Hitman with a Badass System

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."

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."

Gaya, her gaze fixed on the horizon, replied with a dismissive wave, "I appreciate the concern, but I have places to be. Where did you say those griffin attacks were happening?"

With a resigned chuckle, the driver said, "Stubborn as an old mule, aren't you? The attacks are about half a day's journey from here, towards the east where the forests meet the foothills."

"Thanks," Gaya said, handing him a few coins for the ride. "Wish me luck," she added with a grin, her adventurous spirit undimmed by the warnings.

The driver shook his head, a mixture of admiration and worry in his eyes. "Luck be with you, young one. And be careful out there."

After bidding farewell to the ox cart driver, Gaya ventured deeper into the terrain that bore the scars of recent griffin attacks. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the lush landscape, now marred by the chaos of beastly encounters. "If that damned griffin has anything to do with this," she muttered under her breath, her gaze sweeping over the treetops. "it's going to wish it never crossed paths with me again."

As darkness enveloped the sky, Gaya found a secluded spot near a copse of trees, where signs of struggle and deep claw marks etched into the earth painted a vivid picture of the griffins' might. She set up a makeshift camp, ensuring she remained hidden under the cover of foliage. "Let's see if those winged beasts dare to show up tonight," she whispered to herself, her eyes scanning the darkening horizon for any sign of movement.

Throughout the night, Gaya remained alert, her senses tuned to the slightest rustle or unusual sound. The moon, now a sliver in the sky, provided little illumination, casting eerie shadows across the landscape. Despite the tension, Gaya couldn't help but admire the cunning of these creatures. "Attack and retreat, huh? Not just mindless beasts after all," she conceded with a grudging respect. Yet, her resolve remained unshaken. "But intelligence won't save you from the wrath of the Goddess of Monsters."

As hours passed, the quietude of the night was suddenly shattered by the distant sound of beating wings, growing closer with each passing moment. Gaya tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for her weapon. "Showtime," she whispered, As Gaya concealed herself among the dense foliage, her anticipation grew with the sound of fluttering wings descending upon the clearing. To her surprise, the figures that emerged from the night sky weren't the formidable predators she expected, but three significantly smaller griffins, each bearing distinct features and temperaments.

The first, a cautious griffin with tawny feathers edged in bronze, surveyed the surroundings with wary eyes. The second, a bold creature with darker plumage and a fierce glint in its eye, exuded confidence and impatience. The third, its feathers a mix of grey and white, seemed to shrink in on itself, exuding an air of nervousness.

"They're just kids," Gaya whispered to herself, a hint of amusement breaking through her initial disappointment.

"Where are those guards? I'm starving," the bold griffin growled, his gaze fixed hungrily on the village not far from their landing spot.

"Easy, Tarnis," the cautious one chided, "we shouldn't attack. The guards might be lying in wait."

"Oh, shut it, Orin. Since when did you become such a chicken?" Tarnis snapped back, ruffling his feathers in defiance.

"Calm down, both of you," the timid one, which Gaya guessed to be Fleece, piped up. "What if we get caught? Or worse, hurt?"

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.