The journey to Lacross was neither long nor lonely with Alicia and Jenny accompanying them. By the time dawn arrived, they had reached the city's towering gates.After entering the city, Nova and Nebula escorted Alicia and Jenny to their home, where the two insisted they come inside to meet Alicia’s father and receive their promised reward. As they rode through the bustling streets, curious onlookers turned their heads, some watching with awe, others with confusion. Eventually they made it to the grand estate.

  The moment they stepped into the grand estate, hurried footsteps echoed down the staircase.

  "Alicia!" A man rushed down the stairs, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. "Thank the gods you’re alright! What took so long?! Jenny, who are these two? Where’s Rayford and the others?" He pulled Alicia into a tight embrace.

  Jenny lowered her head slightly before speaking. "I regret to inform you, Sir Greyward, that Rayford and the others were slain by bandits on our way back from Lord Crawford’s estate. If not for these two stepping in and ambushing the bandits mid-attack, we wouldn’t have made it either."

  Lord Greyward’s face darkened as he processed the news. "Rayford… gone?" He sighed heavily, his hold on Alicia tightening for a brief moment before he looked toward the twins. "I grieve for Rayford, but I know he would take solace in knowing my daughter made it home safely. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you—I don’t know what I would have done if I lost Alicia as well."

  "You don’t need to thank us," Nova responded with a warm smile. "It was only natural to help someone in danger."

  "We were simply in the right place at the right time," Nebula added.

  "Regardless, I owe you both," Lord Greyward said firmly. "My butler, Alabaster, will see to it that you receive your reward."

  Before the conversation could continue, Alicia suddenly perked up. "Dad, could you also provide them with a recommendation to the Adventurers' Guild?"

  Lord Greyward raised an eyebrow. "The Adventurers' Guild?" He turned back to Nova and Nebula.

  The twins nodded. "We traveled here to sign up," Nebula explained.

  "I see," he mused. "So that's why you’ve left the mountain range." He stroked his chin for a moment before giving a firm nod. "Consider it done. With what you’ve accomplished already, I doubt you’ll need to take the entrance exam or pay the registration fee. I’ll make sure it’s arranged."

  "That would be greatly appreciated," Nova said with a grateful smile.

  Roughly an hour later, the twins were handed a sealed scroll and a heavy pouch filled with gold. After receiving their reward and thanking Lord Greyward, they bid the family farewell, parting ways with the promise to meet again in the future.

  As they strolled through the city, they took in their surroundings with fascination.

  "Beastfolk, elves, dwarves… Impressive. I was hoping we’d see more diversity here," Nova remarked, eyes scanning the crowded streets.

  "Considering we've only ever seen humans and other wolfkin, it’s a refreshing change," Nebula agreed. "I wonder how much a night at the inn will cost."

  "It shouldn’t be too expensive. We’ve got three hundred gold now from Lord Greyward," Nova noted. "Let’s take care of guild registration before anything else, though."

  "Agreed."

  Navigating the city took some time, but after about twenty minutes, they finally arrived at the grand guild hall, its towering structure standing proudly at the city center.

  As Nova and Nebula stepped through the towering wooden doors of the Adventurers' Guild, they were met with a grand, bustling interior that exuded both elegance and rugged practicality. The spacious hall was illuminated by large iron chandeliers hanging from the high, vaulted ceiling, their warm candlelight casting a golden glow over the polished stone floors. Wooden beams supported the structure, their rich mahogany hues adding a sense of sturdy craftsmanship.

  Rows of long tables filled the main floor, occupied by adventurers of various races and backgrounds. Some were engaged in lively conversations over tankards of ale, while others sat hunched over maps, plotting their next quests. The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale wafted from a counter on the far side, where a barmaid moved swiftly between customers, refilling drinks and delivering plates of steaming food.

  To the left, a massive job board stretched along the wall, pinned with parchment sheets detailing various quests—some scrawled hastily with ink, others sealed with wax to signify high-value commissions. A few adventurers gathered before it, scanning the postings with intense focus, their hands occasionally darting out to snatch an assignment before someone else could claim it.

  A large, semicircular reception desk stood at the far end of the hall, manned by guild clerks dressed in well-fitted uniforms. Behind them, tall shelves lined with neatly arranged books and scrolls suggested a well-maintained record-keeping system. Occasionally, a clerk would retrieve a ledger, flipping through its pages before addressing the adventurer before them.

  On the right side of the hall, a wide staircase led to the upper levels, where private rooms and training facilities were likely housed. A few adventurers leaned against the railing, chatting while keeping an eye on the scene below. A set of doors further back hinted at armories or storerooms, their heavy iron reinforcements suggesting restricted access.

  The guild hall carried an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie, yet beneath the surface lay a sense of caution—a place where skilled warriors, mages, and rogues alike gathered not just to drink and boast, but to take on dangers that lurked beyond the city's walls. It was a place of opportunity, risk, and the promise of greatness.

