"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The goblins' weak presence failed to trigger the Gnoll's instincts.
By the time it realized what was happening, four stones had already struck its body.
These were no ordinary goblins, they had enhanced skills.
Lines of text flashed across the Thousand Realms War Interface:
"Fair Trade triggered. Gained: Gnoll Treasured Magic Gem ×1, Lost: Stone ×1."
"Fair Trade triggered. Gained:
Gnoll Buried Pig Bone ×1, Lost: Stone ×1."
"Fair Trade triggered. Gained: Gnoll Hunter Crossbow ×1, Lost: Goblin Nail ×1."
"…"
The gnoll's face twisted into a bloody mess as rage consumed it. It raised its crossbow, ready to fire.
It could already imagine these weak green creatures screaming under its poison.
The gnoll grinned and pulled the trigger
…Huh?
It glanced down.
The crossbow in its hand had vanished, replaced by a tiny goblin fingernail.
The gnoll froze.
"…What?"
Where was its weapon?!
The goblins didn't hesitate.
Another volley of stones struck.
More items vanished from the gnoll's possession.
A goblin warrior rushed in from the flank, swinging its crude wooden club with surprising force.
Even without its crossbow, the gnoll wasn't helpless.
It could singlehandedly take on 2 or 3 goblins, but they attacked in full force and Under repeated strikes, it was quickly beaten to the brink of death.
A slinger goblin ran back proudly, presenting the stolen weapon to Link like an offering.
⸻
Poisoned Hunter Crossbow
Grade: Excellent
Rating: 17
Effect: Automatically generates one poisoned bolt every 30 seconds
⸻
After a brief thought, Link handed the crossbow to a goblin that had awakened the Murder and Plunder skill.
Moments later, A poisoned bolt pierced the gnoll's throat.
[You have slain a corrupted Gnoll. Reward: 1 Soul Crystal.]
[Plunder effect triggered. Treasure location discovered.]
A path appeared on the map, leading to a nearby swamp.
Link immediately ordered two goblins to dig.
Soon, they returned with a rotting wooden chest.
Inside it there was just a few familiar stones.
"…So I was right," Link murmured.
Anything the enemy owned, whether carried or hidden, fell under Fair Trade.
The gnoll's buried treasure had already been traded away during the fight.
Which meant…
A new thought formed in Link's mind.
According to the dungeon's lore, the Fallen Radiant Dragon King had fallen because of its obsession with treasure.
Which meant…It should be rich.
Extremely rich.
Though it possessed power comparable to a demigod at Diamond Tier 10, it was still not a true god.
Which meant it could not escape the rules of Fair Trade.
If he could steal its treasure…
His chances of survival would increase dramatically.
Link opened the map again.
At this point, nearly the entire island had been explored.
Only the central mountain region remained covered in darkness.
As expected, the island was nearly barren.
Resources were scarce and Monsters were few.
Even if everything was gathered, the total value wouldn't exceed 100 Soul Crystals.
At that moment, a message came from the southeastern scouting team.
A flashing icon appeared.
Planar Wandering Merchant.
"…Already?"
Link frowned slightly.
In his memory, merchants only appeared around Day 7 in lower-difficulty versions.
But this was different, and it was a good Diffrent.
After a moment's thought, Link issued new orders:
{All completed scouting teams were to regroup and begin probing the central mountains.}
As for him, He would visit the merchant.
Because now it was clear the island alone could not sustain him.
The only possible breakthroughs lay with:
• The merchant
• The Dragon King
"Let's hope he has something useful… otherwise, this ends badly," Link muttered.
⸻
After nearly three hours of travel, they arrived.
Along the way, they killed a mutated muscle rabbit.
No loot, but at least the meat was edible.
Ahead stood a broken pavilion.
Inside was a strange figure.
A short, red-nosed old goblin, barely a meter tall.
In one hand, a massive cloth sack and In the other, a jug of wine.
He drank freely, as if the world didn't matter.
⸻
Grimble Rednose
Planar Wandering Merchant
Race: Goblin
Rank: Demigod
Combat Power: Unknown
⸻
"Stop."
Link raised his hand, halting his goblins.
Then he stepped forward alone, forcing a polite smile.
The old goblin sniffed the air.
"Hmm… cheap aura… low-grade creature…"
Another sniff.
"…empty pockets."
He frowned.
"Poor."
Link stumbled.
This merchant… had a personality.
Different merchants had different temperaments.
And this one, was likely blunt to say the least.
Link's mind raced.
After (very)quickly weighing the difference in strength, he chose diplomacy.
A smile returned.
"You speak the truth, elder. I'm new here. Perhaps you could let me take a look at your wares?"
The old goblin blinked, surprised.
"Huh… poor, but polite."
He snorted.
"Fine. By the rules of the Thousand Realms, I'll let you look."
He snapped his fingers.
A list appeared.
⸻
#1 – Sealed Angelic Heart (Dustbound)
Price: 800,000 Soul Crystals
Note: Unlocks an unknown-level angel
Special: Only appears in novice trials
⸻
#2 – Fallen Warbow
Quality: Legendary
Price: 500,000 Soul Crystals
⸻
#3 – Contract: Greatsword Legion
Price: 350,000 Soul Crystals
Effect: Recruit 12 Gold-tier elite warriors permanently
⸻
…
⸻
#99 – Basic Evolution Scroll
Price: 3,000 Soul Crystals
Effect: Extremely low chance to mutate lower-tier units
⸻
"…What the hell…"
Link frowned deeply.
Even the cheapest item cost 3,000 Soul Crystals.
Even in his previous Hard-level trial, mining at full capacity for ten days might barely reach that amount.
And here Resources were far worse.
This was absurd. But at the same time th items were incredible.
In his previous life, even as a god-tier powerhouse, his weapon hadn't surpassed high-grade quality.
And here, there were legendary weapons. Elite contracts and even a sealed angel heart…
He had never heard of it before.
As for the twelve Gold-tier warriors with skill enhancement, they might actually stand a chance against the Fallen Radiant Dragon King.
Link's gaze sharpened.
"…Looks like I need to move faster."
Atleast now, the path was clear.
If he wanted to survive, He had to strip this island dry… and then rob a dragon.