To humans, fairies generally count as a friendly race.
Their worst behavior is merely using toxins to scare away or daze those who intrude into their homeland.
The fairy leader pondered briefly upon hearing this, a thoughtful expression appearing on its delicate little face.
It seemed to be assessing the truth of Gauss’ words.
A moment later, it lowered its weapon.
"Big guy, you’re indeed not lying, but..." The fairy leader fluttered its wings, hovering in the air, its small eyebrows slightly furrowed, seemingly struggling to organize words in a rarely used common tongue.
"The forest has been quite disturbed lately, please leave our village soon."
Upon hearing this, Gauss stepped forward and said gently, "We are here precisely tracking the evil goblin group that corrupts the forest and enslaves beasts."
Upon hearing "goblin," the companions behind the fairy leader visibly became agitated, showing expressions of disgust.
Goblin, as an extremely common creature in the forest, even fairies who advocate hiding from the world, are forced to frequently "deal with" them.
Given the fairies’ values and long-term struggle, it’s tough to harbor any favorable opinion towards an evil creature like goblins.
As the saying goes, the enemy of an enemy is a friend.
The fairies who were initially full of alertness upon hearing that the four were here to clear out a gang of evil goblins couldn’t help but develop some goodwill toward them.
They began chattering around.
"Are you really here because of those green-skinned brats?"
"Absolutely." Gauss nodded.
The fairy leader heard his heartfelt words and nodded in satisfaction.
"Please allow us to join and assist."
Hearing this, Gauss raised his eyebrows slightly.
His reason for staying in place was merely to inquire about some information from these forest natives.
Unexpectedly, knowing the group’s purpose made the fairies become proactive, even turning their attitude 180 degrees.
Strangers who were full of vigilance a second ago were now eager to join the team and offer support.
Could it be that fighting goblins makes one their friend?
But...
He looked at their palm-sized bodies and weapons akin to toothpicks.
Not to underestimate them, from an objective standpoint, could they really be helpful?
Gauss’ silence seemed to reveal something to the leader.
The female fairy immediately raised its eyebrows, becoming stern and earnest.
"Don’t think we’re useless because of our small size." It swung its hand with a sharp weapon like a steel needle. "Our tribe has many adept warriors like me."
As it became serious, Gauss noticeably felt the natural energy it emitted becoming more intense.
"Furthermore, if you need goblin intelligence, we’ve just made some recent discoveries."
"Please let some of my warriors join your group; they will guide you to those green-skinned brats in the forest."
Several fairies, also holding miniature yet sharp weapons, hovered coming from the surroundings, stopping in front of Gauss.
Unlike most fragile fairies, these warriors, one in a hundred, were more dynamic in spirit, flying speed, and posture.
"Well then..."
"Please!! Human Adventurer!"
"Let’s go kill the green-skinned brats together."
The fairy warriors chirped as they pleaded.
"Alright." Gauss nodded, looking at the fairy warriors before him, expressing unwavering faith and emitting pure natural energy.
"Thank you all for willing to offer support, may I know how to address you and these brave warriors?"
The fairy leader was delighted to see Gauss agree, its wings fluttering faster.
"I am Bluebell, guardian of this village."
After introducing itself, it pointed at the four similarly equipped and fiercely-eyed fairies: "This is Ji Grass, Dandelion, Glow Dew, and Moss, they are our finest trackers and warriors."
The fairy warrior named Ji Grass, holding a miniaturized bramble spear, flew slightly forward and said in a sharp, clear voice, "We indeed know a lot about the movements of those green-skinned brats; although uncertain if it’s your target, rest assured, we’ll follow you until the goal is reached."
After the introductions, the four fairy warriors temporarily joined Gauss’ team.
As a thank you for the support offered by the fairy village.
Aaliyah took out a small packet of specially collected flower seeds from her bag, dried under the moonlight, and gifted them to Bluebell.
The fairies curiously gathered around, and upon seeing the gift, let out tiny joyous cheers, their faces lighting up with smiles.
It was apparent they preferred this gifting of special flower seeds filled with natural energy.
"May the forest wind guard your journey," the fairy leader accepted the gift, speaking even more amicably. "Please be careful searching for green-skinned brats. On behalf of the fairy village, forest, and beasts, I extend thanks to you."
Having gained crucial intelligence and blessings, Gauss’ party cautiously retreated from the magical mini-village amid the fairies’ lively farewell.
Upon passing through that layer of vine barrier again, the surroundings returned to normal forest scenery.
Leaving the dreamlike fairy village, the team’s "numbers" grew.
Gauss and his group, Gray Wolf Ulfen, Raven Aik, Scale Powder Butterfly, four fairies.
This increasingly diverse combination resumed their journey.
Gauss and his crew walked normally, while the four fairy warriors flew in front and around them. Their size and color blended seamlessly into the forest environment, sometimes pausing behind leaves to observe, occasionally shuttling rapidly between branches, directing the group.
The fairy named Glow Dew shared some insights with Gauss: "Those green-skinned ones... seem to be digging something. Lately, they’ve been frequently seen transporting items resembling ores towards the depths of the valley."