Last time on Konosuba: Questionable Questing Zeke, Jacky, and Aqua have made it to Axel. There they registered, and all of them chose what job they partake in. After that, they went on a quest to defeat Giant Toad, though sadly, it had a bit of a hiccup as Aqua got eaten by one of them, and Jacky had to save her. As for Zeke, he defeated the Giant Toads though with a broken sword which is surprising, but for a man who plays Dark Souls using the Broken Straight Sword, nothing is impossible. Now that the three will stop the Demon Lord, their journey will be hard but time to remember.

Adventurer Guild

At the Adventurer Guild, Zeke, Jacky, and Aqua were seen having a meal. As the three eat, Jacky then looks at Zeke and asks a question.

Jacky: Hey, Zeke, remember when Luna said that those Adventurer Cards tell us what monster we killed but also show us our level? Did we ever ask about how many levels we rose?

Zeke: You mean to tell me you didn't bother checking your card after we completed our last quest?

Jacky scratches his head and looks embarrassed while Aqua laughs.

Aqua: Ha you forgot!

Jacky: So you checked your level too?

Aqua became silent before going back to eating. Jacky took a deep breath before grabbing Aqua's head and started to use his knuckle to rub it, giving her a noogie.

Jacky: You laugh at me when you didn't even check yourself!

Aqua: Unhand me! This is not how you treat a goddess!

Zeke: Jacky, you've played RPGs before, correct?

Jacky looks at Zeke and then when those words hit his ears, he lets go of Aqua and places his head on the table in shame.

Jacky: Goddammit every RPG player knows once you beat a quest, you check your stats to see if you gain any skill points once leveling up. Heck, even some video games have a freaking skill tree! I can not believe I failed this badly by forgetting the mechanics.

Jacky looked defeated as he forgot while Aqua just sighs with relief as she wasn't having her head being noogied by Jacky.

Aqua: Well, Zeke since you remembered, what level are you at now?

Zeke: Level Seven, I received around fourteen skill points for it. I used a decent chunk of them to upgrade my Parry Skill and One-handed Sword Skill. I was also able to unlock the Lightning Rune Skill and the Protection Rune Skill.

Jacky looks amazed by that information and then decides to see his Adventurer Card. Jacky checked and saw he was level four.

Jacky: I am level four, not bad.

Aqua: So I am on the same level as you. What a pity I thought me being a divine being would get more XP.

Aqua sighed, and Jacky just frowned at her.

Jacky: You got yourself eaten Aqua!

Zeke: You have experience with RPGs and you're yelling at the healer for lacking combat abilities in the early game?

Jacky once again lowers his head and sighs.

Jacky: Once again I fail to forget some mechanics. Okay, I am going to pick some skills now.

Aqua: Same here.

Jacky and Aqua went over to Luna to ask her to put in the skills they wanted. Jacky was shown what skills were available for the Archer. Jacky found Farsight to be a better use for his skills and chose that while Aqua she just picks a skill and both head back to Zeke.

Jacky: I just got Farsight a better investment with me seeing far away and being able to use my bow so I can protect Aqua.

Aqua: I just picked what I wanted.

Zeke: Very well, now we should probably take a quest. I spent what money I had on a proper sword and a Runesmithing kit. Hence why I invested in two rune related skills. Now if only I could find a buckler. Regardless, we should focus on accumulating a decent amount of wealth, that way we can make longer journeys out of town.

Jacky and Aqua nodded and the three got up and went over to Luna to check for a quest. So far the quest was either hunting, gathering materials, or finding bandits.

Jacky: Hey boss, check it out. Gathering some crystal in a cave for two hundred thousand Eris. Pretty simple.

Aqua: Read the bottom Jacky.

Aqua then points to the bottom of the quest saying that Goblins are protecting the mine.

Zeke: Goblins are still rather low-ranking monsters, it shouldn't be too terribly difficult if we approach with caution it shouldn't end terribly.

Zeke was about to grab the quest until Luna stopped him.

Luna: Sorry, Zeke, I need to update the quest.

Luna then grabs the quest and then updates it which shows that a Heavy Goblin was leading the other Goblins in the cave and a warning sign saying four party members or those of higher level to participate but not only that the reward was now three hundred thousand Eris.

