New Captives!

The reproductive capabilities of the goblins were nothing short of remarkable.

A goblin female, once impregnated, would give birth in merely half a month. The offspring would then mature from infancy to adulthood in under two months. This rapid cycle was both astonishing and slightly unnerving, making goblins, despite their inherent weakness, a formidable force due to sheer numbers and their ability to reproduce without barriers across various species.

In the expansive, shadowy depths of the enlarged cave, Dick sat upon his crudely fashioned throne. His sharp eyes scanned the lair, taking in the changes over the past month. The goblin population had grown, but not yet enough to meet his strategic objectives. Originally numbering four or five, several had fallen prey to other monsters, leaving about ten adults. The larvae count stood at seven or eight, and more than twenty adults and fifty juveniles were needed to reach the desired strength.

Dick knew the key to this growth lay in increasing the number of females capable of bearing offspring. Currently, with only three human females, the rate of goblin cub production was limited, and the nest was far from reaching its potential size.

He had intentionally paced the growth, understanding that the health of the breeding mothers was crucial. A fragile mother meant a higher risk of mortality for both her and the child. Thus, their basic physical well-being was his priority.

Dick had his reasons for not capturing more females. This month, he had stealthily directed his goblins to scout cautiously, particularly to detect any presence of the feared Goblin Slaying Knights. Upon confirming the absence of any formidable foe in the forest, Dick allowed himself a moment of relief. An encounter with a Goblin Slayer, a seasoned adventurer known for his prowess in dealing with goblins, was a risk he couldn't afford.

"King! Jie Jie Jie, we have successfully captured three human females!" A goblin reported, its grotesque smile revealing its delight in the successful hunt.

Dick regarded the kneeling goblin, responding with a nod of indifferent approval. The captured group consisted of five adventurers – two men and three women – with varying levels of skill, from the novice white iron to the more adept obsidian. Their equipment was basic, mostly warriors, archers, and shield bearers, but fortunately, no powerful magicians or monks were among them.

Dick had been observing this particular team. Their frequent forays into the forest and reckless actions, like hunting the goblins' main food source, the jackalopes, and even accidentally setting a part of the forest ablaze, had made them a target. Now, seizing the opportunity of their unpreparedness, he had sent his goblin forces to capture them.

The time to reap the rewards of his meticulous planning had arrived. The other goblins returned, exuberant, herding the bound female captives. Dick's gaze swept over them, his mind calculating the next steps in his grand scheme for the lair's growth and dominance.

The prospect of three human females bearing goblin offspring stirred a dark anticipation in the lair.

"Uuuuuu, no, I don't want to become a breeding mother for goblins, uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu," cried one of the captured female adventurers, her voice breaking in terror. The fear in her eyes was palpable as she glanced at the menacing goblins encircling her, her mind racing with the grim reality of her impending fate.

Her despair resonated with her companions, who, bound tightly by ropes, struggled futilely. Their faces were streaked with tears, each droplet reflecting a silent plea for a fate less cruel.

"Jiejiejie! Excellent! A fresh woman, Jiejiejie, I've grown weary of those three!"

"New captive, hehehe, such a delightful scent! Our lair will soon be blessed with more goblin cubs!"

"Silence! How dare you display such insolence before the king! Quiet, now!"

"King! Please, punish this despicable goblin for his disobedience. He is unworthy and must be dealt with!"

The goblins erupted into a cacophony of voices, all turning their attention to the first goblin who had dared to be so brazen.

Fear instantly gripped the other goblins, their faces draining of color as they realized their companion's grave error. The offending goblin's eyes widened in horror, a chill running down his spine as regret flooded his mind. He knelt, begging for mercy in a frenzy of fear.

Dick, witnessing the scene, waved his hand nonchalantly. Instantly, vines burst from the ground, ensnaring and mercilessly suffocating the pleading goblin.

Wood magic, plant growth. Dick had dedicated every spare moment of the past month to mastering these skills. His casting time had been reduced to about one and a half seconds, and he could now summon various plants – saplings, buds, flowers, but most effectively, vines.

He had eliminated no fewer than thirty monsters with his vine magic, accumulating around two hundred evolution points. However, acquiring these points was not without its challenges. As an adult goblin, Dick was limited to confronting monsters of an F+ level at best, avoiding more formidable adversaries.

Returning to the matter at hand, Dick's fearsome reputation among the goblins stemmed from his strict enforcement of rules, backed by the looming threat of death. He had cultivated an image of a decisive, cold, and cruel king in their minds, a ruler who demanded compliance and did not tolerate cruelty towards the female captives.

"You continue to hunt jackalopes and search for other breedable monsters," Dick commanded the hunting party of goblins, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. He then rose from his stone seat and approached the three terrified female adventurers.

"Your purpose here is to reproduce and provide offspring for me, your king," he stated flatly.

The adventurers were shocked, barely able to comprehend a goblin speaking their language. Panic and disbelief etched their faces as they began to plead desperately.

"Dear King, we had no intention of intruding upon your territory. Please, let us go. We swear never to return," one begged.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, Mom, I want to go home. I can't bear this any longer," another sobbed, her voice a mixture of fear and longing.

The third adventurer remained silent, her eyes hollow with despair.

Dick offered no response, his expression unyielding as he escorted them to the cave where the captives were held. Upon entering, Dick was met by Risa, his elven birth mother, who threw herself into his arms, her face alight with a mix of joy and confusion.

"Baby, I'm pregnant with your child!" she exclaimed, revealing a shocking and complex twist in their already intricate tale.