Building a World Class Empire in another World
Chapter 54: Kidnapping Goblins

Chapter 54: Kidnapping Goblins

Aric and the group made it deeper into the forest. They kept their guard up as they walked to ensure that no one snuck up on them.

"Aric, I hear something," Ariel whispered.

"Me too, I think they are footsteps," Aric responded.

"We might be close then. What should we do?" Unara asked.

"Take to the trees for now. Let’s see if we can see them from up there. Then there won’t be a need for us to go closer," Aric said.

"I think I see something," Hexorin said and pointed forward. They all turned to see what he was talking about, and as they looked closer, they saw a small mountain.

"That’s a mountain," Aric said.

"Yes, and it seems the sound is coming from there," Ariel said.

"That would mean we are very close to their territory. Isn’t that going to be an issue?" Hexorin asked.

"Unlikely. They aren’t expecting enemies, nor do they know that we spotted them before. They will have some security detail, sure, but nothing too fancy," Aric said.

They all climbed up trees that gave them a clearer view of the mountain. Aric immediately spotted some hobgoblins and goblins at the entrance of a cave.

"So this is their home, but I can’t tell what’s going on or what they are planning," Aric said. He tried to look inside but couldn’t see anyone or anything.

"This seems futile," Hexorin said in his usual downcast tone.

"Not quite," Unara said and pointed at two hobgoblins entering the forest, closer to where Aric and the others were.

Aric smiled. This was an opportunity right in front of them. He watched carefully until they were inside and right under their trees.

He cast Paralyzing Pollen, directing his hands downward. Small purple pollen came pouring out like smoke. He made sure to control the flow to ensure that none got into his or the others’ noses.

The pollen soon shrouded the goblins. They were shocked by the sudden change, but before they could say a word or move, their muscles became numb—everything stopped working.

They fell to the ground like logs of wood. Their mouths and even eyes could not move at all.

"Now that’s fast-working," Aric said. With just a thought, he dispersed the pollen.

"What was that?" Ariel asked.

"Terrifying," Hexorin said, and Unara nodded in agreement.

"It’s a spell, a plant-based spell for paralyzing," Aric said and jumped down. They all jumped down as well.

"A normal paralyzing spell would take a few minutes to work," Ariel said.

"I don’t know why mine works fast," Aric said. He checked the heartbeats of the goblins, and they were fine. Their pupils also followed his movement, but they couldn’t even blink.

He picked up one and placed it over his shoulder. "Hexorin, pick the other. Let’s go," he said. Hexorin carried the second goblin, and they headed back for camp.

They ran through the forest at top speed, wanting to get away from the mountain area as fast as possible.

[You have completed a major step in developing your empire.]

[You have gained 1000 EXP, 10,000 gold.]

[Major development bonus: 4 free stat points, 50,000 gold.]

"Huh? It seems the goblins have finished the house. That’s really fast," Aric said to himself while running. He was happy with how much progress they were making.

He had to do all he could to make sure that he protected what they had built. He wouldn’t let any forest terror come and tear it down all of a sudden.

After running for minutes, they made it back to the camp. From the gate, Aric could already see the magnificent building standing there. He couldn’t hold back his smile as soon as he saw it.

"Seems you guys are back," Pentharis spoke. Aric turned and saw him seated with his back leaned against the wall.

"What are you doing all the way here?" Aric asked.

"I got bored after finishing the task that you gave me. Nothing to do, so I just came over here to observe," Pentharis said.

"Hmm? Did you hit your head? Why do you sound so cultured and civilized?" Unara asked.

"Can’t you let me have my moment in peace?" Pentharis yelled as he jumped to his feet.

"There is no way you have any moments of peace, you impulse-driven idiot," Unara shot back.

Aric watched as it turned into a banter between the two of them. He turned to Hexorin. "Aren’t you going to join in?"

"No, it becomes unfair if it’s two against one," Hexorin said.

"Hey, you guys came back and just started a quarrel?" Deca walked up to them, yelling.

Hexorin looked at Aric. "Now it’s balanced," he said and wanted to go attack Deca.

"No, no, no. I don’t have time for this now. We have a battle coming, and we need all hands on deck for this," Aric said. His words forced all of them to stop and listen.

"Pentharis, since you’re bored with nothing to do, can you help me craft weapons? It doesn’t have to be anything special, just blades that can be used for battle," Aric asked.

"Are you underestimating what I can do? I’ll show you the best swords you have ever seen," Pentharis said and walked away.

"You really know how to make him do stuff," Hexorin said.

"Nah, he isn’t stubborn. He just doesn’t want to let his feelings show," Aric said and walked off as well.

They made it to the house and placed the two hobgoblins on the ground.

Ron, Lucas, and Gunam came to see Aric immediately when they saw him.

"Master," they all greeted.

"Guys, you did an amazing job. I didn’t expect you guys to pull off something so great. This is awesome," Aric said.

"All we did was follow the plan that you gave us. It is because of you that we were able to do this," Ron said.

"Don’t allow anyone to take your praise, Ron. It was because of you—all of you. The praise goes to you for a job well done," Aric said with a smile.