Chapter 36 - 35
As the sun began to set, Lumberling led his subordinates eastward. It took them nearly three days of travel before they reached their target. Along the way, Lumberling continued his nightly hunts for giant spiders. He encountered three—only one possessed the Concealment skill—but all provided valuable materials and training.
Their journey was smooth. With their numbers and discipline, most forest monsters kept their distance.
Eventually, the scouts returned, having located the kobold settlement. But there was a complication—the kobolds had detected their approach and were now on the move, relocating to another area. Rather than barricade themselves in their cave, they chose to flee. Lumberling nodded in approval. If he were in their place, that would have been the wiser option. A large, unknown force advancing without explanation rarely meant good news.
"Gobo1, Gobo2, Takkar, Vakk. Bring five of your best soldiers. We’re going in fast."
Lumberling made a snap decision. Bringing the full army would only slow them down—and risk losing the opportunity. It was unfortunate the rest wouldn’t have a chance to fight, but precision took priority.
The captains quickly assembled their elite troops. In total, a strike force of twenty-five set out under Lumberling’s lead. The scouts had reported over a hundred kobolds in the migrating group—clearly, the enemy outnumbered them. It was also safe to assume they had at least two or three elite kobolds in their ranks.
They moved quickly, tracking the kobolds by their trails. Not long into the chase, they were ambushed.
Arrows rained down from above.
Lumberling, at the head of the group, bore the brunt of the attack. With practiced ease, he blocked and deflected most of the arrows, reducing the danger to his subordinates.
"Raise your shields! Take cover in the trees!"
The captains gave swift orders. The group scattered and took cover.