kscans

Chapter 3 - Dungeon Remodeling Project Part 2. The Monster Subordinate Collaboration Chapter

Several weeks had passed since I started rebuilding the dungeon by myself. My body had grown accustomed to the work, but I could feel my limits.

"...It's not good to spend a whole day just carrying dirt. My work efficiency is too low."

But this is a monster's den. When I looked around, I saw that other Hobgoblins and goblins were swarming in the shadows of the forest and the depths of the cave. Some of them slept all day, while others fought amongst themselves.

"...Could these guys, by some chance, be useful?"

As a test, I tried speaking to a goblin who was piling stones nearby. Using gestures and a few words, it took some time, but he understood me.

At first glance, they seem savage and unintelligent, but they weren't. Looking closely, I saw individuals who excelled in strength, the "power types," those who were swift and could erase their presence, the "scout types," and even some who could use simple magic like fireballs and smoke screens, the "magic types."

"This... if I train them, they could totally form a platoon...!"

In that moment, the corporate part of my brain from my human days went into overdrive.

Project G (Goblin), initiated! First, a roll call every morning. I made it a habit to check attendance and began basic training.

Starting with "fall in line," I incorporated "hole digging competitions," "supply transport relays," and even "mock battles with an enemy goblin role player" into their daily routine.

They seemed unhappy at first, but when I gave them rewards like Grilled Lizard Skewers and Sweet Mushroom Wine, participation skyrocketed. Gradually, the goblins began to respect me as their "boss."

I also implemented team divisions. The construction team (power types) was in charge of setting up pitfalls and the poison swamp. The patrol team (scout types) regularly patrolled the dungeon and reported any abnormalities. The magic support team (magic types) was responsible for the timing of trap activations and controlling the hall of illusions.

By training as a group, the goblins gradually developed a sense of purpose and pride. To my surprise, they even started learning a little bit of language. Some even began to imitate the way I spoke.

"MAMORU! That. Right good! Hole. Good! Goblin strongest!"

"Alright, Goblin special attack squad, move out!"

Before I knew it, the inside of the dungeon had become organized. It was like a training ground with an attached camp. Wooden watchtowers, racks for drying weapons, an area with medicinal herbs for treating the injured...

Looking at it all, I thought.

"With this, even if the hero comes... we might actually be able to win."

Traps, terrain, group tactics, and magic support. A full fledged defensive line was taking shape, one that no one would believe was created by a single Hobgoblin.

And so, I solidified my resolve to build a new command room, which would also serve as a throne room, in the deepest part of the dungeon.

We are no longer just trash mobs to be defeated at the beginning. We are an army of goblins. Monsters with a military strategy. Someday, we will become an army that rules this world.

Yes, the underdog story of the reincarnated Hobgoblin had only just begun.