Jigglypuff's Diary

Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:

The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana. He acts like a samurai.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

[Goblin] Gi Ji
A goblin rare. He evolved in chapter 37 after hunting with Gi Ga.

Chapter 38: The Night Before the War

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 61
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gastra (Lv1) Cynthia (Lv1)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

4 days had passed by the time Gi Gu’s scouting party returned

When I went out to meet them, I was shocked.

Gi Gu’s appearance had changed. Blue skin and a lone coiled horn. A stature that was a size bigger compared to Gi Go.

I took a peek at his status with the <Red Snake’s eye> and there was no doubt about it. He was now a noble class.

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 2
[Class] Noble; Subleader
[Possessed Skills] <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship C+>> <<The King’s Right-hand Man>> <<Cooperation>> <<Throw Projectile>> <<Versatile Master>> <<Farseeing Eye>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attributes] None

<<The King’s Right-hand Man>> When fighting under the orders of the horde’s leader, fighting spirit UP, physical strength 10%, agility 10% UP.

<<Cooperation>>Attacking together is possible with goblins of the same or lower rank.

<<Versatile Master>> Can use any melee weapon, and receive assistance up to Rank C+ regardless of type.

<<Farseeing Eye>> Chance of success when scouting increases. Chance of successfully tracking the enemy also increases.

Gi Gu is a former horde chief. The strength shown in his status is proof of that. The <<Cooperation>> skill is quite useful for ordering squads. As for this <<The King’s Right-hand Man>> I wonder if it’ll work even when we’re separated by distance. Lastly, this <<Farseeing Eye>> skill, I wonder if he learned this because I’ve always been using him to scout.

I’ll have to clarify the points I don’t understand later.

“I have returned,” said Gi Za as he kneeled. The wounds on his body showed proof of the mission’s harshness.

“Tell me what you found.”

I left the training of the goblins to Gi Ga for the time being, then I went ahead and asked the results of his scouting.

At the same time, I gave them fresh meat to eat. The goblins quietly bowed to me.

“I’ll begin with the results. We have confirmed the orcs’ numbers. Currently, there are over 80 orcs in their horde. As of now, they are en-route toward this fortress.”

80!?

So this is where that bad feeling has been coming from.

Shit!

My heart wavered, but I meticulously paid attention not to let it show as I continued to inquire.

“How long before they arrive?”
“Two days at most.”

As I nodded to Gi Gu, I folded my arms.

––––Shit! It’s too early! So you’re telling me they won’t even give me time to prepare?

But that doesn’t mean I’m the kind of idiot that would just sit and wait here doing nothing.

“Their course?”
“They are marching directly west of us.”

80, huh?

I fell into a deep thought as I looked over the horizon to the west.

Confining ourselves to the village was a bad idea from the start. Once the village is surrounded, I won’t be able to see everything from the front.

So that means confining ourselves to the village is a last resort.

Besides the traps aren’t even complete. They are at most only 50% done. Even if the orcs charged from in front, it wouldn’t be strange for them to just trample over the traps.

“I understand the situation now. Good work.”

I locked my feelings deep inside me, not letting even the slightest emotion show as I closed my eyes.

After I allowed the goblins that had just returned to rest, I went over to help complete the traps.

From the start, goblins specialized at making holes. Holes that orcs could fit into that are filled with sharp bamboos and wooden spears. The holes themselves are also deeper than the orcs’ stature. I also want to fill the holes with water, but unfortunately we really don’t have the time for that.

We’ll just have to make it vertical enough that the orcs won’t be able to climb up.

I’ll also order the humans to concentrate their fences toward the west side of the village. I don’t know how much they can repair in the next two days, but hopefully we can at least have some fences ready from the west to the northwest.

The orcs number too many. We can’t fight them directly. A head-on confrontation like that will only lead to our immediate defeat.

There’s no other way… We’ll have to hit them first.

We needed to get resources for the village constructions, so the trees in the surrounding were cut. Thanks to that we have a better view of the area now.

Too bad we don’t have bows though. A weapon that would allow us to defeat the orcs from a distance would have been great. Not that there’s any point in talking about things that aren’t around.

In any case, if we are to intercept the orcs, then the best place to attack is the forest. If they’re planning to charge here directly, then we should be able to delay them by attacking from their flanks. And then by using the druids’ magic and the goblins with the throwing skill, it should be possible to minimize the casualties. After that, we could take the remaining orcs in a melee. And after wiping them, we could then take the orc king’s head.

When I finished thinking up the strategy, I ran over it again to check for any holes.

I need to carefully choose who to send in the intercepting squad as well as the location. I’ll also have to prepare an escape route in the worst case scenario.

It’s not just because we’re heading west that I’m doing this. There’s also the fact that we can’t leave this area.

Ignoring the welling impatience from within, my mouth twisted into a wry smile as I headed over to Gi Ga to check on his progress.

The training needs to be halted for the time being. It’s imperative that we have the holes dug as soon as possible.

◆◇◆

A day had passed since I received Gi Gu’s report. Right now, I’m having Gi Gu lead me to confirm the orcs’ trail. Following us were Gi Ga and Gi Go.

In the meantime, the excavation of the holes and the ditches have been left to Gi Za. While I had the beast warrior, Gi Gi, and the stealthy Gi Ji see just how close the orcs have gotten to our village.

It’s not that I’m doubting Gi Gu’s information, it’s just that I want to ensure that nothing unexpected happens.

Of course, I made sure to make it clear to Gi Gi and Gi Ji that they were to return without fighting. It should be possible as long as they made use of Gi Gi’s beast’s sniffing abilities.

We tried following the trail Gi Gu led us to follow, but the only thing that entered our sights were the flat woodlands that had nothing of note.

Now I wonder where we should wait for the orcs. Being this rattled over something on this level… It seems I haven’t been blessed with insight by the Goddess of Wisdom, Hera.

The number of orcs that we can deal with using the three-man-cells is 30. So we’ll need to somehow reduce that 80 orcs into 30 using traps.

If the orcs reach my village, that’ll be the end. Even if we’re not annihilated, my dream of building a kingdom will end right then and there.

At that thought, the image of Reshia and the other humans being trampled by the orc horde flashed through my mind.

But even then, it’s still better for them to head straight for the village. If the orc king has been blessed with wisdom, and instead leads his people through a different path, then the village will surely fall.

The humans only built the fences to cover from the village’s west to its northwest.

Normally, it would have been better if I’d thought of an escape route, but we don’t have enough information about the orcs’ madness. If they just up and left and headed east after forcing us out of the village that would be great. But if they still pursue us, we’ll be nothing but helpless prey before them since we don’t have a place to run to.

So there’s only one option for us to make. That is to ambush them, lead them to the village, and annihilate them.

We can only hope that the orcs will trip themselves here. Honestly, something like this can’t even be called a plan. At most it’s just wishful thinking. That fact doesn’t sit right with me, but it can’t be helped.

“Alright, we’ll put up the traps around this area. And then we’ll get a scout to–––“
“King!”

Just as I was about to order Gi Gu and the others to put up the traps and scout, a voice called out from behind.

It was Gi Gi, who was riding on a double head, rushing toward us with a desperate expression on his face.

“The orcs have changed route!” He exclaimed. “They are coming from the north!”

Fuck! The worst case really happened!

Come to think of it, the west is full of trees, woodlands with not much room to step on. While the northwest that the gray wolves favored have patches of unobstructed plains. Damnit! I should have seen this coming a mile away, and yet!

“Return to the village! Now!”

At my order, we made haste for the village.

The traps in the village were concentrated toward the west. Do we have enough time to set up traps for the north?

Do we have enough time to set up the necessary traps to deal with 80 orcs in a day!?

Impossible. Of course, it’s impossible.

If it was just the fight against the orcs, then I’m confident I could beat them with my skill and strength. But in this fight I have to protect the village while annihilating 80 orcs!
Damnit, why the north!?

