Chapter 328 Woodmill Town

With the lizardmen out of sight, Larry strolled over, a serious look replacing his usual carefree demeanor. 

"Helen, we've got to talk about the supplies. With this many new goblins, we won't last a few weeks, and when hatchlings hatch from their eggs, it will be even worse. We need to head back to town and get the supplies from Valerius."

"Yeah, you're right. Our crops need a few more weeks to grow. This needs to be done as soon as possible. And while you're at it, I want you to sell all the small treasures we got from raiding the goblin breeding farms. Convert them into money and use that to order all the necessities for everyone here. Clothes for the goblins, more tools from Walter the blacksmith, and don't forget to take a list from everyone, especially Silvia. She's crucial for teaching the goblins new skills."

Larry took mental notes, nodding along. 

"Got it. I'll go around the camp and compile a list of all the essentials. I'll also be taking two four-wheelers for the trip. My team will work as fast as possible, if we are lucky we will make a trip to town and back in a week."

As Larry went about his task, the camp buzzed with activity. Goblins scurried around, eagerly sharing their needs and wants, their faces lighting up with hope at the prospect of new clothes and tools. The once ragged and downtrodden goblins now moved with a sense of purpose, their eyes filled with a newfound joy.

Jacob and Isaac were overseeing the goblins, ensuring the camp's security while occasionally joining in the jovial chatter. The goblins, now looking healthier and happier, were busy with their daily routines, their newfound freedom still a source of amazement.

Silvia was surrounded by a group of eager goblin learners, teaching them basic survival skills and crafts. She smiled at Larry as he approached, handing him a detailed list of supplies they would need for their continued education and her own needs.

"Don't forget the extra parchment and ink," Silvia reminded him with a playful wink.

 "These little ones are surprisingly enthusiastic about learning."

Larry chuckled, adding it to his growing list.

 "Got it, Silvia. Anything else?"

"More books, if you can find them," she replied.

"The goblins are like sponges, absorbing everything we teach them."

As the day wore on, the camp buzzed with activity. Goblins were busy practicing their newfound skills, building, crafting, and tending to the crops. When the sun began to set, Larry approached Suzuka with a completed list. 

"We're ready to head to town. We'll be back as soon as possible with everything we need."

Suzuka placed a hand on his shoulder, a rare moment of tenderness in her usually stern demeanor. 

"Good luck, Larry. Be safe out there."

 "Always, boss."

With that, he and his team set off, the four-wheelers rumbling to life as they disappeared into the distance. With Larry and his team gone, Suzuka turned her attention to her next plan. She needed to visit her hometown, Woodmill Town, to see her long-missed parents and talk business with the town’s ruler. She approached Jacob, who was overseeing the goblins as they toiled away.

"Hey, Jacob, how are the goblins and the progress on the wall looking?" Suzuka asked.

Jacob looked up, a pleased grin on his face.

 "Hey there, Helen. Things are going fine. These little fellas are doing a surprisingly good job if you show them the right way. But I assume you're not here just to talk about them. What's on your mind?"

Suzuka nodded, getting straight to the point. 

"Yeah, you're right. I’ll be gone for a few weeks. I’ll be taking Isaac and Olivia with me, and the three of us will be heading to Woodmill Town for some unfinished business. And, after over two years, I'll finally drop by my parents' place to tell them I am fine. You know, after you snatched me on my way home. Didn't have a chance to say goodbye."

Jacob's face clouded with regret.

 "I'm sorry, Suzuka. I know it means little, but I’ll say it again - I’m sorry."

Suzuka playfully slapped him on the shoulder.

 "Hey, we’re good now. You work under me now, we even. But I’ll need you to look after things while I’m gone. See that the workflow goes smoothly with the forest and the wall, and protect everyone. Silvia, the dwarves, and especially the goblins. They won’t be able to defend themselves if some monsters or wild beasts show up. Will you be fine all alone?"

Jacob reassured her with a confident nod.

 "You can leave everything to me. I’ll make sure everyone is safe. Besides, these parts don’t have any legendary or high-star-rating monsters. The only big problem is the bloody wolves. They’re common around these parts. Isaac has chased or frozen solid a few dozen already. It’s like your lands are breeding grounds for them."

Suzuka jested, "Oh come on, aren't they common in every corner of these damn forests?"

"Yeah, you're right about that. Those wolves are everywhere. But don't worry, I'll handle it. Just focus on your trip and take care of your business. I got it covered here."

"Thanks, Jacob. I knew I could count on you. I'll be back before you know it."

With a playful salute, Jacob grinned.

 "Safe travels, Helen."

 After over two years, she was finally going to see her parents and show them she was alright. She dressed swiftly and approached Olivia and Isaac, both already preparing their gear. Olivia flashed her a mischievous smile.

