That morning, everything changed around Goblin's Grove.
The mist that had long shrouded Lee Jun's personal dungeon was finally dissipating. The air turned clearer, and the sunlight streamed through the trees more vividly than ever before. For the first time, Jun could see beyond the familiar boundaries—beyond the veil that once hid everything outside his small world.
What lay beyond was not emptiness, but life.
"There are creatures out here…" he muttered under his breath.
The First Exploration Team
Jun quickly organized a small scouting group:
Godon led the way as the strongest goblin warrior.
Two goblin guards carried shields and spears.
One goblin archer provided long-range support.
Kang Minho, Jun's close friend, came along to back them up.
Jun himself led with a blank map and markers.
They moved carefully through what was once obscured by fog. The soil was still damp with dew, and the fresh scent of leaves filled the air. As they pressed on, a gentle sound reached their ears—flowing water.
The River and New Life
Roughly a kilometer from the heart of Goblin's Grove, they discovered a natural river. It wasn't massive, but it was wide enough to serve as a permanent water source. Clear, fresh water flowed gently over smooth rocks, forming shallow pools and gentle currents.
Small fish darted between the rocks beneath the surface.
"Fresh fish. We can catch these," Minho said, already preparing a spare spear.
Not far from the riverbank, Godon pointed toward a bush.A small white-furred rabbit jumped out and vanished into the brush. Birds chirped from treetops, flitting from branch to branch.
This forest was not dead—it was vibrant.
New Hope, New Potential
Jun realized the significance of what they'd found.With access to water, fish, and wild animals like rabbits, they were no longer entirely dependent on crops. They could begin light hunting and fishing to diversify their food sources. The river could eventually be redirected to irrigate new fields.
He carefully mapped everything:
The river
Pathways through the woods
Potential farmland and guard post locations
The Return with News
As the sun began to set, the team returned to Goblin's Grove. The goblins gathered curiously, sensing something important had happened. Jun stood before them and declared:
"There's a river out there. There's food, and there's space. Tomorrow, we expand."
"We'll begin clearing land by the river. And for those strong enough—we'll begin training hunters and fishermen."
[System Notification]
✅ Fog has lifted: Visibility increased✅ Goblin's Grove territory expanded✅ New resources discovered: Water, fish, and small wild creatures✅ Goblin morale boosted✅ Farming & fishing potential unlocked
That night, Jun stood on a small hill, overlooking the path to the river.What was once a narrow, misty dungeon was now opening into something greater.
It no longer felt like just a refuge.It felt like the beginning of a kingdom.
And that kingdom… was his.