view. Suddenly the goblins were almost upon him and so the boy did what he was taught when fighting a large group with weapons.

"Beat them to death." the boy growls as he tosses his torch towards them making them stall.

The boy punches the goblins who were trying to jump him and were able to kill them by bashing in their heads and smashing their internal organs. He was able to knock some back with a kick using the stone to his advantage to smash the goblins bodies into it. Close combat was his specialty and was something the boy took great pride in. Still, the group of goblins just kept on coming and the arrows were not letting up. The boy grabbed one of the goblins and used it as a shield, allowing the arrows to hit it instead of him.

"I need to find a way to kill them all swiftly and save the girl." The boy grumbles as he tosses the corpse into the horde. "I'd rather not use such a long blade in a cave like this, but I have no choice."

The boy pulls out the blade that was attached to his waist and runs down the cave swinging it around killing all that was in his path. Learning the way of the sword was something that he needed to learn so cleaving through the goblins efficiently wasn't too hard of a task for him. He sees two arrows come towards him and he uses his sword to deflect the arrows and then he hurls the sword to one of the archers, killing it. The boy takes advantage of the narrow cave walls and jumps from wall to wall gaining height.

"You big guys are trouble, so I need to get a bit creative with you!" the boy said as he brought his legs close to his body. "This should be effective enough!"

GROOAH!

The two large goblins roar as they charge towards the boy.

"Time to die humpty dumpty!" the boy smiles as he drives his feet into the first goblin caving in its face.

The sound of its face cracking is heard as blood spills out from the monster's nose and mouth. The large goblin roars in pain and falls over on top of the goblin archer crushing it under the weight of its heavier comrade. The boy lands on top of the large goblin and stomps his foot on its neck, crushing it and thus ending its life. The second large goblin angrily charges towards him with a club in hand.

RAH!

The monster swings its club, but the boy jumps over it and kicks the monster in its stomach which was futile as his foot just sank into its fat.

"I guess kicking the solar plexus won't work." the teen sighs. "Let's try this."

Then, the boy kicks the monster's jaw causing it to waver. Seeing how striking its jaw seems effective, he kicks it again by using the heel of the same foot he kicked with before.

"Despite being a monster, you still have the anatomy of a human which means the weak points should be similar to one." the boy said as the monster fell into a daze. "Some kicks to the jaw should knock you out cold and just for precaution..."

As the large goblin falls to the ground, the boy punches it in the face, breaking its nose and jaw. Once the last large goblins were down, the boy looked over to make sure the girl was okay.

Hehehehe!

One of the goblins who survived the ordeal held the young girl in its grasp and pointed a dagger to her throat.

"I see, if you guys had the smarts to organize rankings and arm yourselves with weapons, it wouldn't be strange for vermin like you to use hostages to your advantage." the boy said as he walked towards the goblin with murderous intent. "I was born and raised in the Yakuza, you know. Do you think that I wouldn't be familiar with these types of situations?"

The boy heard the sound of footsteps and quickly turned around. He was surprised to see two more goblins jump up from behind him, one with a rock in hand and the other a dagger.

"Attack me while distracted? How obvious!" the boy growls.

He grabs the goblin who had the rock in its hand by the neck and kicks the other one in the neck breaking it. The boy then slams the goblin into the ground, killing it. He then grabs the dagger of the goblin he killed and hurls it into the forehead of the goblin that was holding the girl. The boy quickly grabs the girl before she hits the ground and lets out a sigh of relief knowing no more damage has been done to her.

"Hey, are you ok?" the boy asks the girl.

The girl seems to be showing some signs of responsiveness to the boy's question. Once her eyes brightened up a bit, the boy a bit, but was confused she showed a look of fear.

"Behind...you.."

The boy quickly looks behind him to see a giant figure looming over him with a large blade in hand. It was the big goblin that the boy knocked out. Despite its jaw hanging loosely from its face and getting knocked out, it quickly found the strength to pick itself up.

The big one! Has it already regained consciousness, despite being struck in the jaw twice? the boy wonders, shocked. It's resilient, I'll give it that.

He quickly grabs the girl and jumps out of the way avoiding the monster's attack. The boy tumbles across the ground careful to not hurt the girl too badly and is surprised to see the giant goblin wielding the sword he threw from before.

"Still, it was careless of me." the boy grumbles. "I should've killed it when I had the chance."

BAP!

"Argh!"

The boy growls in pain as an arrow hits his shoulder. The teens look back to see three more goblins holding bows.

"This is bad." the boy said nervously. "I thought I killed them all, did I hold back?"

The boy then remembers the last thing he heard before he died and it shook him to his core. He remembered that he was told he was too soft and he thought that this was a warning he should've taken to heart more seriously. The boy had his hands occupied with a captive, an injured shoulder, no proper light source, and was outnumbered by foes with weapons and inhuman strength. The girl grabs onto his shirt and begins to cry. The boy then understands what he must do.

"I should just run back to where I came from." the boy said. "I should be more than capable of outrunning these guys."

The only issue in that plan was those archers. If he ran recklessly back there, they were bound to shoot him down easily as it would be hard to move around while carrying someone in such a narrow space. The big goblin swings its fist towards the boy, forcing him to redirect the punch with his leg.

"Damn it, no time to think! I got to move!" the boy said as he felt his leg throb.

SHK! CRUNCH! SPLURT! REEEE!

The boy hears the familiar sound of death from behind him. The unmistakable sound of being stabbed and bones breaking. Then, there was the sound of the goblins crying out as they died out from whatever was behind the boy.

"That's four."

Nervous of what sort of being is behind, the boy cautiously turns around. The first thing he saw was a man in a full set of armor covered in blood and next to him was a blond girl wearing white clothing and holding a staff.

"Were you the one who killed all those goblins back there with mostly your bare fists?" the man asks. "Not only that, but you also killed that hobgoblin in the same way."

"You're injured are you okay?" the girl asks frantically. "Is that the girl that was captured by the goblins?"

The boy couldn't talk as their appearance is only something you would see at a cosplay convention. He may be new to this world, but even he knew what they were. Adventurers.

"Who are you?" the boy asks nervously.

"Who am I? I'm Goblin Slayer." the man in the armor said. 

Chapter Text

"Who am I? I'm Goblin Slayer." the man said.

"Goblin Slayer?" the boy asks. "Is that your name or job title?"

Goblin Slayer and the girl ignores the boy's comment and walks over to aid him. The hobgoblin roars in anger as it swings its sword up in the air in preparation to attack the teen. Goblin Slayer quickly throws his sword at the hobgoblin and pierces the monster's forehead. Blood pours out of its wound as the monster groans in pain as it falls to the ground dead.

He killed it without a hint of hesitation. the boy thought shocked. He's a professional.

"That's five." Goblin Slayer said as he walked over to the goblin corpse to pull out his blade. "Let's treat you and the girl."

"Treat her first." the boy said he hands Goblin Slayer to the girl. "I can endure this much."

Goblin Slayer takes the girl in his arms and grabs a nearby cloth to cover her exposed body. The boy lets out a sigh and pulls out the arrow that was embedded in his shoulder and tosses it to the side. The blond girl walks over to him concerned once she sees his wound.