But not only did they change route, they even chose a route with plenty of space. They’re definitely being led by the orc king. And apparently, the king isn’t an idiot. With that the chances for the traps to succeed have dropped significantly.

There’s still a chance that they might just head east afterwards, but those bastards need to eat. So, no… There’s no way they would let delicious preys such as ourselves run.

The orcs are headed here from the north, but exactly from which direction will they come from? Will it be directly north or north west? No, thinking about it a little, it would probably be directly north.

As for why it’s directly north, it’s because the path toward the lake to the north has been widened.

The route we widened to make hunting convenient has unexpectedly backfired on us!

Think! There has to be something!

Something that could stop them!

By the time we got to the village, I still hadn’t thought of anything. For the meantime, I decided to focus on making traps to the north.

But even while I was digging holes, the only thing that was in my head was thinking of a way to beat the orcs.

But what can I do?

In the end, the day passed with me being unable to think of anything but to make traps.

As for the humans I had them repair the fences as fast as they could. And then for the goblins, I had them dig holes that the orcs could get stuck in. But that’s all.

Can we win with just this?

My heart grew impatient as my thoughts continued to race. In the end, I could do nothing but lament my powerlessness.

Who would’ve thought that the responsibility of having so many lives on your shoulders would be this heavy?

And the image that keeps flashing through my mind, showing the orcs trampling all over us is honestly scary!

Shit!

I can’t lose. I can’t possibly lose.

I know that. It’s precisely because I know that that it’s so heavy.

But despite all my efforts, in the end, the night came with no good news.

◆◇◆

As the twin moonlight lit the evening sky, I looked up. I have been loitering around the village all this time by myself, pondering to myself when suddenly, a voice came.

“Can’t sleep?” asked the voice.

The moonlight fell on her visage, revealing her unparalleled beauty. Bathed in moonlight, it was as if she was the Moonlight Goddess, Veedena, herself.

It was dark, but my eyes could see as if it were day, and I saw her expression. It was as unfeeling and expressionless as always. But somehow, it carried with it a tinge of gentleness.

“Yeah,” I looked toward the evening sky again.

“A strange sight,” Reshia said as she walked over, stealing a glance at the expression on my face.

“I suppose,” I quietly replied.

Perhaps I am scared. That might be it. The war will be upon us tomorrow, yet the path to victory remains a blur.

But even then… I have to win. Even if it means throwing this body away.

If I lose, I lose everything.

“I see…” muttered Reshia, seemingly deep in thought. Then after a while, as if she had thought of something, she looked up toward me again.

“Mind if I take a seat?” she asked as she sat beside me who was sitting cross-legged. “Can we talk for a bit?”

“Do what you want,” I curtly replied.

Like that we began to talk. Her voice was smooth, velvety in its flow like those of a minstrel’s. Each of her words resounded within my shaking chest.

“…In the past, there was a beast known as Moonbeast,” she said.

I wonder if she has a script at the back of her eyelids. I’ve never heard her stutter over her words. Each word of hers were clear and fluent.

“That beast was hated by the humans, but even then it lived beside them,” she said.

The tale she spoke of was that of a beast that possessed a human’s heart.

But though it possessed a human’s heart, its pelt was sharp like needles, hurting allies and foe alike.

The closer the beast tried to be, the more pain it inflicted on its friend. And the further the beast went, the colder the beast became. It was that sort of story.

“But then one day, a lone girl showed favor to that beast,” Reshia said.

The outcome is a tragedy. That’s a given.

There’s a similar story in my country as well.

“But of course, the Moonbeast hurt the girl, and it was greatly saddened.”

At this point, I suddenly felt like asking her what she wants to tell me.

“It was then that the girl thought of something.”

What?

“Then how about we pluck off all the needles, she said.”

Oi!?

Surprised, I couldn’t help but move my gaze away from the moons back to Reshia.

“And so the girl and the Moonbeast no longer had to fight. And they were able to live happily ever after. The end,” Reshia said as she concluded her story.
“… A rather original story,” I commented.

This girl, she changed the ending, didn’t she?

“And? What’s the moral of the story?” I asked.
“Who knows?” She grinned.

Hey, is that really alright? Aren’t you someone from the church?

Having received a response like that, I couldn’t help but look at this sweetly smiling girl with a suspicious gaze.

“Well it can’t be helped. I did just make up the ending after all,” she confessed.

As expected.

“But… I prefer this ending. A short and tragic story is fine too, but in the end, I’d rather everyone be happy. It’s not wrong to wish that sort of wish, right?”

Is that the dream of a girl that doesn’t know reality? Or is it because you dream such dreams that you are called a saint?

“Perhaps,” I replied.
“If you can understand that much, then I think it’s more than enough for a moral lesson,” Reshia said as she excused herself to a night’s rest.

“Ahh…”

Wryly smiling, I looked up toward the moons.

Apparently, she was trying to cheer me up.

I suppose what she was trying to say is: If the result is obvious, then why don’t you try to change it forcefully? Or something… I guess.

“Did my worries show on my face?”

I caressed my face, trying to check if it did, but in the end, I couldn’t figure it out.

But… my heart has gotten lighter.

It’s not so bad… the lessons from an adherent.

At that moment, a flame was lit in that now peaceful heart.

A flame called resolve, the resolve to fight. I had forgotten it just a while ago, but now I remember it well.

As I looked up to the moons floating in the evening sky, I thanked Reshia.

And then it hit me.

“…Forcefully, huh?”

I see… Maybe just maybe, there might be a chance for victory.

It took a long time, but finally, the Goddess of Wisdom’s, Hera’s, blessing has come.

There, I stood up, and I went to wake Gi Gi and Gi Za.

Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:

The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana. He acts like a samurai.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

Chapter 37: Preparations

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 61
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gastra (Lv1) Cynthia (Lv1)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

The orcs could attack us at any time, and yet the situation inside the village isn’t favorable. Many in the village are dissatisfied and even the goblins themselves are in a shaky situation. But still… I can’t give up here.

I asked Lili and Reshia to investigate Gi Ga’s recent report. From their investigation, I found out that Gi Za was telling the truth.

That incident isn’t something to scoff at however. Its effect can be visibly seen in the humans. The fear that had once been stilled has once again risen in their hearts. The eyes they look at me, brimming with fear. But with the bad comes the good, and I now see Gi Za with a stronger sense of security. Not only is the goblin’s visage close to that of humans, but he also handled the previous situation excellently. Surely, I can rely on him more.

From now on I’ll most likely be relying on Gi Za’s horde of druids whenever I leave, but I still need to make more goblin rares. I’ll be needing them to achieve my goals.

Goblins get smarter as they evolve. A single class up can make a huge difference. You could liken it to the dispersing of a great, thick fog within the mind of the goblins, freeing them from a rabid thirst. The more goblin rares I have, the less chances there will be of such incidents as the one before from occurring. Moreover, in this way, I can also strengthen my army.

As for the village, Gi Za’s proven that I can rely on him, so I’ll be leaving the protection of the village in his and his druids’ hands. If possible, I’d like to avoid any friction in the village as there’s a pressing issue that needs to be addressed: How do I deal with the maddened orcs?
I need men working to solve this problem. I can’t afford an internal dispute now.

I had gone out to scout before, so I had to put a stop to it, but now that I’m here again, I’ll have to start that training again. The goblins tend to think of dumb things when they don’t know who’s in charge. So once every five days, I’ll have the goblins stand before me, and I will subdue them with my strength. If they know who’s boss, they won’t dare cause trouble.

A lot of problems come up when I personally go out to scout, so this time I had a scouting party made with Gi Gu, the former leader of the village, as the center along with Gi Gi and Gi Go. They are to head northwest of the village.

Then I ordered Gi Ga to take out the goblins that are close to levelling up to hunt the spear deer. It’s imperative that we bolster our forces as soon as possible.

