The Adventurers' Guild of Grayrock Town was a three-story stone building.
At the very end of the main road running through town, directly across from the central plaza, stood the brightly red-painted structure. A flag bearing the guild's emblem—sword, shield, and staff—fluttered above the pointed gable porch. Adventurers were constantly coming and going beneath it.
Though Gauss had lived in town for over a year, he'd never once stepped inside. At most, he had passed by and stolen a few glances through the doorway.
It wasn't because visitors weren't allowed—far from it. The guild welcomed everyone. But his original self had always felt… inferior. He thought only true professionals and powerful adventurers belonged there. He was afraid of being questioned, of drawing strange looks just by stepping inside.
But now, under the watchful gaze of two lightly armored guards at the door, Gauss walked in as calmly as any other adventurer.
The first floor was a public lobby, resembling a government service center from his previous world.
The place was bustling. Adventurers stood in clusters, chatting, all of them equipped with various weapons and armor.
"No good commissions today either, huh?"
"That gnoll I fought last time dulled my blade. The payout didn't even cover repair costs—what a loss."
"Goblins might look weak, but once they number more than three, it's a different story. Always be careful."
"..."
Gauss turned his head, scanning the environment.
He even spotted a few non-human figures—half-orcs, gnomes, dwarves—but the majority were still human adventurers.
His eyes moved to the surrounding facilities.
A semicircular reception desk lined the outer wall, where several attendants were seated. Notice boards covered the other walls, plastered with task postings.
…
"Common Resource Task: Submit slime cores (from slime-type monsters).
Reward: 3 silver coins / 5 slime cores.
Status: Ongoing."
…
"Common Resource Task: Submit fresh bloodfang ferns with vitality intact.
Reward: 50 copper coins / plant.
Status: Ongoing."
…
Dozens of task listings filled the boards—it was overwhelming.
So Gauss walked straight up to the counter to inquire about the procedure.
The receptionist, a young woman with a sweet smile, stood politely behind the desk.
"Welcome! I'm Petra, receptionist ID E21051. How can I assist you today?" Her greeting was energetic and professional—clearly well-trained.
"This is my first time here. What do I need to do to take on a quest?"
"First time? Then you'll need to register as an individual adventurer. Ah—there is a registration fee of 1 silver. Is that alright?"
"That's fine." Gauss took out a silver coin, inwardly thankful he had sold that goblin trinket a few days ago. Otherwise, he wouldn't even be able to afford the registration fee—what an embarrassing thought.
"Great. Please fill out this adventurer registration form."
"Thank you." Gauss accepted the form and skimmed it.
In addition to name, age, physical stats, and address, there was a section for listing preferred weapons or skills.
He filled it out truthfully and handed it back.
Petra swiftly typed a few things beneath the counter and then pulled out a white badge.
"Here's your adventurer ID badge. This proves your registration and your rank. You'll need to show it whenever you accept or complete a quest. Please take care of it. If it's lost, a replacement costs 1 silver."
Gauss took it and examined the back. The diamond-shaped badge was made of a white metal, engraved with elegant floral patterns. Surprisingly good craftsmanship.
"Miss Petra, I'd like to take on a goblin-slaying mission. Preferably something with a small number of targets."
Gauss didn't hesitate. He was sticking to goblins for now—for one, they were the most common low-tier monsters; and two, he'd already slain one before. Facing them again, he'd have more confidence.
He hadn't fought other monsters, and their names alone didn't tell him how strong they were.
"Goblins, huh? Let me see…" Petra thought for a moment, then pointed him toward one of the notice boards.
"Over there are a few goblin-related quests. But most of them involve groups of 10 or more. Villagers usually won't post commissions unless the goblin numbers become an actual threat."
In other words, no one's paying for one or two goblins roaming nearby.
Gauss thanked her and walked over.
Just as Petra had said, the wall was full of combat commissions. Goblin quests had their own section too.
…
[Standard Bounty Quest]
Reward: 10 silver coins
Description: A goblin group has been attacking sheep pens in Stoneclaw Village. Estimated goblin count: 10–15.
Submission item: Complete left ears of goblins
Time limit: 5 days
…
[Standard Bounty Quest]
Reward: 50 copper coins per goblin
Description: Assist town guards in patrolling and clearing goblins along the route to Jade Forest.
Submission item: Complete left ears of goblins
Time limit: Ongoing
…
There were lots of goblin quests—naturally so. As the only guild in the region, all nearby village and outpost requests were routed here.
And goblins were everywhere—raiding villages and attacking trade routes.
Gauss looked over them all and frowned.
As expected, just like Petra said—no solo goblin quests.
All the missions involved large groups. Aside from the open-ended patrol assignments, most tasks required killing 10 or more goblins.
Even with Mage Hand, Gauss wasn't ready for that.
Just as he was debating, he overheard a nearby conversation in hushed tones.
He hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the word goblin caught his attention.
"Birchwood Village is kinda far…"
"Seven or eight goblins… You think we can handle that?"
"Relax. Goblins are basic trash mobs. One arrow each—I've got this."
The voices came from a team of three—one guy and two girls, all around 18 years old.
The girl with long, curly brown hair wore light leather armor, a bow slung across her back, and a dagger sheathed in her tall boots. She stood confidently, hands on hips, clearly the leader of the group.
The second girl looked far more timid—short black hair, bangs to her eyebrows, eyes darting nervously. She wore twin daggers at her waist.
The guy leaned silently against a pillar, arms crossed. A longsword hung at his side.
Compared to Gauss, their gear looked fancier—sleek leather and light armor, weapons shiny and new.
Almost… too new.
None of it showed signs of wear.
Are they newbies too? Gauss noted the details.
The archer girl was holding a quest form—probably a goblin bounty. Seven or eight goblins—fewer than any other quest on the board. And with a team, even if the payout was smaller, the risk would be lower.
If I'm going to be a spellcaster, I'll definitely need someone on the front lines…
After a moment of thought, Gauss stepped forward and greeted them.
"Hey there. I'm Gauss, a new adventurer. Is your party looking for one more?"