Gobulo joined today's hunt with enthusiasm. His participation, even without a specific strategy, significantly boosted the group's efficiency. However, several hours passed before they finished. Then, he had a few Goblins deliver the largest prey to the Troll.
Seeing the early delivery of food, the Troll's mood visibly improved.
'These Goblins just needed a lesson. After I taught them, their efficiency improved. I'll need to remind them again in a few days to keep them sharp,' he thought as he began to eat.
The Troll didn't notice a pair of eyes watching him from the shadows. Gobulo had been observing him closely. He saw the Troll casually discard the magic crystal from the monster into his cave before eating.
Magic crystals don't emit light in the dark, and first-order magic crystals are black, allowing them to blend into the cave. That's why Gobulo hadn't noticed them before.
If all the monster magic crystals the Troll consumed over the years were in that cave, there could be at least a thousand first-order magic crystals there. Currently, Gobulo needed ten crystals for one simulation. Even if future simulations required more crystals, he'd have enough for a long time.
Returning to his cave, Gobulo took out ten magic crystals, preparing for his second simulation. During the afternoon hunt, they had captured four additional small monsters. Gobulo discreetly collected all these small monsters, and no one noticed his actions.
He now had eleven first-order magic crystals in total.
"System, initiate simulation."
"Consuming ten first-order magic crystals, starting the second simulation."
"Detected 1 remaining evaluation point from the last simulation. Acquired a random low-level talent, Azure Vision, slightly enhancing eyesight."
Gobulo was pleased with this system feature, finding it fair. Instead of losing his leftover evaluation points, the system transformed them into a new talent. While the system didn't lose out, he gained a small advantage, which felt rewarding.
The Azure Vision talent, enhancing eyesight, was sure to be useful.
"Simulation begins. Despite your recent birth, you are already the strongest Goblin in the tribe. You are dissatisfied with the Troll leading the Goblins and wish to eliminate him to take his place. You believe this plan is achievable since the Troll hasn't yet noticed your presence."
"In the first year, you diligently consumed meat, honed your skills, and recruited Goblins to your cause. Your strength and influence grew rapidly."
"In the second year, your level increased to 12, and your Critical Strike skill advanced to Lv.8."
"Halfway through the second year, the Troll disappeared for a few days. Upon his return, he vented his anger by killing several newborn Goblins. You noticed his gaze toward you had changed; it was the look of someone eyeing prey."
"Facing this situation, please make your choice."
"Option One: Devise a detailed plan and, with your recruited Goblins, assassinate the Troll."
"Option Two: Lead your Goblin team away from the tribe to find a new territory."
"Option Three: Do nothing."
Faced with these choices, Gobulo was serious. His last simulation ended poorly due to an unwise choice.
Option Three was out. Doing nothing and letting the Troll act first was foolish. He'd rather take a risk than stay idle.
Option Two, leaving with the team, didn't appeal to him either. Gobulo knew the geographical advantages of their current location. The Monster Forest was dangerous, making leaving too risky. He needed to enhance his strength during this simulation.
With two options eliminated, the choice was clear.
"System, choose Option One: Take out the Troll and become the leader myself."
"The Troll's gaze has become increasingly unsettling, leaving you uneasy. You decide to act first. You spend an entire night crafting a detailed plan, assigning tasks to each Goblin under your command. Knowing Goblins have low intelligence and are prone to mistakes, you prepare several backup plans. Even one successful part will greatly increase your chances. But if all fail, you accept it, knowing you did your best."
"Afternoon comes, the Troll's feeding time. As usual, you have your Goblin subordinates deliver food. Seeing more food than usual, the Troll refrains from raging and starts feasting. After a few bites, the Troll's body convulses violently. You know the poison you administered is working and signal your Goblins."
"Your Goblins, following your signal, launch their attack. Stones rain down on the Troll. Several Goblins throw ropes around its hands and neck. Goblins above Level 5 stab with spears while you charge directly, using Critical Strike on the Troll's head."
"Each Goblin retreats after attacking, letting the next group move in, giving the Troll no time to react. The plan goes smoother than expected; some parts aren't even needed. The Troll falls."
"Staring at the Troll's lifeless body, you reflect. You thought the Troll was a formidable foe, capable of berserking or other powerful moves, but he was weaker than expected. Perhaps he was a weak Troll, which is why he led the Goblins."
"After defeating the Troll, you become the leader. Unlike the Troll's rule, you implement strict military management. Every Goblin trains rigorously, yet you ensure they are well-fed. The trained Goblins accept your leadership, but younger ones resist. You gradually subdue them through discipline and patient communication."