I poke my finger through one of the cracks leaking air. I'm instantly filled with the sensation of plunging into cold water. Gathering my will, I push myself into the small opening, making sure every ounce of my liquid self makes it through. There's one minute and forty seconds left after I use a second charge. I'm still sticking to the wall, crawling onto the ceiling and I use this advantage to explore as long and as quickly as I can. The tunnel sharply ramps down into the earth and from my enhanced senses I could tell that it goes deep and hostiles abound.

From the door, there are about four caverns that don't go anywhere else, like rooms stemming from a hallway. The first two and the fourth have handfuls of sleeping Goblins. The third is empty of any life and filled with excrement, their collective toilet. I come close to violently throwing up in my water form and a morbid corner of my mind expresses interest as to what would come out. Instead, I use my final ten seconds to locate another empty chamber.

The fifth chamber on the path has no living creatures or feces, so I decide to reform myself here. Using my Darkvision, I can see another tunnel at the far end. There's an oily, tangy smell that blends with the scent of hay that I can't place in my mind. This area is about twenty feet in diameter and covered in enough straw that you can't see the rocky floor, a few random pelts are strewn about for whatever reason. It can't be for decorative purposes. The thought of a Goblin interior designer almost tricks a giggle out of me.

I wade through the crunchy floor, doing my best to be as sneaky as possible and going so far as to play "the floor is lava" and leap from pelt to pelt. The animal skins muffle the noise a bit, but I keep an ear out for approaching hostiles. When I reach the tunnel on the other side, I find that it bends and doesn't lead to another chamber. This six foot diameter, hollowed out portion of earth and rock just goes on for several yards.

The explanation for everything lay huddled in the dark behind a wooden gate, thorny vines wrapped around each pole. I couldn't see any locking mechanisms, so I assume it opens by magic. There are women on the floor all curled into tense balls, probably from hearing the approaching crunch of the straw. None of them are wearing a stitch of clothing. After a quick head count (there's five) I duck back into the straw chamber.

They will be rescued, but not yet. There are so many Goblins laying about and I didn't want any of the women hurt in the ensuing combat. I have to do this smart.

I take a couple of deep breaths, letting them out quietly and slowly out of my mouth.

What would Dawn do? What would Vic do?

I assume the words "fit of rage" would best describe my own personal plan, but I can't afford to Iet my emotions get the best of me this time. I go over every Ability of mine, trying to formulate a decent plan. I need more information. I need to know what else is down here.

The last chamber, number nine, continues past rooms filled with stolen food and plundered goods. It's here where I reappear from Stealth. It may be dark, but the Goblins have no problems seeing in it and actually prefer their living spaces this way, seeing no sconces for torches. Chamber nine is where I find the big kahuna, the boss, a human sized Goblin sleeping in the center of a pile of pelts and hides. A Goblin caster of some kind sleeps curled at the other's feet, bone tipped staff in hand like a teddy bear. Nestled in one, far corner is a sleeping pile of Goblin bodies and in the other far corner is the slow breathing body of another female, Elvin I believe, if the ears are a realiable source of that information. Avoiding her name for now helps keep the situation from getting personal. I resist the urge to scan anything since it would cause my eyes to glow blue and I wasn't sure if any of the Goblins are awake.

In all, not including chamber nine, there are a total of forty or so goblins. As useful as the arcane weapons can be, in these tight spaces the claws are going to be the way to go for melee situations. However, according to the plan, there won't be a need to trade blows with a single mob. The first attempt is almost a disaster and a yawning Goblin nearly derails the plan from the beginning.

After crossing all the way back to the first chamber, the crunch of a dry stick goes off like a gunshot and the world stops. I watch in horror as a Goblin in the middle of the huddled mass gets up to stretch and yawn. It smacks its chapped lips and scratches its armpit, flakes falling on top of its brethren like some disgusting seasoning.

Standing perfectly still, a cold sliver of fear forms in my core. The Goblin's face turns right at me and he freezes, mouth agape.

Shit shit shit.

The little green monster's eyes and maw widen. I steel myself for a yell and get ready to react. A loud belch erupts from the mob, and with a phlegmy giggle, it plops back into the pile. Snoring fills the room.

