At dawn, the air in Goblin's Grove was cold and biting. In front of the gate, twenty-two battle-ready goblins stood in formation. Godon stood tall at the head of the warrior unit, Draksra with his scouts on the left, while Moji and the shamans stood at the rear.
Lee Jun faced them, Kang Minho at his side."Our goal is clear," Jun said in a firm voice. "Wipe out every Fangclaw, take their loot, and make sure none escape to threaten Goblin's Grove again."
Kang Minho glanced at Godon with a grin."If Godon loses, I'll take over the warrior unit."Godon only snorted, a puff of steam bursting from his nostrils, which made Minho even more irritated.
Approaching the Lair
The formation moved swiftly: scouts in the lead, warriors in the middle, shamans in the rear.Signs of Fangclaw activity were everywhere—trees covered in deep claw marks, animal carcasses left to rot, and a stench that burned the nostrils.
Draksra raised his hand, signaling a halt. "We're close," he whispered.
First Contact
Two Fangclaw patrols appeared in the distance, unaware of their presence."Cut them off," Draksra ordered.
The warriors surged forward. Godon led a lightning strike—within seconds, the two creatures were down before they could make a sound. Moji quickly checked the warriors' wounds to ensure no poison had entered.
The Attack Begins
As they neared the mouth of the lair, carved into a rocky cliff, a loud hiss echoed.Four Fangclaws rushed out, their green scales glinting in the sunlight. From within, the sound of heavy footsteps signaled more were coming.
"Hold formation!" Jun commanded.
The warriors formed a half-circle, blocking the initial assault. Shamans cast protective spells and antidotes. Jun activated Mana Veil, vanishing from sight, then reappeared behind a Fangclaw to slash at its weak side.
The Climax
The Fangclaw Alpha emerged—a beast twice the size of the others, its body covered in thick armor-like scales, fangs dripping venom.Three more Fangclaws charged alongside it.
Godon and Minho went straight for the Alpha. Godon's heavy strikes clashed with its powerful claws, while Minho thrust his spear into the gaps between its scales. The Alpha roared, venom sizzling as it hit the ground, turning soil black.
Moji stood behind, eyes glowing blue. "Runic Amplification!" he shouted. The shamans' offensive spells surged in power, setting one of the Fangclaws ablaze.
The fight was brutal, but ended with Godon cleaving the Alpha's neck while Minho pierced its heart. The remaining Fangclaws were slain soon after.
Victory & Loot
Though several warriors were injured, all returned alive. The loot included:
10 × Fangclaw Hide (armor material)
10 × Venom Sac (weapon poison)
Fangclaw Alpha Fang (unique weapon material)
Meat for the food stockpile
The Alpha's head was tied and carried back as a trophy.
Celebration
That night, a grand feast was held in Goblin's Grove. Godon sat at the front, chest puffed with pride.Kang Minho raised his cup and said to Jun, "Alright… this time, he wins."Jun only smiled, but his eyes were already fixed on the map in Draksra's hands—out there, the next challenge awaited.