Lucas had been watching the goblins from afar for the past few days, and a deep unease settled over him. What a situation we have here. It was hard not to be nervous when he couldn’t even understand their conversations. They’re increasing in number day by day. This could be dangerous... we need to prepare.

The worry was palpable in Lucas's mind. He ordered his automatons to prepare. All unassigned automatons were to be soldiers now; they needed every available hand. While the goblins gathered, Lucas had the automatons train. He armed them with weapons from the previous onslaught—the stash he had kept hidden. Maybe this time they’ll overwhelm us, Lucas thought, his anxiety growing.

Back at the goblin village, the considerably taller automaton became the talk of the town. Whispers followed it wherever it went, but they were filled with fear, not admiration. Gobu, the goblin Lucas had captured, appeared distressed when speaking with the higher-ranking goblins. From their conversation, Lucas pieced together that these were the goblin chiefs of various villages. One of them seemed to disapprove of Gobu’s plan.

After several days, the goblins decided to leave the village and head toward the dungeon. Those who had doubts about Gobu’s plan had already left the village earlier. The caravan was long and slow, but eventually, they arrived at the dungeon.

Lucas had anticipated their arrival, but now doubts crept in. It doesn’t seem like they’re planning to attack me... if they were, they would’ve destroyed my automatons by now. The goblins seemed too weary to fight him. But it never hurts to be cautious, Lucas thought. I’ll have two automatons secure the gate. If they agree to our deal, I’ll speak with their elders, and with Gobu at least.

Two automatons, armed with rusty but still effective spears, guarded the barricaded entrance.

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The goblins were cautious upon arrival, wary of what might lie within the dungeon. They were greeted by the two armed automatons standing at the entrance, and a barricade that blocked their path. Fear was evident in their eyes. What was this place?

Lucas ordered one of his automatons to speak with Gobu. "Tell him that I wish to speak with him and the elders inside the dungeon."

The automaton stepped forward and spoke in a language none of the goblins had expected. They were surprised—many of them didn’t even know the automatons could speak. They exchanged uncertain looks, hesitant to follow the automaton’s instructions. But Gobu, speaking with authority, convinced the others to comply.

Gobu and six other elder goblins stepped forward. These goblins, though old, were the most powerful in their respective tribes. They moved toward the dungeon, and as they passed through the rows of soldiers, the automaton guards stepped aside to let them through.

Inside, the goblins were in awe. The dungeon was much more than they expected, with automatons bearing weapons at every turn. The goblins, once fierce and brutal, now seemed small and vulnerable, facing the full might of Lucas's creations.

Lucas spoke through an automaton acting as a translator. The goblins entered the Main Chamber, where the glowing dungeon core stood at the center of the room. Rows of armed automatons flanked the space, their weapons ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

Gobu, already familiar with the room, bowed his head slightly and spoke to the core as though addressing someone directly.

The automaton accompanying Gobu translated. "O great master, I bring the chiefs of the goblins who seek your protection and servitude."

Gobu, with a hint of joy in his voice, bowed again. "We have come to serve you, O great and merciful master. We will not fail you."

Lucas, feeling satisfied with the outcome, decided to honor Gobu’s efforts. "For your dedication, I grant you the title of Overseer. You will govern your people and ensure they pay their tribute."

The goblins, relieved and grateful, agreed to the terms. They would now live under Lucas’s protection, working and paying their tribute as promised.

Everything seemed to settle down. The goblins prepared to leave the dungeon and start their new life, now bound to Lucas’s service.