Jacky: Zeke, if we do this quest we will be getting around five hundred and thirty dollars or seventy-five thousand Eris each. We need to find another party member to join!

Zeke: Very well, we will put up a request, but they will speak with me first. I don't like casting suspicion on others, but if they expect us to do all the work then we're better off without them.

Jacky and Aqua nodded in agreement and Aqua went to grab some supplies to make a flier.

A few moments later

After a few minutes of making the flier, Aqua smiles at her handy work while Jacky looks confused.

Jacky: A harmonious party? Also, cozy you sure that is a good way to describe us Aqua? Boss, what's your take on this?

Zeke: Would you rather her have said that two of our party members bicker like children when they disagree on something?

Jacky becomes silent before sighing.

Jacky: Hopefully, somebody will take the request.

As Jacky said that Zeke then feels a tap on his shoulder and turns around to see a young female mage with an eye patch.

Standing before the three was Megumin, an Arch Wizard.

Megumin: I happened to notice your recruitment poster.

Megumin smiles while the three just stare at her.

Megumin: Today is a good day as fate has come into play. My name is Megumin. My calling is that of an Arch Wizard, one who controls explosion magic, the strongest of all offensive magic!

Zeke looks the girl over before approaching her, Zeke studies her, noticing how she only seems to have her staff.

Zeke: Strange, I have never heard of explosion magic before, then again as a Rune Knight, the magic of the rune language is what I'm most familiar with. It certainly sounds powerful.

Megumin: Indeed it is with my magic I can create craters the size of a mountain!

When Megumin said that Jacky's eyes widened in shock.

Jacky: Damn, that is powerful.

Zeke: I mean this in the nicest way possible, but perhaps we are not a good fit for you.

When Megumin heard that she dropped her jaw but then calmed down.

Megumin: B-B-But why?

Zeke: I do not doubt the power of your magic, however that is the exact reason I am denying you. Explosions don't discriminate on who they hurt. You could very well aim that spell near one of us or cast it in an enclosed space. What good is a powerful spell if it runs the risk of taking out your party members with the enemies?

Megumin looks at Zeke for a moment before walking over to him and then goes on her knees and hugs his leg.

Megumin: Please let me join! I have been looking for a party for so long and nobody was available.

Zeke: I understand, but your magic is understandably dangerous and we are entering a cave. If you were to cast your magic it could run the risk of blowing us all up.

Megumin then thinks of a reason until she thinks but sadly she couldn't.

Megumin: I have nothing to offer except my explosion magic...

Zeke: You dedicated yourself to it fully didn't you? Even if others told you it was a poor decision? Due to a strong passion you had for that particular form of magic, correct?

Megumin: Yes....

Megumin looked down and then made a fist before speaking.

Megumin: I love Explosion, it is my passion. It makes me feel alive. I feel free using my magic and I am proud of using it.

Zeke looked down at the mage, he thought back to his old life. His love of video games, the one escape he had from the dullness of day to day life. How people told him he should choose a real career instead of pursuing game design. How he was constantly told his passion was simply a childish pastime.

Zeke: You can join.....

Megumin looks at Zeke before hugging him who just pats her head.

Megumin: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Zeke: However, please don't cast your magic unless given permission. This is simply a safety precaution, you will still get an even cut even if you don't assist in dispatching the Goblins. We have crystals to collect after all.

Jacky: Welcome to the team Megumin.

Aqua: Just make sure not to kill us.

Megumin smiles and nods and Zeke grabs the quest and all of them head out of the guild.

Cave

After taking the quest and gaining a new party member. The party of three but now four are seen in the cave walking and also on guard for the goblins they will encounter when getting the crystals.

Aqua: So this is where the crystals are? It looks like it has been gutted.

Zeke: Goblins are notorious for loving shiny objects, they tend to loot them from caravans or unsuspecting travelers. I would not be shocked if they mined all the crystals themselves.

Zeke then stopped and crouched down before inspecting the ground closely.

Megumin: Why did you stop Zeke?

Zeke then picked three tiny objects off the ground before showing them to the group, which the tiny objects were fragments of crystal.