I cast my first Spell, shaking my head. The act of casting Zone of Silence dismisses Stealth. I was so sure the Goblin actually saw me, but I worried for nothing.

After signing the words for Trinity Stream, I methodically hose the pile. The sudden intense pain from the fire, electric, and water streams wake them up, but the shock from that is just as bad as the realization that their screams and chaotic actions are making no noises. Three seconds later, six loot bags litter the floor. I dismiss the silencing dome and repeat the process several more times in the other small burrows. Before attempting to clear the final room, I find myself back in the room of straw.

I wait until my MP tops off before initiating step two. After taking a few deep breaths, I step up to the caged women. By now, they are rubbing sleep from their eyes. There has got to be a safe and quiet way to get their attention. If they shriek or scream, they'll alert the boss. But if the room is silenced, they won't be able to communicate in a meaningful way.

A party invitation is sent their way and I can see looks of shock, but no one makes a sound. They glance at each other and then around the pitch black area. Removing my hat and revealing the blue flames, they cast a dim enough light not to reach past halfway across the straw room. I hold my hat in my hands and whisper to them.

"Are any of you hurt?" A couple of them nod, prompting the casting of Healing Breeze twice on them and the Blessing of Sekhmena necklace kicking in for every ten points of HP that it heals. They look around in amazement, realize their situation, and cover themselves modestly. I pass them some clothes and weapons I reallocated from the Goblin's stores along with my two waterskins and divided rations from storage. They consume as much as they can handle and pass me back the empty waterskins.

"Please cancel the invite, I just needed to get your attention without startling you." Knowing that a party invite would unmistakenly come from another person, I wagered that they would be more relieved to see the invite first rather than my flaming skull.

"Just nod for yes or shake for no, please. Does the Goblin caster control this gate?"

Nods all around.

"Good. Are any of you above level ten?"

Head shakes. That's okay, I was just gonna see if they would be comfortable enough to head back on their own or maybe with a Stalker escort. It's not the best idea, but the alternative is to leave them here.

"Oh!" I say in suprise of the sudden thought. I roll my Stalker's core into the cage and ask the ladies to give it a bit of room. The vaporous form leaks from the disappearing core, forming the body of the mantis creature. They all let out a quick gasp and I berate myself for not letting them know my intention. We're all silent for a moment as I listen for any approaching footsteps or angry yelling. When nothing else happens, I apologise.

"Sorry, ladies. This is… uh… Blue. She'll act as a guard in the room should something happen. She will not hurt you." I try to sound reassuring and their muscles relax as they slide closer to Blue. When she gives them a low bow, as I mentally instructed her to do, relief washes over them entirely.

"I'll be right back," I say with two thumbs up.

Okay, (246/246HP, 334/334MP, and 129/129SP).

Rainbow bar ready to go. I should be able to do this. I get into Stealth and head over to the ninth room, scanning the big guns when I get there.

[Gruuk, Goblin Commander. Level 20. Boss Tier 2

[880/880HP, 9/9MP, 517SP/519SP

[When a Goblin has practiced the art of killing long enough it becomes a Champion. When it learns that it's leadership among it's weaker brethren can help them during raids or territory clashes, it prioritizes learning Maneuver Skills, similar to the ones fighters learn and becomes a Commander.

[Power Strike II, Sweeping Strike, Maneuver: Inspiring Strike, ~Maneuver: Reposition, ~Maneuver: Rally]

[Gebble, Goblin Warlock. Level 18. Boss Tier 1

[646/646HP, 301/301HP, 9/9SP

[Gruuk's younger brother. Gruuk forced him to sacrifice an eye to create a pact with a forest spirit. He learned nature magic, but only uses it when Gruuk tells him when and how.

[Reaction: Vine Lash, Minor Druidcraft, Entangle, Healing Hands, Enchant Stones]

The caster is a higher level than first surmised, considering its current position. The glow from scanning and the screens didn't alert them to my presence but I dismiss them quickly before they do. Since I took the time to work out a plan, I'm able to circumvent the impulse to run in guns blazing. It also looks like Gruuk and Gebble are strong enough to survive an initial spray of Trinity Stream and I don't want to risk retaliation from both of them at the same time.