 "Ready for the trip, Suzu?"

Suzuka chuckled, "More ready than you think. Just make sure we have everything packed. Isaac, how's it going?"

Isaac nodded, securing his weapons.

 "All set, Helen. I have a crystal compass on me, we won't get lost. We'll be ready to leave within the hour."

Suzuka looked around the camp, feeling a twinge of sadness at leaving it behind, even for a short while. The goblins were bustling about, already making progress on the wall under Jacob's watchful eye. She approached Jacob one last time.

"Jacob, remember to keep an eye on everyone. If anything comes up, you're the only one who can protect them," she said.

Jacob gave her a confident nod.

 "Don't worry, Helen. I got this. Just take care of your business and come back safely."

Suzuka smiled, giving him a grateful look.

 "Thanks, Jacob. I’ll see you soon."

Suzuka lastly turned to Hermit and said, "And you! Keep your kin in line while I'm gone. Don't forget you are responsible for them now, you are their leader. I don't want any trouble from you or your fellow goblins. Got it?"

Hermit convulsed in fright and stammered, "Yes! Yes! Master Helen, no trouble from us! We are good goblins! We will! Promise! And the promise is not to be broken! It is!"

Suzuka, Olivia, and Isaac mounted a four-wheeler, the crystal engine lighting up to life as they prepared to leave her lands and head towards Woodmill Town. Isaac took the lead with his crystal compass, its mystical light guiding their path through the dense, treacherous forest.

The journey ahead was no small feat. On foot, the trip would have taken a grueling month, fraught with perils at every turn - ferocious beasts, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present threat of bandits. But the powerful four-wheeler, outfitted with enchanted wheels, crystal engine, and reinforced frame, promised to cut their travel time down to a mere week. The vehicles kicked up dirt and leaves as they sped along, their passengers gripping the handlebars tightly.

Isaac, his eyes sharp and focused, navigated the winding paths with ease, the crystal compass glowing steadily in his hand. Olivia, riding beside Suzuka, couldn't help but marvel at the speed and power of the four-wheelers.

 "These machines are incredible, right Suzu? We can cover so much ground so quickly! I told Thomas we should get a few of these ourselves, but no, he said, cost too much, the maintenance fee is too big."

Suzuka, feeling the rush of the wind against her face and the thrill of the journey, responded with a grin. 

"Yeah, these things are great! I can't wait until we hit the open plains! We'll be flying through the countryside like the wind itself!"

As the days passed, they left the dense forest behind and emerged into the rolling plains. The vast and expansive landscape opened up before them, the horizon stretching endlessly. Here, the four-wheelers could truly show their mettle, and they sped across the plains with the wind whipping through their hair, the grass bending in their wake.

On the seventh day, as the sun rose, they saw the familiar silhouette of Woodmill Town on the horizon. The sight filled Suzuka with a surge of emotion - joy, relief, and a touch of nervousness. The town she had left behind so long ago was now within reach.

With the town in sight, they slowed down to a casual ride and drove onto a nearby dirt road leading from the open plains toward the town outskirts where the lower-class citizens lived, surrounding the main town walls. This area, known as the slums, housed the poorest residents.

After several minutes of riding along the muddy road, it turned into a cobblestone path, and the first shabby buildings came into view. As they rolled on the road, Suzuka's keen eyes noticed two figures walking ahead - it was two city guards. Her facial expression changed to an angry growl for a split second before she turned to Isaac and Olivia.

"Isaac, I need a favor. Could you show Olivia around the place? I just noticed a familiar face I need to speak to... to catch up for old times. I would like you to rent a room for us while we stay here."

Isaac nodded, "Sure, I know one close by, Windmill Inn. You can't miss it. It's the most popular inn in the town's outskirts."

"Great, I know the place, thanks." She turned to Olivia, "I would like you to go with Isaac. I need to deal with this in private, sorry." She said with a forced smile, trying to mask her anger. But her eyes, turning red, betrayed her, showing her rising fury.

Olivia shivered from the intense gaze Suzuka was giving off - the same menacing eyes she had fallen in love with. But she didn't pry into Suzuka's business. 

"Sure, love. I'll keep the inn's bed warm for you, but don't take too long."

Just before they reached the guards, one of them started to wave his hand and shout from a distance, "Greetings travelers!"

Isaac stopped the four-wheeler and greeted, "Hello, Dave. It's been a while."

The guard, recognizing the man on the four-wheeler, responded with respect, "Greetings, Isaac Van Blous, sir. It has surely been a while."

Before they could continue to talk, Suzuka dismounted and playfully greeted the guard, "Hey, Dave! I see you're still partnered up with this lump of a grump. Can't they assign you someone else for once?" She jested with a giggle.