Goblin Centurion became angry

Many will weigh the benefits; few will offer help purely for the sake of justice.

The task of "carrying newbies" bears little direct reward for Heroes. Asking for aid simply on the grounds of shared "humanity" would be, to them, a request poorly grounded.

Thus, Anyi had to set out the rewards clearly; only then would they be motivated to cooperate. In fact, rather than cooperation, it was more fitting to call it a—

Trade.

Because Anyi laid out something they desired, they were now willing to pay the price in kind. Besides, their knowledge of Class 3 monsters was nearly non-existent; even the basics were newly learned. To charge into the jungle without heeding Anyi's orders would be no better than walking willingly to death.

As Anyi concluded his briefing, the guides among them began to outline the Heroes' next steps.

"Dear Heroes," they announced, "our next plan is divided into three stages..."

Stage One: Leveling Up.

The higher-level Heroes would lead the lower-level Heroes into the jungle to hunt goblins and hobgoblins until they reached level 5. With 8 leading 16, groups of 3 would carry out low-risk hunting parties.

Stage Two: Infiltration.

Next, Hero squads would split and regroup according to roles. While the original teams were well-balanced, killing Class 3 monsters yielded substantial experience shared directly within the team. By forming new squads of four for goblin shaman kills, each squad member would instantly reach level 7. This approach maximized both efficiency in experience gain and in strength, allowing each squad to attain new gear along the way.

Likewise, Anyi's group's target would be level 10. To face a Goblin Centurion, level 10 was the minimum recommended.

Stage Three: General Assault.

The third, ideal stage would see all Heroes at level 7, equipped with Goblin-series gear. Then, a united group of 24 Heroes could easily handle the Goblin forces. Even surrounded by hundreds of hobgoblins, a well-coordinated team could cut through them. From there, no need to divide—24 Heroes would march through the jungle, heading straight for the three Goblin Centurions.

The advantage here was twofold: reducing the goblin army's threat and intimidating the Centurions. Seeing their ranks decimated, the Centurions would have no choice but to retreat.

While the recommended level for Goblin Centurion combat was level 10, 24 level 7 or higher Heroes would overwhelm them. If one Centurion faltered, the other two would surely enter the fray.

And so came the moment of the "Surprise Attack."

They'd bring along the succubus, with Miruku scouting ahead to pinpoint the enemy's location. By then, Anyi's group would have reached level 10, equipped with two sets of gear, new skills, and possibly unknown attribute abilities. If one Centurion appeared, Anyi's group could handle it; if two, Miruku could swiftly eliminate one, leaving only one to defeat.

Of course, Miruku's skill was a trump card; it would be used only as a last resort.

The two latter steps were left out of the main plan, secrets held between Anyi and Miruku alone.

Once the plan was laid out, the Heroes quickly sprang into action.

They split into squads of three, each group entering the dense forest from a different direction. Yet, they stayed cautious, avoiding the deeper areas to keep from being surrounded. Their goal was clear: trim the Goblin ranks gradually, and eventually lure out the Hobgoblins. Once enough Hobgoblins were defeated, the Goblin Shamans would make their entrance.

If Anyi's memory was right, the forest's monsters would respond just so.

But with this much prey, he knew timing would be unpredictable. Anyi had just one command should anyone encounter a Goblin Shaman—

Run.

With agility points above ten, no Goblin could catch them. The Goblin Shamans, meanwhile, were known for staying out of pursuit. If any Hero encountered one, retreat was certain—at worst, a minor delay.

The second day, the forest was alive with chaos. From every direction, creatures stirred, and startled birds scattered in every direction as if fleeing the bloodshed below. Goblins and Hobgoblins fell by the hundreds, and with the Heroes distributing their stats wisely, progress was seamless.

Yet, something odd happened with the Goblin Shamans. 

The Shamans, sensing the Hobgoblins were dwindling, rushed to assist. But upon spotting these eerie, robed figures, the Heroes didn't engage. Instead, they immediately turned heel and bolted.

Goblin Shaman: "???"

Their frail, unassuming forms often lulled foes into carelessness. But these invaders—why were they running?

News of this bizarre retreat quickly reached the ears of the three Goblin Centurions deep within the jungle. The Shamans, being more intelligent than common goblins, carried expressions of confusion that betrayed their inner thoughts.

Inside a vast tent draped with rough, dark cloth, the three Centurions sat.

"Centurion-sama," one Shaman reported in hurried Goblin-speak, "a large number of humans have entered the jungle. They slaughtered our kin and fled the moment they saw us. We cannot comprehend their tactics."

The Centurion in the middle waved a dismissive hand. "Humans… noisy, weak creatures. Every year, a few reckless ones venture in, eager to spill goblin blood. Soon enough, they lose heart and retreat. There's no need for concern." 

"Centurion-sama, this time it is different," the Shaman pressed, visibly nervous. "In just half a day, we have lost more than half our forces. Four thousand goblins have fallen, along with at least a hundred and thirty Hobgoblins. This is no mere skirmish."

Bang!

The central Centurion's fist came crashing down, splintering the arm of its crude chair.

"And you tell me this *now*?" it roared, fury lacing its words.