Unfortunately for any would be attacker, the Goblins were smart enough to put a bend in the hall leading into chamber nine so that they couldn't be attacked from a distance. Way too smart for a regular mob, but Gruuk is a Tier 2 boss afterall. So, before I turn the corner, I mute the notifications, ready Arcane Bolt, and infuse Shadow Toxin into my claws with Cerulean Touch. I cast another Spell and a Skill in rapid succession from the safety of my corner, fully aware that they're going to be awake especially after the Skill.

[Lesser Dragon Force increases +10%Strength, +10%Dexterity! Timer: 00:09:59]

[Hellbent Roar increases +10%Weapon Attack Damage, +5%Max HP, Immune to Frightened! Timer 00:02:59]

The scream reverberates violently inside the Goblin warren. I rush around the corner and fire three regular bolts at the Warlock. Each one hits him square in the chest. I Assassinate Gebble with a Critical Stab and have enough time to follow up with an Echo Strike. The chamber smells like freshly soiled trousers and I could swear my eyes are watering from the putrid smell. Stupid Goblins. If I slip on shit at some point I'm--

I duck under a double-edged axe, a yellow trail of light following behind the swing.

"Strike one!"

A vine grabs me by the ankle and flings me across the room, into the wall closest to the pile of Goblins. They're scrambling like an angry ant hill, looking for something to fight with. A high pitched shriek catches my attention and I watch the Elf scramble for cover.

"You idiot! I had him!" Gruuk snarls at his brother and follows it with a backhand. I got Gebble pretty close to death, but he lucked out and only received a Paralyzed Debuff for thirty seconds and not Poison. If the reprimand had any power to it, Gruuk might have killed him.

"Get up! Get up, you useless worm!" He wastes his time trying to shake his brother out of his Debuff and forcing the bone tipped staff into his hands.

Tsk.

With his attention drawn away from me, I cast Trinity Stream on the mobs; roasting, shocking, and… um… washing them until the four of us are the only ones left in the room.

"Argh! Where are my minions, you stupid, blind, shit! Who I boss around now?" He tosses Gebble over his shoulder like an empty candy wrapper, grips his double-edged axe, and stares me down with a fang filled glare. "I do it myself. I do everything myself!"

With a speed that belies his size, for a slighty taller Goblin anyway, Gruuk sprints at me with his axe ready to chop down. When he gets close enough, I teleport behind him, but lose the chance to strike as he stops abruptly and spins on his heels, bringing the axe dangerously close to cleaving me down the middle.

I do my own little spin, dodging the axe, "Strike two!" followed by Roundhouse Kicking him in the gut. He takes it like a brick wall, grabbing the offending leg, and hurling me toward his brother.

Once again, the wall stops my momentum and I land next to Gebble recovering from his Debuff. For a split second, I'm overcome with pity for him due to the way his brother treats him. It is a mistake I learn to not make again, especially with monsters.

Gebble chants a Spell and thorny vines shoot up from the floor. They wrap up my hands up to my elbows, ankles up to my knees, and neck, restraining me and dealing single digit points of damage every few seconds.

Gruuk saunters over to us and Gebble actually looks up at his brother in adoration. "I do good, big brother? I do good?"

He allows Gebble to top off his HP with Healing Hands and pushes him away by the face, "Shut up. I didn't tell you use Entangle yet. Next time, you wait for orders. And you, Traveler. You not get away this time." He winds up for a big, glowing swing.

Curious, I turn notifications back on and cast, "Shield." Leaving my mouth open like I'm ready to catch the axe with my teeth, the purple lens materializes in time to block the axe.

[Arcane Shield blocks 119 damage! -119MP.]

"Ball one," I say wryly and laugh at the look on Gruuk's face when his axe strikes the magical lens. His brow scrunches in anger and he froths at the corners of his mouth. He doesn't take my laughter well, grinding his teeth and gripping his axe tighter. (29/334MP) Oops. Overestimated my MP. (117/246HP) Aaaand my HP apparently. Still not worried, though.

