In the deepest chamber of the Goblin Den, the final blow landed with a gut-wrenching…
THUD!
A guttural shriek tore through the cavern
KRAAAARGH!!
As the Goblin King staggered back. His jagged crown tilted, his glowing yellow eyes wide with fury and disbelief. Then... he collapsed.
BOOM!
The earth shuddered beneath the weight of his monstrous, armored corpse. Blood thick, black, and reeking of rot spilled across the cracked stone floor, soaking the ancient runes beneath him.
Fwwwooooosh…
The once suffocating dark mana that clung to the walls like a living fog began to thin, drawn into the dying shudder of the King's last breath. With the Shaman already slain in a brutal ambush earlier thanks to the combined ferocity of Jack, James, and Emma the dark enchantments woven into the den unraveled like torn silk.
Silence followed. A deafening, sacred silence.
The goblins that remained those mindless stragglers once empowered by their leaders screeched and scattered into the shadows.
Tap-tap-tap...
Their clawed feet echoed faintly, fading deeper into the blackened tunnels and forests beyond.
Clang…
A sword dropped. Somewhere, someone exhaled sharply half relief, half disbelief.
Jack stood amidst the stillness, his chest heaving. His dagger dripped with blood, still faintly glowing with elemental fusion Pyro, Hydro, Anemo all flickering around the blade like a dying star. His fingers trembled not from fear, but from the adrenaline slowly draining from his system.
Beside Jack stood his father, James, his blade still dripping with fresh blood, the faint metallic plink... plink echoing in the quiet chamber. His tamed beast, Ironfang, loomed nearby, its iron-plated fur scratched and scorched, yet its glowing eyes remained alert. James's face, though marked by battle, was unreadable as calm and unwavering as a mountain in a storm.
Emma, radiant even through her weariness, exhaled slowly as she wiped a crimson streak from her cheek. Her once-glowing staff now hung limp in her grip, its enchantments dimmed and flickering a silent testament to the mana she had poured into every spell.
Around them, the other fifty guild members emerged from the aftermath. Some limped, others leaned on comrades. Shields were cracked. Armor torn. Faces bruised. But none... not a single one had fallen.
It was a miracle.
And in that moment, standing over the ruined throne of the Goblin King, Jack felt it not triumph, not glory, but purpose. The battle wasn't just won. It survived. Carved into them by blood, by sweat, by fire and shadow.
--------
Standing at the edge of the chamber, partially illuminated by the dim glow of dying mana sigils, was Garrek tall, broad-shouldered, and unmistakably composed. The Guild Representative and Commander of the operation observed the aftermath with quiet authority.
Though his expression remained stern, his eyes betrayed a flicker of pride.
He stepped forward slowly, each footstep echoing through the hollow silence.
Clack… clack…
His presence demanded attention not through power, but through certainty. A man who had led many operations… and seen too many ends.
"Everyone, begin post-battle formation," he said calmly, his voice steady. "Healers, confirm no curses or residual mana. Damage Units, rest and restore aura. Ranged, secure the perimeter."
He was not a combatant not by regulation. Guild staff of his level were forbidden from directly fighting, yet his influence was felt on every battlefield. His mind was the blade. His command, the shield.
As the team caught their breath and began tending to wounds, Garrek turned toward the crude throne of the Goblin King. Bones, shattered weapons, and half-eaten corpses littered the base. The throne itself was made from fused skulls of humanoid and beast alike.
The battle may have ended, but his work had just begun.
He knelt beside the King's corpse and opened a rune-sealed satchel, the Guild's Enchanted Storage Pouch, etched with stasis glyphs and light compression runes. With practiced motion, he began collecting the spoils of war, whispering small chants of verification for each item.
Clink. Shhh. Thump.
One by one, the chamber yielded its treasures:
Monster Cores from both the Goblin Shaman and King black, pulsing with corrupted energy.
Enchanted Bones, capable of being used in dark-forged talismans.
