ã€ŠReborn As A Goblin: Now What?ã€‹


 Chapter 1

    The dead of night clung to Luke''s small apartment, the glow of his PC monitor the only light in the room. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes after finishing the latest chapter of his favorite manga.

    "What? That''s it?" he muttered, scrolling back up to double-check. "A whole week of waiting forthis? God, I hate cliffhangers."

    He stretched, his back cracking as he stood. "Man, I wish I could just¡­ jump into a fantasy world. No more boring nine-to-five, no more rent, no morethis." He gestured vaguely at his cluttered room. "I''d be the overpowered protagonist, unlimited mana, harem of beauties¡ªnone of this wishy-washy ''will they, won''t they'' crap. I''d be the next Casanova. Hell, I''d be agod."

    His laugh echoed in the empty room, but it faded quickly. "Yeah, right. Like that''ll ever happen." He flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. "Every weeb''s dream, huh? Too bad it''s just that¡ªa dream."

    With a sigh, he closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion pull him under.

    When Luke woke up, it wasn''t to the sound of his alarm. Instead, it was the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and guttural, snarling voices that sounded¡­ almost like words. His eyes snapped open, and he bolted upright, heart pounding.

    "Where the hell am I?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

    The trees around him were massive, their trunks wider than any he''d ever seen. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something¡­ metallic. He scrambled to his feet, his hands¡ªsmall, green, and clawed¡ªcatching his attention immediately.

    "What the¡ª?" He stared at them, turning them over in disbelief. "No. No, no, no. This isn''t happening."

    A holographic screen flickered to life in front of him, glowing faintly in the dim light.

    [Your wish has been granted.]

    "What wish?" Luke demanded, his voice higher-pitched than he remembered. "What are you talking about?"

    [You have been granted a great gift by a supreme being.]

    "A gift?!" He looked down at his body¡ªgreen skin, a leather loincloth, sharp nails, and a wiry frame. "This is agift? I''m a freaking goblin!"

    The screen didn''t respond. Instead, it displayed his status:

    [ Name: Luke Rodriguez

    Age: 7

    Species: Goblin

    Evolutionary Path: Locked (Required: Level 20)

    Level: 1

    Tech Points: 50

    Skills:

    Blueprint Creation and Analysis

    Scrap Salvage

    Crafting

    Resource Detection

    Inventory (Level 1)

    Goblin Language

    Attributes:

    STR - 3

    AGI - 4

    PER - 4

    VIT - 3

    RES - 3

    INT - 2

    MAG - 0

    Attribute Points: 3 ]

    Luke''s mind raced. "Okay, okay, let''s think this through. I''m a goblin. Agoblin. Not exactly the ''overpowered protagonist'' I was hoping for, but¡­ I''ve got skills. Tech points? Blueprints? Crafting? What is this, some kind of sci-fi fantasy mashup?"

    Before he could dwell on it further, another notification popped up:

    [Shop Function: Unlocked.]

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    [Codex Function: Unlocked.]

    "Shop? Codex? What''s that supposed to mean?" Luke muttered, swiping at the screen as if it would explain more. But the system remained silent, offering no further details.

    He groaned. "Great. Just great. I''m stuck in some weird fantasy world as a goblin, and now I''ve got a system that''s as cryptic as a fortune cookie."

    He scanned the screen again, his eyes landing on theMAGstat. "Magic? I''ve got magic? Well,zeromagic, but¡­" He grinned, a sharp-toothed smile that felt alien on his face. "Three points, huh? Let''s fix that."

    He dumped all three points intoMAG, watching the stat climb from 0 to 3. A sudden, burning sensation spread through his chest, like a spark igniting in his core. He gasped, doubling over as the energy surged through him.

    "Holy crap," he muttered, straightening up. "That''s¡­ that''sawesome."

    A voice barked behind him, harsh and guttural. "What are you doing, slacker?"

    Luke spun around, his heart leaping into his throat. Another goblin stood there, holding a crude spear and glaring at him with yellow eyes. For a moment, fear gripped him¡ªthis wasn''t a manga or a game. This was real. These creatures could kill him.

    "I¡ªuh, I was just¡­ peeing," Luke stammered, his mind racing.

    The goblin narrowed its eyes but didn''t press further. "Stop wasting time. We''re hunting browny hair tusks. Move it."

    Luke nodded quickly, falling into step behind the goblin. As they walked, he couldn''t help but glance at his hands again, flexing his clawed fingers.

    "Okay, Luke," he whispered to himself. "You wanted a fantasy world. You got one. Now¡­ what the fuck are browny hair tusks is that guy talking about?"

    Luke followed the spear-wielding goblin through the dense forest, his small feet crunching on the underbrush. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures made his skin crawl. He kept his head down, trying to blend in.

    Two more goblins stood waiting, one clutching a crude dagger and the other a knotted wooden club. They glanced at Luke with narrowed eyes but said nothing as the spear goblin approached. They walked and after minutes of scouting,the forest thinned into a small clearing.

    "There," the spear goblin hissed, pointing with his weapon. "Browny hair tusk. Big one."

    Luke peered through the trees and saw it¡ªa massive wild boar, its bristly fur a mix of brown and black, tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight. It was munching on the grass, completely unaware of the goblins watching it.

    "That''s a boar," Luke whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You''re telling me we''re huntingthat? Withthis?" He gestured at the goblins'' pathetic weapons.

    The spear goblin ignored him, raising his weapon. "Charge!"

    The three goblins let out guttural war cries and sprinted toward the boar. Luke hung back, his instincts screaming at him to run in the opposite direction. He watched as the boar''s head snapped up, its beady eyes locking onto the charging goblins.

    "Oh, this is not going to end well," Luke muttered.

    The boar let out a deafening squeal and charged, its massive body barreling toward the goblins like a freight train. The spear goblin thrust his weapon forward, but the boar swerved at the last second, its tusks catching the goblin in the side and sending him flying. The dagger goblin tried to stab at its flank, but the boar spun around, its powerful legs kicking out and sending the goblin tumbling into the underbrush. The club goblin swung wildly, but the boar headbutted him with a sickening crunch, and he crumpled to the ground.

    Luke stared, wide-eyed, as the three goblins were scattered like bowling pins. The boar snorted, pawing at the ground as if daring anyone else to challenge it.

    "Yeah, no," Luke said, taking a step back. "I''m not dying on my first day in this stupid world."

    The boar''s eyes locked onto him, and it let out another ear-splitting squeal. Luke''s heart pounded as he scrambled for a plan. His mind raced through his skills¡ªBlueprint Creation,Scrap Salvage,Crafting¡ªnone of which were going to help him in a fight. Then he remembered the3 Attribute Pointshe''d dumped intoMAG.

    "Magic," he whispered. "I''ve got magic. Maybe I can¡­ do something?"

    The boar charged.

    Luke panicked, raising his hands instinctively. A surge of energy rushed through him, and he felt something¡ªsomething¡ªbuilding in his chest. He focused on the boar, imagining a burst of energy hitting it square in the face.

    "Get back!" he shouted, thrusting his hands forward.

    A small spark shot from his fingertips, fizzling out harmlessly a few feet away. The boar didn''t even flinch.

    "Oh, you''ve got to be kidding me," Luke groaned.

    The boar was almost on him now, its tusks gleaming like daggers. Luke dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the charge. He hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of him, and rolled to his feet just in time to see the boar skid to a stop and turn around.

    "Think, Luke, think!" he muttered, his eyes darting around the clearing. The spear goblin''s weapon lay a few feet away, and an idea sparked in his mind.

    He sprinted toward the spear, the boar hot on his heels. His small goblin legs weren''t built for speed, but desperation gave him a burst of adrenaline. He grabbed the spear and spun around, holding it out in front of him like a pike.

    The boar charged again, and this time, Luke braced himself. He waited until the last possible second, then sidestepped and thrust the spear into the boar''s side. The creature let out a deafening squeal, its momentum carrying it past him. The spear snapped in half, but the damage was done¡ªthe boar stumbled, blood pouring from the wound.

    Luke didn''t wait. He grabbed the broken spearhead and lunged at the boar, driving the jagged end into its neck. The creature thrashed wildly, but Luke held on, his small body shaking with the effort. Finally, with a last, shuddering breath, the boar collapsed.

    Luke staggered back, his chest heaving. He looked down at his hands, covered in blood, and then at the boar''s lifeless body.

    "I¡­ I did it," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "I actually did it."

    A holographic screen flickered in front of him:

    [Ding!]

    [You are now Level 2.]

    [3 Attribute Points Added.]

    Luke blinked at the notification, his mind still reeling from the fight. "Level 2? Already? Huh. Guess killing a boar is worth something in this world." He glanced at theAttribute Pointsbut dismissed the screen with a wave of his hand. "Not now. I''ll deal with that later."

    The other goblins groaned, slowly picking themselves up. They stared at Luke with a mix of awe and suspicion.

    "You¡­ kill browny hair tusk," the spear goblin said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    Luke wiped the blood from his hands and shrugged. "Yeah, well, someone had to."

 Chapter 2

    The goblins stared at Luke for a long moment, their yellow eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. Luke froze, unsure of what he''d done wrong. Did he break some kind of goblin rule? Were they going to turn on him now? His mind raced, trying to remember if he''d read anything about goblin culture in his manga or games, but nothing came to mind.

    "Uh¡­ guys?" he said hesitantly, raising his hands in what he hoped was a non-threatening gesture. "I was just trying not to die. No hard feelings, right?"

    The spear goblin was the first to move. He stepped forward, his spear still clutched in his hand, and Luke braced himself for the worst. But instead of attacking, the goblin let out a loud, guttural cheer. The others followed, their voices rising in a cacophony of screeches and yells.

    "You kill browny hair tusk!" the spear goblin shouted, clapping Luke on the back with enough force to make him stumble. "Strong! Strong goblin!"

    Before Luke could react, the goblins swarmed him, lifting him off the ground and hoisting him into the air. He flailed for a moment, his sharp claws digging into the air as they cheered and chanted.

    "Strong goblin! Strong goblin!"

    Luke''s initial panic gave way to a mix of relief and disbelief. "Okay, okay, put me down!" he yelled, but his protests were drowned out by their cheers. Finally, they set him back on the ground, and the spear goblin clapped him on the shoulder again.

    "Take browny hair tusk to village," he said, grinning with his sharp teeth. "Big feast!"

    Luke nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "Yeah, sure. Big feast. Sounds¡­ great."

    The goblins quickly set to work, tying the boar''s legs together with vines and hoisting it onto a makeshift stretcher made of branches. Luke helped as best he could, though his small goblin arms weren''t much use. As they made their way back to the village, he couldn''t help but notice the way the other goblins looked at him¡ªsome with admiration, others with suspicion. He kept his head down, trying to avoid drawing too much attention.

    The village was¡­ not what Luke had expected. There were no defensive walls, no grand structures¡ªjust a cluster of crude huts made of mud, sticks, and animal hides. The ground was packed dirt, littered with bones and scraps of discarded tools. Small goblins¡ªchildren, Luke realized¡ªdarted between the huts, their high-pitched squeals adding to the chaotic noise.

    As the hunting party approached, the village erupted into cheers. Goblins of all sizes emerged from their huts, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the boar. The children ran up to Luke, tugging at his loincloth and chattering excitedly in their guttural language.

    "Uh¡­ hi?" Luke said, unsure of how to respond. He''d never been great with kids, and goblin children were even more intimidating. They had the same sharp teeth and claws as the adults, and their energy was overwhelming.

    The spear goblin pushed through the crowd, shouting orders. "Prepare feast! Browny hair tusk for all!"

    The villagers scrambled to obey, some starting a fire while others began butchering the boar with crude knives. Luke watched, a mix of fascination and disgust on his face. He''d never seen anything like this before¡ªnot in real life, at least. It was like something out of a survival documentary, but with goblins.

    As the village bustled with activity, a larger figure emerged from one of the huts. The goblins parted to make way, their chatter dying down to a respectful murmur. Luke''s eyes widened as the figure approached¡ªa hobgoblin, taller and more muscular than the others, with a thick hide armor and a bone necklace around his neck.

    "Chief," the spear goblin said, bowing his head.

    The hobgoblin chief nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the scene before landing on Luke. "This one," he said, his voice deep and gravelly. "He kill browny hair tusk?"

    "Yes, Chief," the spear goblin replied. "Strong goblin."

    The chief stepped closer, towering over Luke. Luke swallowed hard, trying to stand his ground despite the fear creeping up his spine. The hobgoblin''s gaze was intense, as if he could see right through Luke''s green skin and into his very soul.

    "You¡­ strong," the chief said finally, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Good. Village need strong goblins."

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    Luke nodded quickly, not trusting himself to speak. The chief clapped him on the shoulder¡ªa gesture that seemed to be a goblin tradition¡ªand turned to address the village.

    "Feast tonight! Celebrate strong goblin and good hunt!"

    The village erupted into cheers once more, and Luke found himself swept up in the chaos. As the boar roasted over the fire and the goblins began to dance and sing, he couldn''t help but feel a strange sense of¡­ belonging. It was surreal, being celebrated by a tribe of goblins, but for the first time since waking up in this world, he didn''t feel completely out of place.

    The village feast was in full swing, the air thick with the smell of roasted meat and the sound of guttural laughter. The boar¡ªnow reduced to a charred carcass¡ªwas being devoured by the goblins, who tore into the meat with their sharp teeth and claws. Luke sat on a log near the fire, a hunk of meat in his hands, trying to ignore the fact that it was still slightly raw in the middle.

    Beside him sat the spear goblin, who was enthusiastically gnawing on a bone. Luke glanced at him, curiosity getting the better of him.

    "So¡­ uh, what''s your name?" Luke asked, raising his voice to be heard over the noise.

    The spear goblin paused mid-bite, looking at Luke with a puzzled expression. "Name?"

    "Yeah, your name. What do people call you?"

    The goblin grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth. "Grut. Me Grut."

    "Grut," Luke repeated, nodding. "Okay, Grut. Nice to meet you."

    Grut thumped his chest proudly. "Grut strong hunter. Kill many browny hair tusks."

    "Yeah, I saw that," Luke said, his tone dry. "Real impressive."

    The other two goblins from the hunting party¡ªthe one with the dagger and the one with the club¡ªleaned in, eager to introduce themselves.

    "Me Rok," said the dagger goblin, pointing to himself with a clawed finger.

    "Me Zog," said the club goblin, thumping his chest like Grut had.

    "Rok and Zog," Luke said, nodding. "Got it. I''m Luke."

    The goblins stared at him blankly.

    "Luke," he repeated, slower this time. "Luuuuke."

    Grut tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Lok?"

    "No, not Lok. Luke," Luke said, emphasizing the "u" sound.

    "Lok," Grut said again, nodding as if he''d figured it out.

    "No, it''s¡ªugh, never mind," Luke muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, sure. Lok. Close enough."

    The goblins cheered, raising their makeshift cups¡ªwhich looked suspiciously like hollowed-out animal skulls¡ªin a toast.

    "Lok strong goblin!" Grut shouted, sloshing whatever foul-smelling liquid was in his cup.

    "Lok kill browny hair tusk!" Rok added, grinning.

    "Lok feast with us!" Zog finished, clapping Luke on the back so hard he nearly fell off the log.

    Luke sighed, resigning himself to his new name. "Yeah, yeah. Lok strong goblin. Whatever."

    As the feast continued, Luke found himself oddly¡­ comfortable. The goblins were crude and chaotic, but there was a strange camaraderie among them. They shared their food freely, laughed loudly, and treated him like one of their own¡ªeven if they couldn''t pronounce his name right.

    At one point, a group of small goblins¡ªchildren, Luke assumed¡ªran up to him, tugging at his loincloth and chattering excitedly.

    "Lok! Lok! Tell story of hunt!" one of them squeaked, its eyes wide with admiration.

    Luke blinked, caught off guard. "Uh¡­ okay. So, there was this giant boar, right? And it charged at me, tusks gleaming like daggers¡­"

    The children listened intently, their mouths hanging open as Luke embellished the story with dramatic gestures and sound effects. By the time he finished, they were cheering and clapping, their tiny claws clicking together.

    Grut, Rok, and Zog watched from the sidelines, grinning proudly.

    "Lok good storyteller," Grut said, nodding approvingly.

    "Yeah, well, I''ve had practice," Luke muttered, though he couldn''t help but smile a little.

    The feast was winding down, the fire reduced to glowing embers and the goblins sprawled out in various states of food-induced stupor. Luke sat by the dying fire, picking at a piece of boar meat and trying to ignore the fact that it was still slightly raw. He was lost in thought when a shadow fell over him.

    He looked up to see the hobgoblin chief standing there, his massive frame silhouetted against the moonlight. The chief''s bone necklace clinked as he crouched down, his sharp eyes studying Luke with a mix of curiosity and approval.

    "You," the chief said, his voice deep and gravelly. "Name."

    Luke blinked, caught off guard. "Uh¡­ Luke."

    The chief tilted his head, his brow furrowing. "Lok?"

    "No, it''s Luke," Luke said, emphasizing the "u" sound.

    "Lok," the chief repeated, nodding as if he''d figured it out.

    Luke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, sure. Lok."

    The chief grunted, apparently satisfied. "Lok strong. Kill browny hair tusk. Good for village."

    Luke nodded, unsure of how to respond. "Uh¡­ thanks?"

    The chief clapped him on the shoulder¡ªa gesture that seemed to be a goblin tradition¡ªand stood up, addressing the few goblins still awake. "Lok strong! Lok good hunter! Lok feast with us!"

    The goblins cheered, raising their makeshift cups in a toast. Luke forced a smile, though he couldn''t help but feel a little overwhelmed. He''d gone from being a nobody in his old world to a minor celebrity in this one, and he wasn''t sure how he felt about it.

    As the chief walked away, Luke leaned back against the log, staring up at the unfamiliar stars. His mind wandered, comparing the goblins to what he knew of ancient human societies. If this were a documentary, he thought, the goblins would be fairly similar to Neanderthals¡ªcrude, tribal, and survival-focused. But there were differences, too. The goblins weren''t harsh on their own, at least not in the way he''d imagined. They shared their food, celebrated their victories, and even seemed to have a sense of community.

    It was strange, but also¡­ kind of nice. In his old world, Luke had always felt like an outsider. Here, among the goblins, he was starting to feel like he belonged. Sure, they couldn''t pronounce his name right, and their idea of a feast was a far cry from a five-star restaurant, but they''d accepted him. They''d celebrated him.

    "Lok," he muttered to himself, testing the name. "I guess it''s not so bad."

 Chapter 3

    The feast had finally died down, the fire reduced to a few glowing embers and the goblins retreating to their huts. Luke watched as they shuffled off, some alone, others in pairs or small groups. There was no sense of ownership here¡ªno locked doors or private property. The goblins shared their huts, their tools, and even their food without hesitation. They took care of the children collectively, the little ones darting between the adults with squeals of laughter.

    It was a strange sight, but also¡­ comforting. Luke couldn''t help but feel a pang of longing. In his old world, humans were so focused on ownership, on competition, on stuff. Here, the goblins lived simply, sharing everything they had. It was a kind of community he''d never experienced before.

    "If only humans were like this," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Maybe the world wouldn''t be such a mess."

    As the village quieted down, Luke spotted Grut, Rok, and Zog near the edge of the village. They were patrolling, their weapons in hand and their eyes scanning the darkness beyond the huts. Luke hesitated for a moment, then approached them.

    "Hey," he said, keeping his voice low. "What are you guys doing?"

    Grut turned to him, his spear resting on his shoulder. "Guard village," he said simply.

    "Guard the village?" Luke repeated, glancing around. "From what?"

    "Beasts," Rok said, his dagger gleaming in the moonlight. "Sometimes¡­ humans."

    "Humans?" Luke''s eyes widened. "What do you mean, humans?"

    Zog grunted, hefting his club. "Humans in armor. Come with swords, fire. Kill goblins. Take land."

    Luke''s stomach churned. He''d heard stories about adventurers and knights hunting monsters, but he''d never thought about what that meant for the monsters themselves. To the humans, goblins were just pests to be exterminated. But to the goblins, humans were a terrifying threat.

    "So¡­ you''re out here to protect the village?" Luke asked, his voice tinged with unease.

    Grut nodded. "Goblins strong. Protect village. Protect family."

    Luke looked at the three of them, their faces set with determination. They weren''t just mindless monsters¡ªthey were protectors, guardians of their home. And now, whether he liked it or not, he was one of them.

    "Do you¡­ need help?" Luke asked hesitantly.

    Grut grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Lok strong. Lok help guard."

    Luke nodded, though he wasn''t sure how much help he''d be. He glanced down at his small, green hands and sighed. "Yeah, sure. Lok strong."

    The four of them continued their patrol, walking the perimeter of the village in silence. Luke''s mind raced as he tried to process everything. The goblins weren''t just simple creatures¡ªthey had a society, a culture, a way of life. And they were under constant threat from humans. It was a sobering thought.

    As they walked, Luke couldn''t help but feel a growing sense of responsibility. He''d been thrown into this world against his will, but now he was part of this tribe. They''d accepted him, celebrated him, and trusted him to help protect their home. He couldn''t just sit back and do nothing.

    "Hey, Grut," Luke said after a while. "What happens if¡­ if the humans come? What do we do?"

    Grut''s expression darkened. "Fight. Protect village. Or¡­ run."

    "Run?" Luke repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Grut nodded. "Sometimes¡­ humans too strong. Goblins run. Find new home."

    Luke swallowed hard, his chest tightening. The idea of running, of abandoning the village, felt wrong. But he also knew that fighting armored humans with nothing but spears and clubs was a death sentence.

    "There''s got to be another way," he muttered, more to himself than to the others.

    Grut glanced at him, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Lok smart. Lok find way?"

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    Luke hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Maybe. I''ll¡­ I''ll think of something."

    As they continued their patrol, Luke''s mind was already working, strategizing. He needed to figure out how to use his Tech Points, how to unlock the Shop and Codex, and how to make the village stronger. If humans were a threat, then he''d have to find a way to level the playing field.

    After a while of patrolling, Grut, Rok, and Zog decided to rest, curling up near the edge of the village with their weapons close at hand. Luke, however, stayed awake, his mind buzzing with ideas. He needed to figure out how to use his system to its full potential, and now seemed like the perfect time.

    For a moment, he was confused about how to summon the system. He hesitated, then whispered, "System?"

    A holographic screen flickered to life in front of him.

    [Yes. Host.]

    "Nice," Luke muttered, relieved. "Uh¡­ can you show me the shop function?"

    The screen transitioned, displaying a new set of options.

    **[Shop - Higher-tier shops unlock more functions and content.

    Tech Points: 50

    Tier 1 - Upgrade (500 Tech Points)

    Technology Shop

    Blueprints Shop

    Skills Shop]**

    Luke scanned the options, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. "Huh¡­ this is actually pretty useful. But how am I gonna earn tech points?"

    [For every tool or construct you make, you earn points.]

    [You can also earn points if your creations benefit others.]

    Luke raised an eyebrow. "What? Let''s get this straight. If I make a simple toilet, and my¡ªwell, I guess they''re my fellow goblins now¡ªif they use it, I generate points?"

    [Technically, yes.]

    [If you also make a simple spear and they successfully hunt or¡­ kill, you will also earn points.]

    Luke smirked. "So, basically, I''m a warlord now?"

    [If you choose to do so.]

    [However, building infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements generates more tech points over time compared to killing and pure violence.]

    "Hmm¡­ I guess you''re right," Luke said, rubbing his chin. "Let''s see the Technology Shop."

    The screen shifted again, displaying a list of blueprints.

    [Stone Age Blueprints

    Individual Blueprints:

    Stone Axe Blueprint: 20 Tech Points.

    Stone Pickaxe Blueprint: 20 Tech Points.

    Stone Hoe Blueprint: 20 Tech Points.

    Stone Saw Blueprint: 20 Tech Points.

    Stone Tools Pack:

    Includes: Stone Axe, Stone Pickaxe, Stone Hoe, Stone Saw.

    Pack Price: 60 Tech Points (25% discount compared to buying individually).

    Description: A bundle of essential stone tools for survival and construction.

    Hunting Gear Blueprints

    Individual Blueprints:

    Stone-Tipped Spear Blueprint: 25 Tech Points.

    Bow and Arrow Blueprint: 25 Tech Points.

    Spike Trap Blueprint: 25 Tech Points.

    Flint Knife Blueprint: 25 Tech Points.

    Hunting Gear Pack:

    Includes: Stone-Tipped Spear, Bow and Arrow, Spike Trap, Flint Knife.

    Pack Price: 80 Tech Points (20% discount).

    Description: Tools and weapons for hunting and gathering food.

    Bronze Age Blueprints

    Iron Age Blueprints

    Advanced Blueprints

    (See full list for details.)]

    Luke whistled softly. "This looks more like a commerce business tycoon game. Doesn''t it come with automatically built tools instead?"

    [If you upgrade the shop function, you can unlock more shop content.]

    "Makes sense," Luke muttered. "Can''t I get a discount, at least on these individual blueprints? I have to make them all, you know."

    [Prices are fixed. Besides, you can earn tech points faster than you think.]

    "Fine," Luke grumbled. "But where''s the toilet?"

    [You have to design your own blueprint. You can also earn tech points if you successfully create a functioning blueprint based on the complexity of your creation.]

    "Makes sense," Luke said, nodding. "But can''t I just make tools on my own instead of buying from you?"

    [It''s good to be independent rather than relying on me. However, my blueprints are resource-efficient and streamlined to use fewer resources.]

    "Hmm¡­ okay," Luke said, rubbing his chin. "For now¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the system interrupted.

    [Tip: If you upgrade your Blueprint Creation and Analysis Skill, you can unlock the auto-design function. This redesigns your blueprint based on the specific efficiency your function requires. You can also choose to disable the auto-design function.]

    "Ooooh, nice," Luke said, his eyes lighting up. "But how many tech points do I need to reach that auto-design?"

    [The auto-design function can be reached at Skill Level 3. You will need to spend a total of 90 Tech Points.]

    "That sounds painful," Luke muttered. "But I''ll remember your tip. I guess I''ll really need that. For now, let''s redistribute my attribute points."

    The screen shifted to display his current stats.

    [Attribute Points: 3]

    "Hmm¡­ I''ll go with Strength. Put all of it into Strength."

    [STR: 3 -> 6]

    Luke felt a surge of energy ripple through his muscles. "Ooohhh, that''s nice. I feel a¡­ bit stronger? Well, anyway, for now, I''ll buy the Bow and Arrow Blueprint and the Spike Trap Blueprint."

    [Bow and Arrow Blueprint & Spike Trap Blueprint Acquired.]

    A flood of information rushed into Luke''s mind¡ªdetailed instructions on how to craft the bow, arrows, and spike traps. He blinked, momentarily overwhelmed, but then grinned.

    "Woaahh. Hahah, that''s great! But where can I access this info just in case I need to study it?"

    [The Codex stores all information. For now, since the Codex is Tier 1, you can only store blueprints and skills that you own. Higher tiers of the Codex can store information on species, plants, and everything you encounter.]

    "That''s also great!" Luke said, nodding. "Alright, let''s get to work."

 Chapter 4

    Luke opened his Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill, the holographic panel flickering to life in front of him. The interface was surprisingly intuitive, with clear options and presets.

    **[Create

    Modify

    Presets:

    Primitive Bow

    Stone Arrowhead

    Wooden Arrowbody

    Spike Trap]**

    Luke tapped on Primitive Bow, and the panel expanded to show detailed information.

    **[Primitive Bow

    ATK - 12

    PEN - 3

    Durability - 20

    Materials Needed:

    2 Wooden Branch - 0 Available in Inventory

    7 Plant Fibers - 0 Available in Inventory

    Craft | Edit | Save]**

    "Hmmm¡­ I can''t expect the penetration to be higher," Luke muttered, studying the stats. "But it''s better than nothing."

    He closed the panel and set to work gathering the required materials. The forest was dark and quiet, the moonlight filtering through the trees as Luke scavenged for plant fibers, sturdy branches, and stones. It was slow, tedious work, but he was determined. After what felt like hours, he finally had enough materials.

    Luke opened his Inventory panel, hesitating for a moment as he figured out how to store the items. He held a bundle of plant fibers up to the holographic screen and watched as his hand passed through it, the fibers disappearing into some kind of subspace.

    "So that''s how it works," Luke said, grinning. "I didn''t think it would be that easy."

    [Inventory

    17x Plant Fiber | 40x Stones | 5x Wooden Branch | Slot 4 | Slot 5]

    With the materials safely stored, Luke reopened the Primitive Bow blueprint and tapped Craft. The panel transitioned, and a holographic branch appeared on the ground in front of him. The system guided him step by step, showing him how to carve the wood, create notches at both ends, and twist the plant fibers into a bowstring.

    A holographic knife appeared in his hand, and Luke followed the instructions carefully, carving the branch with precision. The system''s guidance was surprisingly thorough, even showing him how to test the tension of the bowstring. As he worked, the holographic details began to fade, replaced by the real, physical bow in his hands.

    Luke held it up, testing the draw. It wasn''t perfect, but it was functional. He grinned, a sharp-toothed smile spreading across his face.

    "Hahaha, finally!" he said, his voice echoing in the quiet forest. "I made a freaking bow!"

    He glanced at the system notification that popped up.

    [Primitive Bow Crafted!

    +5 Tech Points Earned.]

    "Nice," Luke muttered, nodding in approval. "Now, let''s see if I can make some arrows."

    He opened the Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill again, selecting Stone Arrowhead and Wooden Arrow Shaft. The system guided him through the process, showing him how to shape the stones into sharp arrowheads and attach them to the wooden shafts. It was time-consuming, but Luke was determined to make at least a few arrows before the sun rose.

    As he finished crafting the first arrow, a notification appeared.

    [Stone-Tipped Arrow Crafted!

    +2 Tech Points Earned.]

    "Sweet," Luke said, grinning. "Two points per arrow? Not bad."

    He quickly crafted four more arrows, each one earning him another +2 Tech Points. By the time he finished, he had five arrows in his inventory and a total of +10 Tech Points from the arrows alone.

    [Inventory

    1x Primitive Bow | 5x Stone-Tipped Arrows | 10x Plant Fiber | 35x Stones | Slot 5

    Luke leaned against a tree, exhausted but satisfied. He''d done it¡ªhe''d crafted his first weapon in this strange new world. It wasn''t much, but it was a start.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Luke stared at the five stone-tipped arrows in his inventory, then glanced at the primitive bow in his hands. A thought struck him. "Where am I gonna store all these arrows? I can''t just carry them around like a bundle of sticks."

    He frowned, tapping his sharp chin with a clawed finger. "Hmm¡­ is it possible to make a quiver out of just wood? I mean, it''s not like I have leather or anything fancy."

    Luke opened his Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill again, this time tapping on Create. The panel shifted, showing a blank workspace with a list of possible materials on the left side of the screen. It was like a creative mode blueprint editor, allowing him to design something entirely new using materials he''d encountered, even if they weren''t in his inventory.

    "Okay," Luke muttered, dragging a wooden branch into the center of the workspace. "If this is anything like Blender, then it should be easy enough."

    He paused, realizing he had no wooden branches left in his inventory. "Crap. I used them all for the bow and arrows. Guess I''ll have to gather more."

    Luke glanced at his inventory, noting what he had left.

    [Inventory

    1x Primitive Bow | 5x Stone-Tipped Arrows | 10x Plant Fiber | 35x Stones]

    "Alright, let''s get to work," he said, cracking his knuckles. "I need more branches and plant fibers if I''m gonna make this quiver."

    The forest was dark and quiet, the moonlight filtering through the trees as Luke scavenged for materials. His sharp goblin eyes helped him spot suitable branches and plant fibers, but the process was slow and tedious. After a few minutes, he finally had enough materials.

    [Inventory

    1x Primitive Bow | 5x Stone-Tipped Arrows | 17x Plant Fiber | 35x Stones | 7x Wooden Branch]

    With the materials safely stored, Luke returned to his makeshift workshop near the village outskirts. He reopened the Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill and began designing the quiver. He dragged four wooden branches into the workspace, arranging them in a rough circle. Then, he pinched one of the branches on either side, and to his surprise, the wood stretched like clay before snapping back into place when he released it.

    "I was right!" Luke said, grinning. "This is like a 3D modeling program. Awesome."

    He began reshaping each wooden branch, bending them into smooth curves and arranging them to form a cylindrical shape. Once the basic structure was in place, he added small holes along the edges, then dragged plant fibers into the design, weaving them through the holes to secure the pieces together.

    At the top of the cylinder, he added a small loop for attaching the quiver to a belt or strap. Finally, he stepped back to admire his creation.

    "Not bad for a first try," he said, nodding. He tapped the Name button and typed in Wooden Quiver. The holographic panel flashed, and a notification appeared.

    **[Wooden Quiver Blueprint Created!

    Arrow Slot Capacity: 20

    Materials Needed:

    4 Wooden Branches

    5 Plant Fibers

    Functional Custom Blueprint Created!

    +10 Tech Points Earned.]**

    Luke''s eyes widened. "Nice! The system is pretty generous. It really inspires me to create my own crafts."

    He opened the Wooden Quiver blueprint and tapped Craft. The system guided him through the process, showing him how to shape the branches, weave the plant fibers, and assemble the quiver. When he was done, he held up the finished product¡ªa sturdy, functional quiver capable of holding 20 arrows.

    [Wooden Quiver Crafted!

    +5 Tech Points Earned.]

    "Perfect," Luke said, slinging the quiver over his shoulder. He placed the five arrows he''d already crafted inside, then set to work making 10 more. Each arrow earned him +2 Tech Points, and by the time he finished, he had a full quiver and a satisfying notification.

    [15x Stone-Tipped Arrows Crafted!

    +30 Tech Points Earned.]

    Luke leaned back, stretching his arms. "Not bad for a night''s work," he said, grinning. "Now I''ve got a bow, a quiver full of arrows, and¡­ let''s see¡­"

    He checked his Tech Points.

    [Tech Points: 65]

    "Sixty-five points," Luke muttered. "Not enough to upgrade anything major, but it''s a start."

    Luke walked back toward the village, the night still quiet and peaceful. Most of the goblins were asleep, their snores echoing softly through the cluster of huts. A few goblins remained awake, patrolling the perimeter with crude weapons in hand. Luke nodded to them as he passed, his new bow slung over his shoulder and the quiver of arrows bouncing lightly against his back.

    As he wandered through the village, he spotted Grut, Rok, and Zog crammed into a hut with a few other goblins, their limbs tangled together in a chaotic pile of green skin and leather loincloths. Luke chuckled softly. "Guess they don''t believe in personal space."

    One of the awake goblins, sitting outside a nearby hut, stared at him with curious yellow eyes. Luke hesitated for a moment, then approached the goblin. The goblin had wrinkles on his face and a hunched posture, hinting at years of experience. Luke introduced himself.

    "I''m Lok," he said, keeping his voice low so as not to wake the others. "What''s your name?"

    The elder goblin studied him for a moment before responding in a raspy voice. "Me Krug. Krug old. Krug see many things."

    "Nice to meet you, Krug," Luke said, nodding respectfully. He gestured to his bow and quiver. "I made these. Thought they might help with hunting or¡­ you know, protecting the village."

    Krug''s eyes lit up with interest. He stood slowly, his movements stiff but deliberate, and approached Luke. The elder goblin inspected the bow, running his clawed fingers along the smooth wood. He then examined the quiver and arrows, his expression shifting from curiosity to admiration.

    "Lok smart," Krug said, his voice tinged with approval. "This¡­ good. Very good."

    Luke grinned, a sharp-toothed smile spreading across his face. "Thanks. I figured we could use better tools."

    Krug held out his hand, gesturing to the bow. "Krug try?"

    Luke hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. Just be careful."

    Krug took the bow and one of the arrows, his movements clumsy as he tried to nock the arrow. He fumbled with the string, clearly unfamiliar with how the weapon worked. After a few failed attempts, he grunted in frustration and handed the bow back to Luke.

    "Lok show," Krug said, his tone more of a command than a request.

    Luke chuckled. "Alright, watch and learn."

    He took the bow and nocked an arrow with practiced ease, despite having only just crafted the weapon. He aimed at a nearby tree, his sharp goblin eyes focusing on a knot in the bark about twenty paces away. He drew the string back, feeling the tension in the wood and the fibers, then released.

    The arrow flew through the air with a soft thwip, embedding itself into the tree with a satisfying thunk. Krug''s eyes widened, and he let out a low, impressed grunt.

    "Lok strong," Krug said, nodding. "Lok smart. Village need Lok."

    Luke felt a swell of pride, though he tried to play it cool. "Thanks, Krug. I''m just trying to help."

    Krug clapped him on the shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong for an elder goblin. "Lok good. Lok stay. Krug teach Lok¡­ goblin ways."

    Luke raised an eyebrow. "Goblin ways? Like what?"

    Krug grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth. "Hunt. Fight. Survive. Krug show Lok."

    Luke nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, Krug. I''m in."

 Chapter 5

    As the sun rose higher in the sky, the goblin village came alive with activity. Word of Luke''s¡ªor rather, Lok''s¡ªcraftsmanship had spread quickly, and soon a crowd of curious goblins gathered around him, their yellow eyes wide with awe as they inspected his bow, quiver, and arrows.

    Krug, the elder goblin, stood nearby, regaling the others with the story of how Luke had crafted the bow and demonstrated its power. "Lok strong! Lok smart! Lok make¡­ this!" he said, holding up the bow for emphasis. The goblins murmured in admiration, their guttural voices rising in excitement.

    Luke stepped forward, holding up his hands to quiet the crowd. "Alright, alright. Let me show you how it works."

    He nocked an arrow, drew the string back, and aimed at the same tree he''d used for his earlier demonstration. The arrow flew true, embedding itself into the bark with a satisfying thunk. The goblins erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable.

    Grut, Rok, and Zog immediately began arguing, shoving each other and shouting about who should get to try the bow first. Luke sighed, stepping in to break up the scuffle. "Calm down! There''s enough materials to make more. I''ll teach you how."

    Before the chaos could escalate further, the hobgoblin chief approached, his massive frame towering over the crowd. The goblins fell silent, parting to make way for him. The chief studied Luke''s bow and quiver, his sharp eyes narrowing in approval.

    "Lok," the chief said, his deep voice carrying across the village. "You make this?"

    Luke nodded. "Yeah. I thought it might help with hunting and protecting the village."

    The chief grunted, a rare smile spreading across his face. "Good. Teach others. Make more."

    Luke hesitated for a moment, then nodded again. "Alright. Gather branches and long plants. We''ll need plenty of materials."

    The goblins scrambled to obey, returning with armfuls of branches and plant fibers. Luke took a deep breath, realizing he''d have to recreate the bow without the system''s assistance. He didn''t want to reveal the system to the goblins¡ªit might threaten the chief''s authority or cause unnecessary confusion.

    He grabbed a branch from one of the goblins and borrowed a crude dagger. "Watch closely," he said, beginning to carve the wood. He explained each step as he worked, showing the goblins how to shape the branch, create notches at both ends, and twist the plant fibers into a bowstring.

    As he finished crafting the bow, a holographic panel appeared in front of him.

    [You crafted a bow without the system''s help!

    +10 Tech Points Earned.]

    Luke froze for a moment, nervous that the goblins might see the panel. But when none of them reacted, he realized they couldn''t see it. He let out a quiet sigh of relief and dismissed the notification.

    "There," he said, holding up the finished bow. "Now you try."

    The goblins crowded around, eager to replicate his work. At first, they struggled, their clumsy hands fumbling with the materials. Luke moved among them, offering guidance and encouragement. "No, no, like this. Twist the fibers tighter. Carve the wood smoother."

    Despite his efforts, most of the goblins found the process difficult, scratching their heads in frustration. But then Luke noticed a young goblin in the corner, quietly imitating his movements. The young goblin''s hands moved with surprising precision, carving the wood and twisting the fibers with ease.

    Luke approached the young goblin, watching as it finished crafting a near-perfect bow. "Hey, that''s really good," he said, impressed. "What''s your name?"

    The young goblin looked up, its yellow eyes wide with surprise. "Me¡­ Tog."

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    "Well, Tog, you''ve got a real talent for this," Luke said, clapping the young goblin on the shoulder. "Why don''t you help me teach the others?"

    Tog nodded eagerly, a proud grin spreading across its face. Together, Luke and Tog demonstrated how to craft arrows with sharpened shafts¡ªstone-tipped arrows were too advanced for now¡ªand how to weave plant fibers into a functional quiver.

    As they worked, notifications popped up for Luke each time he completed a craft.

    [Wooden Quiver Crafted!

    +10 Tech Points Earned.]

    [10x Sharpened Shaft Arrows Crafted!

    +20 Tech Points Earned.]

    The village was buzzing with activity. The goblins were still far from mastering the craft, but they were making progress. Luke felt a sense of pride as he watched them work, their determination evident in their focused expressions.

    As the sun rose higher in the sky, the goblin village buzzed with activity. The goblins practiced with their newly crafted bows, their clumsy attempts slowly improving under Luke''s guidance. Some still struggled, their arrows flying wildly off target, but others were beginning to get the hang of it.

    Grut, Rok, and Zog, however, were in a league of their own. The three hunters returned from their expedition, carrying a handful of rabbits¡ªor as the goblins called them, "fluffy jumpies." Luke''s bow was slung over Grut''s shoulder, and the trio looked immensely pleased with themselves.

    "Lok!" Grut called out, holding up one of the rabbits. "Bow good! Kill many fluffy jumpies!"

    Luke blinked, surprised. "Damn, you three are really different. No wonder you were assigned to hunting."

    The goblins grinned, their sharp teeth gleaming in the sunlight. Luke couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. His bow had made a difference, and the village was already reaping the benefits.

    As he watched the hunters celebrate, a holographic panel appeared in front of him.

    **[Achievement Complete: Rearming the Village

    You successfully taught the goblin village a new way to hunt and protect themselves.

    They are grateful for your actions.

    Rewards:

    +15 Attribute Points

    +50 Tech Points

    System Function Unlocked: (New) Goblin Village Management]**

    Luke''s eyes widened. "Whoa. That''s a big one."

    He quickly dismissed the notification, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Before he could process the rewards, the hobgoblin chief stepped forward, his massive frame commanding the attention of the entire village. The goblins fell silent, their eyes turning to their leader.

    The chief raised his hand, his deep voice carrying across the village. "Goblins! Today, we celebrate Lok. Lok smart. Lok strong. Lok teach us new ways. Lok make village better."

    The goblins erupted into cheers, their guttural voices rising in unison. Luke felt a flush of embarrassment but also a deep sense of satisfaction. The chief gestured to another goblin, who stepped forward holding a necklace made of bones and polished stones. The chief took the necklace and placed it around Luke''s neck, the weight of it settling against his chest.

    "Lok now Crafter of Village," the chief announced. "Lok honored. Lok respected."

    The village cheered again, their excitement palpable. Luke touched the necklace, feeling the smooth stones and rough bones beneath his fingers. It was a strange honor, but one he couldn''t deny felt meaningful.

    The chief raised his hand once more, silencing the crowd. "Now, we hunt! Feast tonight! Celebrate Lok!"

    The goblins roared in approval, grabbing their bows and spears as they prepared for the hunt. Luke watched as they scattered into the forest, their energy infectious. He turned to Grut, Rok, and Zog, who were still grinning like idiots.

    "You three coming?" Luke asked.

    Grut thumped his chest. "Grut hunt more! Bring back big feast!"

    Luke chuckled. "Alright, just don''t get yourselves killed."

    As the hunters set off, Luke stayed behind, his mind racing. He opened the system panel to check his new rewards.

    [Attribute Points: 15]

    [Tech Points: 115]

    [New System Function: Goblin Village Management]

    "Goblin Village Management, huh?" Luke muttered, tapping the new function. The panel expanded, showing a detailed overview of the village.

    **[Goblin Village Management

    Population: 47

    Morale: High

    Resources: Low

    Defenses: Minimal

    Upgrades Available:

    Basic Wall - 30 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resource Needed:

    9 Wooden Logs

    15 Vines

    Watchtower - 40 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resource Needed:

    24 Wooden Logs

    40 Vines

    Storage Pit - 15 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resource Needed

    None ]**

    Luke whistled softly. "This is gonna take some work."