  As Nova and Nebula made their way toward the reception desk at the far end of the hall, a few nearby adventurers shifted their attention from their conversations to the newcomers. Murmurs spread through the crowd, curious glances lingering on the twins before people gradually returned to their own discussions. Though the brief attention was noticeable, it didn’t deter the sisters as they approached the clerk’s desk.

  The receptionist, a young woman with neatly tied hair and a professional demeanor, looked up with a welcoming smile.

  "Oh, hello! How can I assist you today?"

  "We’re here to join the Adventurers' Guild," Nova stated.

  Nebula nodded enthusiastically. "Mhm!"

  "That’s no problem at all!" The clerk beamed. "I’ll just need you to fill out a few forms, pay the—."

  Before she could continue, Nova reached into her pouch and pulled out a sealed scroll. "Actually, we were told to give you this."

  The clerk took the document, breaking the seal and scanning its contents. Her eyes widened slightly as she read, then she let out a small hum of approval.

  "Oh? A recommendation from Lord Greyward?" She glanced up at them, clearly impressed. "Hmm… Well, that certainly changes things. This will waive both the entrance exam and the registration fee." She smiled warmly.

  "That’s great!" Nova said, exchanging a pleased look with Nebula.

  "That just leaves the paperwork," the clerk continued, pulling out a set of forms. "Please fill out these details, and once completed, I’ll have your guild cards and amulets prepared."

  The twins took the forms and promptly filled them out before handing them back. The process was swift, and within ten minutes, the clerk returned with two small identification cards and a pair of copper amulets, each engraved with their names.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Gesturing toward the massive job board, the clerk gave them a brief rundown of how quest assignments worked, explaining the ranking system and reward structure. Once the explanation concluded, Nova and Nebula stepped away, making their way toward the board where dozens of quests were pinned in neat rows.

  Scanning the available jobs, their eyes landed on one that caught their interest—a goblin extermination request. Without hesitation, they took the parchment and exchanged a determined glance.

  Their journey as adventurers had officially begun.

  The goblins had been wreaking havoc on a small village near the city, raiding livestock, destroying property, and terrorizing the villagers. The reward for eliminating them and eradicating their nest was 100 silver—a fair sum for dealing with such a nuisance. Though goblins were considered weak monsters, they were still dangerous in groups, making them a threat that couldn't be ignored.

  With their newly earned gold, Nova and Nebula made a stop at the city's stables, purchasing a sturdy horse for their travels. The added speed and efficiency of mounted travel allowed them to reach the village within a few hours, arriving with plenty of daylight left to spare.

  Upon arrival, they spoke with the villagers, gathering whatever information they could about the goblin attacks. The creatures had been sighted lurking in the nearby forest, retreating toward a cave beneath an ancient tree whenever they were pursued. With their target location confirmed, the twins wasted no time in setting off.

  After navigating through the dense woodland, they finally spotted their destination—a dark, gaping cave nestled beneath the roots of a massive tree.

  "There!" Nova pointed toward the entrance.

  "Finally," Nebula muttered, cracking her knuckles. "Let's get rid of these things."

  Without hesitation, they unsheathed their swords and stepped into the shadows, ready to cleanse the goblin infestation.

  As Nova and Nebula stepped into the cave, the damp air carried the unmistakable scent of rot and filth. The walls were jagged and uneven, covered in moss and grime, while the ground beneath them was damp, making every step feel slightly unstable. The only source of light was the faint glow from the cave's entrance, but as they ventured deeper, the darkness thickened around them.

  Nebula raised her hand, channeling a small amount of mana. A soft golden light pulsed at her fingertips before forming into a dim floating orb that hovered above them, casting flickering shadows along the walls. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to navigate.

  The deeper they went, the louder the sounds of the goblins became—low growls, chattering laughter, and the occasional clatter of bones. The stench intensified, and ahead, the tunnel split into two paths.

  Nova crouched down, examining the ground. "Tracks lead both ways," she murmured.

  Nebula exhaled sharply. "Figures. They probably have more than one chamber."

  Choosing the right path, they pressed forward with their weapons drawn. The tunnel opened into a small cavern, where the first group of goblins loitered. There were five of them—small, hunched creatures with sickly green skin, beady red eyes, and jagged teeth. They gnawed on bones, likely from stolen livestock, and clutched crude weapons—rusted daggers, makeshift clubs, and splintered spears.

  One goblin sniffed the air, its eyes darting toward the twins. It let out a high-pitched shriek, alerting the others.

  The fight had begun.

  Nova dashed forward first, her sword cutting through the air as she aimed for the nearest goblin. The creature raised its dagger to block, but she was faster—her blade sliced through its arm, severing the limb entirely. It shrieked in agony before she followed up with a clean thrust through its chest.

