Into the Unknown

The sun dipped lower behind the treetops as I stood at the edge of my growing settlement, preparing to leave. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly cut Etherwood. My Guardians remained still, silent sentinels watching over the land. The goblins moved through the camp, adjusting to their new life under my rule, sharpening weapons, and tending to resources. I had claimed this land, built a foundation, but now the true test of leadership had arrived.

I glanced at my system screen, taking stock of my current resources. My gold had climbed to 810, with a passive income of 30 gold per minute. I could afford to strengthen my forces before setting out, but I needed to be smart about my choices. This mission wasn't about battle, at least not yet. It was about learning, understanding what lay ahead, and positioning myself for the greater conflicts to come.

Opening my system's upgrade menu, I scanned my available options. Strengthening my Guardians was tempting, but brute force wasn't the answer this time. If I wanted information, I needed subtlety. I selected two upgrades, one to enhance my goblin scout's stealth abilities, the other to unlock Shadeborn insights. The first would allow my scout to move through the terrain more quietly, detect hidden threats, and track movements more effectively. The second would grant me strategic knowledge—details about smuggling routes, hidden paths, and the way power truly worked in this world.

A pulse of energy rippled through me as the system processed the enhancements. A flood of information surged into my mind, maps and routes I had never seen before, paths that smugglers and spies had used for generations. This world wasn't just ruled by strength. It was controlled by those who knew how to manipulate information, trade, and unseen pathways. This was knowledge I could use.

Gorak stepped beside me, arms crossed, watching my preparations. "You are ready?" he asked, though it was more of a statement than a question.

I nodded. "We leave now. The sooner we move, the sooner we know what we're dealing with."

He grunted in approval. "Good. I will guard the land while you scout the enemy."

The goblins in the camp paused as I gathered my team. My enhanced goblin scout knelt, his bow slung over his back, his movements sharper, more controlled. Two goblin warriors joined us, their weapons strapped across their backs, eager for the mission ahead. The Shadeborn woman stepped forward last, her movements as smooth as flowing water. She didn't carry a visible weapon, but I doubted she needed one.

"You plan to move under cover of darkness," she said, more of a statement than a question.

I smirked. "It'd be foolish not to."

She nodded in approval, and without another word, we moved into the dense forest beyond my territory.

The settlement faded behind us as we traveled deeper into the wilds. The scent of damp moss and shifting leaves filled the air. Night creatures stirred in the shadows, their movements rustling through the undergrowth. My upgraded goblin scout led the way, slipping between trees without making a sound. The Shadeborn moved beside me, just as silent, her presence barely noticeable. The two goblin warriors followed behind, their footsteps heavier but controlled.

We traveled for nearly an hour before the air changed. The scent of burning wood and iron drifted toward us, faint but distinct. Voices murmured in the distance, the low conversation of guards exchanging words. The outpost was close.

I crouched behind a thick tree, motioning for the others to stop. The Shadeborn knelt beside me, her violet eyes gleaming faintly. "We're close," she whispered. "The camp lies just beyond that ridge."

I turned to my goblin scout. "Climb the ridge. See what you can find."

He nodded, disappearing into the darkness. I barely heard his footsteps as he moved. The minutes stretched, filled only by the distant sounds of the outpost and the soft rustling of leaves in the night breeze.

Metal clanked softly, likely armor or weapons shifting as guards moved. Boots scuffed against the packed dirt. The voices of men drifted through the trees, casual but alert. They weren't expecting trouble, which meant they weren't afraid.

The goblin scout returned, crouching low. "Fifty men inside," he murmured. "Fifteen warriors. The rest are workers and messengers."

I nodded. The Shadeborn had been right about their numbers.

She leaned in, pointing through the trees. "See that path along the western wall? Smugglers use it. A weak point."

I focused on where she pointed. A narrow trail, barely noticeable, led toward the outpost. It wasn't guarded the way the main entrance was. If there was a way in without being seen, this was it.

This outpost wasn't just a military checkpoint. It was a trade hub, a place where messages and goods passed through. If I took it, I wouldn't just claim a foothold in enemy territory—I would cut off a crucial supply and information route. That kind of disruption could trigger a much larger response.

I considered my next move carefully. If I struck now, I could take them by surprise. A fast assault could overwhelm them before they had time to react. But a direct attack would reveal my presence, putting me on the map for the more powerful forces beyond this outpost. If I waited, gathering more information first, I could plan a more decisive action. There was also the option of a diplomatic approach, though I doubted they would accept an unknown force suddenly appearing in their territory.

I turned to the Shadeborn. "What happens if we take this outpost?"

Her expression didn't change. "Word will spread. If you do it quietly, you gain information without drawing too much attention. If you do it loudly, you make enemies before you're ready."

I met her gaze, considering my options. "We go in quiet," I decided. "We learn what we can first."

Gorak would have pushed for an assault, but he wasn't here. This wasn't about crushing an enemy—it was about understanding them. If I took this place strategically, I wouldn't just gain resources. I would gain knowledge of the power structures at play.

The Shadeborn nodded approvingly. "A wise choice."

I turned to my team. "We move at nightfall. Stay close, stay quiet, and gather as much as you can."

The system chimed, confirming my decision.

[Mission Update: Shadows Before War]

Objective: Infiltrate the Outpost and Retrieve Intelligence

New Bonus Objective: Locate the Smuggling Routes

The plan was set. The pieces were in motion. I wasn't just another outworlder scrambling for survival anymore. I was stepping into the world's power struggles, and if I played this right, I wouldn't just survive—I would thrive.