    He closed the panel, his mind already spinning with ideas. For now, though, he decided to focus on the immediate task at hand. The village was preparing for a feast, and he wanted to make sure everything went smoothly.

    As the sun began to set, the hunters returned with their haul¡ªrabbits, birds, and even a small deer. The village erupted into cheers as the goblins began preparing the feast, their excitement palpable.

    Luke sat by the fire, the weight of the chief''s necklace still around his neck. He felt a sense of belonging he hadn''t expected, a connection to this strange, chaotic tribe. They might be goblins, but they were his goblins now.

    And for the first time since waking up in this world, Luke felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

 Chapter 6

    The feast was in full swing, the air filled with the smell of roasted meat and the sound of goblin laughter. Luke sat by the fire, enjoying the celebration, when the chief approached him. The hobgoblin''s massive frame loomed over him, his sharp eyes glinting in the firelight.

    "Lok," the chief said, his deep voice cutting through the noise. "Come. We talk."

    Luke nodded, standing up and following the chief to his personal hut. It was the largest hut in the village, its walls adorned with bones and trophies from past hunts. Above the small wooden throne hung the head of the boar Luke had killed, its tusks gleaming in the dim light. Behind the throne was a doorway, likely leading to the chief''s private quarters.

    The chief sat on his throne, gesturing for Luke to stand before him. "Lok," he began, his tone serious. "You do good. Village strong now. Goblins happy. Chief happy."

    Luke nodded, feeling a swell of pride. "Thanks, Chief. I''m just trying to help."

    The chief leaned forward, his expression growing more intense. "But village not safe. Wolves¡­ humans¡­ danger. Chief think. Why wolves not attack? Why humans not come?"

    Luke frowned, considering the question. "Maybe we''ve just been lucky so far. But luck won''t last forever."

    The chief grunted in agreement. "Chief want wall. Strong wall. Protect village."

    Luke thought for a moment, his mind racing. He opened the Goblin Village Management panel to check the requirements for building a wall.

    **[Goblin Village Management

    Population: 47

    Morale: High

    Resources: Low

    Defenses: Minimal

    Upgrades Available:

    Basic Wall - 30 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resources Needed:

    9 Wooden Logs

    15 Vines

    Watchtower - 40 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resources Needed:

    24 Wooden Logs

    40 Vines

    Storage Pit - 15 Tech Points to Unlock

    Resources Needed: None]**

    Luke scanned the information, his mind working quickly. "A wall is a good idea, Chief, but it''ll take time to gather the materials. We''ll need wooden logs and vines. In the meantime, we should build spike traps around the village. They''re faster to make and can slow down any attackers."

    The chief''s eyes narrowed as he considered Luke''s suggestion. "Spike traps¡­ good. But wall?"

    "We''ll build the wall too," Luke assured him. "But the spike traps will give us some protection while we work on it. I''ll do my best to build a defensive perimeter."

    The chief nodded, his expression softening. "Lok smart. Chief trust Lok. Make village safe."

    Luke felt a surge of determination. "I will, Chief. I promise."

    The chief leaned back on his throne, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Good. Lok honored. Lok respected. Lok¡­ family."

    Luke felt a lump in his throat. The chief''s words meant more than he expected. "Thank you, Chief. I won''t let you down."

    As Luke left the hut, his mind was already racing with plans. He gathered Grut, Rok, Zog, and a few other goblins, explaining the plan to build spike traps around the village. The goblins listened intently, their sharp eyes focused on Luke as he demonstrated how to craft and place the traps.

    As they worked, a notification popped up.

    [Spike Trap Crafted!

    +2 Tech Points Earned.]

    Luke dismissed the notification, focusing on the task at hand. By the time the sun began to set, the village was surrounded by a ring of spike traps, their sharp points glinting in the fading light.

    Luke stood at the edge of the village, surveying their work. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. He opened the Goblin Village Management panel again, checking the resource requirements for the Basic Wall.

    "Alright," he muttered. "We''ll need wooden logs and vines. Grut, Rok, Zog¡ªtomorrow, we''re going logging."

    The goblins nodded eagerly, their sharp teeth gleaming in the firelight. Luke felt a sense of determination. With the chief''s trust and the goblins'' support, he felt like they might actually have a chance at surviving in this dangerous world.

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    "Alright, Lok," he said to himself, a determined smile on his face. "Let''s keep this village safe."

    Luke stood at the edge of the village, the spike traps now in place and the goblins busy preparing for the next day''s tasks. He opened his Attribute Points panel, scanning his available points.

    [Attribute Points: 15]

    "Alright," he muttered, rubbing his hands together. "Time to get stronger."

    He assigned the points carefully, focusing on areas that would give him the most immediate benefit.

    [+3 PER (Perception)

    +4 INT (Intelligence)

    +5 VIT (Vitality)

    +3 AGI (Agility)]

    As the points were allocated, Luke felt a surge of energy. His senses sharpened, his mind felt clearer, and his body felt more resilient. He flexed his small green hands, grinning. "Not bad. Now, let''s see what I can do with my Tech Points."

    He opened the Tech Points panel, his eyes widening at the number.

    [Tech Points: 188]

    "First things first," Luke said, unlocking the Basic Wall upgrade in the Goblin Village Management system.

    **[Basic Wall Unlocked!

    -30 Tech Points

    Resources Needed:

    9 Wooden Logs

    15 Vines]**

    "Alright, that leaves me with 158 points," Luke said, rubbing his hands together. "Let''s go shopping," he said with a grin, scrolling through the Skills Shop. The list of available skills was extensive, and Luke''s eyes lit up as he read through the options.

    **[Skills Shop

    Survival Skills

    Foraging (10 Tech Points)

    Fire Starting (10 Tech Points)

    Shelter Building (10 Tech Points)

    Combat Skills

    Melee Proficiency (15 Tech Points)

    Archery Basics (15 Tech Points)

    Dodge and Roll (15 Tech Points)

    Crafting Skills

    Tool Crafting (Inferior Skill)

    Weapon Crafting (Inferior Skill)

    Repair (10 Tech Points)

    Stealth and Scouting Skills

    Sneak (15 Tech Points)

    Hide (15 Tech Points)

    Pickpocket (15 Tech Points)

    Leadership and Social Skills

    Inspire (10 Tech Points)

    Negotiate (10 Tech Points)

    Command (10 Tech Points)

    Magic and Special Skills

    Elemental Affinity (20 Tech Points)

    Healing Touch (20 Tech Points)

    Light Spell (20 Tech Points)

    Utility Skills

    Fast Travel (10 Tech Points)

    Inventory Management (10 Tech Points)

    Night Vision (10 Tech Points)

    Scanning Skills

    Scan Person (15 Tech Points)

    Scan Enemy (15 Tech Points)

    Scan Environment (10 Tech Points)

    Appraisal Skills

    Appraise Item (10 Tech Points)

    Appraise Weapon (15 Tech Points)

    Appraise Armor (15 Tech Points)]**

    "Ooohh, now that''s a list of skills," Luke said, his excitement growing. He began selecting the ones he thought would be most useful.

    [Night Vision - 10 Tech Points

    Scan Person - 15 Tech Points

    Scan Enemy - 15 Tech Points

    Appraise Item - 10 Tech Points

    Appraise Weapon - 15 Tech Points]

    As he was about to purchase Elemental Affinity, a notification popped up.

    [MAG STAT: 10 Required]

    "What? Oh, man," Luke groaned. "I guess that can wait."

    He moved on, selecting a few more skills.

    [Sneak - 15 Tech Points

    Hide - 15 Tech Points

    Melee Proficiency - 15 Tech Points

    Archery Basics - 15 Tech Points

    Repair - 10 Tech Points]

    As he finalized his purchases, a flood of data and energy surged through him. His mind filled with knowledge¡ªhow to move silently, how to blend into the shadows, how to wield a weapon with precision. His body felt lighter, more agile, as if it had been fine-tuned for combat.

    "Niceee," Luke said, grinning as he stretched his arms. "This is gonna be fun."

    From a distance, Grut, Rok, and Zog watched him with confused expressions. To them, Luke was just waving his hands in the air, touching invisible things. They exchanged puzzled looks.

    "Maybe Lok crazy?" Grut said, scratching his head.

    "Too smart crazy," Rok added, nodding sagely.

    "Me no be Lok," Zog muttered, shaking his head.

    The three goblins shrugged and wandered back to the village, leaving Luke to his strange behavior.

    Luke walked back to the village, his newly enhanced senses sharpening the world around him. The smell of roasted meat and the crackling of the fire were pleasant, but then something else hit him¡ªa foul, pungent odor that made his stomach churn. He gagged, covering his mouth as he fought back the urge to vomit.

    ¡°What the hell is that smell?¡± he muttered, his nose wrinkling in disgust.

    He traced the source of the stench, his sharp eyes scanning the village. It didn¡¯t take long to find the culprit: goblin feces, scattered haphazardly around the outskirts of the village. Luke¡¯s stomach turned again, and this time he couldn¡¯t hold it back. He doubled over, retching.

    ¡°Ohhh, shiiiit,¡± he groaned, wiping his mouth. ¡°I forgot these guys lack common sense about cleanliness.¡±

    As if to emphasize his point, he spotted a goblin in the distance, casually squatting behind a bush to relieve itself. Luke groaned again, louder this time. ¡°Oh, no, dude. Not cool.¡±

    He walked back toward the village, his mind racing. ¡°I¡¯ve got to build a toilet sooner or later. But how do I explain to these guys that having a toilet is beneficial to their health and overall cleanliness? Unlike humans, these guys just take dumps everywhere.¡±

    As he approached the huts, he saw a young goblin squatting behind one of them, doing its business. An adult goblin noticed and scolded the kid, pointing toward the forest. ¡°Go dump far away!¡± the adult growled.

    The kid scampered off, but Luke¡¯s concern only deepened. ¡°Sooner or later, a lack of sanitary management is going to cause health problems. I don¡¯t want to see that. I have to consult and convince the chief on this.¡±

    Luke made his way to the chief¡¯s hut, where the hobgoblin was seated on his bone-adorned throne. The chief looked up as Luke entered, his sharp eyes narrowing. ¡°Lok. What you want?¡±

    Luke took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. ¡°Chief, I¡¯ve noticed something¡­ concerning. The village lacks proper sanitation. Goblins are¡­ uh, dumping everywhere. This could lead to sickness and disease. I think we should build a toilet.¡±

    The chief tilted his head, his expression unreadable. ¡°Toi..let?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Luke said, nodding eagerly. ¡°A place where everyone can¡­ uh, take a dump. It¡¯ll keep the village clean and healthy.¡±

    The chief grunted, leaning back on his throne. ¡°Village safe first. Wall first. Then¡­ toi..let.¡±

    Luke sighed, realizing the chief had a point. Safety was the top priority. ¡°Alright, Chief. Wall first. But after that, we really need to address this.¡±

    The chief nodded. ¡°Lok smart. Lok build wall first.¡±

    Luke left the hut, his mind already shifting gears. ¡°Alright, one step at a time. Let¡¯s design a stone axe blueprint first. We¡¯ll need better tools to gather materials for the wall.¡±

    He opened his Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill, dragging a wooden branch and a stone into the workspace. Using the system¡¯s guidance, he shaped the branch into a handle and the stone into a sharp, wedge-shaped head. He then combined the two, creating a functional stone axe.

    [Stone Axe Blueprint Created!

    +5 Tech Points Earned.]

    Luke grinned, holding up the finished blueprint. ¡°Not bad. Now, let¡¯s gather the materials and start crafting.¡±

    As he worked, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the long road ahead. The wall, the toilet, the village¡¯s defenses¡ªit was a lot to handle. But for now, he focused on the task at hand, taking it one step at a time.

    ¡°Alright, Lok,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡±

 Chapter 7

    Luke gathered materials for the stone axes, his mind racing with calculations. "I''ll need maybe at least a hundred stone axes to make a dent in the wall project," he muttered, frowning. "But cutting large trees would take an absurd amount of axes and strength. It would be better if I could find smaller trees or¡­ bamboo. That would make things easier."

    He sighed, frustration bubbling up. "Kghhh¡­ this shit is really stressful. If I had better access to resources, I could¡ª"

    Suddenly, he stopped mid-thought. His eyes widened as he remembered one of his skills. "Wait a minute¡­ Resource Detection! If I can find clay, I can make a furnace. And if I can find iron deposits, I can make proper tools. Maybe even an iron axe!"

    Luke''s frustration melted away, replaced by excitement. He activated his Resource Detection skill, a holographic wave spreading out from him and scanning the surrounding area. The wave highlighted nearby resources, but nothing significant stood out¡ªjust small deposits of stone and plant fibers.

    "Hmm¡­ maybe I need to look further," Luke said, scratching his head. As he pondered his next move, he noticed a goblin dragging an animal skin filled with water toward a stone pit in the village. The pit was already half-full, and the goblin dumped the water into it before turning to leave.

    Luke''s eyes lit up. "Water! If there''s a water source nearby, there might be clay or other useful resources."

    He hurried over to the goblin, who looked at him with curious yellow eyes. "Hey, where did you get that water?" Luke asked, pointing at the animal skin.

    The goblin grunted, gesturing for Luke to follow. "Come. Show Lok."

    Luke followed the goblin as they ventured into the forest, the moonlight casting eerie shadows through the trees. After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at what looked like a small cave entrance, partially hidden by vines and foliage.

    "This is it?" Luke asked, peering into the darkness.

    The goblin nodded, leading him inside. As they descended, the darkness gave way to an otherworldly glow. The cave was larger than Luke had expected, its walls studded with glowing crystals that illuminated the space with a soft, bluish light.

    "WOaaahhh," Luke said, his voice echoing in the cavern. "This is incredible."

    The goblin pointed toward a small pond of water at the center of the cave. "Water here."

    Luke''s eyes widened as he took in the sight. "Damn, boy, this is a treasure trove."

    He activated his Resource Detection skill again, and a holographic wave spread out through the cave. The wave highlighted multiple resources: coal, iron, copper, and the glowing crystals that illuminated the cave. The wave also revealed larger deposits of iron and coal deeper underground.

    Luke laughed, the sound echoing through the cavern. "This is good. Really good."

    The goblin, startled by Luke''s sudden laughter, took a step back, its eyes wide with fear. "Lok¡­ okay?"

    Luke waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I''m fine. This is just¡­ amazing. We''ve got everything we need right here. Coal for a furnace, iron for tools, and even copper for more advanced crafting. This changes everything."

    He turned to the goblin, a wide grin on his face. "You''ve done well. This is a huge discovery."

    The goblin blinked, still unsure of what was happening but relieved that Luke wasn''t angry. "Lok happy?"

    "Lok is very happy," Luke said, clapping the goblin on the shoulder. "Let''s head back and tell the chief. We''ve got work to do."

    Luke and the goblin returned to the village, the feast now winding down. The chief sat on the porch of his hut, his sharp eyes scanning the village as the goblins began to settle for the night. Luke was about to approach the chief to share his discovery of the cave but hesitated.

    "Hmmm¡­ I guess any project besides the wall would be ignored for now," Luke muttered to himself. "I''ll have to handle this on my own."

    Before he could make a decision, a goblin came sprinting into the village, its chest heaving with ragged gasps. "Wolves!" it shouted, its voice panicked. "Wolves coming!"

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The village erupted into chaos. The adults and caretakers quickly herded the children into the safety of the huts, while the hunters grabbed their newly crafted bows and spears, following the panicked goblin toward the edge of the village.

    Luke''s heart raced as the reality of the situation sank in. "Shit. I guess too much feasting will eventually attract these wolves. We''re not ready for this."

    He reached for his bow, only to remember that Grut had taken it earlier. "Of course," Luke muttered, frustration bubbling up. "Why wouldn''t he?"

    With no time to waste, Luke grabbed a spear leaning against a nearby hut. The weapon felt unfamiliar in his hands, but he didn''t have the luxury of choice. He joined the group of goblins heading toward the village''s perimeter, his mind racing with strategies.

    As they reached the edge of the village, Luke activated his Scan Enemy skill, his sharpened senses picking up movement in the darkness. The holographic wave spread out, highlighting the approaching wolves¡ªa pack of six, their eyes glowing in the moonlight.

    "Alright, listen up!" Luke shouted, trying to take charge. "We''ve got six wolves incoming. Archers, take positions behind the spike traps! Spear users, form a line in front of them! We need to hold them off until we can drive them away!"

    The goblins hesitated for a moment, unused to taking orders from someone other than the chief. But Grut, Rok, and Zog stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "Lok smart," Grut said, raising his bow. "We listen to Lok."

    The goblins quickly followed Luke''s instructions, the archers taking positions behind the spike traps while the spear users formed a defensive line. Luke stood at the front, his spear gripped tightly in his hands.

    The wolves emerged from the shadows, their growls low and menacing. Luke''s heart pounded as he activated his Scan Enemy skill again, analyzing their movements. "Hold your ground!" he shouted. "Wait for my signal!"

    The wolves charged, their speed terrifying. Luke waited until they were within range of the spike traps before shouting, "Now!"

    The archers let loose a volley of arrows, their aim shaky but effective enough to hit a few of the wolves. One wolf yelped as it stepped on a spike trap, its leg impaled. The others hesitated, their advance slowed.

    "Spear users, forward!" Luke commanded, leading the charge. The goblins followed, their crude spears thrusting at the wolves. Luke''s Melee Proficiency skill kicked in, guiding his movements as he struck at one of the wolves, driving it back.

    The battle was chaotic, but the goblins held their ground. The wolves, realizing they were outmatched, began to retreat, their growls fading into the night.

    The goblins cheered, their voices filled with relief and triumph. Luke leaned on his spear, catching his breath. "We did it," he said, a tired smile on his face.

    Grut clapped him on the back, his grin wide. "Lok strong! Lok smart!"

    Luke nodded, his mind already shifting to the next steps. "We need to hurry with that wall. This won''t be the last time they come."

    As the goblins dragged one of the wolf corpses back to the village, Luke stayed behind, his mind racing with ideas. He activated his Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill, the holographic panel flickering to life in front of him.

    "Is it possible to design a wall with just branches?" he muttered, dragging wooden branches and plant fibers into the workspace. "It''s going to be brittle, but it''s better than nothing. At least it''ll stop the wolves and funnel them into one path."

    He lined up the branches vertically, weaving plant fibers horizontally to hold them together. Then, he added another layer of branches on top, creating a tall, makeshift wall. The system analyzed his design, and a notification appeared.

    **[Branch Wall

    Durability: 90

    Resources Needed:

    24x Wooden Branch

    10x Plant Fiber

    Functional Custom Blueprint Created!

    +5 Tech Points Earned.]**

    Luke nodded, satisfied. "I guess this will do for now. We''re gonna need tons of branches and plant fibers to make this project into fruition."

    Before he could start gathering materials, a goblin approached him, panting. "Lok! Chief call you!"

    Luke followed the goblin to the center of the village, where the chief stood, his massive frame towering over the others. The chief''s sharp eyes locked onto Luke as he approached.

    "Lok," the chief said, his deep voice carrying across the village. "When wall be made?"

    Luke took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Tomorrow, Chief. But the wall will be made of branches instead of tree logs. Our tools aren''t sturdy enough to cut down large trees yet."

    The chief grunted, nodding. "Chief understand. Goblins try cut tree. Impossible."

    Luke nodded in agreement. "Exactly. But I have another idea. I''ll build a ditch¡ªa trench¡ªaround the village and fill it with spikes. It''ll slow down any attackers and give us time to defend the wall. But I''ll need more goblins to help me. Can you issue an order?"

    The chief''s eyes narrowed as he considered Luke''s suggestion. After a moment, he nodded. "Chief order. Goblins help Lok. Make village safe."

    Luke felt a surge of relief. "Thank you, Chief. We''ll get it done."

    The chief raised his hand, addressing the village. "Goblins! Tomorrow, work with Lok. Build wall. Build¡­ trench. Protect village!"

    The goblins cheered, their guttural voices rising in unison. Luke felt a sense of determination as he looked around at the tribe. They might be primitive, but they were willing to work together to protect their home.

    As the village settled down for the night, Luke opened his Goblin Village Management panel, reviewing the resources they''d need for the wall and the trench.

    **[Goblin Village Management

    Population: 47

    Morale: High

    Resources: Low

    Defenses: Minimal

    Upgrades in Progress:

    Branch Wall

    Resources Needed:

    24x Wooden Branch

    10x Plant Fiber

    Spike Trench

    Resources Needed:

    30x Wooden Branch

    20x Plant Fiber

    50x Stones]**

 Chapter 8

    As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, the goblin village buzzed with activity. Luke¡ªnow fully embracing his role as "Lok"¡ªstood at the center of the village, assigning tasks to the goblins with the precision of a seasoned leader.

    "Alright, listen up!" Luke called out, his voice carrying across the village. "We''ve got a lot to do today, and we need everyone to pitch in. Here''s the plan:"

    He pointed to a group of goblins holding crude baskets and ropes. "You''re on gathering duty. I need one party to collect branches and wood. Another party will gather plant fibers. Stick together and stay alert¡ªwolves or other predators might still be around."

    The goblins nodded, their sharp eyes focused on Luke as they prepared to head into the forest.

    Luke turned to another group, this one armed with spears and bows. "You''re on protection duty. Guard the gatherers and keep an eye out for trouble. If you see anything, sound the alarm immediately."

    The hunters thumped their chests in acknowledgment, their expressions serious.

    Next, Luke addressed a smaller group of goblins, handpicked for their crafting skills. "You''re with me. We''ll be building the makeshift wall, spikes, and tools like bone shovels and digging sticks. We need to work fast but carefully. Got it?"

    The crafters nodded, their claws twitching with excitement.

    Finally, Luke turned to Grut, Rok, and Zog, who stood at the front of a group of hunters. "You three are in charge of hunting. We need food to keep everyone energized. Bring back whatever you can find¡ªfluffy jumpies, birds, anything edible."

    Grut grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming. "Grut bring back big feast!"

    Luke chuckled. "I''m counting on it."

    As the goblins scattered to their assigned tasks, the chief sat outside his hut, observing the scene with a keen eye. His massive frame was relaxed, but his sharp gaze followed Luke''s every move. A small smile crept across his face as he watched Luke take charge.

    "Lok strong," the chief muttered to himself. "Lok smart. Lok¡­ leader."

    He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Prophecy¡­ maybe true."

    Luke, unaware of the chief''s musings, was busy overseeing the construction of the makeshift wall. He demonstrated how to weave the branches and plant fibers together, his hands moving with practiced ease. The goblins watched intently, their clumsy attempts slowly improving under his guidance.

    As the days slowly passed, the village transformed. One by one, makeshift walls rose at the edge of the village, their woven branches forming a sturdy barrier. A gate was also built, allowing controlled entry and exit.

    Outside the wall, the goblins dug trenches, their efforts coordinated and efficient. Behind them, another group erected sharpened spikes, creating a deadly perimeter. Luke made sure to send a group of goblins to fetch water for the tired workers, giving them breaks and ensuring they stayed hydrated.

    After 5 days, the defensive wall and trench were complete. Luke stood back, admiring their work. The village was now surrounded by a tall branch wall and a spiked trench, a significant improvement from its previous vulnerable state.

    As he surveyed the finished project, a series of notifications popped up.

    [You successfully constructed 16x Branch Walls.

    +160 Tech Points. Claim the rewards on the Goblin Village Management Mail.]

    [You successfully crafted 16x Spiked Trenches.

    +80 Tech Points. Claim the rewards on the Goblin Village Management Mail.]

    Luke raised an eyebrow. "How come they''re different?"

    The system responded:

    [With your leadership, you successfully improved the Goblin Village''s living conditions. You can still earn Tech Points indirectly from goblins.]

    "Hmmm¡­ that''s¡­ I didn''t know about that until now," Luke muttered, scratching his head.

    [Please claim your rewards on the mail.]

    "Yeah, yeah, I''ll do that later," Luke said, dismissing the notification.

    The chief approached, inspecting the wall and trench with a critical eye. Luke walked over to him, a tired but satisfied smile on his face.

    "It''s finished, Chief," Luke said. "Until I can make a metal axe, this wall will have to do for now."

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    The chief nodded, his expression one of approval. "Good. Village safe. Lok¡­ good."

    Luke felt a swell of pride at the chief''s acknowledgment. "Thanks, Chief. We''ll keep improving. This is just the beginning."

    As the goblins celebrated their hard work, Luke couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The village was safer now, and the goblins were starting to see him as a leader. But he knew this was only the first step. There was still much to do¡ªbetter tools, stronger defenses, and, eventually, a proper toilet system.

    For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of rest, leaning against the newly built wall as the sun dipped below the horizon.

    The night wore on, and the goblin village was alive with celebration. The newly constructed wall and trench were a source of pride for the tribe, and the goblins feasted and danced around the fire, their guttural laughter echoing through the night.

    Luke sat by the fire, a roasted rabbit leg in his hand, enjoying the rare moment of peace. He glanced at the chief, who was seated on his bone-adorned throne, watching the festivities with a satisfied smile. For the first time, Luke felt like he truly belonged.

    But the peace was short-lived.

    A goblin came sprinting into the village, its chest heaving and its eyes wide with panic. "Wolves!" it shouted, pointing toward the forest. "Wolves return! More this time!"

    The celebration came to an abrupt halt. The chief stood, his massive frame towering over the village as he barked orders. "Form defensive line! Archers, behind wall! Shoot through gaps! Spear users, open gate! Hold line!"

    Luke''s eyes widened as he watched the chief take charge. It was the first time he''d seen the hobgoblin in action, and he was impressed by the chief''s quick thinking and commanding presence.

    The goblins scrambled to obey, their movements surprisingly coordinated. Archers took positions behind the wall, their bows ready, while spear users formed a defensive line at the open gate. Luke grabbed a spear and joined the line, his heart pounding.

    The chief turned to Luke, a rare grin on his face. "Lok''s tactics. Chief adapt. Good, yes?"

    Luke nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, Chief. Really good."

    The wolves emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing in the moonlight. This time, there were at least a dozen of them, their growls low and menacing. Luke activated his Scan Enemy skill, the holographic wave highlighting the wolves'' positions.

    "Hold your ground!" the chief shouted, his voice carrying across the village. "Wait for signal!"

    The wolves charged, their speed terrifying. The chief waited until they were within range of the trench before raising his hand. "Now!"

    The archers let loose a volley of arrows, their aim steadier this time thanks to the wall''s gaps. Several wolves yelped as they were hit, their advance slowed. The ones that made it through the arrows stumbled into the trench, their legs impaled on the spikes.

    "Spear users, forward!" the chief commanded, leading the charge. The goblins followed, their crude spears thrusting at the wolves.

    Luke led the spear users forward, his Melee Proficiency skill guiding his movements. He thrust his spear at a wolf, the sharpened tip piercing its side. The wolf howled in pain, retreating as Luke pulled his spear free.

    [Wolf Defeated!

    +10 EXP Earned.]

    Luke didn''t have time to celebrate. Another wolf lunged at him, its teeth bared. He sidestepped, using his Dodge and Roll skill to avoid the attack. With a quick thrust, he struck the wolf in the neck, ending its life.

    [Wolf Defeated!

    +10 EXP Earned.]

    The battle was chaotic, but the goblins held their ground. Luke fought with precision, his enhanced stats and skills giving him an edge. As he defeated another wolf, a notification popped up.

    [Level Up!

    You are now Level 3.

    +3 Attribute Points Earned.]

    Luke barely had time to register the notification before another wolf lunged at him. He dodged, his movements sharp and precise, and countered with a thrust of his spear.

    [Wolf Defeated!

    +10 EXP Earned.]

    The battle raged on, and Luke continued to fight, his spear striking true. Another notification appeared.

    [Level Up!

    You are now Level 4.

    +3 Attribute Points Earned.]

    Luke ignored the notification for now, focusing on the battle. He couldn''t afford to stop and assign points¡ªnot with wolves still attacking. He fought with everything he had, his spear a blur of motion as he struck down another wolf.

    [Wolf Defeated!

    +10 EXP Earned.]

    The battle was fierce, but the goblins held their ground. The wolves, realizing they were outmatched, the wolves began to retreat, then a larger wolf emerged from the shadows. Its massive frame towered over the others, its eyes glowing with a fierce intelligence. The smaller wolves curled behind it, their growls fading into whimpers.

    Luke felt a chill run down his spine. "That''s the alpha," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is bad."

    The goblins trembled, their weapons shaking in their hands. Even Luke, with his enhanced stats and skills, felt a wave of fear. The alpha wolf''s presence was overwhelming.

    The chief stepped forward, his crude battle axe in hand. He removed his animal pelt cape, revealing a tattoo on his back¡ªa intricate design that seemed to pulse with energy. The chief roared, his voice echoing through the night, and charged at the alpha wolf.

    The battle was brutal. The alpha wolf was fast and strong, its claws and teeth slashing at the chief. At first, the chief was at a disadvantage, his movements slow compared to the wolf''s agility. The goblins watched in silence, too afraid to intervene.

    Then, something extraordinary happened. The tattoo on the chief''s back began to glow, a soft light spreading across his body. His muscles bulged, his movements becoming faster and more precise. The chief roared again, his voice filled with power, and counterattacked with brutal efficiency.

    The alpha wolf tried to retreat, but the chief was faster. He grappled the wolf''s neck, his strength overwhelming. With a final, powerful swing of his axe, the chief struck the wolf down, its body collapsing to the ground.

    The village erupted into cheers, their voices filled with relief and triumph. The chief stood over the alpha wolf''s body, his chest heaving as the glow from his tattoo faded.

    Luke approached the chief, his respect for the hobgoblin growing even more. "That was¡­ incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe.

    The chief nodded, his expression serious. "Chief protect village. Always."

    Luke glanced at the tattoo on the chief''s back, his curiosity piqued. "What was that? The glow, I mean."

    The chief grunted, his tone cryptic. "Old power. Chief''s duty."

    Luke didn''t press further, sensing that the chief wasn''t ready to share more. Instead, he turned to the goblins, raising his voice. "Alright, everyone! Let''s clean up and fortify the defenses. This won''t be the last time we face a threat like this."

 Chapter 9

    As the goblins cleaned up the wolves'' corpses and began butchering them for meat and pelts, Luke stood to the side, taking a moment to check his system notifications. He opened the Mail tab, scrolling through the rewards he had earned.

    [Successfully constructed 16x Branch Walls with the Goblins

    Rewards: 160 Tech Points | Claim |]

    [Successfully constructed 16x Spiked Trenches with the Goblins

    Rewards: 80 Tech Points | Claim |]

    Luke grinned. "I guess our hard work paid off after all." He tapped the Claim button for both rewards, watching his Tech Points total climb.

    [Tech Points: 263]

    "System," Luke said, his voice low so the goblins wouldn''t overhear him talking to himself. "Do you have a blueprint available for sale for a furnace and forge?"

    [Yes, Host.]

    The panel transitioned, displaying a list of available blueprints.

    [Early Furnace Blueprint - 10 Tech Points

    Clay Crucible Blueprint - 15 Tech Points

    Clay Bellows Blueprint - 20 Tech Points]

    [Anvil Blueprint - 20 Tech Points

    Early Forge Blueprint - 20 Tech Points]

    Luke frowned, his brow furrowing. "Ughh¡­ so damn expensive. Maybe I can just make them. Every man knows a thing or two about blacksmithing. I''ll just save my Tech Points to upgrade the shop."

    [Very smart, Host. I admire your self-control.]

    Luke scoffed. "You underestimate me. The wall is done, the toilet is the next priority. I must make that. Tech points generator!" He laughed, his grin widening as he imagined himself as a tycoon madman. "System, do these defensive walls and spike trenches generate Tech Points too?"

    [Yes. In fact, I''d like to reward you for successfully defending the village. If it wasn''t for you, the goblin settlement would''ve met a catastrophic attack.]

    The system notifications began to pop up.

    [You successfully fended off the wolves'' attack using the spike traps.

    Reward: 30 Tech Points]

    [You successfully fended off the wolves'' attack using the makeshift walls and spiked trenches.

    Reward: 100 Tech Points]

    Luke''s eyes widened as his Tech Points total updated.

    [Tech Points: 393]

    "Hahaha Nice," Luke said, his grin widening. "But also not nice. If it wasn''t for the chief, we would''ve failed miserably."

    He glanced over at the chief, who was overseeing the butchering of the alpha wolf. The hobgoblin''s tattoo had stopped glowing, but the memory of its power lingered in Luke''s mind. "That tattoo¡­ it''s something else. I need to figure out what that''s about."

    For now, though, Luke focused on his next steps. He opened the Goblin Village Management panel, scanning the available upgrades.

    **[Goblin Village Management

    Population: 47

    Morale: High

    Resources: Normal

    Defenses: Minimal - Moderate

    Upgrades in Progress:

    Branch Wall (Complete)

    Spiked Trench (Complete)

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Upgrades Available:

    Basic Toilet System - 50 Tech Points

    Storage Pit - 15 Tech Points

    Watchtower - 40 Tech Points]**

    After the wolves had been dismantled and their pelts and meat prepared for storage, the chief called everyone to gather at the center of the village. The goblins formed a loose circle around him, their yellow eyes gleaming in the firelight. Luke stood near the front, his spear still in hand, as the chief began to speak.

    The chief¡¯s deep voice carried across the village, his words slow and deliberate. ¡°Goblins¡­ listen. Long ago, our village¡­ ravaged by humans. Many died. Many ran. We¡­ survivors. We build new village here. But¡­ wolves come. Always wolves. Many goblins die. Numbers¡­ diminish.¡±

    The goblins murmured, their expressions somber as they remembered the hardships they had endured. The chief paused, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd before landing on Luke.

    ¡°But now¡­ Lok come. Lok smart. Lok strong. Lok teach us. Lok build wall. Lok build traps. Today¡­ wolves attack. But no goblins die. First time. And Lok¡­ help kill alpha wolf. Leader of wolves. Dead.¡±

    The goblins erupted into cheers, their guttural voices rising in unison. Luke felt a flush of embarrassment but also a deep sense of pride. The chief stepped forward, his massive frame towering over Luke, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°Lok¡­ hero. Lok¡­ family.¡±

    The goblins cheered even louder, their excitement palpable. Before Luke could react, the chief grabbed him and lifted him into the air. The goblins surged forward, their small hands reaching up to toss Luke into the air as they chanted his name.

    ¡°Lok! Lok! Lok!¡±

    Luke flailed for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden celebration. ¡°Whoa! Hey! Put me down!¡± he shouted, but his protests were drowned out by the goblins¡¯ cheers. They tossed him into the air again and again, their enthusiasm infectious.

    Finally, the chief caught him and set him back on the ground. Luke staggered slightly, his head spinning, but he couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Alright, alright. I get it. You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    The goblins laughed, their sharp teeth gleaming in the firelight. The chief clapped him on the back, his grin wide. ¡°Lok good. Lok stay. Lok¡­good leader.¡±

    Luke nodded, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn¡¯t expected. ¡°Thanks, Chief. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    As the celebration continued, Luke couldn¡¯t help but feel a swell of determination. The village was stronger now, but there was still much to do. The wall and trenches were just the beginning. The toilet system, better tools, stronger defenses¡ªall of it was within reach.

    For now, though, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. The goblins might be primitive, but they were his goblins now. And for the first time since waking up in this strange new world, Luke felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

    As the morning sun rose over the village, the goblins greeted Luke warmly as he passed by. Some offered him food, while others simply nodded in respect. The kid goblins ran up to him, tugging at his loincloth and urging him to play with them. The adults quickly intervened, shooing the kids away.

    ¡°Lok busy,¡± one of the adults said, herding the children. ¡°Lok work. You play later.¡±

    Luke chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll play with you guys later, okay?¡±

    The kids cheered before running off, their energy boundless. As Luke continued walking, Grut, Rok, and Zog approached him, their weapons slung over their shoulders.

    ¡°Lok!¡± Grut called out, grinning. ¡°Come hunt with us!¡±

    Luke hesitated for a moment, glancing toward the chief¡¯s hut. The hobgoblin was inside, tending to the wounds he had sustained during the battle with the alpha wolf. Luke¡¯s expression grew serious as he realized he couldn¡¯t rely solely on the chief to protect the village from stronger enemies. He needed to level up, to grow stronger himself.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Luke said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you.¡±

    Grut handed him his bow and a quiver of arrows, then grabbed another bow from a nearby hut. Luke quickly checked his stats, opening the system panel.

    **[Name: Luke Rodriguez

    Age: 7

    Species: Goblin

    Evolutionary Path: Locked (Required: Level 20)

    Level: 4

    Tech Points: 393

    Skills:

    Blueprint Creation and Analysis (Level 1)

    Scrap Salvage (Level 1)

    Crafting (Level 1)

    Resource Detection (Level 1)

    Inventory (Level 1)

    Goblin Language

    Night Vision

    Scan Person (Level 1)

    Scan Enemy (Level 1)

    Appraise Item (Level 1)

    Appraise Weapon (Level 1)

    Sneak (Level 1)

    Hide (Level 1)

    Melee Proficiency (Level 1)

    Archery Basics (Level 1)

    Repair (Level 1)

    Attributes:

    STR - 6

    AGI - 7

    PER - 7

    VIT - 8

    RES - 3

    INT - 6

    MAG - 3

    Attribute Points: 6]**

    Luke scanned his stats, his mind racing. ¡°Hmmm¡­ if I hunt alone, I have enough skills to survive. I¡¯ve got Night Vision, which means I can see in the dark if I have to. I also have Hide and Sneak, but I don¡¯t know to what extent those skills will keep me hidden from enemies. Still, it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±

    He frowned as he noticed his Resilience stat. ¡°I¡¯m lacking in Resilience. Let¡¯s balance that out.¡±

    He assigned 3 points to Resilience, raising it from 3 to 6. A slight surge of energy flowed through him, and he felt his breathing become easier, his body more resistant to fatigue and damage.

    [RES: 3 -> 6]

    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Luke muttered. ¡°Now, let¡¯s put the rest into Magic.¡±

    He assigned the remaining 3 points to Magic, raising it from 3 to 6. Another surge of energy coursed through him, this time centered in his chest. He felt a faint warmth, like a spark waiting to ignite.

    [MAG: 3 -> 6]

    ¡°Now, isn¡¯t that balanced?¡± Luke said, grinning to himself.

    Before he could dwell on it further, Zog¡¯s voice snapped him back to reality. ¡°Lok! You coming?¡±

    Luke looked up, nodding. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m coming.¡±

    He slung the bow over his shoulder and adjusted the quiver of arrows. As he joined Grut, Rok, and Zog, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of excitement. This would be his first real hunt with the goblins, and it was the perfect opportunity to test his new skills and stats.

    As they set off into the forest, Luke activated his Resource Detection skill, scanning the area for potential threats and resources. His sharp eyes darted around, taking in every detail. The goblins moved quietly beside him, their movements surprisingly coordinated.

    ¡°Alright, Lok,¡± Grut said, his voice low. ¡°You lead. We follow.¡±

    Luke nodded, feeling a surge of determination. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±

 Chapter 10

    As Luke and the goblins continued their hunt, Luke couldn''t help but be impressed by their adaptability to the new weapons. Instead of charging headfirst, they had adopted a sneaky, ranged hunting tactic. Grut and Rok were surprisingly accurate with their bows, while Zog, though still preferring to chase down wounded prey with his club, was slowly getting the hang of it.

    Luke spotted another boar, smaller than the first one he had encountered. His Archery Basics skill kicked in, and he felt a surge of confidence. His focus sharpened as he drew the bowstring, his movements steady and precise. He released the arrow, and it struck the boar in the hindquarters. The boar squealed and bolted, but Luke was ready.

    He chased after it, his enhanced AGI and VIT stats making him faster and more enduring than before. Grut and Rok joined the chase, their bows at the ready. Luke stopped, nocked another arrow, and fired. This time, the arrow struck true, piercing the boar''s side. The animal stumbled and collapsed, its life fading quickly.

    [You defeated a Red-Backed Boar!

    +10 EXP Earned.]

    Luke ignored the notification, focusing on the hunt. They spent hours tracking and taking down game, their haul growing with each successful hunt. By the time they returned to the village, their arms were full of meat and pelts. But Luke knew they couldn''t rest for long. The village needed more food, and he needed more experience.

    As they set out again, Luke''s sharpened senses picked up a noise in the distance. It wasn''t the sound of goblins¡ªGrut, Rok, and Zog were right behind him. He raised a hand, signaling for silence. "Hide," he whispered, his voice low but firm.

    The goblins obeyed, their movements quick and quiet as they ducked behind bushes and trees. Luke activated his Scan Person skill, a holographic wave spreading out and highlighting four figures in the distance.

    **[Scan Person (Level 1)

    Upgrade (60 Tech Points)

    Adventurer Party: 4

    Warrior: Cray

    Rank: F-Rank

    Tank: Ronald

    Rank: E-Rank

    Mage: Selina

    Rank: E-Rank

    Support: Solus

    Rank: F-Rank**]**

    Luke''s heart sank. "This isn''t good. This area must be a hunting ground for adventurers. The skill is useful¡ªI can determine how strong my opponents are. But I can''t see their stats yet. Still, this tells me they''re quite strong."

    He clenched his fists, his mind racing. "The bad news is, I can''t let them continue. They might stumble on our village. Even if we kill these adventurers, if one survives, they''ll report it to a nearby town. More adventurers will come, and humans¡­ I know how they react to fear. They''re paranoid about their own safety and will do anything to eliminate a threat. Shit."

    Grut crept up beside him, his voice a low whisper. "Lok, what you see?"

    Luke kept his eyes on the adventurers. "Humans. Four of them."

    The goblins'' demeanor changed instantly. Their eyes narrowed, their hands tightening on their weapons. Grut, Rok, and Zog looked eager¡ªand angry. "We hunt humans," Grut said, his voice filled with venom.

    Luke shook his head, his tone firm. "No. They''re strong. We can''t handle them with just the four of us."

    The goblins protested, their voices rising slightly. Luke hissed, "Quiet! Listen to me. There are four of us and four of them. They have better weapons, armor, and training. We don''t. If we attack now, we''ll lose. Go tell the chief about this. Warn him. In the meantime, I''ll divert them away from the village."

    Grut hesitated, his expression conflicted. "Lok¡­ danger."

    Luke nodded. "I know. But I''ve got skills they don''t expect. I''ll be fine. Just go. Hurry."

    The goblins reluctantly obeyed, slipping away into the forest. Luke watched them go, then turned his attention back to the adventurers. He activated his Sneak and Hide skills, his movements becoming silent and his presence fading into the shadows.

    "Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to play."

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    Luke moved silently through the underbrush, his Sneak and Hide skills making him nearly invisible in the dense forest. He found a sturdy tree with low-hanging branches and climbed up, settling into a position that gave him a clear view of the path below. He nocked an arrow, his eyes scanning the approaching adventurers.

    The party of four walked casually, chatting in a language Luke couldn''t understand. He studied them carefully, his Scan Person skill providing him with their roles and ranks. His mind raced as he weighed his options.

    "If I shoot the support first," he thought, "the mage can attack from range, and it''ll be harder to escape. But if I take out the mage first, the support might heal her, but it''ll give me time for another shot. Either way, they''ll find my location."

    He made his decision. "Mage first. Then the support."

    Luke drew the bowstring, his Archery Basics skill guiding his aim. He adjusted for the parabolic drop and the distance, aiming slightly above the mage''s head. He took a deep breath, steadied his hand, and released the arrow.

    The arrow flew true, striking the mage just below her neck. She stumbled, clutching at the wound as blood seeped through her fingers. The party panicked, their voices rising in alarm.

    "Serlina!" the tank shouted, rushing to her side. "Solus, L?kna hana!"

    The support, Solus, began chanting, his hands glowing with a soft light as he prepared to cast a healing spell. The tank and the warrior formed a protective circle around them, their eyes scanning the trees for the attacker.

    Luke smirked. "Too bad you''re not looking up."

    He nocked another arrow, this time aiming at the support''s exposed back. The adventurers were focused on the mage, giving Luke the perfect opportunity. He released the arrow, watching as it struck Solus in the back. The support cried out, collapsing to the ground as his spell fizzled.

