Wizard: I am a goblin

Chapter 29 The Golden Sea

Twelve goblins, dragging their packs, made their way from the hidden forest path toward the edge of the forest.

Unhappy kept this road to the market firmly in his mind.

This was one of the most important benefits of being the old shaman's top confidant: going to the market.

Visiting the Wanderers' Market is every goblin's dream, but only a lucky few can obtain the old shaman's permission to embark on this journey.

The goblin tribe's mode of production—hunting and gathering—means that goblins are simply unable to manufacture many necessities, such as iron tools, weapons, armor, and textiles.

Especially iron swords and metal armor, these items directly affect a goblin's combat power and survival rate, and thus determine a goblin's status within the tribe.

Low-level scouts like Gebu can only use inferior animal hide armor and bone/stone weapons, while goblins like Tongtong, who are very skilled fighters, can afford wrought iron daggers—those daggers are Tongtong's most prized possessions.

Weapons and armor are extremely difficult to obtain during raids. The reason is simple: humans equipped with these armors and weapons are no match for goblins!

Therefore, the only way is through trade, exchanging furs, herbs, and spoils of war.

Thus, controlling the trade routes meant controlling the goblins' armed resources, and consequently, controlling the goblin social hierarchy.

He was unhappy to be in this position because the old shaman saw that he was strong and obedient, so he was sent to escort the market caravan. Over time, he was equipped with a set of studded leather armor—not a full set of metal armor, but much sturdier than animal skin armor.

Other goblins, if bitten by a wolf, will either die or be seriously injured. But with studded leather armor, they won't be bitten to death by wolves if they're unhappy—that's the power of resources.

Goblins are naturally drawn to strength. If they have resources, they'll have no shortage of followers.

In this group, there are nine goblins, who are usually grumpy and clueless (poking around) loyal followers.

Except for Geb.

Looking unhappily at Xiao Gebu, who was at the back of the group, he wrinkled his nose and his expression was very unpleasant.

"Hey, where have you been these past few days? You're clueless." He turned to the red-eyed goblin and said.

"I'm not called Brainless anymore, I'm called Poof," the goblin replied blankly.

"...Whatever you want, where have you been these past few days?"

"I lost him. I've been looking for him for three days, but I don't know anything else," the stick read aloud.

"Besides that, what else can you say!" Unhappy reached out and gave Tongtong a hard whack on the back of the head. Tongtong didn't react, but Unhappy's hand stung from the impact.

Damn, solid head!

If you're unhappy, think about it and hold your anger in. There's no point in talking to this idiot.

"Don't sleep tonight, there's something important to do, you hear me?"

"Magnubier asked him what he was going to do that night?"

"Huh?" he asked, displeased and puzzled.

"Don't say that out loud," Tong Tong said憨憨地.

This guy's brain is getting worse and worse!

Unhappy, he couldn't help but sigh. Of his two subordinates, one was killed by the giant hyena, and the other went from being an idiot to a complete idiot.

These days, finding a reliable goblin is really difficult!

The group of goblins traveled non-stop without rest until, just as the sun was about to set, their leader, Grumpy, finally saw the end of the forest.

Beyond the treeline, across a river, lies an endless expanse of wheat fields, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. As the wind rises, the wheat ripples like a golden sea.

Unhappy and uninterested in the beautiful scenery, he directed the goblins to set up camp in a secluded spot within the treeline.

The area was close to human settlements, so to avoid attracting attention, the goblins covered their tents with grass and branches and did not light any fires, eating only dry rations soaked in water.

While everyone was resting and eating, Bu Gaoxing discovered that Gebu was missing. He searched around and saw the little goblin sitting on a tree branch in the distance, looking towards the horizon.

Human settlements.

The tiny goblin's figure almost disappeared into the endless golden background.

"Hmph, you wait." He wrinkled his nose, displeased, and reached for the axe at his waist.

It'll be soon. Tonight.

-----------------

So beautiful.

The golden afterglow was reflected in Gebu's eyes; it was unclear whether it was from the wheat field, the sunset, or something else.

On the horizon, the outlines of windmills are faintly visible, and human villages are in that direction.

Smoke curls from the kitchen.

The little goblin's eyes welled up with tears.

Memories of his past life gradually returned to his mind; they were so distant, yet so familiar.

The scene before him made him realize something.

Beyond this forest lies another world, the world of humankind.

In that world, relationships between people were not just about scheming and fighting, nor were they simply about risking one's life and dignity for a little bit of resources.

The beautiful emotions that humans can experience... kinship, love, friendship, kinship, even kindness between strangers, are unimaginable in the goblin world.

He couldn't remember the last time he had a genuine conversation with someone.

The last time I told someone my secret.

The last time I trusted someone wholeheartedly.

As equals, we interact with others and build relationships, rather than becoming master and servant, or hunter and prey.

This is something that Geb will never find on goblins.

Of course, Geb wasn't stupid. Humans don't always get along... but it's still better than the society he lives in now.

Humans can possess complex emotions, being both kind and evil, selfish and noble.

A human being possesses limitless potential. Humanoids, however, are different. Goblins are inherently selfish, despicable, and cruel... Gub himself is a goblin, and he is well aware that his motivations are deeply influenced by his goblin nature.

Goblinism allows me to survive, while humanity compels me to progress.

At this moment, Geb began to have some doubts about his plan.

After his plan succeeded and he replaced the old shaman, did he really want to stay in the goblin tribe and bury himself in training to become a wizard?

He was familiar with this forest and accustomed to the life of the goblin tribe—he was confident that he could have these little goblins under his thumb.

This option is undoubtedly in Geb's comfort zone.

However, the resources of this forest are limited, and the wanderer's market may not be able to provide all the materials needed for cultivation.

At the pace of events, my need for alchemy and herbalism will soon exceed what this region can offer.

By then, Gebu may have no other choice but to leave the Broken Tooth tribe and embark on a journey.

This might not be so bad... stepping out of one's comfort zone. Seeking new opportunities... new partners?

No, no, no, what a pipe dream! Geb quickly nipped the thought in the bud. Who would trust a Geblin?

Towards others, there is only exploitation and deception. This is the best option—the only option.

Get what you need from others, and then sever ties with them as soon as possible—once discovered to be a goblin, humans will definitely turn against you.

Geb cannot take that risk.

Of course, these are things to follow.

Geb turned his head and saw that not far away, Bu Gaoxing was whispering something to the other goblins in the camp.

The guy's eyes kept glancing at me, intentionally or unintentionally, and his sallow face revealed an undisguised ferocity.

Now, the first thing we need to deal with is this guy.

It'll be soon. Tonight.