That morning, Goblin's Grove bustled with activity. The warrior unit trained in formation drills, farmers tended the fields, and the rhythmic sound of hammering echoed from the construction site of the new fortress walls.
Godon approached Lee Jun."I want to hunt a real monster. Not boars or deer, but something that will truly test the warriors."Lee Jun studied his expression before nodding. "Alright. But there are conditions. First, take one of Moji's communication runes. Second, don't stray out of my Summon range."
Moments later, Draksra arrived with his own report."I'm starting the forest mapping project. If we want to expand, we'll need a map of safe routes and danger zones."The plan was set: two scouts would shadow Godon's hunting party from a distance, while the rest would follow Draksra to chart the deeper parts of the forest.
For safety, one goblin shaman joined Godon's team—assigned to heal injuries and counter poison if necessary.
Tracks in the Deep Forest
Godon's team advanced toward a hilly area rarely visited by goblins. The air grew damp under towering trees that blocked much of the sunlight.On a massive tree trunk, deep claw marks scarred the bark. Nearby lay the half-eaten carcass of a deer.
The communication rune pulsed with Draksra's voice."That's the work of Fangclaw Lizards. They rarely travel alone—stay alert."
An Attack from Two Sides
Without warning, a Fangclaw Lizard burst from the right, leaping from a tree, its claws aimed for a warrior's face. From the left, another appeared, tail whipping hard enough to knock another warrior to the ground.
"Half-circle formation! Protect the injured!" Godon roared.
The two monsters moved with unnerving speed—darting up trees, then plunging down for surprise strikes. Their claws sliced through the air, forcing the warriors to hold their ground.
The Fierce Battle
One warrior took a slash to the shoulder. His breathing grew ragged, and his body weakened as poison spread.The shaman rushed forward, pressing his staff to the wound while chanting. A greenish light enveloped the injury, neutralizing the venom and sealing the worst of the damage—just enough for the warrior to keep fighting.
Godon ordered two warriors to lure one lizard away. With a loud shout, he swung his sword, forcing the creature to focus on him. When it lunged, Godon pivoted sharply, bringing his blade up in a precise slash to its lower neck—the weak point. Dark blood spurted as the beast collapsed.
The remaining warriors quickly surrounded the second lizard, striking from all sides until it finally fell still.
The Spoils and Return
They recovered two sturdy Lizard Hides, two Venom Sacs to coat arrows, and enough meat to feed the warriors for several days.The shaman checked over the remaining minor wounds before they began the journey home.
Meanwhile, Draksra had mapped nearly one-third of the target area for the day, marking several dangerous zones and safe patrol routes.
When Godon's party returned to Goblin's Grove, they carried two Fangclaw heads as trophies."If there were two," Godon said with a wide grin, "there must be a nest. Next time, we're going there."
Lee Jun gave a faint smile, though his eyes were calculating. Bit by bit, the outer territory beyond the fortress was coming under their control.