Since it’s been roughly confirmed that the presence spying on them is goblins, it’s time to respond.
"Let’s head back to the campsite first."
The group returned to the campsite.
Kana, Alyris, George, and Bobo were all inside the largest tent.
Goblins on this continent are like wild monsters that could spawn anywhere at any time.
They’re like weeds, you cut them down and they grow back again.
The only thing to be thankful for is that goblins usually construct their nests in areas far from civilized life gathering places.
Then they disperse in small forces to raid.
"We’ve only set up camp here less than two days, and goblins are already observing us.
This basically confirms that there should be a goblin nest nearby our chosen location."
This area is somewhat chaotic in the game.
Nevertheless, most of it was under the control of the Blood Race after the game launched.
Meaning in the next year or two, all wild monsters in this area will be cleared out by the Blood Race.
His only advantage now is his knowledge of the monsters and the geographical understanding of this area.
"These goblins, they’re weak, evil, and sneaky."
"Like those rats?" Alyris said.
Then quickly turned around: "I haven’t included you, Bobo."
"It’s okay, I wouldn’t associate myself with them."
Kana nodded: "Pretty much, the only difference is goblins are slightly stronger than rats, but they can’t speak and aren’t as smart.
For now, we can consider them as dim-witted ratmen, but definitely braver than ratmen."
Goblins, at the bottom of the food chain among wild monsters.
Ratmen are different, ratmen can be considered as an evil race, not wild monsters.
After briefly explaining to everyone, Kana pondered, recalling some early game details.
As he thought, he remembered a clan of dwarves living in the mountains.
In the beginning, the game opened three races: humans, dwarves, and elves.
The storyline indicated that each race had reasons to gather in the Newbie Village.
For dwarves, it was because they lived in the Gray Mountain Range, which is the boundary between the Safro Kingdom and the Cohen Kingdom.
The Blood Race also affected them.
Recalling the early dwarf plot, they were harassed by the Blood Race, more so than goblin disturbances.
Why were there so many goblins in the Gray Mountain Range at that time? There were quite a few around the Newbie Village as well.
Could it be that the Blood Race caused many goblins to migrate outward?
A large influx into the mountains and other side of the range.
With that thought, the goblin numbers in this area might be significant.
Dwarves aren’t weak, but there aren’t many dwarves in the Gray Mountain Range, so they can barely sustain a tribe.
If there are a significant number of goblins in this area, are they in scattered small tribes or as a large tribe?
Without external pressure, goblins don’t usually form large tribes.
So, it’s likely to be in small tribe forms.
Thinking this, Kana roughly straightened out his thoughts.
"Then, the four of us will scout the goblins’ tracks and determine their numbers around.
Other soldiers will be arranged to guard the surroundings, maintaining sufficient vigilance."
"Just the four of us?" Alyris frowned.
She didn’t know what goblins were like, but she fought ratmen just a few days ago.
The ratman suddenly mutated that day, bringing them considerable danger.
With just the four of them going, might it be too risky?
Kana knew the group’s concerns, briefly explained: "We’re just scouting. Bringing too many soldiers would be inconvenient, and what if something else attacked the campsite?
I’m the only one here familiar with goblins, Bobo doesn’t know much either.
Don’t worry, we’re just scouting to understand the goblin numbers, then we’ll plan accordingly."
After hearing Kana’s words, the group nodded.
As for George, he was both nervous and excited.
"It’s not too late now, let’s go immediately, or the traces will disappear by tomorrow."
With that, the group left the campsite, temporarily handing command over to the Soldier Captain.
Entering the forest, George followed the tracks forward.
"Go slow, watch out for traps," Kana cautioned.
Traveling through the forest for about an hour.
Alyris suddenly frowned, stopping in her tracks, sniffing the air.
"There’s a blood scent, very faint, likely not human."
Kana sniffed too, frowning, but couldn’t detect it. This indicated the scent was coming from a distance, beyond his abilities.
"It also doesn’t quite smell like animal blood, it’s odd."
Hearing this, Kana thought for a moment: "It’s probably goblins or something similar. Lead the way."
The group followed Alyris, and after walking a short distance, Kana also smelled the blood scent.
And it conveyed some information, a peculiar feeling.
Unlike Alyris, though it was Kana’s first time smelling it, he quickly correlated it with his knowledge.
"It’s definitely goblin blood."
Confirmed, the group advanced, hearing distant cries through the quiet forest soon.
The cries were sharp, mixed with agony.
The goblin blood scent was overwhelming now, indicating more than one or two goblins had died.
"Something’s fighting with goblins, let’s be careful."
The group remained vigilant, soon locating the source of the sound.
A large leopard-like creature was battling a group of goblins.
About three goblins were dead around, but four still stood, holding crude weapons, trying to surround the leopard.
With an angry roar, the leopard-like beast’s voice created visible waves.
The two goblins in front were blown away, those behind staggered.
Seizing the chance, the leopard pounced, killing one instantly, pinning another underfoot, claws piercing its skull.
With a twist and a bite, it flung another goblin like a rag doll into a tree trunk.
Another three members lost instantly.
The remaining goblin finally lost its courage, screamed, and started to flee.
The leopard didn’t chase, grabbed a corpse, and retreated into the jungle.
"Let’s follow that goblin."
The frightened goblin would certainly flee toward their nest.