Zeke: It appears the Goblins have recently been through this section of the cave, these fragments must have fallen off whatever they were using to transport the crystals.

Jacky: Then we should be ready for anything. Goblins are protective of their treasure.

Megumin: Then let us continue with caution then.

The four then continue to move through the caves making sure to watch out for anything suspicious.

A few minutes later

A few minutes have passed and as they walk Jacky's eyes widen in shock and tries to speak but doesn't get to as Goblins try to strike the four with holding axes and clubs.

Jacky quickly rolls to the side, missing the attack.

Aqua: Reflect!

Aqua shouted while casting the spell that creates a transparent wall of light that reflects the Goblin's attack protecting her and Megumin. Zeke sees a Goblin ready to cut him but sidesteps the attack before drawing the broken sword from the back of his waist before stabbing the creature through the head with it, killing it. The three remaining goblins growl and go on the attack in which Jacky pulls out three arrows and then fires them. The three arrows soared through the air and one of the arrows stabbed one of the Goblins in the head killing it while a Goblin blocked it with its wooden shield and the other just dodged it.

Jacky: Damn not good.

The Goblin got closer to Jacky and raised its axe ready to hit him but Jacky used his bow to stop the attack. While he was kept busy the two other Goblins rushed towards Zeke to get revenge for their fallen comrade. The Goblin with the shield and axe raises its weapon and jumps into the air. The Goblin aims for Zeke ready to kill him. Zeke sheathed the broken sword on the back of his waist before drawing the steel sword he had sheathed on his right hip.

Zeke slashes the Goblin across the chest, knocking it out of the sky as it slammed into the ground on its back. Zeke the. Swiftly stabbed it through the torso, killing it. The other goblin sees his other comrade get killed and gets ready to kill Zeke but in doing so gives Jacky the opportunity to bash his bow on Goblins head knocking it to ground making him drop its axe. Jacky gets back quickly to give him some distance. The Goblin then gets back up but as it got up it fell back to the ground as an arrow was embedded into its head.

Jacky sighs with relief that was over turned to the others.

Jacky: Is everyone okay?

Aqua: I am okay but that was scary.

Megumin: Agreed.

Jacky sighs in relief and turns to Zeke.

Jacky: Boss, you okay?

Zeke ignored his talkative party member as he studied the crude wooden shield the Goblin had been carrying. Zeke crouched down before picking the crude wooden shield up with right hand before securing it to his arm as best as he could.

Aqua: You have a buckler now Zeke. Well one made by a goblin. We really need to get you a proper one later after we finish the quest.

Zeke: This will do for now, the main reason I need a buckler is to utilize the Parry Skill I requested from you. It should make combat easier.

Megumin: Parry Skill? I didn't know you had that.

Zeke smirks at the mage before they continued walking down the cave.

Zeke: Parry is a unique combat skill I requested based off of a technique from a game I'm rather fond of. The simple idea of it is that if I swing my shield at the appropriate time, not only will I deflect my opponent's weapon, it will completely break their defenses for a small window giving me an opening to attack.

Megumin looked confused about what he meant by game but looked in awe hearing that amazing skill.

Megumin: Amazing you must be an excellent warrior to have that skill.

Jacky: The guy killed three Giant Toads with a broken sword, pretty sure that makes more than an excellent warrior.

Megumin was once again shocked and wanted to ask more before Zeke stopped in his tracks, confusing the three.

Jacky: Boss, why did you stop?

Zeke: We're not done with combat, those four were just the first line of defense. If I had to guess there should be another group waiting up ahead. We're fairly deep into the cave at this point, I imagine we'll soon reach the deepest point.

The three look at Zeke and understand and prepare for the fight ahead. The four continue to walk through the cave and as they walk no signs of Goblins. All of them were high alert and nothing so far has made contact with them. The four continued further but as they did the sound of growl could be heard from above and everyone turned to see Goblins dropping towards them. Aqua quickly uses her staff to draw a magic circle.

Aqua: Divine Circle!

