"Most goblins exist in tribal forms," Larry explained as they advanced through the forest, sharing his knowledge with the two less experienced youths. "Small tribes usually don't exceed thirty goblins, while medium or large tribes typically don't choose the forest outskirts as their territory."

"So the outermost parts of Roland Forest aren't actually that dangerous?" Lin Mo recalled the goblins they'd encountered earlier. Even if there were more of them, they could always retreat if outmatched.

"Normally that's the case..." Larry nodded but didn't elaborate further. After all, he'd never actually entered the forest before - these were just secondhand tales he'd been showing off to impress the younger men. Pressed for more details, he'd have nothing to add.

He pulled out an old pocket watch from his coat, theatrically checking the time. "It's already past two in the afternoon. If we don't want to spend the night in the forest, we'll need to head back by four at the latest."

Lin Mo glimpsed the yellowed photograph inside the watch case - a much younger Larry standing beside a blonde woman. Though not exceptionally beautiful, she had a good figure, gently holding Larry's arm with a serene expression.

"This is my wife... her name is Juliana." The wrinkles on Larry's face deepened as a proud smile spread across his lips. "She gave me this watch when we first got married..."

"Alright alright, Larry, enough with the nostalgia," interrupted Leo with clear annoyance. "I'll never understand what Juliana saw in you - you lucked out marrying such a wonderful woman."

"Haha~" Larry laughed even more triumphantly. "Now now Leo, isn't your own wife quite... distinctive?"

"You!" Leo flushed with anger and moved to grab Larry's collar when a wisp of smoke rising in the distance interrupted their neighborly banter. Exchanging glances, their expressions immediately turned serious as they cautiously advanced toward the smoke's origin.

...

The dense vegetation of Roland Forest was typically problematic - one never knew when a goblin might be hiding in nearby bushes, ready to ambush passersby. But now, the thick undergrowth served as perfect cover as the group followed Larry's lead, crawling stealthily through the bushes.

After about two minutes of careful movement, they pushed aside some foliage to reveal exactly what they'd expected - several goblins gathered around a fire, roasting mushrooms and berries on sticks. Nearby stood a small cave entrance littered with scattered bones, some blackened as if burned.

"A nest..." Larry whispered excitedly. "We're in luck! Goblin nests usually contain all sorts of loot and treasures they've plundered!"

"And at this time, most goblins would be out foraging," Leo added. "These must be the ones left guarding their territory."

Larry's eyes gleamed with excitement as he looked between his companions. "Only seven goblins total - we can handle this. If we take them out..." The bounty from these goblins plus any treasures in their nest would ensure his wife and newborn son wouldn't go hungry even during these hard times.

Leo clearly shared similar thoughts. Though less satisfied with his own wife compared to gentle Juliana, life had to go on. A big score today could end their financial struggles permanently - maybe then his wife would become gentler, smiling brightly like Juliana always did.

Renn stayed silent, his nails digging into his palms as he stared at the bones near the cave entrance. Lin Mo likewise didn't speak, peering intently into the dark cave mouth. While lacking Larry's experience in this world, he couldn't shake a growing sense of foreboding.

"Let's not hesitate! If we wait too long and the foraging party returns, we'll lose our chance!" Leo urged impatiently.

"What do you think?" Though equally excited, Larry managed to contain himself, looking first at Renn then settling his gaze on Lin Mo.

"Kill." Renn's single-word response came as he tightened his grip on his weapon, clearly ready to charge. At this point, even objections wouldn't change their minds. Lin Mo finally nodded, and in the next instant Renn launched his assault.

The half-grown youth charged with death-defying frenzy at the nearest goblin. Before it could react, his rusted blade already descended toward its head.

"Thud—!" The dull impact split the goblin's skull open, spilling red and white across the ground.

"Gyaa!" The remaining goblins shrieked in alarm, scrambling for their weapons.

Renn didn't pause, immediately charging at a second goblin. Larry and Leo followed close behind, weapons raised. Unlike last time, Lin Mo didn't wait for an opening - already hidden in the bushes, he activated "Stealth" and burst forth, swinging his sword in a wide arc that cleanly severed another goblin's head.

"Proficiency +1!"

Within thirty seconds of combat, their ambush had already eliminated two goblins, giving them clear advantage. Barring complications, they'd finish off the remaining goblins within minutes and plunder the cave for riches.

Yet as often happens, complications arrived right on schedule.

Just as Larry and Leo engaged the other goblins and Lin Mo prepared to strike again—

A thunderous roar erupted from deep within the cave.

Heavy footsteps followed.

"Thud... thud..."

Emerging into view was a massively built green-skinned monster twice the size of ordinary goblins. Its muscular frame bore some human-like features mixed with classic goblin traits - long nose and pointed ears. The iron spiked club it carried looked almost dainty compared to its bulk.

Seeing this "giant," the remaining goblins screeched excitedly.

"Mutated Goblin!" Larry's face drained of color as cold sweat broke across his body, snapping him from treasure-fueled greed to stark terror.

"How could a Mutated Goblin appear so close to the outskirts?!" Leo similarly paled, his confident movements turning erratic, hands trembling around his weapon.

Renn too was shaking violently as he pinned his second opponent—but not from fear. His gaze, unlike the others fixated on the mutant, locked onto the girl it had casually tossed aside upon exiting the cave.

"Phili..." His whisper carried bestial fury.