Great Jura Forest, Goblin Village.
"Gobuta! Get out, you scoundrel!"
Kajin roared furiously as Gobuta tossed the sword blank he had just forged back into the furnace.
"Uh... I didn't mean to, I was just curious about the sword and wanted to take a look. I didn't expect it to fall in by accident!"
Gobuta scratched his head awkwardly, apologizing.
"Enough with your excuses—get out!"
"Alright, alright, I'm leaving!"
Gobuta ran out of the forge dejectedly.
Stepping outside, he saw everyone busy laying foundations around the village while Gobuzo and the others sparred nearby.
Feeling left out, Gobuta clasped his hands behind his head and strolled lazily along the newly paved stone path toward the forest edge.
"Hm? What's that? Humans? So many of them!"
Realizing danger, Gobuta panicked.
"Oh no! I need to warn everyone!"
He sprinted back to the village entrance, shouting:
"Everyone! Someone's coming! At the forest edge!"
Hearing this, the busy villagers stopped their work.
"Gobuta, what nonsense are you spouting? Where are the people?"
Riguru, gripping a saber, ran up.
"Really! A big group of humans appeared from the forest—every one of them armed!"
Upon hearing that, Riguru paled.
"This is bad! Gather the Storm Fang Wolf Riders! I'll inform Father! Also send someone to fetch Lord Rimuru!"
"Y-yes! Right away!"
Gobuta sprinted off.
Riguru ran to the village center.
Village Chief Rigurd was shocked by the report.
"Has someone already gone to find Lord Rimuru?"
"Yes, Father!"
"Good. Then gather every villager capable of fighting. Evacuate the old, weak, women, and children. We must protect the village until Lord Rimuru returns!"
"Yes!"
The alarm bell rang loudly throughout the Goblin Village.
The Storm Fang Wolves and riders assembled at once.
At the village entrance, hundreds of Hobgoblins stood ready with weapons and shields. Even Kajin and the three dwarf brothers arrived with their crafted gear.
"Mr. Kajin, you should evacuate—it's dangerous!"
Riguru pleaded.
"Nonsense! I'm a warrior! And now a villager here—protecting our home is my duty!"
His brothers nodded vigorously.
Rigurd raised a hand.
"Enough, Riguru! Let them stay. They are also part of this village now."
Riguru inhaled sharply.
"Then… prepare for anything! If it is war they want, we are not weak!"
Menogiastes later, human silhouettes emerged from the forest.
Rigurd squinted, then rubbed his eyes.
"Wait… that figure… Isn't that… Lord Takumi?"
Riguru gaped.
"What?! Father, you said—Lord Takumi?!"
"Look! In front!" Rigurd pointed excitedly.
More Goblins recognized him.
"It's really Lord Takumi!"
"Lord Takumi has returned!"
News spread instantly.
The original villagers who survived thanks to Takumi shouted excitedly.
The newer villagers whispered, eagerly asking about the legendary human who saved their home.
Meanwhile, Takumi approached with a bright grin.
"The Goblin Village is just ahead, Kanae. You'll see—they're all friendly. Look! They're even welcoming us!"
Kanae narrowed her eyes.
"Takumi… I don't think that's a welcoming formation. They look like they're preparing for battle…"
Behind them, Kochou Shinobu hugged Rimuru protectively.
Rimuru's eyes narrowed.
"Great Sage. Why is this woman calling him by name? So intimately?!"
"ANSWER: Based on emotional analysis of memories in Master's mind, Kanae Kocho possesses high romantic compatibility with Lord Takumi. Probability of romantic involvement: 97%."
"NANI?! SHE'S A LOVE RIVAL?!"
Before Rimuru could panic further, Takumi sighed.
"Ugh… They think we're enemies. Wait here—you all stay put. Rimuru and I will go explain."
"Rimuru!"
Rimuru immediately leapt from Shinobu's arms into Takumi's.
Takumi used Shrink Ground into Inch to instantly appear at the village gate.
"YO! Long time no see, everyone!"
The Goblins instantly froze.
"It really IS Lord Takumi!"
"Lord Takumi!"
"And Lord Rimuru has returned too!"
All Goblins knelt deeply.
"Hehe, get up, get up! Whoa—your transformations are amazing!"
Rigurd puffed his chest proudly.
"Lord Takumi! After receiving names from Lord Rimuru, we evolved! I am now Rigurd!"
Takumi grinned widely and pinched his muscular arm.
"Damn, Village Chief, you've changed so much I almost didn't dare recognize you!"
Rigurd flexed proudly.
"All thanks to Lord Rimuru!"
Takumi waved it off.
"Enough flexing—you look like a JoJo character. Anyway, the humans behind me aren't enemies—they're OUR people. Have everyone lower their weapons. Come, I'll introduce you."
"Yes, Lord Takumi!"