Then I had the remaining goblins dig holes around the village, creating pitfalls and ditches. I did this until the sun was high up the sky. At which point, I then left the command of the trap-making squad to Gi Za. And I scurried off to begin the goblins’ so-called “Day of Fear”.

When that ended, I took the gray wolf pups, Cynthia and Gastra, out to hunt.

I wonder if I could use these two to keep watch around the village. Fortunately, thanks to Reshia and Lili, they’re not scared of humans. In fact, they’ve even taken a liking to them. But liking’s just liking. As for whether I’ll be able to use them in that way, that’s left to be seen.

With the two gray wolf pups in tow, we ran through the forest. I know little of the ways the gray wolves hunt, but the pups would by themselves try to kill any prey we would come across, saving me the headache of instructing.

Unfortunately, they still have a long way to go as even rabbits could outrun them. So I caught an armor rabbit, broke its legs, and then rolled it over toward the two.

Like this they should naturally understand where they need to bite to kill the rabbit. I suppose this should count as one way of studying hunting.

After I had ascertained that the gray wolf pups had stuffed themselves full, we went back to the village.

The ditches and pitfalls were still only 33% done by the time we had returned.

◇◇◆

Evening came and Gi Ga’s hunting squad returned. There, I saw an unfamiliar goblin rare.

“King,” said Gi Ga. “A new goblin rare has joined our ranks.”

At that introduction, the goblin rare kneeled, and I took a look at the new goblin rare with the <<Red Snake’s Eye>>. Its status floated up.

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 1
[Class] Rare]
[Possessed Skills] <<Throw Projectile>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Spearmanship C->> <<Meld>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attributes] None

I took a look at the description for the new skill <<Meld>>.

<<Meld>>
Allows one to meld with the surrounding, making himself harder for the enemy to spot.

Come to think of it, I have been employing stealth tactics lately. Concealing ourselves and quietly closing in on our enemies. It’s probably because of that that this goblin learned this skill.

I thought that to myself, then fixing my glance back at the goblin, I spoke.

“I’ll give you a name,” I said.
“Yes,” the goblin nodded exaggeratedly.
“Your name shall be Gi Ji.”

I gave the best of the spoils amongst the meat hunted today to the new goblin rare whose head was still deeply bowed, Gi Ji. His eyes sparkled as he received the meat, and then he withdrew himself from my presence and enjoyed his meal.

Meanwhile, Gastra and Cynthia slept peacefully atop my shin guards that were built with the pelt of the gray wolves. I caressed the pups as they slept, thinking to myself, I need to train the goblins how to fight as a horde as well.

Gi Go, Gi Gu, and Gi Za are all former leaders of their respective villages. As such, they have plenty of experience leading their subordinates.

But Gi Ga, Gi Gi, and the new goblin rare, Gi Ji, are different. They have always been living under another goblin’s rule. They don’t know how to lead.

Although, Gi Ga and Gi Gi, I have to say, aren’t too bad at it. After all, they have been hunting along with their horde for some time now. They have already accumulated some experience. But Gi Ji on the other hand…

Hmm… I suppose I could have them do a mock battle. No, I probably should. After all, I don’t think I’ll be able to laugh if the goblins can’t coordinate with each other when the orcs attack. Not even their clumsiness would put a smile to my face at such an unfavorable predicament.

The goblins should also keep up their hunt to level up into goblin rares as soon as possible. Although whether that’ll be enough experience depends on the situation at hand.

Right now, we have far too little time. And in this short time, I must build a horde strong enough to fight. We can’t take our time. We must go with haste before the orcs’ forces become a wave, and crashes itself against us.

The goblins shouldn’t be able to do anything foolish while I’m around. And with Lili and the other two warriors around, we should also be able to train how to fight against humans.

Regardless, there are many problems. Many things that need to be addressed. Realizing that, I couldn’t help but smile wryly to myself.

Amongst those problems, there are some that I simply cannot do anything about. I can only wait and hope for Gi Gu’s return. Hopefully he finds a route to the west.

◆◇◇

When it comes to waiting, patience is a must.

Or in Reshia’s words, she would laugh and say, “Good! You finally understand what it’s like to be me, always being made to wait by you!”

Although, I do think this is more of a problem of character. Goblins, you see, prefer striking to waiting.

Yesterday, I thought of having the goblins do a mock battle. After much pondering, I finally thought of how to do it. And so I ordered Gi Ji and the druid, Gi Za, to partake in my new training.

Each of them are to take five groups of three man cells under them, totaling to 15 goblins under each of their lead.

They are to be equipped with wooden swords and spears, while I made sure to instruct Gi Za to hold back on the magic. After all, I wouldn’t want anyone to die. That’d be troubling.

When the goblins finished their “Day of Fear”, I had them line up, and when I counted 30 goblins, I had them prepare. Mock battle on this scale is extremely rare amongst goblins. When the old goblin saw it along with the other goblins, they were alarmed. But shortly after, they quieted down and only watched attentively. Lili, Reshia, and the other humans also watched with interest.

In order to differentiate the two groups, I had the goblins on Gi Za’s side paint their arms red, while the other group was left colorless.

Then after confirming that the goblins were ready, I gave the signal to start.

“Start!”

At that, the colorless group led by Gi Ji gathered into a lump as they ran.

The goblins prefer striking over defending. That fact was truly embodied in Gi Ji’s decision to charge madly.

“Go!” Yelled Gi Ji. “Win and the king will reward us!”

Spurred by the prospect of being rewarded, Gi Ji lead his horde as he charged toward his foe.

“Spear!”

But in response, Gi Za only had his horde raise their spears forward.

Being able to instruct them with such few words, it seems he’s been training his goblins well.

“Raise your spears!”

At Gi Za’s command, the goblins under Gi Za all uniformly raised their spears toward the sky.

“Strike!”

Did he calculate the distance? I thought to myself. And as if responding to that question, the raised spears all struck down toward the incoming horde.

Pained cries rose, and many goblins fell, but still the colorless horde charged.

“Again! Swords!”

At Gi Za’s command, the red horde raised their spears once more. And at his command, the goblins wielding wooden swords went around the colorless horde, and attacked them from their flanks.

“Onwards!”

Gi Ji grappled with the spearmen of the red horde, unfazed by the strikes of the wooden spears. He swung his sword as he pleased, and no one could stop him. But the red horde struck from the flanks, and the frontline was pushed.

“Surround them!”

The red horde allowed the colorless horde to take their distance, but meeting them at the back was the red horde’s swordsmen. With his horde surrounded, Gi Ji lost the fight.

“That’s enough!”

At my command, the goblins kneeled and their heads bowed.

Just as expected, the gap between a goblin rare like Gi Za who has had experience as a chief of a horde and someone like Gi Ji who has just become a goblin rare is big.

I want to lead a horde of goblins to fight against a goblin that’s above the goblin rare class, so I need to train these goblins and produce some results.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s hunting or fighting. When it comes to teaching, the best way it to take a step yourself.

TL Note: By the way, a wiki for GK was started here: LINK
Shoutout to Destined King for letting me know and to kamerond5 for starting it.
Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:

The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana. He acts like a samurai.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

Chapter 36: Madness

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 61
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gray Wolf (Lv1) x2
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

I had the goblins hunt lizard doubles and pickle snaps as we headed home.

My worries haven’t been eased, but there’s no helping it right now. All the worrying in the world won’t change anything.

I should focus on what I can do for now. And that thing I can do is to raise everyone’s level.

I watched over the fight of the goblins as I thought that to myself.

The prey today are two lizard doubles.

Gi Go, the samuraish warrior, and his three goblins surround the prey from the left, while the leader of the former village, Gi Gu, and his three goblins, surrounded from the right. The two groups attacked the lizard doubles from both sides, repeatedly aiming for their feet.

The lizard doubles have six feet each.