"Here, let me see that." the girl said. "I can use one of my miracles to heal you up."

"Miracles?" the boy repeats. "What are those?"

"You don't know what a 'Miracle' is?" the girl asks, shocked. "Think of it as a type of magic gifted to you by the gods."

"Magic? Gift from a god?" the boy repeats happily. "What a wonderful world this is. Oh, I didn't get your name."

"You can call me Priestess." the girl said, smiling. "Hold still for me okay?"

"Sure." the boy said curious on what sort of magic he will witness. "Hear me o' merciful Earth Mother, please lay your blessed hands upon this child's wounds. Heal him."

Priestess puts her hand over the boy's shoulder and as she chants, her hand begins to glow. The teen was shocked when he saw the wound on his shoulder heal. The boy stands up shocked and swings his arms around, shocked that he wasn't in any pain.

"Amazing. I never thought magic could exist." the boy said happily. "You're incredible!"

"It's nothing special." Priestess said, laughing nervously. "Wait, you have never seen or heard of magic before?"

Unknown to the teens, their conversation had Goblin Slayer's interest piqued and turned to face the boy.

"Which village did you come from, boy?" Goblin Slayer asks the teen.

The teen realized that waking up and reincarnated to this world most likely not be a believable story. Especially given the response the two had when he said he never saw or heard of magic. The boy had to choose his words carefully or they could respond negatively.

"Huh? Goblin Slayer, look at this." Priestess said, shocked. "He doesn't have a tag. That means he's not an adventurer."

"What? He's a civilian?" Goblin Slayer asks, shocked. "You do know this cave is infected with goblins, right? You could have easily been killed. Are you a fool?"

The boy has never been scolded for putting himself in danger before. It was a new sort of shame then what he is used to. In the past, it would be a shame to leave a fight alive. He was taught you must go in the enemy headstrong and not return until they die. Retreating before your enemy and showing your back towards them was a shame worthy of death and he was taught that lesson well. Never once had anyone valued his life. Not until this man.

"I...I'm sorry." the teen said bowing before the pair. "It was wrong of me to explore this cave unprepared and was extremely foolish. Please forgive me for my naivety."

"Well, since you're safe and acknowledge your wrongdoings, I accept your apology." Priestess said, smiling. "No offense, but someone as clueless as you shouldn't be going into any more caves as it's usually a goblin's hideout."

"Thank you for your kindness." the teen said bowing before the blond girl.

The boy looks over to Goblin Slayer and he lets out a sigh.

"Be careful in the future." Goblin Slayer said.

"I will, I'm still kinda shocked that goblins even exist." the teen laughed nervously.

"Huh?"

The boy looks over to see both Goblin Slayer and Priestess looking at him strangely and perhaps a bit uneased.

"We need to take you back up to the surface." Goblin Slayer said heaving the passed out girl in his arms. "I want some questions answered as we walk back."

"Sure, I'll tell you anything." the teen said as he follows Goblin Slayer and Priestess. "What do you ask of me?"

"First off, where did you come from?" Goblin Slayer asks. "Those goblins that you killed, no ordinary villager could kill goblins so easily with close combat. That could be said especially when facing a hobgoblin."

"Uh...I used to live in a place where I was trained to kill people." the teen answers truthfully. "But, I promised that I would escape that place to live a life free from that!"

"You saved that girl with good intentions so I know you aren't lying to me about how you are not a bad person." Goblin Slayer said. "That brings me to my next question. Does this place you live in not know anything about the outside world?"

"I was thinking the same." Priestess adds. "You know nothing about goblins or magic which is not something that people wouldn't know about."

The teen lets out a sigh as he didn't expect to answer this question so soon.

How should I say this in the least confusing way possible? the boy wonders. I guess I'll just leave out anything about Japan.

"Where I live, magic and goblins are nothing more than a fairy tale. Something you read from a book or hear as a bedtime story." the boy answers as he thinks about his past life. "For as long as I can remember, every day was a constant routine of murdering others for the sake of my father's goals. I was no more than a killing machine for him, forced to train constantly and neglect any of my emotions or feelings just for his selfish reasons. If I even tried to reject his ways, I would've been tortured and beaten. You can't even imagine how much pain I was in every time I was forced to take a life with my hands."

"How cruel." Priestess said sadly. "Trying to live a life where you are forced to kill the innocent every day is something I can't even imagine."

"It was impossible to give my victims a quick death and the word mercy was never taught to me." the teen continues. "Whenever I tried to spare someone, my father would kill them the following day and would beat me for being sloppy."

Goblin Slayer didn't say a word throughout the teens explanation and it was hard to tell if he was even listening or not.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you survive such a terrible life?" Priestess asks. "Or rather, how did you stay sane?"

"I've always dreamed of escaping that reality and have always kept hope." the teen answered. "I would read about stories of fantasies and adventures and would always wish that someday I would be free of my shackles and live a new life."

"Did that give you the determination to leave your father?" Goblin Slayer asks.

The teen was shocked to know that Goblin Slayer was listening. If he was being truthful, he thought only Priestess was listening to him.

"No, the truth is I never did escape, my father was tired of my lack of obedience towards him and so he assassinated me with his own hands." the teen said angrily. "He told me I was soft and was better off dead. However, my father failed to kill me and I awoke in that nearby forest with no recollection of how I got there."

None of that was a lie, but I hope it's somewhat believable. the boy thought nervously. If I added the part about how I really lived in a different world, there would be a lot more confusion.

"What's your name?" Goblin Slayer asks. "You have one don't you?"

"No, I actually don't have a name." the teen said, shaking his head. "Since my only purpose was to kill by my father's orders and nothing else, I wasn't given the luxury of having a name."

"Not only did you have such a cruel life, but you weren't given a name to live by? How can fate be so cruel to you?" Priestess asks.

Before the teen could respond, the group had already made it outside. The teen feels the sun rays hit his skin and he couldn't be any more happier to see the blue sky once more.

"Whoever you are, you saved this girl and killed those goblins." Goblin Slayer said, breaking the silence. "What do you want to call yourself? I'm sure 'kid who fights with his fists' won't be fitting for you."

A name. the boy thought. I fought with my fists which have killed many in the past, but with these fists, I saved that girl.

The boy looks at his hands which were still covered in goblin blood and clenches his hands and nods.

"Call me Brawler." the teen tells the two. "That's what you should call me from now on."

"You do know that title is used for a ruffian or a hooligan, right?" Priestess asks, concerned. "Are you sure, that's what you want to be called?"

"Yeah." Brawler answers. "I know its meaning well, but I still want to go with it. Even if I were to be reborn as a new person, I want to still acknowledge the skills I know and help people instead of hurt. That's the best way I can honor myself."

"I see, so a sense of pride, is it?" Goblin Slayer asks. "Once we drop this girl off at the nearby village, I'm going to take you back to the guild."

"The guild?" Brawler asks curiously. "Like an 'Adventurer Guild'?"

"Naturally." Goblin Slayer answers. "You can figure out what to do once we arrive there."

