Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Goblin Squad
The group rushed towards the northeastern mine without stopping.
Similarly, it took about an hour to reach the ruins outside the mine.
They still tied the horses on the grassy area beside the ruins.
The Pigsy under Zong Shen kept grunting, seemingly displeased with returning to the past location.
Compared to the exciting world outside, the mine was too dark and enclosed.
The Wolf Cavalry were the first to step onto the ruins, with Zong Shen riding Pigsy in the middle, and at the end of the group were several mages and Ranger Mapelle walking behind.
When they arrived outside the mine, they found that the previously blocked half of the mine entrance had been completely destroyed.
All the rubble appeared scattered in a radial pattern into the entrance, clearly the result of external damage.
The smoke inside the cave had completely dissipated, leaving only occasional wisps of smoke drifting out.
Standing outside the mine, one could smell the scent of smoke and flames.
However, what really caught their attention was the obvious signs of battle outside the mine.
There were no less than four or five corpses of Web Weaver warriors near the entrance of the mine.
Each body was covered with numerous hacking marks, pierced with many arrows and short spears.
Evidently, there had been a fierce skirmish here. The bodies of the Spider Web Monsters were not disassembled, likely not the work of the Lord, implying the presence of other creatures.
Previously, the mine was billowing with smoke, visible from dozens of miles away in such clear weather.
The Wolf Cavalry searched all around, leaving no stone unturned.
The victors had sorted the battlefield.
However, Korby still found a remnant limb among the rubble.
It was a small, green arm, with skin a dark green color, and a hand slightly smaller than a human’s.
Korby, with a serious expression, held the green arm and brought it before Zong Shen.
"My lord, I’ve found a remnant from a green-skinned goblin..."
In previous exploration a couple of days ago, Korby had encountered goblin tribal attacks in the forest, leaving a deep impression.
Zong Shen slightly furrowed his brows.
"Goblins..."
"It seems the smoke from the mine attracted the attention of the Goblin Tribe."
He glanced at the few corpses of the Spider Web Monsters.
"When did the battle occur? Were there others who entered the mine?"
Zong Shen questioned internally.
Rows of golden captions floated into view.
(3 hours and 27 minutes ago, the Goblin Tribe discovered the smoke from the mine, and sent two squads of green-skinned warriors to explore the mine, entering the mine 1 hour and 03 minutes ago, currently engaged in a fierce battle with the Web Weavers in the mine hall)
Indeed, the smoke emerging from the mine had attracted some uninvited guests.
Zong Shen first disassembled the corpses of the few Spider Web Monsters.
He gathered some materials.
Then, he waved his hand and led his followers inside.
"Chirping!"
"Chatter..."
"Mabubaka..."
Upon entering the mine, faint echoing shouts could be heard from deep within the tunnels.
Favide collected some torches again, lighting them with Small Fireballs.
At this moment, several mages made discoveries.
The mine still retained traces of natural magic.
Aisha was the first to lock onto a target, firing a Holy Light Arrow at a corner of the mine wall.
Just as the Holy Light Arrow was about to hit the mine wall, a phantom with ripples appeared.
It was a sapphire eyeball mark.
This eyeball mark was immediately shattered by the Holy Light Arrow.
"My lord, that was a magic guard post set by a green-skinned Shaman."
"They must have already detected our arrival."
Aisha softly reported.
Zong Shen, however, waved his hand.
"It’s of no concern; we can attack or defend. The Spider Web Monster Nest is not easily breached. They only have two squads, likely already embroiled in a tough fight."
"Let’s go and see the situation."
With that, he led the way forward, and three mages with Mapelle walked last, vigilantly watching the surroundings.
Those green-skinned Shamans were adept at natural magic, often using unexpected tricks.
The ground of the mine corridor was covered with a fine layer of ash, the spider webs on the mine walls had completely disappeared, leaving only a charred blackness from smoke and flame.
As Zong Shen and the others approached, the sounds in the mine hall grew increasingly evident.
Occasionally, one could see firelight illuminating from the mine’s end and ceiling.
"It looks like they’re fighting intensely."
The ability to battle Web Weavers in the mine for so long indicated that these goblins were quite formidable.
Just then, two shadows flew from the end of the mine corridor, heading straight for Zong Shen’s head.
"Swish, swish!"
"Look out, my lord!"
Mapelle squinted her eyes, drew an arrow, and shot it out.
The others didn’t have time to react, and Zong Shen could only raise his shield to protect his upper body after Mapelle’s warning.
One shadow was deflected by the arrow, while the other charged directly at Zong Shen.
"Bang!"
"Puff!"
A tremendous force came from the shield in Zong Shen’s hand, causing his body to sway and neutralizing most of the force.
A Black Iron Spearhead had actually penetrated the shield, stopping just a centimeter from Zong Shen’s eye.
[ -85 ]
[ Block ]
The durability of the Thorny Round Shield in his hand instantly decreased by one-tenth.
This indicated that the opponent’s attack contained a destructive effect.
Moreover, the opponent was well-hidden, not yet revealing their form.
However, in Zong Shen’s vision, two tall figures outlined with golden lines were hiding in recessed areas on both sides of the mine corridor.
"Favide, fire a Small Fireball ahead."
"Tasuya, summon Undead Archers."
"Wolf Cavalry, launch a volley of Short Spears towards the end of the mine corridor!"
Zong Shen dismounted, continuing to ride Pigsy made him too large a target, becoming a living target for the opponent.
He pulled out the Black Iron Spear that was embedded in the shield.
It weighed heavily in his hand, indicating significant power, requiring a strong strength value to throw with such force.
[ Heavy Black Iron Spear ]
[ Quality: Ordinary ]
[ Throwing Damage: 40 ]
[ A Black Iron Spear used by Goblin Spear Throwers, possessing strong piercing ability ]
Zong Shen quietly stored the spear.
Favide finished chanting.
A Small Fireball trailed a streak, flying resolutely into the depths of the mine corridor, illuminating its path.
Six Wolf Cavalry began the first round of throwing, their powerful spears embedded in the mine walls like pear blossom in a sudden rainstorm.
Once they pass this section of the corridor, they would reach the previous mine hall.
Tasuya summoned two Undead Archers, whose skulls’ red Soul Fire flickered, casting faint red shadows on the cave walls.
This round of attack deterred the two cunning Goblin Spear Throwers from sticking their heads out.
These two seemed to be stalling for time.
They showed no strong inclination to attack, indicating the battle in the hall ahead had reached a heated stage!
This was the moment for Zong Shen to launch an all-out assault!