The attacks of the two groups aimed for those feet at almost the same time. The attacks coming from both directions disoriented the lizard doubles, leaving them helpless.

There, Gi Go’s curved katana and Gi Gu’s long sword struck out, and blood spurted out into the air. The open wound left by their attacks were then stabbed incessantly by their subordinates’ chipped sword.

As the lizard doubles screamed and writhed in pain, two blades struck at their necks, and the battle ended.

Looks like the goblins have gotten used to fighting together.

At this level, they should be able to deal with at least two orcs. Any more than that though is still a problem…

We hurried on our way as the goblins ate the lizard doubles’ meat.

At our hurried pace, we managed to reach the village by midnight, and Gi Za welcomed us.

“I see you’re in quite a hurry,” Gi Za said, as he eyed the knackered goblins lying on the ground. He is a druid and a goblin rare, but his appearance looked much closer to that of a human’s.

“Well there’s something bothering me,” I replied.
“Hmm… I don’t know what’s bothering you, but that aside, how about seeing the newly made house for the king?” he said back.

What?

“Newly created?”
“The humans you brought here have been working hard since the village has been left in their hands. They even tried building houses for the goblins,” proudly replied Gi Za as he led me to the king’s house.

As we walked, I listened to his report on the things that happened while I was out.

The route leading to the hunting grounds of the spear deer have apparently been widened. Goblins have been hunting spear deer for a while now, so they looked for a way to make it more convenient to get there. With that, they were able to answer to my orders regarding securing a good route toward the spear deer.

The spear deer are situated north west from the lake. The goblins love to eat them for their large body. Moreover, their hunting grounds are also frequently used to raise levels. But because their bodies are big, it takes a considerable amount of effort just bringing them back. With the widening of the road toward them, securing food should be much more convenient now.

As I listened to Gi Za’s report, we eventually reached the previously mentioned house of the king.

It felt like the house I was using before had gotten bigger. The work put into this bigger house is about what you’d expect from a three-day work that took place while I was gone.

“Isn’t this too extravagant?” I asked.
“You’re too naïve. You should at least use your resources like this,” replied Gi Za.

I’m aware, but…

“I have my own methods,” I complained.
“That might be so, but isn’t it fine?” shrugged Gi Za as he opened the door.

Inside was Reshia, sleeping with Gastra and Cynthia curled into a ball in her arms. Cynthia and Gastra both looked much bigger than when I had left.

Lili was also there along with the other women.

As soon as we entered, the pups’ ears perked up to the sound of the door opening, and the two pups looked my way.

“Woof!” barked the two pups.

The two pups’ voice woke Reshia up.

“Oh… welcome home,” said Reshia as she rubbed her sleepy eyes, then she went back to sleep.

Contrary to Reshia’s attitude, the other women were looking at me stiff with fearful eyes.

Cynthia and Gastra frolicked by my feet.

“…Can you explain exactly what is going on here?” I asked as I scowled at Gi Za.

A mischievous smile appeared on Gi Za’s face.

◆◇◇

I explained the results of my reconnaissance to Gi Za and the old goblin, and they both knitted their brows.

“…I don’t know anything aside from the information I have,” said Gi Za. “But a new king might have been born amongst the orcs.”

A king? Hmm… well if the goblins can have a king, then I suppose they can too…

It’s not that strange.

“Just as the goblins have four big clans, the orcs have their own clans as well,” began the old goblin as his wrinkled face wrinkled even deeper.

According to the old goblin, when a king is born, the orc clan that lived next to us, along with the rest of the orc clans, will all gather under the orc king.

“The orc that leads the orcs is known as the orc king. That being will lead the orcs out of the forest, and attack the human world.”

A sort of mad phenomenon apparently.

Butthe scariest part is that the orcs won’t stop until the orc king is dead. The orcs led by the orc king will keep moving forward even when their legs are struck, even when their arms are lost, and even when magic is casted against them. The orcs won’t stop unless they’re dead or the orc king is.

Orc king… that’s an existence that’s more handful than running triple horns.

“So that’s how it is,” I nodded.

There’s definitely a possibility that the surrounding orcs disappeared because of the birth of the new orc king.

The orcs under the orc king will become maddened, and they will run together as one horde.

I don’t know what their goal or purpose is.

–––Well isn’t this a lovely situation?

I cursed to myself as the edges of my mouth curved.

“All of the orc clans, huh?” I muttered.

The orcs normally move in hordes of 2 to 6. But with the king’s appearance, they will march as one horde.

If that frightening battle prowess of theirs that’s strong enough to threaten the human world is pointed toward this village… it won’t be something to scoff at.

“Can you pinpoint the course their horde will take?” I asked.

The old goblin shook his head.

“Well, in any case, it’s not something we can make light of,” shrugged Gi Za.

Make light of? Exactly how are we supposed to make light of a horde of maddened cows?

“Do you know anything else about the madness of the orcs?” I asked.

Gi Za and the old goblin both shook their heads.

We lack information.

But in the worst case, we’ll have to at least strengthen our defenses.

“Make holes outside the village tomorrow. We’ll make pitfalls,” I ordered.

If it was just me and the goblin rares, avoiding the orcs would be an easy task. We could scout, and just simply avoid them.

But the settlement also has humans, noncombatants, and female goblins. Their legs are too slow; running won’t be an option with them around.

So there’s no choice but to strengthen the settlement as quickly as possible.

“Understood,” nodded Gi Za. The old goblin quietly nodded too, and we ended the discussion.

Still… For a king to be born amongst the orcs…

I was beaten to the chase, but… madness?

If that is something that occurs when one becomes a king. If that is something that occurs involuntarily… If that is something that occurs regardless of the goblins will’ or perhaps even my own, causing us to move by instinct, then…

When I thought of that, the sound of gritting rose as my teeth gritted against itself.

I closed my eyes, and confirmed <<Insurgent Will>> written there on my status.

If that phenomenon does occur, how far will I be able to resist?

It feels as if the more my magic power increases, the more I hear the footsteps of that woman (Altesia) coming from the darkness. Her influence has been kept away because of Zenobia’s power. If so, then wouldn’t the power of her interference become even stronger the next time she tries to interfere with my thoughts?

I need more power.

A power that does not belong to anyone else. A power that belongs to me. My own power.

“Excuse me, may I take some of your time?” said a voice.

I opened my eyes. There, Gi Ga was meekly standing before me.

“Go ahead,” I nodded, as I kept my anxiety hidden within me.

“Lord Gi Za said it was not necessary, but…”

I asked him what he was talking about, and when he explained, I was shocked.

Apparently, there was a goblin who tried to attack a human female while I was gone. Gi Ga executed that goblin.

“Actually, the one who ordered the execution was Lord Gi Za,” said Gi Ga. “Lord Gi Za said that since he was in charge while the king was gone, he should take on the thankless role.”

I closed my eyes with my arms folded.

I did think that a situation such as that might occur one day, but I wanted to believe in the goblins, so I closed my eyes. But apparently… I was too naïve.

I recalled Gi Za’s vow of fealty and his wry smile.

“I didn’t believe that Lord Gi Za should be the only one responsible for the execution, so I took it upon myself to share the burden. So I came here today to ask you, o king. Please, please, be lenient with Lord Gi Za,” begged Gi Ga as he prostrated himself before me. Reflexively, I looked up this building.

So that’s why he made a new house.

It would appear that the goblins have been looking after me a lot more than I thought they were. And apparently, I’ve also been blessed with subordinates better than I thought.

“I understand. I’ll close my eyes to this matter this time,” I told him.
“I am grateful for the king’s generosity,” thanked Gi Ga.
“You did well informing me, Gi Ga.”
“No… And regarding my punishment…”
“Since I won’t be punishing Gi Za, naturally, I won’t be punishing you as well, right?
“Thank you, king.”

I had Gi Ga withdraw, then I fell into deep thought again.

–––I need to tighten the bridle again. And then…

I looked toward the nearby Reshia and the curled up Cynthia and Gastra.

