Following Lance's speech, the following night, the goblins appeared to have become more motivated. It was a bit early in the morning, but the goblin camp was already alive with the sound of goblins working up and down. Apart from the goblins too young to help out, almost every other goblin was busy at work. Those who huddled logs of wood did their work, those fetching water into small makeshift storage containers Lance helped make were also there, though, he sought to find another means of storing water, as they were made of mostly metal.
The sight was something to behold, quite a similar fascination for Lance, seeing so many female goblins work up and down, doing work and activities that the males would normally be in-charge of. At first, it appeared out of place, it was like living in a world where men did not exist, and Lance would find himself lending a hand to assist in different areas, wanting to help out, but he had grown accustomed to it now. After all, as the leader, he had to pull back once in a while and let his people work themselves.
Lance stood in the middle of the activities, well, more towards the side, his arms crossed and a faint smile playing on his lips. The steady rhythm of Kaeli's hammer echoed across the camp, mixing into the background noise of the goblins going about their individual works.
"Not bad," Kaeli called stepping out from her makeshift forge, her voice carrying towards Lance. "You're actually making them do more work with pleasure!" She said, walking close.
"Don't let them hear you say that," Lance replied, grinning. "I'm trying to keep morale high."
Kaeli snorted, wiping soot from her face. "Morale doesn't build walls. Hard work does."
"And leadership," Lance countered, walking towards the plans spread across the flat stone that served as his desk. He was no architect, so the drawings only served as a preservation of the idea he had, and a visual representation for the rest to see.
The idea to fortify the camp had been something they had continuously worked on ever since Lance became the chief. Their last victory against the ogres had proven their strength, but they needed actual walls, better watchtowers, and defenses that would give them an edge against any future threats, as Lance could guess, all their enemies would probably be stronger in individual capability than they themselves are.
"Start with the perimeter," Lance said, pointing to the map he had sketch. "We need a wall that's high enough to keep attackers out but sturdy enough to withstand a siege… at least, that is the idea."
Kaeli leaned over the plans, her sharp eyes narrowing. "You want this to wrap around the whole camp?"
"Yes," Lance said. "We'll use the trees as a natural barrier on the north side and focus our efforts on the east and south, where the terrain is flatter and more open. We naturally need something sturdier than what we have now." He said, looking at the fences surrounding the camp made of logs spread out. Of course, Kaeli was to play an important role in the entire process, the area of building things naturally fell under her belt.
Kaeli nodded. "I'll need every able-bodied goblin hauling logs and stones. And I'll need Rynne to keep them in line."
"Done," Lance said, already motioning for Zarra.
By midday, the camp was bustling with activity. All the goblins focused on carrying out that specific task, carrying logs, digging trenches, amongst other things, all happening under Kaeli's watchful eye.
"Keep moving!" she barked, her voice cutting through the noise. "That log won't carry itself!"
Lance couldn't help but smile as he watched her work. Kaeli's no-nonsense attitude had a way of motivating even the laziest goblins, she was by far the toughest out of the elders.
Meanwhile, Zarra pointed out the spots where the additional watch towers would be, and the ones that were to be revamped.
"We will set up watchtowers here and here," Zarra said, pointing to the map. "It'll give us a clear view of anyone coming from the east." She said, pointing at the spots.
As the goblins worked, everyone couldn't help but wish they had more hands than what they had at that moment.
As the sun began to set, the first sections of the wall started to take shape. The goblins worked tirelessly, their movements fueled by a newfound sense of purpose.
"This is going well," Lia said, joining Lance near the fire.
"Better than I expected," Lance admitted, watching as Kaeli directed a group of goblins to reinforce a section of the wall. "They're really stepping up. I mean, it's not like they weren't before, but it's sort of different now."
"They believe in you, more" Lia said softly. "You've given them a vision for the future, a reason to fight for more than just survival."
"Surprisingly, I happen to know how to give good speeches, surprised even myself. Anyway, I did mean all I said. We can only watch as we progress and grow." Lance said, a warm smile on his face.
"Haha, sounding like a true leader." Lia said, moving behind Lance as her hands started rubbing his shoulders, massaging them and providing a rather soothing feeling.
"Yeah, thanks."
"Mnn."
"Ohh, your hands feel great…"
…
Later that night, as the goblins gathered around the central fire, eating, Lance stood to address them. The exhaustion on their faces was evident, but so was their sense of accomplishment.
"You've done amazing work today," Lance began, his voice steady but warm. "Look around you. This isn't just a camp anymore, it's becoming something more. A place where we can feel safe. A place we can defend."
The goblins murmured their agreement, their expressions softening.
"This wall, these defenses, they're just the beginning," Lance continued. "We're building a future here. A future where no one can push us around, where we can stand tall and proud."
Kaeli smirked from her seat near the forge. "You've got a way with words."
'I should regulate myself, I'm sounding more and more like politicians these days,' Lance thought to himself, grinning. Really, where was the strength going to come? More than anything, he wished to lead not just as a smart and intelligent leader, but as a powerful one… besides, he considered this some form of Isekai… how come he didn't get any boons or cheats???
Honestly, he felt a bit cheated, but whenever he remembered how he had gotten another chance at life, with no sickness, and he had even began improving his physical capabilities, though at a much slower rate than he would like, Lance was thankful and satisfied.
"Baby steps, I guess... I'll get there soon."