With a primal yell, Gruuk swings his axe and I dismiss the shield and use my last water charge, leaking through my constraints to the floor with a splash. Gruuk hits nothing but air and ends his attack facing the opposite direction. Perfect.

[Vital spot! You deal 326 piercing damage!]

[Vital spot! You deal 184 arcane damage!]

[Vital spot! You deal 314 piercing damage!]

[Sudden High Intensity Trauma! You inflict Paralyzed for 30seconds!]

Facing away from me and completely defenseless, I spring up out of my water form. Claws sink into Gruuk's head from behind with Critical Stab, which double taps, and followed by an Echo Strike. The sudden amount of heavy damage is too much for him to handle and his body spasms. I whisper in his ear as I dig deep enough to feel the claw tips touch, "You're out…"

[You deal 88 piercing damage!]

[You defeated Gruuk, Goblin Commander!]

I turn sharply, flinging an arm in a wide arc and spraying Gebble with blood, brain, and bits of skull. He's trembling, unable to comprehend the speed of which everything is happening. I point a claw at him and growl, "You…"

His knees quake and a trickle of urine spills on the floor, staring at me like I was Azrael himself, come to guide his soul to one of the circles of hell. He scampers and I allow him to lead the way for a while, curious as to what he plans on doing.

"I'll kill them! You never save them alive!"

His threats ignite a righteous fury and I Blink Step into the chamber's entrance just behind him, using the last of my MP. He turns the corner to the cage, but a loud hissing scares him into back peddling to the straw chamber. He slips on a pelt and sprawls on his back, looking up at me. I remove my hat to him, the sudden light and visage frightens him enough to hide his face in his hands, no Gruuk to cower behind anymore.

"Release them," I hiss at him. He's quick to make a few hand gestures and mumbles an incantation. Blue ambles to us, standing over the goblin. It crosses its scythes over Gebble's throat and I tell her to wait. The women gather around with the crude weapons in their hands.

"All yours ladies."

As one, they raise their weapons to him. His screams turn into a gurgling groan and that turns into the wet, messy sound of their weapons tearing, slicing, and crushing. This moment may not bring them much peace in the long run, but it sure as hell made them feel better now. And when their nightmares come, they have a chance to chase them away with this memory. They have something to hold onto when they're alone and the tendrils of fear creep out of the shadows. Justice would be to kill the goblins. Revenge is letting the women do it themselves.

They're too weak to do anything more than kill him in the single digits at a time. Far from an act of mercy, I deliver the finishing blow. I mean, he is a boss and there is a reward for dealing the last attack on him. I'm sure they wouldn't hold that moment of greed against me. I go back to find the Elf, fix her right up like the others, and lead her to the straw room.

With the encampment eradicated and the warren cleared, I slash the door to splinters and command Blue to escort them back to the gates of Kes Solomas. Once they are safe enough she would return to me. I decline any sort of reward from them, asking instead that I may keep any loot in the warren. Not wanting any physical reminders of this horrible place, they agree. As they leave, I watch the Elf woman turn back to me, nod, strain a small smile, and depart.

[You received 973XP!

[You have declined the item drops. Confirm Y/N?]

The auto collect would pick up all the loot in the immediate battle area. Since I don't want the junk stuff to waste space in my storage, I pick through the boss loot and the hoard of stolen items. I can't prove anything, but I get the feeling that this group might be responsible for attacking the caravans, including the one Rosetta and I were on. Well, as annoying as they are, these Goblins have given me the most rewards by far. I could get used to my homework if it's always going to be so lucrative.

[Boss slayer! As the last to attack the boss when it died, you receive a bonus!]

[You received: 500XP, Minor Angelic Blessing]

[Boss slayer! As the last to attack the boss when it died, you receive a bonus!]

[You received: 200XP, Advanced Battle Wand of Regulator]

[You received : 1*Commander's Insignia, 1*Battleaxe of Reaver, 1*Minor Ring of Speed, 2*Minor Ring of Power, 6*100 Lumber card, 4*100 Pitch card, 3*100 Fine Sand card, 8*100 Advanced Brick card, 1*Expert Warren Blueprint, 3*Luxurious Spice Rack, 3*Chest of Luxurious Clothes]

Back outside the warren, I stretch my arms and legs. "Ugh. I need a bath," I gingerly sniff my coat, "Or eight."

