Dawn crept into Goblin's Grove, coating the leaves with a thin layer of dew.I stood at the simple wooden gate, gazing at the endless stretch of forest.
Twenty-three.That was the number of goblins left after the battle with the Nyxwraith.
My taming capacity was now one hundred, but what good was that if more than half of it was empty?If I wanted to build a future, I needed numbers. A lot of numbers.
I turned to the three figures standing behind me.Godon, eyes burning with determination.Moji, carrying a pouch filled with potions and runes.And Draksra, restless as ever, tapping his foot on the ground like he couldn't wait to leave.
"Today, we hunt wild goblins," I said."Target: as many as possible. We don't stop until we reach at least sixty."
Godon nodded, Moji sighed, and Draksra grinned wickedly.We formed our formation—Godon took the lead, I stayed in the middle, Moji followed slightly behind, and Draksra vanished ahead to scout.
First Sweep
We moved toward the eastern forest, a place I hadn't visited much since the big battle.A faint sound of snapping twigs came from ahead—Draksra's hand signal.Beyond the bushes, the first group appeared: seven wild goblins, thin and dirty, digging at the ground for roots.
Godon charged in like a storm, knocking two of them down. Moji laid down a calming rune on the ground. I stepped forward, touching each head, feeling the connection take root.Seven new goblins, tamed without much resistance.
Second Sweep
Not long after, we found another group near a small river—eight of them this time.They fought more fiercely, but they were outnumbered.Two heavy swings from Godon broke their will to resist.I bound them to my system one by one.
Third Sweep
By late afternoon, Draksra located the largest group of the day—twelve wild goblins feasting on the carcass of a deer.They snarled when we approached but were far too slow to escape.A short battle erupted—dust and leaves flew everywhere—and then silence.I tamed them all.
When we returned to Goblin's Grove, the numbers in my head were clear:23 + 7 + 8 + 12 = 60.
Sixty goblins now stood in the central clearing, some looking confused, others staring at me with curiosity.Food was distributed. Temporary shelters were prepared.
I gazed at the dark northern forest.Tomorrow, we'd go deeper.The quota had to be filled.