I can’t be as soft to Gi Ga and Gi Za all the time.

The matter needs to be investigated as well.

There’s the possibility that a truth opposite to what had been stated might come.

It’s possible that contrary to what Gi Ga said, Gi Za himself executed a goblin at his own leisure.

It would be better if that’s not the case, I wished that from the bottom of my heart. But I have to consider the possibility.

And the fact that I had to consider that possibility made me disgusted with myself.

Author’s Note:

The king’s house has become the biggest building in the settlement. It’s now big enough to accommodate all of the female and children slaves.

Unfortunately, though, there are barely any furniture.

In fact, the bed in it is just straw with greenery spread on top of it.

Really, the interior gives off a, “Desk?” “Chair?” “Bed?” “What are those?” feeling.

The only thing it really has is a door.

Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:

The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

Chapter 35: Omen

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 61
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gray Wolf (Lv1) x2
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

Lili came to inform me of the humans’ response to my proposal.

Their answer? A yes.

The humans will work to improve this village under the condition that this village will be handed over to them in the future. And since, they’ll be living in this village in the future as well, I doubt they’d cut corners in the village’s renovation.

With the monitoring of the east and the renovation of the village settled. Moreover, with the plans to eventually develop the village into a fortress in place, I’ve finally reached a point where I can start planning for the west.

Regarding that, there are only two things I know. One, the goblins’ home, the Fortress of the Abyss, lie in the west. And two, we need to pass through the region controlled by the orcs.

I should send some scouts first.

Following that train of thought, I had a scouting party formed with Gi Gu, who is from this village, and Gi Gi, the beast warrior, as the core.

Incidentally, I decided to go myself as well.

Gi Gu will be heading northwest. Gi Gi, southwest. And I’ll be heading directly west. We’ll each be scouting for half the day in our respective areas. I also ordered them to retreat immediately in case they happen to meet an orc.

But of course, I’ll be killing the orcs without question if I ever meet one along the way.

Unfortunately, that’s still impossible for Gi Gu and Gi Gi.

I had each of them take 5 goblins. And when night came, we set out.

I’ll be going with 3 goblins myself, but I’m not having them take the goblins along just for scouting. The other reason is that I want to increase the goblin rares in the army.

So 5 goblins each since there are 10 goblins whose levels are over 60 from the interview.

We’ll study the ecosystem of the area as we go.

Our goal in this mission is to find a place nearer to the Fortress of the Abyss that we can use as a base.

It’s a 10-day distance from the village; that’s not something to make light of. There might be other threats aside from the orc raids as well.

That’s why I want to find a place that we can use as a base.

A village held by the orcs, or perhaps a fortress. If possible, I’d like to find a place that has excellent defenses and plenty of stocks. If that’s not possible, then at least a place where we can sleep at.

The orcs tend to dwell in areas that have plenty of open space. It’s an orc trait. So I should be able to find orc settlements in those kind of areas.

We diligently continued onwards as we cut down the sparse trees and vegetation.

Along the way, we came across giant hornworms that had horns growing out of them. I used <<Red Snake’s Eye>>, and I found out that it was called Arrow Caterpillar. We hunted them as we went along.

The only thing we needed to pay attention to were the horns growing from their head along their back. Aside from that, they were nothing special.

We cut off their abdomen, and tasted their meat. It had a heavy taste, but was surprisingly popular even amongst the goblins.

We might be able to use these as provisions in our expedition.

Incidentally, we also came across some giant ants along the way… unfortunately we couldn’t eat them. Then there were those giant, double-neck lizards known as Lizard Double. These ones we could eat. Lastly, we came across some giant snails with thorns growing out of their shells known as Pickle Snap. We couldn’t eat them either.

I’m well aware that the monsters we will come across as we head west will change, so I want to ascertain beforehand which ones we can eat and which ones we can’t.

As expected though, there weren’t any monsters stronger than orcs. The orcs are definitely the ones in control of this region. Yet for some reason, I can’t find them no matter how much I try.

Or could it be? That I’m mistaken and the orcs actually only passed through the west?

As suspicion started to cloud my thoughts, I noticed that the sun was high up the sky.

I shouldn’t go too deep yet. The ringing bells in my chest, warning me of danger, said that, and I decided to put off the area I suspect the orcs to be living at for later.

As we went back, I had the goblins train by fighting the lizard doubles and giant ants as much as possible. When the other scouting parties, Gi Gu and Gi Ga, came back, we ended our reconnaissance.

The other scouting parties didn’t find any orcs either.

Why? The north west is one thing as the gray wolves were there, but there being no orcs in the west and south west as well? What’s going on?

Could there be something going on in the background?

If there is… then there’s only one question. That is: whether that change is good for us or bad for us.

◇◆◇

The next day、I left Gi Za and Gi Ga in charge of protecting the village and hunting for our food while I took the remaining goblin rares with me, and headed northwest.

When I left the village, Gi Za asked me if there was anything that needed to be done, and so I asked him to have a path open toward the hunting grounds of the spear deer. After all, it wouldn’t be very efficient to have to struggle just to bring back the spoils, so having the route cleared would be best.

I couldn’t find any trace of the orcs, so we’re heading back to whatever’s left of Gi Go’s village to use as a base for our reconnaissance. From there, I’m going to send my subordinates to all four directions to scout.

And so, with two goblins under every goblin rare, we headed northwest.

We already knew the path this time around, so we were able to get to Gi Go’s village much faster. We left in the morning, and by night time, we were already at the ruins of Gi Go’s village.

It’s already nighttime, so we’ll retire for the day, and scout tomorrow.

Only, there’s a little problem. I can’t fit into the entrance of the cave… Sigh, well there’s nothing else to it. I’ll just have to spend the night out in the fields. It’s only one night, so it should be fine.

I had the goblins alternate keeping watch, then I hunted some preys at my leisure. After that, I went to sleep.

◆◇◆

The next day, we went out to scout.

I instructed the goblins to return immediately should they sense danger. Then I went to the nest of the gray wolves that’s near the village.

This cave coupled with Gi Go’s cave should be able to house approximately 100 goblins.

There’s danger in living in two different places, but it’s not bad considering we’ll only be using them temporarily.

If there’re any problems, it would have to be my feelings. After all, this is the same cave where I killed the gray wolves and picked up their pups.

When I entered the cave, the only thing remaining there was the lifeless corpse of a gray wolf that’s now only pelt and bones.

I won’t ask for forgiveness for killing your spouse.

But in exchange, I will raise your pups healthy.

I gathered the bones, and dug a hole. There, I buried the lifeless corpse of the gray wolf. As for its pelt, it could be useful, so I took it with me.

You will let me use this pelt… For the sake of furthering my dream.

I looked around every corner of the cave until my subordinates’ return.

The cave was big, but it seemed to have only been inhabited by the gray wolves.

“That’s convenient,” I muttered to myself.

I waited for my subordinates as I pondered on the candidates for our base.

When dusk came, my goblin subordinates returned, and I received their report.

There were no orcs in the surrounding area.

“What’s the meaning of this?” I muttered.

I ate as I listened to my goblin subordinates’ reports, then I thought of the course we will be taking to myself.

There are no orcs a day’s distance around the settlement. Normally, that’s something I would be happy about. But for some reason, I don’t know why, there’s something tugging at me, and I can’t settle down.

We’ve searched so much. We’ve gone here and there, looking for any signs of orc, and yet we can’t find any…

“Is anything the matter?” asked Gi Gu as he observed my pondering face.
“…Tomorrow, we’ll look for a route toward the west,” I replied.

There’s no point in racking my head over the orcs forever. Tomorrow, we’ll go deep into the orcs’ territory, and look for their homes.

“Gi Go,” I called.
“Yes,” he responded.
“Are there any areas a day’s distance from here where a hundred goblins can sleep at?”

Gi Go thought for a while, and then he nodded.

