Chapter22: Requested by Name (Daily request for favorites)

The giant goblin guarding the shaman howled and hurled a boulder at Alicia.

She flashed aside, grabbed its swinging fist, vaulted onto its shoulders.

Blue-purple magic sword pierced through the neck—life ended instantly.

Leaders down, leaderless goblins panicked, fled toward exit.

Cosette waited.

“Merciful ancestor of man, grant us shelter…”

Two holy walls slammed the goblins at the mouth.

Girl pulled clay pot of black sticky liquid from pouch, smashed into crowd.

Towering flames mixed with tinder ignited trapped goblins.

Like caged beasts, they screamed, clawed walls, begged escape.

Useless—[Holy Wall] held till carbonized.

Last goblin died—clear mission complete.

Alicia and Cosette cleaned battlefield, searched survivors.

Soon found abducted women, some prior merc team in rear natural chamber.

“So cruel!”

Naked, scarred, bruised everywhere—no patch of skin intact.

Missing ones—scattered human bones by fire told fate.

“Goblins weak-looking, but man-eaters. Don’t let image fool.”

Brutal scene taught Cosette.

“…Understood.”

Cosette nodded, composed, began basic healing.

Alicia cut goblin ears—proof.

Faint sob from chamber rear.

Sound alerted both—Alicia followed.

Nearer—goblin young.

“Miss Alicia, what now?”

“Thank nature—no, ancestors’ gift. Free bounty.”

…

Winterhold, Mercenary Guild.

“Good work. Cleared nest, saved people.”

Moros adjusted glasses, pleased at report to Alicia.

“So calling me—group quota met?” Alicia teased hopefully.

“Not yet. But designated commission for you.”

Expected, but named client surprised.

“Details with client. I leave.”

Moros smiled, exited.

Soon, red toga man entered—angular face, stern gaze, clear Castino features.

Alicia nearly jumped—didn’t know her, but she knew him.

Berius Dietrich Fraus, Winterhold governor.

Game north empire big name.

North Eagle—name alone stopped beastman children night cries.

Top non-empire, especially beastman players’ most-wanted NPC list.

Reason—

Empire-beast wars, frontline beast players logged—home burned by him.

Some tried assassinate.

Most couldn’t beat guards.

Rare past guards—Berius combat monster.

Worse—player respawn, he camped corpses, killed runners.

Beast players endless corpse runs, dropped gear, rerolled.

Beaten, camped—ultimate insult.

Many broke, voted complaints.

“Miss Alicia know me?”

Seeing surprise, Berius curious.

“Lord Dietrich’s name known empire-wide. Curious how you know nameless me.”

Berius faint smile, explained.

“Solo beast warlord, elite scouts, Evil Spirit Heart—not nameless. Saw your match Harvisa—splendid.”

Alicia silent, he continued.

“No Eastern entry report—subordinates missed.”

Alicia inwardly tsk—using black户 status.

“What commission needs Lord personally? Winterhold lacks capable?”

Unhappy, but listened.

Crisis and chance—good ties future boon.

“Sensitive. My people unreliable, guild strong too known. Succeed—pick any Winterhold treasury reward.”

Higher unease—treasury treasures many, but abnormal high pay—no good.

No free lunch.

“Why trust me?”

“Not you—Easterner. No Winterhold-East ties.”

Berius sipped tea, Alicia silent, he slow continued.

“Heretic cult worship false gods. Find clues, report!”