The Goblin Lord

Emily had entered this dungeon instance twice before. In one of those runs, the leader of her group had used his ability to bombard the goblin settlement from a distance, turning what should have been a battle into an easy clear.

At the time, she had admired his power—felt envious, even. She had been relieved. No need for close combat. No need to struggle. Just a clean, effortless victory.

But now… Now, that memory sat heavy on her chest. She could steel herself against fighting goblin armies.

But slaughtering civilians?

She wasn't sure if she could do that. 

They kept walking. Before, Emily had been too focused on the ogres—on the potential danger around them. Now, her attention shifted. She started noticing things she hadn't before. The goblins watching from their homes… many of them had hollowed-out cheeks, sunken eyes. They were starving. She frowned. "How long have all of you been here?"