    "Tarna!" the warrior shouted, pointing in Luke''s general direction. "Hann er ¨ª trj¨¢num!"

    Luke didn''t wait. He dropped from the branch, landing softly on the forest floor, and sprinted away from the village. His enhanced AGI and VIT stats allowed him to move quickly and endure the strain, but the adventurers were fast¡ªand angry.

    The tank and the warrior chased after him, their heavy armor slowing them slightly but not enough to give Luke a comfortable lead. He could hear their shouts and the clanking of their armor as they closed in.

    "Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit!" Luke muttered to himself, his heart pounding. "Move your legs, Lok, faster."

    He zigzagged through the trees, using the dense foliage to his advantage. His Sneak and Hide skills made it harder for the adventurers to track him, but he knew he couldn''t rely on them forever. He needed to lose his pursuers¡ªfast.

    As he ran, Luke''s mind raced with plans. "If I can lead them far enough away from the village, I can double back and lose them in the forest. But if they catch me¡­"

    He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. "No. I can''t let that happen."

    The adventurers were relentless, their determination fueled by anger and a desire for revenge. Luke could feel the distance between them shrinking. He needed a distraction¡ªsomething to slow them down.

    Luke sprinted through the forest, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. The warrior and the tank were close behind, their heavy footsteps and angry shouts echoing through the trees. Luke''s sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for a way to lose his pursuers.

    Then he saw it¡ªa cave in the distance, its entrance guarded by a pack of sleeping wolves. A plan formed in his mind, risky but potentially effective. He veered left, heading straight for the cave. As he approached, he ducked behind a tree and climbed up into the branches, positioning himself between the wolves and the adventurers.

    He nocked an arrow, his hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He aimed at one of the wolves and released the arrow, striking it in the side. The wolf yelped, waking the rest of the pack. Luke quickly activated his Sneak and Hide skills, blending into the shadows as the wolves surged forward.

    The adventurers, still chasing Luke, stumbled into the clearing just as the wolves emerged from the cave. The two groups locked eyes, and chaos erupted. The wolves, enraged and territorial, attacked the adventurers with ferocity. The warrior and the tank fought back, their weapons flashing in the dim light.

    Luke watched from his hiding spot, his heart pounding. The battle was brutal. The adventurers were skilled, but the wolves were relentless. Both sides suffered heavy injuries, and it soon became clear that neither would emerge unscathed.

    As the fight raged on, Luke noticed movement at the cave entrance. Wolf pups poked their heads out, their small whimpers barely audible over the sounds of battle. Luke''s chest tightened as he realized the implications. The wolves were defending their den¡ªand their young.

    The battle dragged on, and eventually, the wolves emerged victorious¡ªbut at a great cost. Only one wolf remained standing, heavily injured and barely able to stay on its feet. The adventurers lay on the ground, the warrior unconscious and the tank bleeding heavily.

    Luke hesitated, his mind racing. He knew he couldn''t leave the adventurers alive. If even one survived, they would report the goblin village''s location, and more humans would come. He also couldn''t leave the wolf pups to fend for themselves.

    He climbed down from the tree and approached the dying wolf. It looked at him with tired eyes, its breathing labored. With its last bit of strength, it nudged the pups toward Luke, a silent plea in its gaze.

    Luke knelt beside the wolf, his voice soft. "I''m sorry. I promise I''ll take care of them."

    The wolf let out a final breath, its body going still. Luke gently gathered the four wolf pups in his arms, their small bodies trembling against his chest. He stood and turned to the adventurers.

    The tank was still alive, though barely. His breathing was shallow, and his eyes were glazed with pain. Luke''s hands trembled as he set the pups down and drew an arrow from his quiver. He hesitated, his mind flashing back to the countless manga he''d read where the protagonist spared their enemy, only for them to return for revenge.

    "I can''t take that risk," Luke muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not with the village at stake."

    He stepped forward and drove the arrow into the tank''s chest, ending his life. The warrior, already unconscious, met the same fate. Luke''s hands shook as he pulled the arrow free, his stomach churning.

    "This¡­ this is my first time killing actual people," he said, his voice trembling. "But I had to. For the village."

    He wiped the blood from his hands and picked up the wolf pups, cradling them gently. As he walked away from the scene, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions¡ªguilt, relief, and determination.

    "I''ll take care of you," he whispered to the pups. "You''re part of the village now."

 Chapter 11

    The support adventurer, Solus, ran through the forest, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The arrow in his back burned with every step, the pain radiating through his body. Tears streamed down his face as he stumbled forward, his mind a whirlwind of fear and guilt.

    "I have to let everyone know," he muttered, his voice trembling. "Ronald and Cray¡­ they might already be dead. No one knew a goblin could be that smart. If a normal goblin is that cunning, what will the others be like? I have to warn the guild."

    He glanced over his shoulder, his heart pounding as he saw movement in the trees. Goblins¡ªdozens of them¡ªwere on his tail, their bows drawn and arrows flying past him. Solus panicked, his legs moving faster despite the pain.

    "I''m sorry, Serlina," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I''m sorry I couldn''t save you."

    An arrow whizzed past his ear, and Solus stumbled, his vision blurring. The pain from his wound was overwhelming, and his consciousness began to fade. He collapsed to the ground, his body too weak to continue.

    The goblins surrounded him, their yellow eyes gleaming with curiosity and malice. Zog stepped forward, his club raised, ready to finish the job. But an elder goblin, his face wrinkled with age and wisdom, stopped him with a sharp gesture.

    "No kill," the elder said, his voice firm. "Take prisoner. Smart Lok¡­ might use him."

    Zog hesitated, his grip tightening on his club. "But¡­ human bad. Human hurt goblins."

    The elder shook his head. "Lok smart. Lok and chief decide. We take human to village."

    Zog grunted, reluctantly lowering his weapon. The other goblins nodded, their expressions a mix of confusion and respect for the elder''s authority. They bound Solus''s hands and feet with vines, then hoisted him onto a makeshift stretcher.

    As they carried him back to the village, the elder goblin smiled to himself. "Lok¡­ clever. Lok make village strong. This human¡­ maybe help."

    Luke arrived at the village gate, the wolf pups cradled in his arms. The guards stared at him, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. The other goblins gathered around, their yellow eyes fixed on the small, trembling creatures.

    "Lok¡­ what this?" one of the guards asked, pointing at the pups.

    Luke didn''t answer immediately. He walked straight to the chief''s hut, his mind racing. The chief was seated on his throne, his sharp eyes narrowing as Luke entered.

    "Lok," the chief said, his deep voice carrying a tone of authority. "Why you bring enemy''s kids?"

    Luke felt the weight of the chief''s gaze, the pressure almost tangible. The wolf pups, sensing the tension, buried their heads in Luke''s chest, their small bodies trembling. Luke took a deep breath, his mind scrambling for an explanation.

    "Shit," he thought. "I hadn''t thought of an excuse for these pups."

    He straightened his back, meeting the chief''s gaze. "Chief, if we raise these wolves to be our own, our village will be stronger. If they grow up recognizing and knowing our village as family, they will fight for us. And when they reproduce, they''ll give us even more power."

    The chief leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Luke''s. The silence in the hut was deafening, the weight of the chief''s scrutiny pressing down on Luke. He could feel the chief''s skepticism, the unspoken question hanging in the air: How can we trust the pups of our enemies?

    The chief finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "What if¡­ they grow up and attack village?"

    Luke swallowed hard, his mind racing. He knew he had to make a convincing argument¡ªone that would satisfy the chief and the rest of the village. He took a step forward, his voice steady despite the pressure.

    "Then, Chief," Luke said, his tone firm, "you can have my head. I hope my death will be enough to atone for my mistakes."

    The chief''s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. He leaned back on his throne, his massive frame casting a shadow over Luke. The silence stretched on, the tension in the hut almost unbearable.

    Finally, the chief let out a deep sigh, his frustration evident. "Fine. You keep pups¡­ for now. But they leashed. You watch them. You responsible."

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    Luke nodded, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Chief. I won''t let you down."

    The chief held up a hand, his expression stern. "I observe. If village like pups¡­ they family. If not¡­ they die."

    Luke''s relief was tempered by the chief''s words. He knew this was a conditional acceptance¡ªone that came with a heavy burden. He looked down at the wolf pups, their small bodies still trembling in his arms.

    "I''ll make sure they become part of the village," Luke said, his voice filled with determination. "You''ll see."

    The chief nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Go. Rest. Tomorrow¡­ more work."

    Luke left the hut, the wolf pups still cradled in his arms. The other goblins watched him as he walked through the village, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. Luke ignored their stares, his mind already racing with plans.

    "Alright, little ones," he muttered to the pups. "Let''s find you a place to stay. Although, it''ll be hard for you to trust the village."

    Luke stepped out of the chief''s hut, the wolf pups still cradled in his arms. As he walked through the village, he noticed something was off. The usual bustling activity had diminished, and fewer goblins were around. His sharp eyes scanned the area, and he spotted a nearby goblin staring at the pups with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

    "Where''s everyone?" Luke asked, his voice tinged with concern.

    The goblin blinked, then pointed toward the forest. "Grut say¡­ humans. Others attack human party."

    Luke''s heart skipped a beat. "What?!"

    He had completely forgotten about the goblin reinforcements. If the support adventurer had survived and the goblins chased him too far, they might stumble upon a human town or settlement. The consequences would be catastrophic¡ªmore adventurers, stronger enemies, and the potential destruction of the village.

    "Shit, shit, shit!" Luke muttered under his breath, his mind racing. He quickly leashed the four wolf pups to a post near the wall, securing them with sturdy vines. He turned to the nearby goblin, his tone urgent.

    "Don''t let the kids near them," Luke said, pointing at the pups. "I have some use for them, so don''t kill them. Understand?"

    The goblin nodded, though his expression was still wary. "Lok say¡­ no kill. Goblins listen."

    Luke didn''t have time to explain further. He sprinted toward the village gate, his sharp eyes scanning the forest for any sign of the hunting party. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more alarming than the last.

    "If they''ve gone too far, if they''ve been seen¡­ this could be the end of the village," Luke thought, his chest tightening with panic. "I have to stop them."

    As he reached the gate, he activated his Scan Enemy skill, the holographic wave spreading out to detect any nearby threats. He didn''t see anything immediately, but he knew the goblins could be miles away by now.

    "Damn it," Luke muttered, his hands clenching into fists. "I should''ve been clearer. I should''ve told them to stay close."

    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Panicking wouldn''t help. He needed a plan¡ªand fast.

    Luke sprinted through the forest, his heart pounding as he followed the trail of the goblin hunting party. His mind raced with worst-case scenarios¡ªwhat if the goblins had been spotted by humans? What if they had led an enemy force back to the village? The thought made him run faster, his sharp eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger.

    But as he neared the general location where he had encountered the adventurer party, he stopped in his tracks. In the distance, he saw dozens of goblins walking toward him, their voices raised in a guttural chant of victory. They were dragging something¡ªor someone¡ªbehind them.

    Luke''s confusion grew as he approached. "Uhhh¡­ what?"

    The goblins noticed him and cheered, their excitement palpable. Krug, the elder goblin, stepped forward, his wrinkled face breaking into a grin. "Lok! We bring human. And¡­ dead mage."

    Luke''s eyes widened as he saw Solus, the support adventurer, bound and unconscious, being dragged by two goblins. Behind them, Rok carried Serlina''s lifeless body and her staff, looking unsure of what to do with it.

    Krug gestured to Solus. "Human hostage. Krug think¡­ Lok have use for it. If not¡­ we kill."

    Luke nodded, his mind already working through the possibilities. "No, you''re right. I do have a use for him. I''ll question him for information. As for the mage¡­" He glanced at Serlina''s body, his expression somber. "Just burn her body. And give the staff to the chief."

    Krug nodded, barking orders to the other goblins. They quickly set to work, preparing a pyre for Serlina''s body while Rok carried the staff toward the village. Luke watched for a moment, his thoughts a whirlwind of plans and concerns.

    When they returned to the village, Luke was surprised to see the kids playing with the wolf pups. The pups, now more comfortable, were chasing the goblin children around, their tails wagging. The goblin who was supposed to guard them looked frazzled, trying to keep the kids and pups under control.

    "Lok!" the goblin guard called out, relief in his voice. "Kids¡­ too much!"

    Luke chuckled, tying the pups to a post again and feeding them some smoked boar meat. "It''s fine. Let them play for now."

    As he worked, he noticed the chief standing on his porch, leaning against the railing and observing the scene. The chief''s sharp eyes flicked to Luke, then to the bound human being dragged into the village.

    "Lok," the chief said, his voice low. "Why you bring human?"

    Luke walked over, his expression serious. "I''m going to ask him for information. If there''s a human city or village nearby, we need to know. We can''t afford to be caught off guard."

    The chief tilted his head, his brow furrowing. "You¡­ talk human?"

    Luke hesitated, realizing he hadn''t thought this through. "Uh¡­ no. I can''t understand them. But I''ll try to extract as much information as I can. Even if it''s just gestures or drawings."

    The chief grunted, his expression skeptical but not dismissive. "If human town nearby¡­ what Lok do?"

    Luke''s eyes hardened. "If there''s a human settlement close by, we''ll reinforce our defenses. We''ll prepare for the worst. But first, I need to find out what he knows."

    The chief nodded slowly, his gaze shifting back to the wolf pups playing with the children. "Lok¡­ clever. But careful. Humans¡­ dangerous."

    Luke nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "I will be, Chief. I promise."

 Chapter 12

    Grut handed the staff to the chief, who examined it with a curious expression. The chief turned to Luke, holding up the staff. "This¡­ human''s staff. You have use for it?"

    Luke shook his head. "Not really. I thought you might find it useful, Chief."

    The chief grunted, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied the staff. He turned and walked back into his hut, the staff in hand, muttering to himself. Luke watched him go, wondering what the chief was thinking.

    Grut approached Luke, his expression eager. "Lok, we hunt again?"

    Luke hesitated, then shook his head. "Not for now. We can''t be too sure if there are more adventurers out there. If you do hunt, don''t go too far from the village. Stay close, and be careful."

    Grut nodded, his enthusiasm undiminished. "Grut understand. Stay close. Be careful."

    The trio¡ªGrut, Rok, and Zog¡ªwalked over to the campfire, where they began eating smoked meat. Luke stayed behind, watching the wolf pups as they ate. He crouched down, gently petting one of the pups, his mind wandering.

    He decided to check his stats, opening the system panel. His eyes widened as he saw the changes.

    **[Name: Luke "Lok" Rodriguez

    Age: 7

    Species: Goblin

    Evolutionary Path: Locked (Required: Level 20)

    Level: 12

    Tech Points: 393

    Skills:

    Blueprint Creation and Analysis

    Scrap Salvage

    Crafting

    ... (See list for details)

    Attributes:

    STR - 6

    AGI - 7

    PER - 7

    VIT - 8

    RES - 6

    INT - 6

    MAG - 6

    Attribute Points: 24]**

    Luke''s jaw dropped. "System, how come I jumped from Level 4 to 15?"

    [Host, you had been hunting for hours.]

    "Hunting animals never gave that much EXP, though," Luke said, frowning.

    [Killing species other than your own also gives EXP. The adventuring party, however, gave you the most EXP.]

    Luke blinked, processing the information. "Ahh¡­ so killing humans gives EXP too. That''s¡­ weird to think about. I was a human, after all. But I guess it''s clear now¡ªI''m a goblin. I can''t return to my old life."

    He sighed, leaning back against the wall. The realization was bittersweet, but he knew he had to accept it. This was his reality now, and he had to make the best of it.

    "Alright," Luke muttered. "Let''s assign these new attribute points."

    He started by adding 4 points to his MAG stat, raising it from 6 to 10. As soon as he confirmed the change, a stronger surge of energy flowed through him. He blinked, noticing tiny dots of glowing blue particles floating around him.

    "What are those?" Luke asked, his voice filled with awe. "Is that mana? Damn, that''s so cool. Is that what they look like?"

    He grinned, marveling at the sight. Then he continued assigning points:

    +4 to STR: Raising it from 6 to 10. His muscles felt denser, stronger.

    +3 to AGI: Raising it from 7 to 10. His movements felt quicker, more fluid.

    +3 to PER: Raising it from 7 to 10. His senses sharpened further, the world around him becoming clearer.

    +4 to RES: Raising it from 6 to 10. His body felt more resilient, as if he could endure more punishment.

    +2 to VIT: Raising it from 8 to 10. His stamina increased, his breathing steady and strong.

    +4 to INT: Raising it from 6 to 10. His mind felt sharper, ideas and strategies flowing more easily.

    As he added the points, he felt the changes take effect, his body and mind growing stronger with each adjustment. When he was done, he leaned back, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

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    [Updated Attributes:

    STR - 10

    AGI - 10

    PER - 10

    VIT - 10

    RES - 10

    INT - 10

    MAG - 10

    Attribute Points: 4]

    "Not bad, that''s what I call, perfect 10" Luke said, grinning.

    Luke leaned against the wall, admiring his newly balanced stats. The glowing blue particles of mana still floated around him, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. He was stronger, faster, and more resilient than ever before. But just as he was about to bask in his accomplishment, a familiar¡ªand far less pleasant¡ªsensation hit him.

    A pungent smell assaulted his heightened senses, stronger and more overwhelming than before. His stomach churned, and before he could stop himself, he doubled over and vomited.

    "Ahh¡­ what the hell?" Luke groaned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked around, his sharpened PER stat making it easy to pinpoint the source of the smell. In the distance, he saw another pile of goblin feces, its texture and odor now painfully clear to him.

    "Ugh¡­ this is disgusting," Luke muttered, his face pale. "How do they live like this?"

    Another goblin, noticing Luke''s distress, approached him. "Lok¡­ okay?" the goblin asked, its voice filled with concern.

    Luke pointed at the feces, his expression a mix of disgust and frustration. "That! That''s what''s wrong! It smells disgusting!"

    The goblin tilted its head, clearly confused. "What wrong with it? Normal."

    Luke stared at the goblin, his stomach churning again. "Normal? How is this normal?!"

    The goblin shrugged, its expression blank. "Goblins¡­ go where they need. Normal."

    Luke groaned, his head spinning. He had underestimated just how different the goblins'' sense of hygiene was from his own. His heightened senses made the smell unbearable, and he vomited again, his body rejecting the foul odor.

    "This¡­ this is a nightmare," Luke muttered, clutching his stomach. "I can''t live like this. I need to fix this. Now."

    He straightened up, his determination overriding his nausea. "Alright, Lok," he said to himself. "Time to introduce the concept of toilets to these guys. Whether they like it or not."

    Luke stood at the edge of the village, near the branch wall he''d helped build weeks ago. The wall was crude but functional, a testament to the goblins'' collective effort¡ªand his own stubborn determination. He crouched in the dirt, tracing a large square with a sharpened stick. The ground here was soft, perfect for what he had in mind.

    Grut wandered over, his oversized ears twitching as he watched Luke work. The goblin''s loincloth was stained with mud, and his claws were caked with dirt from whatever task he''d been doing earlier. "Lok," he grunted, tilting his head. "What this?"

    Luke didn''t look up. "A latrine. A place to¡­ you know, do your business."

    Grut blinked, his brow furrowing. "Why need place? Ground everywhere."

    Luke sighed, stabbing the stick into the dirt to mark the boundary. "Because it''s cleaner. Keeps the village from smelling like a dung heap."

    Grut sniffed the air, then shrugged. "Smell like home."

    "Yeah, well, home could smell better," Luke muttered, standing up and brushing dirt off his hands. He grabbed a crude shovel¡ªa flat piece of wood lashed to a stick¡ªand started digging. The soil came loose easily at first, but it wasn''t long before he hit rocks. His arms burned with the effort, but he kept going.

    Zog, the scrawny goblin who''d taken a liking to Luke''s strange ideas, trotted over. "Lok dig hole? Zog help!"

    Before Luke could respond, Zog grabbed another shovel and started digging with surprising enthusiasm. A few other goblins, drawn by the commotion, wandered over to watch. They chattered among themselves in their guttural language, pointing at the growing pile of dirt and the sharpened sticks marking the square.

    Luke ignored them for now, focusing on the task at hand. The pit was already knee-deep, but it needed to be deeper. Much deeper. He wiped sweat from his brow and kept digging, his muscles protesting with every shovelful.

    Grut leaned on his spear, watching with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Lok make many strange things. This...hole. Why?"

    Luke paused, leaning on the shovel. "Because it''s better this way. Cleaner. Healthier. You''ll see."

    Grut grunted, clearly unconvinced, but he didn''t argue. Instead, he grabbed a shovel and started helping. Soon, a small crew of goblins was working alongside Luke, their shovels biting into the earth in a ragged rhythm. The pit grew deeper, the walls more uneven, but it was progress.

    As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the village, Luke stepped back to assess their work. The pit was deep enough now, but the walls needed reinforcement. He grabbed a few branches of wood and began fashioning a simple ladder, explaining to the goblins how it would help them climb in and out.

    "Why climb?" Grut asked, scratching his chin. "Why not jump?"

    Luke groaned. "Because you''ll break your legs, that''s why."

    Grut shrugged, clearly unconvinced, but he didn''t argue. Instead, he helped Luke reinforce the pit walls with more wood, hammering them into place with a rock. The goblins worked with a kind of chaotic efficiency, their movements clumsy but earnest. Luke couldn''t help but smile. For all their quirks, they were trying.

    Zog, covered in dirt from head to toe, grinned up at Luke. "Lok smart. Make village better."

    Luke ruffled the goblin''s hair¡ªor what passed for hair¡ªand smiled. "Thanks, Zog."

    As the latrine took shape, Luke felt a flicker of pride. It wasn''t much, but it was a step forward. A small, smelly step, but a step nonetheless. The goblins might not understand why he was doing this, but they trusted him.

    Luke then put the finishing touches on the latrine. He laid sturdy branches across the pit, creating a solid floor that wouldn''t collapse under weight. It wasn''t pretty, but it was functional. Next, he built a simple hut around it using more branches and woven leaves for a roof. He even fashioned a crude door from a few planks of wood, giving the structure a semblance of privacy.

    "There," he muttered, stepping back to admire his work. "Not exactly a five-star bathroom, but it''ll do."

    The goblins gathered around, poking and prodding at the new structure. Grut, his green skin glistening with sweat from the day''s work, tugged on the door, which swung open with a creak. "Lok make tiny hut. Why?"

    Luke sighed, though he couldn''t help but smile. "It''s for privacy. So you can¡­ you know, do your business without everyone watching."

    Grut scratched his head, clearly not understanding the concept of privacy, but he nodded anyway. "Lok smart. Make village better."

    Zog, ever the enthusiastic one, darted inside the hut and slammed the door shut. A moment later, he emerged, grinning from ear to ear. "Zog like! Smell better than old spot!"

    Luke chuckled, shaking his head. "Glad you approve."

    As the goblins took turns inspecting the latrine, a familiar holographic screen flickered into view before Luke''s eyes. The system''s cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

    [You have constructed a Functional Custom Blueprint: Simple Toilet]

    [Rewards: 75 Tech Points]

    Luke smirked. "Seventy-five points for a toilet. Not bad."

    He dismissed the notification, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. It wasn''t a flashy reward, but it was progress. Every improvement, no matter how small, brought him closer to his goal of making the village safer and more sustainable.

    The goblins, now thoroughly impressed with the new latrine, began to disperse, chattering excitedly among themselves.

 Chapter 13

    Later that night, the village was quieter than usual, the usual cacophony of goblin chatter replaced by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant hoot of an owl. Luke sat near the newly constructed latrine, watching as more and more goblins wandered over to use it. It was a strange sight, seeing them line up¡ªsome curious, others hesitant¡ªbut they were slowly getting the hang of it.

    The latrine had already made a difference. Instead of feces scattered haphazardly around the village, the mess was now centralized. It wasn''t perfect¡ªsome goblins still squatted wherever they pleased¡ªbut it was a start. Progress, however small, was still progress.

    As each goblin finished their business, a faint ping echoed in Luke''s mind, followed by a holographic notification:

    [A goblin used the toilet. You earned 0.5 Tech Points.]

    At first, it was satisfying. Each notification was a tiny reward, a reminder that his efforts were paying off. But as the night wore on, the constant pinging became grating. By the tenth notification, Luke''s patience was wearing thin. He clenched his fists, his claws digging into his palms, and whispered under his breath, "Can you turn off the notifications for that?"

    The system responded immediately, its voice calm and mechanical.

    [Certainly, Host.]

    "Thank you," Luke muttered, rubbing his temples. The silence that followed was a relief, but it didn''t last long. His mind was already racing, planning the next project.

    The goblins'' huts were barely functional¡ªlittle more than piles of branches and leaves propped up against each other. They offered some shelter from the elements, but not much. If the village was going to survive the coming seasons, they needed proper structures. And for that, they needed better tools.

    Luke sighed, leaning back against a tree. The goblins'' current tools were a mishmash of stolen weapons and scavenged scraps. They had nothing suitable for cutting down trees or shaping logs. To build anything substantial, they''d need an iron axe. And to make an iron axe, they''d need a furnace. And to build a furnace, they''d need clay.

    His thoughts turned to the small cave near the village where the goblins fetched their water. He''d found a moderate deposit of iron ore there, along with some coal. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. If they could mine enough iron and coal, he could design a furnace. But without clay, the furnace would be impossible to build.

    Clay. It was the most important resource for early industrialization, and yet it was the one thing they didn''t have. Luke frowned, staring at the ground beneath his feet. If he used his Resource Detection skill, he might be able to locate a clay deposit nearby. But even if he found one, digging it up would be another problem entirely.

    "If only there was a river nearby," he muttered to himself. "Clay''s always easier to find near water."

    But there was no river, at least not one he''d discovered yet. That left him with only one option: digging. The thought made his shoulders sag. Digging for clay would be backbreaking work, especially with the crude tools they had. But what choice did he have?

    For now, though, he pushed the thought aside. The night was quiet, the village peaceful. It was a rare moment of rest, and he intended to enjoy it. He leaned his head back against the tree, closing his eyes, as the night deepened, the village grew quieter, the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant hoot of an owl breaking the silence. Luke was still leaning against the tree, his mind drifting between exhaustion and the endless list of tasks ahead, when a goblin approached. It was Rok, one of the younger goblins, his oversized ears twitching nervously.

    "Lok," Rok said, his voice a low grunt. "Human awake."

    Luke''s eyes snapped open. He''d almost forgotten about the prisoner. With a sigh, he pushed himself to his feet, his muscles protesting the movement. "Alright. Take me to him."

    Rok led the way, weaving through the village toward a small hut on the outskirts. It was heavily guarded, with a half-dozen goblins standing watch, their spears clutched tightly in their claws. Luke nodded to them as he approached, and they stepped aside to let him pass.

    Inside the hut, the human prisoner¡ªSolus¡ªwas sitting upright, his back against the wall. His hands and feet were bound tightly with vines, and his eyes widened in terror as Luke entered. The man began speaking rapidly, his words a jumble of sounds that made no sense to Luke.

    "Calm down," Luke said, raising his hands in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. But the man kept babbling, his voice rising in pitch. Luke frowned. "I can''t understand you."

    He turned his attention inward, addressing the system. System, are there any available skills to understand his language?

    The system''s response was immediate.

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    [I can scan his native language if you place your hand on him.]

    Luke hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer to the prisoner. Solus flinched, his eyes darting around the hut as if searching for an escape. "Relax," Luke said, though he doubted the man could understand him. "I''m not going to hurt you."

    He reached out and placed a hand on Solus''s shoulder. The man stiffened, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. A moment later, a holographic wave emanated from Luke''s hand, scanning the prisoner from head to toe. Solus''s eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, the system displayed a new notification:

    [Skill: Native Language Vhalterra: Diomanum Dialect

    Cost: 120 Tech Points

    Purchase | Decline]

    Luke''s eyes widened. What? How come it''s so expensive?

    The system''s tone was almost mocking.

    [You can still decrypt his language on your own, if 120 Tech Points is too expensive for you.]

    Luke gritted his teeth, his frustration rising. He didn''t have time to learn a new language from scratch, not with everything else he had to do. "Fine," he muttered. "I''ll buy it."

    He tapped the Purchase option, and instantly, his mind was flooded with information. Words, phrases, grammar rules¡ªit was like a dam had burst, pouring a river of knowledge into his head. But unlike the last time he''d acquired a skill, the process wasn''t overwhelming. His increased INT stat seemed to help him process the information more smoothly.

    When the flood subsided, Luke blinked, his vision clearing. He looked at Solus, who was still staring at him with a mixture of fear and confusion. This time, though, the man''s words made sense.

    "Please," Solus was saying, his voice trembling. "Don''t kill me. I''ll do anything. Just let me go."

    Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I''m not going to kill you," he said, his words now fluent in the Diomanum dialect. "But you''re not going anywhere until I get some answers."

    Solus''s eyes widened further, his jaw dropping. "You¡ªyou speak Diomanum? How?"

    "That''s not important," Luke said, cutting him off. "What''s important is that you start talking. Who are you? Where are you from? And what were you doing near our village?"

    Solus hesitated, his hands trembling as he adjusted the vines binding his wrists. "My name is Solus. I''m a support adventurer from the town of Dioma. My party¡­ we were lost. We were supposed to head north of the Virmhan Dire Forest to join other adventurers for a quest. A quest to slay the dragon Lermullo. But we got separated, and¡­ we didn''t know where we were. We stumbled into this forest and¡­ well, you know the rest."

    Luke absorbed the information, his mind racing. A dragon. That explained why the party was so heavily armed. But it also meant trouble. If Solus''s group had been part of something that big, their disappearance wouldn''t go unnoticed. He frowned, his expression darkening as he processed the implications.

    Solus, meanwhile, couldn''t help but stare at Luke, his fear mingling with curiosity. "You''re¡­ too smart to be a goblin," he said hesitantly, his voice trembling. "Were you the one who shot Selina? The mage?"

    Luke''s eyes narrowed, and he leaned in closer, his voice low and dangerous. "I''m the one asking the questions here, human. Not you."

    Solus flinched, shrinking back against the wall. "I-I''m sorry. I didn''t mean¡ª"

    "You said you stumbled into this forest," Luke interrupted, his tone sharp. "Did you come across a river nearby?"

    The support adventurer hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. It wasn''t far from where the¡­ incident happened. Maybe a mile or two to the east."

    Luke''s lips curled into a faint smile. A river meant clay. And clay meant he could finally build the furnace he needed. But he kept his thoughts to himself, his expression neutral as he studied Solus.

    The human, however, couldn''t hold back his questions. "The others¡­ Ronald and Cray. Did they¡­?"

    Luke nodded, his voice cold but matter-of-fact. "They''re dead. It was for the security of the village. Any human warrior who saw a goblin near their town would''ve done the same."

    Solus''s face paled, and he looked away, his shoulders slumping in despair. "Am I going to die too?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

    Luke didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the hut, his gaze piercing. "Do you have a master? Someone who taught you magic?"

    Solus blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. He hesitated, his eyes darting around the hut as if searching for an escape. But with his hands and feet bound and no way to fight back, he had no choice but to answer. "Selina and I¡­ we were disciples of Magister Solmund. He''s a high-ranking mage at the Holmuia Mages Tower."

    Luke''s expression didn''t change, but his mind was working overtime. A mage tower. That meant resources, knowledge, and potentially powerful allies. But it also meant danger. If Solus and Selina were disciples of a magister, their deaths¡ªor disappearance¡ªwouldn''t go unnoticed. And if Solus ever made it back to civilization, he''d likely return with reinforcements. Or worse, a full-scale assault.

    Luke''s thoughts turned grim. Solus was already a risk. There was no way the human wouldn''t seek revenge, especially if he''d been close to Selina. And if he brought back a magister or an army of adventurers, the village wouldn''t stand a chance.

    For a moment, Luke considered his options. Killing Solus would be the simplest solution, but it wouldn''t erase the problem. The mage tower would still investigate, and the village would remain a target. Letting him go was out of the question¡ªSolus would undoubtedly return with a bigger catastrophe. That left only one viable option: keep him prisoner, at least for now, and use him for information.

    Luke straightened, his expression hardening. "You''re not going to die," he said finally, his voice firm. "But you''re not leaving either. Not until I say so."

    Solus looked up, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and relief. "What¡­ what are you going to do with me?"

    "That depends on you," Luke said, his tone icy. "Cooperate, and you''ll be treated fairly. Try anything stupid, and you''ll regret it."

    The human nodded quickly, his fear evident. "I''ll cooperate. I swear."

    Luke didn''t respond. Instead, he turned and left the hut, his mind already racing. Solus was a liability, but he was also a potential asset. If Luke could extract more information from him¡ªabout the mage tower, the adventurers, or even the dragon¡ªit might give the village a fighting chance.

    But for now, he had more pressing matters to attend to. The river Solus had mentioned was close. If he could find clay there, he could finally build the furnace and start producing better tools. And with better tools, the village might just stand a chance against whatever came next.

 Chapter 14

    Luke walked straight toward the chief''s hut, his mind still racing with thoughts of Solus, the dragon, and the mage tower. He pushed aside the heavy pelt curtain that served as a door and stepped inside. The chief was seated on his wooden throne¡ªa crude but imposing structure made of branches and bones. In his hands, he held Selina''s staff, turning it over thoughtfully as if trying to decipher its secrets.

    The chief looked up as Luke entered, his yellow eyes sharp and inquisitive. "Lok," he grunted, his voice deep and gravelly. "Human. What say?"

    Luke crossed his arms, his expression serious. "The human''s party got lost. They were supposed to go north, to the Virmhan Dire Forest. They were gathering with other adventurers to slay a dragon. Lermu¡­ something. I don''t remember the full name."

    The chief''s eyes widened for a moment, then he threw his head back and laughed¡ªa deep, rumbling sound that echoed through the hut. "Humans dangerous, yes. But stupid too. Lermullo, they try kill? Ha!"

    Luke frowned. "You know this dragon?"

    The chief nodded, still chuckling. "Lermullo. Dark dragon. Second strongest. Across all lands. Goblin ancestors say so. Humans lucky you catch them. If not, dragon eat them. Bones and all."

    Luke raised an eyebrow. "How do you know about this dragon?"

    The chief''s laughter faded, and he sighed heavily. He stood up from his throne, his movements slow and deliberate, and walked to the back of the hut. After a moment, he returned carrying an old, weathered scroll and a bone staff that radiated an eerie, unsettling energy. The staff was carved with intricate runes, and the air around it seemed to hum faintly.

    "Old chief," the goblin said, his voice tinged with reverence. "Dark shaman. Live long, long time. Too long to count. Me¡­ elite warrior. Serve shaman chief." He tugged at his pelt cape, pulling it aside to reveal the tribal tattoo on his back. The markings pulsed faintly, as if alive with some hidden power. "This mark. Gift from shaman chief. Make strong. Make leader."

    Luke stared at the tattoo, his curiosity piqued. "And the scroll? What''s that?"

    The chief unrolled the scroll carefully, revealing faded symbols and drawings that looked ancient. "Shaman chief say prophecy. One day, king come. Protect goblins. End slaughter by higher species. But¡­" He frowned, his brow furrowing. "Prophecy¡­ vague. Hard to understand."

    Luke nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "So, you think this king is supposed to save the goblins?"

    The chief shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. But humans¡­ they not so scary. Not if goblins believe."

    Luke hesitated, then decided to bring up the other pressing matter. "The human, Solus¡­ he''s a disciple of a high-ranking mage. A magister named Solmund, from the Holmuia Mages Tower. If we kill him, the mages might come looking for him. And if they find this place¡­"

    The chief interrupted with another laugh, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Humans outside not know. Think dragon eat them. Lermullo take blame. Not us." He paused, his expression turning serious. "But¡­ no kill human yet. Goblins need see humans not so scary. Need believe."

    Luke nodded, understanding the chief''s reasoning. "So, we keep him alive. For now."

    "Yes," the chief said, sitting back down on his throne.

    Luke nodded, understanding the chief''s reasoning. "So, we keep him alive. For now."

    "Yes," the chief said, sitting back down on his throne. He leaned back, his clawed fingers drumming against the armrest made of bone. His gaze lingered on Selina''s staff, still clutched in his hand, as if weighing its value¡ªor its danger.

    Luke hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "How about we make the human useful? A healer."

    The chief''s brow furrowed, his sharp teeth bared in a confused grimace. "Healer?"

    "Yes," Luke explained, switching to the goblin tongue so Solus wouldn''t understand. "Someone who can heal injuries. Like the wound you got from the alpha wolf. It still looks fresh. Why not let the human heal it? If he tries anything funny, you can just kill him."

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    The chief''s eyes narrowed as he considered the idea. He glanced down at the jagged scar running across his chest, a reminder of the alpha wolf''s ferocity. The wound had mostly closed, but it was still raw and inflamed. He grunted, his expression thoughtful.

    "Human heal?" the chief asked, his voice skeptical but curious. "You trust?"

    "Not trust," Luke said quickly, still speaking in the goblin language. "But we can control him. If he heals you, it proves he''s useful. If he doesn''t¡­ well, we get rid of him. Either way, we win."

    The chief leaned forward, his yellow eyes gleaming with interest. After a long moment, he nodded. "Bring human here. We see if worth keeping alive."

    Luke didn''t waste any time. He turned and left the hut, making his way back to the guarded hut where Solus was being held. The goblins standing watch nodded at him, stepping aside as he pushed open the door.

    Solus looked up, his face pale and sweaty. "What¡­ what''s happening? Are you going to kill me?"

    "Not yet," Luke said, his tone blunt. He switched to the human''s language, Diomanum, to ensure Solus understood. "You''re coming with me. The chief wants to see you."

    Solus''s eyes widened in panic. "The chief? What does he want with me?"

    "You''ll see," Luke said, grabbing the human by the arm and pulling him to his feet. "Just do what you''re told, and you might live through this."

    Solus stumbled as Luke led him out of the hut, his bound hands making it difficult to keep his balance. The goblins watching snickered, their sharp teeth glinting in the firelight. Luke ignored them, focusing on the task at hand.

    When they reached the chief''s hut, Luke pushed Solus inside. The human froze, his eyes darting around the dimly lit space before landing on the chief. The goblin leader sat on his throne, his imposing figure casting a long shadow. Selina''s staff was still in his hand, and his gaze was sharp and calculating.

    The chief spoke first, his voice low and gravelly. "Human. Lok say you heal. True?"

    Luke translated, keeping his tone neutral. "The chief wants to know if you can heal. Can you?"

    Solus blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I¡­ I''m a support adventurer. I know some healing magic, yes."

    Luke relayed the response to the chief in the goblin tongue. "He says he can heal."

    The chief leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Heal me. Or die."

    Luke turned back to Solus, his expression stern. "He wants you to heal him. If you don''t, or if you try anything funny, he''ll kill you."

    Solus swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbing. "I-I''ll try. But I need my hands free."

    Luke translated for the chief. "He needs his hands free to heal."

    The chief glanced at Luke, then nodded. "Untie him. But if he tries anything¡­"

    Luke didn''t need to translate the threat. The chief''s grin, sharp teeth glinting in the dim light, was enough. He stepped forward and cut the vines binding Solus''s hands. The human rubbed his wrists, his eyes darting nervously between Luke and the chief.

    "What¡­ what do you need me to heal?" Solus asked.

    Luke relayed the question to the chief, who stood up and pulled aside his pelt cape to reveal the jagged wound on his chest. The scar was still raw, the skin around it red and inflamed.

    "This. Heal," the chief said, his voice a low growl.

    Luke turned to Solus. "He wants you to heal his wound. Do it."

    Solus hesitated, then nodded. He raised his hands, muttering under his breath as a faint glow began to emanate from his fingertips. The air around them seemed to hum with energy as the healing magic took effect. Slowly, the redness around the wound faded, and the scar began to close.

    The chief watched intently, his expression unreadable. When the healing was done, he poked at the scar, testing it. The skin was smooth and whole, as if the wound had never been there.

    "Hmph," the chief grunted, sitting back down. "Human useful. For now."

    Luke translated for Solus, his tone neutral. "The chief says you''re useful. For now."

    Solus let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping in relief. Luke, meanwhile, felt a flicker of satisfaction. The human had proven his worth, at least for the moment. But he knew this was only the beginning. Solus was still a risk, and the village''s survival depended on how they handled him.

    "Take him back," the chief said, waving a hand dismissively. "But watch close. No trust."

    Luke nodded, grabbing Solus by the arm again. "Come on. You''re not out of the woods yet."

    As they left the hut, Luke couldn''t help but feel the weight of the chief''s words. The human was useful, but he was also a potential threat. And in a world as dangerous as this, trust was a luxury they couldn''t afford.

    After leaving the chief''s hut, Luke made his way back to the guarded hut where Solus was being held. The human was sitting on the ground, his hands now free but his expression still tense. He looked up as Luke entered, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope.

    "Am I¡­ am I going to live?" Solus asked, his voice trembling.

    Luke crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Yes. For now. But only if you keep serving as a healer. If you try anything stupid, or if you stop being useful, that changes. Understand?"

    Solus nodded quickly, his shoulders slumping in relief. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I won''t let you down, I swear."

    Luke waved a hand dismissively, annoyed by the human''s gratitude. "Don''t thank me. Just do your job."

    He turned to leave, but as he stepped out of the hut, a thought struck him. Solus wasn''t just a healer¡ªhe was a disciple of a magister. That meant he had knowledge. Knowledge that could be useful.

    Luke paused, a wide creepy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. If he''s a disciple of a magister, maybe he can teach me the fundamentals about magic. The idea was tempting. Magic was a powerful tool, and if he could learn even a fraction of what Solus knew, it could give the village a significant advantage and if he teach it to the goblins, who knows what kind of force he''s playing with.

 Chapter 15

    The mountain range loomed ahead, its jagged peaks cutting into the dark, stormy sky. Lightning flashed intermittently, illuminating the dense forest at the foot of the mountains. The air was thick with tension, the kind that came before a battle¡ªor a slaughter.

    A column of knights marched steadily along the narrow mountain path, their silver armor gleaming faintly even under the overcast sky. Their blue capes, emblazoned with the crest of their order, fluttered in the wind. Beside them, a ragtag group of mercenaries and adventurers moved with less discipline but no less determination. They were a motley crew: warriors in heavy armor, archers with bows slung over their shoulders, mages clutching staves, and assassins cloaked in shadows. Each of them carried the weight of their own ambitions, their eyes fixed on the mountain and the beast that awaited them.

    "You think we''ll actually slay the dragon?" one of the mercenaries, a burly man with a spiked mace resting on his shoulder, asked his companion. His voice was loud, almost drowned out by the distant rumble of thunder. "If we do, I''m drowning myself in gold. Literally. I''ll fill a bathtub with coins and just sit in it."

    His companion, a wiry archer with a quiver full of arrows, snorted. "You''d need to survive first, Garrick. And from what I''ve heard, Lermullo doesn''t take kindly to visitors."

    Garrick grinned, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Then I''ll just have to introduce myself properly. With this." He hefted his mace, the spikes glinting ominously.

    Nearby, an A-rank assassin, clad in dark leather armor and a hood that obscured his face, scoffed. "You lot are wasting your breath. Knights, mercenaries, adventurers¡ªnone of you are needed. I could take down that damn lizard myself if they''d let me."

    A mage, her robes embroidered with intricate runes, rolled her eyes. "Spare us the bravado, Dax. We all know you''re just here for the glory. And the gold."

    Dax smirked, his voice dripping with confidence. "Glory, gold, call it what you want. At the end of the day, I''ll be the one walking away with both."

    The knights, meanwhile, remained silent, their expressions grim. They had no time for the mercenaries'' banter. Their mission was clear: slay the dragon Lermullo and secure the mountain pass. The mercenaries and adventurers were a necessary distraction, but the knights knew the real work would fall on their shoulders.

    One of the knights, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, turned to his commander. "Do you think they''ll hold up in a fight, sir? Or will they just get in the way?"

    The commander, an older man with a weathered face and eyes that had seen too much, didn''t answer immediately. He glanced at the mercenaries, his gaze lingering on the assassin and the mage. "They''re expendable. If they distract the dragon long enough for us to strike, they''ll have served their purpose."

