Chapter 17
【017】 Earth’s Survivors Have Arrived
“Chief…” Andre couldn’t help but call out as he noticed Chief Morgan’s dazed expression.
Could it be that he’s too overwhelmed?
Hearing Andre’s voice, Chief Morgan snapped out of it and said, “Take me around this territory for a proper look.”
Morgan had once been a slave. Slaves had no right to roam freely within a territory. The only world he knew was the mines and the forge, endlessly digging and hammering.
That was until the Goblin King declared the establishment of their own kingdom—a haven for all goblins, encouraging them to embrace personal independence.
When Morgan heard this, he and his companions escaped their human masters. Freed from their slave status, life became much more liberating. Though the path ahead was fraught with challenges they’d never encountered before, there was one word to describe it: worthwhile.
They had considered heading for the Goblin Kingdom, a recognized and safe territory. But it was far away, and the journey was fraught with peril. They might not survive the trek. So instead, they claimed a piece of land far from human territories, establishing their own settlement where they could thrive and grow into a small community.
Morgan thought life would continue like this indefinitely—until the appearance of this human territory.
This human territory showed him something… different. He wanted to learn more about it.
“Alright,” Andre readily agreed.
He had already noticed how unique these humans were in this territory and wanted his chief to understand it better too.
“Let’s go to the canteen first!” Andre suggested eagerly.
Chief Morgan nodded with reserved composure.
Andre led Morgan to the canteen.
It was lunchtime, and the place was bustling with activity. Residents were lined up at the counters, purchasing their preferred meals. Morgan easily spotted a few goblins amidst the crowd, their presence standing out vividly.
The surrounding humans looked at the goblins with curiosity, but there was none of the rejection or disdain that Morgan had expected.
It was as if their presence here was completely natural.
This territory… truly is different.
As Morgan pondered this, Andre led him to the counter.
“Hello, what would you like?” Mei Li greeted them warmly, as she always did.
Mei Li had long accepted the goblins as part of their territory after the village chief had explained it was the lord’s decision.
Everyone knew that the goblins brought something vital to the territory—iron ore. The blacksmiths could transform this ore into weapons, strengthening the territory’s defenses.
The residents here had all endured hardships, fleeing from beast tides before finding refuge in this territory. For them, this place was more than a home, it was a sanctuary offering protection and hope for a better future.
Their only wish was for the territory to thrive, grow, and become a safe haven for everyone.
No one wanted the territory to fail.
If accepting the goblins could make the territory better, then what was there to object to?
Besides, the goblins turned out to be… quite endearing! During their time here, they had contributed significantly to the livelihoods of some residents. Instead of being rejected, they were slowly becoming welcome.
Morgan’s eyes widened as he looked at the array of freshly cooked meals. The enticing aroma wafting through the air made him subconsciously swallow.
The fragrance was so tantalizing that it was no wonder his people couldn’t stay away.
“How much do these cost?” Morgan couldn’t help but ask.
“We sell based on copper coins, but you can also exchange wood for copper coins,” Mei Li said enthusiastically.
Upon hearing this, Chief Morgan glanced at his stockpile of wood. Seeing that there was quite a lot, he cleared his throat and said, “Then I’ll take one of everything!”
“Okay.” Mei Li nodded in agreement. Since the variety of food changed daily, there weren’t many options, so ordering everything wasn’t too much.
Soon, Mei Li packed the meals into ready containers and handed them to Andre and Morgan.
The two of them walked to a nearby spot and sat down.
“Chief, you should try it!” Andre urged excitedly, his eyes filled with anticipation.
He truly hoped that Chief Morgan would recognize how good this territory was and make a decision soon.
He really felt that this place was good.
Seeing Andre’s eager look, Chief Morgan slowly raised his eyes and gave Andre a glance.
Morgan could see right through Andre’s thoughts. It was no surprise—after all, Andre had analyzed the two situations with him and chosen the second option!
Morgan couldn’t understand what had gotten into Andre and the others.
As he spoke, Morgan took a wooden spoon and began eating the food. The completely different flavor that spread in his mouth made Morgan pause for a moment. Then, he quickly sped up and started eating more eagerly.
