Dai Katana Manga Chapter 16

This is the sixteenth chapter of the Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana manga.

Full Summary
Captain tells his party that there are "newbie-hunters" in the dungeon. Half-Elf Scout asks if he means the scruffy men, and Female Warrior agrees it's probably them. Captain goes on to explain that just like the rogues the party dealt with, they lie in wait in the dungeon to rob newbies, and he's heard they have a base on the second floor. Half-Elf Scout says that would explain the funny vibe he felt when he was out with his friend early. Female Warrior understands what he's getting at, that even if you assume most people are only here for quick money, there's an unnatural distribution in the experience among the adventurers. Half-Elf Scout confirms that he means there a shortage of mid-level adventurers, like no rookies ever manage to work their way up which he'd assumed was just because the dungeon was tough. Captain agrees that the newbie-hunters might be responsible for most of that instead.

Half-Elf Scout then asks Captain where he got this information. When Captain starts to respond, he can't remember. He only recalls talking to Smith and Female Warrior, not recalling the mysterious informant woman at all. Unable to recall he puts it down as some of the background gossip he's heard that day. Half-Elf Scout isn't happy with such a shady source, but Myrmidon Monk thinks it doesn't matter as rumors about the dungeon can rarely be traced to a verifiable source anyways. Captain becomes lost in thought about whether or not they should really seek out the truth as ultimately they have no obligation to risk themselves for others, but no one can stop them from doing so if they want either. His brooding is interrupted by his cousin scolding him for not talking or even looking at his party. He looks up to find them smiling at him and they start to prod him to speak what's on his mind. With that, Captain tells them he wants to hunt down the newbie-hunters - the scruffy men. Not for normal reasons like for the greater good or disgust at what they're doing, but because he came here to challenge The Death, so how could he live with himself if they run from mere ruffians on the second floor.

To Captain's happiness, the party starts thinking it over and discussing it rather than simply agreeing straight away like it was an order. Half-Elf Scout calls it a tough one, as in terms of whether or not it benefits them, it doesn't. Myrmidon Monk agrees, saying that the scruffy men are hunting green newbies, and adventurers like them who can handle the second floor would be too risky to target. Still, something else bothers him and he prods Half-Elf Scout to continue. Half-Elf Scout grudgingly points out that with no rookies working their way up the ranks, it'll be harder to find someone new if they need to replace a party member. Female Wizard speaks up to say they can't ignore this, how could they pretend they didn't know anything while people were being killed? Female Bishop concurs that dealing with the newbie hunters is the right thing to do, and in any case, they aren't goblins. Captain expected them to agree and turns his attention back to the rest of the party. Half-Elf Scout still doesn't like the idea, as thinking in the short term is still important as well. Myrmidon Monk is mostly neutral, saying danger is normal for the dungeon and it's just a matter of facing some now or putting it off toward later. Count that as two votes in favor and two again, Captain turns to ask Female Warrior what she thinks. She says she does want to do something about this, that's it's about more than just them. With everyone's opinion heard, the party looks to Captain to make a decision, and with a short speech he says they'll do it.

With the decision to seek them out the next day made, the party settles in to eat. As they do so, Half-Elf Scout tells Captain that he's heard that Knight of Diamonds is heading to the second floor tomorrow as well. Later Captain carries a drunk Half-Elf Scout and Myrmidon Monk to the stable, then sits on some hay outside to think after getting them settled in. His reverie is interrupted by Female Warrior in her nightgown sitting down on the hay as well. She teases him asks if he got his hopes up, and he deflects by asking about the others. She says the other two girls drank too much and are in bed, leaving her bored, before she gets to the real reason she wanted to talk to him. Specifically she wanted to thank him for early and his decision to go after the hunters. Captain gets a bit flustered and says it wasn't anything special. After a little more banter and teasing, Female Warrior leaves.

The next day the party prepares to enter the dungeon. The royal guardsman they usually see tells them that Knight of Diamond's party had gone into the dungeon a while ago. Before they can enter the dungeon, Female Bishop smells blood and Knight of Diamond's party emerges. They're badly injured with their wizard being carried by one member, and two other members half carrying the gravely wounded Knight of Diamonds between them.