Given my previous encounter with Goblins I knew that they spoke a different language, verbal communication would be a challenge. Nonetheless, I remained determined to gather as much information from this little dude as possible, even if it meant finding alternative means of communication.

I decided to proceed cautiously, leading the goblin back where the objective of this incursion had been, the pelts. I gestured for it to sit down, using a combination of hand signals and body language to convey my instructions. The goblin complied, its posture indicating a mixture of resignation and curiosity.

Now face to face with the captive goblin, I knew I would have to devise a plan to gather as much information as possible. While direct communication might be challenging, I would rely on observation, intuition, and perhaps a few well-placed questions to unlock any valuable knowledge the goblin possessed, for someone that knew nothing, anything would be useful. It was a delicate balance, as I needed to strike the right balance between being firm and compassionate to gain its trust and cooperation but all that came later, the thoughts and expectations from the goblin captive could wait; my immediate focus was on ensuring my own safety.

Reflecting on the events that had transpired in such a short span of time since I arrived here, I couldn't deny that luck had played a significant role, but I also acknowledged that my lifelong tendency towards paranoia and overthinking had unexpectedly aided me in this new environment. While it had often been a burden in the past, my constant analysis of every scenario had now become an asset, allowing me to anticipate potential scenarios and react accordingly.

This tutorial had so far provided a taste of the challenges that lay ahead, and I couldn't afford to become complacent. It was essential to continue, harnessing my skills, acquiring essence and adapting to this unpredictable place. I checked the ropes binding the prisoner once again to ensure there were no escape attempts. Taking no chances, I secured another, longer rope around its neck, gripping it firmly with one hand.

To lighten my load, I handed the pelts to the goblin and instructed it to carry it, I observed the struggling goblin, realizing that carrying both pelts would be too much for it, with the weight of a single pelt being about the same as the goblin itself, it was clear that its strength was limited, but I wanted to check if he could actually carry both.

While I could carry both pelts without being overburdened, I didn't want to risk overexerting myself and jeopardizing our progress. Understanding the limitations, I decided to take on the responsibility of carrying both pelts and fastened my backpack without any weapons to the goblin's back. I took the pelts from the goblin's grasp and strapped it onto my own back, ensuring it was securely fastened. The goblin, now relieved of the weight, seemed grateful and visibly more at ease.

With my belongings gathered, I was ready to make my way back. Leading the captive goblin with the secured rope, I ensured it remained under control as we began our trek towards the "safe zone."

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The journey back to the safe zone was uneventful. The goblin obediently walked ahead of me, carrying the backpack, he occasionally glanced back to ensure we were heading in the right direction. I carefully monitored its movements, ready to intervene if it showed any signs of attempting to escape or betray me. Though the thought of this being a ploy to gather information about my location crossed my mind, I found it highly unlikely.

We navigated through the familiar terrain, I continued to employ "enhanced focus" to maintain a heightened state of awareness. Despite the exhaustion that crept upon me, I pushed myself to remain vigilant, keenly observing our surroundings and any potential dangers. The goblin's compliance gave me a small sense of relief, as it indicated a possible willingness to cooperate. However, I remained cautious, fully aware that its loyalty lay with its own kin and that its actions could quickly change if given the opportunity.

As we arrived at the safe zone, a blue box appeared before me, presenting a decision to allow the goblin entry. The message emphasized that the weight of the choice was solely my responsibility and I made the decision to allow the goblin entry into the safe zone with a mixture of curiosity to see what would happen.

As we crossed the boundary from the wilderness and danger into the safety of the zone, I noticed a perplexed and intrigued expression on the goblin's face. His eyes darted back and forth, searching for something, I was unsure of what the sensation or maybe notification could have been for him as a monster, and there was no way to question him about such a complex matter.

Deciding to address the immediate concern of ensuring the goblin's captivity during the night, I carefully untied his hands but left the rope still attached to his neck. With a hand shovel in hand, I gestured for him to dig a hole in the ground. The goblin's initial reaction was one of terror, dropping to his knees and pleading for his life. I couldn't help but be slightly amused by his misunderstanding, as he likely believed this would be his grave?

However, my intentions were quite different. The pit he was to dig would serve as his sleeping area for the time being. I wanted to ensure that he would remain contained and unable to escape while I slept. By placing a log or stone over the pit, I hoped to prevent any attempts at nocturnal escape.

Though the goblin seemed initially hesitant and fearful, he reluctantly picked up the hand shovel and began digging. I kept a watchful eye on him, making sure he understood the purpose of the task. Once the hole was deep enough, I motioned for him to stop and guided him to the designated sleeping spot.

While it was a makeshift solution, I hoped that this arrangement would provide some level of security for me. With the goblin's captivity maintained for the night, I could rest a bit easier, knowing that there was a physical barrier in place. I decided to add an additional layer of security to the makeshift confinement, along with placing a log and stone over the pit, I decided to double down. I strategically positioned a delicately stacked pile of rocks. I positioned them to tumble with even the slightest disruption. At the zenith of this precariously balanced structure, I placed something known for its noise generation upon disturbance - a collection of brittle, dried leaves and twigs, tied together tree sap.

This primitive yet effective contraption would serve as my alarm system. If the goblin dared to venture out from his earthen bed during the veil of night, the smallest contact with the rock pile would send the leaves and twigs cascading down, their rustling and snapping echoing throughout the silent night. This cacophony would instantly alert me to his movements.

With this precaution in place, I hoped to discourage any escape attempts and ensure that I would be alerted if the goblin made any suspicious moves.