Episode 1, Chapter 5: The Danger Isn't Gone

I wanna to see my brother again...

*Sob* I really, really want to see him again.

Did... Did the goblins get him...?

No... He left before they came. He said he wanted to make money...

He promised he'd be back soon, but he... *Sob*

Don't cry... He made you a promise, didn't he?

I am certain that he's an honorable man. He will keep his promises.

Really...?

Yes. When the news of what happened to the town gets out, I'm sure he will come running home. Because he cares about you.

And if... for some reason, he doesn't return...

Then you'll just have to be strong, and go look for him yourself.

Okay...!

Can everyone please come over here for a second?

It's... It's not over.

What's up?

Goblins... There's even more goblins...! But, also...

It would be faster for you to take a look for yourselves.

What the heck...?

They have a similar aura to the puddle we saw by the King Slime.

If the whole camp is corrupted... We're in trouble.

The three of us can't take on that many... We need to request help from the guild.

Understood. Then I will stay here and protect the town.

Really?! Is that actually true...?

Yes... Nothing terrible has happened so far... But it's only a matter of time.

Wh-what should we do?! The branch master isn't here...

Really...? C'mon, Uncle Miller... You're the branch master, shouldn't you be more reliable...?

*Sigh* Tell me about it. I had to sprint after him to show him the seed...

Branch Master! Uncle Miller! Get out here! We need your help!

There's no use shouting like that. He hasn't been here in days...

Hmm? Did someone call for me?

Branch Master! Where have you been?! Breezeville is...!

Enough... enough. I understand what's going on.

I'll gather up a crew to head out there right away. As for the two of you... I need you to do something for me.

Oh, Uncle, not another one of your errands. We don't have time for that.

You guys brought me this stinky seed.

And if you want it analyzed, there's only one person in Hananis who can do it.

Go find Francis. Tell her I sent you.

Ugh, did you just say Francis? Quack Francis?

Who's Francis?

Oh right. I forgot you're Mr. Healthy.

I understand your hesitation. But when it comes to strange plants... Francis is the expert.

She's usually out gathering herbs this time of day.

You should hurry, if you want to catch her.

(The signboard is the only thing on the clinic door.)

I'll be out for a bit ~♡

Verna... The signboard is shooting hearts at me.

Oh no... We must be too late.

Let's go. Miller said she'd be out gathering herbs, right?

Excuse me? Francis...?

Hmm? Are you someone sick and desperate enough to come find me?

*Sniff, sniff*

Uh, no, but it's...

Hmm... You don't smell like you're sick...

Aha! Is it loooove?

W-wait! Actually I, Whoa! Ahh!!!

If that's the case... you just need this...

Big needle...

Oh, don't worry. It might look scary, but I promise you won't feel a thing. ♡

Verna!!! Save me!!!

Hmm... Just a prick... ♡

Excuse me. We're actually here to request an analysis.

Hmm? An analysis?

I'm sorry, why didn't you say that in the first place?... *Sigh* Too bad...

Yikes...

Hmm...

*Sniff, sniff* Well, it definitely smells suspicious.

I haven't gotten anything this interesting in a while!

Monsters that swallowed this seed all turned... strange.

They started approaching people, and...

Approaching people?!

We also saw someone feed these to the monsters on purpose.

So they were drugging the Monsters... To make them attracted to people...?

Um... I think you're confused. Whatever you're imagining is definitely wrong...

I'll make looking into this seed's effects my top priority! I wonder what it is... Is it a stimulant? A sedative? A... vasodilator?

Uh, did you hear what I just said? You're not planning on eating that, are you?

Haha... Don't worry. I'll be very gentle and extremely professional. No need for you to worry at all. ♡

You're... you're still talking about science, right?!

Move it, you lazy kids! We've got work to do!

Oh, look who finally decided to show up. Where were you?

Hey! Don't treat us like that! We were running an errand for you!

Now that's the reaction I've been looking for. How was Francis? Did she accept our request?

