The journey back to Iguro Town felt longer than the trek into the forest. The group moved slower now, weighted by exhaustion and the lingering tension from the fight. The goblin map was carefully rolled up and tucked into Olivia's satchel—she had insisted on carrying it herself when James presented it to her.
"You did well," Olivia had told him, her voice carrying both warmth and a note of authority. "Both of you. Rest when we return. I'll handle the rest."
When they reached the guild, the members of Red Scorpion and Black Claw dispersed quickly, each heading to their own headquarters. Chester and Argo didn't spare a glance back, while Dannevie at least offered James and Ilyanna a small wave before disappearing into the bustle of the town.
Olivia didn't linger either. With her silver-edged cloak drawn close, she left for the Town Hall immediately, the goblin map under one arm. James caught the faintest glimpse of her expression before she turned away—composed, but with the kind of sharp focus that came when a plan was already forming in her mind.
The Silver Phantom Guild hall felt oddly quiet after the chaos of the forest. James sank into one of the long benches, letting his staff lean against the wall. The warmth of the hearth washed over him, a welcome change from the damp chill of the trees.
Ilyanna, still in her travel leathers, sat opposite him. She removed her bow and laid it on the table, carefully checking each arrow in her quiver. Her movements were precise, practiced—something she did more for rhythm than necessity.
"How's your arm?" James asked, nodding to the shallow cut she'd taken in the fight.
She glanced at it briefly. "Fine. I've had worse from tripping over my own feet."
He smiled faintly. "Hard to imagine you tripping."
She shrugged. "Happens when you're watching the trees instead of the ground."
For a moment, silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Just the slow, steady stillness of people who'd burned through every ounce of energy they had.
Meanwhile, at the Town Hall, Olivia's voice cut through the council chamber like a clean blade. The Town Head—a broad-shouldered man with a lined face named Mayor Valerio—sat at the head of the long oak table. Across from her sat two other guildmasters, each with their own manner of authority.
"This isn't an isolated infestation," Olivia said, unrolling the goblin map onto the table. "The outpost we cleared was one of several. We've identified at least four others within the southern forests. If left alone, these camps will grow and coordinate. That means raids, ambushes, and a direct threat to Iguro and the surrounding villages."
Mayor Valerio's eyes narrowed as he studied the crude drawings. "And you're certain of this?"
Olivia nodded. "My members recovered this at great risk. Two other guilds were present—Red Scorpion and Black Claw. Their guildmasters can verify the report."
The other two guildmasters exchanged a glance before one, a weathered man with a scar over his jaw, spoke. "It matches the sightings my people have reported. But these camps aren't like the usual goblin rabble. They're organized. Something's driving them."
The mayor's fingers tapped the table in thought. "Then we can't simply defend. We'll need to strike at all camps before they become too strong."
Olivia's eyes were steady. "Then assign it to us. My guild can coordinate with the others. But the longer we wait, the greater the risk."
The mayor gave a slow nod. "I'll send word to the other towns for reinforcements. Until then, keep your people ready, Guildmaster Verga."
Back at the Silver Phantom Guild, James had leaned back against the bench, his eyes half-lidded. "You think Olivia will come back with more work for us?" he asked, his voice low.
Ilyanna didn't look up from restringing her bow. "She wouldn't have carried that map herself if she didn't plan to act on it."
James chuckled quietly. "Guess rest isn't going to last long."
She glanced at him, a faint smirk ghosting her lips. "We joined a guild, James. Rest was never part of the deal."
The fire crackled softly between them, casting warm light against the wooden beams of the hall. Outside, the town went about its business, unaware that in the forests beyond, goblins were preparing for war.
For now, they had a brief moment to breathe. But when Olivia returned, that moment would end—and the real fight would begin.