    The knight nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. "Understood, sir."

    As the group continued their march, the forest began to thin, giving way to rocky terrain. The mountain path grew steeper, the air colder. Somewhere above, hidden by the storm clouds, Lermullo waited. The dragon''s presence was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on everyone''s shoulders. Even the most boastful of the mercenaries fell silent as they drew closer, their bravado replaced by a nervous energy.

    The storm above crackled with lightning, and for a moment, the mountain was illuminated in stark relief. At its peak, a dark shape moved¡ªa massive, coiled form that shifted slightly before disappearing into the shadows.

    The assassin, Dax, was the first to break the silence. "Well," he said, his voice quieter now, "this just got real."

    No one argued with him.

    The higher they climbed, the more intense the storm became. Lightning streaked across the sky, striking the rocky path with deafening cracks. Each flash illuminated the mountain in stark relief, casting long shadows that seemed to dance like specters. The mercenaries and adventurers, once boastful and loud, now moved with cautious steps, their eyes darting to the sky with every rumble of thunder.

    The knight commander, a grizzled veteran with a voice that carried over the storm, shouted to the group. "We''re near the top, lads! Ready your gear¡ªincantations, spells, potions! Remember the plan!"

    The adventurers nodded, their earlier bravado replaced by grim determination. The mercenaries checked their weapons, muttering prayers or curses under their breath. The knights, meanwhile, formed a tight defensive line, their shields raised and their eyes fixed on the cave entrance ahead.

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    The commander leaned in close to one of his captains, a tall knight with a scar running down his cheek. "Grab the spear. Quick. Don''t let the dragon see you."

    The captain nodded, his expression serious. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately crafted necklace. The pendant glowed faintly as he slipped it over his head. In an instant, his form shimmered and disappeared, invisible to the naked eye. The captain moved silently toward the cave, his mission clear.

    As the assault party reached the summit, a vast, rocky clearing came into view. The ground was scorched and cracked, as if the very earth had been ravaged by fire. At the far end of the clearing loomed the entrance to the dragon''s lair¡ªa massive cave that seemed to swallow the light. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and ash, and the oppressive weight of the dragon''s presence made it hard to breathe.

    "Where the hell is that dragon?" one of the mercenaries muttered, his voice barely audible over the storm. His grip tightened on his weapon as he scanned the sky.

    The knights formed a defensive line, their shields interlocking to create a wall of steel. Behind them, the adventurers prepared their spells and incantations, their hands glowing with magical energy. The A-rank tanks stepped forward, their massive energy shields flickering to life, ready to absorb whatever the dragon threw at them.

    Then, with a deafening roar that shook the mountain, the dragon appeared.

    From above, hidden by the storm clouds, Lermullo descended. His massive form was silhouetted against the lightning-streaked sky, his dark scales glistening like polished obsidian. His blue eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and the purple spikes along his back pulsed with energy. As he landed on the rocky ground, the impact sent tremors through the mountain, nearly knocking the assault party off their feet.

    The dragon''s wings spread wide, each flap sending gusts of wind that threatened to blow the knights and adventurers off the cliff. His spine began to glow, the purple light traveling from the base of his tail to the tip of his head. With a roar that echoed across the mountains, Lermullo unleashed a torrent of purple fire, laced with crackling lightning, directly at the assault party.

    "Tanks!" the commander shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Hold the line!"

    The knights at the front raised their shields, their energy-infused barriers flaring to life as they absorbed the brunt of the dragon''s attack. Behind them, the A-rank tanks reinforced the defense, their massive energy shields forming a protective dome over the group. The purple fire and lightning crashed against the shields, the force of the impact sending sparks flying in all directions.

    For a moment, it seemed like the shields would hold. But the dragon''s power was immense, and the strain on the tanks was evident. Sweat dripped down their faces as they struggled to maintain the barrier.

    "We can''t hold this forever!" one of the tanks shouted, his voice strained.

    The commander gritted his teeth, his eyes darting toward the cave entrance. "Hold it as long as you can!"

    When the dragon''s fiery onslaught finally ceased, the assault party seized the moment. The adventurer mages, their hands glowing with arcane energy, unleashed a barrage of spells. Bolts of fire, ice, and lightning streaked through the air, crashing against Lermullo''s dark scales in a dazzling display of power. But the dragon barely flinched, his massive form shrugging off the attacks as if they were nothing more than a nuisance.

    At the rear of the group, an A-rank mage hovered above the ground, her robes billowing in the wind. Her eyes glowed with an intense light as she chanted the final words of her incantation. The air around her crackled with energy, and when she thrust her hand forward, a massive stream of pure energy erupted from her palm, hurtling toward the dragon.

    The A-rank warrior, seeing the opening, bellowed to the melee fighters. "Charge! Now!"

    The warriors surged forward, their weapons raised and their battle cries echoing across the mountaintop. Swords, axes, and hammers swung at the dragon''s legs and tail, but Lermullo''s scales were like impenetrable armor. The blades bounced off harmlessly, and the dragon retaliated with a swipe of his massive claws. Warriors were sent flying, their bodies crashing against the rocky walls. Some were less fortunate, their shoulders or limbs severed by the dragon''s razor-sharp talons.

    The mages continued their assault, their spells lighting up the battlefield in a chaotic storm of energy and light. But despite their efforts, the dragon remained unharmed. His scales absorbed the magic, and his glowing blue eyes seemed almost amused by their futile attempts.

    The knight commander, standing at the center of the defensive line, watched the chaos unfold with a grim expression. He reached over his shoulder and unsheathed the massive sword strapped to his back. The blade gleamed with a faint, otherworldly light as he focused his energy into it. The air around him seemed to hum with power, and the other knights followed his lead, their own swords glowing as they channeled their strength.

    Lermullo''s eyes narrowed as he sensed the buildup of energy. His deep, rumbling voice echoed across the mountaintop, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present. "Oh, no. We have a strong one here."

    The knight commander didn''t respond. Instead, he raised his sword high, the energy coalescing into a blinding light. With a roar, he brought the blade down, unleashing a devastating wave of energy toward the dragon. The knights followed suit, their combined attack creating a massive surge of power that tore through the air, aimed directly at Lermullo.

    The dragon spread his wings, his spines glowing brighter as he prepared to counter. But even he seemed to hesitate for a moment, his glowing blue eyes narrowing as the knights'' attack closed in.

    The energy wave struck with a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves rippling through the mountain. Rocks and debris flew in all directions, and the assault party was forced to shield their eyes from the blinding light. When the dust settled, Lermullo stood unharmed, though his scales now bore faint scorch marks.

    The dragon let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Impressive. But not enough."

    The knight commander gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his sword. "We''re not done yet."

 Chapter 16

    The knights charged, their swords blazing with energy as they closed the distance to the dragon. The knight commander and his captains led the assault, their weapons glowing brighter and larger than those of the regular knights. With a synchronized roar, they swung their swords, the energy-infused blades slashing into Lermullo''s dark scales.

    For a moment, it seemed like their attacks had worked. The swords dug into the dragon''s scales, deeper than any previous strike. But the victory was short-lived. The blades only penetrated shallowly, unable to pierce through to the flesh beneath. Lermullo let out a low, rumbling chuckle, his glowing blue eyes narrowing with amusement.

    "Impressive," the dragon said, his voice dripping with mock praise. "But not enough."

    With a swift, almost casual motion, Lermullo swung his massive tail. The force of the blow sent the knights flying, their armored bodies crashing into the rocky ground. Some were less fortunate, their momentum carrying them over the edge of the cliff. Their screams echoed briefly before being swallowed by the storm.

    The knight commander and his captains, however, managed to dodge the tail strike. They rolled to their feet, their swords still glowing with energy. Without hesitation, they pressed the attack, their movements precise and relentless. But the dragon was toying with them.

    Lermullo''s smile widened as he effortlessly fended off their strikes. His massive claws moved with surprising speed, deflecting blades and swatting knights aside like insects. "Nice," he said, his tone almost playful. "But too obvious."

    With a sudden burst of speed, the dragon lunged forward, his massive palm slamming into one of the captains. The knight was sent flying, his armor crumpling under the force of the blow. Before anyone could react, Lermullo turned and struck another captain with his other hand. "Too slow," the dragon taunted, his voice booming over the chaos.

    The knight commander, his face contorted with rage, watched as his best warriors were tossed aside like ragdolls. His grip tightened on his sword, the energy around it flaring brighter than ever. "Enough!" he roared, charging at the dragon with everything he had.

    Lermullo turned to face him, his smile never wavering. "Ah, the leader. Let''s see what you''ve got."

    The commander''s sword came down in a blinding arc, the energy concentrated into a single, devastating strike. The dragon raised a claw to block, but the force of the attack sent a shockwave rippling through the air. For a moment, it seemed like the commander might actually break through.

    But Lermullo was no ordinary dragon. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected the blade, sending the commander skidding backward. The dragon''s spines glowed brighter, and his voice echoed across the mountaintop. "You''re strong, human. But strength alone won''t save you."

    The commander glared at the dragon, his chest heaving with exertion. Around him, the remaining knights and adventurers regrouped, their faces a mix of fear and determination. They had come this far, but the dragon''s power was beyond anything they had anticipated.

    Lermullo spread his wings, his massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield. "Shall we continue?" he asked, his tone almost polite.

    The knight commander raised his sword, his voice steady despite the odds. "We''re not done yet."

    The knight commander''s lips curled into a grim smile as he saw the knight captain emerge from the cave, clutching a spear that radiated an otherworldly energy. The weapon pulsed with power, its surface etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly. Without hesitation, the captain hurled the spear toward the commander, who caught it mid-air with practiced ease.

    The dragon, Lermullo, watched the exchange with an amused glint in his glowing blue eyes. He didn''t move to stop them, his massive form towering over the battlefield like a living mountain. "Oh," he rumbled, his deep voice carrying a hint of mockery. "I guess that makes sense. A weapon. A very good one at that."

    His gaze shifted to the captain, who was still invisible to the naked eye. The dragon''s smile widened, revealing rows of sharp, glistening teeth. "If you had dug deeper," Lermullo said, his tone almost conversational, "you would''ve found the Excalibur. Now that would''ve made me wary."

    The knight commander tightened his grip on the spear, the energy around it flaring brighter as it responded to his will. "Round two, lizard," he said, his voice steady and filled with determination.

    Lermullo chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that echoed across the mountaintop. "Well, let''s see if you''re as good as your first king, Arthesia. Not gonna lie, though¡ªI admired his skills."

    The fight began in earnest. The commander lunged forward, the spear streaking through the air like a bolt of lightning. Lermullo met him head-on, his massive claws clashing against the weapon with a force that sent shockwaves rippling through the ground. Each strike was met with a counter, the two combatants moving with a speed and precision that left the onlookers in awe.

    The knight captains, knights, and adventurers could only watch from the sidelines, their weapons lowered as they witnessed the duel unfold. The shockwaves from each clash forced them to shield their faces, the sheer power of the battle making it impossible to intervene.

    One of the A-rank warriors, a burly man with a spiked mace, stared at the fight with wide eyes. His heart swelled with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "Impressive," he muttered under his breath. "Very impressive." Then, to the bewilderment of those around him, he added, "Oohhh¡­ I just had an erection watching that."

    The other adventurers groaned or rolled their eyes, but their attention quickly returned to the battle. None of them noticed the assassin, Dax, sneaking around the edge of the battlefield. He moved like a shadow, his dark cloak blending seamlessly with the rocky terrain. His target was clear: the dragon''s reverse scale, a vulnerable spot hidden beneath the thick armor of his neck.

    Dax reached the cliff above the cave entrance, his movements silent and precise. He crouched low, his daggers gleaming in the dim light. The other adventurers finally noticed him and shouted warnings, their voices drowned out by the roar of the battle below.

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    "Dax, don''t!" one of the mages yelled, her voice frantic. "It''s suicide!"

    But the assassin either didn''t hear or didn''t care. With a burst of speed, he lunged from the cliff, his daggers aimed directly at the dragon''s reverse scale. For a moment, it seemed like he might actually succeed.

    Then, without even turning his head, Lermullo flicked his tail. The massive appendage struck Dax mid-air, sending him flying across the battlefield like a ragdoll. The assassin crashed into a pile of rocks, his daggers clattering to the ground.

    The dragon chuckled, his attention still focused on the knight commander. "Nice try," he said, his tone almost affectionate. "But you''ll need more than a sneak attack to take me down."

    The commander didn''t respond, his focus entirely on the battle. The spear in his hands blazed with energy, each strike forcing the dragon to take a step back. But Lermullo was far from defeated. His movements were fluid and precise, his glowing eyes never leaving his opponent.

    The duel raged on, the mountain itself seeming to tremble under the force of their clash. The onlookers could only watch in stunned silence, their hopes and fears hanging in the balance.

    The battle raged on, the knight commander''s movements growing slower and more labored as he expended the last of his energy reserves. His strikes, once blindingly fast and precise, now came with visible effort. The spear in his hands still blazed with energy, but even its power seemed to wane under the strain.

    The knights and captains watched with growing concern, their voices rising in alarm. "Commander, stop!" one of the captains shouted. "You''re going to kill yourself if you keep pushing like this!"

    But the commander didn''t listen. His focus was entirely on the dragon, his determination unshaken even as his body began to fail him. Lermullo, however, seemed almost relaxed, his massive form moving with an effortless grace as he deflected each strike.

    "I admire your tenacity, human," the dragon said, his deep voice carrying a note of genuine respect. "You really do have the blood of the first king flowing through your veins."

    The revelation sent a shockwave through the assault party. Gasps and murmurs erupted among the knights and adventurers, their eyes wide with disbelief. The commander himself froze for a moment, his mind reeling as memories of his mother''s dying words resurfaced.

    "You are the descendant of the first king, my son. Your blood carries his legacy. Never forget who you are."

    He had always known, deep down, that her words were true. But without proof or allies, he had never dared to claim his lineage. The kingdom''s political maneuvers and deceptions had made it impossible. To reveal his heritage would have been a death sentence.

    The commander''s grip tightened on the spear, his resolve hardening. "It would be an honor to die fighting a dragon," he roared, expending the last of his energy in a final, desperate attack.

    Lermullo smiled, his glowing blue eyes narrowing with amusement. "Hmm¡­ I guess the current royal family sent you to retrieve the artifact of the first king, didn''t they? To secure their position as the rightful rulers?"

    Before the commander could respond, the dragon''s tail whipped out in a blur of motion. The strike was too fast to see, too powerful to block. It slammed into the commander with devastating force, sending him flying across the battlefield. He crashed into a pile of rubble, the impact knocking the breath from his lungs.

    The onlookers cried out in alarm, but the commander struggled to his feet, his body battered and broken. "From the start," he muttered, his voice barely audible, "I didn''t stand a chance, huh?"

    Lermullo approached slowly, his massive form casting a shadow over the fallen commander. But instead of delivering a final blow, the dragon reached down and plucked the spear from the ground. He examined it for a moment, then muttered something under his breath¡ªan ancient incantation that made the spear''s runes glow brighter than ever.

    With a flick of his claw, the dragon sent the spear flying back to the commander''s hand. The weapon pulsed with newfound power, its energy resonating with the commander''s very being. The onlookers stared in stunned silence, their confusion mirrored by the commander himself.

    "What''s your name?" Lermullo asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

    The commander hesitated, then straightened as much as his injuries would allow. "Arthur," he said, his voice steady despite his condition. "My name is Arthur."

    The dragon''s eyes gleamed with something akin to approval. "Hmm¡­ Arthur Maglesia. Sounds like a fitting name for a king, don''t you think?"

    The commander''s eyes widened in shock. No one in the kingdom knew much about the first king''s lineage, let alone his family name. The revelation sent a jolt through him, his mind racing to process the implications.

    Lermullo turned and began to walk back toward his cave, his massive form moving with a deliberate slowness. "Go," he said over his shoulder, his voice carrying a weight of finality. "Claim what''s yours by right, by blood, and by name. I''ve awakened the spear''s full power. Only the blood of a Maglesia can wield it, and it is yours."

    The commander stared at the spear in his hands, its energy humming in harmony with his own. He looked up at the dragon, his expression a mix of awe and determination.

    "The next time you come here," Lermullo added, pausing at the entrance to his cave, "please knock."

    With that, the dragon disappeared into the darkness, leaving the assault party in stunned silence. The commander¡ªArthur¡ªstood amidst the rubble, the spear glowing brightly in his hands. The weight of his lineage, his destiny, and the dragon''s words settled heavily on his shoulders.

    With that, the dragon disappeared into the darkness, leaving the assault party in stunned silence. The commander¡ªArthur¡ªstood amidst the rubble, the spear glowing brightly in his hands. The weight of his lineage, his destiny, and the dragon''s words settled heavily on his shoulders.

    For a moment, the battlefield was eerily quiet, the only sound the distant rumble of thunder and the crackling energy of the spear. Then, one by one, the captains and knights stepped forward. They knelt before Arthur, their heads bowed in reverence. The gesture was unmistakable¡ªan acknowledgment of his right as the true king.

    The adventurers and mercenaries exchanged uncertain glances, their earlier bravado replaced by a mix of awe and hesitation. The A-rank tank, the burly warrior who had admired Arthur''s strength earlier, was the first among them to kneel. His massive frame lowered to the ground, his spiked mace resting at his side. "For the true king," he said, his voice gruff but sincere.

    One by one, the others followed. The mages, the archers, even the assassin Dax, who was still nursing his injuries from the dragon''s tail strike, knelt in acknowledgment. The battlefield, once filled with chaos and despair, was now a scene of quiet unity.

    Arthur stood at the center of it all, the spear''s light reflecting in his tear-filled eyes. He clutched the weapon tightly, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions¡ªgrief, pride, and determination. His voice trembled as he spoke, his words carrying the weight of a lifetime of struggle and sacrifice.

    "Mother," he whispered, his gaze fixed on the glowing spear. "I will achieve your dreams. This¡­ this is what you''ve been telling me in those bedtime stories, isn''t it? The legacy of the first king. The destiny you always believed was mine."

    The wind picked up, carrying his words into the stormy sky. Around him, the kneeling figures remained silent, their heads bowed in respect. Arthur took a deep breath, his tears mingling with the rain that had begun to fall. He raised the spear high, its light cutting through the darkness like a beacon.

    "For my mother," he said, his voice steady now, filled with resolve. "For the first king. And for the kingdom that is rightfully ours."

    The knights and adventurers rose to their feet, their faces filled with newfound determination. The A-rank tank stepped forward, his voice booming across the battlefield. "For the true king!"

    The others echoed the cry, their voices rising in unison. "For the true king!"

 Chapter 17

    As the last echoes of the assault party''s footsteps faded into the distance, Lermullo let out a low, rumbling chuckle. The sound reverberated through the cavern, mingling with the clinking of gold coins as he shifted his massive form. His glowing blue eyes narrowed with amusement, and his lips curled into a sly, toothy grin.

    "Humans," he muttered to himself, his voice dripping with mockery. "So easy to deceive. So eager to believe in their own importance."

    He stretched his wings, the motion sending a cascade of treasures sliding down the mountain of gold he lounged upon. The spear Arthur now carried¡ªthe so-called "artifact of the first king"¡ªwas nothing more than a trinket he''d scavenged centuries ago. A relic from an ancient dwarven kingdom, one of many treasures he''d claimed after they''d foolishly tried to pissed him off. The dwarves had been skilled craftsmen, but their pride had been their downfall.

    "Let them think it''s some legendary weapon," he said, his laughter growing louder. "It''ll keep them off my back for a while. Maybe even long enough for me to get a proper nap."

    He yawned, his massive jaws stretching wide as he settled deeper into his hoard. The mountain of gold shifted around him, coins and jewels spilling over his scales as he buried himself beneath the glittering pile. The weight of his treasures pressed against him, a comforting reminder of his power and dominance.

    As he closed his eyes, his mind drifted back to a memory from a century ago. A young man, barely more than a brat, had come to his lair seeking a weapon. Arthesia, he''d called himself. The name had meant nothing to Lermullo at the time, but the boy''s determination had been amusing. He''d handed over the same spear, more out of curiosity than anything else. To his surprise, the brat had actually used it to fend off an invasion from a neighboring kingdom.

    "Arthesia," Lermullo murmured, his voice tinged with a rare note of respect. "Now there was a human worth sparring with. Shame he didn''t live longer."

    The dragon''s smile widened as he recalled their brief but intense battles. Arthesia had been strong, clever, and just arrogant enough to be entertaining. A worthy opponent, if only for a short time.

    "Ah, well," Lermullo said, his voice growing drowsy. "Maybe this Arthur brat will be just as fun. If he survives long enough to come back, that is."

    With that, the dragon closed his eyes, his massive form sinking deeper into the mountain of gold. The cavern fell silent, save for the occasional clink of coins as Lermullo''s breathing slowed. Soon, the only sound was the steady rhythm of his snores, echoing through the darkness.

    ---------

    The young nobleman''s chamber was a scene of chaos. Fine furniture lay overturned, shattered glass and broken wood scattered across the floor. The nobleman himself stood in the center of the room, his chest heaving with rage, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. His face, usually composed and calculating, was twisted with fury.

    "The spear was supposed to be mine!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "It was supposed to secure my position as the next successor! How dare that upstart commander claim it for himself!"

    A messenger cowered near the door, his face pale and his hands trembling as he clutched a crumpled piece of parchment. "M-my lord," he stammered, "the cities and towns¡­ they''ve already begun siding with him. They''re calling him the true king, the descendant of Arthesia. The ruling nobles¡­ many of them have been killed."

    The nobleman''s eyes burned with a dangerous intensity. He strode over to the messenger, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him off the ground. "And what of the king? What is that old fool doing about this?"

    The messenger choked out a reply. "H-he''s rallying the troops, my lord. But the rebellion is spreading too quickly. The people¡­ they believe in Arthur."

    The nobleman threw the messenger to the ground, his mind racing. He paced the room, his thoughts a whirlwind of anger and desperation. "This cannot stand," he muttered to himself. "I will not let some lowborn knight steal what is rightfully mine. If the king cannot handle this, then perhaps it''s time for a new ruler to take the throne."

    --------

    In the grand hall of the royal palace, the air was thick with tension. The king sat on his ornate throne, his face a mask of frustration and barely contained rage. Before him, a knight knelt, his armor dented and his cloak torn. The knight''s voice was steady, but his words carried the weight of impending disaster.

    "Your Majesty," the knight began, "the knight commander, Arthur, has rebelled. He proclaims himself the true king, the descendant of Arthesia, and wields the first king''s spear as proof of his lineage. Cities and towns across the kingdom have already chosen his side. The ruling nobles¡­ dukes, counts, earls¡­ many have been killed by the people. The rebellion is spreading like wildfire."

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    The king''s hands tightened on the arms of his throne, his knuckles white. "And what of the dragon?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Did they slay it? Did they retrieve the spear as I commanded?"

    The knight hesitated, then shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. The dragon remains unharmed. It seems¡­ it seems Arthur made some kind of deal with the beast."

    The king slammed his fist against the throne, the sound echoing through the hall. "That damned dragon!" he roared. "It''s always meddling in human affairs. Curse that wretched lizard!"

    He stood abruptly, his robes swirling around him as he began to pace. "Rally the troops," he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. "Subdue the rebelling cities. Hunt down this Arthur and bring me his head. I will not let some pretender tear my kingdom apart!"

    The knight bowed and hurried out of the hall, leaving the king alone with his thoughts. The king''s mind raced as he muttered to himself, his voice a venomous whisper. "That dragon¡­ it''s always been a thorn in my side. They think they can challenge me, but I will not be undone by some relic of the past."

    He clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination. "This kingdom is mine. And I will crush anyone who dares to take it from me."

    ----------

    Luke knelt by the riverbank, his hands caked with wet clay as he dug into the soft earth. The goblins worked around him, some helping to gather the clay while others fished in the shallow waters. The human prisoner, Solus, stood nearby, his brow furrowed in confusion as he watched Luke pile the sticky material into a makeshift basket.

    "Why do you need this¡­ weird soil?" Solus asked, his voice hesitant. He still seemed wary of Luke, though the goblins had grown somewhat accustomed to his presence.

    Luke glanced up, wiping his hands on his loincloth. "This ''weird soil'' is called clay," he explained. "It''s what pots and vases are made of. Once it''s dried and fired, it becomes hard and durable. Perfect for building things like furnaces."

    Solus blinked, clearly surprised. "You''re going to build a furnace? Out of¡­ dirt?"

    Luke smirked. "Not just dirt. Clay. And yes, a furnace. We need it to smelt iron and make better tools. Right now, all we have are scavenged weapons and sticks. Not exactly ideal for defending the village."

    Solus nodded slowly, though he still looked skeptical. "I suppose that makes sense. But¡­ how do you know all this? You''re a goblin."

    Luke paused, his expression unreadable for a moment. "Let''s just say I''ve picked up a few things," he said evasively. "Now, stop asking questions and start digging. The sooner we get enough clay, the sooner we can get back to the village."

    As Luke and Solus continued their work, the goblins nearby grew restless. Zog and Rok, two of the younger goblins, had started tossing small clumps of clay at each other, their laughter echoing across the riverbank. What began as a playful exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown clay fight.

    Grut, the older and more serious goblin, watched the chaos unfold with growing irritation. "Stop!" he barked, his voice sharp. "We working!"

    But Zog and Rok were too caught up in their game to listen. Rok hurled a large clump of clay at Zog, hitting him square in the face. Zog retaliated with a handful of mud, splattering Rok''s chest. The two goblins cackled, their antics drawing the attention of the others.

    Grut''s patience snapped. With a growl, he stomped over to the pair, grabbed them by the scruffs of their necks, and tossed them into the river. The splash was enormous, and the two goblins emerged sputtering and laughing even harder.

    But Grut''s intervention didn''t stop the chaos. Instead, it seemed to ignite it. A stray clump of clay hit one of the fishing goblins, who retaliated by flinging a fish at the offender. Within moments, the entire riverbank had descended into a full-scale clay fight. Goblins ran in every direction, hurling mud and clay at each other, their laughter and shouts filling the air.

    Luke sighed, shaking his head as a glob of clay splattered against his shoulder. "Unbelievable," he muttered, though he couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. For all their quirks, the goblins had a way of turning even the simplest tasks into chaos.

    Solus, meanwhile, ducked behind a rock to avoid the flying mud. "Is it always like this?" he asked, his voice tinged with both amusement and disbelief.

    "Pretty much," Luke replied, dodging a clay projectile. "You get used to it."

    Luke was crouched by the riverbank, carefully putting a mound of clay into the sturdy makeshift baskets, when a wet splat interrupted his focus. He froze, feeling the cold, sticky substance slide down his face. Slowly, he reached up and wiped the clay from his eyes, his expression darkening as he turned to see Grut standing a few feet away, grinning from ear to ear.

    The older goblin slapped his own butt in a mocking gesture, his laughter echoing across the riverbank. "Lok hit face! Lok hit face!" he taunted, clearly pleased with himself.

    Luke''s eye twitched. He stood up, brushing the clay off his hands. "Alright," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now you''ve done it."

    Grut''s grin faltered for a moment, but before he could react, Luke bent down and scooped up a massive ball of clay. The goblins nearby stopped their own antics, their eyes widening as they realized what was about to happen.

    "Uh-oh," Zog muttered, ducking behind Rok.

    Luke hurled the clay ball with all his strength. It flew through the air like a cannonball, smacking Grut square in the chest with a satisfying thud. The force of the impact sent the older goblin stumbling backward, his arms flailing as he tried to keep his balance. He landed flat on his back in the river, sending a huge splash of water into the air.

    The riverbank erupted in laughter. Even Solus, who had been watching from a safe distance, couldn''t help but chuckle. Grut sat up, sputtering and covered in mud, his expression a mix of shock and indignation.

    Luke crossed his arms, a smug grin spreading across his face. "How''s that for a hit, huh?"

    Grut glared at him for a moment, then a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. He scooped up a handful of mud from the riverbed and hurled it at Luke. The mud hit its mark, splattering across Luke''s chest.

    "Oh, it''s on," Luke said, his grin widening.

 Chapter 18

    Luke was crouched by the riverbank, carefully shaping a mound of clay into a sturdy brick, when a wet splat interrupted his focus. He froze, feeling the cold, sticky substance slide down his face. Slowly, he reached up and wiped the clay from his eyes, his expression darkening as he turned to see Grut standing a few feet away, grinning from ear to ear.

    The older goblin slapped his own butt in a mocking gesture, his laughter echoing across the riverbank. "Lok hit face! Lok hit face!" he taunted, clearly pleased with himself.

    Luke''s eye twitched. He stood up, brushing the clay off his hands. "Alright," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now you''ve done it."

    Grut''s grin faltered for a moment, but before he could react, Luke bent down and scooped up a massive ball of clay. The goblins nearby stopped their own antics, their eyes widening as they realized what was about to happen.

    "Uh-oh," Zog muttered, ducking behind Rok.

    Luke hurled the clay ball with all his strength. It flew through the air like a cannonball, smacking Grut square in the chest with a satisfying thud. The force of the impact sent the older goblin stumbling backward, his arms flailing as he tried to keep his balance. He landed flat on his back in the river, sending a huge splash of water into the air.

    The riverbank erupted in laughter. Even Solus, who had been watching from a safe distance, couldn''t help but chuckle. Grut sat up, sputtering and covered in mud, his expression a mix of shock and indignation.

    Luke crossed his arms, a smug grin spreading across his face. "How''s that for a hit, huh?"

    Grut glared at him for a moment, then a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. He scooped up a handful of mud from the riverbed and hurled it at Luke. The mud hit its mark, splattering across Luke''s chest.

    "Oh, it''s on," Luke said, his grin widening.

    The riverbank descended into chaos once again, but this time, Luke was right in the middle of it. Goblins and human alike joined in, hurling clay and mud at each other with wild abandon. Zog and Rok teamed up to ambush Grut, while Solus, despite his initial hesitation, found himself laughing as he dodged a flying clump of clay.

    For a brief moment, the weight of their struggles was forgotten. The village, the dragon, the rebellion¡ªnone of it mattered. There was only the laughter, the camaraderie, and the simple joy of a mud fight.

    As the sun rose high in the sky, the group made their way back to the village. The goblins carried baskets of clay on their backs, their chatter filling the air as they joked about the earlier mud fight. Luke walked at the front, his own basket balanced on his shoulder, while Solus trailed behind, his expression thoughtful.

    The human prisoner''s mind was racing. He had witnessed the entire situation¡ªthe way Luke had organized the goblins, the way he had turned a simple task into a productive and even enjoyable endeavor. It was clear to Solus that this goblin, Lok, was different. Too smart. Too resourceful. And that made him dangerous.

    Not all goblins are like this, Solus thought, his eyes narrowing as he watched the others. They''re usually disorganized, chaotic, and weak. But if they start thinking like humans¡­ if they start following someone like Lok¡­

    The implications were unsettling. The balance of power in the world was already precarious. The orcs were physically strong, the elves had a natural aptitude for magic, and the dwarves could forge powerful weapons. If the goblins were to rise under a leader like Lok, it could shift everything. Solus couldn''t let that happen.

    I need to gain their trust first, he thought, his jaw tightening. I need to find a way to inform Master Solmund. I can''t forgive them for killing Selina, Ronald, and Cray. They must pay for what they''ve done. I''ll avenge my friends even if I die.

    His mind turned to a spell his master had taught him¡ªa simple yet effective communication spell. It allowed a message to be sent to a specific mana core wavelength, like a beacon. The mana cost depended on the distance, and from Solus''s current location, it would require a large amount of energy. He would have to sacrifice himself, but it was possible. He just needed the right moment.

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    Grut''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Why so slow, human?" the goblin asked, nudging him with an elbow. "You tired or something?"

    Solus forced a smile, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "Oh, nothing. I''m just¡­ tired," he said, his tone light but his mind already calculating. He couldn''t let the goblins suspect anything. Not yet.

    Grut shrugged, seemingly satisfied with the answer, and trotted ahead to join the others. Solus watched him go, his fake smile fading as his thoughts turned darker.

    I''ll bide my time, he decided. I''ll play along, gain their trust, and when the moment is right, I''ll send the message. Master Solmund will know what to do. And when he arrives¡­

    His gaze shifted to Luke, who was laughing with the goblins as they walked. You may be smart, Lok, Solus thought, but you''re still a goblin. And goblins don''t get to change the world.

    Back in the village, Luke wasted no time putting the gathered clay to good use. The goblins had hauled baskets of clay from the distant riverbank, their arms sore but their spirits high after the mud fight. Now, it was time to turn that clay into something useful.

    Luke gathered the goblins with the most skilled hands in the center of the village, near the chief''s hut. The sun was high, and the air was warm¡ªperfect conditions for working with clay. Around them, the village buzzed with activity as other goblins carried baskets of clay to storage pits or shaped bricks under Luke''s earlier instructions.

    "Alright, listen up!" Luke called out, holding up a lump of clay for everyone to see. "Today, we''re making something useful. Vases, pots, plates, and cups. And for those of you who can''t shape a circle to save your life, don''t worry¡ªI''ve got something simpler for you."

    The goblins murmured excitedly, their eyes wide with curiosity. Luke knelt down and began demonstrating. He took a flat stone and spread a layer of clay ash he had gathered earlier. "This," he explained, "will help bind the clay and make it stronger. Watch closely."

    He mixed the ash into the clay, ensuring the moisture was just right¡ªnot too wet, not too dry. Then, he rolled out a flat circle of clay for the base. "This is the foundation," he said, pressing it firmly onto the stone. "Now, we build up the sides."

    Luke took another piece of clay, mixed it with ash and a bit of wood shavings for texture, and rolled it into a long coil. He carefully placed it around the edges of the base, smoothing it out with his fingers to create the first layer of the pot. "Three layers," he said, "then we let it dry for a bit before adding more."

    The goblins watched intently, some nodding as if they understood, while others scratched their heads in confusion. Luke chuckled. "Don''t worry if it''s not perfect. Just try your best."

    As the goblins began imitating his actions, Luke moved on to his next project. He gathered more clay and ash, this time shaping it into a flat plate and a few small cups. "These are for drinking water," he explained, holding up one of the cups. "No more cupping your hands like animals."

    While the goblins worked on their pots and cups, Luke turned his attention to something more ambitious: a furnace. He mixed clay and soil, shaping it into a sturdy structure with a slot on the side for a blower. "This," he said to no one in particular, "is going to change everything."

    He opened his Blueprint Creation and Analysis skill and quickly designed a makeshift clay blower. It was a simple device with a leaf-bladed fan and a rope mechanism that could be pulled to generate airflow. "Perfect," he muttered, sketching the design in the dirt for the goblins to see.

    But there was still one problem: the crucible. Pure clay wouldn''t hold up to the heat needed for casting metal. Without graphite or a better material, making an anvil was out of the question¡ªfor now. Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "One step at a time," he reminded himself.

    Instead, he focused on designing a clay pit for charcoal making. It was a simpler project, but every tech point counted. As he worked, he couldn''t help but check his system notifications.

    "System, what''s my current tech points?" he asked.

    [ Tech Points: 494 ]

    Luke grinned. "Hahaha, I''m close. But what''s the next tier shop gonna be?"

    The system didn''t respond, so he moved on to his next question. "System, tell me the daily tech point income from just the toilet alone."

    [ Your current daily tech point income from the toilet is 23 - 47 tech points per day. ]

    Luke''s grin widened. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

    As the sun began to set, the village was filled with the sounds of goblins laughing, arguing, and working together. Some had successfully shaped pots and cups, while others had given up and switched to making bricks under Luke''s guidance. The furnace stood half-finished, a testament to their progress.

    Luke stood back, surveying the scene with a sense of pride. The goblins were learning, adapting, and growing stronger. But as his gaze fell on Solus, who was quietly observing from the sidelines, a flicker of unease crept into his mind.

    He''s too quiet, Luke thought. What''s he planning?

    For now, though, there was work to be done. The village was coming together, and Luke was determined to make it a place worth fighting for.

 Chapter 19

    Luke stepped back, wiping sweat from his brow as the furnace roared to life. The blower mechanism worked perfectly, the leaf-bladed fan spinning as Grut pulled the rope with enthusiastic vigor. Flames danced inside the furnace, their heat radiating outward in waves.

    "Perfect," Luke said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Now, for the charcoal."

    He gathered dry wood, chopping it into manageable pieces with a stone axe. The goblins watched intently as he arranged the wood in the newly constructed charcoal pit burner. With a spark from flint and steel, he lit the fire, and soon, smoke began to rise in thick plumes.

    Solus, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, finally spoke up. "What''s all this for now?" he asked, his tone cautious but curious.

    Luke glanced at him, still smiling. "It''s for fuel. Charcoal burns hotter and longer than regular firewood. Perfect for the furnace."

    Solus furrowed his brow, his mind racing. "For smelting iron ore?" he ventured, his voice tinged with both suspicion and awe.

    "Exactly," Luke replied, his grin widening. "Once we get the ore, we can start making tools. Real tools. Not just stone axes and clay pots."

    The goblins murmured excitedly among themselves, their eyes gleaming with newfound hope. Tog, in particular, was utterly fascinated. The young goblin had been watching Luke''s every move, absorbing every word as if his life depended on it. He crouched near the furnace, his eyes darting between the blower mechanism and the charcoal pit, his mind clearly working overtime.

    Solus, however, was far less enthusiastic. His expression darkened as he watched Luke work. This is what I was afraid of, he thought, his jaw tightening. He''s not just teaching them to survive. He''s teaching them to thrive. If they learn to smelt iron, forge weapons, and build defenses¡­ The thought sent a chill down his spine. I''ll have to do this tonight, when they''re all asleep.

    Luke''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "You okay?"

    Solus blinked, forcing a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "No, I was just¡­ thinking about something," he said quickly, his tone unconvincing. Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed toward his hut, his mind already racing with plans.

    Luke watched him go, his smile fading. He didn''t trust Solus¡ªnot one bit. The human was too quiet, too calculating. Turning to Grut, who was still manning the blower, Luke leaned in and whispered, "Watch his every move. If he does anything suspicious¡­ kill him."

    Grut''s eyes gleamed with a feral excitement. "Finally, fun to do," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Not worry, Lok. My eye on him."

    Luke nodded, his expression grim. He couldn''t afford to let Solus sabotage everything he''d built. The village was finally making progress, and he wasn''t about to let one scheming human ruin it.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the village was bathed in the warm glow of the furnace and the flickering light of the charcoal pit. The goblins worked tirelessly, their laughter and chatter filling the air. But beneath the surface, tension simmered. Solus''s hut was dark and silent, a stark contrast to the lively activity outside.

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    Inside, Solus sat cross-legged on the dirt floor, his eyes closed in concentration. He reached into the pocket of his tattered robe and pulled out a small, intricately carved stone¡ªa focus for his magic. His fingers trembled slightly as he began to channel his mana, the air around him growing heavy with energy.

    Tonight, he thought, his resolve hardening. I''ll send the message. Master Solmund will know what to do.

    Outside, Grut crouched in the shadows, his sharp eyes fixed on Solus''s hut. The older goblin''s grin was predatory, his spear resting comfortably in his hands. "Try, human," he whispered to himself. "I dare you."

    The night stretched on, the village caught in a delicate balance between progress and peril. Luke stood by the furnace, his gaze shifting between the glowing embers and the dark silhouette of Solus''s hut. He didn''t know what the human was planning, but he was ready for whatever came next.

    The rest of the day passed in a flurry of activity. The goblins, energized by Luke''s leadership and their newfound skills, worked tirelessly to improve their village. Teams of goblins made the long trek to the riverbank, hauling back baskets of clay to reinforce their huts. Slowly but surely, the crude structures began to transform, their walls covered in a layer of clay and soil that made them sturdier and more insulated.

    Luke, meanwhile, turned his attention to the village''s sanitation. The toilet, though a significant improvement, still had its flaws. The branch floor was unstable, and the smell¡­ well, it was far from pleasant. Using a mixture of clay and ash, Luke reinforced the structure, sealing the gaps and covering the stinky mess beneath. As he worked, a notification appeared in his vision:

    [ You have improved the conditions of the toilet.

    +0.3 Tech Points Per Usage ]

    Luke smirked. "Every little bit counts," he muttered, wiping his hands on his tunic. The goblins nearby cheered, clearly impressed by his ingenuity.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the village gathered for a feast. The goblins proudly used their newly made clay utensils¡ªplates, cups, and jars¡ªto serve the food. The air was filled with laughter and chatter as they celebrated their progress. Even the chief, usually reserved and stoic, seemed to be in high spirits.

    Standing atop a makeshift podium, the chief raised his clay cup and addressed the village. His voice was rough and guttural, but it carried authority. "Listen, goblins! Lok teach us¡­ build, make, grow. No more fear. No more dirt. We strong now. Together, we rise!"

    The goblins erupted into cheers, their voices echoing into the night. They stomped their feet, beat their chests, and howled in approval. Luke stood among them, a proud smile on his face. He had come a long way from being a manga enthusiast in another world. Now, he was the catalyst for change in this one.

    As the cheers died down, a new notification appeared in Luke''s vision, its golden text glowing brightly:

    **[ You have achieved a great feat. By your actions, the goblin village has entered a new age.

    Rewards:

    Goblin Village Management Function: Member and Guests Lists Unlocked: You can now see each villager''s skills, stats, and loyalty. You can also see guests'' stats and intentions.

    Goblin Village Management Function: Goblin Village Evolution Unlocked: You can upgrade the stats of the goblins using their own Attribute Points and evolve them when they reach a certain threshold.

    +150 Tech Points

    +50 Goblin Village Attribute Points

    +30 Attribute Points ]**

    Luke''s eyes widened as he absorbed the information. This was huge. Not only could he now track the progress and loyalty of every goblin in the village, but he could also guide their evolution. The possibilities were endless.

    He quickly opened the Member and Guests List to test the new function. The names of the goblins appeared in his vision, each accompanied by their stats, skills, and a loyalty rating. Most of the goblins had high loyalty, especially Tog, whose loyalty was marked as "Fanatic." Grut, on the other hand, had a loyalty rating of "Reliable," which made Luke chuckle. Of course, Grut was more interested in fighting than blind devotion.

    Next, Luke checked the Guests List. Only one name appeared: Solus. His stats were mediocre, but what caught Luke''s attention was the "Intentions" section. It read: "Planning to send a message to Master Solmund. Hostile intentions."

    Luke''s smile faded. He had suspected as much, but seeing it confirmed was another matter. He glanced toward Solus''s hut, his expression hardening. Not on my watch, he thought.

 Chapter 20

    While the village feasted, laughter and cheers echoing through the night, Solus slipped away unnoticed. His heart pounded as he moved stealthily toward the edge of the village, his eyes darting nervously. He couldn''t afford to be seen. Not now. Not when he was so close.

    Once he was far enough from the village, Solus began to chant under his breath, his hands trembling as he prepared the spell. A faint glow emanated from his palm, the mana swirling into a small, pulsating orb. He glanced over his shoulder, relieved to see no one following him. Just a little longer, he thought, his voice growing louder as the spell neared completion.

    But his relief was short-lived. An arrow whistled through the air, striking him squarely in the knee. Solus cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground as the spell in his hand flickered and died. He clutched his leg, blood seeping through his fingers, and looked up to see Grut dropping down from a nearby tree. The goblin''s grin was wide and unnerving, his eyes gleaming with predatory excitement.

    Grut licked the tip of another arrow, his voice a guttural growl as he muttered in the goblin tongue. Solus couldn''t understand the words, but the tone was unmistakable¡ªGrut was thrilled at the prospect of killing him.

    Before Solus could react, Luke stepped out of the shadows behind Grut, a stone axe resting casually on his shoulder. His expression was calm, almost disappointed. "I''m really disappointed, Solus," Luke said, his voice low. "I thought you could become one of us."

    Solus glared at him, his face twisted in pain and rage. He clutched the arrow in his leg with one hand while the other, hidden behind his back, began to glow faintly as he prepared another spell. "You?" he spat, his voice trembling. "I would never join you. I''ll never forgive the ones who killed my friends. You''re a fool to think you can bide your time. Master Solmund will come here and slaughter all of you!"

