Morning arrived peacefully in Goblin's Grove.
After two intense days of digging, clearing, and replanting radishes across the expanded 800 square meter field, the goblins now had lighter daily tasks—watering the crops, removing weeds, and protecting the plants from pests.
Lee Jun sat atop a large rock near the fields, observing his goblins at work. In his hand was a simple record book made of synthetic leather he'd brought from the outside world.
"Fifteen farming goblins… they've really adapted," he murmured with a small smile. "Efficient, quick, and even joking around while they work."
On the other side of the field, Godon—the first goblin and their undisputed leader—was overseeing a light training session with ten elite goblin warriors. Five of them now carried simple bows crafted by Kang Minho from low-tier monster materials. They practiced shooting at straw dummies lined up near the tree line.
Kang Minho, who was still staying inside the dungeon with Jun, approached with a wide grin.
"Hey, Jun. Now that the farmers are settled into a routine, how about we focus more on the fighters? I think it's time we teach them how to set up simple traps," he suggested, pointing toward the fog boundary.
Jun nodded, gesturing toward a freshly dug pit in front of the mist.
"I was thinking the same thing. We'll dig more traps like this one—three meters deep, right in front of the fog. If anything hostile crosses the boundary, they'll fall right in."
"You're starting to sound like a war strategist," Minho joked with a chuckle.
Jun chuckled quietly, but his eyes remained serious. He knew the threat from the mist wasn't over. Even now, he often felt like something was watching them—waiting, just beyond sight.
Afternoon
The day went by smoothly. The goblins finished their work ahead of schedule. A few farming goblins even helped dig additional traps. Kang Minho led the archers, organizing a simple watch formation for night duty. Their handmade arrows were now stored neatly in wooden racks near the central hut.
As dusk settled in, Lee Jun stood in front of his hut, watching the mist ripple at the edges of the grove.
"Back then, I never imagined I'd have a place like this," he murmured. "But now… I have to protect it, no matter what."
In the distance, Godon stood tall, silently leading the row of goblin fighters preparing for nightfall.
That night, Goblin's Grove was not only calm.
It felt like a fortress.
A fortress built not of stone or steel, but of sweat, loyalty, and quiet resolve.