Overlord: Start from the Goblin Lair.

Chapter 100 Take the initiative
"It's no use just strengthening the guard!" The hobgoblin said earnestly, "Ron, just blindly retreating to defend won't solve any problems, do you understand?"

"Do I need to teach you the truth that there is no such thing as a thief on guard against thieves?"

"They won't give up, that's obvious." Seymour put his legs on the table and played with the dagger with a frown, "and they will definitely send more powerful characters next time. Maybe there will be fewer people, but they will be more elite."

Seymour had obtained excellent grades in assassin-related courses, and he himself was also a skilled drow assassin, so he knew everything about this kind of thing.

"I know that," Ron looked at the members of Team Two, "but what can we do? Carolina is not that close to us, and it's their territory. There's also the Western Lords Alliance. If we take the initiative to attack, we will be too passive."

"Then find someone who is not so passive to do this," the hobgoblin said firmly, "We can't just sit there and wait. What will happen if we continue like this?"

"Looking for someone? You said it so easily, with your upper lip touching your lower lip." Victoria glanced at him, "Your power didn't even reach Fromm Town at the time. Who could you find in the south?"

"Come on, there must be a killer organization or mercenary group like Carolina that's willing to spend money, right?"

"Unfortunately, almost none," Ivy said. "Those are just small fights. They are not enough to shake Carolina. No amount of money can do that."

“This approach simply doesn’t work.”

Ron thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps there are two types of people that we have a natural advantage in winning over?"

"Which two categories? Goblins and slaves?" Sylvia chuckled.

"Almost. Goblins and adventurers," Ron looked at Kalade, "Do you know how many goblin tribes there are in the south from Delusion Land?"

"Of course. When I came back today, a hunter reported that he had encountered a goblin from another tribe on the edge of the Delusion Land." Kalade thought for a moment and understood what Ron meant. "You mean..."

"Haven't you always wanted to be a hobgoblin warlord? Here's your chance," Ron said. "Go win them over, defeat them, recruit them, expand your power, penetrate the wilderness of the middle city-states, and harass the area around Carolina."

"But don't use our banner. The goal is to distract Carolina from her own affairs and, if possible, to provoke a slave uprising and cause unrest among them."

"As for the adventurers, can we go over there and spend a lot of money to hire adventurers to go to Carolina? Ivy, this kind of thing generally won't expose the employer, right?"

"No, unless the union intends to discredit itself," Ivy said, "If that's the case, maybe I can go back to Rose City to recruit some people and visit my parents."

"My mother once served in the elves' army, so she should have some connections."

"It's just that the price of this kind of mission must be high and the mission target must be small, otherwise no one will do this thankless business."

"What if..." Ron looked up and thought, "What if I want to hire someone to attack the slave-catching team and free the slaves?"

"Or raid Carolina's territory to free the slaves?"

"Then they will be happy to accept the mission," Ivy nodded. "They will make money, it's a little challenging but not too dangerous, and they can also win a good reputation. They won't refuse it."

As a senior adventurer, Ivy knew clearly what her colleagues were thinking. "We don't even need to build momentum, they will raise all kinds of righteous banners on their own." "Is there any possibility of intervention from other city-states?" Victoria asked. "They are an 'alliance'."

"'Alliance' means that when there is money to be made, we split it in half, and when there is no value, we share it," Ivy sneered disdainfully. "Rose City is able to enjoy a leading position in the Western City-State Alliance not only because of the spice trade."

"But this might be a good thing for our family. At that time, we were stopped outside the city by the Inquisitor of Fromm Town like refugees. If it weren't for our identities as Rose City residents, would he have let the three of us into the city?"

"Then let's go with you," Ron said, "It's not safe to be alone, especially now that we seem to be on the assassination list."

"Hey, the southern city!" Sera rubbed his hands, "Ivy, don't worry, we will never cause any trouble for you!"

"You look so different to me..." Ivy glanced at her, "But Ron is right. It is indeed a bit dangerous to act alone now."

"Can we go too?" Andre looked at Ron eagerly. This young man from the village obviously also wanted to see the world.

"We can't leave no one behind in the land of delusion," the old soldier who had fought against Carolina raised his eyelids, "Karad is going to recruit goblins, how can we leave?"

"Well, that's not the way to say it," Seymour looked at Andre, "Young people should see more of the world, right? I am the best example. If I hadn't escaped from my family and fled to the surface, how could I have met you all?"

"There aren't that many things to do here right now, so it's enough for us brothers to stay here."

"But benefactor, you can't be partial. After you come back, we have to go out for a walk too."

"Don't worry about that," Sylvia said with a smile, "I'm here to get your approval no matter what."

"This time it's mainly to restrict Carolina's behavior," Ron said, "Once this is over and there's no danger, you can naturally go to the south and wander around."

"Otherwise, you are still the target of Carolina's pursuit, right? With such a large group of people out, you are too big a target."

With a team of nearly twenty people, it would be hard not to attract attention.

"That's the truth." The old soldier sat back and stopped talking.

"Then it's settled, Annie." Ron glanced at the young warlock of "Civil and Wood Blood Inheritance". "During the time we are away, you will be in charge of all the construction matters. You can discuss other matters with Team 2. If you have any other questions, you can listen to the opinions of our consultants."

Ron was referring, of course, to Lavinia, Boone, and Rurik.

"Don't worry about things here!" The dwarf blacksmith stroked his beard. "Although I am a blacksmith, I owe you my life. I will help build some traps and fortifications. Maybe I can't deal with the assassins in Carolina, but it's more than enough to deal with wild beasts and robbers."

"May the goddess bless you and have a safe journey," Boone said little, just smiled lightly, "Lavinia and I will do our duty."

(End of this chapter)