A magical barrier protects the four and repels the monsters back and they crash to the ground away from them. The Goblins then get back up and look mad and rush towards the four. A goblin with a sword was first to make it towards the group and thrust its swords towards Zeke. Zeke waits at the last possible moment before swinging the crude wooden shield in an arcing swing that goes towards the right. The shield caught the sword, knocking it to the right, completely throwing the Goblin off balance. Zeke lunges forward before stabbing the Goblin through the torso, killing it. This of course enraged the Goblins and they tried to dog pile Zeke but an arrow strikes down one of the Goblins getting the last two to attack Jacky. The two charges at the Archer Jacky quickly pulled out an arrow but sadly did not get time to shoot it as the Goblin was already close by and tackled him to ground.

Aqua: Jacky!

Megumin wanted to help but if she used her magic it would hurt Jacky.

Jacky: Get off me you damn piece of crap!

Suddenly a sword blade burst through the Goblin's torso, stopping inches away from Jacky's face before the Goblin went limp, dead. Jacky then looks to see Zeke who was cleaning the blade of his sword.

Jacky: Holy shit you nearly made me have to wear an eye patch like Megumin!!

Zeke: A calculated risk, it's better then what that Goblin had in store for you. However it appears the last Goblin took advantage of his comrade's bold strategy.....

Everyone turned to see the final Goblin, who was holding Jacky's quiver of arrows. The Goblin then stuck its tongue out at the group in a taunting manner before running off deeper into the cave.

Jacky: Fuck, that green little bastard stole my quiver!.

Zeke: We should really start a swear jar for you as our emergency funds with how often you curse.....

Megumin: Is he always swearing like a sailor? My word to say such words in front of maidens.

Aqua: I say that would be a good idea. Such language should not be said while we are on a quest.

Jacky sighs as this was going to be a regular thing now. Jacky then gets back and then looks over the dead bodies of the Goblins. Jacky then pulls out the arrows and out of the arrows he recovers, only one was still good to use.

Jacky: One arrow all I have is one fu-freaking arrow.

Zeke: Not to put further damper on the mood, but if I had to wager my Eris. That Goblin ran back to its leader, meaning we're walking into a boss fight at a disadvantage......

Jacky frowns and punches the wall in frustration.

Jacky: This is my fault. I should have drawn my arrow faster.

Zeke: It's risky, but I will draw the boss's attention once we enter. All of you focus on getting Jacky's quiver back before joining me.

The three nodded before Megumin asks Zeke a question.

Megumin: You sure you can handle the leader by yourself to give us enough time to get Jacky's quiver back to help you?

Zeke smirked before showing the blade of his steel sword to them.

Zeke: I suppose you could say I made a few enhancements of my own to my new weapon, it should give me a slight edge against the boss hopefully.

The three notices etched into the blade was a rune, it was a dull steel color like the blade itself.

Jacky: You enchanted your blade, sweet.

Jacky gives Zeke a thumbs up. Aqua and Megumin smiled and had confidence in their leader.

Aqua: Show the leader why you are one to not be taken lightly, boss.

Megumin: May the gods guide you to victory, Zeke.

Zeke: Regardless this is a team effort, I am counting on all of you to watch my back as I'll watch all of yours.

The four then continued their quest ready to face the final boss.

10 minutes later

After ten minutes of going through the cave they finally made it to the end where they saw a pile of crystals piled together.

Jacky: There are the crystals but where is the Boss?

Aqua: I don't like this, Zeke.

Stomping could be heard as a ten foot tall, large humanoid creature entered the area. It was of a heavyset build, had sickly green skin, and wore armor that barely fit its large body. On its head was an ornate helmet with bird wings on either side. Grasped tightly in the right hand of this creature was a giant wooden club with large metal spikes driven through it.

The Goblin Knight looks at the four and laughs and points his club at them taunting them. The Goblin Knight then spoke in a language that was completely foreign to the party.

Jacky: Whatever he said my money is going to insult, as it just laughed.

Aqua: I think it did but also issued a challenge I think not sure I was ever that well versed in Goblin.

Zeke stepped forward before drawing his steel sword with his left hand. He held the blade out in front of him before resting his right hand over the rune on the blade. The rune shines with an intense yellow light that crackles with electricity. Suddenly the entire blade of the sword was coated in electricity as Zeke sank into a fighting stance.

