Volume 3: Chapter 205 – Fortress of the Avengers
When the Goblin King entered the fortress, he left the wounded in the care of the people there and checked on the borderland lords to confirm that they were safe. The Goblin King himself was tired, but as someone who stood at the top, he couldn’t rest just yet.
“I see. That’s good to hear,” the Goblin King said.
He also heard Gi Ba Hagar’s last moments from Zaurosh.
“…Gi Ba Hagar was a warrior.”
“Please forgive me. I am simply too powerless,” Zaurosh said as he hung his head in regret.
The Goblin King shook his head. “Though you might carry the life of a friend on your shoulders, there is no need to be bound by it. Don’t think about it too much.”
As Zaurosh wordlessly thanked the king and left, the Goblin King sighed.
Nowadays, the Goblin King was not only responsible for the goblins, but for the people of the borderlands as well. In the future, the people he would be responsible for would only increase. One word from him, and chaos and unhappiness could spread like wildfire.
“But there’s value in carrying this burden.”
There was no one nearby to hear the Goblin King’s quiet muttering.
Although the duty of a king was not easy, the king must have the confidence to carry it out.
After all, if he were a king who could receive the favor of many warriors, if he were a king who would hold the whole world in the palm of his hands, there shouldn’t be anything he couldn’t do. The Goblin King told himself that.
“It’s good to see you safe, Your Highness!”
After Zaurosh left, Gi ZA Zakuend immediately entered, almost as if he’d been waiting for his turn.
The Goblin King’s cheeks naturally loosened when he saw the druid enter.
“It seems I made you worry,” the Goblin King sad.
As they were yet too far from the divine protection of the goddess, the many wounds carved upon the body of the Goblin King were yet to fully heal. when Gi Za saw those, his brows rose.
“Of course, I would worry. Why didn’t you use the others as shield and run away? The others are replaceable, but the king alone is not,” Gi Za said.
“My subordinates are irreplaceable. My pride will never allow me to throw them away. That’s true for you too.”
“GU, MU… Well, as long as you’re safe.”
While hearing the details of the rendezvous from Gi Za, Pale, who had left to give orders, came back.
“It’s been a while, King of Goblins.”
Pale knelt on one leg as she rested one hand on her chest. That was the greeting a knight would give to his king.
“Has the mist covering the path before you cleared?” The Goblin King asked.
“Yes,” Pale said.
The Goblin King gazed intently at Pale, and Pale did not look away.
“Perchance, did you catch the fancy of a mischievous goddess?”
“If need be, I wouldn’t mind tearing out my soul and selling it.”
Seeing Pale’s unwavering and expressionless gaze, the corner of the Goblin King’s mouth curved.
“Are you resolved to use you power in my name?” The Goblin King asked.
“…So long as you grant me my desire, I would be willing to give you even this very body,” Pale replied.
The Goblin King corrected his posture and puffed out his chest.
“And what is it that you desire?” The Goblin King asked.
“The destruction of the Red King!” Pale replied.
With a sentence, hate, thick like goo, oozed out from within Pale, and that emotionless mask she had been wearing all this time cracked under its weight. Even her elegant fingers trembled at it.
“So shall it be, then. I too have lost much at the south. All of that must be recovered. So long as you submit to my path of world domination, then I shall grant you your desire.”
“I am pleased to hear that, Your Highness.”
Pale once again put on that emotionless mask. As she stood up, she wiped the dust away from her knees.
“I will now be reporting our current situation. It will take us about 4 hours.”
“Let’s hear it.”
At this short break he has been given, the Goblin King closed his eyes.
In between the short break, the things the Goblin King had to look over had piled up. First, he needed to check on all the goblins that evolved a class during the recent battles.
The ancient beast tamer Gi Gi Orudo had evolved from a noble to a duke, while another beast tamer, Gi Bu, evolved from a rare to a noble.
The Goblin King also revised his name-giving ceremony a little.
The goblin forces were presently being led by the goblins above noble class, who owned a fief of their own. Gi Gu Verbena was one such example. It could also be said that he had received permission from the Goblin King to rule over the south. And during this moment, the Goblin King clearly announced that he is also giving them the rights to name the goblins born in their land.
