第１５７６堀：突入裸族 (Part1)
**Chapter 1576: The Naked Infiltration**
**Side: Steve**
I have the Generals’ positions under constant surveillance, and I’ve confirmed that there are no enemies in the immediate vicinity.
"As expected, the enemy isn't showing themselves. In fact, there isn't even a single monster from the mountain around. I had assumed they would at least attempt some form of minor harassment," Kirika’s voice crackled through the comms.
Indeed, the Generals have already stepped well within the enemy’s dungeon range. This means there’s no need for scouts; we can safely assume the Dungeon Master has already detected them. By extension, the Dark Guilds working in cooperation with them have likely caught on as well. In this situation, the complete lack of interference is beyond unnatural.
Honestly, if you climb a mountain of this caliber, you’re guaranteed to run into at least a slime or two. But here? Zero. They are clearly baiting the Generals, inviting them in with open arms. I understand the sentiment, though.
"If they just placed ordinary monsters in a half-hearted way, they probably figured the Generals might retreat before even reaching the halfway point," I muttered.
"…I think they are severely underestimating the Master and the others, but from a general perspective, it is a logical strategy. A mountain devoid of people would typically be a den of monsters, after all."
"The surrounding mountains were brutal. Goblin villages, Orc settlements, even higher-tier species—and deeper in, you’ve got Trolls, Ogres, and even Wyverns."
I discovered all of this when we were scouting for the enemy’s escape routes. We couldn't exactly go around blatantly exterminating them, so we had to resort to fleeing or taking long detours. It would have been impossible without our stealth technology.
"Yes, I have confirmed the reports. Well, that is something the Hinsua Kingdom should be handling. We have no need to trouble ourselves with it. In fact, if we were to purge them, we would only invite jealousy."
"You're right. Politics is such a pain." I stared off into the distance. We’re moving to protect the Generals, yet we have to ignore monsters—it makes no sense. And more than that…
"However, Steve. I have just checked your current status. Why are you wearing clothes?"
"…Do I really have to take them off?"
"What are you saying at this late hour? The plan is for you to infiltrate the dungeon as wild goblins, suppress the area, and secure the target, is it not?"
Right. We have to go in the "Legendary Goblin Style." Of course, aside from us decoys, a fully equipped unit is following along under stealth, but still…
"If it’s just about suppression, I told you we didn't need to be in loincloths, didn't I?"
"We have already finished that debate. You are decoys—you are there to act as wild goblins, draw the enemy’s attention, confirm the dungeon’s traps, and begin the process of seizing control."
As Kirika said, the reason we’re going out of our way to act like common, loincloth-wearing goblins is to draw the enemy’s gaze. I had argued against it, asking why it had to be me, but considering survival rates, my unit was deemed the most capable, so we became the decoys. Do Generals really have to work on the front lines these days? What kind of anachronism is this? I wanted to escape from reality.
"I understand that you dislike the attire… but this is a mission. Please, do your best."
"…Someday, I’m going to raise the social standing of goblins."
"If that happens, their treatment will improve, but for now, nothing has changed, so hurry up and start the operation. You have less than five minutes until the start time."
Tch. It seems I won't be able to chat any longer. I shifted my focus, looking around. Standing there were goblins in filthy loincloths just like me, though none of them looked particularly enthusiastic. The military-affiliated goblins in Weed aren't exactly perverts who enjoy dressing like this.
"Well, my complaints weren't accepted. As usual, we just have to do our best."
"Sir!"
Hearing their response, I knew they were committed to the mission. I suppose when you have a decent life to return to, you find the motivation to push through.
"Status of the follow-up units?"
"No problems."
As they spoke, the stealth fields dropped, revealing goblins equipped with gear I’d only seen in movies. Small and agile, they were decked out with assault rifles as their primary weapons, handguns as sidearms, combat knives, night-vision goggles, gas masks, and magic barrier devices. Everyone looked ready.
"Alright, we start the operation at 1000 as planned. After the five of us enter, the support units will follow in 2.5 minutes, then another group of five after 5 minutes, and another after 10. The escape routes will be sealed at the same time. Report in every 5 minutes; loss of communication will be treated as MIA. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Being treated as MIA during a mission is harsh, but if we lose contact in this situation, it means the enemy has jammed our communications, and searching for anyone in that state is impossible. Immediate withdrawal is the only logical course of action.
"Syncing time. 10, 9, 8…"
The start of the operation was right in front of us. I began the countdown.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Operation start."
We approached the cave, mimicking the behavior of wild goblins.
"Gegyo-gyo…"
"Gob-gob!"
We made a show of being delighted to have found the cave, using the nostalgic goblin language. *Sigh*, I thought again about why we had to do this, but we stepped inside.
Although it was a cave, it was tangled in vines and other vegetation. There were walls and fences around it, and a stone statue stood prominently at the entrance. There was even a sign, claiming this was a cemetery owned by the Vinosia Royal Family.
I wonder—did they think claiming ownership would stop people? Or are they really hiding something? No, if they were hiding something, they would have moved to secure it. It looked even more abandoned than it did before the fall of Vinosia.
Thinking such things, we entered the cave—or rather, the tomb.
"Goboo (It’s surprisingly bright?)"
"Gugeja (Isn't that because it's a dungeon?)"
"Goo (Ah…)"
Is this that standard dungeon-path-illumination phenomenon? If it weren't for this, adventurers would have to bring torches or light-magic, and while some dungeons are like that, it limits the activity time of adventurers—which is bad for a dungeon that wants to lure people in.