Just then, a goblin with a large, dull-looking head walked over with an arrogant swagger.
"Gobta, you actually came? Weren't you supposed to be training the goblin cavalry?"
Rimuru turned his head and saw Gobta approaching with his usual awkward gait.
The newcomer was none other than the current squad leader of the goblin cavalry—Gobta. During their last trip to the Dwarf Kingdom, thanks to Rimuru's encouragement and the use of his [Summon Wolf], Gobta managed to comprehend the skill of summoning frost wolves.
As the first goblin to master the [Shadow Motion] skill, Rimuru had appointed him squad leader on the spot, tasking him with teaching the technique to the other goblins.
Now, watching Gobta strut over proudly, Rimuru felt a headache coming on. It might be time to assess the results of his so-called "training."
Just then—
Ranga vanished!
The next instant, he reappeared behind Gobta like a ghost, moving as fast as lightning and giving no one time to react.
With a swift motion, Ranga bit down on Gobta's collar.
"Ah!"
Gobta screamed in surprise, completely unprepared for Ranga's ambush.
Before he could gather his wits, Ranga had already flung him like a sack of potatoes, landing him right in front of Gabiru.
To top it off, Ranga even handed Gobta a hoe, as if to say,
"Take this and do your best!"
"If you can beat this goblin," Ranga said, turning his head toward Gabiru, "I might actually consider your proposal."
With that, the great wolf retreated to the sidelines, letting the tension fill the air.
Gobta clutched the hoe tightly, face tense with anxiety.
He stared wide-eyed at Gabiru—who stood half a head taller—secretly cursing his luck.
At the same time, Gobta glanced pitifully toward Rimuru, clearly pleading for help with his eyes.
Rimuru, seeing this, looked just as confused.
Why would Ranga suddenly do this?
But then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind—Granstar's.
After hearing Granstar's explanation, Rimuru's eyes widened in realization.
So that's what this is about…
"Gobta, do your best! I'm rooting for you. But if you lose... heh, get ready to be my test subject for the upgraded version of my new [Summon Wolf]!"
Gobta trembled violently at the threat. A surge of primal energy burst from within him, and in an instant, his presence became intimidating.
Granstar, watching from the side, was speechless.
You actually had time to invent an upgraded version... You really are something, Rimuru.
Gabiru, upon hearing this, felt deeply insulted—especially by the idea of having to face a goblin wielding a hoe.
How could a proud descendant of the Dragon race tolerate such humiliation?
Ranga stepped between them, playing the role of referee.
"Then, let the match begin!"
"Woo~"
A wolf's howl echoed, marking the start of the battle.
"Hmph! As descendants of the great Dragon race, we Lizardmen will never lose to a mere goblin!"
Gabiru twirled his spear dramatically through the air and pointed it directly at Gobta.
But Gobta didn't waste time with unnecessary theatrics.
He observed Gabiru carefully, waiting for the right moment.
As Gabiru's spear lunged forward, Gobta used his small frame to dodge nimbly, searching for an opening to deflect the spear with his hoe.
Finding his chance, he suddenly twisted away and created distance.
Then, with a sharp motion, he hurled the hoe at Gabiru.
"Whoosh~!"
Gabiru's pupils shrank as the projectile rapidly closed in. He barely dodged by pouring magic into his limbs and accelerating.
But just as he avoided the flying hoe, a black shadow spread under Gobta's feet—his body melting into it.
A moment later, Gobta emerged from the shadow beneath Gabiru, leaping upward.
With precise timing, he executed a [Sweep] skill.
"Bang~!"
The attack landed squarely on the back of Gabiru's head.
Gabiru's body was sent flying, landing face-down on the ground before promptly passing out.
"The match is decided! The winner is Gobta!"
Ranga stepped forward and announced the result in a clear voice, though he glanced at the unconscious Gabiru with visible contempt.
Behind him, the squad of Lizardmen soldiers froze in shock. Even Rimuru and the others were taken aback. Since when was Gobta this fierce?
"Whoa… Gobta can actually use the Shadow Motion skill so skillfully?"
Hakurou nodded with a smile, clearly impressed.
Granstar, meanwhile, looked at Gabiru sprawled on the ground with a mocking grin.
"Tsk tsk… B+ rank strength? How terrifying," he remarked sarcastically.
Several Lizardmen soldiers hurried to carry their fallen lord away, retreating in a flustered mess.
Seeing Gobta's unexpected victory, Rimuru turned to Granstar with a smug grin.
"See? You've only got yourself to blame for underestimating Gobta!"
In fact, Granstar had said something to Rimuru earlier via Telepathy:
Just send Gobta in. If he gets hurt, you'll have an excuse to put that arrogant Lizardman in his place.
Now, Granstar didn't bother arguing back. He allowed Rimuru to enjoy his moment of pride.
"Haha! Well done, Gobta! Let Shion give you an extra chicken leg tonight!" Rimuru said proudly.
"I hear her cooking skills are unmatched among the ogres—you're in for a treat!"
He gave Gobta a hearty pat on the shoulder.
Benimaru quietly took a few steps back, thinking to himself, I definitely didn't say that…
The outcome of the match had exceeded even Granstar's expectations. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, he kept his eyes on Gobta, who was now being hoisted up in celebration.
I didn't expect Gobta to have this kind of potential… Hmm. A real diamond in the rough, he thought.
His gaze then shifted to the elderly man in white robes standing nearby—Hakurou.
It was clear that Granstar hoped Hakurou would invest more effort in training Gobta. As the village's swordsmanship instructor, Hakurou bore the vital responsibility of cultivating its warriors. If Gobta could receive his guidance, he might become a powerful asset in the future.
Hakurou noticed Granstar's gaze and responded with a knowing smile, stroking his long white beard.
"Lord Granstar, I too hold high hopes for this boy. In my eyes, Gobta has a natural gift for the sword. With enough discipline and training, he could very well show remarkable growth."
Hearing such praise from Hakurou, Rimuru looked at Gobta with genuine surprise. He had always trusted Hakurou's keen judgment—after all, he himself often sought sword lessons from the old master.
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