In other words, the only goblins that the Goblin King has named will only be those that came from the Gi Village, which are the goblins from the Fortress of the Abyss. Although Gi Ji Arsil, Gi Jii Yubu, and Gi Ga Rax did not have a territory of their own, the Goblin King also gave them the right to name those that served the king.
In the end, the ones the Goblin King named were those that fought directly under him.
Which goes to say that if one wishes to be receive a name from the Goblin King, one must fight under his direct command and evolve. The imperial guards led by Gi Ga Rax are mostly wounded soldiers. So, if one were to be wounded in the battle led by the Goblin King and were transferred to Gi GA Rax’s platoon, then the naming right would be given to Gi Ga.
The Goblin King wore a stern face as he thought this up, but deep inside, he was smiling to himself. He was as bad at naming as usual.
“What about the last names? Are you just going to let the goblins pick those out too?” Gi Za Zakuend asked sharply.
The Goblin King hesitated for a moment when Gi Za asked him that, but in the next moment, he replied.
“I will reserve the right to give last names and delegate territories.”
So one would receive a last name from the Goblin King if one manages to become a noble class.
Name: Gi Gi Orudo
Level: 1
Class: Duke
Divine Protection: None
Attribute: None
Owned Monsters: Triple Head
New Skills:
Enraged Roar – When angry, attack and defense are increased but agility is lowered.
Advanced Beast Tamer – The number of monsters one can tame is greatly increased.
Remarkable Animal Trainer – Can train monster beasts to be usable by others even without the monster tamer skill. This skill can be taught to other monster tamers.
Monster Tamer – Increased probability of success with taming advanced monsters.
After checking Gi Gi Orudo’s skill, the Goblin King announced that he would entrust the next village to him. [1]
The next goblin was the beast tamer, Gi Bu, who evolved from a rare class to a noble class.
Name Gi Bu
Race: Goblin
Level: 1
Class: Noble
Divine Protection: None
Attributes: None
New Skills:
Increasing by birth – Monsters raised from childhood gain loyalty faster (MEDIUM).
Monster Smell – Can distinguish which feed are necessary for a monster’s growth.
When the Goblin King saw Gi Bu’s status, he became thoughtful.
Judging from his skills, it seems it would be best to have him raise monsters instead of having him fight at the front lines.
Currently, Gi Gi’s monster army is made up of the monsters that Gi Gi has gathered and the rare goblins that take care of them.
Gi Bu could help the goblins managing the monsters or help by turning the monsters into livestock. Either way, he would better serve the horde by working as a support.
“I bestow upon you the name of Rakuta. You shall help Gi Gi as a member of his monster army,” the Goblin King said.
“Thank you,” Gi Bu Rakuta replied.
All the key people were gathered within the meeting room of the fortress, which was nothing more than a large room with a large table and a chair. As the Goblin King announced that, he asked Pale to explain the current situation. Since Pale has come back from the human region to the west, then the situation with Germion Kingdom must have calmed down.
“Though lacking, I shall do my best to give a brief report of our current situation,” Pale said.
Her cold voice resounded in the ears of all those present. First, she reported about the state of the internal affairs.
Although Germion Kingdom seems to have plotted to encroach into the western region and even intervened in the southern war, the former residents of the western region that gathered in the fortresses at the Germion Kingdom’s borders was nothing more than a diversion.
But although they are merely a diversion, they can’t afford to leave them an opening, so Gi Ga Rax had to sortie with a small force. At the same time, the key people of the demihumans had to strengthen their monitoring of the woodlands of the northern part of the western region in order to prevent the enemy from sneaking adventurers in and trying to pull a fast one on them.
The borderland people and the borderlords were currently in the process of migrating to the western capital, but it wasn’t possible to provide houses for all of them, as the monsters and the demihumans also shared the city. That is one topic that needs to be discussed.
The Leon Heart Clan will be living alongside the borderland people. They have lost many in the last battle, but there’s no signs of any panic among them.
10 people have come from Elks with Pale to the western region. The rest remained in the east. That’s all she said about them. She said no more and the king did not ask either.
[1] – Not sure about this. I find it really vague. Is duke the class at which the GK hands out lands? If so, maybe this is the correct interpretation of the line. If you have any better ideas, here’s the original for that one line: 引き続き集落を任せることを宣言する
10 people have come from Elks with Pale to the western region. The rest remained in the east. That’s all she said about them. She said no more and the king did not ask either.
