Lumberling leaned back in his chair, gaze sweeping across the gathered captains.
"Anyway, I gathered you all here today to talk about the monsters I encountered deeper in the forest. Krivex, take notes and make sure this information is taught to our soldiers."
"Yes, my Lord," Krivex replied, already reaching for his writing slate.
Lumberling proceeded to detail the monstrous threats he'd faced: their habits, weaknesses, attack patterns, and how best to fight—or avoid—them. When he spoke of the Bear monsters and the nesting tunnels of the Giant Rats, a heavy silence filled the room. Even seasoned fighters like Gobo2 exchanged looks.
"That should cover it. Also, I'll be taking Skitz with me for training. Krivex, I'm leaving the village in your hands. For the time being, suspend all trading until we return. If anything major happens or if you need a decision from me, send a message."
"I understand, my Lord. I'll keep the village safe." Krivex gave a low bow, though his brow was furrowed.
"You don't need to push forward with the ongoing construction. If things get out of hand, pause the projects until we return."
"I will do my best."
Suddenly, Aren stepped forward. "My Lord, I have a request."
"What is it?" Lumberling asked, curious.
"I'd like to come with you into the deep forest."
Lumberling raised an eyebrow. "You want to come with me? The monsters there aren't like anything you've fought before. I nearly lost my life more than once."
"I'm certain, my Lord. If risking my life is what it takes to grow stronger and catch up to you, then I'm ready to face it."
There was no desperation in Aren's voice, only resolve. He knew he might slow his Lord down—but the chance to grow stronger outweighed his hesitation.
"I'd also like to go with you, my Lord," Gobo2 chimed in, excitement burning in his eyes. "Fighting strong monsters? That's exactly what I need."
"Please take me with you as well, my Lord," said Takkar, his voice steady. "I want to improve."
Gobo1 followed. "I believe this is the next step for all of us."
"Please, allow us to follow you as well!" Vakk and Skarn echoed.
Skitz stepped forward too, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled.
"It's been a while since we fought side by side, my Lord," he said. "Let's keep each other alive out there."
Krivex, already designated to stay behind, remained silent.
Lumberling admired the fire in his subordinates' eyes—the quiet conviction, the hunger to grow. They were right. Leaving them behind, sheltering them from hardship, wasn't what they needed… and it wasn't what he wanted. They were like him—driven by the same desire to grow stronger. After a moment of reflection, Lumberling made his decision.
"All right," he said finally. "But I'll only take five besides Skitz. Gobo1, Gobo2, Takkar, and Aren—you're coming with me. Gobo1, have your vice-captain Gorrak join us as well."
Krivex hesitated for a moment, then raised his head. "My Lord… with so many strong fighters leaving, are you certain this is wise? What if something goes wrong while you're gone?"
Lumberling paused, then smiled slightly. "I've already considered that. That's why I'm leaving you in command. You've always found a way to solve problems, Krivex. This is your trial too."
Krivex straightened with a resolute nod. "Then I'll protect it with everything I have."
The selected captains exchanged grins of excitement, while Vakk and Skarn looked visibly disappointed—until Lumberling continued:
"Krivex, Vakk, Skarn—I have a mission for you three. Take the remaining vice-captains and lead a campaign against the goblin and kobold groups I've marked here." He placed a map on the table. "You decide how to proceed. Take a full strike force and wipe them out. expect it to be done before we return—three months, maximum."
"Yes, my Lord!"
The air shifted with new energy. Lumberling wasn't just giving them orders—he was entrusting them with command and the weight of responsibility.
He withheld one critical piece of intel: those monster groups had elite kobolds and hobgoblins, which would be a real challenge. But that was the point. Real growth only came with real danger.
"It's called The Growth Trial," Lumberling said, eyes narrowing. "This mission is meant to test and elevate all of us. We either evolve… or we die as beasts."
Krivex nodded. "Then we will grow, my Lord."
"I'm leaving the village in your hands. Show me you can handle it."
"We won't disappoint you, my Lord," Krivex said firmly.
"Oh, and Krivex—if you have time, train Jen a bit. She's still growing."
"That won't be a problem, my Lord."
"Then that's all. Dismissed."
The captains bowed and left, and Lumberling watched their retreating backs with a small smile. They were growing. Maybe not at his pace—but steadily, and with heart.
'They're coming into their own. Each one a blade being sharpened.'
