kscans

Chapter 4 - Dungeon Remodeling Project Part 3. Negotiating with the Local Lizardmen, Trolls, and Orcs to Build a Cooperative System

The reinforcement of the forest cave dungeon was progressing steadily. The training of the goblin unit was on track, and the maintenance of the traps was going smoothly. But I knew better. If I let my guard down, I'd be done for.

"This still isn't enough..."

The hero will definitely come here. And he'll have leveled up. A single force alone will inevitably hit a limit. I decided to broaden my perspective.

"Let's cooperate with the surrounding monsters."

An alliance. Just as local businesses in the human world survive through regional cooperation, in monster society, teaming up with capable allies would significantly increase our chances of winning.

First Negotiation Target: The Lizardman Tribe (Dwellers of the Water's Edge). The Lizardmen, covered in fish like scales, lived in the swamp that flowed on the east side of the forest. In front of them, who were particular about hierarchy, I chose my words carefully as I spoke.

"Will you not fight with us? If the hero comes, you will be the next targets."

They were skeptical, but they showed interest in the antidotes and preserved meat I brought with me. Furthermore, when I proposed a strategy while drawing a map of the forest terrain, the Lizardman chieftain nodded with a sharp gaze.

"We, good at water magic. Mist, ice, currents, can make. We... cooperate."

Somehow, the negotiation was a success. In return, we sent two goblin soldiers as escorts and exchange soldiers.

Second Negotiation Target: The Troll Clan (Flame Users of the Mountains). The giant Trolls lived in the rocky mountains to the west. They were slow witted, but their stamina and destructive power were on another level. And they also had the ability to manipulate fire.

"You can shoot fireballs? Really?"

When I expressed my surprise, a Troll showed me by burning a small stone. Sparks flew.

"BOOM! ...Strong. You, make dungeon strong? Me, help."

It was less a negotiation and more a conversation that progressed through emotion and intuition. In return, I promised regular food supplies and the distribution of headache medicine. Apparently, Trolls often use fire too much and get headaches.

The Trolls' fire magic support unit became a powerful ally in anti personnel combat.

Third Negotiation Target: The Orc Tribe (Southern Jungle). There were rumors that they were violent and ferocious ruffians, but when I actually met them, they were a surprisingly polite race that valued order.

"We, regenerate body, fast. Healing power, inherited from ancestors."

Healing magic? I thought it couldn't be, but right before my eyes, an Orc gently stroked the arm of an injured goblin, and the wound closed up in an instant.

"...This is incredible. They're a full fledged healing unit."

I proposed establishing a magic training school for the Orc Tribe. In exchange, we would provide them with land for cultivating medicinal herbs. The negotiations went surprisingly smoothly.

Thus, a Hero Extermination Allied Defense System consisting of four types of monsters was established: water (Lizardmen), fire (Trolls), healing (Orcs), and earth (goblins).

Furthermore, by sharing basic magic education, even the goblins became capable of using simple magic.

The air within the dungeon began to fill with an atmosphere like that of a medieval military academy.

"With this... I've gone from the 'first boss to be defeated' to the 'supreme commander of the monster allied forces'."

The former human man, reincarnated as a Hobgoblin, was steadily evolving into a strategist for the demon race.