Seeing his chief devouring the food, Andre smiled. He had known it all along. After tasting their bland and tasteless meals, no goblin could resist the food from the human territory—especially not the chief.
Compared to the humans, the goblins’ lives had been rough. After spending some time in the human territory, Andre really felt that this place was quite good.
A moment later, after Chief Morgan finished his meal, he finally understood what had enchanted his people.
It seemed like he, too, had been… enchanted?
Thinking this, Chief Morgan’s expression remained composed, though he said, “Continue showing me around the territory.”
“Sure,” Andre agreed happily.
After a while, Andre led Chief Morgan through the territory, introducing the various buildings.
“That’s the trading hall. I’ve heard from the humans that they regularly buy materials here, as long as they’re useful to the territory. You’ll receive copper coins in exchange, which you can use in any shop in the territory, like the tailor’s or the general store.”
“That’s the warehouse. Outsiders aren’t allowed in. I think only the lord, the village chief, and Mei Li from the canteen can enter.”
“Up ahead is the residential area! To buy a house there, it only costs 100 copper coins, and living there is really convenient. You can also choose to rent, which only costs 10 copper coins per month, and it can accommodate up to 10 people! Although, it might be a bit cramped.”
“And that’s the barracks. We used to be kept there. It’s huge, and there are humans training there every day.”
“Most importantly, there are the farmlands. They’re growing a lot of crops and ingredients there. Mei Li said that soon we’ll be able to eat food grown there. She also mentioned that the lord asked her to make something called ‘french fries,’ and they were really, really good.”
“…”
Andre chattered on and on. As he talked about the delicious food, he couldn’t help but feel his mouth water.
Chief Morgan, however, remained silent as he listened.
It’s different! It really is different!
Although he hadn’t had the chance to wander around the territory he had stayed in before, the territory he knew and the one being described now were truly different.
The buildings were similar, but the use of each building was more focused on serving the residents.
This… is really good!
Chief Morgan, the Goblin, fell into deep thought.
At that moment, he saw a group of soldiers leading a bunch of ragged people into the territory. He immediately tensed up.
Andre, who was standing nearby, noticed this and explained, “Those are refugees from farther regions. Some were hiding in the wilderness, and the soldiers or humans from the territory found them. I heard the lord of this territory issued a mission, saying that rescuing a refugee would earn one copper coin. So many people, when conditions allowed, chose to help. The teams that rescued the most people were those led by the captains of the two main soldier squads in the territory. Their primary mission was to collect materials from areas where refugees were likely to be found, and if they encountered any, they would bring them back. Even if they didn’t find any, they would still gather materials. Either way, it’s a win-win! They usually make some progress every day, mainly because they used to be refugees themselves and know where the refugees are most likely to live. Plus, this territory is already known by many refugees. When they have no other choice, they’ll keep coming here.”
Chief Morgan listened, silently observing the refugees.
After a while, Chief Morgan looked at Andre and said, “Andre, I’ve made up my mind.”
Since this territory is so good, it’s time to make a decision.
But whether this territory can remain consistent, he would keep watching.
If this territory becomes like the ones they had before, they wouldn’t stay.
Some time later, Chief Morgan finally met the lord of the territory—Gu Qing.
When Gu Qing saw Chief Morgan, he smiled politely and said, “Welcome, Chief Morgan.”
“You can just call me Morgan, Lord.” Chief Morgan said courteously.
Compared to the other’s strength, Chief Morgan had already placed the other’s status above his own.
Moreover, since he was here to cooperate, there was no need to act too high-handed, as that might make them disliked.
“Alright,” Gu Qing agreed with a smile.
Seeing this, Chief Morgan continued, “Lord, please speak plainly! What do you think about our goblin settlement?”
Gu Qing didn’t expect the other to be so direct, and there was no need for any roundabout speech. “I need the iron ore you currently control. Our territory needs iron weapons to deal with the beast tide. You must know that the beast tide will be here soon, only a few days left!”
Gu Qing had already considered that, with the population of the territory being less than 1,000, they wouldn’t be able to upgrade to a level 3 village. But with iron weapons, they would likely be able to resist the beast tide.
Chief Morgan listened, thought for a moment, and nodded, “Alright, no problem. But if I provide iron ore for you, what can you offer the goblin clan in return?”