  Nebula, meanwhile, swung her sword in a wide arc, forcing two goblins to back away. With a quick step, she kicked one in the stomach, sending it stumbling backward. The other lunged at her with its spear, aiming for her torso. She barely managed to twist out of the way, the tip grazing her armor. Annoyed, she extended her free hand, channeling mana into her palm. A small bolt of lightning sparked to life before shooting forward, striking the goblin’s chest. The force sent it flying into the cave wall, convulsing violently before going limp.

  The remaining goblins hesitated for a moment before charging again. One rushed at Nova from behind, dagger raised, but before it could strike, she flicked her fingers, conjuring a burst of wind that sent the creature tumbling forward. As it scrambled to its feet, she swiftly drove her sword into its skull.

  Nebula faced the last goblin, which attempted to flee after witnessing the slaughter of its kin. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a small flame at her fingertips and launched it forward. The fireball struck the goblin’s back, igniting its ragged clothing. It shrieked and thrashed in agony before collapsing to the ground, motionless.

  Nova wiped her blade on a torn goblin tunic. "Not bad," she said.

  Nebula cracked her knuckles. "Let's keep moving."

  Following the winding tunnel deeper into the cave, the twins remained on guard. The air grew heavier, and the sounds of goblins became louder. When they finally reached the main chamber, they found themselves staring at a much larger nest.

  A horde of goblins—at least fifteen—lurked within the cavern, huddled around a central fire pit. At the far end of the chamber, a larger goblin, standing nearly twice the size of the others, loomed over the group. Unlike its lesser kin, this one was bulkier, with crude armor made from scavenged metal. A jagged iron axe rested against its shoulder.

  The goblins turned their heads as the twins entered.

  For a moment, silence.

  Then—chaos.

  The horde let out blood curdling shrieks and charged in unison.

  Nova took the offensive, slashing through the first goblin that came too close. Another lunged at her, but she swiftly ducked and countered with a powerful upward strike, cutting the creature down. When three more rushed in at once, she focused her mana, summoning a burst of wind that sent them tumbling back, giving her time to reposition.

  Nebula, meanwhile, stood her ground as several goblins swarmed her at once. She exhaled sharply, channeling magic into her blade, causing it to glow faintly. With a powerful swing, she released a shockwave of energy, sending two goblins flying backward. Another came at her with a rusted club, but before it could strike, she extended her free hand, summoning another lightning bolt that struck it directly in the chest, dropping it instantly.

  The goblin brute growled in fury, gripping its axe tightly before stomping toward them. It swung with terrifying force, its blade crashing against the stone floor where Nova had stood mere moments ago. She barely evaded, feeling the impact rattle through her bones.

  Nebula seized the opportunity and dashed behind the brute, slashing at the exposed back of its knee. The creature roared in pain but did not fall. Instead, it twisted and swung its arm, catching her in the ribs and sending her skidding across the floor.

  "You're a tough one," Nova muttered, tightening her grip on her sword.

  The brute raised its axe again, but this time, Nova and Nebula moved in tandem. Nova dashed forward, distracting it with a flurry of rapid strikes, forcing it to defend itself. Nebula took advantage of the opening and conjured a ball of fire, hurling it at the brute’s face. The flames engulfed its head, causing it to let out an agonized scream.

  As the brute staggered, Nova didn’t hesitate. She leaped forward, driving her sword deep into its throat. The beast let out a gurgling growl before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

  The remaining goblins, seeing their leader fall, panicked. Some tried to flee, but they quickly cut them down before they could escape.

  Silence fell over the cavern.

  Panting, Nebula wiped her blade clean, scanning the aftermath. "That was a bit more intense than I expected," she admitted.

  Nova cracked her neck, smirking. "Told you it wouldn’t be easy."

  With the goblin nest eradicated, Nova and Nebula took a moment to steady their breathing, scanning the chamber for anything of value. Their eyes quickly landed on a narrow tunnel at the far end of the cavern, partially concealed by jagged rocks.

  Curious, they approached cautiously, slipping through the passageway and emerging into a smaller chamber. Inside, they found a handful of tattered bags filled with silver and copper coins, along with an assortment of rusted weapons—likely stolen from travelers or taken from the village during past raids.

  The twins exchanged a glance.

  "We should return this to the village," Nova suggested.

  Nebula nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it probably belongs to them."

  "Alright, let’s gather what we can," Nova said, bending down to collect the bags. "After that, we’ll burn this place to the ground."

  Working quickly, they secured the stolen loot before turning their attention to the cavern itself. Using their limited fire magic, they ignited the goblins' makeshift bedding and supplies, setting the chamber ablaze. As the flames spread, the two of them moved toward the entrance, channeling bursts of magic to weaken the cave walls. Small tremors shook the ground as they struck at the stone, triggering a partial collapse.

  By the time they stepped back into the open air, the goblin den was nothing more than a smoldering ruin, buried beneath tons of rubble.

  Their mission was complete.