Chapter 2.25: Goblin Rush!

    Theo woke the next morning to the sound of 20 slow bells. Where he expected a frantic, staccato call to arms, he found the mournful ring of peace. He wiped the sleep from his eyes, pulling the early warning crystal from his inventory and shaking his head. It was a deep shade of red, growing brighter by the moment. The difference between the last assault and this one was preparation. They were ready, even if Uharis wasnt there as a backup. Tresks bed was empty, and the familiar smell of the same breakfast wafted through the open door. Dawn hadnt broken, but it wasnt far off.

    The alchemist made his way into the lab, falling into his chair and staring out the window.

    Theyll be here soon enough, Theo said.

    Tresk waved him off, flipping her steaks. No worries. Im happy about Luras.

    The pair had talked, at length, about the Half-Ogres decision before bed. Tresk said he was lying to himself and she knew it, although Theo didnt know if she was just posturing.

    His cores suck, Theo said, pouring himself a cup of moss tea. Not sure how you guys survived down here with common cores.

    Oh! Mister fancy-pants legendary cores over here, Tresk said, taking on a mocking tone. Look at me, she danced around the room. Just gonna fix everything and be all cool and stuff.

    Theo laughed, choking on his tea and doubling over. Stop, he said. Im gonna spill my tea.

    Well, set your tea down, cause Im just getting started, Tresk said, grinning.

    Im right, though, Theo said. The difference between low-tier cores and the high ones is absurd.

    Ill agree with that, Tresk said, nodding. I mean, you get a boost in power but you still need to level the core. Unless you can find him a core that combines with his [Hunters Core], hell need to grind the new one up.

    Theo nodded, locking his gaze outside the window once again. That was something they had an enormous advantage on. He still didnt understand the exact situation up north, but they certainly didnt have so many dungeons nearby. Most people farmed the [Swamp Dungeon], but the others were growing steadily in power. Not at the same rate as the one in the swamp, but still noticeably. The alchemist had received little word on the other dungeons, only that the loot sucked and no one wanted to swim through either the [River Dungeon] or the [Ocean Dungeon].

    That didnt take away from Theos instincts on those dungeons. Theyd be a valuable source of revenue, they just had one problem. The distance between Broken Tusk, and any of the other dungeons besides the [Swamp Dungeon] were great. It was at least twice as far, posing a serious problem. If Theo wanted ownership over those dungeons, hed need to expand the town outward. The [Ocean Dungeon] was his first target. It was near the sea, and would allow him to construct a port. That idea still rattled in his head, refusing to dislodge itself. Another project for a man with too many projects.

    Once Tresk served the steaks, Theo took a leaf out of the Marshlings book. Instead of carefully cutting the meat into small sections, he picked it up with both hands and took a bite. She shot him a surprised look, taking a larger bite and glowering.

    Its not a competition, Theo said through a mouthful of meat.

    Yeah, it is! Tresk said, taking another, larger bite.

    They finished their meal and went together onto the street. There was a calm in the air that sent a shiver down Theos spine. It wasnt the typical calm he expected before a fight, but a sense of normalcy that gave him hope. Those who were non-combatants were going about their lives as if nothing was wrong. Monster might have been preparing to assault the town, but within the walls they were safe. The alchemist would do anything to make sure that was a reality as long as he had strength.

    With a deep breath, he approached the Adventurers Guild. Luras was standing, deep in conversation with Aarok. Adventurers were scattered around the hall, talking amongst themselves. Theo spotted the 3 brothers talking to Zankir and Zansal.

    Theo, Aarok said, waving the pair over. Have you met my new Captain of the Guard?

    Luras paled, casting his eyes to the floor.

    Ive met him before, Theo said, smiling. Bit of a rapscallion, though.

    Right. Im just happy to have more competent adventurers, Aarok said. Well, those al brothers are pretty strong. Theyre a higher level than Tresk, but somehow I dont think they have good cores.

    Al brothers? Tresk asked.

    Bal, Dal, and Ral, Theo said, waving her away. New arrivalsI told you about them.

    I dont concern myself with weaklings, Tresk said, narrowing her eyes.

    Theo gave her a swift punch on the arm. Manner. Every adventurer is valuable here.

    Tresk looked shocked at first, then reserved. Yeah

    If our Tarahek is done having their moment, Aarok said. Were not resting on the fact that we know how theyre going to attack.

    Well split our force again, Luras said. Similar tactic, but were assembling a roaming group to keep the walls clear and relay information.

    Do we have enough bombs? Theo asked.

    And a few tricks youre not aware of, Aarok said, flashing a roguish smile.

    Theo withdrew the crystal from his inventory. It had grown a brighter shade of red since he looked at it minutes ago. He returned it and withdrew the rest of the bombs he was working on. There werent as many as hed like, but there were enough. No matter how much he wanted to doubt their ability to defend the town, he knew they could do it. He handed over the bombs to Aarok and Luras to distribute to the adventurers.