    With a sudden burst of energy, Solus raised his hand, the spell glowing brightly as he prepared to send it skyward. But before he could complete the motion, an axe flew through the air, slicing through his arm. Solus screamed, clutching the bloody stump as he fell to his knees.

    The goblins emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malice. The chief stepped forward, his massive frame towering over Solus. He retrieved his axe from the ground, his expression unreadable.

    Luke sighed, shaking his head. "Why would your master care about you, Solus? You''re just a meager F-rank. Expendable."

    Solus''s eyes widened in fury. With a guttural scream, he launched a weak energy ball at Luke, who deflected it effortlessly with a flick of his hand. "Thank you for teaching me magic, though," Luke said, a small smile playing on his lips.

    Solus stared at him in disbelief. "You''re a goblin," he hissed. "You will never wield magic. You''re a lower race. You''re just a¡ª"

    His words were cut short as Luke raised his hand, a fireball forming in his palm. With a casual flick of his wrist, Luke sent the fireball hurtling toward Solus''s feet. The human screamed as the flames licked at his legs, his voice filled with shock and pain. "H-how?!" he gasped. "You''re a goblin! You''re not supposed to wield the power of mana!"

    Luke''s smile faded, his expression turning cold. "That''s what you thought."

    Before Solus could respond, the chief stepped forward, his axe gleaming in the moonlight. With a single, swift motion, he brought the axe down, severing Solus''s head from his body. The lifeless corpse crumpled to the ground, the flames from Luke''s fireball flickering out.

    The chief wiped his axe on the grass and turned to Luke. "Noisy human," he grunted, his voice deep and gravelly.

    Luke sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I''m sorry, Chief. I shouldn''t have let him live. It was my mistake."

    The chief regarded him for a moment, then placed a heavy hand on Luke''s shoulder. "Mistake make great leader, Lok," he said simply. With that, he turned and walked back toward the village, the other goblins following in his wake.

    Luke stood there for a moment, staring at Solus''s lifeless body. He felt a pang of regret, but he knew there had been no other choice. Solus had chosen his path, and Luke had chosen his.

    As he turned to follow the chief, a notification appeared in his vision:

    [ Hostile Threat Neutralized: Solus.

    +30 Tech Points

    +10 Goblin Village Loyalty ]

    Luke dismissed the notification, his mind already turning to the future. The village was safe¡ªfor now. But he knew the real challenges were still to come. Master Solmund, the dragon, and who knew what else lay beyond the forest.

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    The goblins gathered around a small fire, tossing Solus''s body into the flames. The crackling of the fire mixed with the distant laughter of the village, a stark contrast to the grim task at hand. Luke watched silently, his expression unreadable. Solus had been a threat, but his death still left a bitter taste in Luke''s mouth. He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. There was no time for regret.

    Turning away from the fire, Luke made his way to the wolf pups. They had been off-leash for a while now, thanks to the goblin children who insisted on playing with them. The pups yipped and wagged their tails as Luke approached, their sharp teeth nipping playfully at his fingers as he fed them scraps of meat. It was good to see them adjusting to their new family. The village had become their home, just as it had become Luke''s.

    The goblin village felt like a family now, with the chief acting as a stern but caring father figure. Luke had grown attached to the little community, despite their rough edges. The chief had never questioned Luke''s magical abilities, though there was always a faint sense of unease in the air whenever Luke used them. Luke dismissed it for now. He had bigger things to worry about.

    Opening the System Shop, a notification appeared in his vision:

    [Shop - Higher-tier shops unlock more functions and content.

    Tech Points: 768

    Tier 1 - Upgrade (500 Tech Points)

    Technology Shop (Primitive Era)

    Blueprints Shop (Primitive Era)

    Skills Shop]

    "Time to upgrade the shop, I guess," Luke muttered. He pressed the upgrade button, and the notification transitioned from blue to a vibrant pink. A moment later, the shop interface updated:

    [Shop - Higher-tier shops unlock more functions and content.

    Tech Points: 268

    Tier 2 - Upgrade (700 Tech Points)

    Technology Shop (Early Medieval Era)

    Blueprints Shop (Early Medieval Era)

    Items Shop New! (Early Medieval Theme)

    System Functions Shop New! (Level 1)

    Skills Shop]

    "Woooaahhh, nice¡­ very nice," Luke said, his eyes widening. The new options were impressive, but his excitement was tempered by the realization that 500 of his hard-earned Tech Points had vanished in an instant. "Though, my hard-earned points disappeared like a bubble," he sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Let''s just check out each one."

    He opened the Technology Shop, and his jaw nearly hit the ground. The sheer volume of knowledge and blueprints available was overwhelming. The shop was divided into categories, each offering packages that spanned different eras of technological advancement. Luke skimmed through the options:

    Technology Shop - Early Medieval Era

    I. Welfare & Agriculture:

    Primitive Survival Package (100 Tech Points): Basic fire starting, rudimentary tool making, hunting and gathering techniques, edible plant knowledge, and basic first aid.

    Neolithic Revolution Package (225 Tech Points): Early farming techniques, domestication of animals, pottery, and weaving.

    Bronze Age Agriculture Package (450 Tech Points): Bronze tools for farming, irrigation techniques, advanced animal husbandry, and fruit tree cultivation.

    Iron Age Agriculture Package (750 Tech Points): Iron plows, improved irrigation systems, advanced crop rotation, and efficient harvesting tools.

    Early Medieval Agriculture Package (1200 Tech Points): Three-field system, heavy plows, improved horse harnesses, watermills, and windmills.

    II. Combat & Warfare:

    Primitive Warfare Package (100 Tech Points): Basic weapon crafting, rudimentary shields, hunting traps, and ambush tactics.

    Bronze Age Warfare Package (300 Tech Points): Bronze weapons and armor, chariot warfare, and basic siege tactics.

    Iron Age Warfare Package (500 Tech Points): Iron weapons and armor, cavalry tactics, and improved siege weaponry.

    Early Medieval Warfare Package (900 Tech Points): Formation tactics, trebuchets, and castle development.

    III. Industrialization & Craftsmanship:

    Primitive Crafting Package (75 Tech Points): Basic pottery, weaving, woodworking, and bone carving.

    Bronze Age Crafting Package (250 Tech Points): Bronze metallurgy, improved pottery wheels, advanced weaving, and early carpentry.

    Iron Age Crafting Package (400 Tech Points): Ironworking, advanced pottery techniques, and sophisticated carpentry.

    Early Medieval Crafting Package (700 Tech Points): Steel production, stained glass, and complex textile production.

    IV. Early Transportation:

    Primitive Transportation Package (70 Tech Points): Basic rafts and canoes.

    Bronze Age Transportation Package (150 Tech Points): Wheeled carts, wagons, and sailboats.

    Iron Age Transportation Package (300 Tech Points): Chariots, improved roads, and galleys.

    Early Medieval Transportation Package (500 Tech Points): Improved roads, bridges, and larger sailing ships.

    V. Construction Techniques & Blueprints:

    Primitive Construction Package (50 Tech Points): Lean-tos, pit houses, and basic joinery.

    Bronze Age Construction Package (300 Tech Points): Mudbrick and early stone construction.

    Iron Age Construction Package (500 Tech Points): Ashlar masonry, concrete, and advanced arches.

    Early Medieval Construction Package (900 Tech Points): Romanesque architecture, improved concrete, and advanced plumbing.

    Special Offers:

    Complete Bronze Age Package (1000 Tech Points): All Bronze Age technologies and blueprints.

    Complete Iron Age Package (2000 Tech Points): All Iron Age technologies and blueprints.

    Luke stared at the prices, his excitement quickly turning to dismay. "WHAAT?? I could never afford that!" he groaned, slumping to the ground. The sheer cost of the packages was staggering. He had barely scraped together 768 Tech Points, and now he was staring at options that cost thousands.

    The system chimed in, its voice calm and reassuring.

    [Take it easy, Host. If you build infrastructure that improves the living conditions of the village, you''ll gain more Tech Points daily income.]

    Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, you''re right. I need to focus on what I can do now, not what I can''t afford yet."

 Chapter 21

    Luke sighed, his breath fogging in the cool evening air. The village sprawled before him, a haphazard collection of ramshackle huts held together by little more than hope and mud. He ran a hand through his hair¡ªwell, what passed for hair on his goblin body¡ªand muttered, "Let''s just check out the blueprint shop. Maybe there''s something I can actually afford."

    He glanced at the huts again, his nose wrinkling at the sight. They were little more than piles of branches lashed together with vines, their roofs sagging under the weight of dried leaves and clay. This won''t last through a storm, let alone winter, he thought, his stomach tightening. He tapped the air, summoning the blueprint shop interface. The holographic screen flickered to life, its glow casting faint shadows on the ground.

    Primitive Age (Prehistory - c. 3000 BCE)

    Lean-to Shelter (15 TP)

    Pit House (30 TP)

    Basic Fire Starter Kit (24 TP)

    Stone Tool Set (Axe, Scraper, Hammer) (45 TP)

    Animal Trap Designs (Snare, Deadfall) (36 TP)

    Pottery Kiln (60 TP)

    Hand Loom (Basic Weaving) (54 TP)

    Bone Needle and Awl (30 TP)

    Simple Raft (45 TP)

    II. Bronze Age (c. 3000 - 1200 BCE)

    Bronze Sickle (75 TP)

    Bronze Plow (75 TP)

    Bronze Sickle and Plow Set (120 TP)

    Irrigation Canal System (105 TP)

    Animal Pen Designs (60 TP each)

    Animal Pen Design Set (Three Designs)(150 TP)

    Fruit Tree Terrace (90 TP)

    Bronze Sword (90 TP)

    Bronze Axe (90 TP)

    Bronze Shield (90 TP)

    Bronze Weapon Set (Sword, Axe, Shield) (225 TP)

    Chariot Design (150 TP)

    Basic Fortification (Earthworks & Palisade) (120 TP)

    Bronze Furnace (135 TP)

    Improved Pottery Wheel (75 TP)

    Mudbrick House (105 TP)

    Megalithic Structure (Basic Layout) (180 TP)

    III. Iron Age (c. 1200 - 500 BCE)

    Iron Plow (120 TP)

    Well Design (90 TP)

    Granary (150 TP)

    Iron Sickle (90 TP)

    Iron Scythe (90 TP)

    Iron Sickle and Scythe Set (150 TP)

    Iron Sword (120 TP)

    Iron Spear (120 TP)

    Iron Shield (120 TP)

    Iron Weapon Set (Sword, Spear, Shield) (300 TP)

    Ballista (180 TP)

    Catapult (180 TP)

    Ballista and Catapult Set (300 TP)

    Stone Wall Fortification (210 TP)

    Iron Forge (165 TP)

    Pottery Glazing Kiln (105 TP)

    Advanced Loom (120 TP)

    Aqueduct System (240 TP)

    IV. Early Medieval Age (c. 500 - 1000 CE)

    Heavy Plow (150 TP)

    Horse Harness (105 TP)

    Watermill (210 TP)

    Windmill (210 TP)

    Watermill and Windmill Set (360 TP)

    Manor Farm Layout (180 TP)

    Trebuchet (240 TP)

    Motte and Bailey Castle (300 TP)

    Chainmail (Basic Design) (150 TP)

    Romanesque Church (360 TP)

    Improved Concrete and Mortar (135 TP)

    Advanced Plumbing (180 TP)

    Basic Castle Design (270 TP)

    Luke''s mind raced as he weighed his options. A lean-to shelter is easy to build, but it''s cramped. A pit house¡­ now that''s more like it. Labor-intensive, sure, but it''ll handle the weather better. And it''s not cramped. He glanced at the goblins milling about, some gnawing on scraps of meat, others poking at the ground with sticks. They''ll need proper housing if we''re going to make it through anything harsher than a light drizzle.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    His eyes drifted to the bone needle and awl. The females are bored out of their minds. If I can teach them to tailor clothing from the leather and fur we''ve got, they''ll have something to do. Plus, if winter comes, we won''t freeze to death. He frowned. Assuming there even is a winter here. Still, better to be prepared.

    He scrolled further, pausing at the animal trap designs. Hunting''s been hit or miss lately. If we can set up snares, we''ll have a steadier food supply. And if I can get them started on agriculture¡­ He shook his head. One thing at a time, Luke. One thing at a time.

    With a deep breath, he selected the pit house, bone needle and awl, and the snare trap. The moment he tapped Purchase, a flood of information surged into his mind¡ªdetailed diagrams, material lists, step-by-step instructions, even historical notes on how early humans used these technologies. He staggered slightly, gripping his head as the knowledge settled.

    [ Tech Points Balance: 269 - 96 = 172 TP ]

    Luke slumped against a nearby tree, exhaling heavily. 172 left. A hard-earned tech points, just disappeared like a bubble.. He glanced at the goblins again, their simple faces watching him with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

    "Lok okay?" one of them grunted, tilting its head like a confused dog.

    "Yeah, yeah," Luke muttered, waving a hand. "Just¡­ thinking."

    The goblin nodded slowly, as if it understood, then wandered off to poke at something in the dirt. Luke couldn''t help but chuckle. They''re like kids. Big, ugly, smelly kids.

    He pushed himself off the tree and clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the nearby goblins. "Alright, listen up! We''ve got work to do. Rok, Zog¡ªgather some branches. Grut, you''re with me. We''re digging."

    The goblins exchanged glances, then nodded. "Lok say dig, we dig," Grut said, his voice rough but earnest.

    The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the village as the work continued. Luke wiped the sweat from his brow, his hands caked with dirt and clay. The goblins had finally stopped digging, stepping back to admire their handiwork¡ªa circular pit, two feet deep and wide enough to fit a small family. It wasn''t much, but it was a start.

    Luke scanned the area, his eyes landing on four sturdy poles lying nearby. Perfect, he thought, grabbing one and dragging it over to the pit. "Grut, Rok¡ªhelp me with these," he called, gesturing to the other poles. The goblins lumbered over, their faces scrunched in concentration as they followed his lead.

    Together, they inserted the poles into the pit, one at each cardinal direction. Luke lashed the branches together, securing the pillars in place with crude but effective knots. The structure began to take shape, a skeletal frame rising from the earth. The goblins watched intently, their eyes wide with curiosity.

    "Lok make¡­ house?" one of them asked, tilting its head.

    "Yeah," Luke said, grunting as he tightened a knot. "A better one. You''ll see."

    He moved on to the roof, lashing more branches from the edges of the pit to the tops of the pillars. The goblins, initially hesitant, began to mimic his actions, their clumsy hands fumbling with the materials. Luke didn''t mind; they were learning, and that was what mattered.

    Next, he dug a small opening in the side of the pit, creating a pathway that would serve as the door. The goblins paused in their work, their clay-covered hands stilling as they watched him. Even those who had been busy slathering mud onto their own branch-and-mud huts stopped to stare.

    "Lok smart," one of them muttered, earning a few nods from the others.

    Luke smirked but didn''t respond. Instead, he focused on the thatch roof, weaving dried grass and leaves between the branches. The goblins joined in, their earlier hesitation replaced by a strange eagerness. They worked in silence, the only sounds the rustling of branches and the occasional grunt of effort.

    By the time the afternoon sun began to dip toward the horizon, the pit house was complete. Luke stepped back, wiping his hands on his tattered pants as he surveyed their work. The structure was crude, but it was sturdy¡ªa far cry from the flimsy huts the goblins had been living in. The thatch roof sloped gently, leaving a small opening for the door, which Luke had fashioned from more branches lashed together. A notification panel appeared.

    [ You succesfully built a modified Pit House

    Rewards: 50 Tech Points ]

    "Alright," he said, gesturing for the goblins to follow him inside. "Let''s see how it feels."

    The goblins crowded into the pit house, their eyes wide with wonder. The interior was spacious, the earthen walls providing a natural insulation that made the space feel surprisingly cozy. One of the goblins let out a low whistle, while another poked at the walls, as if testing their strength.

    "Lok good," Grut said, his voice filled with something akin to admiration. "House¡­ strong. Warm."

    Luke nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. And it didn''t cost us much¡ªjust some branches, clay, and a lot of sweat."

    The goblins chattered among themselves, their excitement palpable. Luke leaned against the wall, watching them with a mix of pride and exhaustion. This is just the beginning, he thought. If we can build this, we can build more. Better. Stronger.

    The smell of smoked meat lingered in the air as the goblins lounged around the village, their bellies full and their spirits high. Luke sat cross-legged near the fire, gnawing on a strip of boar meat. His muscles ached from the morning''s labor, but the satisfaction of seeing the pit house completed made it worth it. He glanced over at the structure, now standing proudly among the ramshackle huts. Not bad for a day''s work, he thought.

    His moment of quiet reflection was interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps. The chief approached, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the fire. The goblins around Luke immediately straightened, their chatter dying down as their leader surveyed the pit house with a critical eye.

    The chief walked around the structure, his clawed fingers brushing against the thatch roof and earthen walls. He grunted, a low, rumbling sound that could have meant anything. Luke held his breath, waiting for the verdict.

    Finally, the chief turned to him, his beady eyes narrowing. "Lok build this?" he asked, his voice deep and gravelly.

    Luke nodded, swallowing the last bite of meat. "Yeah. It''s stronger than the other huts. Better insulation, too. Won''t collapse in a storm."

    The chief grunted again, this time with what might have been approval. He stepped inside the pit house, ducking his head to fit through the doorway. Luke followed, watching as the chief ran a hand along the walls, testing their sturdiness. After a moment, the chief emerged, a rare smile stretching across his face.

    "Good," he said simply. Then, with a wave of his hand, he barked an order to the gathered goblins. "Chief hut next. Make like Lok''s. Bigger. Stronger."

    The goblins erupted into a flurry of activity, chattering excitedly as they scrambled to obey. Luke couldn''t help but smile. Looks like I''ve got my next project.

    He pulled up his system interface, navigating to the blueprint creation and analysis skill. The pit house design appeared before him, and he quickly began modifying it. The chief''s hut needs to be larger¡ªmuch larger. One room to accommodate the whole tribe for meetings, a throne chamber to show off his authority, and a private quarters for him to retreat to.

    As he worked, the goblins gathered around him, their eyes wide with curiosity. "Lok make chief hut?" one of them asked, its voice tinged with awe.

    "Yeah," Luke said, not looking up from his work. "But it''s going to be bigger. Better. And you''re all going to help."

    The goblins nodded eagerly, their excitement palpable. Luke finalized the design, the system confirming the modifications with a soft chime. He stood, brushing the dirt off his pants, and turned to the chief.

    "Alright," he said, clapping his hands to get everyone''s attention. "Here''s the plan. We''re going to dig a larger pit¡ªtwice as wide as the last one. We''ll need more poles, more branches, and a lot more clay. Grut, Rok¡ªyou''re on digging duty. Zog, gather the materials. Everyone else, start preparing the thatch for the roof."

    The goblins sprang into action, their earlier lethargy replaced by a newfound energy. Luke watched them for a moment, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. They''re not just following orders anymore. They''re learning. Adapting.

    The chief stood nearby, his arms crossed as he observed the chaos. "Lok good leader," he said, his voice low. "Chief see. Chief trust."

    Luke nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks. But we''re not done yet."

    As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the village buzzed with activity. The goblins worked tirelessly, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Luke moved among them, offering guidance and encouragement. The chief''s hut was taking shape, its massive frame a testament to their collective effort.

 Chapter 22

    The night was alive with the sounds of celebration. The goblins feasted on smoked meat, their laughter and chatter echoing through the village. The chief, Shiki, had temporarily moved into the pit house Luke had built, his massive frame filling the space as he lounged on a makeshift throne of branches and pelts. Around them, the village was transforming.

    Goblins were busy repurposing older huts into storage areas, while others worked on building new clay huts. The females, some visibly pregnant, moved about with a sense of purpose, their bellies a reminder that the village was growing¡ªfast.

    Luke sat by the fire, his back against a log, and pulled up the Goblin Village Management interface. The new functions were a welcome surprise, and he couldn''t wait to dive in. The glowing screen appeared before him, displaying a wealth of information.

    [ Goblin Village Management

    Population: 47

    List: (Tap to see the list)

    Goblin Village Attribute Points: 50

    Morale: High

    Resources: Moderate

    Defenses: Moderate

    Tech Points Income: 58 - 79 TP per day

    Infrastructures:

    Village Hall - Upgrade in Progress

    Latrine - Tier 2 (31 - 52 TP per day)

    Workshop Area - Tier 1

    Pit House (1) - Tier 1 (3 TP per day)

    Mud Hut (5) - Tier 1

    Clay Hut (13) - Tier 1

    Wall - Tier 1 (12 TP per day)

    Spiked Trench - Tier 1 (15 TP per day)

    Upgrades and Infrastructures Available:

    Clay Reinforced Wall - Tier 2

    Watch Tower - Tier 1

    Well - Tier 1

    Cook House - Tier 1

    Storage House - Tier 1

    Armory - Tier 1 ]

    Luke scanned the list, his eyes lingering on the Tech Points income. The wall and spiked trench are generating points now. The system must''ve recognized their importance. He felt a small surge of pride. The chief''s hut, now labeled as the Village Hall, was still under construction, but it was already a step up from the ramshackle structures that had defined the village just days ago.

    His thoughts turned to the watchtower. A watchtower would be useful, but I think rebuilding the wall with walkways would be better. More versatile. He frowned, thinking about the labor involved. The goblins were hard workers, but their strength was mediocre at best. If we''re going to survive, they''ll need to get stronger. A lot stronger.

    Then he noticed it¡ªthe new function that allowed him to improve the stats of the goblins. His heart skipped a beat. This changes everything. He tapped on the list, and a new screen appeared, displaying the names, stats, and loyalty of each goblin.

    The first name on the list was Shiki, the chief. Luke''s eyes widened as he read the hobgoblin''s stats:

    Shiki (Hobgoblin Chief)

    Strength: 34

    Agility: 29

    Perception: 25

    Vitality: 35

    Resilience: 34

    Intelligence: 4

    Magic: 0

    Available Attribute Points: 15

    Damn, Luke thought. His stats are insane compared to the others. But Intelligence is only 4? And no magic at all. Still, he''s a powerhouse. He noticed that Shiki''s stats never dipped below 21. That must be the baseline for hobgoblins. If my stats hit 20, I''ll need to evolve to go further.

    Next, he checked Grut''s stats:

    Grut (Goblin)

    Strength: 5

    Agility: 7

    Perception: 9

    Vitality: 5

    Resilience: 4

    Intelligence: 1

    Magic: 0

    Available Attribute Points: 6

    Luke sighed. Grut''s Perception is solid, and he''s quick, but the rest¡­ yikes. Strength and Vitality are abysmal. No wonder they struggle with heavy labor. He glanced at the Goblin Village Attribute Points¡ª50 in total. Universal points I can allocate to anyone. But the goblins also have their own points. Interesting.

    He decided to start with Grut. He''s one of the most reliable goblins I''ve got. If I can make him stronger, he''ll be even more useful. Luke assigned 3 points to Grut''s Vitality and 3 to his Strength. The changes took effect immediately, and Grut, who had been gnawing on a bone nearby, suddenly froze. His eyes widened, and he flexed his arms, as if testing his newfound strength.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Grut feel¡­ strong," the goblin muttered, a grin spreading across his face.

    Luke chuckled. "Good. You''re going to need it."

    Next, he turned his attention to Shiki. The chief had 15 attribute points of his own. Might as well dump them all into Intelligence. If he''s smarter, he''ll be a better leader¡ªand maybe even easier to reason with. Luke allocated all 15 points to Shiki''s Intelligence.

    The effect was immediate¡ªand dramatic. Shiki, who had been lounging in the pit house, suddenly stumbled to his feet, clutching his head. He staggered outside, his massive frame swaying as if he were dizzy. The goblins nearby stopped what they were doing, watching their chief with a mix of curiosity and concern.

    "Chief okay?" one of them asked.

    Shiki blinked, his eyes clearing as the dizziness passed. He looked around, his gaze sharper, more focused. When he spoke, his words were clearer, more deliberate. "I¡­ am fine. Better than fine." He turned to Luke, his expression unreadable. "What''s happening to me?"

    Luke acted concerned, trying to play innocent. "What happened chief? ."

    Shiki studied him for a moment, then nodded. "I don''t know, It just came to me."

    The goblins murmured among themselves, clearly impressed. Luke leaned back, a small smile on his face. This is going to be fun.

    Luke''s eyes scanned the glowing interface, his mind a whirlwind of strategies and possibilities. He tapped on Rok''s stats, his brow furrowing as he studied the numbers. Higher agility than Grut, but strength is lacking. Perception is impressive, though. He''d make a great scout or hunter.

    "Rok, come here a second," Luke called out, waving the goblin over. Rok trotted up, his eyes bright with curiosity. Luke assigned 3 points to Rok''s strength and another 3 to his vitality. As he watched, Rok''s posture straightened, his muscles subtly defining.

    Should see a noticeable difference, Luke thought, rubbing his chin. "Feel any different, Rok?"

    Rok flexed his arms, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Rok feel strong! Like can lift big rock!"

    Luke chuckled. Good. That''s exactly what we need.

    Next, he turned his attention to Zog. High strength, low agility and perception. But his vitality and resilience¡­ he''s a tank, alright. Luke allocated 3 points to Zog''s agility and another 3 to his perception. Zog''s eyes widened as he felt the change, his movements suddenly more fluid.

    "Zog, you''re on crowd control from now on," Luke said, clapping him on the back. "With your stats, you''ll be able to take a hit and keep on going."

    Zog puffed out his chest, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Zog protect village!"

    He''s got the spirit, that''s for sure, Luke thought, smiling.

    He moved on, checking each goblin''s stats, his mind constantly calculating. The females and kids have lower stats, but higher intelligence. They''ll be crucial for tasks that require more thought than brawn. He assigned their available points, focusing on strength and vitality for the males. Longer work hours, more efficient hunting. That''s what we need.

    As he finished, Luke looked around the village. The change was tangible. Goblins moved with more purpose, their steps surer, their eyes brighter. This is just the beginning, he thought, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

    Shiki watched all this with a keen eye. He knew Luke was behind the changes, behind his own sudden intelligence boost. He''s smarter now. He knows I''m involved, Luke thought, meeting Shiki''s gaze. But the chief merely smiled, respecting Luke''s silence.

    He''s got his suspicions, but he''s not pushing it. I''m glad he understands. Luke leaned back, allowing himself a moment of respite. Tomorrow, we finish constructing the village hall. His mind raced with plans, but for now, he let the feast, the laughter, and the dreams of a brighter future wash over him. Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow''s going to be another day.

    The Next Morning

    The night passed in a blur of celebration and camaraderie. As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, several goblins were already assigned to hunting duties. Luke watched them set off, a sense of anticipation coursing through him. Those extra stats should make a difference. Hopefully, they''ll bring back more than just scraps this time.

    "Alright, listen up!" Luke called out to the hunters, his voice firm. "Remember, use your new strengths. Rok, you''re scouting. Zog, you''re on crowd control. Bring back something good."

    Rok nodded eagerly, his eyes bright. "Rok find big game!"

    Zog puffed out his chest, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Zog protect hunters!"

    As they set off, Luke turned his attention to the village. Shiki was already busy, his massive frame moving with a purpose that was new and impressive. The chief was directing a group of goblins sorting materials, his voice booming with authority.

    "You, take those pelts to the storage hut. You three, start reinforcing the walls. We need them sturdy," Shiki commanded, his eyes sharp and focused.

    Luke approached him, a smirk playing on his lips. "You''re really taking to this management thing, aren''t you?"

    Shiki turned to Luke, a grin spreading across his face. "Feels good, Lok. Like I''m finally doing what I''m meant to." He clapped Luke on the back, his voice lowering. "I know you''re behind this. Behind my¡­ change. I won''t pry, but thank you."

    Luke nodded, respect in his eyes. "You''re welcome, Chief. You''re a good leader."

    The chief chuckled, turning back to the goblins. "Alright, enough standing around! Back to work!"

    Luke left Shiki to his tasks and focused on the construction of the village hall. The frame was up, and the goblins were working diligently, their movements coordinated and efficient. Luke climbed up a ladder, inspecting the work.

    "Make sure those supports are secure," Luke instructed, pointing to a beam. "We don''t want the roof caving in on us."

    A goblin nearby nodded, his eyes serious. "We make strong, Lok. Promise."

    Luke smiled, climbing down. They''re taking real pride in this. It''s not just a building to them anymore.

    As he walked through the construction site, Luke noticed the chief''s personal request¡ªan office for Luke. He stepped inside the framed room, imagining the finished space. A place to plan, to strategize. This is more than just an office. It''s my very own command center.

    Shiki approached him, holding out rolls of parchment. "For your plans, Lok. You need a place to put your thoughts."

    Luke took the parchments, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Chief. This means a lot."

    The chief nodded, his expression serious. "You''re the heart of this village, Lok. We all see it. You deserve a place to work."

    As the sun rose higher, Luke felt a sense of contentment. He looked around the village, seeing the progress, the determination in the goblins'' eyes. This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go. But for the first time, I truly believe we can get there.

    With that thought, Luke rolled up his sleeves, ready to dive into the day''s work. First things first, though. Let''s get this village hall finished. And with that, he set to work, his mind and heart fully invested in the future of his new home.

    Meanwhile, in Holmuia

    Far from the bustling village, in the heart of a grand city, a different scene unfolded.

    The city of Holmuia sprawled beneath a towering white spire, its streets teeming with life. The spire, a beacon of magic and knowledge, housed the esteemed Mages'' Tower. Inside, the office of the Magister was a sanctum of ancient tomes, glowing artifacts, and the faint scent of old parchment.

    Magister Solmund, a man in his forties with a stern face and eyes that held the weight of years, stood at the window. His red robes, adorned with intricate sigils, rustled softly as he gazed down at the city below. The view was a tapestry of stone buildings, bustling markets, and the distant glimmer of the sea.

    A knock at the door broke his reverie. "Come in," he called, his voice steady and commanding.

    The door creaked open, revealing a young mage, her eyes wide with urgency. "Magister Solmund," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "F-Rank Mage Selina and E-Rank Support Solus¡­ their life signatures have faded."

    Solmund turned from the window, his expression grave. "Where was the last known location of their signatures?"

    The young mage swallowed hard. "The Far East of Virnham Dire Forest, just south of the Dragon Lermullo''s den."

    Solmund''s brow furrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. This needs to be investigated immediately. The Culto Demonica has been active lately, and their involvement cannot be ruled out.

    The young mage nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I will gather a team at once, Magister."

    Solmund watched as she hurried out of the room, his thoughts already turning to the darker implications of the news. The Culto Demonica, a shadowy organization known for their ruthless tactics and sinister rituals, had been a thorn in the side of the Mages'' Tower for too long.

    As he turned back to the window, his gaze swept over the city. Holmuia, a beacon of light and knowledge, now threatened by the encroaching darkness. He clenched his fist, resolve hardening in his eyes. We will not let them win. Not on my watch.

    With a heavy sigh, Solmund moved to his desk, pulling out a map of the Virnham Dire Forest. His fingers traced the path to the dragon''s den, his mind already formulating a plan. The Mages'' Tower would not stand idly by while their own were threatened.

 Chapter 23

    The goblins erupted into cheers as the final beam of the village hall was secured. The structure stood proudly at the heart of the village, its angular shape and thatch roof a testament to their collective effort. For Luke, it was more than just a building¡ªit was a symbol of progress, of hope. The system chimed in his mind, its voice calm and mechanical.

    [ You have successfully constructed the Village Hall.

    Rewards: 100 Tech Points. ]

    Luke smiled, his eyes scanning the structure. The hall was two feet deep, its walls reinforced with leather straps and its roof a patchwork of thatch and branches. It wasn''t perfect, but it was sturdy¡ªa far cry from the flimsy huts that had defined the village just days ago. The goblins gathered around, their faces filled with awe and pride. Even Shiki, the chief, looked impressed.

    "Lok make strong house!" one of the goblins exclaimed, clapping his hands.

    "Strong house for strong chief!" another added, earning a nod of approval from Shiki.

    Luke chuckled, his gaze drifting to his office¡ªa small, incomplete room at the back of the hall. For now, it was little more than a space with a makeshift bed and a few rolls of parchment. The chief had handed him an inkwell and a crude quill earlier, explaining that the parchments were a memento from his former chief and master. "No use to me," Shiki had said. "Only shamans and old chiefs know how to read and write."

    Luke had thanked him, but the exchange had sparked an idea. I''ll need to teach them how to read and write eventually. Education is just as important as infrastructure. But that was a project for another day.

    As the goblins dispersed to continue their work, Luke sat down at his makeshift desk, unrolling one of the parchments. He dipped the quill into the inkwell and began sketching a map. The village was at the center, surrounded by dense forest. To the east, he marked the expansive grasslands he''d seen while retrieving the wolf pups. To the north, the mountain ranges loomed, their peaks shrouded in mist. To the west, the river where they gathered clay snaked through the landscape.

    This is all I know for now, Luke thought, frowning slightly. I need more information. What''s beyond the grasslands? Are there other villages? Towns? Enemies? His thoughts turned to transportation. A wagon would be useful. Maybe even roads. But for now, iron is the priority. Without it, we''re stuck in the Stone Age.

    He set the map aside and pulled up the system interface, navigating to the newly unlocked Items Shop. The list of items was extensive, but Luke''s excitement waned as he read through it.

    [ Items Shop - Tier 2

    Primitive Age (Prehistory - c. 3000 BCE)

    Tools:

    Stone Axe (45 TP)

    Stone Scraper (30 TP)

    Stone Hammer (30 TP)

    Complete Stone Tool Set (Axe, Scraper, Hammer) (90 TP)

    Bone Needle (45 TP)

    Bone Awl (45 TP)

    (Expand to see more)

    Materials:

    Wooden Log (25 TP)

    Pile of Flint (10 TP)

    Animal Hide (10 TP)

    Clay (10 TP)

    II. Bronze Age (c. 3000 - 1200 BCE)

    Tools:

    Bronze Sickle (225 TP)

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    Bronze Plow (225 TP)

    Bronze Sword (270 TP)

    Bronze Axe (270 TP)

    Bronze Shield (270 TP)

    (Expand to see more)

    Materials:

    Copper Ingot (40 TP)

    Tin Ingot (20 TP)

    III. Iron Age (c. 1200 - 500 BCE)

    Tools:

    Iron Plow (360 TP)

    Iron Sickle (270 TP)

    Iron Axe (360 TP)

    Iron Scythe (270 TP)

    Iron Sword (360 TP)

    Iron Spear (360 TP)

    Iron Shield (360 TP)

    (Expand to see more)

    Materials:

    Iron Ingot (90 TP)

    IV. Early Medieval Age (c. 500 - 1000 CE)

    Tools:

    Heavy Plow (450 TP)

    Materials:

    Steel Ingot (120 TP) ]

    Luke sighed, leaning back in his chair. Interesting, but not exactly groundbreaking. I can make most of these myself, even if it''s labor-intensive. Still, it''s good to have options in case of emergencies.

    He closed the Items Shop and navigated to the System Functions Shop, his curiosity piqued. The list here was shorter but far more intriguing.

    [ System Functions Shop - Tier 1

    Tech Points: 280

    Map (250 TP): Reveals a 3-mile radius of geological information from your current position, as well as real-time information on entities within that radius.

    System Craft (325 TP): Allows the system to craft tools, weapons, and equipment from your Blueprint Codex. No rewards will be given.

    Simulation (375 TP): Enables terrain, combat, battle formation, blueprint, and magic simulations. ]

    Luke''s eyes widened. Now this is useful. The Map function, in particular, caught his attention. It''s like having the eye of a god. Real-time information on everything within a 3-mile radius? That''s invaluable. The Simulation function was equally tempting, offering the ability to test ideas and strategies without risking resources or lives. The System Craft function, while less exciting, could still be useful in a pinch.

    After a moment of deliberation, Luke tapped on the Map function. The system chimed, and his Tech Points balance updated.

    [ Tech Points: 280 - 250 = 30 TP ]

    [ Map Function Unlocked. ]

    A new overlay appeared in his vision, displaying a detailed map of the surrounding area. The village was at the center, with the forest, grasslands, river, and mountains clearly marked. Small dots representing entities¡ªgoblins, animals, and even a few unknown figures¡ªmaybe monsters that moved across the map in real time.

    Luke stepped out of the village hall, the crisp morning air filling his lungs. The goblins were already hard at work, their movements more coordinated and purposeful than ever before. His eyes were drawn to the training area, where Shiki, the chief, was putting a group of goblins through their paces. The scene was both impressive and slightly comical¡ªShiki, a towering hobgoblin with muscles that seemed carved from stone, barking orders at a group of scrawny goblins who were fumbling with shoddy training tools.

    "Faster! Stronger!" Shiki roared, his voice echoing across the village. "You fight like pups! You die like pups!"

    The goblins scrambled to obey, their wooden sticks clattering against each other as they attempted to mimic Shiki''s movements. Luke couldn''t help but chuckle. They''re trying, at least.

    He approached the chief, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Chief," Luke called out, nodding respectfully. "Mind if I make a suggestion?"

    Shiki turned to him, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Speak, Lok."

    Luke gestured to the goblins, who were now panting and sweating under the chief''s relentless drills. "They''re doing their best, but they need better tools. Training dummies, for starters. Something they can practice on without breaking their sticks every five seconds."

    Shiki crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Training dummies? Explain."

    "Basically, wooden targets shaped like enemies," Luke said, sketching a rough outline in the dirt with his foot. "We can stuff them with straw or leaves. They''ll last longer than sticks, and the goblins can practice their strikes without hurting each other."

    The chief grunted, nodding slowly. "Good idea. But wood alone not enough. Need stronger tools."

    Luke grinned. "I was getting to that. If we can get a stable flow of iron ore, we can make proper weapons and armor. Swords, shields, spears¡ªmaybe even axes. I''ve seen how the goblins fight. They''re like¡­ Vikings. Brutal, direct, and efficient. Axes would suit them perfectly."

    Shiki''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Iron ore? Where?"

    Luke pointed toward the caverns to the north, where the goblins often fetched fresh water. "There''s iron ore in those caves. The goblins don''t know it yet, but it''s there. If we can mine it, we can start producing real weapons and armor."

    The chief''s expression shifted, a rare flicker of respect crossing his face. "You know much, Lok. More than goblins. More than chief."

    Luke shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I''ve got my ways. But for now, let''s focus on the training dummies. Once we have iron, we can move on to the good stuff."

    Shiki nodded, his voice firm. "Do it. Make dummies. Make goblins strong."

    Luke gave him a thumbs-up. "You got it, Chief."

    As he turned to leave, Shiki called after him. "Lok."

    Luke paused, glancing back. "Yeah?"

    The chief hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his voice quieter than usual. "You call me Shiki."

    Luke blinked, surprised. "Uh¡­ really? but..."

    Shiki''s lips curled into a faint smile. "You strong. You smart. You¡­ different. Call me Shiki."

    Luke felt a strange warmth in his chest. It wasn''t just permission¡ªit was trust. "Alright, Shiki. Thanks."

    The chief grunted, turning back to his trainees. "Now go. Make dummies. Make goblins strong."

    Luke chuckled, shaking his head as he walked away. Shiki, huh? Guess I''ve officially made it.

 Chapter 24

    Luke wiped the sweat from his brow, his hands calloused and dirty from hours of work. The training dummies were finished, and the goblins were already putting them to good use, their clumsy strikes growing more confident with each swing. Satisfied, Luke decided it was time to tackle the next item on his ever-growing to-do list: securing a steady supply of iron.

    He grabbed his stone pickaxe and slung a makeshift bag over his shoulder, filled with a few essentials¡ªwater, some smoked meat, and a couple of extra tools and store it into his inventory disappearing in a flash of light. The cave wasn''t far, but he knew better than to venture in unprepared. As he approached the entrance, the cool, damp air hit him like a wall. The cave was a strange, almost otherworldly place, and no matter how many times he entered, he couldn''t get used to the sight.

    Glowing crystals embedded in the walls cast an eerie blue light, illuminating the cavern in patches. Strange flora clung to the rocky surfaces, their bioluminescent leaves adding to the surreal atmosphere. Luke activated his Night Vision skill, the darkness receding as his vision sharpened. He then triggered his Resource Detection skill, the world around him transforming into a grid of holographic waves. Materials lit up in different colors¡ªcoal, copper, tin, and iron, their outlines glowing faintly.

    "Alright," Luke muttered to himself, gripping his stone pickaxe. "Let''s get to work."

    He started with the coal, its dark, jagged veins easy to spot. The stone pickaxe bit into the rock, sending chunks of coal tumbling to the ground. Luke gathered them quickly, storing them in his inventory. Coal''s essential for smelting. Can''t make iron without it.

    Next, he moved on to the iron ore. The veins were deeper, embedded in the cavern walls, and the stone pickaxe struggled to break through. After a few strikes, the tool shattered in his hands. Luke sighed, pulling another pickaxe from his inventory. This is going to take a while.

    The process was repetitive and grueling, but Luke pressed on. By the time he was done, he had gathered a decent haul¡ªplenty of coal, a moderate amount of copper and tin, and a respectable pile of iron ore. His arms ached, and his back protested with every movement, but the satisfaction of progress kept him going.

    As he was about to head back, something caught his eye¡ªa dark passageway, barely visible in the faint glow of the crystals. Before he had his Night Vision skill, he wouldn''t have dared to venture into such a place. But now, with his enhanced sight, he felt a flicker of curiosity. What''s down there?

    Cautiously, Luke stepped into the passageway. The air grew colder, the walls narrowing as he moved deeper. The passage wasn''t long, but it opened up into a massive cavern, its ceiling lost in shadows. Stalactites hang in the cavern ceiling, their tips glistening with moisture. More glowing crystals dotted the walls, their light reflecting off the surface of a small underground stream that flowed through the cavern.

    Luke''s breath caught in his throat as he scanned the area. The cavern was breathtaking, but it was what he saw in the far distance that made his blood run cold. Spiders. Enormous spiders, each at least three feet tall, their bodies covered in thick, chitinous armor. They moved with an eerie grace, their multiple eyes glinting in the dim light.

    "Oh, hell no," Luke whispered, his grip tightening on his pickaxe. He counted at least five of them, scattered across the cavern. It was surprising that nobody was harmed yet. Without his Night Vision skill, he would''ve walked right into their lair, completely unaware of the danger. Thank the system for small mercies.

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    He backed away slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. This changes everything. If those things decide to leave the cavern, the village is in serious trouble. His mind raced with possibilities. We need better defenses. Better weapons. And we need them fast. Real fast.

    Luke trudged back into the village, his bag heavy with ores and his mind buzzing with plans. The goblins were still busy with the training dummies, their enthusiasm undiminished. Even the young ones had joined in, clumsily mimicking the adults as they swung their sticks at the straw-filled targets. The sight brought a small smile to Luke''s face, but his thoughts quickly turned to the next challenge: archery.

    The goblin archers here don''t really know anything about proper archery, he thought, watching a group of goblins fumble with their bows. They''ve only trained in trees and during hunts. Ever since I taught them how to craft and use bows, I haven''t had the chance to properly train them. If I can train one really good archer¡ªsomeone agile with high perception¡ªthey can become the perfect trainer for the rest.

    His eyes landed on Grut, who had just returned from hunting with Rok and Zog. The goblin was unloading a small deer from his shoulders, his movements quick and efficient. Grut fits the bill. He''s already got high agility and perception. If I boost those stats further and add some intelligence, he could become a formidable archer. Like a green arrow vibe.

    Excited by the idea, Luke called out to Grut. "Hey, Grut! Over here!"

    Grut trotted over, his sharp eyes scanning Luke with curiosity. "Lok need Grut?"

    "Yeah," Luke said, pulling up the Goblin Village Management panel. "I''ve got a plan, and you''re at the center of it."

    He tapped on the list, scrolling until he found Grut''s name. The goblin''s stats appeared before him:

    Grut (Goblin)

    Strength: 8

    Agility: 7

    Perception: 9

    Vitality: 8

    Resilience: 4

    Intelligence: 1

    Magic: 0

    Attribute Points: 3

    Goblin Village Attribute Points: 50

    Luke studied the numbers, his mind racing. Grut''s already high on agility and perception, so he''s used to mobility and awareness. If I boost those further and add some intelligence, he''ll be unstoppable.

