Chapter 18

[Mission: Tribe Expansion Mission]

[Description:

Go to the goblin village, defeat the orc, and integrate the village into your tribe.

Reward:

- All serving goblins evolve into Hobgoblins, and Hobgoblins into Orcs.

- Special Evolution Chance: Upon mission completion, there's a 1% chance for a goblin or hobgoblin to evolve into a rare variant.

- Blacksmith's Inheritance Scroll: Unlocks advanced smithing knowledge and techniques.

- Genetic Enhancement - Female Goblin Evolution: Goblin women will transform to become visibly more charming, resembling humans with green skin but retaining goblin traits.

- Intrinsic Skill: Regeneration: Grants You and named ones the ability to heal wounds faster, increasing survival and combat efficiency.]

As he read through the message, he fell silent. Everything seemed fine, but what was with making the female goblins beautiful? Did the system have some hidden meaning behind this? He thought to himself. Well, whatever. He muttered as he turned his gaze toward Goban.

"Then be ready, Goban. We will leave for your village tomorrow to defeat that Orc," he said.

When Goban heard this, his eyes shone like stars. "Thank you so much, master," said Goban before retreating.

Leon, having already made plans for the next day, quickly added, "But before we leave, tell all the goblins to gather. I need them to line up."

Without hesitation, Goban rushed off to relay the message, and soon, the goblins began to line up in front of Leon. One by one, they approached.

Leon nodded to the first goblin. "From now on, your name will be Boban."

The goblin's expression brightened at the honor, and he stepped back.

Leon continued, "You will be Shoban, and you—Toban."

One by one, the goblins received their names, their faces lighting up with joy at the transformation. Half an hour later, Leon surveyed his new tribe. Each goblin had been named, and each had evolved into Hobgoblins.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. once they completed the mission, they would become Orcs.

The goblins, overwhelmed with emotion, dropped to their knees. "We bow to serve the master eternally!" they cried, their voices echoing in unison.

Leon nodded, a satisfied gleam in his eyes, before gesturing for them to rise.

Just then, Elys, noticing his exhaustion, hurried over and gently supported him. "Rest. You've done enough for today," she said, her voice soft and comforting.

Leon couldn't help but appreciate her presence. With a tired nod, he leaned against her, ready to get some rest before the mission the next day.

 ...

In the morning, outside the settlement, Leon stood, with all the goblins—now evolved into hobgoblins—standing behind him.

"Leon, I also want to come," Elys asked, with her hand over her chest.

"..."

"You can't," he replied. He noticed that none of the others seemed interested in joining him on his journey to the goblin village. Only Elys seemed intent on coming along.

He shook his head before Elys could argue further. He signaled Goban to lead the way, and they set off, ignoring Elys, who was asking him to wait.

Leon walked steadily, his eyes focused on the path ahead. Goban led the way, with the hobgoblins marching behind him. The sight of their new evolution made them look more formidable than before.

Leon could sense their pride. Their spirits were high, ready for what was to come.

Time Skip - 2 days

Leon scanned his surroundings, his gaze lingering on the endless expanse of the forest stretching out before him. The system map was visible, its holographic display glowing faintly in the dim light filtering through the canopy.

These past two days had been uneventful. Just walking. Constantly moving. Leon leaned back against the trunk of a large tree, closing his eyes as he attempted to rest.

Two hobgoblins emerged from the undergrowth, their green skin practically blending into the environment. They weren't alone, though. They led a man—bald and brutishly muscular thier spears pointed at the men, his hands raised in surrender.

The hobgoblins halted a few paces from Leon and looked back at the man in question. One of them, the shorter and more muscular of the two, spoke, his voice nervous but gruff.

"Master... We found this person while surveying the area... He... He..." the hobgoblin stammered, his eyes darting between the bald man and Leon.

Leon glanced at the man the hobgoblins had brought in. From the look of him, Leon could tell this guy was trouble.

"Who are you, baldy?" Leon asked, his voice flat.

The bald man glanced at the hobgoblins nervously before looking at Leon.

"Dear... Sir Dear... please spare my life. I was with an escort team when suddenly, we were attacked. They killed everyone, but somehow, I managed to escape," the bald man begged.

Leon paused, his mind racing. Could this man be the one who escaped after the slave traders were killed?

There was only one way to find out. "Oh? What happened there? I was sent to investigate what happened to your group." Leon's tone remained casual, but his eyes were sharp.

The bald man stared at him for a moment, suspicion flashing in his eyes. Then, he nodded slowly. "Are you really?" he asked quietly.

Leon nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, really. Now tell me everything you know. Start from the beginning."

The bald man swallowed hard, still wary but sensing an opportunity. "Well, we were escorting some slaves through these forests. Everything was fine until we were ambushed. Out of nowhere, one by one everyone started to die. I tried to run, but I tripped and got caught up in the chaos. That's when I managed to slip away."

"So you really are the one who escaped," Leon said, his voice cold, a hint of something darker in his gaze.

The bald man nodded, panic rising in his chest. "Yes, I swear! I didn't want to be a part of it, I ran, and then... I just kept running. Please, don't kill me, I'll do anything!"

Leon stood still for a moment, his mind calculating. The story didn't add up, but the man was scared, and fear often brought out the truth—or it was used to cover up lies. Either way, Leon had no use for him.

He glanced at the hobgoblins, who were still holding their weapons tightly. Without missing a beat, he gave a simple command.

"Kill him."

The bald man's eyes widened, his mouth opening to scream, but no sound came. Before he could make a move, one of the hobgoblins thrust its spear through his throat, silencing him instantly.

Leon watched as the bald man fell to the ground, lifeless. The hobgoblins stood motionless, the task completed swiftly.

Leon's expression remained unreadable. "Waste of time," he muttered, turning away.