Um... I don't know... She was very weird...

Pot, meet kettle! Hahaha! I figured you weirdos could form a club or something.

Now's not the time to joke around! What's happening with the squad that's going to Breezeville?

I already have a bunch of hardy folks lined up.

That includes you two. C'mon, everyone's waiting.

...

Ophelia? What's wrong? You're looking pale. Paler than usual, I mean...

...It's time for us to say our goodbyes.

Huh? What are you saying?

You should stay here with the others and keep an eye out for the signal.

Why? Where are you going? Surely you're not thinking of running away...?

It's difficult to gauge the enemy camp's numbers and formation from here.

But one thing's for sure... If we charge in headfirst, we will suffer grave losses even if we win.

That's why I will circle behind the enemy to distract them.

By yourself...? Hey, be real! That's way too risky alone!

Yeah! You don't need to face that much danger by yourself.

I know I'm capable of protecting myself.

What I can't do is protect everyone in the village. That's why.

Ophelia... I..

I will scout ahead to gauge their numbers and distract the goblins. Once I'm in position, I'll light a flare. That will be your signal to engage.

That's a good idea, but why go off on your own? Wouldn't you want some other people with you?

More importantly, Ophelia...

I may be an adventurer now, but I was once a proud knight! Let me uphold my duty with dignity!

Well... no disrespect, but... are you gonna get lost?

Uhh... um... well, I...

...Hah. I guess it can't be helped. If you are so willing to place yourselves in harms way, then...

Hello! You there! The humans!

Huh?

I'm over here!

The voice... It's coming from over there.

Inside the cave? Let's go!

Here!

A goblin?! Everyone, it's a trap!

What?! No, no, no!

What do you mean, "no, no, no?" This is clearly a trap. What are you planning?

I'm from a different camp than that lot over there! Please, you have to believe me!

That's still not enough to trust everything this guy says! Tell me, why did you call out to us?

I wanted to help you!

Help us? But you're a goblin... Why would you want to help us?

Well... I had a little quid pro quo in mind.

Our leader said they were causing so many problems that humans would come running to stop them, and here you are.

And that's why I'm here. I'm here to help you kick some goblin butt!

Kick some goblin butt... I do like the sound of that...

I can tell you exactly where their weaknesses are. I am a goblin too, after all.

All you need to do is take out their leader, then the rest of them will be completely lost.

I cannot trust you.

Hang on, Ophelia. Have you ever seen a goblin as funny and sophisticated as this one?

...No.

Oh... you. Thank you for the compliment. I've just worked with humans before, that's all.

And if he's lying to us... Then we'll just blow everything up!

Blow everything up...?

That... sounds like a plan. I feel like I'm getting drawn into weirder and weirder things the longer I stay with you. Lead the way, goblin. No tricks, or I will cut you down where you stand.

Affirmative, ma'am. Follow me.

*Cough* I'm feeling a little dizzy from that smoke.

Huh?

Inside of that torch... It's that seed! Put out that torch now!

(*Munch, munch*)

How is it, $CAT_NAME$? Do you like it better roasted?

Why? You gonna eat one too?

You must be very careful from now on. If we're found out, hordes of them will show up in no time!

We haven't put out all of the torches yet? Let's go on ahead first.

We're almost at the center; that's where the leader is!

I will teach them a lesson they'll never forget. They will never set foot near a human town again!

And stay down!

Ophelia, the flare! Light it!

Alright! That's our cue!

Ahhh!! Big! Intruders!

Take 'em out! Don't let any of 'em get away!

Meow!

So that's where you were hiding!

Meow! Meow!

Oh, you ate all of the seeds in the area? Aww... You're so cute and capable!

Just what are these seeds anyways...?

These goblins didn't eat the seeds... They merely breathed in its smoke, but still suffered the same effects.

Is this also the doing of that guy we couldn't catch earlier?

That might be the case. We will have to hunt down our culprit to find out for sure.

Alright! Let's leave the rest to the other adventurers and head back to the gathering hub!