    He quickly assigned Grut''s own 3 attribute points to Intelligence, bringing it up to 4. Then, using the Goblin Village Attribute Points, he added another +3 to Intelligence, +6 to Agility, and +6 to Perception. The changes took effect immediately, and Grut''s eyes widened as he felt the surge of energy and clarity.

    "I feel¡­ different," the goblin muttered, flexing his arms and rolling his shoulders. "Faster. Sharper."

    Luke blinked, surprised. Grut''s voice was clearer now, his words more deliberate. The intelligence boost had pushed Grut''s Intelligence stat past 5, and the change was noticeable. The goblin no longer spoke in the broken, simplistic manner of his kin. He sounded almost¡­ articulate.

    "You''re talking better," Luke said, raising an eyebrow. "Guess that intelligence boost really did the trick."

    Grut smirked, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Feels good. Like my mind''s... sharper."

    "Good," Luke said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Because what comes next is going to test that sharpness."

    Luke grinned. "You''re going to be our lead archer, Grut. I''m going to train you to be the best."

    Grut''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Me?"

    "You bet," Luke said, clapping him on the back. "But it''s not just about shooting arrows. You''ll need to learn strategy, positioning, and how to teach others. That''s where the intelligence boost comes in."

    Grut nodded, his expression serious. "I will learn, please teach me, Luke."

    "Good," Luke said, feeling a surge of pride. "First, let''s get you a proper bow and some targets. Then we''ll start your training."

 Chapter 25

    Luke led Grut to the workshop area, where a few unfinished bows and arrows were lying around. He selected the best of the bunch, handing it to Grut along with a quiver of arrows. "This is your new best friend," he said, demonstrating how to hold the bow and nock an arrow. "Watch and learn."

    Grut mimicked Luke''s movements, his hands steady despite his excitement. Luke adjusted his grip, showing him how to draw the string and aim. "Keep your eye on the target. Breathe in, breathe out, and release."

    The arrow flew through the air, hitting the training dummy square in the chest. Grut''s eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. "Lok good."

    "Your turn," Luke said, stepping back.

    Grut nocked an arrow, his movements fluid and precise. He drew the string, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the target. The arrow flew, embedding itself just below Luke''s shot.

    Luke watched as Grut nocked another arrow, his movements fluid and precise. The goblin''s eyes narrowed in concentration, his breathing steady as he drew the string back. The arrow flew, striking the training dummy square in the chest. Grut lowered the bow, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

    "Not bad," Luke said, nodding approvingly. "But we''re just getting started."

    Luke had designed a comprehensive training program for Grut, one that would push the goblin to his limits and beyond. It wasn''t just about shooting arrows¡ªit was about becoming a master archer, someone who could adapt to any situation and lead the village''s archers with skill and confidence.

    1. Stationary Targets

    The first phase was straightforward. Grut practiced shooting stationary targets from various distances, honing his accuracy and form. Luke adjusted his grip, his posture, and his breathing, ensuring every shot was as precise as possible.

    "Focus on consistency," Luke said, watching as Grut loosed another arrow. "Every shot should feel the same. No wasted movement."

    Grut nodded, his eyes never leaving the target. "Got it."

    2. Moving Targets

    Next, Luke introduced moving targets. He rigged up a simple pulley system, using ropes and weights to create targets that swung back and forth. Grut had to time his shots perfectly, accounting for the target''s speed and trajectory.

    "Lead the target," Luke instructed. "Aim where it''s going to be, not where it is."

    Grut''s first few shots missed, but he quickly adapted, his arrows finding their mark with increasing frequency. "This is harder," he admitted, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I like it."

    3. Archer Mobility

    Luke then shifted the focus to mobility. Grut had to move while shooting¡ªrunning, ducking, and weaving as he loosed arrows at stationary targets. The goal was to simulate real combat conditions, where staying still meant becoming a target.

    "Keep your feet light," Luke said, demonstrating the technique. "Stay balanced. And always be aware of your surroundings."

    Grut struggled at first, his shots going wide as he tried to coordinate his movements. But with practice, he grew more confident, his arrows hitting their mark even as he darted across the training ground.

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    4. Moving Archer, Moving Target

    The next phase combined mobility with moving targets. Grut had to track and shoot targets while on the move, a challenging exercise that tested his agility, perception, and timing.

    "This is where the real fun begins," Luke said, grinning as Grut narrowly missed a swinging target. "You''ve got to think ahead. Anticipate."

    Grut gritted his teeth, his focus unwavering. "I''ll get it. Just watch."

    5. Leading Shots

    Luke introduced leading shots, where Grut had to account for the speed and direction of a moving target. He used a makeshift cart pulled by Rok and Zog, who gleefully zigzagged across the training ground.

    "Aim ahead of the target," Luke explained. "If it''s moving to the right, aim to the right. The faster it''s moving, the farther ahead you need to aim."

    Grut''s first few shots missed by a wide margin, almost hitting Rok and Zog, but he quickly adjusted, his arrows striking the cart with satisfying thuds. "I''m think I''m getting the hang of this," he said, a note of pride in his voice.

    6. Camouflage Training

    Luke knew that a good archer wasn''t just about shooting¡ªit was also about staying hidden. He took Grut into the forest, teaching him how to blend into his surroundings and move silently.

    "Use the environment," Luke said, crouching behind a bush. "Stay low. Move slowly. And always be aware of the wind¡ªit can give you away."

    Grut nodded, his eyes scanning the forest. "I see. Like hunting, but¡­ smarter."

    "Exactly," Luke said. "You''re not just an archer. You''re a predator."

    7. Patience Training

    Patience was key. Luke set up long, grueling sessions where Grut had to wait for the perfect shot, sometimes for hours. The goal was to teach him discipline and control.

    "Sometimes, the best shot is the one you don''t take," Luke said, watching as Grut held his position, his bow drawn and ready. "Wait for the right moment. Don''t rush."

    Grut''s arms trembled with effort, but he held steady, his eyes locked on the target. When he finally released the arrow, it struck true. "I see what you mean," he said, lowering the bow.

    8. Dagger Training

    Luke also trained Grut in close-quarters combat, teaching him how to use a dagger as a last resort. "An archer''s worst nightmare is getting caught in close combat," Luke explained. "You need to be ready for anything."

    Grut practiced parrying, thrusting, and dodging, his movements growing more fluid with each session. "I never thought I''d need this," he admitted, blocking a strike from Luke. "But it makes sense."

    9. Vital Shots

    Luke emphasized the importance of precision, teaching Grut how to aim for vital points on an enemy. "A well-placed shot can end a fight before it begins," Luke said, pointing to a diagram of a humanoid figure. "Aim for the heart, the head, or major arteries."

    Grut studied the diagram, his expression serious.

    10. Wind Shots

    Luke introduced wind shots, where Grut had to account for the wind''s direction and speed. He used a makeshift wind sock to simulate different conditions, forcing Grut to adjust his aim accordingly.

    "Wind can be your friend or your enemy," Luke said, watching as Grut''s arrow veered off course. "Learn to read it. Use it."

    Grut nodded, his eyes narrowing as he adjusted his aim. His next shot hit the target dead center. "This is tricky," he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

    11. Parabolic Shots

    Finally, Luke taught Grut how to make parabolic shots, where the arrow arcs high into the air before descending onto the target. "This is for long-range shots," Luke explained. "When you can''t see the target directly."

    Grut struggled at first, his arrows falling short or overshooting the target. But with practice, he began to master the technique, his arrows arcing gracefully through the air. "This is¡­ tricky," he admitted.

    The training went on for weeks, each day pushing Grut to new heights. His agility, perception, and intelligence made him a quick learner, and his determination was unmatched. By the end of the regimen, Grut had transformed from a skilled hunter into a master archer, his every movement precise and calculated.

    Luke crossed his arms, watching as Grut loosed another arrow, this time hitting a moving target with pinpoint accuracy. The goblin''s transformation over the past few weeks had been nothing short of remarkable. From a skilled but unrefined hunter, Grut had become a master archer, his movements precise and his mind sharp. Luke couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride. He''s ready.

    "Alright, Grut," Luke said, stepping forward. "You''ve come a long way. Now it''s time to use your skills. continue what you''ve been doing for now and maybe inspire some goblins. Advertise your skills and for the meantime, I''ll process the ores I''ve mined and design some armor."

    Grut lowered his bow, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Yes, I will show them my new skills."

 Chapter 26

    Luke wiped the sweat from his brow, the heat from the furnace already making the air in the workshop area stifling. The goblins were busy preparing charcoal, their small hands moving quickly as they stacked wood and covered it with soil. The process was labor-intensive, but Luke knew it was essential for what came next.

    He opened his inventory panel, the glowing screen appearing before him. With a few taps, he poured out the ores he had gathered from the cave, separating them into neat piles¡ªiron, copper, and tin. The goblins paused, their eyes wide with curiosity as the materials materialized before them.

    "Lok make magic?" one of them asked, tilting its head.

    Luke chuckled. "Not magic. Just¡­ efficient storage. Now, back to work. We''ve got a lot to do."

    He then navigated to the Items Shop, quickly purchasing a set of tongs, an iron hammer, and an anvil. The items materialized in his hands, their weight reassuring. He handed out leather aprons to the goblins, which he had made days ago in anticipation of this moment.

    "Wear these," Luke instructed, demonstrating how to tie the apron. "They''ll protect you from the heat."

    The goblins fumbled with the straps, their confusion evident. Luke took the time to explain, showing them how the aprons would shield them from sparks and hot metal. Tog, the young goblin who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped closer, his eyes wide with fascination.

    "Tog help?" the little goblin asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

    Luke smiled, patting Tog''s head. "Not yet, kid. But one day, you''ll be the main force of my future production line. Rifles, cannons, maybe even more. You''ll be the master of it all."

    Tog''s eyes sparkled, though he clearly didn''t understand half of what Luke was saying. He''s just a kid, Luke thought, but if he grows up in this environment, he''ll be unstoppable. The thought made him laugh evilly, though he quickly dismissed it. Sulfur''s another problem, though. Not rare, but mining it will be a challenge. For now, let''s focus on iron.

    Luke turned his attention back to the furnace. The goblins had finished preparing the charcoal, and the fire was roaring. He pumped the blower, the flames growing hotter and brighter, their light casting long shadows across the workshop. The goblins stepped back, their eyes wide with awe.

    "Alright," Luke said, his voice steady. "Time to make some iron."

    He began the process, alternating layers of charcoal and iron ore in the furnace. The goblins watched intently, their curiosity outweighing their fear of the heat. Luke covered the mouth of the furnace with clay and soil, sealing it tightly.

    "Now we wait," he explained. "It''ll take between four to ten hours for the iron to separate from the slag. Once it''s ready, we''ll tap the slag from the bottom and refine the iron."

    The goblins nodded, though their expressions suggested they didn''t fully understand. Luke didn''t mind. They''ll see the results soon enough. That''s what matters.

    Hours later, Luke checked the furnace by poking a clay stick inside. The iron was soft and malleable, ready to be hammered and refined. He carefully tapped the slag from the bottom of the furnace, the molten waste flowing out in a glowing stream. The goblins gasped, their eyes wide with wonder.

    Then another 50 minutes later, "Now comes the fun part," Luke said, grinning. He destroyed the disposable furnace shaft, extracting the glowing lump of iron. The goblins stepped back as he carried it to a tree stump, where he began hammering it to remove any remaining slag.

    The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal filled the air, each strike shaping the iron into something usable. Luke reheated the metal, folding it repeatedly to strengthen it. The goblins watched in silence, their earlier chatter replaced by a sense of reverence.

    Finally, Luke shaped the iron into a crude machete, its weight slightly distributed toward the top for more vertical power. He held it up, the blade glinting in the firelight. "This," he said, turning to the goblins, "is what we''ve been working toward. A tool. A weapon. Something that will make us stronger."

    The goblins erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable. Grut stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. "Luke, will you make more?"

    "You bet," Luke said, handing him the machete. "But first, we need to make more tools. Another hammer head, for starters. Then we''ll see what else we can create."

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    Seven days had passed since Luke and the goblins began their iron-smelting and forging operations. The workshop area was now a hive of activity, with goblins scurrying about, their hands busy with charcoal, ores, and molten metal. Luke had spent the week teaching them the intricacies of the process, from smelting iron ore to hammering it into usable tools and weapons. The results were impressive¡ªthree iron hammers, another cast anvil, seven crude machetes, and three iron breastplates now lay neatly arranged on a workbench.

    The notification panel had chimed repeatedly over the days, rewarding Luke with Tech Points for each successful forge. He checked his balance, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

    [ Tech Points: 2164 ]

    Not bad, he thought, scrolling through the list of achievements. We''ve come a long way in just a week.

    Luke gathered the newly forged items and presented them to Shiki, the chief. The other goblins crowded around, their eyes wide with awe as they examined the gleaming metal tools and armor.

    "Lok make these?" one of them asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    "Yeah," Luke said, handing a machete to Shiki. "With a little help from all of you."

    Shiki tested the weight of the machete, swinging it experimentally. The blade cut through the air with a satisfying whoosh, and the chief nodded in approval. "Good. Strong. But we need more."

    Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I''d love to make more, Chief, but we''re limited by manpower. With only a few of us working, it''s hard to increase production."

    Shiki''s expression grew thoughtful. "There is another village to the east. Their chief was my close friend long ago, before we were driven from our old fort by humans. But he is¡­ different. Brutal. Untrusting. He may attack outsiders on sight."

    Luke raised an eyebrow. "So how do we get him to cooperate?"

    "You must defeat him in a duel," Shiki said, his tone serious. "But he is twice as strong as me. It will not be easy."

    Luke frowned, his mind racing. Twice as strong as Shiki? That''s a tall order. He glanced at the chief, who was watching him with a knowing smile.

    "I''ll think about it, Shiki," Luke said finally. "For now, I can''t risk it. There''s no one here who''s twice as strong as you."

    Shiki chuckled, clapping Luke on the shoulder. "I know you have something up your sleeve, Lok. But I''m not pushing you beyond our limits. Do what you can."

    As the chief walked away, Luke''s thoughts turned to the caves. If I can level up, maybe I''ll unlock my evolution function. That could give me the edge I need. He pulled up his status panel, scanning the details.

    [ Name: Luke Rodriguez

    Age: 7

    Species: Goblin

    Evolutionary Path: Locked (Required: Level 20)

    Level: 12

    Tech Points: 2164

    Skills:

    Blueprint Creation and Analysis (Level 1)

    Scrap Salvage (Level 1)

    Elemental Affinity

    Heal

    ...

    System Tools and Functions:

    Shop (Tier 3)

    Codex (Tier 1)

    Goblin Village Management (Tier 2)

    Map

    Attributes:

    STR: 10

    AGI: 10

    PER: 10

    VIT: 10

    RES: 10

    INT: 10

    MAG: 10

    Attribute Points: 4

    Goblin Village Attribute Points: 35

    Limit: 10 Attribute Usage Per Day ]

    I still need eight more levels to unlock evolution, Luke thought, his jaw tightening. I''ll have to prepare myself. Tonight, I''ll head to the caves.

    He stored one breastplate, one machete, a bow, and thirty wooden arrows in his inventory, the items disintegrating in a flash of light. As he did, he noticed the Goblin Village Attribute Points in his status panel. That''s it. I can boost my stats. It might be selfish, but it''s an investment in the village''s future.

    Luke hesitated, then asked the system, "Can I buy more attribute points using Tech Points?"

    [ Yes, you can unlock the Attribute Shop in Tier 3. However, you are limited to 15 attribute purchases for personal use per day, with a total capacity of 50 attribute purchases per day. ]

    Luke frowned. "Sounds sensible enough. Is there any way to increase that limit?"

    [ Level up the Shop Tier. ]

    He sighed. "Fine. I''ll upgrade the shop."

    Luke navigated to the Shop interface and tapped on the Upgrade option, spending 700 Tech Points.

    [ Shop Tier Upgraded: T2 ¡ú T3

    New Additions:

    Items Shop: Equipment added (ranging from Stone Age to Early Medieval Period).

    System Function Shop: 2 new items added.

    Skills Shop: UI overhaul, categories added, Magic Spells category added, more skills added.

    Attribute Shop: Added. ]

    Luke''s eyes lit up as he explored the new options. This changes everything. He quickly opened the Attribute Shop, scanning the available upgrades.

    [ Attribute Shop

    Goblin Village Attribute Point(Stock 50): 50 Tech Points per attribute point. ]

    Fifty Tech Points per attribute point? That''s steep, but worth it. Luke bought 15 points and allocated 15 attribute points to himself, boosting his stats significantly.

    [ Attributes Updated:

    STR: 15

    AGI: 15

    PER: 12

    VIT: 10

    RES: 13

    INT: 10

    MAG: 10 ]

    He felt the changes immediately, his body surging with newfound strength and clarity. This is just the beginning. With these upgrades, hopefully, I''ll be ready for the spiders in those caves.

 Chapter 27

    The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light filtering through the dense canopy of the forest and casting an eerie glow over the village. Luke stood at the edge of the settlement, his iron breastplate gleaming faintly under the moonlight. Over it, he wore a crude hooded robe made from wolf pelts, hastily sewn together with leather straps. It wasn''t pretty, but it would have to do. Hopefully, it''ll make a difference, he thought, adjusting the hood to cover his face.

    The village was silent, the goblins fast asleep in their huts. Luke took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He was about to step into the forest when a voice called out behind him.

    "Luke, where are you going?"

    Luke nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around to see Grut standing there, his sharp eyes glinting in the dark. "Grut! You scared me there for a second," Luke said, clutching his chest.

    Grut smirked. "I''ve been trained by you, remember? It''s not easy to sneak up on me now."

    Luke chuckled, shaking his head. "Fair enough. What are you doing up?"

    "I could ask you the same," Grut replied, crossing his arms. "Where are you going this late?"

    Luke hesitated, then sighed. "Hunting. I need to level up, and there''s something in the caves I need to deal with. I want you to protect the village while I''m gone. I may not be able to return, but I''ll make sure I will."

    Grut''s expression shifted, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "Is it dangerous?"

    "Very," Luke admitted. "But it''s something I have to do. Can I count on you?"

    Grut nodded, his usual grin replaced by a look of determination. "I''ll protect the village. Just promise me you''ll come back, Luke."

    "I''ll do my best," Luke said, clapping Grut on the shoulder. "Now, get some rest. You''ll need it."

    As Grut turned back toward the village, Luke slipped into the forest, his movements silent and deliberate. He activated his Night Vision skill, the darkness receding as his vision sharpened. The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, their calls echoing through the trees. Luke moved quickly, his senses on high alert.

    When he reached the cave, he paused at the entrance, his hand resting on the hilt of his machete. He pulled the weapon from his inventory, the blade materializing in his hand with a faint glow. The system chimed, its voice calm but insistent.

    [ Host, I suggest you upgrade your Melee Proficiency and Archery Basics skills before proceeding. ]

    Luke stopped in his tracks, frowning. "You''re right. I can''t go in half-prepared." He opened his status panel, scrolling to his skills.

    [ Melee Proficiency (Level 1) - 30 Tech Points.

    Upgrade Costs:

    Level 2: 70 TP

    Level 3: 120 TP

    Level 4: 250 TP

    Level 5: 500 TP

    Archery Basics (Level 1) - 30 Tech Points.

    Upgrade Costs:

    Level 2: 70 TP

    Level 3: 120 TP

    Level 4: 250 TP

    Level 5: 500 TP ]

    So, level 2 costs 70 TP, level 3 costs 120 TP, and so on, Luke thought, doing the math in his head. Upgrading both to level 5 will cost¡­ 1940 TP. Ouch.

    He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. This is an investment. I can''t afford to be cheap when my life''s on the line. With a tap, he upgraded both skills to level 5, spending a total of 1940 Tech Points.

    [ Melee Proficiency (Level 5) - Maximum potential reached for current evolution.

    Intermediate Archery (Level 5) - Maximum potential reached for current evolution. ]

    Luke felt a surge of energy as streams of data and information flooded his mind. His muscles twitched, his reflexes sharpening, and his understanding of combat deepened. He flexed his fingers, testing his grip on the machete. This feels¡­ incredible.

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    He noticed the name of his archery skill had changed to Intermediate Archery. "Can I upgrade this to level 6?" he asked the system.

    [ You have reached the maximum potential of these skills for your current evolution. Please evolve to Hobgoblin to increase skill capacity. ]

    Luke frowned. Of course. Nothing''s ever easy. He opened the Skills Shop, scrolling through the extensive list of new options. His eyes widened at the variety, but his excitement was tempered by the realization that he only had 506 Tech Points left.

    [ Skills Shop

    Survival Skills:

    Foraging (10 TP)

    Fire Starting (10 TP)

    Shelter Building (10 TP)

    Combat:

    Melee Proficiency - Bought

    Intermediate Archery - Bought

    Dodge and Roll (15 TP)

    Burst Sprint (30 TP)

    Combat Sense (30 TP)

    Parry (20 TP)

    Stamina Efficiency (30 TP)

    Mana Edge (40 TP)

    Charged Strike (25 TP)

    Snipe Mode (30 TP)

    Crafting Skills:

    Tool Crafting (Inferior Skill)

    Weapon Crafting (Inferior Skill)

    Repair (10 TP)

    Stealth and Scouting:

    Sneak - Bought

    Hide - Bought

    Pickpocket (15 TP)

    Cloak (30 TP)

    Threat Assessment (25 TP)

    Leadership and Social Skills:

    Inspire (10 TP)

    Negotiate (10 TP)

    Command (10 TP)

    Magic:

    Elemental Affinity - Bought

    Healing Touch - Bought

    Light (20 TP)

    Spell Casting Visualization (50 TP)

    Spell Casting Proficiency (30 TP)

    Mana Efficiency (50 TP)

    Spells:

    Fire Arrow (30 TP)

    Fire Storm (300 TP) - Requires 30 MAG and Elemental Affinity Level 10

    Water Jet (30 TP)

    Tsunami (300 TP) - Requires 30 MAG and Elemental Affinity Level 10

    Earth Spike (30 TP)

    Fracture Earth (300 TP) - Requires 30 MAG and Elemental Affinity Level 10

    Wind Cutter (30 TP)

    Tornado (300 TP) - Requires 30 MAG and Elemental Affinity Level 10

    Light Beam (50 TP)

    Light Morph (1000 TP) - Requires 50 MAG and 50 AGI

    Dark Wave (50 TP)

    Dark Dive (1000 TP) - Requires 50 MAG and 50 AGI

    Utility Skills:

    Fast Travel (10 TP)

    Inventory Management - Bought

    Night Vision - Bought

    Scanning Skills:

    Scan Person - Bought

    Scan Enemy - Bought

    Scan Environment (10 TP)

    Appraisal Skills:

    Appraise Item - Bought

    Appraise Weapon - Bought

    Appraise Armor (15 TP) ]

    Luke groaned, running a hand through his hair. Am I gonna go poor again? He sighed, scrolling through the list. Let''s just buy what''s useful for now.

    He purchased Cloak, Snipe Mode, Threat Assessment, Stamina Efficiency, Burst Sprint, Dodge and Roll, Charged Strike, and Mana Edge, spending the bulk of his remaining Tech Points. As the skills integrated into his system, he felt a strange sense of ownership. I don''t think I''m gonna remember all these skills exist in me, but hey, it''s better to have them in my pocket.

    With his new abilities and a renewed sense of determination, Luke stepped into the cave, his machete gleaming in the dim light. Time to see what''s waiting for me in the dark.

    Luke crept deeper into the cavern, the glowing crystals casting faint, ethereal light across the jagged walls. The air was cool and damp, the silence broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the vast space. He activated his Cloak skill, his body blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Unlike the Hide skill, which required him to stay still, Cloak allowed him to move freely, making him nearly invisible to the untrained eye.

    This is incredible, Luke thought, glancing down at his hands, which now mirrored the rocky texture of the cave walls. I''m practically a ghost.

    He then activated Threat Assessment, a holographic wave spreading out in a 100-meter radius. The cavern lit up with red highlights, revealing the presence of multiple threats. His eyes widened as he saw the sheer number of enemies¡ªsome clinging to the ceiling, others skittering across the walls. The system displayed their names and numbers:

    [ Dire Cave Hatchlings: 57

    Dire Cave Young Spiders: 16

    Dark Centipedes: 3 ]

    Luke''s heart skipped a beat. Oh shit, that many? He swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his machete. But then again, this is a blessing in disguise. More enemies mean more EXP. Let''s get this thing going.

    He switched to his bow, the weapon materializing in his hands with a faint glow. Activating Snipe Mode, his vision narrowed, focusing on a single point in the distance. His arms steadied, his breathing slowed, and the world seemed to fade away except for his target¡ªa young spider clinging to the ceiling.

    An idea sparked in his mind. What if I combine Charged Strike with the bow? He focused, channeling the skill into the bowstring. The tensile force built up, the wood creaking slightly under the strain. Luke aimed carefully, his eyes locked on the spider.

    With a deep breath, he released the arrow.

    The arrow shot forward, its tip glowing faintly as it cut through the air. It struck the spider with a sickening thud, piercing through its body and embedding itself into the ceiling. The spider let out a shrill screech before collapsing, its lifeless body falling to the cavern floor.

    The notification panel lit up:

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    Luke''s eyes widened. Damn, that''s strong! He stared at the arrow embedded in the ceiling, the force of the shot having driven it deep into the stone. The combination of Charged Strike and the bow''s velocity¡­ it''s like a high-powered projectile. Even wood can punch through stone if it''s fast enough.

    He grinned, recalling a video he''d seen in his past life¡ªa piece of paper used as a cutting saw, slicing through multiple objects with sheer speed and precision. I just created a damn new skill. Call it¡­ Piercing Shot.

    The thrill of discovery fueled his confidence. If I can take out one spider like that, I can take out more. He nocked another arrow, channeling Charged Strike once more. His eyes scanned the cavern, locking onto another spider. Let''s see how many I can take down before they notice me.

 Chapter 28

    Luke moved deeper into the cavern, his Cloak skill keeping him hidden as he navigated the labyrinthine passages. The glowing crystals provided just enough light to see by, their eerie illumination casting long shadows across the jagged walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint, acrid tang of spider venom.

    His Threat Assessment skill painted the cavern in a holographic overlay, red highlights marking the positions of the spiders. There were dozens of them¡ªhatchlings skittering across the floor, young spiders clinging to the walls and ceiling, and the occasional dark centipede burrowing through the soil. Luke''s grip tightened on his bow as he nocked an arrow, his movements silent and deliberate.

    Time to thin the herd.

    Luke activated Snipe Mode, his vision narrowing as he focused on a young spider perched high on the cavern wall. He channeled Charged Strike, the bowstring humming with energy as he drew it back. The arrow shot forward, its tip glowing faintly as it streaked through the air. It struck the spider with a sickening thud, piercing through its body and pinning it to the wall.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    Luke didn''t wait for the notification to fade. He was already moving, his Cloak skill keeping him hidden as he nocked another arrow. The spiders were beginning to stir, their movements becoming more erratic as they sensed danger. Luke fired again, this time taking out a hatchling that had ventured too close.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    The cavern was alive with the sounds of skittering legs and hissing mandibles. Luke moved swiftly, his bow singing as he picked off spiders one by one. But the creatures were not entirely defenseless. Their senses, though dulled by his Cloak, were still sharp enough to detect his general location. A young spider lunged at him, its legs slashing through the air where he had been standing just moments before.

    Luke sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. He switched to his machete, the blade materializing in his hand with a faint glow. The spider lunged again, but Luke was ready. He parried the strike with a swift, practiced motion, the blade deflecting the spider''s leg with a metallic clang.

    Too close, he thought, his heart pounding. These things are faster than I expected.

    He countered with a slash of his own, the machete cutting through the spider''s chitinous armor and severing one of its legs. The creature let out a shrill screech, its body writhing as it tried to retreat. Luke didn''t give it the chance. He stepped forward, delivering a final, decisive blow that silenced the spider for good.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    Luke took a moment to catch his breath, his eyes scanning the cavern. The spiders were becoming more aggressive, their movements more coordinated. They couldn''t see him, but they could sense his presence, their attacks growing more frequent and more accurate.

    This is going to be tougher than I thought.

    Luke pressed on, his machete flashing in the dim light as he cut through the hatchlings. Their small size made them easy targets, but their numbers were overwhelming. He moved like a shadow, his Cloak skill keeping him hidden as he struck with deadly precision. But even with his skills, he wasn''t invincible.

    A young spider lunged at him from above, its legs slashing through the air. Luke barely had time to react, raising his machete to parry the strike. The force of the impact sent him stumbling back, his arms trembling from the effort. The spider pressed the attack, its mandibles snapping inches from his face.

    Luke gritted his teeth, his mind racing. I can''t let it get the upper hand. He ducked under the spider''s next strike, his machete slicing through its underbelly. The creature let out a pained screech, its body collapsing in a heap.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    Luke didn''t have time to celebrate. Another spider was already on him, its legs slashing wildly. He parried the strike, his movements growing more desperate as the spiders closed in. I need to finish this quickly.

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    He activated Burst Sprint, his body surging forward with newfound speed. The spiders lunged at him, but he was already moving, his machete cutting through their bodies with deadly efficiency. The notifications chimed repeatedly, the EXP rolling in.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    As he continued to fight, the notifications began to pile up, each one bringing him closer to his next level. The EXP flowed in a steady stream, and before he knew it, the system chimed with a new notification:

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 12 ¡ú Level 13 ]

    Luke didn''t stop. He couldn''t afford to. The spiders were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. He pressed on, his machete a blur of motion as he cut through the swarm. The notifications continued to chime, each one marking another step forward.

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 13 ¡ú Level 14 ]

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 14 ¡ú Level 15 ]

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 15 ¡ú Level 16 ]

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 16 ¡ú Level 17 ]

    [ You have leveled up!

    Level 17 ¡ú Level 18 ]

    By the time the last spider fell, Luke was standing amidst a sea of lifeless bodies, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The cavern was silent, the only sound the faint drip of water echoing through the vast space. He glanced at his status panel, his eyes widening as he realized just how much he had leveled up.

    [ Name: Luke Rodriguez

    Age: 7

    Species: Goblin

    Evolutionary Path: Locked (Required: Level 20)

    Level: 18

    Tech Points: 281

    Skills:

    Melee Proficiency (Level 5)

    Intermediate Archery (Level 5)

    Cloak (Active)

    Threat Assessment (Active)

    ...

    Attributes:

    STR: 15

    AGI: 15

    PER: 13

    VIT: 10

    RES: 12

    INT: 10

    MAG: 10

    Attribute Points: 22

    Goblin Village Attribute Points: 50 ]

    Level 18, Luke thought, a grin spreading across his face. Six levels in one go. Not bad.

    He took a moment to survey the cavern, his eyes lingering on the glowing crystals and the now lifeless bodies of the spiders. This place is a goldmine. Not just for resources, but for EXP. If I can clear it out completely, I''ll be unstoppable.

    Luke pressed deeper into the caverns, his Cloak skill keeping him hidden as he navigated the maze-like tunnels. The glowing crystals and bioluminescent flora illuminated the path ahead, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow. The air grew heavier the further he went, each breath slightly more labored than the last. The narrow tunnel widened into a larger cavern, its walls draped with thick cobwebs that shimmered faintly in the dim light.

    This place is like something out of a nightmare, Luke thought, slashing through the cobwebs with his machete. The sticky strands clung to his blade, forcing him to wipe it clean every few steps. The deeper he went, the denser the webs became, until he finally emerged into a massive cavern that dwarfed the one he had just left.

    The cavern was a sprawling expanse of silk and shadows, its ceiling lost in darkness. Thick cobwebs stretched across the walls and floor, their strands glistening like threads of silver. Bioluminescent fungi and glowing fruits dotted the cavern, their soft light casting long, twisting shadows. But what caught Luke''s attention¡ªand sent a chill down his spine¡ªwas the sheer size of the cobwebs. They weren''t just thick; they were massive, as if spun by something far larger than the spiders he had encountered so far.

    I bet there''s a giant Broodmother hanging in the ceiling, Luke thought, his mind racing. I''ve read enough manga to know how this goes. She''s probably up there, waiting to drop down and ambush me.

    He activated his Threat Assessment skill, the holographic wave spreading out to reveal red highlights scattered throughout the cavern. Smaller spiders skittered in the distance, some still wrapped in silken eggsacs. But the largest red highlight was impossible to ignore¡ªa massive, pulsating presence hanging from the ceiling. Luke''s heart sank as he realized just how big the Broodmother was. Even cloaked in shadows, its sheer size was terrifying.

    That thing is a monster.

    Luke used Scan Enemy on the Broodmother, the system displaying its stats in glowing text:

    [ Dire Cave Broodmother

    Level: 35

    Stats:

    STR: B

    AGI: D

    PER: C

    VIT: B

    INT: F

    MAG: F ]

    Luke didn''t need to see the numerical values to know how dangerous the Broodmother was. Its strength and vitality were off the charts, and while its agility and perception were lower, its sheer size more than made up for it. This thing could crush me without even trying.

    He was still a fair distance away from the Broodmother, and it didn''t seem to have noticed him yet. Luke began to back away slowly, his movements careful and deliberate. But as he did, the Broodmother stirred, its massive body shifting slightly. It sniffed the air, its mandibles clicking softly.

    Luke froze, his blood running cold. Oh no. He looked down at himself, realizing too late that the green blood of the hatchlings he had slain was still on his clothes and skin. The dried blood, which he had barely noticed before, now felt like a beacon calling out to the Broodmother.

    Shit!

 Chapter 29

    Luke''s heart pounded as he crouched behind the narrow crevice, the Broodmother''s enraged screeches echoing through the cavern. His mind raced, torn between fear and resolve. If I run, that thing might follow me out of the cave. The village will be at risk. But if I stay¡­ I might not make it out alive.

    He clenched his fists, his thoughts swirling. This still feels like a dream, a game, a nightmare. But if I''m going to die, I''m not going to die a coward. Even if this is some manga clich¨¦, I have no choice. I have to face this.

    Luke opened his status panel, his eyes scanning the numbers. He had 22 attribute points and 50 Goblin Village Management points left. If the max stats for his current evolution were 21, he needed to push himself to the limit. If I''m going to die, I''m doing this with no regrets.

    With a deep breath, he began allocating his points:

    +6 to Strength (STR: 15 ¡ú 21)

    +6 to Agility (AGI: 15 ¡ú 21)

    +8 to Perception (PER: 13 ¡ú 21)

    +2 to Vitality (VIT: 10 ¡ú 12)

    +9 to Vitality using Goblin Village Management points (VIT: 12 ¡ú 21)

    +9 to Resilience (RES: 12 ¡ú 21)

    +11 to Intelligence (INT: 10 ¡ú 21)

    +11 to Magic (MAG: 10 ¡ú 21)

    The moment he confirmed the changes, his body began to transform. Pain surged through him as his muscles expanded, his senses sharpened, and his mind flooded with new information. He couldn''t help but scream, the sound echoing through the cavern.

    The Broodmother, drawn by the noise, turned its massive body toward him. Its legs skittered across the cavern floor as it charged, its mandibles snapping hungrily. Luke''s transformation was still ongoing, his body writhing as the changes took hold. The Broodmother was almost upon him, one of its legs raised to strike.

    At the last moment, Luke''s body blurred. He moved faster than he ever had before, his enhanced agility propelling him out of harm''s way. He stumbled and tumbled behind the Broodmother, slamming into the cavern wall. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he quickly pushed himself to his feet, his movements still unsteady.

    Whoa¡­ Luke thought, his mind reeling. This speed¡­ it''s insane.

    His perception was now crystal clear, the cavern no longer a shadowy maze but a vivid, detailed landscape. His Night Vision skill, now unnecessary, made the cave almost too bright. He deactivated it, his eyes adjusting to the natural darkness. Even without the skill, he could see everything as if it were daylight.

    Luke looked down at his arms, now more muscular and defined. He felt taller, stronger, faster. His mind buzzed with newfound clarity, a hundred strategies and tactics forming in an instant. I can take this thing down. I know I can.

    He also felt something burning within him¡ªa strange, pulsating energy. Mana? he thought, recalling the Mana Edge skill he had purchased. He focused, channeling the energy into his machete. The blade glowed with a light blueish energy, illuminating the cavern with an ethereal light.

    Luke grinned, his confidence surging. This is it. Time to end this.

    The Broodmother turned to face him, its multiple eyes glowing with rage. It let out a deafening screech, its massive body trembling with fury. Luke tightened his grip on the mana-infused machete, his stance steady and ready.

    "Come on, you overgrown spider," he muttered, his voice low and determined. "Let''s dance."

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Luke darted beneath the Broodmother''s massive body, his movements a blur of speed and precision. His mana-infused machete slashed through the air, striking the creature''s legs with enough force to crack its chitinous armor. The Broodmother screeched in pain, its legs flailing as it tried to strike him. But Luke was too fast, his enhanced agility allowing him to stay one step ahead.

    The Broodmother, frustrated and enraged, smashed its body onto the ground, attempting to crush Luke beneath its massive weight. The cavern shook violently, dust and debris raining down from the ceiling. Luke barely managed to roll out of the way, his heart pounding as he felt the ground tremble beneath him.

    This thing is the size of a house, Luke thought, his eyes widening as he took in the Broodmother''s sheer size. Its legs were as thick as tree logs, its joints towering above him like pillars. Despite his newfound strength and speed, he couldn''t help but feel a flicker of doubt. How am I supposed to take this thing down?

    He dodged another attack, his movements fluid and precise. But in his confidence, he underestimated the Broodmother''s cunning. A sudden strike from the side caught him off guard. Luke raised his machete to parry, but the sheer force of the attack shattered the blade and sent him flying. His body slammed into the cavern wall, the impact knocking the wind out of him. He spat blood, his vision swimming as he struggled to his feet.

    I got too cocky, Luke thought, wiping the blood from his mouth. I can''t let that happen again.

    With no melee weapon left, Luke reached into his inventory, his bow and quiver of arrows materializing in his hands. Time to kite this thing. He activated Snipe Mode, his vision narrowing as he focused on the Broodmother''s joints. Combining Charged Strike and Mana Edge, he fired an arrow, the projectile streaking through the air with a faint blue glow.

    The arrow struck the Broodmother''s leg just below the joint, piercing through the chitinous armor. The creature let out a deafening screech, its body writhing in pain. But the shot wasn''t enough to disable the leg completely. Damn, too low.

    The Broodmother''s cries echoed through the cavern, summoning swarms of spider hatchlings from the shadows. They skittered toward Luke, their tiny bodies moving with alarming speed. Luke cursed under his breath. This battle just got a lot harder.

    He stashed his bow back into his inventory and switched to hand-to-hand combat, coating his fists with Mana Edge. The hatchlings lunged at him, but Luke was ready. His fists moved like lightning, each strike smashing through the tiny spiders with brutal efficiency. The notifications chimed repeatedly, the EXP rolling in.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    ...

    The battle was brutal. Some of the hatchlings managed to bite him, their venom burning his skin. But his enhanced Vitality and Resilience made him resistant to their attacks. He gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain as he continued to fight.

    [ Congratulations! You have reached Level 20.

    Evolutionary Path Unlocked.

    Gene Shop Unlocked. ]

    Luke''s eyes widened as the notifications appeared. Level 20! Finally! But he didn''t have time to celebrate. The Broodmother, enraged by the slaughter of her hatchlings, went berserk. Her attacks became faster and more erratic, her massive body thrashing wildly as she struck out at anything in her path¡ªincluding her own hatchlings.

    Luke barely dodged a flailing leg, the force of the attack sending him flying. He spat blood, his body aching from the impact. This isn''t working. I need to end this now.

    He stood up, his breath heavy but his resolve unshaken. Taking out his bow once more, he nocked an arrow and activated Snipe Mode, Charged Strike, and Mana Edge. The arrowhead glowed with a fierce blue light as he took aim at the Broodmother''s joints.

    Disable her mobility first.

    He fired, the arrow striking true and severing one of the Broodmother''s legs. The creature screamed in agony, her movements growing more sluggish. Luke didn''t stop. He fired again and again, each arrow finding its mark and disabling another leg. The Broodmother was now immobilized, her massive body writhing in pain.

    But she wasn''t done yet. With a final, desperate effort, the Broodmother spat a ball of venom toward Luke. He dodged, but the venom struck his bow, melting it instantly. Damn it!

    With no weapons left, Luke clenched his fists, coating them with Mana Edge. He activated Burst Sprint, his body blurring as he charged toward the Broodmother. The cavern seemed to slow down around him, his enhanced perception allowing him to dodge the Broodmother''s venomous attacks with ease.

    This ends now.

    Luke channeled all of his energy into his fist, combining Charged Strike and Mana Edge into a single, devastating punch. He leaped into the air, his fist glowing with a blinding blue light. With a roar, he drove his fist into the Broodmother''s head.

    The impact was catastrophic. The Broodmother''s head exploded in a burst of green mist, her massive body collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash. Luke landed gracefully, his chest heaving as he caught his breath.

 Chapter 30

    Luke stood amidst the carnage, his body battered but victorious. The cavern was silent, the only sound the faint drip of water echoing through the vast space. He glanced at his status panel, a grin spreading across his face.

    I did it.

    But before he could fully savor the moment, a new notification appeared, glowing brightly in his vision.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Broodmother.

    +4500 EXP ]

    [ Achievement: You have slain an enemy with a 15-level difference.

    Rewards:

    250 Tech Points

    +15 Attribute Points ]

    [ You have leveled up by 1.

    You are now Level 21. ]

    Luke''s grin widened. 4500 EXP? That''s insane! He quickly checked his status panel, confirming the changes. The rewards were substantial, and the achievement felt like a badge of honor. But what really caught his attention was the new function that had unlocked: the Gene Shop.

    He opened the Gene Shop, his eyes scanning the available options.

    [ Gene Shop

    You can only buy the genes of the species you have slain personally.

    Available Gene Seeds:

    Dire Cave Spider Chitinous Skin - 100 Tech Points (Dire Cave Muscle and Organ Transformation Required)

    +4 RES

    Passive Skill: Chitin Armor

    +50% Resistance to Bladed Weapons

    +25% Resistance to Blunt Weapons

    +10% Chitin Regeneration Speed

    Dire Cave Mandibles - 50 Tech Points (Dire Cave Muscle and Organ Transformation Required)

    Active Skill: Bite

    Dire Cave Poison Glands - 150 Tech Points (Dire Cave Muscle and Organ Transformation Required)

    Active Skill: Poison Spit

    Dire Cave Muscle and Organ Transformation - 250 Tech Points

    Transforms your body into a bipedal Dire Cave Spider-Goblin appearance.

    Race Change: Dire Cave Arachne-Goblin ]

    Luke''s excitement quickly turned to disappointment. Arachne-Goblin? What the hell? I thought I could get something cool, like fire-breathing glands or dragon skin. Not¡­ this.

    He sighed, muttering under his breath, "Ahh, what? I thought I could at least get something badass, not turn into a damn spider."

    The system responded almost immediately, its voice calm and matter-of-fact.

    [ For that, you have to slay a dragon. ]

    Luke slumped, his shoulders sagging. Fine, I can''t be too picky. He decided to check the Evolutionary Path next, hoping for better options.

    [ Evolutionary Path

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    Current: Goblin

    Available Evolutionary Paths:

    Hobgoblin Brute - 1500 Tech Points

    +10 Strength

    +3 Agility

    +5 Perception

    +10 Vitality

    +8 Resilience

    -10 Intelligence

    Hobgoblin Fighter - 1500 Tech Points

    +6.5 Strength

    +6.5 Agility

    +5 Perception

    +3 Vitality

    +5 Resilience

    -5 Intelligence

    +2 MAG

    Hobgoblin Mage - 1500 Tech Points

    -5 Strength

    -5 Agility

    +10 Perception

    -5 Vitality

    +5 Resilience

    +10 Intelligence

    +10 Magic

    Hobgoblin Assassin - 2000 Tech Points

    +5 Strength

    +15 Agility

    +15 Perception

    -5 Vitality

    -5 Resilience

    +5 Intelligence

    Custom - Tech Points price depending on the complexity of the user''s custom design. ]

    Luke studied the options, his mind racing. So, it''s basically an RPG class advancement. But I can design my own custom evolutionary path. That''s where the Gene Shop comes in, I guess.

