The skies above Goblin's Grove were clear now. The mist had completely vanished, revealing a vast, dense forest surrounding the farmland and a gentle river that flowed nearby. Amidst piles of herbs and wild plants, Jun sat in his simple wooden cabin, staring seriously at ten dark roots neatly arranged on a table.
Veilroot.A rare plant that only grew in soil infused with death energy. Impossible to cultivate—Jun had proven that himself. Even after trying to replant it in their best soil, the roots rotted away within a day.
"I don't even know its market value," Jun muttered, watching the roots' coarse texture, which glowed faintly under the daylight.
Just then, Kang Minho walked in, carrying a basket full of fresh vegetables. He set it down and glanced at the roots, his eyes going wide.
"Whoa! You found more of these?" Minho asked quickly.
Jun nodded. "Ten. And I think there's more to be found if I explore deeper into the northern Grove."
Minho sat down and crossed his arms. "You know this could be your ticket out of poverty, right?"
"The problem is… I don't know how to sell it. I can't just throw this into the market. If someone gets suspicious, they'll start asking how I got it. And then... the whole dungeon secret might come out."
Minho nodded slowly, then grinned. "How about we sell it through my guild? I can contact my guild leader directly. He's not the kind to ask too many questions if the product is rare enough. In fact, he once told me: 'If you ever come across something like this, tell me first.'"
Jun stared at his childhood friend. "Is it safe?"
"Safe. As long as you don't say you dug this up from your backyard garden." Minho chuckled.
Jun took a deep breath. This wasn't a light decision. But the ten Veilroots wouldn't stay fresh forever. And they needed funds—for weapons, training, and to strengthen the defenses of their ever-expanding Grove.
"Alright. Contact him. But don't say you found it. Just say… it came from a source that wants to stay anonymous."
Minho stood, giving a thumbs-up. "Got it. You prep the roots, I'll handle the rest."
Outside the cabin, goblin voices echoed faintly. Some were tending the crops, others training under Godon's watch. Their little world was changing fast—and these ten roots… might be the start of something much bigger.