As he turned back toward his desk, a flicker of thought caught in his mind.
'What if I could also share essence with them?'
His Devour skill had remained a secret all this time, but if he could find a way to transfer essence to his subordinates... their growth could accelerate dramatically.
'If I can really direct essence into them… I wouldn't just be a leader anymore. I'd be a force multiplier.'
The implications were dangerous. He narrowed his eyes, pacing across the room. This power—if it was possible—could redefine their entire future. But it was also the kind of secret that could turn the world against him. If the Empire discovered this ability, they wouldn't hesitate to enslave him or use him as a living weapon. But danger or not, he couldn't ignore the potential.
'No. I'll just grow stronger than them. That's the only answer.'
With renewed purpose, he rummaged through his notes and pulled out a thick, well-worn notebook: his personal research logs on essence devouring. Now, with plenty of monsters ahead and capable allies at his side, it was the perfect time to experiment.
Two goals now sat clear in his mind:
Break through his Concealment skill's bottleneck.
Find a way to transfer essence to his subordinates.
The Next Day
Lumberling, Skitz, Gobo1, Gobo2, Takkar, Aren, and Gorrak departed from the goblin village. Jen hugged Lumberling tightly at the gate, eyes shining with disappointment.
"Brother, you're leaving again?"
"I'll be back. Train hard while I'm gone," he said, patting her head.
That was all she needed. She wiped her eyes and nodded. She watched quietly from the village gate as they disappeared into the forest. Her heart ached—her brother was leaving her behind again. But this time, the sadness gave way to something fiercer: resolve. 'Next time,' she told herself, 'I'll be strong enough to stand beside him.'
Two Weeks Later
They arrived at Lumberling's former hideout in the forest, but it was far too cramped now. The group spent the day searching and eventually found a suitable cave. It needed work—so they set about expanding its interior and narrowing the entrance. Lumberling and Skitz cut logs while the others worked on the interior.
By sundown, their base was complete.
"Remember what I told you," Lumberling said after dinner. "Follow orders. Stay close. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately."
"Yes, my Lord!" they chorused.
"We rest tonight. Tomorrow, your true training begins."
The Next Morning
"Hope you all got some rest," Lumberling said, strapping his gear. "This morning, we'll begin hunting. I'm taking you to an area where I've previously encountered Bloodthorn monsters, but we might run into something else. Stay sharp."
He led his group through the dense woods, the underbrush thick and the air damp with tension.
Their first opponents appeared shortly after: a small herd of Bloodhorns—carnivorous, crimson-antlered stags with glowing eyes. Known for charging straight at their prey with deadly force.
"Spread out!" Lumberling shouted. "Avoid direct blocks—don't meet their antlers head-on! They only charge in straight lines, so dodge and flank. Prepare for battle!"
His voice cut through the rising adrenaline. The captains quickly distanced themselves from each other, weapons drawn and eyes locked on the monsters.
Whoosh.
Lumberling and Skitz made the first move, flanking with surgical precision. The others followed.
The Bloodthorns screeched—beastly, rasping bellows that echoed through the clearing—as their eyes flared red and they charged, hooves tearing through underbrush.
Aren dove to the side as one lunged straight at him, the force of its charge uprooting a small tree behind him. Its antlers left deep gouges in the trunk, splitting bark like butter.
"Gorrak—left flank!" Gobo1 shouted, intercepting a second Bloodthorn. He stabbed low, grazing its leg, but the monster twisted violently and nearly skewered him on a backward kick.
Takkar met one head-on but pivoted just before the point of impact, letting its antlers whistle past him. He slammed his axe into its ribs as it passed, eliciting a pained roar—but not slowing it.
Another charged at Skitz, but before it could reach him, Lumberling intercepted. His spear flashed out like a whip, striking the beast in the side and sending it crashing to the ground in a heap of dust and blood.
"They're fast!" Aren gasped, ducking another charge.
"They're reckless too—use that!" Lumberling shouted, spinning his spear and smashing the shaft into a beast's hind leg as it tried to retreat. "Control the field. Let them wear themselves out!"
Half an Hour Later
"Well done, everyone. Solid work for your first battle out here," Lumberling praised, nodding to the captains.
They beamed with satisfaction, unaware this small victory was just the beginning of their true trial. Lumberling didn't ruin their high spirits—but inside, he hoped everyone would survive what was to come.