Hitman with a Badass System - Chapter 1251

1251 Three Trouble Makers

As Gaya disembarked from the ox cart, thanking the driver with a nod and a wry smile, she couldn't help but feel a thrill at the prospect of facing the griffins again. The lush, vibrant landscape of Goldspire's outskirts was both inviting and foreboding, with the occasional golden and red maple trees adding a splash of color to the neatly stone-paved roads and the serene rivers flowing alongside.

"The griffins have become more aggressive recently," the ox cart driver mumbled, casting a wary glance at the skies. "They didn't attack for two months, but now, it's like they're making up for lost time."

Gaya pondered the driver's words, her mind drifting to the griffin that had insulted her. She wondered if its absence was the reason for the peaceful period and if its return was responsible for the renewed attacks. Her interaction with the creature had been intense, a clash of wills and power, but she hadn't considered the possibility of it rallying others to its cause.

"Is there a reason for their attacks? Maybe some stupid soldiers or adventurers stirred up trouble with their nests?" Gaya inquired, her voice casual, hiding her personal interest in the matter.

"Nah," the driver replied, glancing back at her through the rearview. "No griffin nests around those parts. Even with Goddess Seshat's knights patrolling, those beasts are cunning. Attacking at night, hit and run. Clever, those griffins."

Gaya couldn't help but admire the griffins' strategic tactics, despite the trouble they caused. "Smart creatures," she muttered under her breath, respect lacing her words.

The driver eyed her curiously. "And what brings a young lass like yourself out here? It's no time for sightseeing, not with the skies full of terror." CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

With a hearty laugh, Gaya brushed off his concern. "I'm an adventurer, looking to see the world. Besides, a few griffins won't scare me off." Her voice carried a mix of jest and bravado, a stark contrast to the somber mood brought on by the griffin attacks.

The driver sighed, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening. "Bad timing for adventures, if you ask me. But stay safe, girl. These roads are unforgiving at night."

As the ox cart continued on its path, leaving her at the edge of the wilderness, Gaya felt a surge of excitement. The challenges ahead were daunting, but the goddess within her relished the opportunity to prove her might and perhaps, in doing so, mend her relationship with the griffins.

Eventually, The ox cart creaked to a halt on the outskirts of a quaint village, nestled amidst rolling hills. The village was a patchwork of modest thatched cottages, with smoke lazily curling up from chimneys into the clear sky. The villagers, dressed in simple clothes, went about their daily chores, casting curious glances at the newcomer. The vibrant hues of market stalls dotted the central square, and the chatter of locals filled the air, creating a lively yet peaceful atmosphere.

The ox cart driver, turning to Gaya with a look of concern, advised, "This is as far as I go. You'd be safer staying here for the night."

Listening to their bickering, Gaya couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Damn, kids these days... No respect for their elders or common sense."

Tarnis, seemingly deciding for the group, let out a defiant snort. "I'm the strongest here. I'll show those villagers and the damned Goddess of Monsters that I'm not to be trifled with."

Orin sighed, a sound that carried a world of patience. "You'll get us all killed, you idiot."

Fleece whimpered, "I don't want to be monster chow. Can't we just find some rabbits or something?"

Gaya's ears perked up at the mention of her title. "Did that little punk just say Goddess of Monsters?" she muttered incredulously, her eyes narrowing in the direction of the young griffins.

She pondered for a moment, "How the hell do they know about me? And still have the guts to wreak havoc under my watch?" The questions tumbled through her mind, mixing with a blend of frustration and curiosity.

As she continued eavesdropping, the ferocious griffin named Tarnis ranted about their eggs being stolen and their kind being hunted, painting a grim picture of their plight. "It's those damned beast tamers... they're after our eggs, terrorizing our kin across the domains," Tarnis growled, his voice a mixture of anger and desperation.

Orin, the cautious one, chimed in with a sigh, "And let's not forget, Seshat's knights protect everyone but us. And our so-called goddess of monsters? She's nowhere to be found, too busy gallivanting with the god of darkness or something."

At Orin's words, Gaya couldn't contain her outrage any longer. "Useless? Running around? That little shit..." she hissed under her breath, barely keeping her voice down. The accusation stung more than she cared to admit, igniting a fire within her.

Fleece, the timid one, added quietly, "Yeah, it's like we're forgotten. Left to fend for ourselves against those who would do us harm."

The conversation laid bare the griffins' grievances and their perception of Gaya's absence in their time of need. It was a harsh reminder of the expectations placed on her shoulders, and the reality of her actions as seen through the eyes of those she was sworn to protect.

Gaya shook her head, dispelling the rising tide of guilt and indignation. "Well, looks like it's time to set the record straight," she whispered to herself, determination taking hold. The griffins' words had unwittingly stoked the flames of her resolve, pushing her to take action not just for the sake of her quest, but to prove her commitment to the creatures under her care.