As soon as I spotted the familiar tree in the distance, the very same one where I had spent my first night in this tutorial, I decided to take a moment to rest and replenish my energy. As I got closer I started using “Enhanced Focus” in bursts, a nagging suspicion had crept into my mind, suggesting that this area might be under the domain of the goblins or, at the very least, within their scouting territory, proving that the first time I came across them wasn’t mere coincidence.
Driven by the prospects of free essence without having to fight the boss again, I cautiously approached the tree, keeping an eye out for any signs of the pelts. Sensing the need for heightened perception and concentration, I activated "Enhanced Focus” and kept it on.
As I stood next to a tree at a considerable distance, several facts became apparent, some of them rather obvious. Firstly, it was clear that all the boar meat I had left behind had been taken, along with the two goblin corpses. Although traces of blood remained, the amount had noticeably reduced since my last visit, I assumed that the blood had naturally dissolved into the ground over time. From this distance, it was difficult to examine the ground for footprints or other signs. However, to my surprise, both pelts I had left behind were still present, untouched and lying on the ground.
As I maintained "Enhanced Focus" active, I knew something was amiss with the scene before me, surprisingly, "Detect Danger," hadn't triggered any alarms or warnings. Recognizing that I was still undetected, I made a conscious decision to exert extra effort and concentration on "Hide Presence" to be sure to remain undetected in case of another beast or monster was around. Although it was a passive skill, it granted me instinctive knowledge on how to enhance my ability to conceal myself effectively, which could be enhanced if I focus on the knowledge, after all it was kind of like breathing, you would do it naturally but you could force yourself to hold your breath, the skill functioned the same way but it was naturally not triggered.
Two possible reasons raced through my mind after thinking about the scene before me, each presenting its own unsettling implications. The first possibility was that a colossal and voracious beast had arrived, consuming the entire boar as its main course and regarding the two goblins as a mere dessert. The thought of such a creature capable of devouring such a substantial feast in a single day sent shivers down my spine. However, I swiftly dismissed this notion as I had found no traces of enormous footprints throughout the forest, nor had I heard any distant sounds indicative of such a colossal being's presence. The second possibility seemed more plausible: the goblins had returned to retrieve the loot, only to find their comrades slain, they likely took the meat and the goblin bodies back to their village, leaving the pelts behind. The true question remained: why would the goblins abandon the pelts? Judging by their huge size and weight, the pelts probably held considerable value compared to the boar's mere tusks. Moreover, considering the pelts' remarkable toughness, it seemed to be the what would give the boar most of its defence.
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The most probable explanation dawned on me: this was a trap set by the goblins, a clever ploy to lure me in with the allure of the pelts and then ambush me. The realization sent shivers down my spine for the second time, as it demonstrated the goblins' cunning nature and ability to devise strategic plans. I couldn't help but question whether I was overestimating their intelligence or if they were underestimating mine, after all, there was no way I would fall for such an obvious trick, if the goblins were truly cunning, it seemed peculiar that they would take the meat and bodies while leaving behind the valuable pelts.
Regardless, I was resolved not to fall for such a trap. Now, all that remained was to gather evidence and substantiate my theory. Aware of the gravity of the situation, I intensified my scanning of the area with a renewed sense of urgency. However, I realized that the tree that had once concealed me now granted the same advantage to potential ambushers. To gain a clearer view and confirm the presence of hidden goblins, I knew I had to abandon my current position and search from a different angle, Using the tree I was presently positioned behind as cover, I carefully retreated in a manner that ensured I remained out of sight. I maneuvered around, attempting to create a new angle that would provide me with a different perspective on the situation.
On my second attempt, I managed to succeed and validate my theory that his situation was indeed a trap. Perched on one of the branches of the tree was a small goblin, likely a child or a young adult, considering its small size. The first time around, I had missed spotting it due to the foliage of the tree obstructing my view. It was somewhat ironic how they had employed a similar strategy to mine, seeking cover in the tree. However, the situation carried a weighty seriousness, as stepping into their trap would have undoubtedly resulted in my demise.
Upon closer observation, I discovered that the lone goblin on the tree was the only one present. Periodically, he would cautiously scan the area before quickly retreating behind the branch. His fearful demeanor suggested a deep-seated terror of what he might encounter. This pattern repeated itself three times, and during one of these instances, he made hand gestures towards a tree on the opposite side of the clearing, signalling some form of communication or coordination.