Clyde and Ivory retired for the night with a sense of contentment after experiencing a successful day of gains.
However, the night was not restful for the goblins, who were still in a state of distress. After much contemplation regarding the past events, the goblins came to the conclusion that they needed to retreat.
Thus, they silently abandoned their camp in the dead of the night, feeling that it was the best course of action to ensure their survival.
As the sun rose, Clyde and Ivory readied themselves for their next raid. However, when Ivory arrived at one of their target camps, she was taken aback to discover that it was completely deserted. As she inspected the other camps, she found that they too were all empty.
This sudden change puzzled and concerned Ivory, causing her to speculate about what might have happened. Rather than jump to conclusions, she decided it was best to report her findings to Clyde immediately.
Upon reaching the cave, Ivory quickly approached Clyde with her findings. She expressed her suspicions that the goblins might be plotting something, based on her instincts. However, she couldn't quite put her finger on what they were up to.
Clyde listened attentively and remained calm as he considered her report. He speculated that the goblins might have decided to retreat from the outskirts of the forest due to fear of another tragedy happening.
They might have relocated to a safer place, gathering reinforcements to plan a full-scale attack on the outskirts of the forest. If that were to happen, Clyde and Ivory's hidden cave would be in danger of being discovered, putting them in a precarious position.
Clyde was aware that his mana was not limitless, and that he couldn't continue to attack the goblins indefinitely.
He understood that if their numbers exceeded what he could handle, the situation could become dire for him and Ivory.
With this in mind, Clyde began to think of another plan to turn the situation to their advantage. He considered the possibility of setting traps or digging pit holes around the cave to capture the goblins when they arrived.
However, this would be a difficult and laborious task, as he would need to use fireballs to dig and the sounds produced could give away their location.
As Clyde pondered over the situation, he sought the input and insights of Ivory. He wanted to consider all options before making a final decision.
After a considerable amount of thought, Clyde eventually came to the conclusion that it was better for them to return home. His gains from the raids and staying here for several days were more than sufficient, and the recruitment for the academy was only just in a few days away.
Clyde explained to Ivory why it was in their best interest to return home. He emphasized the potential danger they faced if they stayed in the dungeon, especially given the possibility that the goblins might launch a vicious raid on the area in the next few hours. Ivory listened attentively and wholeheartedly supported Clyde's decision.
She trusted his judgment and knew that their safety was of utmost importance. With that in mind, Clyde initiated the process of leaving the dungeon. The two of them quickly gathered their belongings and disappeared from the dungeon in a matter of moments.
As Clyde and Ivory materialized outside of the dungeon, they were taken aback by the bustling crowd that surrounded the place.
Ivory, being her curious self, approached a stranger and asked about the commotion. "Excuse me, sir. May I ask why there are so many people here?" she asked.
The stranger replied, "I'm not sure either, but I heard that the army assigned to this dungeon will be conducting a raid today. There have been reports of a state of emergency in the goblin wildwood, with a large number of goblins camping out and causing harm to humans who are there. So, I assume the army is planning a raid to force the goblins to retreat." The stranger provided all the information he knows.
Upon hearing the stranger's words, Clyde started to feel a pang of guilt as he realized the consequences of his actions. He remembered the days he spent power grinding in the dungeon, which causes the goblins to gather.
Clyde felt remorseful for the harm he had caused, especially since he had no idea that there were many people present in the forest. In his time there, he only encountered Ivory and was unaware of the presence of others. The thought of it weighed heavily on his conscience.
Recognizing Clyde's change in demeanor, Ivory couldn't help but inquire about what was bothering him. Clyde's thoughts were interrupted by her question and he tried to play it off by saying "Ah, it's nothing. I just don't feel well." However, the guilt and regret he felt over his actions in the forest stayed with him, reminding him to be more cautious in the future and avoid causing harm to others. He didn't want to be responsible for negatively affecting the hardworking people grinding in the dungeons.
As Clyde and Ivory prepare to depart home, they suddenly become curious about a large group of one hundred individuals marching toward the dungeon entrance. As they draw closer, it becomes clear to Clyde that these individuals are all seasoned adventurers, all of them appearing to be level 10.
Clyde understood the reason behind the army's ability to raid the dungeon, and it was because of the usage of restriction stones. These stones allow individuals to restrict their own levels, making it possible for the army to enter low-level areas without facing any difficulties.
However, while using a restriction stone, the user wouldn't receive any experience points from defeating enemies.
The army at the front of the group is comprised of heavily armored individuals wielding massive shields and swords, their presence causing the ground to tremble with each step.
The following individuals are dressed in armor, likely fighters, while others carry staffs and wear robes, likely mages.
There are also a few individuals dressed in dark robes, wielding sabers, they should be assassins. This was the first time he had ever encountered such a large and formidable party, leaving Clyde awestruck.
As the hundred-man party started to enter the dungeon one by one, the people at the entrance began to disperse. The army is a highly respected profession, as the most powerful beings in the country are all members of the army.
Many people aspire to join the army, but the enlistment process is very rigorous, requiring several tests and procedures before being accepted.
Thus, many people come to observe the army during their missions, eager to witness the might and prowess of these formidable figures.