Brawler's face lights up excited as this is exactly what he expected from a reincarnation scenario. Before they went on their way, the group stopped off by a nearby village about a fifteen minute walk from the cave. It was a simple village with a lot of log cabins and a couple of crop fields. Goblin Slayer walks over to the biggest house and Priestess knocks on the door since the other adventurer was holding the injured girl. Then, an old man, who Brawler can only assume is the mayor of the town, opens the door and talks to Goblin Slayer. Goblin Slayer hands the girl over to the mayor, who takes her inside. Brawler couldn't help, but admire Goblin Slayer and Priestess as to him, doing the simplest of kindness is inspiring to him.

"Boy, come for a moment." Goblin Slayer said waving to Brawler. "The girl wants to tell you something."

"Me?" Brawler asks, confused.

Brawler walks over to the front door to see the girl standing on her own two feet. She then bows before Brawler surprises him.

"Thank you...for saving me." the girl weakly said. "I will never forget you."

"Uhh...sure." Brawler answers, embarrassed. "It's no big deal."

So this is what it feels to receive gratitude. Brawler thought as he turned to stand by Priestess. I feel warm.

After Goblin Slayer and the mayor finalize everything, the adventurer bids farewell and begins to head off with the younger two following his lead.

"So, are we going to the Adventurer's Guild now?" Brawler asks excitedly. "Like a real one?"

"Yes." Goblin Slayer answers. "We will get there after another hour of walking."

"You look happy." Priestess said with a smile. "Have you never seen an Adventure Guild before?"

"I've only read about them in books." Brawler said thinking back. Or rather manga, but I can skip that detail.

"With enthusiasm like that, it's hard to believe an adult like you is acting like that." Priestess comments.

"Adult? I'm seventeen!" Brawler corrects. "Where I came from, I would still be considered a child to my peers."

"You're only two years older than me?" Priestess asks, shocked. "I would not have guessed we would be close to the same age."

"I never expected you to be fifteen." Brawler admits just as shocked. "I figured you just turned twelve or something."

"Twelve? How rude!" Priestess complains as she puffs out her cheeks. "Just because I'm small, doesn't mean I'm young!"

"Hold on, you think fifteen isn't young?" Brawler asks.

"What will you do once we reach the guild?" Goblin Slayer interrupted the two. "With nowhere left to go, what will you do?"

"Uh, I'm not so sure, but I really do want to see the Adventurer's Guild" Brawler answers. "What is it like?"

"You got there to get quests." Goblin Slayer answers. "That's all."

"That's it?" Brawler asks, surprised. "I expected more from a guild."

"Goblin Slayer! As a silver rank adventurer, you must give the guild more credit than just them giving out quests!" Priestess scolds. "It will look bad on the guild if that's all you say about them!"

"Is that so?" Goblin Slayer asks. "I see, I'll try to do better next time."

"Why not now?" Priestess asks, frustrated. "You have the perfect person here to try it on!"

"I see." Goblin Slayer answers. "Still, I don't know what to say."

"Geez, you really are helpless at things like this." Priestess sighs.

"You are not a man of many words are you, Goblin Slayer." Brawler comments. "Why don't you explain it to me, Priestess?"

"Me?" Priestess asks, embarrassed.

"I mean, Goblin Slayer is not going to explain it well to me and you are an adventurer too, right?" Brawler asks.

"Uh, you're right! I am an adventurer!" Priestess says confidently. "As such, I should also do my best to explain to you what the Adventure Guild is all about."

"Oh! I'm looking forward to it!" Brawler said eagerly.

"So to start, the guild is the starting point for every adventurer." Priestess begins. "Anyone who wants to become an adventurer will sign up there to get their license and then can start by taking on quests like monster slaying or bodyguarding."

"Wow, that sounds great." Brawler said smiling. "I'm already feeling excited!"

"You can meet adventurers of all races, classes and ranks there, too." Priestess adds. "With so many adventurers there, you can also team up with some of them and form parties."

"Races? Parties? Quests? Classes?" Brawler asks excitedly. "Tell me more! Tell me more!"

"You are really quite the child aren't you." Priestess comments with a chuckle. "Anyways where should I start?"

"I want to know more about what other races exist!" Brawler answers. "Aside from us humans and those goblins, there are other existing races, right?"

"Naturally." Priestess answers. "To name a few, some other existing races include elves, dwarfs, rheas, padfolks, lizardmen, and myrmidons."

"Amazing! Some of those races I've never even heard of before!" Brawler said smiling. "How about classes? Are there other people who can use magic? "

"Yup, you'll see many people in the guild capable of using a variety of magic." Priestess answers. "I know a particular individual who is quite knowledgeable in that category."

"Wow, this new world is amazing and the Adventurer Guild sounds even better!" Brawler said, pumping his fists in the air in excitement. "I wanna be an adventurer! This could be the greatest opportunity for me!"

"I thought you might be excited about it." Priestess said, smiling at Brawler's enthusiasm. "You really do have the qualities of an adventurer already."

"You think?" Brawler asks excitedly. "You actually believe I can do it?"

"Of course, I do." Priestess said, smiling. "You have a strong sense of justice, quite powerful, and kind hearted."

Brawler couldn't help but be embarrassed from the waves of compliments from Priestess. When he thinks about it, not a single soul has complimented his efforts before. In the past, whenever he completed a task for his family, it was always 'You should have been faster ', 'Don't be so sloppy', and 'Do better next time'. There wasn't a day where he was praised until today.

"What do you think, Goblin Slayer?" Priestess asks. "As a Silver ranked adventurer, surely you have some sort of input on Brawler."

Priestess has been using Goblin Slayer's rank as if it's pretty high up. Brawler thought as he stared at the armored man. He must be well respected by his peers. I wonder how high Silver rank is among the adventurer's ranks.

"I think that despite your rashness, you have proven yourself to be quite capable." Goblin Slayer said. "You will do just fine if you learn the proper ways of being an adventurer and I'm sure that you will grow further if you continue the right path."

Brawler couldn't help, but admire the words Goblin Slayer said to him. Not only were they words of encouragement, but words of advice.

"I will take your words into consideration." Brawler thanks. "You know, despite your looks, you're really a nice guy."

"Am I?" Goblin Slayer asks.

"Of course, you are!" Priestess said angrily. "You are kind, humble, and always do your best at what you do. You even saved my life when I thought all hope was lost."

"Wow, you really are a nice man!" Brawler said smiling. "You saved my life too."

Goblin Slayer stops walking and looks over at the two younger individuals. He sees their bright faces and sighs.

"I didn't do much, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time." Goblin Slayer said. "You both give me too much credit, I'm not that special."

With that, Goblin Slayer turns around and continues walking down the road. Brawler has never seen such a humble person before and it baffled him.

"Huh? Can't you seriously not take a compliment?" Brawler asks, upset. "Why can't..."

Before Brawler could continue, Priestess sticks her staff out in front of the teen thus stopping him. Brawler looks over to the girl who shakes her head side to side.

"I haven't been with Goblin Slayer that long, you know. We only became a party for two weeks." Priestess said. "And even though our time has been short, I've gotten to know Goblin Slayer quite well. One of the things you need to know is that, he doesn't really care too much for praise as long as he gets the job done."

