Morning in Goblin's Grove felt different.
The mist had long disappeared, but that morning, a strange chill clung to the earth. The dungeon birds that usually chirped in the trees were silent. Even the goblins, who were usually noisy while farming, moved more quietly, as if their instincts were warning them.
Jun stood at the edge of the field. Several goblins were digging the soil, planting new roots, while in the distance, Minho was training two Goblin Fighters to dodge attacks from a wooden dummy tied with ropes.
When Minho saw Jun returning, he waved. "Hey! Back from the outside world? How'd it go? Made some profit?"
Jun gave a faint smile. From his bag, he pulled out a thick cloth pouch and handed it over to Minho. "Here. First profits from selling Veilroot. I promised I'd share."
Minho opened the pouch, and his eyes widened at the sight of cash and a few pieces of equipment from the guild.
"Damn… this is enough to buy a whole crate of ramen for the goblins," Minho muttered, then shouted at the goblins. "Oi! Jun brought gifts!"
The goblins immediately gathered. Some danced, some clapped—overjoyed like children given candy.
But Jun's smile didn't last long. He knew this joy wouldn't last.
He stepped beneath the large tree at the center of Goblin's Grove. There, Moji sat cross-legged, eyes closed, as if meditating. Since the last battle against the Nyxwraith-controlled monsters, Moji had shown unusual growth.
Once, he could only shoot small bursts of fire, no different from any ordinary goblin who had learned a bit of magic. But now, he was beginning to understand complex incantations, able to sense mana flows, and even speak in broken phrases.
Jun knew—the time was near.
He pulled out a glowing scroll from his bag—about a handspan long, sealed with a faint golden pattern that pulsed like breathing.
Minho leaned closer, eyes wide. "Whoa… that's no ordinary item."
Jun nodded. "Evolution Ticket. I received it as a reward after defeating Gho'lran."
Minho stared at the ticket like he was trying to sense its power. "So… you can choose one goblin to evolve instantly?"
"Yeah," Jun replied. "But I'm not going to pick randomly. One mistake, and we lose a massive opportunity."
They both turned to look at Moji.
The goblin shaman was now gazing back at them. His eyes—once dull—now shimmered with understanding.
"I know he's not perfect," Jun said quietly. "But I feel like… he could be the key to facing what's coming."
Minho exhaled. "If you're sure, I'm with you. Just don't let him light up the field again. Last month's corn harvest nearly went up in flames."
Jun chuckled softly, then looked back at Moji.
"Just wait a little longer," he whispered. "Your time is coming."
Tamed Goblins: 35