After ending the Lord Simulation voluntarily, Augustus sighed in relief. "It seems that everything went well. Even if it didn't, the Goblin Lord's power is not as overwhelming as I initially thought."
Sitting on his bed, Augustus laid back, his mind swirling with thoughts. "I wonder what the Goblin Lord's talent is," he murmured.
"Lord talents are unpredictable," he mused aloud. "They vary from lord to lord, and while some lords may possess similar abilities, anomalies like myself wield SSS-rank talents that defy convention."
His heterochromatic eyes narrowed as he recalled the details of the simulation. "From what I observed, the Goblin Lord's talent didn't seem combat-oriented. Or if it was, it had to be an active talent, not a passive one. He couldn't activate it when I caught him off-guard and decapitated him."
Though the mystery intrigued him, Augustus shook his head. Curiosity could wait.
His priority was clear: to reenact the simulation in reality and ensure the same victorious outcome.
Yawning, Augustus allowed himself a moment of reprieve. For now, sleep beckoned, and he succumbed to it, preparing for the challenges ahead.
…
When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the ceiling, Augustus awoke, his determination renewed.
The vivid memory of the goblin raid in the simulation lingered, spurring him into immediate action.
"Limloo," Augustus called, summoning the Wise Slime Sage to the throne room. "We have less than a day before the goblins attack. I want defenses—traps, barricades, everything. We must be prepared."
Limloo's core pulsed brightly, his loyalty unwavering. "Understood, my Lord. I shall lead the slimes to gather materials and begin construction without delay."
The slimes moved with astonishing efficiency under Limloo's guidance.
Small groups ventured into the forest, collecting sturdy branches, vines, and stones, while others shaped wooden spikes using their decomposition abilities.
These were strategically placed at key entry points around the village, camouflaged beneath loose soil and leaves to act as hidden traps. Larger stones were stacked into rudimentary barricades surrounding the Dilapidated Lord's Hall.
Limloo supervised every step, refining placements and ensuring no detail was overlooked. His SS-rank Wise Sage talent shone brilliantly, transforming the once-vulnerable village into a fortified outpost.
Meanwhile, another group of slimes scouted the forest for food, returning with modest but essential provisions: a fresh hare, wild berries, and a few edible roots. Limloo personally ensured the safety of the gathered supplies.
As Augustus prepared his meal with the slimes' help, the aroma of roasted hare mingled with the sweetness of wild berries. Though simple, the meal rejuvenated him, bolstering his resolve for the tasks ahead.
After eating, Augustus inspected the defenses with Limloo, a sense of confidence emanating from him.
The traps were sharp, the barricades sturdy, and even rudimentary warning systems—like loose gravel to signal intruders—had been implemented.
Augustus nodded in approval, already knowing their effectiveness thanks to the Lord Simulation.
…
"Well done, Limloo," Augustus said, his tone calm but commanding. "These defenses are sufficient to control the goblins' movements."
"The Lord Simulation confirmed they'll funnel into these choke points, just as planned. You know the sequence now—execute it flawlessly."
Earlier, Augustus had spent half an hour discussing the events of the Lord Simulation with Limloo in detail.
The simulated future had revealed every critical moment, from the goblins' assault patterns to the decisive blow that would end the Goblin Lord.
Augustus had carefully outlined the plan, ensuring Limloo understood every step. His trusted right-hand slime absorbed the information with focused attention, asking precise questions to clarify the nuances of the simulation's predictions.
"My Lord," Limloo had said during their discussion, his core pulsing with respect, "your ability to foresee these events is astounding. With such a tool, our victory seems all but guaranteed."
"It's not foolproof," Augustus had replied. "The simulation shows probabilities, not certainties. But the Goblin Lord's arrogance and the goblins' lack of intelligence make them predictable. Stick to what we've planned, and the result should remain unchanged."
Returning to the present, Limloo's core pulsed brightly in acknowledgment of Augustus's words. "Indeed, my Lord. The goblins lack the intelligence to adapt to this strategy. With your foresight guiding me, the battle will proceed exactly as foreseen."
Augustus's heterochromatic eyes gleamed with sharp focus as he turned to face Limloo. "You've demonstrated your capabilities enough for me to trust you'll manage. But remember, I expect the Goblin Lord's death with minimal casualties to no casualties. Follow the sequence from the simulation precisely. Any unnecessary deviations might complicate things."
"Of course, my Lord," Limloo replied, his voice steady with unwavering confidence. "The Goblin Lord's strength may appear formidable, but his actions will follow the patterns you've described. His defeat is inevitable."
Augustus allowed a slight smirk to form. "I already know how this ends. But just because we've seen it doesn't mean you can get complacent. Stick to the plan, and everything will fall into place."
Limloo's core glowed with determination. "You have my word, my Lord. The goblins who raid the Slime Village will be immobilized but unharmed, as per your instructions. None shall escape, and no lives will be lost unless absolutely necessary."
Augustus nodded, crossing his arms as he gazed toward the horizon, where the memory of the Goblin Village from the simulation lingered in his mind.
He could almost feel the tension in the air, knowing the events of the simulation were about to become reality.
"Good," he said, his voice steady yet resolute. "While you handle the raiders, I'll head to the Goblin Village to deal with their lord personally. Stick to the plan—capture as many goblins as you can. We'll need them once their leader is gone."
Limloo's core pulsed brightly, his voice filled with reverence and resolve. "As you command, my Lord. I will ensure the safety of our village and execute your will to perfection."
With a slight bow, Limloo floated off to finalize the preparations, leaving Augustus standing alone.
His heterochromatic eyes narrowed as he replayed the intricacies of the simulation in his mind.
Every move, every outcome had been accounted for. This was no gamble—it was a calculated execution of foresight and strategy.
"Then let's show them," Augustus muttered, his voice filled with cold determination, "why the Slime Village isn't to be underestimated."
With that, he turned and prepared himself for the task ahead. The Goblin Lord's reign would end tomorrow, and with it, the Slime Village would rise.