The front lines, as mentioned many times, were where the Goblins constantly fought to defend their homes and families.
Now, it wasn’t just a straight line across the entire basin, as there were a few natural barriers in the area that essentially directed attacking forces toward certain zones.
And all of that created three different points of main defense and attack: points of contact.
On the Western Front, there was a place that the Goblins referred to as the Black Valley.
Nestled between two hills was a deep valley where the Goblins had managed to have the most success over the last few months since Rick’s arrival.
Of course, this success was relative, as they had to retreat from the valley many times and advance just as many—they didn’t have the capacity to push beyond the valley and successfully hold it for a long time.
But the fact of the matter was that they hadn’t been pushed all the way back into Goblin territory, which was a win in their books.
This was also the location where all tests were carried out.
The other two locations hadn't been so successful.
Although the Goblins hadn’t given up the line, they were constantly on the back foot the entire time in both places, and the number of injured and dead Goblins was only rising.
It was one of these locations that Rick and all 50 members of his Royal Guard departed to.
Located far from the Western Front was the Central Front—
At a location the Goblins named the Blood Forest.
While the majority of the Dark Lands of Mir was just filled with trees and bushes, there was one area where the trees and bushes that blanketed the region were different from the norm.
They were thickly packed together, sturdier than normal, and every single bark, bush, and whatever else vegetation dwelled in that area had long and strong barbs that essentially caused anything that tried to run through the forest to be stabbed so many times they might have bled out by the time they got through it.
And this forest covered a rather large swath of land.
Except for one location.
One the Goblins had cleared themselves in an effort to expand—
But it turned out to be one of the worst decisions they had ever made.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
A natural pathway for the creatures of Mir was formed, and once it was found, they never looked back.
Constantly attacking, just like they did in the Black Valley.
This was the location Rick marched off to.
Chief Grul of the Shadow Clan was on standby in a small camp not too far from the action.
“Welcome to the Blood Forest, My King.”
Rick nodded at him.
“What’s the situation?”
“We are currently getting pushed back a bit more than usual, but seeing as how you’re here, the Clans will be sending over a lot more Goblins to this location. We expect to push them back in just a few days, My King.”
“Hm.”
Rick seemed to be lost in thought for a few moments before finally speaking again.
“How do they attack? Are certain tactics employed? Different group compositions?”
“No, My King. They just come in wave after wave after wave. They’ll eventually stop for a few hours every couple of days, but then it picks right back up. No tactics, no special means of attack. Just straightforward and brutal.”
Rick smiled slightly.
‘That’s exactly what I wanted to hear, Velora.’
[So you’re going to do it then?]
‘Yes. The Goblins need a break from all of this, and I need essence. Win-win.’
[You know for a fact they won’t feel the same way.]
‘Well, they’ve no choice but to follow orders, don’t they? Plus, the Royal Guard will be with me. This is what they were trained for.’
[If you say so.]
“Chief Grul. Hear my order.”
The Chief knelt without delay.
“Send word to all Clans right now. Do not send forces here. Instead, rest as many Goblins as you can and reinforce the other two locations. And when I enter the battle, have all your forces pull back.
“I will hold the line with no one but myself and the Royal Guard.”
The Chief nearly fell, even though he was kneeling.
“My King… that…”
“Have you heard my order, Chief Grul?”
Rick asked the kneeling Chief in a tone that left no room for argument.
“I have received your order, My King. It will happen at once.”
“Good.”
Chief Grul immediately departed to ensure the King’s word was carried out, while Rick walked out of the small camp to face his Royal Guard.
All members were in neat and orderly rows as they stood silently.
“Is everyone ready?”
“YES SIR!”
“Good!”
Rick then turned toward the front, where he could long since hear the sounds of the battle as the Goblins screamed as they fought, and the beasts constantly roared or screeched ravenous noises.
“Commander Meegra.”
“Yes, My King.”
“My spear.”
Commander Meegra turned to her rear.
“SPEAR!”
A Tier Four Goblin broke ranks and came running immediately, handing over a spear to the Commander, who then presented it to Rick.
It was 8 feet in length and made out of the strongest ore that the Goblins had access to.
Black Steel, as they deemed it.
Their stores of it were extremely limited, and it was only used for the most important things—
Such as making a spear fit for a King.
“Meegra, the role of the Guard is to kill anything that makes it past me. Understood?”
“Clearly, My King.”
“And Meegra.”
“My King?”
“I came here with 50 Royal Guards. I will leave with 50 Royal Guards. Do you understand?”
“…Yes, My King.”
“Good, and don’t worry so much, Meegra. I have no plans of dying today. Allow your King to let loose and show you why he is King!”
Rick stormed off after that line with his spear gripped firmly in one hand, and his Royal Guards followed after him with roaring intensity.
The battle was in full swing in the clearing, and as Rick approached, the Goblins began to part safely—
So as not to expose themselves, but also to allow Rick to enter the battle.
And enter the battle he did.
His spear seemed to roar with the wind as he rampaged across the battlefield like a natural disaster in Goblin form.
https://subscribepage.io/Dosillis-Nook
https://ko-fi.com/s/99459aa8c6
https://a.co/d/8HX8W1U