“There is the rock mountain that we used before,” he said.

I asked for the details, and apparently, when Gi Go was still a normal goblin, they lived at a rock mountain. But the orcs took over that rock mountain, so they left.

I wonder… is it too early to attack the orcs now? Should I keep on scouting?

I suppose we could take a look first, and then retreat when their numbers are too many.

With those thoughts, I decided.

“Good. We’ll prioritize that area in our reconnaissance tomorrow. Gi Go, I’ll rely on you to lead the way.”
“Understood,” nodded Gi Go.

After that, we retired for the day.

◆◆◇

The next day, as soon as we finished gathering food, we headed toward the rock mountain with Gi Go leading the way.

We walked through the thickets, carefully paying attention to our surroundings. But as expected, there were no orcs.

The rock mountain, though called a mountain, isn’t very tall. It’s at most around 4 meters high. About a head taller than the taller trees. Many holes could be seen on the rock, making it look like heaps of bedrocks piled on top of another. The area surrounding that rock mountain showed proof of the orcs’ habitation as the area was cut clean.

“This way…” said Gi Go, who appeared to be puzzled at the orcs’ disappearance.

We continued to observe the rock mountain from a distance while hidden in the thickets, but no orcs ever came.

“As expected, no orcs,” I muttered.

Night drew close, and still, no orcs came.

“Let’s climb it,” I said.

With Gi Go and the rest in tow, we climbed the mountain. No orcs were there either.

“What’s going on?”

Those puzzled words echoed at the darkness, unanswered.

There, at the apex of the mountain where the land could be seen, I looked west.

The forest extended throughout the whole land, but there were spots on it where little trees could be seen. Then from a distance, a mountain that was so tall it appeared to reach the heavens could be seen.

Something is happening.

That premonition tugged at me, and when we descended the mountain, I ended the reconnaissance, and headed home.

◇◇◆◆◇◇◆◆

Gray wolf pelt acquired.

◇◇◆◆◇◇◆◆

Author’s note:

Describing topography is so difficult. Sad :(.

The reason why the cave of the gray wolves isn’t inhabited by any other creature is because the gray wolves’ stench there is thick. That smell prevents other creatures from entering.

By the way, the pelt and the bones being left behind sure feels like an item drop, huh?

Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

Chapter 34: Chains

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 60
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gray Wolf (Lv1) x2
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

The basics of treating a prisoner is to bind them without killing them.

When I got back to the village with the humans, the goblins welcomed us in high spirits.

“Lili,” I called.

I ordered her to deal with the humans’ dwelling themselves.

“Make your own things,” I said.
“You want us to make our own house?” she asked.
“Exactly. We don’t have enough buildings to house these many humans. There’s no choice but to make new ones.”
“It will take some time to build new houses… What should we during that time?”

Lili’s fatigued state tugged at my mischievous heart.

“You can throw them at my house. The women can go to the jail. The men can be halved. One half to Chinos’ and Mattis’ jail. The other half to my house. I’ll let you decide who goes where. Is that clear?”

I didn’t say anything out loud, but I made it clear to let her know not to let a revolt happen.

“I understand. I’ll choose carefully.”

Good.

With this I’ve chained her feet.

The chain that is the life of humans. She risked her own life to save theirs. That’s why their lives can be used as chains to bind her.

As the two gray wolf pups running towards me entered my vision, I saw Reshia.

A wry smile that could be said to be the very picture of unhappiness appeared on my face.

“Here’re the spoils for the day. Make you sure you distribute it fairly,” I said.

The sun had already set by the time we came back with the double head and the triple horn, so we started a great fire, and gathered around it like one would in a banquet.

“Why did you accept the humans?”

My subordinates surrounded the fire and ate the double head with me. The one who asked me that question was the leader of the druids, Gi Za.

“Because I still have use for them,” I replied as I chewed the meat.

Gi Za remained silent for a while, brooding to himself. Then he opened his mouth, and he said,

“I don’t understand. The kobolds are one thing, but do you plan to take the humans in as well?”
“It’d be great if I could. Their knowledge is not something a fool could come up with after all.”
“That’s great and all,” replied Gi Za. “But the others aren’t happy, you know?”

Half of the fifteen humans are children and women. The remaining seven are all fully grown men. Two are able to fight, but the rest are farmers that don’t even have any swords.

“Because they can’t touch the women in front of them?” I asked.

At Gi Za’s nod, I turned toward him a gaze that could kill.

“If anyone tries to disobey my order, I will respond in kind and punish them appropriately.”
“…Don’t make such a scary face,” complained Gi Za. “I was just inquiring… What are you planning to do? It won’t be easy to put the goblins’ dissatisfaction to rest.”

Women, huh?

“Come to think of it, I forgot to ask.”
“What?”

My face right now might be smiling, but my heart is actually in a whirlpool of emotions. I still haven’t forgotten that sensation. The sensation when my blade was at the woman’s neck. I can still feel it in my hands.

“Do you want female humans that much?” I asked.
“…Well, yeah,” Gi Za hesitantly replied.

I stuffed my cheeks with meat as I enjoyed myself with Gi Za’s troubled expression.

Embracing the female of another species is like a drug to goblins. A pleasure so poisonous that it can drive them insane.

The only reason they haven’t been taken over by that mania yet is because of the skills <<Insatiable Desire>> and <<King’s Soul>> that I possess.

According to Gi Za, that desire to obtain the female of another species is like a spasm in the ferocity of its fervor.

“How troubling…” I wryly smiled. And Gi Za knitted his brows.
“This horde is abnormal,” he said as he shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
“This is a horde of warriors under the king’s command. I hope you could just nod and agree,” I jokingly replied.
“I should let you know… I’m not having an easy time either,” replied Gi Za as he left.

He has a point though. It’s certainly not good for the goblins to pile up their dissatisfaction.

So what to do?

It’s easy enough to allocate female humans… But while it isn’t a problem now, what about later?

Something like that will become a hindrance later on when I annex the humans to my rule. I’ll have to find a different outlet for the goblins’ desire. Alternatively, I could also just keep their desires tied down.

Hmm… A different outlet, huh?

Do I desperately train them to deal with it? Or is there another method?

Like thoroughly telling them that there’s no time for sexual desires?

◇◇◆

The next day, I prepared a new form of training for everyone else who weren’t hunting.

I had a fifth of the horde do the following drills alternately: The method of swinging a sword, the method of thrusting with the spear, throwing practice, and a drill to strengthen coordination.

The opponent of the goblins was mostly me. We couldn’t rely on Reshia’s healing as she had her hands full with the humans after all.

I made the goblins swing heavy wooden swords. I made the goblins aim for their foe’s feet. And I made the goblins slash with their long wooden rods as they matched the timing of their surroundings. Moreover, in order to practice the throwing skills of those under Gi Ga, I had them throw wooden rods at their targets repetitively. Anyone who slowed down even for a bit were met with a strike from Gi Go’s and Gi Gu’s wooden rods.

Then I trained the three-man cell groups that were already in tatters.

I have no intentions of holding back.

There’s no point in training unless we go at it we the intention to kill.

I struck down the incoming goblins. I kicked them. And I dragged them, and made them stand again. As for the goblins that ran, I grabbed them by the scruff of their neck, threw them and trampled on them. I dealt with 20 goblins in one day. As expected, having to deal with what is approximately 7 groups by myself took a lot out of me.

But it was a small price to pay if it meant getting rid of the goblins’ dissatisfaction.

It also wasn’t just all pain that I brought to the goblins. I made sure to prepare some rewards for those that did well as well. I let them lay with the female goblins and eat good meat.

I later heard from Gi Za on the fifth day, that this day was known as “A Day of Fear” amongst the warrior goblins.

It’s true that fear was a huge part of my training, but there’s also no doubt that the result was good.

After all, I was able to instill the fear of me into the goblins while training them.