    He glanced back at the Gene Shop, his eyes lingering on the Dire Cave Muscle and Organ Transformation. If I go down that route, I''ll look like some kind of spider-goblin hybrid. But the stats and skills are tempting. Chitin armor, poison spit, mandibles¡­ it''s a solid package.

    Still, he hesitated. How would the folks back at the village react if I started to look like a spider? Shiki might understand, but the others¡­ they might freak out. I don''t want to lose their trust.

    Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. This is a big decision. I need to think this through carefully.

    For now, he decided to hold off on making any immediate choices. He had time to weigh his options, and there were still more challenges ahead. First, I need to explore this cave. Then I''ll figure out my next move. It''s not like I can afford them right now anyway

    But first, he needed to deal with the remaining spiders. He moved through the cavern, his Cloak skill keeping him hidden as he picked off the stragglers. The notifications chimed repeatedly, the EXP rolling in.

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Young Spider.

    +40 EXP ]

    [ You have slain 1x Dire Cave Hatchling.

    +25 EXP ]

    By the time he was done, the cavern was clear. Luke stood amidst the lifeless bodies, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. He glanced at his status panel, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

    Luke''s heart raced as the red notification flashed across his vision, its urgency impossible to ignore.

    [ Warning! The Village is under attack by unknown assailants. ]

    Panic surged through him as he opened the real-time map. Twenty one red arrows appeared, each one representing an enemy closing in on the village. The once-peaceful settlement was now a chaotic battleground, with goblins scrambling to evacuate while others fought desperately to hold the line.

    No, no, no! Luke thought, his mind racing. This can''t be happening. Not now!

    He didn''t waste a second. Activating Burst Sprint, he blurred into motion, his enhanced speed carrying him through the cavern at breakneck pace. The walls of the cave became a blur as he ran, his thoughts consumed by fear and determination.

    Please be safe, he pleaded silently, his teeth gritted as he pushed himself to move faster. Hold on. I''m coming.

    Meanwhile, in the Village

    The village was in chaos. The pithouses were engulfed in flames, their thatched roofs burning brightly against the night sky. Goblins screamed and shouted as they fought to defend their home, their crude weapons clashing against the blades of the attackers. The assailants were humans, their faces obscured by black hoods with red stripes. They moved with precision and ruthlessness, cutting down any goblin that stood in their way.

    Shiki, the hobgoblin chief, stood at the heart of the battle, his massive frame a beacon of strength and leadership. He barked orders, his voice cutting through the chaos.

    "Rok! Zog! Protect the evacuating goblins! Get them to the cave!" he shouted, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "Grut! Where''s Lok?"

    Grut, who had been firing arrows from a distance, turned to the chief. "He''s not here, Chief! He went to the caves!"

    Shiki''s expression softened for a moment, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Good," he muttered. Then, with a solemn expression, he removed the necklace he always wore¡ªa string of fangs and bones¡ªand handed it to Grut.

    "Take this," Shiki said, his voice firm but tinged with sadness. "When you find Lok, give it to him. Tell him¡­ to lead the village better than I did."

    Grut''s eyes widened, tears welling up as he clutched the necklace. "Chief, what about you? You can''t stay here!"

    Shiki placed a hand on Grut''s shoulder, his gaze steady. "I''ll buy you time. Now go. Protect the young ones and the females. That''s an order."

    Grut hesitated, his fists clenched in frustration and grief. But he knew better than to argue with the chief. With a final nod, he turned and ran, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken.

    Elder Krug appeared beside Shiki, his frail frame wielding an iron machete with surprising strength. "I will fight, Chief," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

    Shiki nodded, a grim smile on his face. "Then let''s keep these humans busy."

    The two goblins stood back-to-back, their weapons raised as they prepared to face the onslaught. The attackers closed in, their blades gleaming in the firelight. Shiki let out a roar, his massive frame surging forward to meet them head-on.

 Chapter 31

    The chief and Krug surveyed the chaos around them. Hooded humans clashed with squads of goblins, the air thick with the sounds of clashing steel and agonized screams. At first, the goblins seemed to have the upper hand, their numbers and teamwork overwhelming the humans. But then, something changed.

    The veins on the humans'' faces bulged, their muscles swelling unnaturally as their skin turned a deep, angry red. Their movements became faster, more brutal, their strikes cutting through the goblins with terrifying ease. One of the humans laughed, a guttural, inhuman sound, as he cleaved through a group of goblins with a single swing of his blade.

    "What that?!" Krug muttered, his voice trembling with fear.

    Shiki didn''t respond. His eyes burned with rage as he lunged at the nearest human, his heavy axe heaving through the air. The human barely had time to react before the axe struck, decapitating him in a single, brutal motion. The head flew through the air, landing with a sickening thud as the body crumpled to the ground.

    But the victory was short-lived. Two more humans stepped forward, their hands glowing with red energy. They cast a spell, and glowing red chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around Shiki''s legs and arms. The chief roared in anger, his muscles straining as he fought against the magical bindings. With a final, furious shout, the chains shattered, the spell breaking under his sheer strength.

    Shiki didn''t hesitate. He charged at the nearest human, his axe slicing through the man''s torso with a wet, crunching sound. The human fell, his body split in two. The other human turned to run, but Shiki was already in motion. He hurled his axe with all his might, the weapon spinning through the air like a deadly whirlwind. It struck the fleeing human in the back, cleaving him in half from shoulder to hip. The two halves of the body fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath them.

    From a distance, a hooded figure watched the carnage with cold, calculating eyes. His subordinates moved with ruthless efficiency, cutting down the goblins and piling their bodies like firewood. One of his men approached, bowing slightly as he spoke.

    "Lord Kallian, these greenskins are rather¡­ intelligent, no?" the subordinate said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "They''re quite different from the ones we''ve been harvesting so far."

    Kallian tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over the burning village. "Indeed," he said, his voice smooth and cold. "I saw one of their furnaces earlier. Crude, but functional. They''re skilled in their crafts, and their structures are more advanced than I expected."

    The subordinate nodded. "Yes, my lord. It''s unusual for goblins to display such ingenuity."

    Kallian''s lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained icy. "Unfortunately, I need their life force more than I need their skills. Tell me, are all the goblins dead?"

    "Mostly, sir," the subordinate replied. "Kami and Lorian are chasing the stragglers. The harvest is nearly ready to proceed. However¡­" He hesitated, his voice faltering. "The hobgoblin chief is still alive. He''s too strong. We can''t take him down."

    Kallian''s smile faded, replaced by a look of mild annoyance. He turned to the subordinate, his hand rising slowly. Red energy crackled around his fingers as he reached for the man''s face. The subordinate''s eyes widened in terror, but he didn''t have time to scream. The red energy surged, draining the life from his body. His face aged rapidly, his skin withering and his body thinning until he collapsed into a lifeless husk.

    "Don''t disturb my good time," Kallian said coldly, stepping over the corpse. He turned his attention back to the battlefield, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Shiki. "A hobgoblin, you say? How¡­ interesting."

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    Rok and Zog moved through the dense forest, their bodies low to the ground as they tried to divert the attention of the two human mages away from the evacuating goblins. The humans were relentless, their glowing red eyes scanning the trees as they unleashed bursts of destructive energy. The forest around them was being torn apart, trees splintering and exploding into flames as the mages laughed, their voices cruel and mocking.

    "Where are you, little greenskins?" one of the mages sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You can''t hide forever!"

    Rok crouched behind a thick tree, his bow trembling in his hands. He glanced at Zog, who was hiding a few feet away, his face pale with fear. The two goblins knew they were outmatched, but they couldn''t let the humans reach the others. Not while they still had breath in their bodies.

    Rok nocked an arrow, his hands steady despite the fear coursing through him. He peeked out from behind the tree, his eyes locking onto the mage who had just spoken. The man was limping slightly, an arrow embedded in his knee¡ªRok''s earlier shot had found its mark.

    Good, Rok thought, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. He hurt. We take him down.

    He drew the bowstring back, his aim steady. The arrow flew through the air, striking the mage in the knee again. The man screamed in pain and rage, his glowing red eyes snapping toward Rok''s hiding spot.

    "You little vermin!" the mage roared, his voice trembling with fury. He raised his hand, red energy crackling around his fingers as he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts. The trees around Rok exploded into splinters, forcing him to dive for cover.

    Zog, seeing his chance, tried to sneak around behind the other mage. But the human was too quick. He turned, his lips curling into a cruel smile as he spotted Zog.

    "There you are," the mage said, his voice cold and mocking. He raised his hand, a ball of red energy forming in his palm. Zog tried to dodge, but the blast struck him square in the chest, sending him flying into a tree. He slumped to the ground, groaning in pain.

    Rok screamed, his voice raw with desperation. "Zog!"

    But his cry only drew the attention of the injured mage. The man turned toward Rok, his eyes blazing with hatred. "There you are," he snarled, raising his hand. Red energy gathered in his palm, the air crackling with power.

    Rok tried to run, but he wasn''t fast enough. The energy blast struck him in the shoulder, the force of the impact sending him sprawling to the ground. He clutched his wound, blood seeping through his fingers as he struggled to get up.

    The two mages approached, their faces twisted with sadistic glee. "Pathetic creatures," one of them said, his voice dripping with contempt. "You never stood a chance."

    He raised his hand, red energy swirling around his fingers as he prepared to deliver the final blow. But before he could, an arrow streaked through the air, striking him in the neck. The mage gasped, his hands clutching at the arrow as blood gushed from the wound. He stumbled backward, collapsing to the ground as he choked on his own blood.

    The second mage turned, his eyes wide with shock. Another arrow flew, this one piercing his chest and emerging from his back. He looked down at the wound, his expression one of disbelief, before collapsing to the ground.

    From the shadows, Grut emerged, his bow still raised. His face was grim, but there was a flicker of relief in his eyes as he saw Rok and Zog. He hurried over to them, helping Rok to his feet before moving to check on Zog.

    "You okay?" Grut asked, his voice calm and steady.

    Rok nodded, wincing as he clutched his shoulder. "Yeah... you save us."

    Zog groaned, pushing himself up with Grut''s help. "Grut save us," he said, his voice weak but grateful.

    Grut smiled, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "Come on. Let''s get to the cave."

    The Cave Entrance

    The three goblins made their way to the cave entrance, where the rest of the village''s women, children, and elders had gathered. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with fear and uncertainty. The goblins huddled together, their eyes wide with terror as they waited for news.

    When Grut, Rok, and Zog arrived, the others rushed to meet them. The elder females, their faces lined with worry, immediately began tending to Rok and Zog''s wounds.

    "What happened?" one of the elder females asked, her voice trembling.

    Grut knelt beside them, his expression serious. "Humans chased us. We kill them. But¡­ many goblins are dead in the village. The chief is still fighting."

    The others murmured among themselves, their fear palpable. But Grut''s calm demeanor and clear words gave them a small measure of comfort. He was different from the others¡ªhis speech more refined, his presence more commanding. It was as if he carried a piece of Lok''s spirit with him.

    "We''re safe here," Grut said, his voice firm. "We will wait for Lok. He will come. He will save us."

    The goblins nodded, their faith in Lok unwavering despite the chaos around them. They huddled closer together, their eyes fixed on the cave entrance as they waited for their savior to arrive.

 Chapter 32

    The village was a battlefield, the air thick with smoke and the acrid stench of blood. Shiki, the hobgoblin chief, stood at the center of it all, his massive frame surrounded by a glowing red energy shield. The humans had him trapped, their cruel laughter echoing in his ears as they watched him struggle. He swung his axe with all his might, the blade striking the shield again and again, but it was futile. The barrier held firm, mocking his efforts.

    From the distance, another human approached, his hood pulled back to reveal a young, pale face. It was Kallian, the leader of the attackers. In his hand, he clutched Elder Krug, the old goblin suspended in the air by a swirling vortex of red energy. Krug''s body convulsed as Kallian extracted his life force, his skin withering and his eyes dimming until he was nothing more than a lifeless husk.

    "Krug!" Shiki roared, his voice raw with grief and rage. He pounded against the energy shield, his axe striking with desperate fury. But the barrier held, and Kallian only smiled, his expression one of cold amusement.

    Kallian spoke, his words smooth and mocking, though Shiki couldn''t understand them. The chief didn''t need to. He could feel the disdain in the human''s tone, the cruel satisfaction as he watched the goblin''s despair.

    No more, Shiki thought, his mind racing. I won''t let them win.

    He remembered the words of the former village shaman, the one who had given him the mark of power. "The power I give you will only last for a short time. You will know it''s gone when the mark on your back disappears."

    Shiki had used the mark''s power sparingly over the years, saving it for moments of dire need. He had used it to defeat the alpha wolf that had threatened the village, and now, with the mark fading, he knew this would be his last chance.

    With a roar, Shiki activated the mark. The tattoo on his back glowed with a fierce purple light, the intricate patterns spreading across his body, covering his arms and chest. His eyes burned with the same purple energy, his entire being radiating power. He raised his axe, the blade crackling with energy, and brought it down on the red shield.

    The barrier shattered like glass, the explosion sending the surrounding humans flying. Shiki didn''t stop. He moved like a force of nature, his axe cutting through the humans with brutal efficiency. Limbs flew, blood sprayed, and the air was filled with the screams of the dying.

    Kallian watched from a distance, his smile widening with each strike. "Yes!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with ecstasy. "This is what we''ve been searching for! The mark of the dark god! It''s here!"

    He raised his hand, red energy swirling around his fingers as he summoned chains to bind Shiki. The other humans joined in, their combined power creating a web of glowing red chains that wrapped around the chief''s body. Shiki roared, his muscles straining as he fought against the restraints. The chains began to break, but more took their place, the humans working together to hold him down.

    Kallian stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with greed as he watched the mark on Shiki''s body slowly fade. "Hold him!" he shouted. "The power is nearly gone! I need to extract it!"

    Shiki''s rage burned brighter. He wouldn''t let them take this from him. With a final, earth-shaking roar, he broke free of the chains, his body surging with the last remnants of the mark''s power. The humans stumbled back, their confidence wavering as the hobgoblin chief turned his burning eyes on them.

    Luke''s vision blurred as he ran, his body pushed to its limits. The village was in sight, but the scene before him was one of utter devastation. The real-time map in his mind showed most of the goblin icons had turned gray¡ªdead. Only one large green icon remained, pulsing faintly in the distance. It was Shiki.

    Luke''s heart clenched with fear and determination. I''m not too late. I can still save him.

    He activated his Cloak skill, his body blending into the surroundings as he sprinted past the cave entrance. The goblins huddled there felt a sudden rush of wind, their heads turning in confusion.

    "What was that?" one of the elder females asked, her voice trembling.

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    Grut frowned, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Must''ve been the wind," he said, though his tone was uncertain.

    Luke didn''t stop. He moved like a shadow, his enhanced speed carrying him toward the village. The sight of the burning huts and the bodies of his fallen comrades fueled his rage, but he forced himself to stay focused. Shiki was still alive, and he needed help.

    As he neared the heart of the village, Luke saw the chief surrounded by humans, his body glowing with fading purple energy. The humans were closing in, their red chains wrapping around him once more. Luke''s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his machete.

    Hold on, Shiki. I''m coming.

    Shiki roared, his body surging with the last remnants of the mark''s power. The purple energy coursed through him, his axe cleaving through the humans with brutal efficiency. Limbs flew, blood sprayed, and the air was filled with the screams of the dying. Kallian, the leader of the attackers, barely managed to dodge Shiki''s strikes, his shield raised to parry the blows.

    "Restrain him!" Kallian screamed, his voice frantic. "Don''t let him break free!"

    The six remaining mages chanted in unison, their voices rising in a dark, guttural rhythm. Red energy swirled around them as they summoned two massive chains, the glowing links wrapping around Shiki''s body. The hobgoblin chief struggled, his muscles straining against the restraints, but the chains held firm.

    Kallian grinned, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "It''s over, beast. Your power belongs to us now."

    Shiki''s eyes burned with defiance. He let out a deafening roar, the mark on his body flaring brighter as he poured every ounce of his strength into breaking free. The chains began to crack, the red energy flickering as the mages struggled to maintain the spell.

    "Use the goblins'' harvested life force!" Kallian shouted, his voice desperate. "We need more power!"

    One of the mages hesitated. "But, Lord Kallian, our quota¡ª"

    "Fuck the quota!" Kallian snapped, his face twisted with rage. "Master Mirio will be satisfied with what I bring. The mark is more important than anything else!"

    The mages nodded, their faces grim as they resumed their chanting. The air grew heavy with dark energy, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The final words of the chant echoed through the battlefield, a chilling declaration: "Blood for the Blood God!"

    A third chain erupted from the ground, its links thicker and more menacing than the others. It wrapped around Shiki, pinning him in place. The hobgoblin chief roared again, his body trembling as he fought against the restraints. But the chains were too strong, their dark energy sapping his strength.

    Kallian stepped closer, his hand glowing with red energy as he reached for Shiki''s face. "Your power will serve a greater purpose," he said, his voice cold and mocking.

    But before he could touch Shiki, a flash of steel cut through the air. Kallian screamed as his hand was severed at the wrist, blood spraying from the wound. He stumbled back, clutching his arm as his eyes widened in shock.

    The other mages turned, their chanting faltering as they tried to locate the source of the attack. But it was too late. One by one, they fell, their heads rolling to the ground as a shadow moved among them. The chains binding Shiki shattered, the hobgoblin chief collapsing to his knees as the spell broke.

    Kallian''s face twisted with rage and fear. "Show yourself, you coward!" he screamed, his voice trembling.

    From the shadows, Luke emerged, his body uncloaking as he stepped into the light. His face was a mask of fury, his eyes burning with a cold, deadly rage. Shiki looked up, his expression a mix of relief and confusion. Luke''s stature had changed¡ªhe was taller, more muscular, his presence more imposing than before.

    "Luke¡­" Shiki muttered, his voice weak but filled with gratitude.

    Luke didn''t respond. His eyes were fixed on Kallian, his grip tightening on his machete. He glanced at the pile of goblin bodies, his heart aching as he recognized the faces of those who had helped him build the village. The village hall, once a symbol of their progress, lay in ruins.

    Luke''s rage boiled over. He switched to the human dialect, his voice cold and cutting. "How dare you," he said, his words dripping with venom. "How dare you slaughter innocent lives."

    Kallian stared at him, his initial shock giving way to a cruel smile. "Hahaha! You pathetic, naive fool," he sneered. "Even if you can speak like a human, you''re still years away from catching up to human supremacy. This is all for the Blood God. Now that we''ve found traces of the Dark God, our god will be more powerful than ever. Once he consumes every other god, we''ll return. Just wait, you green-skinned vermin."

    Luke''s eyes narrowed. "So, you''re a cult."

    The remaining mages exchanged glances, their hands glowing with red energy as they prepared another spell. Chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around Luke''s body. But he was faster. With a burst of speed, he broke free, his machete flashing as he decapitated the mages in quick succession.

    Kallian, realizing the tide had turned, began chanting a spell, his hands glowing with red energy. The ground beneath him lit up, a portal forming as his body began to disappear.

    "You won''t escape," Luke growled, activating Burst Sprint. He lunged at Kallian, his machete slicing through the air. The blade struck true, severing Kallian''s other arm. The human screamed in agony, his body vanishing into the portal just as Luke''s blade came down again.

    The portal closed, leaving behind only the severed arm and a pool of blood. Luke stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The battle was over, but it was far from finished.

 Chapter 33

    Luke knelt beside Shiki, his hands trembling as he watched the hobgoblin chief grow weaker by the second. The mark on Shiki''s body was fading, its purple glow dimming as the life drained from him. His once-powerful frame now looked frail, his skin wrinkled and his breathing labored.

    "What''s happening?" Luke asked, his voice cracking with panic. He gripped Shiki''s shoulder, his eyes wide with fear. "How is this happening?"

    Shiki smiled weakly, his hand reaching for his axe. With great effort, he lifted it and handed it to Luke. "My time has come," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You are a good leader. Take care of the people."

    Luke shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "W-what? What do you mean? How is this happening?!"

    Shiki''s gaze was steady, his eyes filled with a strange calm. "I don''t know the exact details," he said, his voice fading. "But each time we use the power, it consumes our life force in exchange for strength. Mine¡­ has run out."

    He paused, his breathing growing shallow. "My former chief believed that the destined one¡ªthe one who would save our kind¡ªcould be anyone. He searched far and wide, but it was futile. The mark¡­ it serves as a beacon. The destined one, when using the mark, will not die. The mark on my back¡­ it is the Mark of the Avatar of the Dark God."

    Shiki''s hand trembled as he reached for Luke''s arm. The mark on his back began to move, the intricate patterns crawling across his skin like living ink. It traveled down his arm and into Luke''s hand, settling on his shoulder and arm.

    Luke stared at the mark, his mind reeling. "W-what is this?!"

    Shiki''s grip tightened, his voice barely a whisper now. "It is your turn."

    With those final words, Shiki''s body began to disintegrate, his form turning to dust that drifted away on the wind. Luke screamed, his voice raw with grief and confusion. He reached out, trying to grasp the fading particles, but they slipped through his fingers.

    The System''s Revelation

    As Luke knelt there, his body trembling with emotion, the system panel appeared before him, its glowing text stark against the darkness.

    [ The 12th Fragment has been found. ]

    [ Initiating merging sequence. ]

    [ 0% ]

    Memories began to flood Luke''s mind, fragments of a time long past. He saw an advanced civilization, its towering structures and gleaming cities reduced to ruins. The sky was filled with fire and ash, the ground littered with the remnants of a catastrophic war.

    [ 7% ]

    The memories shifted, showing Shiki in his youth, training under the watchful eye of the old goblin shaman. The shaman''s voice echoed in Luke''s mind, filled with reverence and hope. "You are the messengers of the Dark God, the ones who will save our race. The prophesied return is near."

    [ 25% ]

    The scene changed again, showing the moment when Shiki''s fort was besieged by humans. His brothers, each bearing the same mark on their backs, fought valiantly but fell one by one. The mark, it seemed, was both a blessing and a curse.

    [ 57% ]

    Luke saw the young goblin shaman, his hands tracing the surface of an ancient mural made of an unknown metal. The mural depicted a towering structure buried beneath the sands, its design both alien and familiar. As the shaman touched the wall, a fragment of it seemed to come alive, crawling onto his arm and merging with his flesh.

    [ 78% ]

    The memories continued to flow, each one more vivid than the last. Luke felt as though he was reliving the past carrier''s life, experiencing their triumphs and tragedies as if they were his own.

    [ 95% ]

    Finally, the merging sequence reached completion. A voice echoed in Luke''s mind, ancient and resonant, speaking in a language he didn''t understand but somehow comprehended. It was poetic and cryptic, its words carrying the weight of millennia.

    "Beneath the sands, where time lies still,

    A forgotten city waits, its purpose unfulfilled.

    The Fallen''s hand, once strong and true,

    Now calls to you, to rise anew.

    Seek the fragments, scattered and lost,

    For only then can you pay the cost.

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    The mark you bear, a beacon bright,

    Will guide you through the endless night."

    The voice faded, leaving Luke in stunned silence. He looked down at the mark on his arm, its intricate patterns glowing faintly. The weight of what he had just learned pressed down on him, but there was no time to process it.

    Luke knelt on the ground, his body trembling as tears streamed down his face. He didn''t know Shiki well, but the hobgoblin chief''s death left him with a profound sense of loss, dread, and fury. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him, the mark on his arm glowing faintly as if echoing his emotions.

    Then, the system panel appeared again, but it was different this time. The usual blue interface had turned a deep, ominous purple, and the voice that spoke was no longer the calm, feminine tone he was used to. Instead, it was a deep, resonant male voice, commanding and authoritative.

    [ System Updated to 12.037.21.1 ]

    [ Nano-machines successfully transferred. ]

    [ Scanning biophysical requirements¡­ ]

    [ Invalid: Evolution to Unit 34FB is required. ]

    [ Requesting permission to evolve to Unit 34FB. ]

    [ Yes ] [ No ]

    Luke stared at the panel, his mind reeling. "What is this?" he muttered, his voice hoarse. "What does this mean?"

    The system didn''t respond to his question. Instead, it repeated the prompt, its tone unwavering.

    [ Requesting permission to evolve to Unit 34FB. ]

    [ Yes ] [ No ]

    Luke hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. "Tell me what this is first!" he demanded, his voice rising in frustration.

    But the system remained silent, the prompt flashing insistently. After a moment, Luke sighed, his hand trembling as he reached out and tapped Yes.

    [ Initiating Sequence 45BTR. ]

    [ Blocking pain receptors¡­ ]

    [ Insufficient power. ]

    [ Proceeding without pain suppression. ]

    [ Sending tasks to nano-bots. ]

    [ Hold on, Host. This will be painful. ]

    Before Luke could react, an excruciating pain surged through his body. It felt as though every muscle, every bone, every fiber of his being was being torn apart and rebuilt. He screamed, his voice echoing through the cavern as he collapsed to the ground, his body convulsing.

    The nano-bots worked tirelessly, tearing away unnecessary tissue and fabricating stronger, more efficient muscles and organs. Luke''s vision blurred, his consciousness slipping away as the pain became unbearable.

    [ Host is beginning to enter stasis mode. ]

    But just as he was about to pass out, a jolt of electricity coursed through his body, shocking him back to awareness. The system''s voice was calm, almost clinical.

    [ Initiating electrocution to maintain consciousness. ]

    The process continued for what felt like an eternity. Hours passed, each one filled with agony and the relentless work of the nano-bots. Luke''s screams faded into ragged breaths, his body drenched in sweat as he endured the transformation.

    Finally, after five grueling hours, the pain subsided. Luke lay on the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. His body felt different¡ªstronger, leaner, more powerful. He looked down at himself, his eyes widening as he took in his new form.

    He was a hobgoblin now, much like Shiki, but taller and more refined. His muscles were defined but not bulky, his frame sleek and agile. His skin had taken on a faint, metallic sheen, and the mark on his arm glowed with a steady, purple light.

    The system panel appeared once more, its purple interface displaying the results of the evolution.

    [ Evolution to Unit 34FB is successful. ]

    [ Changes:

    The outdated AI Model: S3R-4N4 has been changed to 41F-R3D.

    Shop Function has been removed.

    Technology Trees have been added.

    Skills and Tools Tab has been added.

    Augmented Simulation Function has been unlocked.

    Predictive Pattern Analysis Skill has been added.

    Tech Points have been changed to Credits.

    Physical Changes:

    STR: 71

    AGI: 67

    PER: 73

    VIT: 69

    RES: 78

    INT: 21

    MAG: 79 ]

    Luke stared at the panel, his mind struggling to process the information. He flexed his hands, feeling the raw power coursing through his body. Despite the agony he had just endured, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

    "It was worth it," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination.

    Luke slowly pushed himself to his feet, sighing as he watched the early sunrise. The soft light felt like a promise of a new day after the terrible night. With steady hands, he reached down and grabbed Shiki''s huge battleaxe. "I''ll grant your wish, Shiki," he said quietly, his voice full of determination as he held the axe handle.

    Every step he took through the forest back to the cave entrance brought back memories he wished he could forget¡ªthe proud faces of fallen goblins, hard-won victories, and the warm smiles of the villagers that now only lived in his mind.

    Kallian''s POV

    Kallian hit the cold stone floor hard in a dimly lit room, surrounded by hooded figures. Both of his arms had been severed, and blood still flowed from his wounds. His companions quickly came over and placed their palms on the injuries; a soft, glowing light began to seal his wounds.

    In front of him stood an old man with a long white beard, holding a staff. "What happened to you, Kallian?" the man asked firmly, his tone filled with disappointment.

    Despite the pain, Kallian managed a weak smile. "I found the traces of the Dark God, master," he said, his voice mixing pride with anger. He continued, "But those green-skinned goblins..." His voice trailed off with bitterness.

    The old man raised an eyebrow. "I thought no goblin could ever hurt you, Kallian," he said. Then, raising his staff, he struck the stone hard, sending Kallian and his companions stumbling back.

    Struggling to steady himself, Kallian stuttered, "I¡ªI swear, master, one goblin came and killed most of my men. I could have taken that power from the Dark God if I had been more careful."

    The old man''s voice was strong as he said, "I told you to bring Yanson and Selma with you. Instead, you let your pride get in the way." As he stepped closer, Kallian began to back away, his voice barely a whisper, "N-no, father, please listen..."

    The old man looked at him sternly. "You must make up for your mistakes, Kallian. Until you learn, I will not restore your arms." With that, he turned and walked away.

    Left alone in the dim light, Kallian''s thoughts drifted back to the tall, strong goblin he had seen earlier. In that moment, his heart filled with a promise of revenge.

    "I will pay back tenfold," he vowed silently.

 Chapter 34

    Luke walked steadily through the forest toward the cave, the rustling of leaves and clear chirps of birds a welcome change. His heightened perception made every sound distinct. In the distance, he heard rhythmic thuds on the branches. Instantly alert, he tensed¡ªthen a smile broke over his face as he activated his Predictive Pattern Analysis Skill. Before his eyes, a holographic display of sound waves appeared, mapping the direction of the approaching noise.

    Without hesitation, Luke tapped into his Burst Sprint, leaping from branch to branch. He gripped Shiki''s massive battleaxe, ready to strike swiftly. At the predicted moment, he weaved the axe at the last second¡ªonly to see that the source of the noise was none other than Grut. Lowering the weapon, Luke chuckled softly.

    "Chief?" Grut called out in a hesitant tone, mistaking Luke''s transformed figure for Shiki.

    Luke replied, "It''s me, Lok."

    Grut''s eyes widened as he took in Luke''s new appearance¡ªtaller, thinner, and more refined, with defined muscles that hinted at a power beyond that of an ordinary goblin. (Remember, Luke had evolved into a variant hobgoblin, unlike the regular goblins around him.) Grut studied him carefully and then asked, "Where''s the chief?"

    Luke shook his head sadly. "He died protecting us."

    For a brief, heavy moment, Grut stood silent, the weight of loss evident on his face. Then Luke patted Grut''s shoulder reassuringly. "Let''s go check on the others."

    They reached the cave entrance where the younger goblins, along with the females and elder females, huddled together, tending to Rok and Zog''s injuries. The other goblins¡ªwhose speech was rough and guttural, reminiscent of the stylized speech in the old Planet of the Apes films¡ªstared in terror at Luke''s changed form for a moment. Suddenly, Grut, speaking in clear, human-like tones, exclaimed, "It''s Lok!"

    The startled goblins relaxed as they recognized his voice. One of them, in broken speech, asked, "Where chief?"

    Luke''s reply was steady though laced with sorrow: "He died protecting us."

    A hush fell over the group, their grief palpable. Then Grut remembered the chief''s final command. He reached for the necklace¡ªthe very one the chief had ordered to be passed on¡ªand said, "Chief said you''re our new leader."

    Luke smiled gently as he took the necklace and fastened it around his neck. A spark of hope replaced his grief as the goblins began to cheer. Their joyous voices, a mix of human-like clarity from Grut and the rough, guttural affirmations of the others, filled the air. In that moment, a new foundation for their settlement was born, and Luke felt a renewed sense of purpose as he led his people into the future.

    Luke led them deeper into the cave. The gentle trickle of groundwater provided a steady rhythm as some goblins paused to drink, their guttural murmurs punctuated by satisfied grunts. Soon, he guided them along a narrow, dark passageway that sloped downward. Though a few hesitated with wary, low rumbles¡ª"Mmm... scary"¡ªthey trusted Luke''s steady stride and followed.

    After a tense walk through the cramped corridor, they emerged into a spacious cavern¡ªa hidden world of bioluminescence. Glowing crystals studded the rough walls, and strange, vine-like plants dangled from the cavern ceiling, their luminous fruits casting eerie, shifting patterns of light. Amid this surreal glow, the dim illumination also revealed a grisly scene: massive spider corpses lay scattered across the floor¡ªsome as large as the goblins themselves.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Grut, ever alert and speaking in clear, measured human tones, notched an arrow and approached one of the fallen beasts, probing it with his bow.

    "So this is where you were," Grut observed. "I didn''t know creatures like these existed."

    Luke turned to face the assembled goblins, his stature towering over them. "This is where we will stay for the moment," he announced.

    A murmur of concern rippled through the group. One goblin, his broken English halting, burst out,

    "Spider? Spider no good?"

    Luke offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry¡ªI killed them all." Though uncertainty lingered, the goblins responded with simple, low grunts and scattered affirmations like, "Me help" and "Me go."

    For a moment, Luke considered ordering a scavenging party to the old village, but seeing the fresh trauma in their eyes, he sighed. "Grut, guard the entrance. I''ll be right back," he instructed.

    "Where are you going?" Grut asked, his tone mixing concern with duty.

    "I''m heading back to the village to salvage anything useful," Luke replied. Almost immediately, several goblins shuffled forward, their voices a rough chorus of, "Where chief?"¡ªtheir speech simple and fragmented.

    Luke shook his head sadly. "We are on our own now," he said.

    A heavy silence fell over the group, their grief conveyed in soft, mournful grunts and downcast eyes. Then Luke looked around at the 21 goblins huddled in the cavern and continued,

    "I need five volunteers to join me. The rest will tend to Rok, Zog, and the kids."

    A flurry of rough, choppy affirmations erupted¡ªshort exclamations like, "Me help!" and "Me go!" After a brief moment, Luke selected Grut along with the four energetic female goblins, their voices echoing in simple, raw phrases.

    With that, Luke set off once more into the uncertain darkness of the underground, his mind already racing with plans for their new future¡ªa future where every spark of innovation and every scrap of salvaged material could forge a stronger foundation for their rebirth.

    Luke strode through the forest, testing his new system as he went. He opened the map¡ªthe display was still active, confirming there were no immediate threats. With a few practiced swipes, he navigated to the Technology Tree. At the very top, the blueprints of the Stone Age lay neatly arranged, followed by those of the Agriculture Age, the Neolithic, and then the Bronze Age.

    Next was the Iron Age¡ªnow unlocked for some reason¡ªwhich showcased innovations like cannons, the early rise of rifles and hand cannons, and the birth of gears. Hand cannons, he decided, would be the priority. Below that, he saw blueprints for the Industrial Revolution (spanning from 1760 to 1950, just after World War II), followed by the Information Age. Then came the era of his original world¡ªthe Quantum Age¡ªand next, the Cosmic Age. Space. The thought of designing a spacecraft brought a delighted gleam to his eyes. Each blueprint, he noted, corresponded to a specific credit cost.

    Switching over, Luke reviewed the skills and tools his system had unlocked. The Goblin Village Management tool was still there¡ªthankfully¡ªas was the map and the ever-useful inventory. The new Augmented Virtual Simulation allowed for direct blueprint creation and analysis; now he could design something virtually and immediately simulate its effects, without the restrictions of the previous system. Although he found the 12th Seal vague and confusing, he resolved not to question it for now.

    The interface then highlighted a new tool: [Virtual Crafting]. According to its description, it allowed him to craft items in a virtual space using resources from his inventory. Another tool, the Geo-Penetration Scanner¡ªessentially an improved, less restricted Resource Detection system¡ªwas also available. And then there was the Magic Tome. It promised that every magic spell visually created would be saved, its quality depending on his MAG stat. Luke mused that this could be a lot of fun.

    His excitement peaked when he discovered the [Virtual Magic Simulation Space]. Intrigued, he opened the tool, and the panel transitioned into a blank screen. Concentrating, Luke pictured a fireball¡ªand there it was, materializing before his eyes. A smile crept across his face. "Let''s try something else," he thought, then imagined a neutron colliding with a heavy atom, sparking a chain reaction of atomic events.

    As the simulation unfolded, a side panel displayed the mana requirements: a standard nuclear explosion would need a staggering 500 MAG stat. Luke''s eyes widened in amazement¡ªthis simulation was designed just for magic.

    He laughed softly to himself, thoroughly entertained by the possibilities. Nearby, a few of the goblin females exchanged whispered remarks in their broken English, murmuring, "New chief go crazy, no?"

 Chapter 35

    The goblins arrived at the village just as dusk began to settle. Luke quickly scanned his map¡ªno hostile enemy in sight, for now. But the sight before him was heartbreaking: the village lay in ruins, a grim testament to the attack. In its center, a pile of goblin corpses told the story of loss and devastation. Some goblins wept openly, while others began scavenging among the ashes.

    Luke stopped before the pile, his expression hardening. I will never forget this day, he vowed silently, his resolve growing stronger. Closing his eyes for a moment, he focused his energy. A fireball coalesced in his hand and, with a quiet command, burst forth to incinerate the remains.

    Nearby, Gorlia¡ªa female goblin known for caring for both warriors and children¡ªsat weeping. Her usual warm smile had been replaced by anger and sorrow. Luke recalled a quote he once read: "Devastation births monsters from the kindest hearts." Gently, he approached her and placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

    "Come on, let''s move," he murmured. "Someday, we will avenge their deaths."

    Gorlia wiped her tears, her voice trembling but resolute. "Sorry, Chief. We live happy together. I no believe human come again."

    Luke offered a small, encouraging smile. "Don''t worry¡ªI won''t let that happen again." Then he looked up at the sky, his eyes blazing with determination. I will make them suffer¡ªa thousand times over. They will know the pain of losing something precious, he thought.

    The goblins soon began scavenging the ruins. Luke led them to the workshop area, relieved to see it still intact. His carefully crafted machete and a set of armor were safe. With a subtle gesture, he stored them into his inventory, and as if by magic, the items materialized into the air before him.

    "Now that I have sulfur," he mused aloud, "I just need saltpeter to make gunpowder. And with this graphite, my bloomery will work even better." He glanced at the other goblins, who were holding scraps of leather, bricks, and iron ore, unsure how to carry it all.

    Luke couldn''t help but smile at the small mercy that some resources in the storage houses had survived, even though most had burned. He chuckled softly as he gathered what he could, leaving the goblins amazed as items vanished into his inventory.

    Then a pang of regret struck him. Maybe if I hadn''t hidden my abilities from the chief¡­ things might have been different. But who could have predicted that a cult would storm the village? Shaking off the thought, he steeled himself for the long road ahead¡ªa path of innovation, revenge, and rebuilding from the ashes.

    Together, they continued sifting through the ruined village¡ªcollecting old weapons, leather bedding, blankets, and the remnants of clay utensils, plates, cups, and jars. In Shiki''s burned quarters, amidst the charred remains, Luke discovered a curious wooden branch trap door hidden under a bed. With effort, he heaved it aside to reveal piles of crystals in varying hues¡ªmostly red, some blue, and one large, multicolored gem. He picked one up, and it immediately reacted to his mana.

    "What the hell is this?" he muttered, eyes widening. Sensing its significance, he called over a nearby goblin.

    "What are these?" Luke asked.

    In a rough, guttural tone, she replied, "These be beast stones, chief. Old chief say, ''Get beast stones,'' from animals we killed."

    "Animal stones?" Luke echoed, puzzled.

    "Yess, chief. From dead beasts. Old chief want them," she answered simply.

    Intrigued, Luke activated his scan-item skill. The display read:

    [ Magic Crystal

    Rank: F

    Rarity: Common

    Mana: 90 ]

    "Hmm¡­ so they''re mana crystals," he said, a smile creeping across his face. "I know what to do with these. I don''t even know if runes work in this world¡ªI only read about them in manga." He opened his [Virtual Magic Simulation Space] and thought, I may not be a rune expert, but I do know a bit about redstone circuits and programming.

    Visualizing the crystal as if it were redstone, he pictured a line connecting it to a light spell. With a few precise taps, a light spell appeared on the blank panel, consuming only a small amount of mana. Moments later, another panel emerged:

    [ You have successfully created a spell with required parameters ]

    [ Basic Rune Circuitry created

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Required: MAG: 15

    INT: 20 ]

    [ Rune Pen created

    Required: MAG: 15

    INT: 20 ]

    Luke laughed in triumph. "Yes, I did it," he said, flexing his arms in satisfaction. Though redstone engineering wasn''t his calling, he was more than capable enough for this task.

    Just then, the female goblin shook her head and turned to leave. "What?" Luke called after her, a trace of confusion lingering in his voice as he wondered what she had meant.

    Luke stored everything into his inventory, and with a subtle flash, the items materialized in midair. He called out, "Let''s go back¡ªit''s risky enough here."

    Within moments, four female goblins emerged from the shadows, each clutching assorted salvaged items. Not long after, Grut appeared from the forest, dragging a deer with an arrow still lodged in its flank.

    As the group slowly made their way back toward the village, Luke''s mind churned with plans. The priority right now is everyone''s safety. I need to build a door¡ªor maybe a gate¡ªat the entrance. For that, I''ll need wood. I''ve got enough bricks to cover the sides and can probably reinforce them with a clay-ash cement mixture. It won''t hold for long, but it will create the illusion of security.

    He glanced at the cave''s dim light. No longer a problem. I can set up a network of runes and lights using these magic crystals, even if they won''t last forever.

    Then a thought struck him. If every animal or beast carries a magic crystal, the Broodmother I slayed earlier probably had one too. And what about the spider corpses back in the cave? Why didn''t I think of that sooner? He smacked his head, frustrated yet intrigued. A steady flow of magic crystals could power a manufacturing station using runes.

    Luke paused as his mind sought clarity. He addressed the system in his head, "System, how do the crystals around beasts or animals form?"

    The System appeared:

    [ Due to the unique nature of Vhalterra, Mana exists all around the world. The wildlife evolved over time to absorb ambient mana, and the surplus in their bodies crystallizes into what you now call Magic Crystals. ]

    Luke''s eyes narrowed in understanding as the system continued:

    [ Thus, every species that resides in Vhalterra has a mana core in them. ]

    Without missing a beat, he pushed his planning further. "Is it possible to create a mana generator¡ªor reload the empty crystals?" he asked silently.

    The system responded:

    [ It is possible, but storing vast amounts of mana can attract larger beasts to the crystal''s vicinity. Also, mana must return to its cycle of distribution, or a catastrophic, world-ending event may occur. ]

    Luke considered the warning. Even on Earth, nature''s rules are absolute. Disrupt them too far, and the consequences will inevitably follow.

    "Well," he muttered to himself, "I''m not planning to store a mountain of mana anytime soon. And figuring out how a mana generator even works is going to take some serious brainpower. For now, let''s start small."

    He crouched down, brushing his fingers over the crystals. They felt warm, almost alive humming with energy. One by one, he began storing them in his inventory, watching as they dissolved into faint streams of light that flowed into his hand. The goblins nearby paused their scavenging, their wide eyes following the strange spectacle.

    "What¡­ what chief do?" one of the goblins stammered, her voice tinged with awe.

    Luke glanced up, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Just a little experiment. You''ll see."

    Once the crystals were safely stored, he moved to the center of the cavern. The dim light from the cracks above barely illuminated the space, casting long shadows across the rough stone walls. Luke knelt, digging a small hole a few inches deep with his hands. The dirt was cool and damp, clinging to his fingers as he worked.

    He activated his Rune Pen skill, and a shimmering, translucent pen materialized in his hand. It felt solid, real, though it glowed faintly with an otherworldly light. He turned it over, testing its weight. "Alright," he said under his breath. "Time to see if this actually works."

    With careful precision, he began writing a rune character at the bottom of the hole. The pen moved smoothly, leaving behind a faintly glowing trail of energy. He traced a line from the rune to the surface, then inscribed a light rune a few inches away. The symbols pulsed softly, like a heartbeat, as he finished.

    Luke leaned back, examining his work. "Not bad for a first try," he said, more to himself than anyone else. He pulled a magic crystal from his inventory and placed it gently into the hole. The crystal clicked into place, its faint glow intensifying as it connected with the runes.

    "Alright," Luke said, clapping his hands together. "Let there be light."

    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the runes began to brighten, their glow spreading outward like ripples on water. The light rune flared to life, casting a warm, steady glow that filled the cavern. The shadows retreated, revealing the rough-hewn walls and the wide-eyed faces of the goblins.

