Volume One: First Arrival Chapter Thirty-Five: The Coal Mine

Post-war statistics showed that all travelers except Meng Xingchen received between five hundred and one thousand units of biological energy rewards, along with about ten points of human race contribution. Those who performed exceptionally well were granted additional skill rewards. There were three skill rewards in total: Ice Arrow Technique, Fire Arrow Technique, and Bloodthirsty Frenzy.

These three skills corresponded precisely to the goblins’ ice-type casters, fire-type casters, and goblin leaders, respectively. Meng Xingchen’s choice of the Mage’s Hand skill, however, seemed to come from an unknown source.

Seeing that all battlefield cleanup was complete, Meng Xingchen said, “I’m going to check the goblin nest for any overlooked goblins. Anyone want to come along?”

Leaf Feng, usually the most active, surprisingly did not volunteer this time. The recent fierce battle had left him physically and mentally exhausted, and he was currently focused on mastering his newly acquired Fire Arrow skill.

However, his close friend Xiao Yun expressed interest in joining, along with the trio of Berserkers and earth controllers Chen Yang and Guo Yu.

Following the trail left by the goblin horde as they trampled through the forest, the group of seven led by Meng Xingchen arrived at the goblin camp in under an hour.

The clearing inside the stone walls was silent. Meng Xingchen took the lead, with Xiao Yun close behind, his palm cupped around a small flame providing light.

They entered the goblin nest directly.

The passage was short, only three or four meters, before the space suddenly opened into a vast hall.

By the light of Xiao Yun’s flame, Meng Xingchen saw a tall, rough stone chair at the far end, with twenty or thirty goblins huddled in front, watching them warily.

They were either under one meter tall juveniles or gaunt elder goblins.

These must be the remaining living forces in the goblin nest—mostly old, weak, or infirm.

After a moment’s thought, Meng Xingchen asked, “What should we do with these?”

As they approached, under the firelight, the others also discerned the scene and fell silent.

Finally, Xiao Yun spoke, “This is a survival war between humans and other races; there’s no room for mercy or compassion. I suggest we eliminate them all.”

Meng Xingchen looked at Chen Yang, Qian Leju, and the others. Though hesitant, the five eventually nodded slowly.

Meng Xingchen patted their shoulders. “It’s up to you now.” Then he entered another cavern connected to the hall to continue the search.

After another two or three meters, the space widened again. Meng Xingchen held a wooden stick he had picked up in the outer hall, its tip flickering with flame.

This area was larger than the previous hall but filthy and cluttered with unknown debris, animal pelts, straw, and makeshift beds—clearly the resting quarters of the lowest-ranking goblins.

Finding nothing of value, Meng Xingchen returned to the hall, where all goblins in front of the stone chair had been slain.

He said, “I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.