Chapter 26
After this, we continued to smoothly subjugate goblins.
There were times when goblins that spawned from somewhere would attack us from behind, but Brother Fahrenheit would buy us time by keeping them in check with his magic and sword, allowing us to defeat the goblins in front first, and then deal with the rear ones without any issues.
Right now, we’ve taken up a position in a small room, taking turns eating solid rations while remaining vigilant.
“Some people say Brother Fahrenheit’s skills with the sword and magic are average, but he hasn’t neglected his fundamentals, and it’s the result of honing his command abilities as a lord. Because Brother Fahrenheit calmly makes judgments and guards our rear, I can cast my magic without worry,” Klaus said.
“I’m happy for the praise, but I’m well aware that my combat abilities are inferior to everyone else’s,” Brother Fahrenheit replied.
“Your tactics and command ability are perfect, aren’t they, Brother?” Klaus interjected. “When we’re teamed up in drills, it’s fine, but when we’re on opposing sides, I can never seem to win, no matter what I try.”
“Excellent commanders can be divided into two types,” Brother Fahrenheit explained. “Those who demonstrate martial prowess and gather charisma. Klaus, you lean more towards this type, don’t you? I quickly realized that wasn’t for me and simply focused on mastering the latter: tactics.”
“Which type do you think I’m suited for?” I asked.
“Claude, you have sufficient martial strength and good situational judgment, so depending on your studies from now on, I think you could embody both,” Brother Fahrenheit assessed.
“When we return to the mansion, will you teach me?” I asked.
“I don’t mind. I’ll make some time and teach you,” he agreed.
“We’ve rested enough. Shall we resume the hunt soon?” Klaus suggested.
Leaving the small room, we proceeded cautiously through the dungeon.
We were encountering groups led by higher-tier individuals like Hobgoblins and Mage Goblins more frequently.
“Hmm. There are too many goblin packs moving with coordinated discipline,” Brother Fahrenheit mused. “Something seems to be up. If we continue on this path, we’ll reach a large chamber, but what should we do…?”
“Even if it’s just a formality, we came here for an inspection, so I think we have no choice but to go and see,” I said.
From my knowledge of my gaming days, I judged that there was a high probability of a boss, a Goblin Lord, lying ahead. This is because many bosses are the type to summon lower-ranking kin, so it was highly likely that goblins unable to fit into the large chamber were spilling out.
“Brother Fahrenheit,” I began, “could it be that they are being controlled by an even higher-ranking species?”
“I see. That’s certainly a possibility,” he replied. “Even if we were to form a subjugation party, we’d need confirmation, so shall we go take a look?”
Scouting against a boss could lead to an instant kill if we failed.
Honestly, I wanted to stop them, but I couldn’t think of the words to do so.
Resolving in my heart that if it came down to it, we’d just have to defeat it, I stepped into the large chamber.