“The topic for today’s meeting will be the development of the western region’s agriculture and the strengthening of its defenses. We also cannot lack a proper census of the current population, which is needed in order to know the region’s income,” Pale said.
The Goblin King nodded, but when he looked around, he was forced to knit his brows.
Most of the people gathered in the fortress were military officers. Those like Gi Za and Gi Do were still alright, but Rashka and Gi Zu looked at Pale as if she were speaking in another language. The same was true for the Fang Tribe’s Mido and the centaur’s Tianos.
“As expected of a daughter of the elves. She is smart,” Tianos whispered to Mido
“I have no idea what she’s talking about either. As expected of an elf,” Mido whispered back.
“I… I don’t even…” Rashka mumbled to himself.
Unfortunately, almost everyone in the room shared his sentiments.
Meanwhile, Pale was tapping against the desk with her fingers. She looked like a teacher wondering how she could make her bad students understand the topic.
“…We can leave the domestic affairs for when we return to the western capital,” the Goblin King said.
“…If you say so, Your Majesty,” Pale replied.
Although she didn’t say out loud her displeasure, she looked at the Goblin King with a gaze that seemed to ask, “But aren’t the internal affairs and the foreign affairs essentially the same topic?”
In response, the Goblin King nodded a little to her in response, then Pale went on to explain the situation outside.
“This information was received 4 days prior,” Pale said.
That being the case, that information contained almost everything the Goblin King wished to know.
First, were the movements of their allies, the Kushain believers.
“They are not doing well, to say the least. Though they are currently unified under their faith, that will not last forever.”
If the siege continues like this, they might only last 4 months.
“This one will depend on the king’s decision,” Pale glanced at the king and waited for his words before continuing. “Next is the information on the enemy.”
The Red King left the holy city of Cultidian to Germion Kingdom, and has now advanced to the borderlands, where they then proceeded to enter first city of the great desert of Ashunasan, Farvard, with the retreating forces of Pena.
They appear to be peaceful for now, but it is believed that the Red King will eventually make a move to conquer Pena.
“The key point will be how long can the knight commander, Allen’s, loyalty to the queen persist. The battle between the Red King and Pena will drag on depending on that.”
Pale glanced at the Goblin King. She also spoke a little about the countries eastward of Germion Kingdom, but they didn’t have a big influence on the current situation, so she quickly wrapped up the discussion.
“In conclusion, there is no need for us to fight right now. We can use this time to recruit soldiers and regather our forces,” Pale explained, to which the Goblin King nodded gladly.
With this they had a rough idea of their what course to take.
Up next would be filling in the details. Meaning, how to recruit the soldiers, how to regather their forces… etc. Speaking of which, because of how complicated the recent topic was, most of the people in the meeting have already dozed off.
“…Let’s take a break,” the Goblin King said.
“As you will,” Pale replied.
Because of the Goblin King, all the people present in the meeting, who have been wrung dry, were granted a short break. After the break, the meeting was resumed. Zaurosh, Gi Za, Gi Do, Gi Jii, Pale, and Felbi were participating.
“King of Goblins, if I may confirm, we are not abandoning the Kushain believers, yes?” Pale asked.
“But of course. Those without fidelity cannot form an alliance,” the Goblin King replied.
“Too soft, Your Majesty,” Gi Za reproved, but the Goblin King merely wryly smiled at him in response.
“Understood. in that case, what do you think was lacking in your last battle?” Pale asked.
“Numbers, I suppose,” the Goblin King replied.
“Indeed. Unfortunately, I do not think it is a trifle task to increase the numbers of the goblins presently. I’m sure you know that well,” Pale said.
Although the female goblins have been steadily increasing in number, there was a limit to how many they could give birth to. On top of that, it would take several months for a child goblin to become a fully-fledged warrior. But the humans are numerous, and if they take their time, the Red King will unify the southern lands and swallow Germion Kingdom.
In that case, even if the goblins increase their numbers, grasping victory against such a power might prove difficult.
“In that case… How do you intend to defeat them within three months?”
The 3 months Pale was referring to is actually the time the goblins have before Kushain falls completely.
“This army lacks the numbers, it lacks experience, and even the technology isn’t there. But what this army lacks the most is… speed.”