Gu Qing smiled and replied, “The goblins in my territory will enjoy the same treatment as the residents. Everything in the territory will be open to you. If you wish, you can even join us in defending against the beast tide during that time.”
Chief Morgan: “……”
After a brief silence, Chief Morgan looked at Gu Qing deeply, “You want people and resources too? You’re really greedy!”
At this point, the goblins had almost become the people of this territory. Once this policy was in place, most of them would probably come over. Over time, the original settlement would likely cease to exist!
Every month during the beast tide, the goblins would lose many young and strong members. Compared to the shabby settlement, this territory obviously felt much safer. Not to mention, everything in this territory was so appealing to goblins.
“Will the goblin chief agree?” Gu Qing didn’t answer directly, but asked in return.
Chief Morgan looked at Gu Qing and nodded, “As long as the territory remains this way, we are willing to live here.”
He realized he was getting old and should enjoy a new life.
Seeing the other party agree, Gu Qing raised an eyebrow, “Pleasure doing business.”
Chief Morgan, the Goblin, replied, “…Pleasure doing business.”
Just as the cooperation was established, Gu Qing received a system notification.
【Congratulations, host, for triggering the hidden quest: Promote the Great Racial Integration (25), Reward: 50,000 copper coins.】
【Congratulations, host, for reaching a population of 1,000 in your territory.】
【Buildings owned: Village Affairs Center, Stronghold, Residences, Trading Hall, Basic Tailor Shop, Basic General Store, Basic Warehouse, Farmland, Basic Watchtower, Basic Barracks, Basic Blacksmith Shop, Basic Lumber Yard, Basic Quarry.】
【The territory meets the upgrade conditions. Would you like to upgrade the Level 2 village to a Level 3 village?】
When Gu Qing heard the upgrade notification, she couldn’t help but pause for a moment.
It upgraded so suddenly?
Was it because… of the goblins?
Soon, Gu Qing looked at the population of her territory. It had indeed exceeded 1,000, and before that, the number was only over 800. Clearly, with the addition of over 100 goblins, it had just crossed the 1,000 mark.
It was truly… an unexpected surprise!
With this, the first beast tide would be much easier to handle!
She could continue to hold on!
【Yes, upgrade the territory.】
After confirming, a new notification arrived shortly.
【Congratulations, host, the territory has upgraded. Reputation +1, territory size doubled, reward: 2 building blueprints, reward: 30,000 copper coins.】
When the notification arrived, Gu Qing’s control panel also underwent a change.
【Territory: Qingyun Village (Level 3 Village)】
【Reputation: 3 (Unnoticed)】
【Population: 1007/5000】
【Tax Rate: 10 (Can be adjusted by the lord in real-time)】
【Resources: … (omitted)】
【Buildings: Village Affairs Center, Stronghold, Residences, Trading Hall, Basic Tailor Shop, Basic General Store, Basic Warehouse, Farmland, Basic Watchtower, Basic Barracks, Basic Blacksmith Shop, Basic Lumber Yard, Basic Quarry.】
【Buildings required for next upgrade: Level 1 Wall (Reinforced once), Basic Breeding Farm, Basic Inn, Basic Hospital, Basic Mining Site, Basic Carpentry Shop.】
The reward blueprints were for the Basic Breeding Farm and Basic Hospital.
Looking at these two buildings and the new structures, Gu Qing strongly suspected that the system’s choices were based on the condition of the territory.
The Basic Breeding Farm was self-explanatory. The animals raised there must be related to the beasts in the beast tide.
As for the Basic Hospital? During the beast tide, injuries were likely to happen to the people, and a place for treatment would definitely be needed.
It was a perfect coincidence, and Gu Qing remarked, “What a coincidence!”
In the end, Gu Qing chose not to investigate further.
For now, she was just going with the flow and focusing on surviving.
She then looked at the wood and stone materials required for these two buildings.
Basic Breeding Farm: 2000 wood, 1000 stone.
Basic Hospital: 5000 wood, 5000 stone.
It was really burning through money!
Looking at the materials in her warehouse, she was relieved. Thankfully, the time for this upgrade was long enough, and she had stocked up quite a bit of wood and stone, which was just enough!