"So, I have to ask, is he naturally humble or is it something else?" Brawler asks as he and Priestess follow Goblin Slayer. "I'm no stranger to dark pasts and I can tell that Goblin Slayer has a troublesome one to not say the least."

"I don't know much about the details, but the reason why people call him Goblin Slayer is because he only takes goblin slaying quests. The reason for that is because he believes goblins are a deadly force and should be taken seriously." Priestess explains. "I don't know what kind of past he has, as I never really asked. Still, you and I both know that he's a good person at heart, so let's not dwell on his reasons."

"I guess you're right." Brawler said, sighing. "Speaking like a true adventurer."

"Um, I'm sorry to say this, but maybe you should ease the praise on me too." Priestess said, embarrassed.

"Huh? You had a whole argument about Goblin Slayer not accepting my praise and you won't either?" Brawler asks, surprised.

"Well, I've been an adventurer for less than a month." Priestess admits. "I'm at the lowest rank which is Porcelain, so I wouldn't call myself a true adventurer. I won't lie, but you are probably more of an adventurer than me."

"Oh, I see." Brawler said ashamed. "I was always taught to respect those who are above me, so I guess I should get out of that habit."

"It's nice to give compliments, and I really do appreciate your kindness, but I'll gratefully accept it when I do see myself as an adventurer." Priestess says with a smile. "When I do, you can then call me a true adventurer."

"Sounds like fun." Brawler said smiling. "I'll make sure not to die until then."

"Alright you two." Goblin Slayer said, stopping at the top of the hill. "We're here."

Brawler looks over the hill to see a nearby town, a lot larger than the one he has seen before. He then sees a large building that stood out among the rest and can only assume it was the Adventurer's Guild.

So this is it, huh? Brawler thought to himself. This is where I can start my new life as an adventurer.

Chapter Text

Arriving at the town where the pair of adventures were heading to, Brawler was more than ecstatic to see the unique sights that the town had to offer. It was like walking through the Renaissance Age or better yet the medieval times. It's hard to say which is more accurate through his mind as he never learned about either, just read about it through manga. As he follows the two adventurers into town, he sees a variety of people selling unique things he hasn't seen and others wielding weapons that he has only known through fiction. He can never imagine an ordinary man carrying such a heavy looking sword as it looks like it would weigh as much as he is. He also sees some people with more strange characteristics which sets them apart from others. He saw a beautiful woman with long ears, which he can assume is an elf. A girl with dog ears, which is probably what the Priestess calls 'Padfoots'. He also saw a short chubby old man which gave the classic dwarf vibe. All in all, this was truly a town based off of something magical and nothing like the old world for which he came from.

"I'm really liking the atmosphere in this town." Brawler comments smiling. "It's a big change from what I'm used to."

"That's no surprise, given the lifestyle you used to live in." Priestess said with a smile. "I've only been to a few towns before and this is by far one of the nicest places I've been to."

"I would love to explore later, but there is so much to see and do." Brawler adds. "What a truly wonderful place the outside world is!"

"After we finish up our business at the guild, I'll give you the grand tour." Priestess said. "My treat."

"Looking forward to it." Brawler said smiling.

"Alright, we've arrived." Goblin Slayer said as he stopped before a large building. "This is the Adventurer's Guild."

Brawler looks up at the guild in awe. It was much bigger than all the other structures in the town and definitely has the atmosphere of someplace important. It was at least three stories high and is made up of cobblestone and white walls which are supported by wooden beams. Goblin Slayer opens the door and walks inside the guild urging Priestess and Brawler to follow him in. When Brawler entered the building, he was surprised at how fancy and neat the place was. He won't lie when he was expecting something more rural, but the place looked more professional. In the entrance, there was a nice red carpet leading in and before it was the receptionist queue where some young women were talking to some of what Brawler can assume are other adventurers. On the wall next to the receptionist queue was a board pinned with a variety of quests written in a language that Brawler didn't understand. Brawler looks up to see the second floor, which has a bunch of people with both work and outdoor clothes. Looking around, Brawler sees a variety of folks who all have a vibe that screams 'adventurer'. There was big man wearing armor and a white cape holding a large broadsword, a blond woman wearing silver armor and wielding a sword and shield, a orange haired man with a spear, a purple haired woman who's dressed as a witch and is smoking a pipe, and some other people who are armed and dressed in a variety of weapons and clothes.

"This place is much nicer than I thought." Brawler said admiring the place. "I assumed the place would be more...uh...messy."

"That's actually not so surprising to hear newcomers say that." Priestess said. "Given the image of how adventurer's are rough and rugged people, some people have the assumption that guild's hold a similar atmosphere. However, all adventurer guilds are all in good condition and keep a professional atmosphere."

"I see, that does put me at ease, but there is one thing that's bothering me." Brawler said, looking around.

"What is that?" Priestess asks.

"I have the bad feeling that I'm being stared at." Brawler said as he glanced at the people staring at him. "Do I stand out or something?"

"It's not who you are staring at, but who you are with." Priestess said with a saddened tone. "You see, most of the adventurer's here are not big fans of Goblin Slayer."

Since Priestess was speaking in a low voice, Brawler could tell that this was something that Goblin Slayer isn't aware of or could be sensitive about. He decided to be tactful and follow Priestess's example.

"Why? He's such a nice guy and seems to do his job well." Brawler whispers. "I mean, I saw first hand how dangerous goblins were. Compared to how I did, Goblin Slayer took care of them all quickly and efficiently."

"You see, that's the thing. Goblin Slayer only hunts goblins and does no other quests." Priestess says. "That's one reason why he is looked down upon by other adventurers."

"That's it?" Brawler asks. "But they seem like quite the threat to me."

"Most people here see killing goblins as child's play and not worth the time and effort." Priestess continues. "However, Goblin Slayer is different. He doesn't see goblins as some monster, but a major threat. Due to his successful efforts of killing countless goblins' efficiency over the years, he rose up to Silver rank."

"I see." Brawler said as he got the gist of the situation. "So basically he's looked down upon by his way of being an adventurer and how it still made him successful. If only they knew what kind of threat they posed."

"Even if he did, I doubt anyone would believe him." Priestess said. "Also, any novices who don't heed his warnings may..."

"May what?" Brawler asks.

Priestess's silence spoke volume and Brawler understood what she was going to say to a certain extent. He decided to not press Priestess any further for questions due to her sudden change in mood.

"He killed how many?"

Everyone nearby ceased whatever activity they were doing to look over to the receptionist who was talking to Goblin Slayer. The guild receptionist looks at Brawler who feels a bit unnerved getting stared at and froze up a bit.

"Hey." Goblin Slayer calls out. "Come over here."

Brawler simply nods and walks to the Silver ranked hunter a bit concerned of what the commotion was about. Brawler looks over to see a young brown haired receptionist woman, probably a bit older than him.

"He's the one who killed the majority of the goblins during the last quest." Goblin Slayer said, introducing Brawler. "He killed fifteen goblins, killed a hobgoblin, and saved the girl who the goblins all had hostage."

The receptionist gave the boy a good look and smiled.

