Rubbing her slightly itchy ear, Bai Xia instantly grasped Tianzheng’s intention.

Truth be told, his tactic wasn’t flashy—just exploiting monster aggro—but right now, it was enough to shift the tide.

During evolution, the Goblin Lord couldn’t attack or move, so it drew other goblins close with its aura. A protective measure? Now, undeniably a constraint.

The monsters inside were strong only due to sheer numbers. Even at their peak, Tianzheng and Bai Xia—still in newbie status—would’ve faced a free trip back to town if swarmed.

Tianzheng’s plan was clear: under normal rules, monsters wouldn’t leave the Lord’s side. Lure them out one by one. Take them down.

He’d worried they might not leave the nest even with aggro drawn. But this goblin charging out? A genuine relief.

If they’d refused to budge at all? Game over.

Luckily, the perilous-looking nest hid a massive opening—thanks to the evolving Goblin Lord.

Maybe the System left it on purpose? It *was* the starting village. A level-20 monster here would be bizarre.

Once Bai Xia realized this, the goblin nest shimmered before her like a glittering dragon’s hoard.

The lunging goblin? Hacked to bits in seconds. Just a measly ordinary goblin—seriously, what’s with the attitude?

Tianzheng repeated the tactic, targeting rear-line Goblin Archers and Mages this time. Limited stones meant prioritizing the dangerous ones first.

Then… awkward realization: *Too far.*

Archers and Mages huddled deep near the Lord; front lines held Guards, Berserker Goblins, and Mutant Goblins.

Too vast to reach from outside. Step inside? Instant hail of ranged attacks.

Tianzheng’s expression darkened as he glanced from his stone to the sneaky goblins deep within.

Bai Xia almost patted his shoulder—but realized she’d need to tiptoe. Awkward. After a pause, she smacked his butt instead… which only deepened his scowl.

“Forget the rear line. Let’s clear the Berserker and Mutant Goblins first—they’re threat enough.”

Tianzheng shot her a look, nodded, then made a pinpoint throw. Aggro drawn. Bai Xia sighed inwardly—what a waste he wasn’t an Archer. That accuracy was rare.

True to their brainless nature, the Berserker Goblin roared out after one hit (ordinary goblins needed two!), even bowling over a few regulars.

But they’d handled this before. Cut down swiftly.

The second Berserker? Surprise: exploded at one-third health, not one-tenth. Bai Xia, caught in the blast, dropped to critical. Cold sweat beaded her brow.

Mutant Goblins added vomit—acidic bile. Gross, but terrifyingly potent.

Thankfully, Bai Xia dodged the splatter this time.

Clearing four Mutants was nerve-wracking. Then, targeting the Guards…

“…No effect?”

Guards looked ordinary but wore iron swords, armor, even helmets. Stone hit one—zero reaction.

“Figured it wouldn’t be *that* easy.”

Tianzheng wasted no more stones. Used the rest on reachable ordinary goblins.

The System gave an opening, not a free pass. They’d expected it. No real disappointment.

Only twelve remained: six Guards, six Archers and Mages. Risky—but infinitely better than before.

Tianzheng summoned his weapon, activated Inspire, and murmured, “Same as always. Rear line first.”

“Don’t state the obvious. Leave it to me.”

Bai Xia nodded, gripped her blade, and stepped inside.

*Whizz!!*

Four arrows flew the moment her foot landed—one tipped sickly green.

Unfazed, she slipped into shadows an instant before impact. Archers and the mid-cast Mage froze, target gone.

She reappeared. Mage waved his tattered staff—earth spike spell—but she dodged effortlessly.

While rear-line attention wavered, Tianzheng joined the fray.

Archers fired often but poorly. Mage’s spikes were dangerous if stepped on… but too slow.

Rear line posed little threat. He sidestepped both poisoned arrows.

Meanwhile, the Guards finally closed in, weapons raised.

Bai Xia ignored them. Eyes locked on the rear.

Tianzheng stepped forward without hesitation, sweeping his blade in a wide arc that caught four Guards.

Seizing the opening, Bai Xia darted between the last two—taking two glancing blows to her back—then zipped toward the Archers, speed her shield.