Even if I worked together with Kim Seong-Hoon and Malrang, it would take a lot of effort to clear such a camp alone. But if we grouped up with these people…
"We were thinking of letting the leader handle the level four goblins alone while we cleared the camp. But with two more powerful warriors joining us, we believe we can kill the high-level goblins faster and clear the camp without any losses." His old-looking face shone with pride and confidence he didn't have the ability to back.
"And when do you plan to move?" Kim Seong-Hoon's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of deception on the bulky man's face.
"We were about to leave, but since we met you… I believe… our leader might take a little longer to get herself together… sigh…"
The big-looking uncle had a caring and warm expression. I could tell he didn't want a child to risk her life in the battle.
"It's okay. We can move after she's done. After all, she's still a child. Tell me, uncle, what's your name?" I thought it was necessary to at least know the name of one of the leaders in this group.
"Uncle?" I saw his face sadden. "I'm Kim Ju-ho. I just turned twenty last month!"
"Eh? You're younger than me? I'm sorry!" I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment.
"Haha! It's okay. Many people mistake me for a middle-aged man because of my looks. I'm used to it." His facial expression, however, betrayed his discomfort. I felt bad, but who could blame me? This person looked about forty. Who would've thought he was only twenty?
We chatted with the group for another thirty minutes before Park Jieun finally got tired and came back to us with Malrang in her embrace.
During that time, we learned that the group consisted of two level 3 members and six level 2 members. Only the leader possessed a special role in the group; everyone else had basic roles.
Before leaving for the goblin camp, we discussed the battle plan one last time.
Kim Seong-Hoon took the lead in planning the fight.
"Me, Lee Gaon, and Park Jieun will take on the five level four goblins, while the other members will slowly clear the camp."
I guess he would make a good general if we ever have a larger group. No, wait, what am I thinking? I shook my head to get those silly thoughts out.
"Move slowly and protect each other's backs. If these goblins act the same as in video games, they'll most likely try to attack from behind for a quick kill. They're masters of ambush tactics." Kim Seong-Hoon continued giving commands.
"Don't worry, my group is strong. We've fought several battles together, and none of us have died." Park Jieun was smiling proudly, her hand on her waist.
"Don't forget, we'll be facing a small army of enemies that outnumber us three or four to one. This isn't a game. If you die, you won't get a second chance." I coldly reminded the brat, who didn't understand the gravity of the situation.
"I…" She couldn't come up with a response and ran off, looking hurt and ashamed.
"Let's move. It's better to fight before it gets dark!" Kim Seong-Hoon gave his final command before we left.
"YES SIR!" came a unanimous cheer from the group, excluding me, of course.
After an hour of walking, we finally saw a newly built fence made from logs in the distance.
"Everyone, get ready! We only have one chance. Storm the gate and use long-range attacks to break it down! Let's move!" The group quickly pulled together at Kim Seong-Hoon's words.
Our group started running toward the camp. The two mages in the back chanted powerful fire spells and attacked the gate, blasting it open with their combined power.
A bell sounded as loud shrieks filled the air. A large number of green monsters that looked exactly like goblins, holding spears and daggers, rushed at our group.
I quickly used my inspect skill to locate the level four goblins, who were at the back of the horde.
"Level four goblins are at the back!" I quickly reported and shared their location with Kim Seong-Hoon and Park Jieun.
"Group one, block the first wave of attacks!" Two men with large shields stepped forward, using their skills to block the assault.
"Group two, attack!" The rest of the group used various skills and weapons to launch their attacks at the goblins.
Kim Seong-Hoon's voice echoed through the battlefield as the smell of blood and sweat filled the air.
Boom
Explosions and the sound of metal against metal filled the air as several goblins were blown apart in a bloody mist, while others had their heads cut off by sharp weapons. The fight was going well—half of the goblins were instantly wiped out.
Just as I was about to attack the level four goblins, a sneaky green creature appeared behind the woman who had given me a hostile look. She was casting a fire spell and didn't have time to dodge. Her face turned ashen, ready for death.
Even though I held a small grudge against her, we were not enemies. I quickly summoned my scythe and sliced the goblin in two before it could hurt her.
A look of surprise and gratitude appeared on the auntie's face.