Soon, with a series of swift movements, the two new buildings appeared in the right spots in the territory.
At the same time, the buildings and the area of the territory changed once again, and when the changes occurred, the residents inside and outside the territory cheered once more.
It was now a Level 3 village!
Their territory was now a Level 3 village!
With this, they didn’t have to worry about the first beast tide hitting their newly established territory for now!
It was wonderful!
In that moment, countless residents cheered in their hearts, embracing their families.
After experiencing stability, who would like to live in turmoil?
Soon, news spread throughout the territory about the territory’s upgrade and the goblins’ involvement.
Once the news spread, the goblins, who were already not excluded, became even more popular in the territory. Some goblins who had worked with humans in the past directly joined the teams and started going on missions together.
The goblins, big and small, all moved into the territory, using their iron ore to successfully secure a batch of residences for themselves. They then began to integrate into the life of the territory.
As for Gu Qing, after receiving the iron ore from the goblins, she quickly started the intense process of crafting iron weapons.
Amidst the hurried preparations, time passed, and the day before the beast tide arrived had arrived.
That night, all the residents had returned to the territory, started counting their harvests from the past period, and prepared for the upcoming beast tide.
That night, many people had trouble sleeping.
Meanwhile, a forest some distance from the territory was quiet in the dead of night. Amidst the howling of wolves, a group of people huddled around a campfire, shivering in a cave.
“The beast tide is coming! The beast tide is coming! We’re all doomed!” Suddenly, a loud cry shattered the silence in the cave.
In a corner of the cave, a few people, hearing the mention of the beast tide, casually asked, “Are there many monsters in this beast tide?”
They had no idea what the beast tide was!!!
Yes, these people were the survivors from Earth. After the game titled 【Doomsday Game Loading…】 started loading one day, they discovered that their world had undergone a dramatic transformation and they had arrived in a new world. Once they arrived, they knew nothing about it and could only muddle through. Fortunately, after receiving the newbie gift pack notification, they found several light clusters and obtained some skill cards, which allowed them to survive in this new world.
In the process of searching day by day, they found a few other survivors from Earth.
The most significant thing was that the appearance of the Earth survivors was distinctly different, making them easy to find. For some reason, however, the native inhabitants of this game world didn’t have such distinctions, so over the past two days, they successfully infiltrated a large refugee group, hoping to gather more information from it.
Just after blending in, they encountered a wave of wolf attacks, and many people died.
When they realized that none of the refugees knew how to use the so-called skill cards, the Earth survivors wisely chose to keep it hidden for now. They used makeshift weapons to defend themselves, and thanks to the sheer number of people, they managed to escape into a cave.
Then, they heard a major piece of news.
Beast tide!
It was obvious it wasn’t a good thing.
“The scale of the beast tide depends on the size of the territory. There aren’t any territories around here, so the number of monsters is random. But for us, even a small number of monsters might be too much to handle because we don’t have a safe territory,” one of the refugees sighed.
Several Earth survivors’ faces darkened as they listened.
What the hell kind of place had this doomsday game taken them to???
As they were venting their frustration, suddenly, they heard a cheer from outside the cave.
“Territory! Territory! I see a territory!”
Soon, a few refugees entered the cave. They were the ones who had gone outside to scout the monster situation.
Upon hearing about the territory, the refugees inside the cave visibly became excited.
“Where is it? Where’s the territory?”
“It’s beyond the map’s detection range here, but we suddenly received news of a territory in another place. It’s a level 3 village called Qingyun Village. It might be facing its first beast tide.”
“Oh my God! A level 3 village, and the first beast tide! We need to go there quickly! That place is definitely safe.”
“Right, let’s go tonight. If we wait until tomorrow, it’ll be too late with the beast tide coming.”
“Let’s hurry! Everyone, prepare quickly.”
“……”
Originally dispirited, the refugees became excited after hearing the hopeful news.
The Earth survivors, listening to the refugees, also pretended to be excited and joined the group.
Inside, however, they couldn’t help but reflect.
A territory!
After being in this world for nearly a month, they finally saw a territory!
Sigh, it was so hard!
Moments later, a large group of people set off toward Qingyun Village, full of hope!