Chapter 203
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Chapter 203: Aftermath
"Investigate the Goblin Tribe?"
"Indeed. For there to be such a number of Big Goblins, it must be a considerable tribe—likely a large one at that."
Lit’s expression was grave, even troubled.
He hadn’t anticipated encountering so many Big Goblins before arriving—two that fled, two he slew himself, one taken down by the soldiers working in unison, another felled by an armored adventurer, and these two astonishing girls who dispatched five…
Eleven Big Goblins in total.
Just how vast must a Goblin Tribe be to harbor so many Big Goblins? The thought was beyond his comprehension.
What’s more, the presence of a Goblin King or some other aberrant goblin variant was almost certain.
In his thirty-odd years of life, he’d only heard of one large-scale goblin assault on a village. Yet even after that entire Goblin Tribe was eradicated, barely over ten Big Goblins had been discovered.
Judging by the direction the goblins had fled, their tribe likely resided in the southern forests bordering the Granville Monster Forest. But how could such a massive goblin force emerge there?
Come to think of it, reports of monsters attacking villages and waylaying travelers had been increasing lately.
What in the world was happening?
"If we’re to investigate the Goblin Tribe, how should we contact you upon finding them?"
"Take this."
"What is it?"
"A signal crystal. Crush it or dash it against the ground, and a brilliant red flare will shoot skyward. However, you should return immediately upon locating the Goblin Tribe. I’ll be waiting in Naner Village. Reserve this signal crystal for true emergencies."
"Oh, what a convenient tool."
Lvzi turned the faintly rosy Magic Crystal over in her hands with childlike curiosity.
"Though as a Class B, I might just handle the Goblin Tribe single-handedly if they prove too weak!"
"Class B?! You’re Class B, little miss?"
Though their effortless dispatch of those Big Goblins had been impressive, to think they were actually Class B?
Lit’s eyes widened in disbelief.
"Doubt me? Ask them."
Lvzi gestured toward the adventurers catching their breath and tending wounds nearby.
"Or if that’s not enough, why not use Identification on us?"
"Identification? Heh. Aside from reincarnators, few possess such a rare skill."
The man chuckled, shaking his head.
"Class B or not, this much is clear—you two lasses surpass this old man in strength. A matter of innate talent, I suppose. Ha! Remarkable indeed."
"Whether Class C or Class B matters not. Upon finding the Goblin Tribe, no reckless actions—is that understood? Monsters are hardier and more ruthless than the human race. Facing many alone is perilous beyond measure."
Lit’s warning carried grave emphasis.
"Yes, you’re absolutely right."
Lvzi nodded solemnly in agreement, her expression matching his seriousness.
"It should seem impossible in the eyes of the human race for a Class B to confront the entire Goblin Tribe alone, shouldn’t it? Therefore, to avoid raising unnecessary suspicions, perhaps it’s best to follow this man’s suggestion.
Moreover, if you wish to showcase your abilities more prominently and attract the town lord’s attention while gaining his favor, slaying goblins before human spectators might prove more effective.
‘Hahaha, what an amusing little lass.’
Lvzi’s stern expression appeared to entertain Lit greatly.
‘Who would have thought the Adventurer’s Guild would recruit such fascinating youngsters during my absence? What might your names be?’
‘I’m Lvzi, and this is my dearest sister Army Lady.’
The emerald-haired girl embraced the silent blonde maiden beside her with evident affection.
Though not as extreme as Lin Yu’s case, she too struggled with social interactions, making Lvzi’s arrival in town somewhat of a relief.
‘She may not be Class B yet, but Army Lady is quite formidable. Given time, she’ll likely ascend to Class B soon enough.’
‘Is that so… The younger generation certainly inspires awe. Lvzi and Army Lady – this old man shall remember you both.’
‘Not Army Lady.’
The golden-haired maiden finally interjected, unable to remain silent any longer.
She delivered a swift karate chop to Lvzi’s head.
‘I am Army Lady.’
‘Army Lady is just my pet name for her,’
Lvzi explained while rubbing his head.
‘A pet name… Haha, you truly are entertaining.’
‘More like insufferable,’
Army Lady murmured in quiet correction.
‘Well then, Lvzi and Army Lady, do take care on your journey ahead.’
Having finished their laughter, Lit spoke with proper solemnity.
…
When the two maidens had vanished from view, a soldier approached with a grim countenance.
‘Captain.’
‘Report the situation.’
‘We’ve lost four soldiers with seven gravely wounded. Two adventurers sustained critical injuries, and as for the villagers…’
The soldier’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly, at a loss for proper expression.
Lit’s expression darkened as comprehension dawned.
‘Take me to them.’
‘At once!’
He followed the soldier toward the village’s largest earthen dwelling.
Along their path lay scattered bones – some still clinging to remnants of flesh – all that remained of villagers devoured after the goblins’ occupation."
Upon finally reaching the earthen house, Lit noticed two soldiers stationed nearby leaning against the doorframe, vomiting with ashen faces.
He strode forward and flung the door open.
An overwhelming wave of putrid stench instantly gushed through the doorway.
Taken by surprise, Lit barely suppressed his gag reflex as the foul odor assaulted him.
By the sunlight streaming into the room, Lit’s eyes adjusted to the horrific scene within.
Dozens of women of varying ages huddled together in the hall’s corner – all completely naked, most with grotesquely swollen bellies, their vacant eyes staring blankly. Their battered bodies emitted an indescribable stench beyond mere filth.
They sat motionless as corpses.
Indeed, in the opposite corner lay a pile of deceased women, their limbs mutilated with clear bite marks marring their flesh.
Though warm sunlight bathed Lit’s back, only death’s cold embrace seemed to permeate the chamber.
"Gods damn it."
The man’s entire frame shook as he ground out the curse through clenched teeth.
He approached one woman – a girl no more than sixteen winters old, her emaciated frame grotesquely distorted by an enormous pregnant belly.
Upon closer inspection, her arms hung limp at her sides.
Clearly broken beyond use.
Further examination revealed similarly destroyed legs, the knees reduced to pulped meat and splintered bone.
Lit’s breath came in furious heaves as he surveyed other women bearing identical wounds – likely sustained during resistance against their goblin captors.
"Hey, you-"
The soldiers’ startled exclamations preceded the arrival of a fully-armored adventurer.
The man unceremoniously dumped an armload of garments in the hall’s center before selecting one woman. After draping a shift about her shoulders, he scooped her lifeless form into his arms.
"What are you doing?"
Lit stood momentarily stunned.
"Getting them into sunlight. It’ll do them good. Unless you prefer leaving them in this charnel house?"
Without awaiting response, the adventurer carried his charge through the reeking doorway.
Outside, golden light bathed the woman’s pallid skin.
The warmth elicited the faintest reaction – her head tilted skyward, though her eyes remained hollow as a corpse’s.