Mana-imbued Herbs, glowing faintly in blues and greens classified 1 to 2-Star grade.
A handful of 1 to 2 Star weapons.
And most valuable of all Mana Stones, ranging from cloudy fragments to crystal-clear gems. Roughly 10 to 30 in total, some faintly humming with untapped magic.
Though the chamber reeked of decay, its hidden rewards gleamed with promise.
When the final item vanished into the pouch, Garrek stood and gave a sharp nod to the team.
"It's done," he said, voice carrying across the chamber. "The Guild will assess and divide the rewards according to contribution ranks. Your records will reflect this operation."
He turned, looking at each squad member pausing briefly on Jack, James, and Emma.
"Pack up and move out!" Garrek's voice rang with authority, crisp against the quiet hum of mana dissipating in the background. "Let's head back to the guild."
Boots crunched softly against loose stone and goblin bones as the group began their march out of the dungeon. Step by step, they left behind the dark heart of the den.
As they emerged from the cavern's shadowy maw, sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting golden beams across moss-covered rocks. The fresh, earthy scent of the forest hit them like a wave cool, clean, alive. After the stench of goblin blood and rotting corpses, it felt like the forest itself was welcoming them back to the world.
Leaves rustled gently in the wind.
Fshhh… fshhh…
Garrek made his way to the front of the group, joining Jack, James, and Emma. His pace was relaxed, his armor clinking softly with each step.
Clink… clink…
"I have to say," he began, his voice low and sincere, "you three helped a lot in battle. That could've gone far worse. No casualties is… impressive."
He glanced sideways at James, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "The three of you, especially as a family, played a huge part in this success."
James, ever the steady presence, gave a small nod. "We just did our part. The team held strong."
Garrek chuckled lightly, a rare sound from the normally composed guild officer. "Still, it's worth noting. Without your assistance especially against the Shaman and the Goblin King this might've ended with more than just injuries."
Emma's eyes scanned the column of adventurers behind them. Her arms crossed, and a faint furrow appeared between her brows. "Some of them got hit badly."
"Yes," Garrek agreed, his tone softening, "but thanks to our Guild's High Priest, they'll be fully healed by tomorrow. No permanent damage. That alone is a victory."
He let out a long breath, watching the last light of day flicker between the trees. "Hahh…"
"I may be guild staff, but our policy on this continent is strict," he continued, voice heavier now. "We, as guides for Otherworlders, aren't allowed to interfere directly. Only lead. Only advice."
Jack tilted his head slightly, curiosity in his eyes. "So you really can't help in battle at all?"
"Correct," Garrek replied, nodding once. "Even if the threat is great, our orders are clear. We show the path… you walk it."
He looked at Jack, then James and Emma, his gaze filled with quiet respect.
"That's why what you did means so much."
They continued walking, their footsteps quiet on the worn path. A comfortable silence fell over them, filled only by the distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.
By the time they reached the outskirts of Jakartha City, the sky had shifted into a breathtaking canvas of burnt orange and deep violet. The setting sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, dreamy shadows over the cobbled streets. Lanterns flickered to life, one by one, as the city prepared for night.
It was just past 6 o'clock.
Outside the familiar stone building of the Adventurer Guild, two figures stood waiting.
"You're back!" Sofia called out, relief and joy in her voice as she dashed forward.
Jack barely had time to react before she wrapped her arms around him. He blinked, surprised but smiled.
Ava approached more calmly, her warm eyes landing on Emma. "We heard the Goblin Den mission was dangerous."
Emma gave a tired smirk. "It was. But we made it out in one piece."
Jack launched into a recap, excitement returning to his voice as he described the Shaman's ambush, the Goblin King's brute force, and the final, desperate push that brought the monster down. His words painted the battle in vivid colors, and both Sofia and Ava listened with awe especially when he described James blocking the Goblin King's club and Ironfang ripping into elite guards.