Then after I finished beating up the goblins to the point that they could no longer walk, I went out to hunt.

◆◆◇

It’s been 10 days since I began the training, and the goblins have mostly gotten used to it. By the 2nd day, less goblins ran away. And majority of them were able to oppose me.

The training progressed faster than I expected.

When I went to take a look at the dwelling place of the humans. I saw that they did a good job. They made a good jail.

There are some amongst the men that have experience making houses. I might be able to use them.

Lili also ordered them to fix the fences surrounding the settlement.

I later asked Lili, and as expected, their home was burned because of war, and they were all refugees. And although they ran to the forest, they eventually got lost.

“A fence, you say?” asked Lili.
“Right. I was thinking of giving this settlement to you.”

I’m dangling bait in front of the humans I brought here 10 days ago. It’s been 10 days since we started living alongside each other, and although they’re still a little stiff, they’ve at least acknowledged the fact that I have no intention of hurting them. True, they’re still afraid. But at least we’re now able to converse.

My words caused the humans to look at each other.

“What do you mean?” nervously asked an elderly man. Humans that can build buildings such as these are definitely useful, I thought.

“We will soon depart this village and head west. I just thought I’d give this settlement to you humans when we do.”

An even bigger commotion than before arose.

It’s easier to repair a settlement than to make a new one after all.

“Of course, if you want, I could also leave you with a few goblins to protect your people.”

This area is a target for enemies from outside the Forest of Darkness.

“Chinos’s efforts in cultivating also seems to have paid off,” I continued.

I had Chinos cultivate the land near the village. It’s somewhat taken shape now. Potatoes should be ready for harvest by next year.

“Yes, the soil here isn’t bad,” nodded Chinos.

To which I nodded back, satisfied.

The humans became noisy again. But this time, there were voices of happiness mixed amongst the commotion.

Of course, I have a reason for telling all these things to the humans here.

I’m not doing this purely out of good will of course.

One reason is to properly put the carrot and the whip into practice.

Another reason is because the larvae are growing up, and the goblin adults are increasing more and more.

It takes approximately 20 days for a larva to grow up into an adult goblin. But the female goblins can give birth without pause.

Well, not completely without rest, but that’s only five days at most. After that, they’ll become pregnant with another goblin.

As of now, there are 20 female goblins. And all of them are pregnant.

Because of the three-man cells and the abundance of food, and on top of that, the results of the training, barely any goblins have been dying recently. Moreover, the larvae are all mostly guaranteed to become adults.

At this rate, the horde will become too big to fit into this settlement, so we have to find a new home.

Alternatively, I could also find different homes to assign the goblins to.

There’s also the option of expanding this settlement.

But I have to decide what course to take.

I could separate the horde, but then comes the problem of deciding who to entrust their leadership to. If they’re too far from me, their loyalty might become a problem. I’ll need someone who can deal with that. Gi Za could do it, but he refused it himself, so the plan’s no good.

As for expanding the settlement, if the settlement catches too much attention, the humans might become fearful of us. There is a settlement of humans not too far from here after all. It wouldn’t be strange if they attacked.

As for the third option, we’ll all eventually have to go to the Fortress of the Abyss, but for now there’s the issue of the orcs in the west, blocking our way.

With all that, I have no choice but to compromise.

The land here is best for hunting preys. The area surrounding the lake in the northeast doesn’t have any strong beasts. The only danger here is the threat from the west.

And deep in the west lies the origin of the goblins. Eventually, we too we’ll settle there.

So since this settlement has served its original purpose, what other purpose does it have left?

Once I take over the fortress, I hope to use this settlement here as a foothold toward the world of humans. Whether this plan goes well or not is another story however.

But regardless, I don’t want to throw this settlement away. So at the very least, I’ll have to leave the minimum power required to maintain it.

If I can use the humans well, I’ll be able to expand the area I control.

Without using the goblins that is.

“There’s still time left. Think it over.”

As I left my proposal to the humans, I turned my back and thought of the predicted outcome to myself.

◆◆◇

Speaking of which, I forgot to mention this, but when I came back, I had Reshia change the name of the gray wolf pups.

The Vanguard of God is just too much.

At most, she could name it Uru.

It’s only a wolf after all.

After a long and fierce debate, we settled on Cynthia, the lady of the lake shore, and Gastra, Sovereign of the Wind’s Howls.

The last one came from Gi Za and the old goblin. I don’t know why, but for some reason they too got dragged into the debate.

The two gray wolf pups were making themselves comfortable on top of my knees as I debated with Reshia, so I took the opportunity and used <Red Snake’s Eye>> on them.

[Race] Gray Wolf (Gastra)
[Level] 1
[Class] Pup
[Possessed Skills] <<Gale Strike>> <<Charge>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attribute] None

[Race] Gray Wolf (Cynthia)
[Level] 1
[Class] Pup
[Possessed Skills] <<Charge>> <<Growl>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attribute] None

That charge skill is a troubling one.

These pups might still be small, but there’s no doubt that they inherited the blood of those giant wolves.

◇◇◆◆◇◇◆◆

Level has risen.

60 => 61

◇◇◆◆◇◇◆◆

Goblin Name Cheat Sheet:

The [Goblin] is to make it easier to CTRL+F.

[Goblin] Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

[Goblin] Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

[Goblin] Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe. His goblin class is rare.

[Goblin] Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares. His weapon is a curved katana.

[Goblin] Gi Za
The druid goblin rare that recently joined them.

Volume 1 Chapter 33: Influx

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 60
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] High Kobold (Lv1) Gray Wolf (Lv1) x2
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

It was the high kobold, Hasu, who informed me of the humans’ presence.

“The humans are here!” he said.

Cold sweat drizzled down my back.

“Their numbers?” I asked as I threw food at Hasu.

I waited for him to chew it before he finally replied.

“15,” he said.

Tch, that’s a lot.

Are we a match for them right now if all those 15 are adventurers?

It might be possible if we could just strike them at their weak point… But either way it’s a huge gamble.

“Alright, let’s go!”

I have to prepare myself for the worst.

It’s been around a month and a half since Reshia’s group was captured by us.

I don’t know whether 15 is actually a lot or not, but the goblins I’ve been preparing to fight with the orcs have mostly learned the three-man cell.

There’s no telling whether that will be effective against the humans, but if we retreat, there’s no telling how far they’re going to chase us either.

We can’t retreat. There’s no other path for us but to fight.

“Gi Ga, gather everyone.”
“As you command.”

When all the goblins that were rare class and above were gathered, I gave my orders.

“Gi Go, protect those that can’t fight.”
“Yes, chief.”
“Everyone else, gather your men. We’re going to intercept the humans.”
“Yes, chief!”

Three were visibly fired up, while Gi Za quietly burned, ready to fight.

I made 5 three-man cell groups, totaling to 15 goblins. Then I left the remaining goblins under Gi Go to protect the village.

I gripped Iron Second. Then I petted the gray wolf pups playing by my feet, and handed them to Reshia.

“Quite a large group you have here,” remarked Reshia.
“It’s because I don’t want to fight needlessly. Take care of these guys until I come back.”

Reshia took the gray wolf pups that were playing around, and embraced them in her arms.

“Don’t worry, I don’t mind taking care of Gyunei and Cynthia.”
“What’s with the names?”
“Are they not to your liking? Gyunei means Vanguard God, and Cynthia, the lady of the lake shore.”

Those names are no good.

Especially Gyunei. That one definitely needs to be changed.

“It doesn’t seem like you have the time to argue though. Let’s talk about it when you come back,” suggested Reshia.
“Of course, I don’t like the names. Don’t you think it’s pitiful to name this pup a vanguard god?”
“It’s a good name though in my opinion… Right, Gyunei?”

The two gray wolf pups wagged their tails as they followed Reshia.

Is that alright? I hope you two realize that you’ve just been named something absurd.

“We’ll be waiting,” said Reshia.

