[Limloo's core glowed brightly as he bowed his gelatinous body slightly. "Understood, my Lord. I shall lead the slimes to gather materials and begin construction immediately."]
[Under Limloo's guidance, the slimes moved with remarkable efficiency. Small groups were assigned specific tasks: some ventured into the forest to gather sturdy branches and vines, while others transported stones from the riverbank.]
[Using their unique decomposition abilities, the slimes shaped wooden spikes from branches and arranged them in strategic locations around the perimeter.]
[The spikes were placed at key entry points, partially concealed beneath loose soil and leaves to act as hidden traps. Their goal was simple: to immobilize or injure any goblins attempting to charge the village.]
[Meanwhile, larger stones were stacked into makeshift barricades around the Dilapidated Lord's Hall, offering a rudimentary layer of protection. Though crude, these defenses were a testament to the slimes' unwavering loyalty and Limloo's capable leadership.]
[Limloo hovered nearby, overseeing the progress. Occasionally, he would step in to refine a trap's placement or correct a slime's efforts, his SS-rank Wise Sage talent shining through.]
[As the day went on, the village began to look less like an undefended patch of land and more like a fortified outpost.]
[While fortifications were underway, a separate group of slimes scouted the forest for food under Limloo's command.]
[They returned with a modest haul: a fresh hare, a handful of wild berries, and even a few edible roots that Limloo had analyzed and confirmed to be safe.]
[As the fire crackled once more outside the hall, you prepared your meal with the slimes' assistance. Limloo personally oversaw the process, ensuring efficiency and safety.]
[The hare meat was cooked to perfection, and the addition of wild berries as a side dish made the meal far more enjoyable than the plain meat of the previous day.]
[You ate quickly but appreciatively, knowing that every moment spent eating was a moment not spent preparing for the goblins. Despite the haste, the food provided a much-needed boost to your stamina and morale.]
[After finishing your meal, you joined Limloo and the slimes in the final stages of fortifying the village.]
[The traps were tested to ensure they were functional: wooden spikes were sharp enough to pierce, and stone barricades were sturdy enough to slow down an advance.]
[You even experimented with simple warning systems, such as loose gravel that would create noise if stepped on, alerting you to incoming threats.]
["Limloo," you said, surveying the progress, "this is a good start, but we're still at a disadvantage. These traps can only do so much. The goblins have weapons, and their lord is far more experienced than us."]
[Limloo's telepathic voice was calm yet resolute. "My Lord, while it is true that the goblins hold the upper hand in physical strength and numbers, I must admit the fortifications and traps we've constructed may be... excessive."]
[You turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Excessive? Limloo, you were the one who insisted on perfecting the barricades and ensuring the traps were functional."]
[Limloo's core pulsed softly, his tone filled with humble confidence. "Indeed, my Lord. I agreed to these measures not because they were necessary for me, but because I wished to ensure the safety of you and our fellow slimes."]
["While I could easily eliminate the goblins and their lord single-handedly, there is always a chance one might slip past me in the chaos. I would not forgive myself if harm befell you."]
[His words left you momentarily speechless. "You're saying you could handle all of them on your own? Even the Goblin Lord?"]
[Limloo pulsed brighter, as though amused by your skepticism. "Allow me to demonstrate, my Lord. Please, follow me."]
[Curious, you followed Limloo as he led you toward the nearby forest. The slimes stationed at the perimeter glowed faintly as they acknowledged your presence but remained focused on their patrols.]
[Stopping near a cluster of tall trees, Limloo floated forward. His gelatinous body rippled, and mana gathered visibly around his core.]
[With a small gesture, he conjured a shimmering blade of wind that sliced cleanly through one of the trees. The massive trunk groaned before splitting in half and crashing to the ground with a thunderous thud.]
[You blinked in astonishment, staring at the fallen tree. "That… was a basic spell?"]
["Indeed," Limloo replied, his telepathic voice tinged with reverence for his talent. "As a Wise Sage, I have mastered all basic elemental spells. This wind blade is but one example, and I can cast it continuously without tiring. The mana cost is negligible, and I can replenish my reserves by absorbing mana from the surroundings."]
[You stared at him, processing the implications. "So, you're telling me that even without the traps and barricades, you could easily wipe out the goblins?"]
[Limloo's core dimmed briefly, a sign of his humility. "Yes, my Lord. These goblins, while formidable in their own way, are no match for even the most basic applications of my abilities."]
["However, I insist on these fortifications for one reason: to ensure absolute safety for you and the village. My loyalty is to you, and I will not take unnecessary risks with your life."]
[You couldn't help but smirk, feeling a surge of relief. "I see. Well, consider me convinced. I'll leave the goblins to you. But don't wipe them all out. I'll need them as subordinates once I usurp the Goblin Lord's authority."]
[Limloo's core pulsed brightly, his telepathic tone filled with confidence and reverence. "Understood, my Lord. I shall focus on capturing the Goblin Lord while minimizing goblin casualties. Rest assured, I will bring him to you immobilized and ready for you to deliver the final blow."]