"I thought it was strange when Goblin Slayer reported that he and Priestess finished the Goblin Slaying quest by killing only a handful of Goblins and a single hob." the woman said. "Normally, Goblin Slayer here would come back dirty with goblin blood after killing more than a dozen, but he's pretty much sparkling clean."

The woman's bubbly attitude threw Brawler off his rhythm and all he could do was laugh nervously in response.

"Oh, where are my manners? You can call me Guild Girl." the woman said introducing herself. "I'm one of the many receptionists here in this guild."

"Nice to meet you, my name is Brawler." Brawler said bowing.

"It's nice to know that there are other adventurers here who take Goblin slaying seriously." Guild Girl said happily. "Maybe Goblin Slayer can take a break now."

"Um, Guild Girl." Priestess said, walking up to the trio. "I hate to break it to you, but he is not an adventurer."

The atmosphere stiffens and Guild Girl froze with a bit of shock and confusion.

"Huh? Come again?" Guild Girl asks. "Are you telling me a civilian took down all those goblins?"

"Yeah, he's a civilian." Goblin Slayer confirms.

"Ok...why did you not mention that in your report?" Guild Girl asks, looking at Goblin Slayer with a smile. "That's a pretty important detail you left out on your report."

"I didn't think it was necessary to mention that." Goblin Slayer answers.

"Goblin Slayer, that cave was a restricted area that only adventurers should only have access to because we could be liable if a civilian wounds up getting hurt without the presence of an adventurer." Guild Girl scolds. "We are lucky that this person here has exceptional physical abilities to be able to handle that amount of goblins."

He must be quite the strong person since taking on over a dozen goblins, two hobgoblins, and saving a hostage alone. Guild Girl thought as she observed the boy. That's a feat that is usually done by Steel Rank adventurers.

"Can I interrupt for a moment?" Brawler asks to walk up to Guild Girl. "I want to clarify that I had no prior knowledge of adventurers or goblins even existing and went into them out of curiosity."

Brawler's explanation stunned Guild Girl and she was at a loss for words. She looks over to the girl on her side for which she nods in confirmation as if she confirmed Brawler's claim. Brawler can assume that they are using some sort of lie detector to see if he's telling the truth or not. He realizes that he needs to choose his words carefully.

"Even foreigners know the concept of adventurers and monsters of all kinds, where did you come from?" Guild Girl asks.

"I came from an organization where they raised people like me who lived a life outside of the normal." Brawler answered. "After serving there for so long, the leader there attempted to kill me and left me in some forest where I then wandered around for a bit. It was only then did I explore the cave, kill those goblins and was later found by Goblin Slayer and Priestess."

Guild Girl gave Brawler a look of confusion and disbelief hinting at how she didn't really believe much of what he was saying to her.

"Despite the ridiculousness of the story, it's true," said the woman on the other side. "I swear on it in the name of the...."

She can use magic to sense lies I guess. Brawler thought impressed. I wonder what other magic there is.

"I trust that this man is telling the truth too." Priestess adds. "I have seen his good deeds first hand and even though our time was brief, I know he's trustworthy."

Brawler looks at Priestess and smiles with absolute gratitude for which the girl smiles back. Guild Girl looks at Goblin Slayer who nods. Guild Girl lets out a heavy sigh and chuckles.

"Well, in that case, let me welcome you to the Adventurer's Guild." Guild Girl said with a smile. "I would pay you for killing the goblins, but since you are not a registered adventurer, there would be no reward."

"That's fine, he can get our share." Goblin Slayer said. "Just hand me our pay and I'll divide it as such."

"I'm on board with that idea!" Priestess says. "Brawler doesn't have any money on hand so getting around for him without it would be tough."

"Oh, I honestly next thought about that." Brawler said surprised that he forgot the concept of money existing. "Are you sure that's ok?"

Brawler looks over at Guild Girl and gives him a thumbs up.

"I'll accept the money, but there is something I want to do before that." Brawler said.

"What will that be?" Goblin Slayer asks.

"I want to be like you." Brawler said. "I want to be an adventurer."

Brawler can't tell what sort of expression Goblin Slayer is making, but he gives a slight nod and stands to the side allowing Brawler to walk up to Guild Girl.

"Every once in a while, I see an eager young soul who is willing to try his life of danger and adventure." Guild Girl says, looking at Brawler. "You already had your taste of what it's like, so I don't think I need to ask when the question 'Are you ready?'"

"Yes." Brawler answers. "I want to be just like the ones who saved me. Due to how I lived prior, I believe that becoming an adventurer will be the first step on my road to bettering myself."

"A noble reason." Guild Girl said as she handed Brawler a piece of paper. "Do you know how to read and write?"

"Yeah, that's something I..."

Once Brawler looked at the sheet in his hand, he made a confused face. Whatever language this is, it sure wasn't Japanese.

"Uh...I don't know this language." Brawler said nervously. "Will that be a problem?"

"You can speak our language, but write in a different one?" Guild Girl asks, confused. "You are a strange one."

I never really thought of that and I got so comfortable with talking with them that I just assumed. Brawler thought as he scratched his head. That was pretty naive on my part.

"Here, let's fill it out for you." Priestess said as she held her hand out for the boy. "Just tell me the information that I asked you."

Priestess took the time to write down some of the blanks as she had knowledge of Brawler's background already. After a few minutes and talking amongst each to make sure the info is correct, Brawler hands over the sheet to Guild Girl. Once the receptionist accepts the sheet, she gives Brawler a porcelain tag.

"What's this?" Brawler asks, holding up the tag.

"Think of this tag as your adventurer's certification." Guild Girl answers. "The color of your tag represents your rank as an adventurer. In your case, you have the lowest rank since you just started."

"That makes sense." Brawler said as he looked at his tag "How do I increase my rank?"

"By completing quests from the board on the side or from me, you can increase your rank to Obsidian." Guild Girl said. "The highest ranked adventures here are Silver, like Goblin Slayer here. Silver is the third highest rank and it will be wise to ask them for help if need be."

"By the way, since I joined about two weeks ago, I'm also a Porcelain Rank." Priestess said, showing her tag to Brawler.

"Someone like you is the lowest rank? I find that hard to believe given how versatile you are with miracles." Brawler said in slight disbelief.

"It's not much talent that separates the high rank from the low rank, but their time as an adventurer." Guild Girl said. "For example, say a strong person with incredible magic power came here to be an adventurer, they still have to start from square one."

"I see, so it's the experience that makes up an adventurer, not truly the skills they possess." Brawler said in understanding. "That is a fair way of putting it."

"Now since you are an adventurer, I can give you your split pay as instructed by Goblin Slayer." Guild Girl said as she handed Brawler a pouch full of coins.

Brawler looks inside the bag of coins and realizes that he doesn't understand the money system here in this world, but that will be a problem for a different time. The last thing that everyone here needs to know is that he doesn't know how to count money.

"So, now that you are a certified adventurer, will you be going solo or joining a party?" Guild Girl asks.

Brawler looks behind him to see Goblin Slayer and Priestess awaiting his response.

"If it's ok with Goblin Slayer and Priestess, I was hoping to join them as I still have a lot to learn and hope to learn from their example." Brawler said, before turning to face the pair and bowing before them. "I know we just met today, but please, let me join your party."

