These tribal goblins are quite different from the wild grunt goblins.
The former seem to be structured, organized goblin regulars.
"Indeed, although this actually isn’t something new. In recent decades, adventurer guilds across regions have often found traces of tribal goblin totems along thousands of miles of borderlands."
"Large-scale invasions have indeed ceased, but the frequency of small-scale infiltration and probing has increased."
The old man sighed, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, organizing his thoughts, and continued to speak.
"These goblin nations with established civilizations are far more patient than we imagine. They keep sending out ’small groups’ as seeds, carrying totems that represent their abilities and expedition here, merely to attempt to incubate nests along the long borders."
Gauss calmly looked at the old man, waiting for him to continue.
The old man paused for a moment.
"These ’seeds’ might just be a Shaman, an elite rider, bringing a dozen or dozens of Warriors here, then quickly integrating the local wild goblin tribes, arming them in a more advanced organizational manner to form a force not to be underestimated."
"The disappearance of the geological exploration team may have encountered such a local goblin force organized by the ’Black Tooth’ tribe."
"This commission requires investigating the cause of the incident and purging that budding organization."
The old man ended the narration, his gaze turning to Gauss.
"I understand the Guild’s concerns." Gauss said slowly. "If the ’Black Tooth’ tribe is indeed operating behind the scenes, then the threat level and... impact indeed need to be handled cautiously."
Gauss meant not just the combat power of the goblin groups themselves, but more importantly, the deeper meaning behind the tribe’s totem.
Could this be some sort of omen?
If it were treated as an ordinary commission posted in the hall for everyone to see, many people could create disturbances or spread rumors.
The best course is secret investigation, defense, and then dispatch elite teams to target and strike down various issues.
What the monsters want to do must be stopped by humans.
"Well, please keep the commission information confidential. Beyond teammates, do not spread it." The old man nodded satisfactorily.
Selecting Gauss was not his decision; he was merely a messenger.
In fact, every year the Guild evaluates a large number of adventurers.
They select reliable, practical adventurer newcomers with strength and potential for commissions.
This special commission itself implies a wealth of experience and is a significant boost to the growth of professionals.
This goblin-related special commission is evidently suitable for a genius adventurer like Gauss, who has special experience and efficiency in dealing with goblins.
"Then may I ask about the reward..." Gauss proceeded to inquire.
This commission sounds difficult; indeed, it is no simple task.
Given that a squad led by a level 5 Warrior went ahead without results, it’s enough to show the enemy’s capability is not simple.
Even he, such a skilled "hand" at defeating goblins, may not necessarily find anything.
Even without encountering danger, it might result in investing a lot of time and getting nothing.
"There are many rewards to choose from: spells, mounts, money, even somewhat ordinary inheritances could be offered... Specifically quantified, it’s roughly enough resources to train a ’ordinary civilian’ without any ability or talent to a level 5 Professional."
"But I can’t know the specific reward catalogue; it’s not distributed by our sub-guild. I’m just a notifier; after the commission is completed, you should go to any city-level Guild to claim your reward."
"Moreover, before the mission, the Guild will prepare targeted supplies in advance, like more efficient antidotes and beast repellent potions. Black Tooth is adept at utilizing beasts and poisons."
Gauss pondered for a moment.
In terms of rewards, it really has no flaws, very generous.
Even somewhat overly generous; it feels like nurturing a sapling.
So, is he listed as a candidate for some key development?
And it seems city-level Adventurer Guilds have started to pay attention to him.
He knows his rapid rise is certainly under the watchful eye of such a powerful intelligence machine as the Adventurer’s Guild.
But he didn’t expect this day to come so quickly.
"I’ll return and discuss with my teammates first; my Priest teammate is still breaking through levels, while I’ve been doing a lot of commission work nearby lately, waiting for him."
"Understood." The old man smiled kindly, not surprised, clearly well-aware of Gauss’s recent activities.
"Please respond soon, whether you accept or not, and relay it to us."
"Okay." Gauss stood up.
"By the way, if the commission is accepted, temporary teammates will join then; please prepare."
Temporary addition... Gauss hesitated for a moment but indicated he understood the situation.
Gauss left the Adventurer’s Guild.
En route, Gauss was still digesting the large amount of information received earlier.
Investigating and clearing out a goblin tribe’s expeditionary forces, even consolidating local goblin forces, poses a danger far exceeding that of wild goblin tribes.
Yet similarly, it is also an extremely rare opportunity.
Danger and opportunity are like twin siblings, always appearing together.
Firstly, there’s the generous reward from the Adventurer’s Guild. According to the Advanced Councilor, some 3rd Ring spells or elite flying mounts like griffins, even other more mysterious rewards, are possible.
This already makes him very tempted.
Besides, it’s about a goblin tribe.
This commission allows him to encounter more elite goblins with spiritual essence, potentially greatly accelerating clay goblins’ growth.
Also, there’s a large number of lower-tier goblins...
The commission itself is already a reward.
If left unmanaged, although others may accept it, if they fail to complete it well, then those goblins might use it as a springboard to endlessly supply power and transform, integrate local goblins, eventually causing regional threats.
However, the temporary teammates mentioned by the old man also caught Gauss’s attention.
If possible, he actually doesn’t want to rashly accept outsiders into the team, especially likely only for one commission.
Unlike other adventurers, with the Adventurer’s Handbook, he is very special; long-term interaction, teammates might inevitably detect something.
Fortunately, so far, Aaliyah and Serdur are great people, always turning a blind eye, sparing him explanations many times.
But strangers mean uncontrollable factors.
If it happens to be someone with a very bad temper or extremely self-centered, then not to mention completing the commission—just traveling could be a headache.
Gauss knows the adventurer community is somewhat mixed; his team is so pure because it’s carefully assembled.
In the past couple of years, many lone adventurers have contacted him, trying to join the team.
But after his "interview," they were all dismissed.
The vast majority had personality issues, though they tried to hide it, they couldn’t escape Gauss’s keen intuition.
Many lone wolves have significant problems themselves.
Lack of teamwork, having no cooperation awareness sometimes isn’t even the crucial flaw; Gauss once met a lone wolf who made him feel uncomfortable at the mere sight.
Afterward, upon slight investigation—it didn’t take much effort—he collected intelligence on the person.
Because the person was a notorious "team killer."
Frequently changing teams within short periods, each previous team would meet various accidental decimation, leaving only that lucky survivor.
Such dangerous elements, a well-informed team would avoid like the plague.
Once or twice might be an accident, but repeated events surely indicate malice.
Highly likely an insidious character like a jackal, creating accidents causing team annihilations, then feeding on teammates’ inheritance.
Such teammates are more terrifying than foes.
Even if you sense something amiss, you can’t constantly guard against them.
While the guild-appointed temporary teammate is likely not such a terrible person, caution is still needed.
"I need more consideration." Gauss pressed his lips.
"Or perhaps, after the team gathers, verify and try to meet the temporary teammate in advance to assess them."