    Your healing potions are distributed to the masses. We cant be more ready, Luras said.

    I wonder what it''s like up north, Theo said. He blurted the words out, still musing on their unique situation. Our adventurers are going to grow in power. Quickly. How does it work up there?

    Nothing like this, Aarok said, waving a dismissive hand. The kingdom has a stranglehold on the dungeons, and monsters arent as common. People need to travel far to get their experience. Not like in Broken Tusk. Here, you can wake up and take a jaunt over to the dungeon and be home in time for dinner.

    Very well, this time, Luras said. Thanks to that drunk wizard, we had time to prepare. Yeah, they have the numbers, but we have the defending advantage.

    The boss is a two-headed troll! Tresk said. Hes coming for the wallsslowly.

    Thanks.

    Theo relayed the information to Aarok, who nodded. I didnt expect another troll, thats strange. Were seeing Goblins, but theyre different types. Is the troll approaching from the west?

    Theo talked to Tresk rapidly, getting details on where the troll was.

    From the west, Theo confirmed. He has a small army of Trolling with him.

    Theres the wrinkle, Luras said, looking back and relaxing his bow. Theyll have the same regeneration as him, maybe a shared effect.

    Right. Theyre stronger together, Aarok said, nodding.

    Bal, the oldest of the 3 brothers, ascended the stairs of the battlement with a few strong strides. East is almost untouched. The north has it bad, but theyre doing fine. The south is middling.

    Thats expected, Aarok said. Ask the east to send what they can to the western gate. Here. How are the streets?

    A few sneaky Goblins got in, but theres not a lot. Their stealth sucks, Bal said.

    Right. You have the streets then, Bal, Aarok said. Great job.

    Bal smiled, affecting a shallow bow before leaping off the wall into the town. He landed gracefully on his feet, sprinting as soon as he touched the cobbled street.

    We need a way to communicate during these battles, Theo said, remembering what he came here to say. Can you instruct the adventurers to look for reagents? Things that I could use for potions, once weve slain all the monsters?

    Of course, Aarok said, laughing. Im afraid they dont know what to look for, though. Maybe you could come along for the clean up.

    Good idea, Theo said.

    His [Drogramath Herbalism Core] would let him know what was useful. At level 10, it was more than just intuition. He could almost feel the magic in the herbs around him, but it was still in the early stages. Once he got that core to level 20, it would be a different story. Even though he didnt know how he knew it, that was the fact. A linear progression of power that would continue To what end? He didnt know.

    Theo sat atop the battlements with his commander, observing the monsters attempts to breach the killing field. It seemed like a futile task. They threw themselves against that blood-soaked patch of marshy earth without regard to the fires, the lightning, or the endless ranged attacks of the defenders. Rain didnt come as midday past, even into the late afternoon. Tresk gave updates on the advance of the boss Troll. When it finally crossed the line of fire, most of its Trollings were already dead.

    [Boss Monster] spotted! Twin Foul Lords Gorak/Slobag has been sighted. This monster is stronger than regular monsters, use caution.

    Ready? Aarok shouted.

    They had a plan, apparently. Theo felt like a strange observer in a macabre game, standing there and wincing every time the lightning fired off. It arced, slamming uselessly against the large Troll. The creature was a more lumpen mass of boils and fat than the one hed seen before. Two heads bobbled atop the thing, swaying with bald heads with vile features that sent the alchemists stomach turning. What happened next occurred quicker than Theo could register.

    Several Freezebombs exploded, the ones with the [Web] modifier, snaring the remaining Trollings. The boss Troll shook the thin threads of ice off, moving deep into the killing field in a single stride. Fire bombs came next, a normal one, then a [Surge] modified one, in rapid succession. The Troll roared in pain, thrashing uselessly as the bombs kept flying. As quickly as the monster approached the gates, it fell to the ground, forcing a system message to appear in Theos vision.

    [Boss Monster] defeated! Twin Foul Lords Gorak/Slobag has been slain. Bonus Wave!

    [Bonus Wave!] Broken Tusk defeated the monster wave in 10 hours! Bonus wave: [Goblin Rush].

    Theos brow knit tight. Aarok had a similarly confused expression on his face. With a mental command, the alchemist found he could inspect the bonus waves description.

    [Goblin Rush]

    Monster Wave

    Duration: 1 Hour

    Goblin Rush!

    Every remaining goblin has been turned into a miniature Troll!

    Experience gained from killing these monsters is increased.

    [Monster Wave] gold is increased for each Troll-Goblin Killed.

    Troll-Goblins drop rare loot more often.

    Theo took a calming breath.

    Get back to the town, Tresk, he said.