Soon, all the goblins scattered throughout the forest outside the camp had fallen under my spear. I took my time to absorb the souls of each fallen goblin.
[Soul fragments 30/100]
My mental counter registered the progress. I was advancing well, but there was still work to do. In the camp were three goblin fighters and the goblin shaman. The latter was especially dangerous: a goblin capable of using spells, a full-fledged mage.
After stalking to the closest possible position, I ran out of the grass directly toward the shaman. It was a priority to eliminate him first; his magical abilities made him the greatest threat.
At that precise moment, a small goblin discovered me. He roared with all his might, giving the alarm of an intruder. Accompanied by that roar, the three goblin fighters immediately tensed, holding a knife in one hand and a shield in the other to protect the small shaman.
The goblin shaman raised the stick he had in his hand and pronounced incomprehensible words.
The next moment, a crimson fireball the size of a ball emerged from the wooden stick and headed toward me at great speed.
Indeed, he is a mage!, I mentally confirmed. Just as this thought crossed my mind, the fireball was already in front of my eyes. Without wasting any more time, I moved the spear with precision and split the small igneous sphere.
A great flame suddenly opened, submerging my figure completely. Enveloped by the crimson fire, I felt as if I had fallen into a burning furnace. Severe pain coursed through my entire body, but thanks to my resistance, it was nothing I couldn't endure.
I quickly assessed my condition and felt relieved to verify that the damages were not serious. I appeared apparently unharmed in front of the small goblin, who looked at me with eyes bulging in surprise.
The next moment, my sharp spear pierced the goblin shaman's head. His green blood splattered my face as his body collapsed lifeless. One less problem.
The three goblin fighters roared with fury upon seeing their shaman fall. They pounced on me with their knives raised, but I was already prepared. The spear deflected the first attack, and with a quick turn, I pierced the chest of the first goblin.
The second tried to attack me from behind, but my survival instinct alerted me just in time. I ducked, dodging by millimeters the blade that sought my neck, and counterattacked with an upward movement that found its target under the goblin's jaw.
The third, seeing the fate of his companions, hesitated for a second. That was his fatal error. I didn't give him time to reconsider his position. I launched myself toward him with all my speed and, before he could raise his shield, my spear had already found his heart.
As the last goblin fell, I felt how the adrenaline gradually left my body. I looked around, observing the carnage I had caused. Dozens of goblin bodies lay scattered throughout the forest and camp. The operation had been a complete success.
I focused again and absorbed the souls of the last fallen, feeling how my power increased with each incorporated essence.
[Soul fragments 37/100]
I still had a long way to go to reach my goal, but every step counted. I searched the camp for anything useful. I found some weapons, provisions, and objects that might serve me later. It was always good to be prepared.
***
I stalked silently among the dense vegetation, completely motionless. My eyes missed no detail of the movements in front of the so-called "Goblin Nest."
The air of the dark forest was impregnated with the unmistakable stench of goblins—a mixture of rancid sweat, decomposing meat, and wet mud—that extended throughout the camp.
I had meticulously studied this settlement for days. Hundreds of goblins distributed in dozens of ruined tents, all strategically camouflaged among the thickness of the forest. No unsuspecting traveler could detect them at a glance, which explained the success of their ambushes. An intelligent design, I had to admit.
My target was in front of me, in the center of the camp: a disproportionately large structure made with interwoven branches and dry mud. And there, standing in front of his "palace," was he.
The Goblin Champion.
Imposing with his more than two meters in height, he wore black armor that contrasted with his dark green skin. The long-handled axe he held probably weighed as much as any of his subordinates. He was not a simple goblin; his constitution and presence more closely resembled the orcs that inhabit the upper floors. This was no ordinary adversary. His power could not be underestimated.
At his side, I distinguished a short shaman with a tattered white robe and a staff carved with symbols that I could not recognize from my position. There was also a goblin priest, a rarity that I had not encountered before. The presence of other classes considerably complicated my plans.
Four centurions with heavy armor and two-handed swords formed a protective perimeter around the Goblin Champion. They were considerably taller than common goblins, reaching approximately 1.7 meters, and were equipped with superior armament to the standard. These were Hobgoblins, a slightly inferior version to the first hobgoblin I had faced.
Completing the picture, I identified more than twenty guards strategically distributed. Although of lesser stature—approximately 1.5 meters—they wore leather armor and a heterogeneous assortment of weapons. Despite their less impressive appearance, their individual strength surpassed that of any goblin I had previously faced.
Almost thirty goblins. Eliminating them would end this mission.
The rewards that the tower would grant for completing this task would be substantial. Not to mention the soul fragments I would obtain from each eliminated goblin, especially from the Goblin Lord.
However, even I was not so reckless as to launch myself frontally against such a numerous group. I needed a carefully planned strategy, not an act of suicidal bravery.
After several minutes of deliberation, I mentally traced a plan. It wasn't perfect, but it compensated for my limitations against the enemy's numerical superiority. With the decision made, my figure slowly vanished among the vegetation.