The northern mist of Goblin's Grove had yet to fade. Ever since the faint sound of footsteps echoed from beyond the fog, Lee Jun hadn't been able to sleep well.
That morning, he stood atop a large stone in the center of the farmland, calling out to all the goblins.
"Starting today… we're building a defense system."
Godon stood firmly at his side, giving orders to gather everyone. Some goblins looked confused, a few nervous—but the goblin fighters? They looked eager.
"There's something out there in the fog. We don't know what it is, but we can't wait to find out the hard way."
Jun pointed to three goblins—Godon, Garga, and Bibi—assigning them as the core of the village's defense squad. Godon would lead them.
The First Fortifications
That day, the goblins began constructing a crude wall along the northern boundary. Using small trees and rocks gathered near the fog, they erected a simple but functional wooden fence.
Jun directed the goblins to dig shallow trenches and place sharpened sticks as primitive traps. One goblin fell into his own trap, causing a burst of laughter and easing the heavy atmosphere.
Jun also rigged up a simple alarm system: small bells tied to thin branches. If something touched the fence or came too close—the bells would ring.
Combat Training Begins
In the late afternoon, Jun started basic combat drills. He divided the goblins into two groups—defenders and attackers—and handed them sturdy wooden sticks to mimic spears.
Kang Minho had returned from the public dungeon and offered his help. With a grin, he demonstrated basic techniques: guard stance, side attacks, when to dodge, and when to retreat.
Godon's performance stood out. His movements were sharper, more focused. He even began forming small defensive formations with the others, showing signs of leadership.
Jun watched him in silence. "You're not just some goblin anymore…"
Nightfall and Reflection
As the dungeon sky dimmed into night, Jun sat in front of the small wooden hut, scribbling notes into an old notebook.
"This land… it's their home. But maybe it's mine, too."
The fog remained still. But the pressure from beyond felt heavier.
He glanced at the fence they built. It was rough, imperfect, but it was a start.
Tomorrow, they would train again. And if that unseen presence in the mist ever dared to cross into Goblin's Grove...
...they would be ready.