It had been nine days since Lee Jun planted the first radish seeds in Goblin's Grove.
The crops were growing rapidly—vibrant green leaves, sturdy stems, and rich soil showing signs of good health. Jun and his goblins had been working tirelessly every day. Watering, weeding, and carefully checking each row of crops had become their new daily rhythm.
The harvest was only a day away.
But that morning, Jun noticed a problem.
"Our food supply… just two loaves of bread and a small bag of rice," he muttered while checking his worn-out leather bag. "That's not enough for nine goblins and one human."
Godon, standing behind him, tilted his head curiously. "Grah?"
Jun sighed. "I know. We need more food. But I can't leave for long—the harvest is tomorrow."
Godon Takes Responsibility
Jun began teaching Godon a few basic tasks to handle while he was gone—like guarding their small food stash, which was stored in a hole covered with wood and leaves near the hut.
"If I'm not around, you're in charge. Don't let the others eat the radishes before they're ready. Got it?"
Godon puffed out his chest proudly and nodded. "Grah!"
Jun patted his head with a smile.
Strange Noises at the Edge
As Jun circled around the edge of Goblin's Grove that afternoon, he heard something—a faint rustling sound near the fog.
Retsch… retsch…
Footsteps? Or maybe a small animal?
Jun gripped his wooden staff tightly. "If a monster comes in before harvest…"
But when he reached the spot, there was nothing. Just the thick, unmoving fog, swaying gently as if hiding something unseen.
He slowly backed away. "Probably just the wind. Still... I need to stay alert."
The Night Before
As the sun dipped behind the fog wall, Jun gathered all the goblins.
"Tomorrow is harvest day. I'll need everyone's help. After that, we'll have a big meal."
The goblins cheered with excitement. Though they were considered the weakest monsters, their hard work was finally paying off.
Jun stood and gazed at the 450-square-meter field they had cultivated together. His heart was filled with hope—and a slight sense of unease.
"Let's just hope nothing goes wrong tomorrow…"