For a moment, I was speechless when I heard those words. She’s encouraging me.

“Don’t worry, I plan to minimize the casualties on the human’s side. Right now, my enemy are the orcs, and not the humans.”

Right. It’s not time to fight the humans yet.

Yet, that is.

I don’t know how Reshia took my words, but she nodded.

“Lili, do you want to come?”
“…To fight with humans?” she asked.

Her eyebrows lifted up.

“I thought to have you ask for their surrender,” I replied.
“…Alright,” replied Lili.
“Ms. Lili?” asked Reshia.

Lili calmly shook her head.

“Lady Reshia, please wait here. I will keep the casualties to a minimum.”

This will be a good opportunity to find out if she’s scheming anything. Cleaning up all the problems here in one swoop is a swell idea if I’ve ever heard of one.

Right, I should put out a bait.

A chance to kill me. That should bring out whatever Lili’s scheming.

“Hurry up and prepare,” I said.

Then I left the jail.

◆◇◇

We sprinted away from the village into the forest with the druid, Gi Za, the beast warrior, Gi Gi, the former leader of the village, Gi Gu, the only noble class, Gi GA, and Lili.

Hasu led the way, bringing us through a path that was so narrow it could be called an animal trail.

It wasn’t until half a day had passed that we finally spotted the humans.

Along the way we met some double heads and triple horns, but we ignored them, and we continued on our way. There was no need to hunt them as the smoked and dried mead that were prepared by Mattis was enough to stave off our hunger. We ran like this for several hours.

And just as what one would expect from adventurers, Lili kept up with us despite her heavy breathing.

After a while, Hasu stopped. We reached our destination.

I ordered Gi Gi and Gi Gu, who were the first to arrive, to search the surroundings. Then I ordered them to go first. Afterwards, I gave orders to Gi Ga and Gi Za.

“Gi Ga, go with Lili. Gi Za, cover our backs.”

More units came later, and I gave them their orders too. Then Gi Gi’s squad returned.

“Humans, ahead,” he reported.

They’re near.

“Good, let’s continue like this. Don’t make any noise.”

Gi Gi’s squad followed closely behind me while keeping low.

A little later, I heard some noise from ahead of us. Some sort of fight.

“What happened to Gi Gu’s unit?” I asked.

According to Gi Gi, they’re already positioning themselves behind the humans.

“Alright.”

We saw the humans right after that.

“This is…”

The humans were fighting with an orc. The center of the forest where there are little trees are, after all, the orcs’ turf. I thought it was rather reckless of the orc to face 15 all by itself, but unexpectedly, the orc’s the one winning.

Well that’s not really surprising as the humans were visibly tired.

–––But why? Didn’t they come here to rescue Reshia? Aren’t they adventurers?

I can see a woman feeding her babe, a man carrying a heavy bag, screaming. They had at most only two men to fight off the orc.

“Lili, come here for a bit,” I called.

Lili came out of the bushes to take a look.

“What are they?” I frankly asked.

Lili knitted her brows.

“They’re most likely… refugees.”

Oh? There’re refugees in this world too?

“People whose homes were burned, and were driven off into the forests, you mean?”

Lili reluctantly nodded.

I guess she doesn’t want to accept it.

I might be able to use this.

“…I wonder if I should kill them,” I quietly whispered to myself.

Let’s lead Lili around, and make her show her true colors.

Lili gazed at me, dumbfounded.

“Didn’t you promise Lady Reshia not to cause unnecessary casualties!?” she asked, her voice, tinged with anger.
“It’s better to have less mouths to feed,” I snapped back.

Then I began to compress the encirclement we had laid out.

“Gi Gi, go to the left. Surround the humans. Gi Za, to the right.”

The goblins nodded without saying a word.

“…Even then, you’re!”
“Then are you going to save them?”

Lili looked furious.

“I don’t mind sparing them, but you’ll have to be the one to persuade them. And naturally, you’ll also have to look after them yourself. If you’re fine with that, then fine… I’ll spare them.”

The humans were gradually being driven into a corner by the orc.

“I got it! They won’t do anything to trouble you!”
“Good. There’s not much time though, so hurry.”

This area is too close to the human region.

“GURUuuAAaa!”

As my mouth twisted into a grin, I stood up and activated the [Skill] <<Overpowering Howl>>.

“Gi Ga! Kill the orc!”

I ordered Gi Ga, who was still next to me, to kill the orc. Accompanied by his subordinates, Gi Ga quickly bolted out into the fray, and pierced the orc. As a pained scream rose, the orc was mangled by Gi Ga’s subordinates.

I left the bushes as the orc continued to scream, and I made my appearance before the humans.

I wonder what the humans thought of Lili, a human, following me.

The two warriors that were fighting the orc a while ago turned pale as they wielded their swords again.

“What is that!? Isn’t that a high-class goblin behind you!?” one of them asked.

Lili was visibly perplexed, not knowing where to begin explaining. I silently cursed the humans’ incessant vilifications.

But I am the one who made her do this.

Still, I don’t like these humans, but if they’re useful, then I’ll use them.

I’ll use them until their lives are torn and ragged.

“I don’t wish for all of you to die,” Lili said.

The humans and the warriors glanced alternately between me and Lili. The non-combatants at the back froze.

“So please, shut up, and obey,” she continued.

But the humans were not pleased.

“You think we’ll do something like that!” one of them yelled.
“You call yourself human while being tricked by goblins!?” yelled another.

Lili couldn’t stand up to the humans’ abuse.

So I decided to help her out a bit.

“Oi, Lili. You don’t have much time left.”
“Tch…”

Lili’s impatience grew, and I called out the goblins in the surrounding thickets.

“Show yourselves,” I said.

The goblins who were hiding by the thickets all this time, all stood up at the same time. And they shrieked at the humans.

“W-What is with this number!?

I can hear the screams of the warriors.

I did my best to calmly observe them. Especially, the warriors.

How much can I use these humans? Are they worth the risk?

“Tch, there should still be time. Please, don’t lay a finger on them,” said Lili.

The humans should know now that Lili’s just barely hanging onto me.

I smiled at that thought.

“What will it be, humans?” I asked.

Then wielding Iron Second on my shoulder, I continued,

“Obedience? Or death?” I asked.

10 seconds is all I’m giving them.

So I decided to put on another show. And I took a step forward in front of Lili, standing right before the humans.

“Which will it be?” I asked. “Is it death you wish?”

And Lili began to beg as she pointed her sword at me, saying,

“Please stop. Please.”

She knows she can’t win, yet she still dares to point her sword at me. It’s clear as day that she’s afraid. Even the tip of her sword is shaking.

All the while, the humans were at a complete loss, not even able to come up with an answer.

“You wish to fight me?” I asked Lili. “I won’t be sparing you this time.”

Around this time, Gi Ga, who had just defeated the orc, wielded his blood stained spear. But I signaled him with a raise of my hand to stop.

Now, Lili. Show me your true nature.

If you think you can defeat me, then come! I will take you on whenever you please!

But Lili begged again.

“…I beg you, please.”

Lili struck her sword into the ground, and she fell down on her knees. That last act of hers doused whatever will the humans had in them to fight.

“…Very well. Bring all of these to the village. If anyone tries to rebel, I will kill him.”

I swung the great sword on my shoulder.

That swing was only to threaten, but the sharp wind pressure that came from that swing was enough to rouse fear in their hearts.

“Lili, you’ll be responsible for guiding these humans. Understood?”
“I understand,” she replied as she sheathed her sword with her face down, keeping me from seeing her expression.

“Gi Ga, watch over these humans, and make sure they don’t run.”
“As you command.”
“Gi Gi, go feed meat to the kobolds.”
“Yes.”
“For everyone else, hunt as you go back to the village.”

When I finished giving orders, I went back to the village.

The refugees are as follows:

Adventurers: 2
Farmers(Male): 6
Women: 4
Children: 3