The fog was gone. The war was over.
But what remained was scorched soil, broken tools, and a village on the verge of collapse.
Lee Jun stood in the middle of the ruined farmland. Ash clung to his boots, and the air carried the faint scent of smoke and damp earth. Goblin's Grove had survived… but barely.
"Having more goblins doesn't mean strength… not if they're starving."
There were now twenty-six goblins under his command. Some were fighters, others archers, and the rest were former enemy goblins who had surrendered and now stood awkwardly, unsure of their place. But food was gone. The fields were destroyed. And there weren't enough weapons to arm them if another enemy came.
Jun opened his inventory and summoned a shimmering item he had kept hidden since the battle:
Mana Stone – Rare GradeDropped from Gho'lran's body, it still pulsed with residual power, humming with stored mana.
"I could use this to evolve… but not now."
He stared at the stone for a long while before placing it carefully into a wooden box and activating his hunter contact channel.
"Dad, I need a favor. I'm sending you something valuable. Please sell it through the hunter association."
His voice was calm, but his heart was anything but.
🌆 Seoul – The Real World
It only took a day.
The mana stone sold at auction for 380 million won.A rare item, one that most hunters would kill for.
Jun's father transferred the majority of the money to his son's account, saving the rest to support the family. He didn't ask questions—he knew Jun was fighting for something bigger than himself.
🛒 Back in Goblin's Grove
With funds secured, Jun accessed the Hunter Market and began placing urgent orders:
6 new weapons: lightweight swords, spears, and bows for his goblin fighters and archers.
Basic farming tools: hoes, buckets, seed packs.
Emergency food supply: dried grains, preserved fruit, smoked meat—enough for one month.
Construction supplies: hammers, nails, wood planks, rope.
Everything was scheduled to arrive through the hunter portal in two days.
He gathered the goblins and stood before them.
"We lost much. But this isn't the end. Starting today, we rebuild… and we'll come back stronger than ever."
The goblins didn't cheer. But their eyes said everything—they understood. They believed.
Godon stood beside Jun, holding a short sword, its blade gleaming in the moonlight. His belt was newly fitted, his posture alert.
"You really didn't use it for yourself?" Minho asked, leaning against a rock nearby, chewing on dried orange slices.
Jun shook his head slowly.
"What's the point of getting stronger alone if everyone else dies?"
Minho grinned. "Damn. You're starting to sound like a leader."
🌿 Chapter Ending
That night, Jun sat quietly by the edge of the Grove.
Without the thick fog, the land had revealed its true form. A gentle river now flowed along the eastern edge—freshwater that sparkled under the stars. The night sky above was clear for the first time since he awakened his dungeon.
It was peaceful. But Jun knew it wouldn't last.
The world beyond the forest had begun to show itself. And if this Grove was growing… something else might be watching.
Still, for now…He had chosen his path:To build. To protect. To lead.