"I would love it for someone my age to join us!" Priestess said happily. "We will do our best together for sure."

Brawler excitedly walks over to Priestess and both look over to Goblin Slayer for the final verdict. The man was silent as he looked at Priestess who was eagerly awaiting his confirmation. He then looks over to Guild Girl who gives him a warm smile and nod of approval. He finally looks over to Brawler who gives Goblin Slayer a look of determination.

"As long as he's ok with killing goblins, then he can come along with us." Goblin Slayer finally answers.

Brawler excitedly throws his fists in the air while Priestess congratulates him on joining their party. Goblin Slayer walks up to Guild Girl to receive his and Priestess share of the reward money.

"Looks like things are getting exciting for you." Guild Girl says as she hands Goblin Slayer to pouches of coins.

"You think?"

"I think being in a party will do good for you."

"How so?"

"After being with Guild Girl, you have begun to be more open and expressive. It's a nice look on you. I'm sure Brawler will leave a positive impact on you."

"I see."

The two watch the teens talk to each other excited about working together and the sight made Guild Girl smile happily.

"What do you think of Brawler?" Guild Girl asks.

"He's good at killing goblins by using close combat and knows how to take necessary action when the situation turns deadly." Goblin Slayer answers. "And he's a good kid."

"See? More open and expressive." Guild Girl said smiling.

"Being open and expressive is not necessary for killing goblins." Goblin Slayer said as he walked to his party. "But, more capable people who can kill goblins would benefit me."

With that, Goblin Slayer walks up to the pair ending their conversation,

"Since you are new here, I'm going to assume that you don't have a place to stay, right?" Goblin Slayer asks.

"Oh damn, that slipped my mind." Brawler said shocked. "Do I have to start my life as an adventurer homeless?"

"Hm, Uncle wouldn't be too happy if I invited someone random out of the blue." Goblin Slayer mumbles. "And I doubt that he would let anyone else stay at his farm."

"Brawler can come to my place." Priestess said.

Goblin Slayer and Brawler stared at Priestess in disbelief.

"Th...that's not what I meant!" Priestess stammered. "I meant I could take him to the place where I'm staying! The inn!"

"Look, Priestess, I don't know if traditions are like that here, but usually saying something like that would mean..."

"Not my room! The one where registered adventurers can stay!" Priestess said blushing red. "Do you honestly think I would suggest such a thing?"

Both men were silent leaving Priestess stunned.

"I just met you so..." Brawler drifts off.

"The thought that you were joking didn't cross my mind, but I never assumed that you meant anything inappropriate when you said that." Goblin Slayer flat out said.

"It doesn't matter now." Brawler said, dropping the subject. "The point is that my friend is helping me find a place to stay and that I should accept her help. Besides, I was just messing with you."

Priestess angrily pinches Brawler's cheek causing him to wince in pain. Goblin Slayer gently pulls Priestess's hand off of Brawler's face and gives her share of the reward money

"I'm heading back." Goblin Slayer tells the teens. "Get some rest."

With that, Goblin Slayer walks out of the guild leaving the two teens by themselves. Without the chance to even bid him farewell, the pair just stood there speechless at how fast the man was willing to leave.

"Lead the way?" Brawler asks, breaking the silence.

"Sure." Priestess said, walking ahead of Brawler. "Just follow me."

After the two exited the guild, Priestess walks down the road trying to hasten her pace. It wasn't hard for Brawler to catch up to her given how tall he is and the size of his gait. Eventually, Priestess slowed down allowing Brawler to walk by her side.

"You know, you could've said that in the beginning." Priestess said, puffing out her cheeks. "You know about the part where you were joking."

"C'mon, where's the fun in that?" Brawler said, smirking. "You have to admit it was kind of funny."

"I'm starting to rethink my impression of you." Priestess said, lowering her eyes as she glanced over at Brawler. "Your humor is not much appreciated."

"Duly noted." Brawler responds with a chuckle. "Sorry about that and I really do appreciate what you are doing for me."

"Well, when my friend is in need of my help, I can't just stand there doing nothing knowing that there is something I can do to help." Priestess said, smiling. "I also accept your apology."

"So I'm still your friend? What a shocker." Brawler sarcastically says.

Eventually, the pair found themselves in front of the inn that Priestess was talking about. It was a nice wooden two story building which looked quite nice from the outside.

"So this is my first step in becoming an adventurer, huh?" Brawler asks, smiling. "Being able to live in a building dedicated to adventurers. The whole situation still seems unreal to me if I want to be honest."

"I know what you mean." Priestess said, smiling. "I've only been an adventurer for no more than a month and I still haven't gotten used to this new life I'm living."

"Well, let's get me signed up here so we can sleep and prepare for tomorrow." Brawler suggested.

"Just leave it to me." Priestess said.

The pair then enters the inn to get Brawler settled in and rest as they expected big plans as their path towards adventuring extends outwards. Little did Brawler know, but the divine dice roll will soon be in his favor paving the road for adapting in this new life.

Chapter Text

Brawler lets out a loud yawn as he stretches his arms up in the air. As he rubs his eyes, Brawler looks around to get his bearings as he feels as if everything that has happened to him prior to waking up was all just a dream. An unfamiliar wooden room and bed that wasn't his own. Brawler gets up from his bed and looks out the window reminding himself that he is no longer in Japan. He was free from that bond and he let out a sigh of relief. Brawler twists his back back and forth, cracking it and does the same with his neck.

It really is true. I'm not in Japan anymore. Brawler thought smiling to himself. This is the first time where I feel excited about waking up in the morning.

Without a clock to tell what time it is, Brawler looks at the sun to make an estimate of what hour it is. Given the position, Brawler assumed that it's about nine. Since he didn't feel like going back to bed, Brawler decided to get up as he put on his clothes. He couldn't help but wonder how Goblin Slayer and Priestess were doing.

"Priestess did say she would come to check on me in the morning." Brawler mutters as he puts his jacket on. "I just hope I didn't sleep in for too long."

Brawler couldn't help, but clutch his stomach since it has been nearly a day since he last ate. The young man grabs the money pouch that he received from Guild Girl and wonders if he can afford food.

Knock. Knock.

"Coming!" Brawler calls out as he puts the money in his pocket before walking over to open his door.

When the young fighter opens the door, he sees Priestess standing before him.

"How was your night?" Priestess asks Brawler. "I understand if you want more rest since this is your first time staying here. Especially given the rough start you had yesterday."

"Believe it or not, I don't think I have slept so well in ages!" Brawler said with a smile. "That being said, I'm really excited to check this town out so I really do wanna head out soon."

"That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to showing you the town." Priestess said excitedly. "Even though I'm not an adventurer myself, I'll do my best to show you the ropes."

"That's great and all, but can we do something before you show me the town?" Brawler asks.

"Hm? What's that?" Priestess asks.

Brawler's stomach suddenly groans loudly answering Priestess's question.

"I'm guessing you want to eat, right?" Priestess chuckles.

"Please?" Brawler begs as he grips his stomach. "I haven't eaten anything since I found myself here."