Jacky: Show it who's boss, Zeke.

Aqua: We will help once we find the Goblin.

Zeke simply lunged towards the Goblin Knight with the crude wooden shield held up in front of him. The Goblin Knight swings its club in a large arc across its torso, hitting Zeke's crude wooden shield, splintering the wood slightly. Zeke slid backwards slightly, but quickly lunged forward. The Goblin Knight then swung its club in an arc back across its torso. Zeke rolls under it before getting back on his feet and slashing the Goblin Knight twice in the stomach with his electrified sword. The Goblin Knight snarls in pain as it hops backwards, putting distance between itself and Zeke. Suddenly seven Goblins appear around the opening in the cave, one carrying Jacky's quiver.

Aqua: There it is!

Megumin: But it's being guarded by the others.

Hi

Jacky sees the Goblin and frowns and looks to his last arrow.

Jacky: I may only have one arrow left but I hope Lady Luck is on our side.

When Aqua hears of luck she gets an idea.

Aqua: Wait, Jacky before you shoot the arrow let me help you.

Aqua then raises her staff and points it at Jacky.

Aqua: Blessing! Haste!

Magical energy surrounds Jacky and he starts to glow and he looks at himself.

Jacky: Aqua this feels amazing.

Aqua: I gave you a buff now shoot!

Jacky didn't need to be told twice and pulled back his bow and let the arrow fly. As the arrow flies the Goblin with the quiver was about to dodge, but its ally blocked the arrow with its shield.

Megumin: Aqua, Haste only increases the target's movement speed, not attacking speed.....

Aqua: What, I thought it increases all speeds!

Jacky pinches the bridge of his nose as he just wasted his last arrow.

Jacky: God damn it! You stupid excuse for a goddess you don't even know your own support spells!

Aqua: Hey, I was trying to help you poor excuse of an archer!

Jacky eyes twitch before speaking again.

Jacky: Says the girl who thinks the fucking world revolves around her!

While the duo argued and Megumin attempted to break them up, the seven Goblins encircled them, their eyes shining a sinister red.

Megumin: Stop it you two we have other issues to deal with!

As the trio huddled together as the Goblins crept closer and closer to them, Zeke dodged another club swipe from the Goblin Knight before slicing it three more times in the stomach with his electrified sword. The Goblin Knight snarled in pain before raising its club above its head Zeke raised his shield, ready to parry the club. The Goblin Knight swung its club down as Zeke swung his crude wooden shield. However the Goblin Knight stopped it as Zeke's party attempt was a complete wiff.

Zeke: Did not consider a fakeou-

Zeke was cut off by the Goblin Knight punching him square in the face. Zeke was sent flying backwards as he slammed into one of the Goblins trapping his party members. Zeke's sword flew out of his hand and stabbed the Goblin holding the quiver through the chest by complete accident.

Aqua, Jacky, and Megumin: Zeke!

Aqua and Megumin check on Zeke while Jacky grabs his quiver.

Jacky: I have my quiver but I don't think it would be enough to handle everybody! What do we do?!

Aqua: But I don't want to be turned into goblin food or worse be there play thing!

Jacky: Yeah right you're not that attractive.

Aqua: What is that supposed to mean?!

Zeke got off the Goblin he used to break his fall before slapping both Jacky and Aqua on the backs of their heads.

Jacky and Aqua: Oww! What was that for?!

Zeke: You're both acting like children, Aqua please heal me, Jacky, please dispatch the remaining Goblins, and Megumin.....

Zeke turned to look at the mage as he pulled his electrified sword out of the dead Goblin, a serious look on his face.

Megumin: Yes, Zeke?

Zeke: Be ready on standby, I'm going to create an opening on the leader. If your magic is as strong as you say it is, then it should have no issue killing the large Goblin.

Megumin is shocked but smiles and understands as well as Aqua and Jacky. Aqua casts Heal while Jacky looks at the goblins and starts firing his arrows with a vindictive smile.

Jacky: Payback you green bastards!

The goblins feared for their lives as arrows were fired upon them killing them left and right. The last goblin tried to escape but Jacky fired and the arrow was embedded into the goblin's head causing it to drop dead. The Goblin Knight was all alone and was mad. It points to its club and starts speaking in goblin in anger.