“Lord Pale, if I may raise a point,” Gi Jii Yubu said. “We pride ourselves in having physical abilities that far surpass the humans.”
“But of course,” Pale replied. “But the humans have their horses. Lord Gi Jii, can your army be a good match against the mobility of the sand horses?”
“That would prove… difficult,” Gi Jii replied.
“Hence, I propose that a sizeable cavalry unit be established,” Pale said.
“Wait. We have Lord Hal’s riders for that,” Gi Za said as he looked harshly at Pale.
“Unfortunately, it is far from enough. Moreover, those black tigers originally lived in the forest. It is difficult for them to contest horses on plains,” Pale said.
With no further rebuttals, Pale turned to Goblin King.
“Your Majesty should be the one to lead said cavalry,” Pale said.
The Goblin King could only groan in response, however. It was true that Hal’s riders weren’t enough, but were goblins even really capable of riding horses?
“…You want us to learn how to ride a horse in three months?” The Goblin King asked.
“No. We shall do it within one month,” Pale said.
The Goblin King looked blankly at her for a moment. But when she demanded something so crazy from him, the Goblin King was once again reminded of the weight he carried on his shoulders. It was the Goblin King himself who said that they needed to save the Kushain believers, but that wasn’t purely due to loyalty.
In truth, the Goblin King did not believe that they could defeat all of humanity with just the goblins alone. As such, he wished to divide the enemy and crush the divided parts. There was a huge difference between crushing a small enemy versus crushing a giant enemy.
But even a small enemy was already giving the goblins a headache.
“What about the remaining 2 months then?” the Goblin King asked.
“I hear monsters can evolve,” Pale said.
“It’s true,” the Goblin King replied.
“…I wish to recruit soldiers from each platoon to serve the platoon under your direct command. And then… I want them to go to a certain place,” Pale said.
Considering her previous question, the Goblin King could tell what it was that she intended to do.
The Goblin King raised his brows. “Are you…”
“I will have them conquer a dungeon,” Pale said.
There was certainly a dungeon like the one Gi Go Amatsuki went through within the territory of the goblins. Pale had already inquired about it, in fact. Being an adventurer, this was the way Pale saw things. If one sought strength, then one should gather a party and go to a dungeon to gather experience. Even though the goblins weren’t humans, she believed it would work for them as well.
The fact she thought that was proof that she had completely aligned herself with the goblins.
“What about our defending forces?” The Goblin King asked.
“We can leave the western region to Lord Gi Ga Rax. It should be fine. As for the south, I will be the one to restrain it. As for the provisioning of the horses, Lord Gi Gi Orudo shall take care of it,” Pale said. “As for you, King of Goblins… You must go to the deepest part of the Fortress of the Abyss.”
Hearing Pale say something so strange, the Goblin King couldn’t help but be confused. When he realized what it could be, he narrowed his eyes.
“Did that woman order you?” The Goblin King asked.
“A divine revelation from a goddess,” Pale replied.
Beyond the twin-headed snake that watched over the gate, deep within that path said to connect to the underworld itself… That was where Altesia was guiding him.
“Wait. Although it’s only temporary, the king will still be away. Who’s going to take command during battles!?” Gi Za asked.
Pale looked at the Goblin King.
“An obvious question. As such, I would like to push through the reformation of the current military system,” Pale nonchalantly said. “Also, the region inhabited by the monsters is within the territory of Lord Gi Gu Verbena. I would like to designate that position upon completion to Lord Gi Gi.”
If their numbers were insufficient, then Pale would make up for it by increasing their mobility and making their individual warriors stronger.
In order to defeat the humans, the goblins needed something they were overwhelmingly good at.
Even in the Goblin King’s past life, the greatest empires belonged to those with the most mobile forces.
One such person from ancient times, came from but a small country, and yet he crushed a great enemy, and went eastward to become emperor.
Another such person, was born to a tribe in the plains, and yet he managed to take over half of the whole world.
If one can move faster and farther than the enemy, and if he can con focus his attacking power, then the initiative will naturally fall to him.
No matter which way the Goblin King looked at it, he couldn’t help but agree with Pale.
After hearing Pale’s opinion, the Goblin King ended the meeting.
What worried the king most right now was the reformation of the military system. This wasn’t something he could leave to others. He had to do it himself. As a result, the Goblin King spent three days and three nights thinking it through.