Priestess chuckles a bit and then ushers Brawler to come follow her. Brawler nods and follows his friend before closing the door behind him.

"At the guild where you registered prior, you can order food there." Priestess explains as she and Brawler leave the inn. "I'm sure the guild has something that will satisfy your hunger."

"An adventurer's guild really does have it all, does it?" Brawler said glad to be able to eat. "That reminds me, you need to show me how to pay for my meal since I don't understand your currency."

"Sure, we can talk about it as we eat." Priestess said with a nod.

Priestess and Brawler enter the guild and walk over to the counter where food is usually ordered. Since Brawler is unable to read the menu, he asked Priestess to order something that is filling and affordable. Priestess agrees and orders the food for the two of them. Brawler then decided to look for a place to sit in the meantime. Despite the fact it is pretty early, there was no lack of adventurers which made Brawler wonder if they are here to take on a quest or to eat as well. It didn't take long for him to find a table to sit at and as soon as he sat down, he saw Priestess walking up with a tray of food.

"If it was going to be that fast, I should've been the one to hold the food." Brawler said, feeling guilty that he left Priestess to do the harder job.

"It's fine, besides, someone needed to find a table and I'm still a bit nervous to be going around here alone." Priestess said as she took a seat right across Brawler. "Here's your breakfast, my treat."

Priestess places a plate of bacon, scrambled eggs, and hash before Brawler and the young man looks at it hungrily. The man claps his hand together and makes a little prayer before grabbing a knife and fork. However, he held back once he realized that Priestess said that she was paying for his food.

"Hold on, I have money to pay for the food." Brawler said, showing Priestess his money pouch. "I just got here and don't want to be in debt."

"Debt? I'm just doing you a favor, so don't worry about it." Priestess said, pushing the money away. "I'm doing it for a friend."

"Friend?" Brawler repeatedly surprised. "You think I'm your friend?"

Priestess's face then grows red and becomes flustered.

"Were we not friends? I'm so sorry for assuming that!" Priestess stutters. "It's just I never really got along with adventurers my age and..."

Brawler then bursts out laughing which shocked Priestess. That wasn't the reaction she was expecting out of him.

"Hahaha! Isn't this wonderful? I have barely been here for a full day and I've already made friends!" Brawler said laughing. "So this is what friends do! I never would've thought!"

"Wait, you never had friends prior to me?" Priestess asks, shocked. "But you are such a friendly and kind hearted person."

"Growing up, people either feared you or respected you. Nobody was what I would call my friend." Brawler said as he began to eat his food. "Nobody has done anything for me out of kindness before either. This is a strange feeling! If this is how friendships work then I'll accept your kind gesture and repay you in another way!"

"I guess that'll have to do." Priestess smiles warmly and she begins to eat her food as well. "You are quite chivalrous, unlike someone I know who only cares about killing goblins."

"You are making it sound as if Goblin Slayer isn't your friend." Brawler noted, taken aback by Priestess's reaction. "Aren't you two in a party?"

"I guess?" Priestess answered sheepishly. "To be honest, I've only adventured with him for a little longer than a week. We really aren't that close."

"Wait seriously?" Brawler asked, shocked. "I always assumed that you two were adventuring for years!"

"Goblin Slayer has, but not me." Priestess admits as she begins to eat her own breakfast. "Honestly, you seem to be more of an adventurer than I am. I only started a few weeks ago."

"Well, he isn't a bad person, that's for sure." Brawler said as he ate his food. "If he truly didn't like your presence, I would assume that he would've said something. I'm sure that even if he doesn't say it, he must appreciate your help."

"Well, it's more than just that." Priestess said a bit saddened. "All he ever focuses on is killing goblins without thinking too much about the safety of himself or others. I mean the mission beforehand, he used fire water to cause a cave in! Can you believe it? It's like he disregards the lives of himself and his allies."

Fire water? Does she mean alcohol? Brawler wonders as he listens to Priestess rant. "Whoa, whoa, hold on! He used alcohol to create a cave in?! Is he insane?!"

"I just hope by being with him, Goblin Slayer can learn that even though his actions in killing goblins is just, he just can't kill him while endangering his own life." Priestess said sadly. "That's one of the reasons why I'm still adventuring with him. I don't want someone like him to act recklessly in his adventures anymore so I'm going to help him in his quest and ease his burden! Even if it's a little I want to help him!"

"In that case, I'm going to help you!" Brawler said, pointing his fork at Priestess. "Correction, I want to help Goblin Slayer! After hearing what you said, it's clear that this man is what you would call a 'lone wolf'. However, even wolves need the help of a pack!"

"I get what you're trying to say, but did you have to phrase it in such a scary way?" Priestess asks, with a nervous laugh.

"Look, the point I'm trying to make is that I also believe that joining Goblin Slayer will be a good thing for both me and him." Brawler said as he finished his breakfast. "Speaking of which, where is he by the way? Does he not hang out here too?"

"From what I heard, he stays on a nearby farm with his childhood friend and her uncle." Priestess explains as she slowly moves on to her scrambled eggs. "He stays there until he's ready to take on another Goblin Slaying quest and walks here to the guild to take one."

"I guess he doesn't come here unless he has to." Brawler said as drinks the rest of his juice. "What time does Goblin Slayer usually get here?"

"Either early morning or late evening because that's when the goblin's guard drops." Priestess said, slightly unhappy that she remembers this detail. "We have about an hour until he arrives."

"In that case, I think this is a good chance to get myself geared up." Brawler said, nodding. "I don't think my current outfit is suitable for adventuring."

"I think that's a good idea." Priestess said, approving of Brawler's decision. "I know a good place where we can get some equipment. After I finish my breakfast, I'll take you there."

Once Priestess finished eating her breakfast, she took Brawler to a nearby store that sells goods for adventurers. It was the same store where Priestess bought her chainmail armor and the place where Goblin Slayer buys and repairs his equipment.

"Here's the place." Priestess says as she enters the store with Brawler following in. "I'm pretty sure with the money you earned, you can buy some new armor and maybe a weapon."

Brawler was amazed at the display of items he saw before him. Metal armor, weapons of all shapes and sizes, and general goods were all available for purchase which greatly intrigued him.

"Wow! Look at everything here!" Brawler said excitedly. "I wonder what sort of equipment I should buy."

"Oh? A new adventurer? You look pretty promising."

Brawler looks over to the counter to see an old man who gave off the appearance of a blacksmith. Brawler could tell that this old man was skilled in his crafts just from a glance. In his old life, Brawler was no stranger to blacksmiths as they were used commonly for forging personal katanas and knives.

"Hello sir, I'm a new adventurer and I'm here to buy some new equipment." Brawler said as he walked up to the counter where the Smith was. "Here's the cash I have on hand."

Brawler prevents the pouch of money to the Smith and he opens it up and goes through his money carefully. He then looks at Brawler and rubs his chin.

"Girl, is this boy a friend of yours?" Smith asks Priestess. "He's a Porcelain Rank too, right?"

"Yes, just like he said, Brawler here recently joined the adventures guild." Priestess told the Smith. "Me and Goblin Slayer found and recruited him, I think."