"Th… Thank you!"
"Don't mention it…" In battle, there are no enemies among allies. "Focus on the fight and watch your back. It's not over until they're all down!"
"Yes, little sister!" I saw Kim Seong-Hoon looking at me with a playful smile.
"Got something to say?" I pointed my scythe at him.
"No, no, haha! Let's go deal with those five. Park Jieun, get ready!"
"Yes, uncle!" Park Jieun shouted in excitement.
Kim Seong-Hoon paused but quickly rushed toward the goblins with a slightly irritated face.
I guess he didn't like being called an uncle.
I laughed to myself and followed them.
A weapon that looked like a small black hole appeared in the little girl's hand. I felt a powerful soul energy within its core, floating above her palm.
"Celestial blast!" Park Jieun chanted, her hands clasped.
A large area attack of celestial light shot toward the goblins, leaving a massive explosion that wiped them out of existence.
Kim Seong-Hoon and I rushed at the three healthy goblins that were pushed back by the explosion.
Kinetic Blast!
My attack instantly killed two goblins close to each other, while Kim Seong-Hoon gracefully beheaded the remaining goblin.
[YOU HAVE SLAIN A COMMON MONSTER, LEVEL 4 GOBLIN]
[Your experience has increased by 15%]
[YOU HAVE SLAIN A COMMON MONSTER, LEVEL 4 GOBLIN]
[Your experience has increased by 15%]
[Congratulations, you have acquired a new achievement]
[GOBLIN SLAYER]
[2 SKILL POINTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED]
The battle at the back seemed to be concluding as Malrang's powerful hellfire breath erased the remaining goblins.
"WE DID IT!"
A loud cheer erupted from the group, and a wave of happy emotions filled the air.
"Let's clean up and gather all the loot we can find. We'll share the spoils later after we leave. We don't know if more goblins will return while we're looting!"
Kim Seong-Hoon's words quickly sobered everyone. They began looting the camp, and I wasn't an exception. Who knows what treasures might be hidden here?
"Hey, boss, I'll go explore the big hut in the middle." The woman who looked a bit older than me and was one of the group's two mages had a greedy look in her eyes as she headed toward the hut. Clearly up to no good.
But before she could go in alone, I quickly shouted.
"Wait! Take a few people with you. There might still be goblins hiding!"
"Ah, yes, you're right! Lee Ji-ho, Lee Si-woo! Come with me." The two shield-wielding individuals followed her, looking less than pleased. I could sense lust and greed from them. "We're coming, big sis!"
Everyone was happy. It was a victory worth celebrating.
I guess having a large group isn't so bad after all.
A smile crept onto my face, and I felt a strange feeling I hadn't felt in a long time. It was as if… I belonged.
Argh!
A shriek sounded from the cabin as three corpses flew out, their heads smashed beyond recognition.
Everyone's expressions fell when they saw their comrades' bodies lying on the ground.
"What the hell?!"
Another person was standing close to the big hut, frozen in shock.
"Get back, quickly!"
Kim Seong-Hoon shouted to the thin man in his twenties, but it was too late. A creature at least three meters tall burst out of the hut with lightning speed, killing the man with its bare hands.
It was a disaster… Everyone froze, shaking in fear in front of this monstrosity. A goblin, emerald-colored and muscular enough to crush a mountain, stood by the hut, scratching its nose, seemingly unamused by a bunch of ants attacking its home.
Inspect!
[Goblin King]
[Level 7]
[Legendary monster]
"EVERYBODY RUN!"
I shouted at the top of my lungs, but no one moved. Only Kim Seong-Hoon and I remained steady in front of the monster. Even the little girl was shaking, too shocked to think straight after witnessing her allies die.
"Damn it!"
I couldn't help but curse.
"Kim Seong-Hoon, got any plans?"
"No, you?"
"I want to run, but I can't leave them all to die here…" My legs stood firmly in place, refusing to back down from a potential fight.
"I knew you'd say that. It's level 7. Think we can handle it?"
"Of course. But we might lose a limb or two." We smiled at each other, finally having a true bonding moment.
"Hahaha! Fine by me!"
My scythe appeared in my hand, and Kim Seong-Hoon summoned his dragon sword. This battle would be the hardest I'd faced so far.