Speeding through the empty encampment, Blue rejoins me. I pat one of her legs, tell her how good a girl she is, and notice her full HP. I guess I never noticed that even though I can't heal them myself, they somehow regenerate while in their core form.

With Blue leading me and acting as an alert system for threats, I walk and read about some of my new acquisitions.

[Minor Angelic Blessing. Journeyman Accessory. Face

[Charge: 60/60 seconds

[When activated, Regenerate 3HP/3MP/3SP per second. Stacks with normal regeneration. Each second takes 1hour to recharge.]

[Commander's Insignia. Journeyman Accessory. Ring

[+5Armor

[Skill: Maneuver: Reposition, Maneuver: Rally]

[Advanced Battle Wand of Regulator. Advanced Apprentice Weapon

[Durability: 180/180

[Strength, Dexterity/ Melee/ 7

[Base Damage: 10

[-10%MP Cost of any Spell cast through this weapon.

[Charges: 7/7

[Arcane Bead (1charge) 50feet/ Deals 50% Arcane Total arcane damage to target. Each charge takes 10minutes to recharge. If reduced to 0, this weapon will take 2hours to refill 7charges.]

[Battleaxe of Reaver. Advanced Apprentice Weapon

[Durability: 210/210

[Strength/Melee, Throwable/1

[Base Damage: 17

[+5Agility, +15%weapon attack damage to targets at least 2levels lower in level than the wielder.]

Gebble's staff was broken some time during the massive ass whooping, so it was rendered useless. No one besides Kona and Serenity likes using the staves or wands anyway for some reason, but loot is loot. I shrug, wielding my new weapon while we walk.

I don't know where this item's creator's mind was going, but it got there on a very unique route. In the shape of a tonfa, or one of those old riot police batons, the two foot stick has a palm long, perpendicular protrusion between the center and one of the ends. If I held that part, the "wand" would run along the side of my forearm. Both ends are capped in a metal designed to look like they were dipped in molten silver, turned upside down, and the metal quickly cooled as it dripped. Similarly, there's a silver pommel at the end of the perpendicular grip without the dripping design. I can tell there's also some kind of special core inside, since I can feel it resonate with magic as I hold it.

I aim at one of the huts and will the weapon to fire. A purple, apple sized ball of magic shoots out, splashing against the canvas like an Arcane Bolt and shoving the whole thing over.

Cool.

That tells me two things. One, it works just like a Skill, not needing a chant or other such vocal command. And two, it doesn't work like a bullet does, expending kinetic energy until it runs out and stops. I fire five more of these arcane bullets, destroying more huts. I leave a single charge, since it takes double the time to recharge from empty.

Because they're not bolts nor do they run through my hand, I can't affect them with my ring. But, I can fire them in rapid succession. I consider attempting to get Quickdraw, but dismiss the thought. I was lucky to get Arcane Bolt up to three after I received Bolt Master's Ring and the item was the main reason I spent a point upgrading the Spell once in the first place. I don't regret it. It's the first Spell I picked up and it's always been there for me.

I glance at the graceful crawl of the blue glowing summon, her head swiveling toward any out of place sounds. They're probably Wolves or Boars or other low level monsters. I don't know what's scaring them off, but I'm grateful for the peace and quiet.

I chuckle to myself.

Gone are the days of Grilled Wolf, Boar, and Snake with a sprinkle of coarse salt. I think about the possible meals that will be available when I get back. Gorm and Malica cook extra meals for us while they run the most popular restaurant in Kes Solomas. They bring them home and put them into storage where they stay hot and fresh.

Dawn and Victoria had skirted around the idea of keeping that group in the city, since we'd only be about a week away by vardo. But, as the restauranteurs explained, their allegiances are with Linqs and they would continue with them until they reach their goal.

To establish our own community, discover new and exciting things, and have Linqs prosper beyond any other place in the country.