"You think? I can't imagine Goblin Slayer taking in another apprentice." the Smith said, a bit confused on what Priestess said. "Hey, Boy do you have any experience in adventuring yet?"

"I went into a cave and killed some goblins once." Havoc answered. "Do you have any type of armor to recommend to me?"

"Boy, what kind of armor do you want to have?" the Smith asks as he observes Brawler. "No matter what sort of equipment I suggest for you, it won't matter if it doesn't fit your preference."

"Well, I'm more of a hands to hands combat type of person, so I want something easy to move around in." Brawler answers as he shadow boxes in front of the Smith to showcase his movements. "A lighter armor? Possibly leather?"

"In that case, how about this?" Smith asks as he puts some clothing on the counter for Brawler to look at. "It's a basic leather armor set that fits your budget."

Brawler looks at the outfit that was presented to him. There was a black leather coat that had a fur collar, a white undershirt, black leather pants and boots that seemed to be made of the same material of the coat. At first glance, it didn't look like anything special. However, when Brawler touched the coat he can tell that the material used to make this was unnaturally strong.

"This isn't leather made from some livestock animal, right?" Brawler asks the Smith.

"Impressive for a rookie. You can tell that it's not ordinary leather." the Smith said, a bit surprised. "This stuff is made from Blue Buffalo hide. It has a toughness similar to a bear's, but the flexibility is comparable to cotton clothing."

Brawler looked at the material carefully and looked at Priestess who gave him a reassuring nod.

"May I try these on?" Brawler asks the Smith.

"Go right ahead." the Smith answered with a confirming nod. "The changing room is on the other side of the room."

Brawler grabs the clothes and heads off to the changing room, excited to try on the new outfit.

"Girl, is that boy really a new adventurer?" the Smith asks Priestess.

"He is. Why do you ask?" Priestess asks the shopkeeper.

"Because most beginners think that metal armor would be a better choice for someone in the front line, they would normally skip this type of material." the Smith explains. "After all, metal armor does look more effective than leather, even if the material is more durable and stronger."

"I guess he has great adventurer instincts." Priestess said with a light chuckle.

Brawler then walks out to the group, dressed in his new outfit and it fits him like a glove.

"It looks really nice on you." Priestess said complimenting Brawler.

"Thanks, wearing this makes me feel like a completely different person." Brawler said jumping up and down.

Smiling, Brawler threw some swift jabs and kicked the air to test his mobility. Just as the Smith said, Brawler's movements were not limited in the slightest, allowing him to make swift attacks.

"I'll take it!" Brawler said happily. "This outfit is the best, sir!"

"Here, I'll give him the money that will cover the cost from your money pouch." Priestess said as she took the appropriate amount of money out of Brawler's pouch.

Priestess gave the Smith the money needed to cover the cost of the armor and she even paid to put some of her own money in when Brawler wasn't looking. The Smith was about to say something, but Priestess quietly put her finger to her mouth as a way to tell the Smith to stay quiet about this. Smith respected Priestess' wishes and nods.

"I see that the kid wasn't bluffing about his hand to hand combat skills." the Smith said impressed with Brawler's movements. "Tell me, what do you plan to do with your talents?"

"I'm going to kill goblins!" Brawler said proudly.

This threw the Smith off for a moment and it took him a moment to piece the puzzle together. Once he looked over to the Priestess, she gave him a nervous laugh which only confirmed his theory.

"I see, so you are subordinates of Goblin Slayer." the Smith said with a sigh. "Are you sure he is the man you want to follow?"

"Is it a bad thing to follow the steps of someone you admire?" Brawler asks the Smith. "Goblin Slayer is a mighty Silver ranked adventurer who has saved many people from the clutches of goblins. Why wouldn't I admire someone like that?"

"I couldn't have said it better myself." Priestess said approving of Brawler's response. "He saved our lives after all, I guess that's just how we are."

"If the two of you can see the good in a man like him, then he's quite the lucky fellow." the Smith said as he went to the back of the store to get something. "Boy, if you intend to stick with hand to hand combat, maybe you should equip yourself with these."

The Smith presented Brawler with a pair of leather gloves that had spiked brass knuckles attached to them. Brawler was a bit hesitant to try them on, but the look on the Smith's face made him more eager to try it on. The gloves fit surprisingly well on his hands.

"There is a dummy over there if you want to try it out." the Smith said looking at the wooden human sized marionette on the side.

Brawler walks up to the doll and throws a right hook at the figure's head.

WHAPOW! CRACK!

Brawler smashed the head of the doll and it flew off the neck and landed on the ground. Priestess picks up the head of the doll and is shocked to see the face caved in with the imprint of Brawler's fist.

"So scary." Priestess said with a slight shiver. "This much damage from a single punch."

"Gloves protect the skin of your hand and the metal that covers knuckles increases the damage." Brawler explains as he clenches his fists. "Without worrying for my body's safety, I can hit even harder and faster than I'm used to!"

POW! POW! POW! POW!

Brawler unleashes four swift punches towards the dummy breaking off pieces of wood with each strike.

"Ah, sorry about your dummy." Brawler apologizes, once he realized that he heavily damaged the dummy. "I guess I underestimated my own strength."

"For a Porcelain ranked adventurer, you have impressive power, speed, and precision." the Smith said, overlooking the damage done to his dummy. "I would have thought you would be someone from at least Sapphire rank with those skills."

Brawler didn't notice it at first, but the blows he landed on the dummy were the vital spots on a human. The ribs, chest, shoulder, and stomach all had dents in them indicating where Brawler struck the dummy.

I guess old habits die hard. Brawler thought as he understood that the reason for his brutal fighting style was due to his former life as a member of the yakuza. I guess fighting to kill is still ingrained in me.

Brawler then begins to take off the gloves, but the Smith raises his hand to stop Brawler.

"Those gloves are on the house. No adventurer fights close combat nowadays and if I don't give them to you now, they will collect dust forever." the Smith said. "If you intend to keep up with that man, you need all the help you can get."

"In that case, I'll humbly accept it." Brawler said bowing before the Smith. "Thank you so much."

"Yes, thank you for your generosity." Priestess bowing alongside Brawler.

"Just don't die out there." the Smith said, somewhat annoyed from the pair's gratitude. "Now get out of here and take some quests!"

Priestess and Brawler nod and leave the shop with their heads held high. As they walk back to the guild, Brawler couldn't help but wonder if he looks like a proper adventurer.

"If Goblin Slayer is back, I want to go on an adventure with him and slay some goblins." Brawler said with a smile.

"In that case, let's go ask him." Priestess said. "Although, I should really speak my mind out about using alcohol in a cave though."

"Well, whatever the outcome is, I'm looking to see what he has in store for us." Brawler said eager to test out his new gear. "I wanna start my first adventure!"

"Your first time as an adventure and shouldn't be Goblin hunting." Priestess said, sighing as she bitterly recalled her first experience. "Not that I have any say in the matter."

"C'mon! It'll be fun!" Brawler said excitedly. "What's the worst that can happen?"

With that Brawler and Priestess enter the Adventurer's Guild where Goblin Slayer is, preparing to take his next Goblin Slayer quest.