Inside the guild, Garrek was already at the front desk, speaking to the Main Receptionist.
Behind the counter stood Mira, a sharp-eyed woman with short silver hair, dressed in formal guild robes. Her expression was unreadable, her quill moving swiftly across parchment.
Garrek handed over the enchanted loot pouch and opened his logbook. "These are the total contributions from the team," he said, his tone firm and professional. "But I'd like to formally acknowledge Jack, James, and Emma. They were instrumental in defeating both the Shaman and the Goblin King."
Mira gave a slow nod, barely glancing up as she began calculating the distribution. The room was quiet except for the soft scratching of her quill.
Skritch… skritch…
After a few tense minutes, she closed her log and raised her head.
"Rewards will be distributed based on combat roles, contribution value, and injury sustained," she declared, her voice cool but fair.
Moments later, a guild staff member returned with a small tray of pouches and items. One by one, each of the 50 adventurers received their reward.
For Jack, James, and Emma:
-50 Silver Coins
-5 Mana Stones
-One 2-Star Weapon (Sword type)
-Promotion to E-Rank Adventurers
Jack blinked in disbelief, weighing the mana stones in his palm. They pulsed faintly with power.
He turned to his parents. "Didn't think we'd get this much."
James gave a small chuckle, adjusting his sword belt. "Guess Garrek put in a good word."
Outside, the group reunited with Sofia and Ava, this time with bright, unguarded smiles.
"You got five Mana Stones!?" Ava gasped, eyes wide. "And a 2-Star weapon? And all of you were promoted to E Rank!?"
Jack scratched the back of his head, suddenly bashful. "Yeah… kinda still processing that."
Sofia nudged him playfully. "I told you you'd make an impact."
The group stood there for a moment beneath the guild's lantern light, the sounds of evening life buzzing softly in the city behind them. Laughter echoed from passing adventurers, and the wind carried the distant melody of a bard's lute.
For now, the night was peaceful.
But deep down, Jack knew this was just the beginning.
Sofia clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling. "Time to celebrate, right?"
And celebrate they did.
The group made their way through the glowing streets of Jakartha Market, silver coins jingling with each step. Lanterns hung from shop signs, casting a warm golden light on vibrant stalls filled with spices, rare vegetables, and sizzling street food.
They purchased high-quality meat, exotic vegetables, and fragrant spices, along with a bottle of Moonlight Bloom Wine famous for its sparkling aftertaste and the soft warmth it left in the chest.
By the time the stars emerged overhead, they boarded their Flying Boat, which hovered just above the rooftops. Its enchanted flight runes pulsed with soft blue light, carrying them gently through the night sky.
Below, Jakartha City sparkled, alive with music and chatter.
Above, the stars twinkled like scattered diamonds.
Laughter echoed in the air as the boat gilded home.
Once they arrived, everyone quickly fell into rhythm. Emma took charge in the kitchen, her hands expertly moving from pot to pan. James uncorked the wine and prepared the glasses, while Jack, with Ava and Sofia, arranged the seating and set the table.
Though Ava was an Angel assigned by divine decree to guide Jack's family. She had long since become more than a guardian. She was now part of their family.
Before long, their home was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted meat, caramelized herbs, and simmering sauces.
They gathered around the table, the food steaming and the wine shimmering with a faint silver glow.
Jack raised his cup of fruit juice. "To victory and our promotion to E-Rank!"
Emma grinned and lifted her wine glass. "To teamwork!"
James gave a quiet but firm smile. "To more quests without casualties."
The soft clink of glasses filled the air, and they drank together.
That night, they celebrated more than just a successful mission. They celebrated courage, growth, and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared battle.
They had completed their third major quest.
The Goblin Den was no more. And They Promoted to E Rank adventurous.
And as they laughed, feasted, and gazed up at the starlit sky above their home, a quiet truth settled in their hearts this was only the beginning of their journey in a vast, ever-changing world of Samsara.
--------
To Be Continued…!!