Aqua: I don't need to know Goblin but he is really angry!

Zeke: Focus, we have a trump card, the crystals are in the far corner of this area, so they're safe, you two stand behind Megumin. I'll create an opening for her, then when regrouping with you three, you are good to cast Megumin.

The three understood and quickly got into position. Zeke lunges towards the Goblin Knight as he rolls under another sweeping swing from the monster's club. Zeke swiftly slashed the Goblin Knight in the gut four times before rolling to left, out of the way of another punch. The Goblin Knight raised its club above its head again as Zeke was recovering. The Goblin Knight swung its club down towards Zeke, who stood back up. Zeke swung his crude wooden shield, deflecting the Goblin Knight's club, causing it to lose balance, leaving it wide open. However in the process of doing this, the wooden shield completely shattered into splinters.

Zeke: Looks like you were the cocky one this time!

Zeke then stabs his electrified sword into the Goblin Knight's gut, causing it to throw back its head, howling in pain. Zeke quickly ripped his sword out of its gut before running back to the rest of his party and positioning himself behind Megumin.

Zeke: You have your shot, now take it!

Megumin smiles and raises her staff at the Goblin Knight.

Megumin: Now let me show why I am to be feared! EXPLOSION!

Megumin staff channels energy into a single point which then is released. 

The goblin sees a magical tornado of energy coming directly at it and speaks his last words, which were sworn by its expression. The giant ball makes contact and explodes, vaporizing the Goblin Knight. A black smoke filled the cave which then cleared revealing the Goblin Knight was no more.

Jacky: Megumin you did it! You blew the Green bastard up!

Jacky said smiling until he heard a thud and everyone turned to see Megumin on the ground.

Jacky: Megumin!

Aqua: She passed out! Why the hell did she pass out?!

Both Jacky and Aqua were looking concerned when Zeke walls up to them and smacks them on the back of the head.

Zeke: She said it was strong magic, I imagine it's potentially a once a day cast. Similar to powerful spells in Dungeons & Dragons.

Jacky looks at Zeke and understands and looks at Megumin.

Jacky: Well that explains a lot. Megumin, are you okay?

Megumin: Never better but I am sadly unable to move due to using all my mana.

Jacky understands and picks her up and puts her on his back.

Jacky: Well we did our job.

Zeke: Are all of you forgetting we are here to collect the crystals.......

The three totally forgot and looked embarrassed.

Jacky: Right, well let's do that first.

Jacky finds a place for Megumin to sit comfortably and then Aqua, Zeke, and Jacky go to collect the crystals. Once they were collected, the group had a bag filled with crystals that was taller than them.

Jacky: Okay, now that leaves the question. How the hell are we getting all these crystals out of the cave?

Zeke: Carry them of course, how else do you propose we accomplish said task?

Jacky and Aqua sighed but then got to work. Jacky and Aqua pulled the bag. Zeke then gently places Megumin on top of the bag with her staff before he helps his other two party members lift it up off the ground.

Jacky: Back to the guild!

Aqua: You better not make me do all the work, Archer!

Jacky: Oh you are one to talk!

Zeke let go of the bag, causing it to drop onto both Jacky and Aqua's feet. Jacky and Aqua scream in pain.

Jacky: Zeke please for the love of gods, pick it back up, please!

Aqua: Please help we won't bicker when we are heading back to the guild I promise!

Zeke: Honestly both of you, at this rate I think Megumin is the smartest party member we have and she only learned a single form of magic that can only be cast once a day.......

Megumin: Thanks, Zeke.

Zeke then picks back the large bag and all of them start to walk out of the cave while not hearing Jacky and Aqua bickering due to not wanting to anger their leader. Megumin smiles as she sits on the bag as she is now part of a party.

Megumin's thoughts: I definitely joined an interesting party.

Party of three now party of four things are looking up. How will things play out in the future It is undecided though one thing is for sure the more quest they take the more dangerous it is going to get. Can these brave adventures handle it or will they end up dead? Well to find out more you just have to read the next chapter of Konosuba: Questionable Questing.