    The goblins froze, their jaws hanging open. One of them dropped the piece of scrap metal he''d been holding, and it clattered loudly against the stone floor. Another let out a low whistle, her eyes reflecting the light.

    "Chief¡­ make torch?" one of them asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.

    Luke couldn''t help but laugh. "Not quite, but close enough. It''s just a light. No more stumbling around in the dark."

    The goblins exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of wonder and confusion. One of the females stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied the glowing rune. "How¡­ how chief do this?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

    Luke shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "Magic, I guess. Or science. Honestly, I''m still figuring it out myself."

    The goblins murmured among themselves, their voices a mix of awe and excitement. Luke watched them for a moment, feeling a strange sense of pride. They might not understand what he''d done, but they trusted him¡ªand that was enough for now.

    He turned back to the rune, his mind already racing ahead. If I can make a light, what else can I do? The possibilities were endless, but so were the challenges. For now, though, he''d take it one step at a time.

    "Alright," he said, clapping his hands to get their attention. "Let''s get back to work. We''ve got a lot to rebuild."

    The goblins nodded, their earlier grief and fear momentarily forgotten. As they returned to their tasks, Luke couldn''t help but smile. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. And in a world like Vhalterra, that was all he could ask for.

 Chapter 36

    The cave was a far cry from the village they had lost. Dark, damp, and cramped, it felt more like a tomb than a home. Luke stood at the entrance, his arms crossed as he surveyed the forest beyond. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like whispers of the past. Somewhere out there, hidden among the shadows, lay the ruins of their former village. The place where so many had died.

    He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. The goblins were counting on him now¡ªGrut, Zog, Rok, and the handful of females and children who had survived. They had lost so much: their homes, their chief, and most of their males. The tribe was a shadow of what it had been, but Luke wasn¡¯t about to let it die.

    Behind him, the cave buzzed with activity. The goblins were hard at work, clearing debris and setting up makeshift shelters. Grut was directing a group of females, his voice firm but encouraging. Zog and Rok were hauling stones to reinforce the cave walls, their muscles straining under the weight. It was progress, but it wasn¡¯t enough.

    Luke turned and walked back into the cave, his boots crunching against the rocky floor. The goblins glanced up as he passed, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear. He gave them a reassuring nod, but his mind was already racing. They needed better tools. Stronger defenses. A way to survive in this harsh, unforgiving world.

    He stopped near the fire pit, where a pile of crude stone axes lay scattered. The goblins had been using them to cut wood and gather resources, but they were slow and inefficient. Luke picked one up, testing its weight. The blade was dull, the handle rough and uneven. It would take hours to cut down a single tree with this.

    ¡°Grut,¡± Luke called, his voice cutting through the noise. ¡°Bring me the mana crystals. And get Zog and Rok over here. We¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    Grut hurried over, a small pouch of mana crystals clutched in his hands. Zog and Rok followed close behind, their faces smeared with dirt and sweat. Luke took the pouch and dumped the crystals onto the ground, their faint glow casting eerie shadows on the cave walls.

    ¡°What chief do?¡± Grut asked, tilting his head.

    Luke knelt down, pulling out his Rune Pen. The translucent tool materialized in his hand, its tip glowing faintly. ¡°We¡¯re going to make these axes better,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°Stronger. Faster. With these crystals, we can enchant them.¡±

    The goblins exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Luke ignored them, focusing on the task at hand. He picked up a stone axe and began etching a series of runes into the blade. The Sharpness rune was simple but effective, designed to enhance the blade¡¯s cutting power. As he worked, the runes began to glow, their light pulsing in time with his heartbeat.

    When he was done, he held up the axe, examining his work. The runes shimmered faintly, their energy flowing through the blade. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, standing up. ¡°Let¡¯s test it.¡±

    The goblins followed him out of the cave and into the forest. Luke stopped near a medium-sized tree, its bark rough and weathered. He raised the enchanted axe and swung it at the trunk. The blade bit deep, cutting through the wood with ease. A few more swings, and the tree toppled over, crashing to the ground with a loud thud.

    The goblins stared, their mouths hanging open. Grut was the first to speak. ¡°Chief¡­ make axe magic?¡±

    Luke grinned, handing the axe to Grut. ¡°Not magic. Just a little science and a lot of hard work. Now, let¡¯s get the others enchanted. We¡¯ve got a lot of trees to cut down.¡±

    <hr>

    The next few hours were a blur of activity. Luke enchanted the remaining axes, while Grut, Zog, and Rok practiced using them. The goblins¡¯ initial skepticism quickly turned to excitement as they saw how much faster and easier the work became. Even the females and children joined in, gathering smaller branches and hauling them back to the cave.

    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the group made their way deeper into the forest. The enchanted axes made quick work of the trees, and soon they had a sizable pile of logs ready to be hauled back. Luke paused to wipe the sweat from his brow, his muscles aching from the effort. It was hard work, but it felt good to be making progress.

    ¡°Chief!¡± Rok called, his voice tinged with panic. Luke turned just in time to see a tree falling toward the group. The goblins scattered, diving for cover as the tree crashed to the ground, narrowly missing them.

    Luke let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding. ¡°Everyone okay?¡± he asked, his voice tight with concern.

    The goblins nodded, their eyes wide with fear. Luke walked over to Rok, who was still lying on the ground, his chest heaving. ¡°You alright, Rok?¡±

    Rok nodded shakily. ¡°Rok sorry, chief. Rok not see tree fall.¡±

    Luke helped him to his feet, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just be more careful next time. We¡¯re a team, remember? We look out for each other.¡±

    Rok nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Rok remember. Rok be careful.¡±

    Luke smiled, but his relief was short-lived. As he turned back to the pile of logs, he noticed something moving in the distance. A shadow, barely visible among the trees. He squinted, trying to get a better look, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

    ¡°Chief?¡± Grut asked, his voice low. ¡°What wrong?¡±

    Luke shook his head, pushing the thought aside. ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s get these logs back to the cave. We¡¯ve got a lot of work to do.¡±

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    <hr>

    By the time they returned to the cave, the sun was beginning to set. The goblins worked together to stack the logs near the entrance, their movements quick and efficient. Luke watched them for a moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips. They were starting to come together as a team, despite everything they¡¯d been through.

    As the fire crackled in the pit, Luke sat down, his body aching with exhaustion. He pulled up his system notifications, scrolling through the updates. The enchanted axes had earned him a decent amount of Tech Points, and he¡¯d unlocked a new blueprint for a basic forge. It was progress, but he knew they still had a long way to go.

    ¡°Chief,¡± Grut said, sitting down beside him. ¡°You tired?¡±

    Luke nodded, leaning back against the cave wall. ¡°Yeah. But it¡¯s a good kind of tired. We¡¯re making progress, Grut. That¡¯s what matters.¡±

    Grut smiled, his sharp teeth gleaming in the firelight. ¡°Grut happy. Goblins happy. Chief make village strong.¡±

    Luke chuckled, ruffling Grut¡¯s hair. ¡°We¡¯ll get there, buddy. One step at a time.¡±

    The fire crackled softly, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on the cave walls. Luke sat cross-legged by the fire pit, his eyes fixed on the flames. The goblins had settled in for the night, their tired bodies sprawled across the rocky floor. Grut snored loudly nearby, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Zog and Rok were curled up together, their makeshift blankets draped over their shoulders. Even the females and children had finally drifted off, their faces peaceful in the dim light.

    Luke sighed, leaning back against the cave wall. The day had been long and exhausting, but it had also been productive. The enchanted axes had made a world of difference, and the pile of logs near the cave entrance was proof of their progress. Still, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were barely scratching the surface. The cave was a temporary solution at best. If they were going to survive, they needed more than just a few reinforced walls and a pile of wood.

    He pulled up his system notifications, scrolling through the updates. The enchanted axes had earned him a decent amount of Tech Points, and he¡¯d unlocked a new blueprint for a basic forge. It was a step in the right direction, but it wasn¡¯t enough. They needed better tools, stronger defenses, and a way to protect themselves from whatever was out there.

    Luke¡¯s thoughts drifted back to the shadow he¡¯d seen in the forest earlier that day. It had been fleeting, barely more than a flicker of movement, but it had left him uneasy. Was it an animal? A human scout? Or something worse? He didn¡¯t know, and that uncertainty gnawed at him.

    ¡°Chief?¡± a soft voice called, pulling him from his thoughts.

    Luke looked up to see one of the female goblins standing nearby, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. Her name was Lira, one of the few who had survived the attack on the village. She was young, barely more than a child, but she had a quiet strength that Luke admired.

    ¡°What is it, Lira?¡± he asked, his voice gentle.

    ¡°Lira¡­ Lira scared,¡± she admitted, her voice trembling. ¡°What if humans come back? What if they find us?¡±

    Luke hesitated, unsure how to answer. He couldn¡¯t promise her safety¡ªnot when they were so vulnerable. But he also couldn¡¯t let her live in fear. ¡°We¡¯ll be ready,¡± he said finally. ¡°We¡¯re stronger now. And we¡¯ve got each other. That¡¯s what matters.¡±

    Lira nodded, though her eyes still held a flicker of doubt. ¡°Lira trust chief. Chief make us safe.¡±

    Luke smiled, though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Get some rest, Lira. Tomorrow¡¯s another day.¡±

    She nodded again and shuffled back to her sleeping spot, curling up beside the others. Luke watched her for a moment, his chest tightening with guilt. He had promised to protect them, but he wasn¡¯t sure he could keep that promise. Not yet.

    <hr>

    The next morning, the cave was alive with activity. The goblins worked together to haul the logs inside, stacking them neatly near the fire pit. Luke oversaw the construction of a makeshift workbench, using the enchanted axes to shape the wood into planks. It was slow, tedious work, but it was progress.

    ¡°Chief!¡± Grut called, his voice filled with excitement. ¡°Look!¡±

    Luke turned to see Grut holding up a freshly carved plank, his face beaming with pride. ¡°Grut make this! Good, yes?¡±

    Luke inspected the plank, nodding in approval. ¡°Good job, Grut. Keep it up, and you¡¯ll be our best carpenter.¡±

    Grut¡¯s chest puffed out with pride, and he hurried back to his work, his enthusiasm contagious. The other goblins followed his lead, their movements quick and efficient. Even Zog and Rok seemed to be working harder, their competitive nature driving them to outdo each other.

    Luke smiled, feeling a flicker of hope. They were starting to come together as a team, despite everything they¡¯d been through. But that hope was short-lived.

    ¡°Chief!¡± a voice shouted, breaking through the noise.

    Luke turned to see Grut running toward him, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear. ¡°Grut see humans! In forest! Many humans!¡±

    The cave fell silent, the goblins freezing in place. Luke¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he grabbed Grut by the shoulders. ¡°Where? How many?¡±

    ¡°East!¡± Grut gasped, pointing toward the forest. ¡°Grut count¡­ maybe twenty? They come fast!¡±

    Luke¡¯s mind raced. Twenty humans. Armed, no doubt. And they were heading straight for the cave. He turned to the goblins, his voice firm. ¡°Everyone, listen up! We don¡¯t have much time. Grut, Zog, Rok¡ªgather the others. We need to fortify the cave.¡±

    The goblins sprang into action, their fear momentarily forgotten. Luke activated his Map function, the overlay appearing in his vision. He zoomed in on the eastern approach, noting the terrain. There¡¯s a narrow pass here. If we can funnel them through it, we might stand a chance.

    ¡°Grut!¡± Luke called, motioning the goblin over. ¡°Take a group and set up barricades here and here.¡± He pointed to the map, indicating key choke points. ¡°Use whatever you can find¡ªrocks, logs, anything.¡±

    Grut nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Grut do it. Make humans regret coming.¡±

    Luke managed a faint smile. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± He turned to the others, assigning tasks and rallying their spirits. ¡°We¡¯ve faced worse than this. Remember the wolves? The spiders? We¡¯re still here. And we¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±

    The goblins cheered, their fear replaced by determination. Luke felt a surge of pride, but it was short-lived. As the goblins scattered to their tasks, he caught Grut¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Grut,¡± he said quietly, ¡°if things go south¡­ get the others out of here. Understand?¡±

    Grut hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Grut understand. But Grut stay with chief. Always.¡±

    Luke sighed, clapping the goblin on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re a good friend, Grut. Let¡¯s make sure we both live to see tomorrow.¡±

    <hr>

    As the goblins worked, Luke kept his eyes on the map. The humans were closer now, their movements erratic. Something¡¯s not right, he thought. They¡¯re not marching¡ªthey¡¯re running.

    His suspicion was confirmed when a new blip appeared on the map, moving fast. Too fast. Luke zoomed in, his blood running cold. The humans weren¡¯t just running toward the cave¡ªthey were running from something.

    ¡°Chief!¡± a goblin shouted, pointing to the eastern pass. ¡°Look!¡±

    Luke turned, his heart pounding. In the distance, he could see the humans¡ªscattered, desperate, and clearly terrified. And behind them, something massive and dark moved through the trees, its eyes glowing like embers.

    What the hell is that? Luke thought, his grip tightening on his spear. The goblins froze, their earlier confidence evaporating.

    ¡°Chief¡­¡± Grut whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°What we do now?¡±

    Luke took a deep breath, his mind racing. ¡°We hold the line,¡± he said firmly. ¡°And we pray that thing doesn¡¯t notice us.¡±

 Chapter 37

    The forest was alive with the sounds of panic¡ªshouts, screams, and the thunder of footsteps. Luke stood at the cave entrance, his grip tightening on his large black battleaxe. The humans were closer now, their figures visible through the trees. But something was wrong. These weren¡¯t soldiers or adventurers. They were refugees¡ªwomen, children, the elderly¡ªtheir faces twisted with fear as they stumbled through the underbrush.

    Luke¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the group. What are they running from? His question was answered a moment later when a low, guttural growl echoed through the forest. The ground trembled, and the trees shook as a massive black wolf emerged from the shadows. It was enormous, far larger than the alpha wolf Shiki had fought. Its fur was matted with blood, its eyes glowing with a feral, unnatural light. This wasn¡¯t just a wolf¡ªit was a force of nature.

    The wolf lunged at the fleeing humans, its claws slashing through the air. A young woman screamed as she was knocked to the ground, her child clinging to her side. The wolf¡¯s jaws snapped shut inches from her face, but she managed to scramble away, dragging the child with her. The other humans scattered, their cries of terror filling the air.

    Luke¡¯s heart pounded as he watched the scene unfold. The wolf was relentless, its movements swift and brutal. It wasn¡¯t just attacking¡ªit was hunting. And it was driving the humans straight toward the cave.

    ¡°Chief!¡± Grut shouted, his voice trembling. ¡°What we do?¡±

    Luke didn¡¯t answer immediately. His mind raced, weighing their options. They couldn¡¯t fight the wolf¡ªnot with so many female goblins and children in the cave. But they couldn¡¯t let the humans die either. And then it hit him. The wolf pups.

    He turned to Grut, his voice urgent. ¡°Get the wolf pups. Now.¡±

    Grut¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°But chief¡ª¡±

    ¡°Just do it!¡± Luke barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    Grut hesitated for only a moment before darting into the cave. Luke turned back to the forest, his eyes locked on the black wolf. It was closer now, its massive form cutting through the trees like a shadow. The humans were almost at the cave, their faces pale with terror.

    Luke stepped forward, raising the battleaxe. ¡°Stay back!¡± he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°Get behind me!¡±

    The humans froze, their eyes darting between Luke and the wolf. For a moment, it seemed like they might turn and run, but the wolf¡¯s roar shattered any hope of escape. They surged forward, scrambling toward the cave. The goblins inside watched in stunned silence, their fear of the humans overshadowed by the greater threat outside.

    Luke stood his ground, his muscles tense as the wolf closed the distance. Its eyes locked onto him, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of doubt. Can I even slow this thing down? But he didn¡¯t have time to second-guess himself. Grut emerged from the cave, clutching the four wolf pups in his arms. They squirmed and whined, their tiny bodies trembling with fear.

    ¡°Here!¡± Grut shouted, holding the pups out to Luke.

    Luke took them carefully, his mind racing. This was a gamble¡ªa huge one. But it was the only chance they had. He stepped forward, holding the pups out in front of him. The black wolf froze, its glowing eyes narrowing as it caught sight of the tiny creatures.

    ¡°Easy,¡± Luke said, his voice low and steady. ¡°I¡¯m not your enemy. I¡¯m giving them back.¡±

    The wolf¡¯s growl deepened, but it didn¡¯t attack. Luke took a cautious step forward, then another. The wolf¡¯s massive body tensed, its claws digging into the earth. But as Luke set the pups down on the ground, something shifted. The wolf¡¯s anger seemed to fade, replaced by a strange, almost maternal calm.

    The pups whined, their tiny legs carrying them toward the massive wolf. She sniffed them cautiously, her glowing eyes softening as she recognized their scent. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by an eerie silence. The humans and goblins alike watched in stunned silence as the wolf nuzzled her pups, her earlier rage replaced by a quiet protectiveness.

    Luke let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding. It worked. But his relief was short-lived. The wolf raised her head, her eyes locking onto Luke once more. For a moment, he thought she might attack. But instead, she turned and began to drag the pups toward the cave.

    ¡°Wait¡ªno!¡± Luke shouted, but it was too late. The wolf pushed past him, her massive body breaking through the makeshift barricade as if it were nothing. The goblins inside screamed, scrambling out of the way as the wolf entered the cave. She ignored them, her focus entirely on her pups.

    Luke followed her inside, his heart pounding. The wolf settled in a corner of the cave, curling her massive body around the pups. The goblins watched from a distance, their fear palpable. Even the humans, who had taken refuge in the cave, seemed too terrified to move.

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    ¡°Chief¡­¡± Grut whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°What we do now?¡±

    Luke didn¡¯t answer immediately. He stared at the wolf, his mind racing. This wasn¡¯t just a temporary solution¡ªit was a disaster waiting to happen. The wolf had claimed the cave as her den, and there was no telling how long she would stay. But for now, at least, she wasn¡¯t attacking.

    ¡°We wait,¡± Luke said finally, his voice low. ¡°And we hope she doesn¡¯t decide we¡¯re a threat.¡±

    The cave was eerily silent, save for the low, rhythmic growls of the massive black wolf as she nursed her pups in the far corner. Her glowing eyes flicked occasionally toward the goblins and humans, her massive body radiating an aura of primal danger. The goblins huddled together, their weapons clutched tightly in their hands, while the humans kept their distance, their faces pale with fear. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a blade.

    Luke stood between the two groups, His large black battleaxe resting against his shoulder. His eyes never left the wolf, his mind racing as he weighed their options. The wolf hadn¡¯t attacked¡ªyet¡ªbut her presence was a constant reminder of how precarious their situation was. One wrong move, and the cave could turn into a bloodbath.

    He glanced at the humans, their ragged clothes and hollow eyes telling the story of their ordeal. They were refugees, not soldiers, and their fear was palpable. Luke knew he had to do something¡ªbut what?

    Taking a deep breath, he stepped toward the humans, his grip tightening on the battleaxe. The goblins watched him warily, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. The humans flinched as he approached, their eyes darting between him and the wolf.

    ¡°Stay back,¡± Luke said, switching to the Diomanum dialect. His voice was calm but firm, cutting through the tension like a knife. ¡°I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡±

    The humans stared at him, their faces blank with shock. Most of them didn¡¯t understand him, but an elderly woman stepped forward, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. Her face was lined with age and exhaustion, but her eyes were sharp and wary.

    ¡°You¡­ you speak our tongue?¡± she asked, her voice trembling.

    Luke nodded. ¡°I do. What happened to you? Why are you here?¡±

    The elderly woman hesitated, glancing back at the other refugees. They nodded silently, their faces filled with a mixture of fear and hope. She turned back to Luke, her voice low and shaky.

    ¡°Men in black robes¡­ they came to our village,¡± she began. ¡°They killed everyone they could find. Burned our homes. Took our food. We¡­ we were lucky to escape. We¡¯ve been walking east for days, trying to reach another town far from here. But then¡­ that wolf found us.¡±

    She gestured toward the black wolf, her hands trembling. ¡°It chased us. Relentlessly. We thought we were going to die. And then¡­ we found your cave.¡±

    Luke¡¯s jaw tightened as he listened. Black-robed men. It couldn¡¯t be a coincidence. The same cult that had attacked the goblin village was now targeting humans. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

    ¡°Do you know who these men are?¡± he asked, his voice low.

    The elderly woman shook her head. ¡°No. They didn¡¯t speak. They just¡­ killed. Like monsters.¡±

    Luke nodded, his mind racing. He glanced back at the wolf, her glowing eyes fixed on him. She hadn¡¯t moved, but her presence was a constant threat. He turned back to the elderly woman.

    ¡°What will you do now?¡± he asked.

    The woman sighed, her shoulders slumping. ¡°Our destination was another town further east of here. But the wolf¡­ it found us before we could get there. We don¡¯t know if we can make it now. We¡¯re exhausted. Hungry. We have nothing left.¡±

    Luke¡¯s chest tightened as he looked at the refugees. They were weak, desperate, and vulnerable. Letting them stay would be the compassionate thing to do¡ªbut it would also be a risk. The goblins were already uneasy around the humans, and the wolf¡¯s presence only added to the tension. Past hatred and discrimination between their races could easily boil over into violence.

    And then there was the wolf. She was a wildcard, unpredictable and dangerous. If she decided the humans were a threat, there was no telling what she might do.

    Luke took a deep breath, his mind made up. ¡°You can¡¯t stay here,¡± he said finally. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous. The wolf¡­ she¡¯s not going anywhere. And my people¡­ they won¡¯t accept you.¡±

    The elderly woman nodded, her expression resigned. ¡°We understand. We¡¯ll leave. But¡­ the wolf. What if it follows us?¡±

    Luke hesitated, his conscience warring with his sense of duty. He wanted to help them, but he couldn¡¯t risk the safety of the goblins. ¡°The wolf won¡¯t follow you,¡± he said, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure of that himself. ¡°She¡¯s focused on her pups now. If you move quickly and quietly, you should be able to get away.¡±

    The woman nodded again, her eyes filled with gratitude. ¡°Thank you. For sparing us. For¡­ showing us kindness.¡±

    Luke¡¯s chest tightened as he watched the humans gather their meager belongings. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing they might not survive the journey. But he also knew he couldn¡¯t risk further conflict or betrayal. His first responsibility was to the goblins.

    As the refugees filed out of the cave, the elderly woman paused at the entrance. She turned back to Luke, her eyes filled with a quiet strength. ¡°You¡¯re not what we expected,¡± she said softly. ¡°A hobgoblin who speaks our tongue. Who shows mercy. Perhaps¡­ there is hope for your kind after all.¡±

    Luke nodded, his expression grim. ¡°Good luck,¡± he said simply.

    The woman smiled faintly before disappearing into the forest with the others. The cave fell silent once more, the tension slowly dissipating. The goblins began to relax, their weapons lowering as they realized the humans were gone.

    But the wolf remained, her glowing eyes fixed on Luke. She hadn¡¯t moved, but her presence was a constant reminder of the danger they were in.

    Grut approached, his expression troubled. ¡°Chief¡­ humans gone. But wolf still here. What we do now?¡±

    Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°We wait,¡± he said finally. ¡°And we prepare. That wolf isn¡¯t going anywhere, and neither are we.¡±

    He sat down by the fire, his mind racing. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on him. Letting the humans go might have been the right choice for the tribe, but it didn¡¯t sit well with him. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of the elderly woman¡¯s face, her quiet gratitude a stark contrast to the fear and hatred he¡¯d come to expect from humans.

    As the fire crackled softly, Luke stared into the flames, his thoughts a whirlwind of guilt, determination, and uncertainty. The wolf¡¯s glowing eyes watched him from the shadows, a silent reminder of the dangers that lay ahead.

    He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was resolved to protect his tribe¡ªno matter the cost.

 Chapter 38: Foundations in the Dark

    Luke exhaled, rubbing his temples as he scrolled through the system interface. The glowing blue screen hovered in front of him, casting eerie light onto the cavern floor. He read over the village stats again, lips twisting into a frown.

    [ Goblin Village Management ]

    <ul>

    <li>Population: 21</li>

    <li>Morale: Low</li>

    <li>Resources: Extremely Low</li>

    <li>Defenses: Nonexistent</li>

    <li>Tech Points Income: 7-9 TP per day</li>

    <li>Infrastructures:

    <ul>

    <li>Rune Light: 7-9 TP per day.</li>

    </ul>

    </li>

    </ul>

    The numbers weren¡¯t great, and the reality was worse. After the cult attacked the last village, they¡¯d barely escaped with their lives. The goblins had suffered heavy casualties¡ªmostly the men. That left Luke, Grut, Rok, and Zog as the only adult males. The rest were females and children, exhausted and wary, eyes shadowed with the weight of survival.

    And now, on top of all that? They had a new wildcard in the mix.

    A wolf. No, the wolf. A massive, battle-scarred she-wolf, lurking just beyond the firelight with her three pups. Right now, she was playing nice. Tomorrow? Maybe not. Luke still wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d calmed down because she understood the situation¡­ or if she was just waiting for an opportunity to snack on a goblin or two.

    His fault, really. He had, after all, kidnapped her pups first. Whoops.

    Luke swiped the system screen away and turned to Grut, who sat sharpening a crude stone knife near one of the half-built huts. The goblin''s green skin was smeared with dirt, his usual grin replaced with an uncharacteristic grimace.

    ¡°We¡¯re stretched thin,¡± Luke said, folding his arms. ¡°We need to finish these shelters, get some real walls up, and start securing food. How much wood do we have left?¡±

    Grut glanced up. ¡°Enough for two more days. Maybe three if we don¡¯t waste it.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s not waste it.¡± Luke turned, scanning the cavern¡¯s first layer. The place was almost ideal¡ªbioluminescent fungi lit up the tunnels with a faint blue glow, mana crystals jutted from the rock walls like forgotten treasure, and it was just spacious enough for expansion. But deeper down¡­

    His eyes flickered to the tunnels leading to the lower layers. The second layer was even wider, more accessible, but the third? That was where he¡¯d fought the Broodmother. That place needed serious clearing before it could be useful.

    One problem at a time.

    Rok and Zog approached, their expressions serious. ¡°Scouts say tunnel still smells like death,¡± Rok reported. ¡°Big spider bodies still rotting. We need to clean.¡±

    Luke grimaced. He had definitely gone overboard with exterminating the spider colony, and now they were dealing with the aftermath. ¡°Yeah, I figured. If we don¡¯t get those corpses out, we¡¯ll have worse problems than just the smell.¡±

    Zog grunted. ¡°We eat them?¡±

    A long, awkward silence.

    Luke blinked. ¡°...You want to eat the giant spiders?¡±

    Zog shrugged. ¡°Meat is meat.¡±

    Grut made a face, shaking his head. ¡°Zog, you sick.¡±

    Zog bared his teeth in a grin. ¡°You soft.¡±

    Luke pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Hard pass on eating eldritch dungeon spiders. Pretty sure that¡¯s a one-way ticket to parasite central. We¡¯ll burn them instead.¡±

    Rok gave an approving nod. ¡°Fire good.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Luke looked back at the half-built village. ¡°Alright, here¡¯s the plan. First, we focus on finishing the shelters. Second, we clear out the corpses from the lower layers. Third, we start laying down runes to fortify this place.¡±

    ¡°And fourth?¡± Grut asked.

    Luke sighed, glancing toward the wolf mother again. She watched them in silence, yellow eyes gleaming in the dark.

    ¡°Fourth¡­¡± He exhaled. ¡°We figure out what the hell we¡¯re doing with her before she decides for us.¡±

    The goblins looked at the wolf, then at Luke. No one spoke for a long moment.

    Then Grut smirked. ¡°You could marry her.¡±

    Luke groaned. ¡°I hate all of you.¡±

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    Luke exhaled, rubbing his temples. Managing a half-starved goblin village and a volatile giant wolf wasn''t exactly what he envisioned when he got dumped into this world. But here he was. If he didn¡¯t get things in order soon, they were all screwed.

    ¡°Alright, new plan,¡± he said, snapping his fingers to get Grut¡¯s attention. The goblin straightened, ears twitching.

    ¡°Grut, you¡¯re in charge of training the female goblins in archery. Take the bows we salvaged from the old village.¡± He gestured toward a pile in the corner, where battered wooden bows and stone-tipped arrows lay next to a few leather bedrolls. Nearby, goblin children huddled close to a rune light he had created earlier.

    Grut frowned. ¡°Humans might come back.¡± His voice was low, wary.

    Luke nodded. ¡°Which is why we¡¯re not just hiding. Pick a few fast ones. You remember that goblin girl who wanted to join the hunts but you turned away just ¡®cause she¡¯s female?¡±

    Grut blinked, then slowly nodded. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ eager.¡±

    ¡°Good. Train her and the others. We need every advantage.¡±

    Rok and Zog exchanged glances. ¡°And us?¡± Rok grunted.

    ¡°You two get to clean up the spider corpses.¡±

    Rok visibly cringed. ¡°Disgusting.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll love this next part.¡± Luke smirked, holding up a glowing mana crystal. ¡°Before you toss the bodies, dig these out. You saw Shiki collecting them from beasts, right? We need them.¡±

    Zog made a face but didn¡¯t argue. Rok grunted in reluctant acceptance.

    Luke tossed the crystal in his hand, catching it with a grin. He had an idea¡ªa stupid, borderline insane idea, but if it worked, they¡¯d have real weapons. Not sticks and stones, but something that could change everything.

    ¡°Until I get my hands on proper tools for gunpowder, we¡¯re going to work with what we have,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Runic rifles. Magic-powered guns using these little beauties as ammo.¡± He tapped the mana crystal.

    A slow, wicked smile stretched across his face.

    ¡°Even a goblin child will be able to wield a proper weapon.¡±

    The goblins eyed him warily as his chuckle turned into full-blown maniacal laughter.

    Zog whispered to Rok, ¡°I think Chief Luke has finally gone mad.¡±

    Rok grunted. ¡°Mad makes strong weapons.¡±

    Luke wiped a tear from his eye, still grinning. ¡°There can be no peace without war. Sun Tzu said that.¡±

    Grut blinked. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°...Another world¡¯s warlord. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    He clapped his hands. ¡°Alright, get moving. We¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    The goblins scattered, each off to fulfill their new roles, while Luke stood there, grinning at the cavern ceiling. War was coming. And this time, they¡¯d be ready.

    <hr>

    Luke, Grut, Rok, and Zog spent the entire day working. There was no room for slacking¡ªnot when survival was at stake.

    Luke took charge of the female goblins, guiding them in constructing the huts. They had limited resources, but with enough hands working together, progress was steady. The makeshift wooden frames were reinforced with planks and rune markings were slowly integrated into the structures, ensuring durability and some measure of protection.

    Meanwhile, Grut had chosen a handful of female goblins for hunting. Some took to it with alarming enthusiasm. One, in particular, stood out¡ªGorlia.

    She used to be kind, almost motherly, back when their village still stood. But after the massacre, something inside her had shifted. Her once-warm eyes now carried a cold, simmering hatred. The kind that wouldn¡¯t hesitate to drive an arrow through a human child¡¯s skull. Luke didn¡¯t blame her. He only made a mental note not to stand in front of her while she had a bow drawn.

    The second standout was the eldest female goblin, a battle-scarred survivor who had been the de facto leader of the women in the previous village. She carried herself like an elder sister, someone the others instinctively followed. Perfect. Luke needed someone like her¡ªsomeone to whip the female goblins into shape, like an Amazonian warband.

    Rok and Zog, meanwhile, had gathered a team of female goblins to help with corpse disposal. Their task was simple but gruesome¡ªgut the giant spider carcasses, extract any mana crystals, then drag the remains outside and pile them into a single heap. The stench was unbearable, and some of the goblins gagged at the sight of the twitching remains, but none of them stopped.

    <hr>

    By the time the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the hunting party returned, dragging their kills behind them.

    Grut and his group had done well¡ªtwo deer, a pile of rabbits, and some small game. What surprised Luke the most was how naturally the female goblins took to the hunt. They were quick, agile, and scarily accurate with their shots.

    It made him wonder how things would¡¯ve turned out if the old village hadn¡¯t been bound by outdated traditions. Back then, only males were allowed to wield weapons. Part of that was because the former chief had been a bit of a male supremacist¡ªnot out of malice, but simply because that was how things had always been. The thought made Luke shake his head. Ignorance breeds weakness. Adaptation breeds survival by Sun Tzu. (Yes Sun Tzu said that. )

    While Grut¡¯s group had been out hunting, Luke and the rest had made significant progress on the shelters. Instead of small, cramped huts, they opted for larger communal ones. It was more efficient¡ªeasier to heat, harder to destroy, and a hell of a lot more practical with their limited resources.

    Rok and Zog had also done good work. Most of the spider corpses were cleared from the first layer, though some still littered the path leading to the second. Regardless, it was a job well done.

    Seeing the exhausted but satisfied faces around him, Luke made a decision.

    ¡°Alright, listen up!¡± he called out, drawing every goblin¡¯s attention. ¡°We worked our asses off today, so we¡¯re having a feast! Someone start a fire¡ªwe¡¯re roasting some deer meat.¡±

    The announcement was met with cheers. It had been a while since any of them had eaten properly, and the morale boost was worth it.

    As the scent of roasting meat filled the cavern, Luke approached the giant wolf and her pups. He tossed her a share of the cooked venison, watching carefully as she sniffed at it before eating.

    Indifferent. Not hostile.

    That was good. That was really good.

    Luke allowed himself a breath of relief. At the very least, she wasn¡¯t looking to rip their throats out just yet. That¡¯s one less problem for now.

    The night was filled with laughter, tired conversations, and the comforting warmth of firelight.

    It had been a productive day.

    Tomorrow, Luke would help clear out the remaining corpses while experimenting with something new¡ªa rune that could absorb ambient mana to light up the entire first layer of the cavern. Maybe even a prototype runic rifle or a grenade.

    A grin stretched across his face.

    And then he laughed.

    Low, manic, and filled with excitement.

 Chapter 39

    Another day passed.

    Luke sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, staring at the virtual magic simulation space panel hovering in front of him. His fingers traced glowing runes in the air, testing different formations, tweaking variables, and scrapping failures in rapid succession.

    He was close¡ªbut not close enough.

    "A self-sufficient rune system¡­" he muttered, rubbing his chin. "Theoretically, if I design a rune node to absorb ambient mana, it¡¯s too weak to sustain the entire network."

    His eyes flicked to the cavern walls, where he''d already etched a web of runes throughout the first layer of the cave. The idea was simple: channel mana into a network that would provide permanent illumination. But in practice¡­

    "It¡¯s like filling a hose with water. If there¡¯s not enough pressure, the flow doesn¡¯t reach the other end. The same applies to mana. Without a strong enough power source, the runes won¡¯t light up the whole cave."

    Using mana crystals was an option¡ªbut a stupidly wasteful one. He had 64 crystals from Shiki¡¯s secret stash, plus whatever they¡¯d harvested from the spider corpses. But burning through those just to turn on some lights?

    "Yeah, no. There has to be a better way."

    He exhaled, closing his eyes, deep in thought.

    Then the wolf shifted.

    Luke¡¯s gaze flicked to the massive beast resting nearby. She had been dozing¡ªuntil now. Her golden eyes cracked open, ears twitching toward the narrow path leading deeper into the cave.

    Something was coming.

    "CHIEF! CHIEF! CHIEF!"

    Luke¡¯s head snapped up just as Rok, Zog, and a group of female goblins came barreling toward him.

    They were breathless. Fear radiated off them like heat.

    "What?" Luke demanded, already reaching for his weapon.

    Zog gulped, struggling with words. "Worm bug. Big. Eating spiders."

    Luke¡¯s brows furrowed. "How big?"

    Rok spread his arms as wide as he could. ¡°T-Tall. Large. Black. Many legs. Scary.¡±

    Luke¡¯s stomach dropped.

    Shit. Centipedes.

    He had been careless. With all the spider corpses left rotting in the deeper layers, of course something would come scavenging.

    Luke grabbed his battleaxe and activated [Burst Sprint].

    A sonic boom cracked through the cavern as he blurred forward, racing toward the second layer.

    The tunnels twisted and stretched, but he arrived in seconds.

    Nothing.

    No centipede.

    Just more slaughtered spider corpses.

    Luke¡¯s eyes narrowed. Third layer. Where the Broodmother¡¯s corpse is. If I¡¯m right, it¡¯s after her mana core.

    His grip tightened around his battleaxe.

    With a deep breath, he moved forward, descending into the depths.

    The air grew heavier, thick with the scent of blood, decay, and something else. Something acidic.

    The cobwebs grew denser. Sticky strands clung to his arms and boots as he pushed through, until¡ª

    There, looming over the half-rotted Broodmother¡¯s corpse, was a monstrous centipede.

    Its slick, segmented body undulated as it coiled around its fallen prey, its mandibles digging into the Broodmother¡¯s flesh.

    But what sent ice through Luke¡¯s veins was what happened next.

    The centipede lifted its head¡ªgulping down a massive, round mana core.

    Luke¡¯s fingers clenched around his weapon.

    ¡°Oh, hell no.¡±

    A notification flickered across his vision as he used [Scan Enemy].

    <blockquote>

    [Elder Dark Centipede]

    Level: 29

    STR: C

    AGI: C

    PER: D

    VIT: C

    RES: B

    INT: D

    </blockquote>

    Luke¡¯s brow furrowed.

    "Slightly weaker than the Broodmother."

    Which made sense.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    The Broodmother had been stronger¡ªthis thing must have avoided attacking her territory for that exact reason. But now, with the Broodmother dead¡­

    It had nothing to fear.

    Luke¡¯s stomach twisted further as the centipede¡¯s body convulsed violently.

    <blockquote>

    [Elder Dark Centipede - Level 30]

    (Undergoing evolution. All stats reduced by 30%.)

    </blockquote>

    Luke froze.

    "It¡¯s evolving."

    He gritted his teeth. If this thing fully evolved, there was no telling how much stronger it would get.

    I can¡¯t let that happen.

    The centipede¡¯s body snapped toward him.

    Its sickening screech tore through the cavern.

    Then¡ªit lunged.

    Its massive mandibles stretched open, a gleaming row of serrated fangs ready to crush him whole.

    Luke leapt, twisting mid-air, and kicked off the ceiling.

    [Burst Sprint.]

    He rocketed downward, battleaxe glowing as [Mana Edge] coated its surface.

    And then¡ª

    [Charged Strike.]

    A burst of mana exploded from the axe as he swung downward, aiming straight for the centipede¡¯s armored head.

    CRACK!

    The blow slammed into its skull, sending shockwaves rippling through its entire body. The monster shrieked in agony as black blood splattered across the rocky floor.

    Luke landed with a grin.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, you overgrown worm? That all you got?¡±

    The centipede twitched violently, struggling to lift its head. Its entire body spasmed¡ªthe evolution process had weakened it.

    Now¡¯s my chance.

    He activated [Burst Sprint], closing the distance in a blink.

    The centipede barely had time to react before Luke delivered a second crushing blow¡ªthis time, targeting its exposed side.

    [Heavy Strike!]

    BAM!

    The attack connected, tearing through its exoskeleton and exposing raw, pulsing flesh underneath.

    The centipede screeched, writhing in pain as it slammed its body against the cavern walls in desperation.

    Luke didn¡¯t let up.

    With a savage grin, he gripped his axe tighter. "You''re not going anywhere."

    He swung again¡ª

    But this time, the centipede did something unexpected.

    It twisted violently, slamming its massive tail against the ground with tremendous force.

    The cavern floor trembled.

    And then¡ªa massive hole collapsed beneath it.

    The centipede plunged downward, escaping through the newly-formed chasm.

    Luke gritted his teeth.

    "Oh no, you don¡¯t."

    He dashed forward and¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªleapt in after it.

    The fall was longer than he expected.

    Luke landed with a roll, absorbing the impact as he straightened.

    He froze.

    Before him stretched a massive, underground ecosystem.

    Bioluminescent trees and glowing fungi lined the cavernous space, their eerie light illuminating a vast, open landscape. A river of glowing blue water cut through the terrain, reflecting the lights above.

    Luke¡¯s eyes widened.

    "What the hell is this place?"

    A sudden movement caught his attention.

    He snapped his head toward the centipede¡ªnow limping across the rocky terrain.

    But it wasn¡¯t running aimlessly.

    It was calling for help.

    A sharp, high-pitched chittering echoed through the cavern.

    Luke¡¯s stomach dropped.

    From the shadows, dozens of smaller Dark Centipedes began emerging from the cracks and tunnels.

    One¡­ Five¡­ Ten¡­ Thirty¡­

    Fifty.

    Each one was smaller than the Elder Dark Centipede, but their numbers made up for their size.

    Luke checked his HUD.

    <blockquote>

    [Dark Centipede]

    Level: 9-12

    Exp per kill: +50

    </blockquote>

    A grin spread across his face.

    "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

    The swarm charged.

    Luke readied his battleaxe.

    The hunt was on.

    Luke tightened his grip on the battleaxe, his heart pounding¡ªnot from fear, but from exhilaration. Fifty enemies? That was a jackpot.

    The first wave of centipedes rushed forward, their segmented bodies undulating as they skittered across the rocky terrain. Their mandibles snapped hungrily, their black carapaces reflecting the eerie blue glow of the underground ecosystem.

    Luke activated [Burst Sprint], his body blurring forward.

    The first centipede lunged.

    Too slow.

    With a clean, fluid motion, he twisted mid-step, bringing his battleaxe down in a brutal diagonal arc. The blade carved through chitin and flesh, cleaving the creature in half.

    +50 EXP

    He didn¡¯t stop.

    Pivoting, he brought his axe upward, catching another centipede that tried to flank him. The force of the impact shattered its head, sending its twitching corpse skidding across the ground.

    +50 EXP

    The centipedes hesitated for a fraction of a second, their primitive minds registering the sudden loss of their kin. But hunger and instinct quickly overrode caution.

    They surged.

    Luke exhaled, his grin widening.

    "Come on, then."

    A dozen centipedes attacked at once.

    Luke moved¡ªweaving between snapping mandibles, sidestepping strikes, and countering with precise, ruthless efficiency. His battleaxe whirled through the air like a reaper¡¯s scythe, every swing calculated to maximize damage.

    Dodge. Strike. Kill.

    He activated [Charged Strike], his axe glowing with raw mana before he brought it down in a devastating overhead slash. The force of the impact cratered the ground and obliterated three centipedes in a single blow.

    +150 EXP

    Their numbers were thinning, but they weren¡¯t backing down.

    Good.

    A centipede lunged from his blind spot.

    Luke twisted, barely dodging its mandibles. It scraped across his armor, tearing through leather and leaving a stinging cut on his shoulder.

    His grin vanished.

    "Alright. You wanna play rough?"

    He activated [Mana Edge], his battleaxe crackling with blue energy.

    His next swing bisected five centipedes in one go, their bodies twitching as they collapsed.

    +250 EXP

    The ground was littered with chitinous corpses, but the last few centipedes were still fighting.

    Luke dashed forward, closing the distance.

    A brutal kick sent one flying into a rock, where it crumpled, twitching. He turned, burying his axe into another¡¯s head before yanking it free.

    With a final [Charged Strike], the last centipede was reduced to twitching halves.

    Silence.

    Luke exhaled, his breath fogging in the cold underground air. His arms burned, his shoulder throbbed, and his clothes were splattered with thick, black ichor.

    His HUD flickered.

    Total EXP gained: +2500

    He grinned.

    "Now that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about."

    But his victory was short-lived.

    A deep, guttural rumble echoed through the cavern.

    Luke turned.

    At the far end of the underground ecosystem, something moved.

    A shadow.

    A massive shadow.

    The Elder Dark Centipede.

    But it wasn¡¯t alone.

    Emerging from the depths, two more centipedes, nearly as large, skittered into view. Their mandibles clicked, their bodies pulsing with fresh, eerie bioluminescence.

    Luke tensed.

    "Oh, come on¡­ that wasn¡¯t even the warm-up?"

    The ground trembled as the centipedes advanced.

    Luke exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders.

    "Alright then," he muttered, spinning his axe. "Round two."