The morning sun had barely risen when Alaric, Alicia, and Jake made their way to the guild. The events of the previous day still weighed heavily on their minds, and they knew they needed to report the unexpected discovery of the goblin village and their rescue of Astrid.
As they entered the guild, the bustling noise of adventurers quieted slightly. Many still remembered Alaric's earlier feat with the Fenrir. He ignored the stares and walked straight to the reception desk, where the same guild receptionist greeted them warmly.
"Good morning. You've returned safely, I see," she said, her voice filled with relief. "How did the quest go?"
Alicia stepped forward, speaking for the group. "We completed the mission and brought back the goblin cores. But we also found something unexpected."
Alaric continued, his tone serious. "A goblin village deeper in the forest. There were far more goblins than we anticipated, and they had taken captives, including Astrid Rolzou."
The receptionist's eyes widened. "That's troubling news. I'll inform the guild master immediately." She motioned for them to wait and disappeared into the back office.
After a few minutes, the guild master appeared—a burly man with a thick beard and an authoritative presence. He nodded at them as he approached.
"Good work bringing this to our attention," he said. "A goblin village so close to the forest's edge is a threat we can't ignore. Based on your report, we'll need to act swiftly."
He looked directly at Alaric. "I'm assigning you to a larger quest. You'll work alongside two groups of rank E adventurers to eliminate the goblin village. It's estimated there are about a hundred goblins, so this won't be easy."
Jake's jaw dropped. "A hundred goblins? That's insane!"
Alicia nodded, though her expression was resolute. "It's a dangerous mission, but it needs to be done."
Alaric remained calm. "We'll handle it."
The guild master handed them the details of the quest. "You'll meet the other groups tomorrow morning at dawn. Prepare yourselves well."
The trio nodded and left the guild, heading home to rest and gather their strength. That night, as Alaric prepared for bed, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"Good evening, Master," the system said in its soft, melodic tone. "May I have a word?"
Alaric sat on his bed. "What is it, Freya?"
"I would like to request your permission for a system update. This will grant me additional functionalities that may aid you on your journey."
Alaric raised an eyebrow. "What kind of functionalities?"
Freya's voice was calm and informative. "With the update, I will gain the ability to provide more detailed analysis of individuals and creatures, as well as enhanced strategic support during combat. Additionally, I will be able to identify rare materials and artifacts."
Alaric considered this for a moment. "How long will the update take?"
"Approximately six hours. I will be non-operational during this period."
He nodded. "Do it. Better to have you at full capacity."
Freya's voice was tinged with gratitude. "Thank you, Master. Beginning update now. Rest well."
As Freya's presence faded from his mind, Alaric lay back, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow would be another challenge, but he was determined to face it head-on