Forging an Army

Dawn broke over the treetops, casting golden light across the clearing where my settlement stood. The goblins were already awake, moving with a newfound purpose. There was a shift in the air, a quiet intensity that hadn't been there before. They were no longer simply surviving—they were preparing.

The goblin warriors had formed small groups, engaging in basic sparring exercises. Their weapons were still crude, little more than sharpened bones and scavenged metal, but their movements carried weight. They were beginning to understand combat as more than just wild brawling. Even the workers seemed more disciplined, their resource gathering and construction efforts no longer disorganized scrambling. The presence of my B-rank Guardian loomed over the settlement like an unspoken reminder of our growing strength, its massive frame an anchor of security.

Gorak stood near the center of camp, watching the training with a satisfied expression. He turned as I approached, crossing his arms. "They are improving. But they are still weak."

"They won't be for long," I said, opening my system menu. I needed to invest in my forces if I wanted to turn this settlement into a true stronghold. Scanning through the available upgrades, I focused on what would give me the most immediate advantage. The outpost we had scouted was still vulnerable, but if I attacked too soon, I'd be gambling with what little I had. If I waited too long, Carridan would hear about us, and the element of surprise would be gone.

The best path forward was to train my forces while ensuring we had the infrastructure to support a standing army. I selected Combat Training Grounds, knowing that while weapons were important, discipline and coordination would matter more in the long run.

The system responded instantly. A ripple of energy spread through the camp as new structures materialized—sparring circles, wooden dummies, and a central space where goblins could gather to learn proper formations. The reaction from my forces was immediate. Goblins who had been casually swinging clubs at each other now lined up, observing the new training grounds with something close to awe.

A notification appeared.

[Combat Training Grounds Established!]

- All warriors gain +10% combat efficiency.

- Training speed increased.

- Unlocks Advanced Goblin Warrior Class (Requires 450 Gold per unit).

Gorak grinned, exposing his sharp teeth. "Now they can learn to fight properly."

I watched as several goblins stepped forward, testing out the new training area. The crude sparring of before gave way to something more structured. Warriors took turns engaging in controlled combat, movements becoming sharper, more precise. This was exactly what I needed.

The Shadeborn woman appeared beside me, as silent as ever. "You are building a force. But will it be enough?"

I met her gaze. "That depends on how much time we have before Carridan notices us."

She tilted her head slightly. "That time is uncertain. He may not look west for weeks, or he may send scouts tomorrow. But the longer you prepare, the greater your chances of surviving the moment he does."

I opened my gold reserves, watching as my passive income continued to rise. Right now, I sat at 35 Gold per Minute, which meant I was steadily building towards my next major investment.

"We need more than just training," I said, thinking aloud. "We need weapons. And soon, we'll need to expand."

Gorak nodded. "Strong warriors fight better with strong steel."

I scanned my upgrade options again. A Basic Weapon Forge would allow me to produce proper weapons, but I didn't want to spend all my gold in one place. If Carridan sent scouts, I needed to be ready for a confrontation sooner rather than later.

Turning back to the goblins, I saw a handful of warriors already showing signs of progress. They were adapting quickly, driven by instinct and a growing sense of purpose. The idea of fighting for something greater than themselves was taking root.

I turned to the Shadeborn. "You mentioned deserters before. Are there really men willing to turn against Carridan?"

She nodded. "There are always those who grow tired of serving a lord who does not value them. If they hear of a new power rising, they may come willingly."

"If they come, what do I do with them?"

"That depends on you," she said. "If you accept them, you gain fighters who know Carridan's tactics. But you also risk spies, or those who may turn on you if given the chance."

I considered the possibility. Recruiting deserters could bolster my numbers faster than training goblins from scratch. But it would also be dangerous.

Gorak let out a low growl. "I do not trust humans who turn on their masters."

"Neither do I," I admitted. "But we can't afford to ignore the opportunity if it comes."

A soft chime in my system caught my attention.

[New Optional Quest: Strength in Numbers]

Objective: Increase Military Forces to 30 Trained Units.

Bonus: Recruit 5 Non-Goblin Fighters (+100 Gold Bonus).

The system itself was recognizing this as a path worth pursuing. That meant there was a real possibility deserters would arrive soon.

For now, I focused on the goblins in front of me. I checked my remaining gold reserves—410, just short of being able to recruit another advanced goblin warrior. If I waited a little longer, I could summon something stronger.

The training continued as the day stretched on. More goblins stepped forward, eager to prove themselves. Some struggled, but others were learning fast, adapting to the new techniques with a hunger that made me hopeful.

I turned back to my B-rank Guardian, the towering figure still standing silently at the edge of the camp. Its mere presence made my forces bolder, more assured. They knew they weren't just fighting for survival anymore. They were fighting for something bigger.

The Shadeborn watched me for a moment, then spoke. "You are preparing well. But soon, you must decide if you wish to remain hidden… or if you will make your presence known."

I exhaled slowly. "That moment is coming, whether I want it to or not."

She gave a small nod, then stepped away, fading into the shadows of the trees.

As the goblins continued training, I felt something shift in the air. It was more than just preparation. It was a beginning.

I wasn't just building an army. I was forging a force that would change the balance of power in this land.

Carridan didn't know I existed yet.

But when he finally realized what was growing in the wild lands, it would be too late to stop it.