Chapter 15: Creep Forest!
[Mission: Goblin Town
Description:
Due to the number of goblins harassing the road and invading safety zones, it is suspected that a large goblin settlement, possibly a goblin town, has formed deep within creep forests.
Cause one: a goblin tribe may have been displaced from their territory by a more powerful monster deep within the forest.
Cause two: a goblin variant may have risen to power, unifying wandering goblins and small settlements...
Number of goblins unknown, variant type unknown.
Objective: Locate and possibly exterminate the goblin town.
Threat level: D-C
Note: Due to the distance and the potential dangers lurking within, it is strongly recommended that this mission be undertaken by two Ravagers or a highly skilled party.
Reward: thirty-six gold lunas—all spoils discovered in the goblin base will belong to the party.]
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Snap!
"Fledglings engraved this in your mind." Beric raised his left index finger to his lips, motioning a simple yet unmistakable gesture. "Lesson one: Silence is your greatest ally. As predators, you are the hunters, not the hunted; never forget that."
He pointed at the broken twig and looked at Rose.
"Never underestimate the sound of a twig or a leaf so lightly, as it may either reveal your position or even cost you your life... Remember, your prey are hunters in their own right with their very own uniqueness."
"One unremarkable mistake could end it all."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to," Rose said calmly, her voice steady.
She hadn't acted intentionally but was still adjusting to her trait as fledgling.
Beric gave a knowing nod. "I know... Do not worry. I understand that all three of you are still getting used to your newfound strength. That's why we're here, your seniors—to guide and correct your mistakes."
Lauel nodded, confirming his old friend's advice, before feeling his captain's sharp gaze signaling something with a subtle gesture.
"We've found the trace of a group of goblins. For now, we will wait while the captain scouts their direction." Cough. "Since we have time, I and Beric will teach you how to adapt to your current strength."
Beric flashed a reassuring grin. "And feel free to ask any questions."
"Lesson two: always stay alert even when you're resting..."
Orion sat on the ground, his bow resting over his shoulder, as he listened to Beric and Lauel's teachings and advice.
Despite focusing on their teachings, his senses remained sharp. Every so often, his gaze would drift towards the trees and the dense shrubs that surrounded them, always prepared for a sudden attack from the shadows.
The Creep Forest, like any other wilderness, was a dangerous zone where various kinds of monsters thrived the most, ranging from playful and lustful goblins, hungry orcs, fearsome ogres, cunning Shaltheras and many more.
The usual greenguard veil used in the safety zone was ineffective here since it would not only disrupt the ecology but would also anger the lord monsters ruling the forest, turning the current order into chaos.
There was a tale of an ambitious nobleman from a certain kingdom who sought to expand his territory into the forest, using the greenguard veil to drive out weaker monsters.
Although the veil did not affect the lord monsters dwelling deep within the said forest, it inadvertently provoked them because of the displaced monsters forced into the inner territories, disrupting the delicate balance. In a furious display of power, the lord monsters led these weak monsters into a stampede and destroyed that nobleman's city and all the surrounding villages and towns.
This was Orion's first time venturing deep into the Creep forest. The towering trees formed a dense canopy, blocking most of the sunlight and casting the area in a dim, shadowy glow. Despite this, one could still observe the surroundings with sharp senses. Thanks to the potion, even a novice hunter could navigate and discern the forest's nuances without much difficulty.
However, the sharper his senses became, the more ominous the forest felt. The air was heavy with an eerie tension, a silent reminder that here, one simple mistake could spell the end.
Danger everywhere!
"Lesson seven: As a hunter, you must learn to control and mask your emotions. Never let them run wild or be openly displayed. Remember, there is a beast within us that is deeply influenced by our emotions... Unchecked, this can make us unstable, posing dangers not only to ourselves but also to the people around us."
"Sir Beric, can this beast spirit be tamed?"
Beric scratched his head and turned to Lauel asking for help.
Seeing this, Lauel fixed his robe and nodded, "Yes, but this is only possible for the first potion. Keep in mind that each additional beast potion consumed introduces a new beast spirit into the body; though no one can see it, they exist within.
The more you take, the more these spirits alter not just your body but your very essence... This is why it's crucial to remain calm and in control... As for faking our emotions, it's a practice to remind ourselves that we are humans, not a true beast."
Rose nodded. "Thank you, I understand."
"Good! Now, let's discuss our powers and the next promotion."
Shhh!
Orion sprang to his feet as he swiftly grabbed his bow and arrow, his sharp gaze locked onto the rustling shrubs, while Mark instinctively stepped forward, shielding Rose with a protective stance.
"Calm down... Remember lesson four: learn to distinguish between scent and sound. Though it's still hard for fledglings, but with practice it will come naturally," Lauel said as he looked at the shrubs.
Moments later, Marco emerged from the shrubs, his expression unreadable. It was clear that he tried to test the trio, gauging their reactions under pressure.
"I found them," Marco said, his voice low and precise. "One kilometer to the north, in the marshy part of the forest. They're hiding in an underground tunnel. Their exact numbers are still unknown, but I've confirmed at least 150 goblins patrolling the entrance or hunting within the forest."
Beric grabbed his blade. "The marshy part and tunnel, huh? It seems we found ourselves a unique goblin... I dare say they have at least a few variants lurking inside."
Cough!
"It will be dangerous even for us to march in blindly." Lauel covered his mouth. "God knows how many traps and hidden chambers lie within... What about the cave's structure? It could easily turn the tide against us."
Marco nodded and then said resolutely, "That's why we'll burn them, and for those who manage to escape, we will kill them. I've already confirmed that the underground tunnel has only one entrance, so they'll have nowhere else to run."
"Hahaha, that's a solid plan." Beric looked at Orion, Mark, and Rose with a grin. "Now, do you three remember lessons three, five, and six?"
Orion responded. "Lesson five: Employ tactics when outnumbered or facing cunning monsters."
"Lesson six: follow the rules of the forest, hunt or be hunted," Mark nodded.
Rose, calm and composed, finished, "Lesson three: Never underestimate any monster, no matter how weak they may seem."
Marco nodded, impressed by how quickly they were adjusting. He silently rated their progress as 3.5/5.
"Let's go... We've got a lot of burning to do."