Chapter 7 – Division of Goblins
"Your captain has already experienced the pitfall trap. The swinging log was what we just saw, and the hidden arrow trap is when goblin archers place their crude wooden arrows on tree branches, set up the mechanism, and strike at prey or anyone who triggers it.
Do not run around, and watch your steps as you move."
Klethar gave his instructions. The deputy captain of the guards beside him looked puzzled.
"Goblins also have professional archers?"
"That's natural," Klethar replied. He felt it necessary to explain.
"Those who don't know think goblins only come in three kinds: ordinary goblins, goblin shamans, and giant goblins. But goblins actually have strict ranks and professions.
Based on racial level, there are green goblins, white goblins, and purple goblins. Goblin Shaman is a special profession that only Purple Goblins can take. They can also become Goblin Priests, Goblin Scholars, or Goblin Commanders.
White Goblins usually only become Giant Warriors—simple and brutal, too stupid to develop further.
As for green goblins, they have the most diverse professions. Once they choose a path, their abilities will develop according to it. Specialized goblins can become extremely troublesome."
The guards looked at one another, their faces shifting. This journey was proving to be far more difficult than they had imagined.
In the noble territories, books rarely mentioned lowly species like goblins. Even in the Royal Academy, Lady Lyra had only ever heard a little about advanced goblins. Most books focused on dragons, elves, angels, and dark races.
Now, they realized that the goblins outside the Misty Forest were accustomed to hunting with traps, often hunting in groups if a high-level individual was among them.
"From the situation you described," Klethar continued, "the Goblin Shaman you encountered has strong organizational ability. Besides Goblin Archers and Goblin Warriors, there might also be Goblin Knights, Goblin Scouts, and other professions."
He looked at everyone seriously. "We must be cautious. If another trap is triggered, this rescue mission could fail."
The deputy captain of the guards asked, "It seems there are more goblins in this outer area?"
"It's fine." Klethar shook his head.
"Most goblins live in small groups like wolf packs. They are hostile toward one another and guard their own territories.
The most dangerous goblin group here is likely the one you encountered. Their numbers are estimated to be very large.
We've already marked their territory on the map. As long as we don't enter other groups' lands, we'll be safe."
"Then how do we find their cave?"
"Simple. Look for high ground in the area I've marked," Klethar explained, pulling out a sketch.
"Like wild beasts, goblins favor dark caves with stone walls. The entrance must be high enough not to flood with rainwater, while also offering good lines of sight. This reduces the search area. We can find their lair within an hour."
Klethar's explanation was simple and convincing. Everyone began to trust him. Many veteran adventurers were unwilling to share such experience, but Klethar clearly wanted to display himself before Count Rivenhart.
If he could save Lady Lyra, he would become the foremost hero.
With Klethar's clear instructions, everyone moved in a more organized manner.
Meanwhile, through the vision of a goblin archer, Altair watched every movement of the old adventurer.
Although I can't hear their conversation, this man is able to stabilize the others' emotions after losing a member. Crafty.
If they wanted to kill all these humans, the goblins could gather and do it. But that would only provoke more assaults. This team was not the last. A count would not sit idly by.
The key was to force them to retreat, lowering their perception of threat, buying more time.
Altair thought for a moment.
"Let the archers lure them into an abandoned cave and face them there!"
The rescue team continued forward. Suddenly, wooden arrows flew from afar.
"It's goblin archers! Their cave must be there!" Klethar shouted, his eyes lighting up.
"We're in luck!" the deputy captain of the guards exclaimed. So eager was he to save Lyra that he forgot who was in command and immediately ordered an attack.
"Fool!" Klethar tried to stop him, but it was too late.
A guard fell into a trap filled with sharpened wooden stakes—his scream cut short.
On the other side, a young adventurer triggered a venomous snake. A bite to his ankle sent his body into convulsions.
Everyone stopped at once, panic spreading.
"Hurry! Treat his wound, give him the antidote!" Klethar ordered, his expression grim.
The quality of these noble guards was far below his expectations, and this place was proving far more dangerous than he had anticipated.