The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 230: The New Goblin Commune (End) Defend and Next Steps

The goblins were gathered around makeshift tables in the underground fortress, their high-pitched chatter echoing through the stone corridors. Torches flickered on the smooth walls, casting dancing shadows over their crude wooden bowls and tools. Their small hands gripped scraps of roasted meat, and their laughter filled the air. For these thirty-five goblins, this was a rare moment of joy—celebrating their first successful hunt under the Skullborne Ravager’s watchful eye.

The Ravager stood on the platform overlooking the main cavern, his towering form framed by the flickering light. He was quiet as always, his presence alone commanding respect. His hollow eyes scanned the goblins as they clumsily celebrated, a faint crackling sound drawing his attention. The glasses perched on his angular face flickered, and words began to scroll across the lenses:

NEXT TASK: DEFENSE.

OBJECTIVE: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AND DEFENSIVE INSTINCTS WITHIN THE GOBLINS.

The Ravager’s head tilted slightly as the task processed in his mind. A faint rustling noise from one of the side tunnels pulled his focus. His clawed hand rested on the halberd at his side. The sound grew louder, rhythmic and purposeful. The glasses flashed again:

WARNING: INCOMING THREAT DETECTED. HEXAFLY SWARMERS.

The faint rustling turned into an ominous skittering, the sound bouncing off the stone walls like a thousand nails dragging across metal. A goblin near the edge of the tunnel perked up, his oversized ears twitching.

"Big noise?" he muttered, his small head swiveling toward the darkness.

The Ravager raised a claw, signaling silence. The goblins froze, their chatter dying instantly. From the shadows emerged the first of the Hexafly Swarmers, its bioluminescent body glowing faintly. The creature was the size of a small dog, its iridescent, beetle-like armor shimmering as it moved. Venomous stingers twitched on its abdomen, and its glowing wings emitted a low hum. Behind it, more of the swarm emerged, their collective glow casting an eerie light in the tunnel.

"Monsters!" one goblin squeaked, dropping his meat and scrambling backward.

The Ravager stepped forward, his halberd slicing through the air with a low whistle. His clawed hand raised again, this time gesturing for the goblins to form up. Their panic gave way to nervous obedience as they grabbed their crude weapons and huddled together. The glasses flashed another line of text:

DEPLOY BARRICADES. HOLD POSITION.

The Ravager pointed toward the entryway, growling low in his throat. The goblins hesitated, their wide eyes darting between him and the advancing swarm. Finally, one braver goblin nodded and grabbed a wooden plank, dragging it toward the opening. Others followed, their movements clumsy but determined.

As the first wave of Hexafly Swarmers surged forward, the goblins’ barricades barely slowed them. The creatures’ venomous stingers lashed out, piercing through the crude defenses. One goblin let out a sharp cry as a stinger struck his leg, the venom coursing through him and leaving him trembling. Two others dragged him back to safety, their small hands struggling to carry his limp form.

The Ravager raised his halberd, his guttural command echoing through the cavern. The goblins regrouped, their fear slowly giving way to resolve as they thrust their spears and swung their clubs. For a moment, it seemed they might hold their ground. The glasses flashed:

REINFORCE STRATEGIC POSITIONS. FOCUS FIRE.

The Ravager pointed toward narrower sections of the tunnel, guiding the goblins to funnel the swarm into smaller groups. The goblins followed his directions, their movements becoming more coordinated under his watchful eye. A group of hunters hurled their spears, striking down three Hexafly Swarmers. Another group jabbed at the creatures with sharpened sticks, managing to fend off a small cluster.

But the bugs were relentless. A flash of light erupted from one of the Swarmers, temporarily blinding a group of goblins. The creatures surged through the opening, overwhelming the defenders. The barricades fell, and the goblins scrambled to retreat.

The Ravager loomed over him, claw tapping the branch thoughtfully before shaking his head. He grabbed a sturdier piece of wood from the pile and thrust it toward the goblin. "Use this," he said firmly, gesturing toward the barricade. The goblin nodded vigorously, darting off to join the others.

Turning to another group, he mimed sharpening spears with a stone, demonstrating the angle and force needed to create a lethal point. "Sharp. Cut," he instructed, his deep voice steady. The goblins mimicked his actions, some clumsily at first, but with persistence. One goblin proudly held up a jagged spear, prompting the Ravager to give an approving nod.

The glasses on his face flickered with new words:

Organize patrol shifts. Train precision. Establish vigilance.

The Ravager extended his claw, pointing toward a narrow passageway. "Scouts. Quiet. Watch," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. A group of goblins shuffled uncertainly before he crouched to their level, his gestures deliberate as he showed them how to crouch low and move silently. "No sound," he growled. "Enemy hear, you fail."

The goblins mimicked him, their clumsy movements gradually improving under his guidance. One goblin stumbled, his wooden spear clattering to the ground. The Ravager turned, his glowing eyes narrowing, and picked up the spear. He handed it back with a firm but steady grip. "Try again."

As the goblins scrambled to follow his instructions, their chatter grew more focused, their actions more deliberate. The Ravager watched silently, his imposing presence driving their efforts. The rebuilding began to take shape—a stronger barricade rising under the goblins’ collective hands, their crude spears sharpening into proper weapons, and their patrol routes becoming more organized.

The glasses flickered again:

LESSON COMPLETE. NEW TASKS AVAILABLE:

UPGRADE GOBLIN NUMBERS.

ESTABLISH HUNTING ROUTINE.

START AGRICULTURE WITHIN THE FORTRESS.

GATHER SPECIALIZED HERBS.

As the goblins worked to repair the defenses, ten Chimera Ant workers emerged from the shadows. Their movements were efficient and precise as they reinforced the tunnels and ensured the fortress remained functional. The absence of Chimera Ant soldiers signaled a shift—the Ravager was now fully entrusted with the fortress’s safety.

A faint telepathic signal pulsed through the Ravager’s mind, a reassuring presence that could only be the Chimera Ant Queen, his mother. Though no words were spoken, he felt her guidance, her trust in him. He bowed deeply, his gratitude silent but profound.

The goblins, oblivious to the connection, continued their work. Once the repairs were complete, they gathered in the main chamber for a feast, their voices once again filling the cavern with laughter. The Ravager, usually stoic, joined them this time, sitting among the small, jubilant creatures.

As the goblins celebrated their survival, the Ravager’s faint smile remained.

He gazed at them, knowing they were on the path to greatness.

This was only the beginning.