NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: Troglodyte
The two elders were slightly surprised and asked, "Where did you get this firestone?"
The Blackstone Tribe did have firestone, but it was a precious resource, usually guarded by elders and not casually taken out.
So the piece in Orion's hand must have come from outside.
"In a nearby cave, it's in a rather hidden location."
"A cave..." Thorak mused. He had hunted around the tribe for half his life and had never heard of such a cave.
Rendall was delighted, "How did you find it?"
A vision of Woofer disappearing into flames flashed in Orion's mind, making him feel a pang of sadness, so he didn't reply.
Elder Rendall realized he might have overstepped and quickly changed the subject, "The serpentfolk fear the cold. If we can find a hundred pounds of firestone, we can likely trade it for their soul crystals!"
"The firestone reserves in that cave are immense," Orion thought for a moment and said, "I estimate about 100 tons."
Hearing this number, the two elders were completely taken aback, and the surrounding giants erupted in chatter.
Seeing the commotion, Orion shouted, "I've made my decision on this matter, no more objections. If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility. Prepare yourselves to visit the mine with me tomorrow."
With that, Orion left the tent, leaving the others in stunned silence.
Elder Thorak was momentarily speechless, then sighed, "James, go ahead."
Hearing this, James scratched his head and hurriedly left with his group.
The two elders exchanged glances, and finally, Rendall remarked, "Leaders are indeed born. Both are ten years old, yet James and Orion give off completely different impressions."
"I'm impressed," Thorak nodded.
"A hundred tons!" Elder Rendall marveled. In his lifetime, he hadn't seen even a ton of firestone!
If what Orion said was true, the significance for the Blackstone Tribe was immense!
Regardless, the two elders decided to accompany Orion to see for themselves.
...
The next day
Orion led the two elders to the mine, following his memory.
"I've passed this place so many times but never looked inside. Who knew it was a mine!" Rendall exclaimed.
"This cave is well-hidden, surrounded by wild grass. It's no wonder it wasn't discovered," Thorak picked up a stone, squeezing it to feel the familiar heat, exclaiming, "It's really firestone!"
"Come on, there's more inside," Orion smiled.
As the three ventured deeper into the mine and finally saw the vast deposits of raw firestone, even with some mental preparation, the elders were stunned.
They shouted in excitement, clutching the firestone.
"It's really firestone, so much of it! Orion wasn't lying!"
"Fantastic! If we can secure this mine, the Blackstone Tribe will become the strongest in the Black Forest!"
Compared to the elders' excitement, Orion remained calm, noticing a problem.
The mine's entrance was large, but the space narrowed as they went deeper.
Giants were large, and if they couldn't fit, mining would be troublesome.
They discussed the issue.
"Orion, see if you can reach the deepest part of the mine and find anything."
"But be careful. If there's danger, retreat immediately. We've got your back."
Orion nodded, his smaller size making him suitable for the task.
He squeezed through, finding the space expanded deeper inside.
The mine resembled a horizontal hourglass, with the middle being the narrowest part.
Orion looked around, the mine was vast, with firestone everywhere.
But because of this, the temperature was high, making him uncomfortable.
Orion noted the surroundings and prepared to leave, but then he noticed a strange symbol on the wall.
A trident-like symbol... it stood out, representing something that once existed.
Curious, Orion touched it.
Suddenly, the entire mine shook, pebbles falling.
"Holy shit."
Orion was startled; the symbol was some kind of seal, and he had triggered it!
Instantly, the shaking subsided, and a massive rumble echoed through the cave!
A blue portal emerged from the wall, and a strange creature appeared.
It had green skin, no eyes, stood half Orion's height, and wielded a pickaxe-like weapon.
Orion didn't let his guard down, as moments later, a dozen more of these creatures emerged from the portal!
[Creature: Troglodyte]
[Level: Standard]
[Weight: 150 pounds]
[Strength: 9]
[Agility: 2]
[Intelligence: 4]
Skill: Mining
Traits: A creature that lives in mines, with degenerated eyes but extremely sensitive hearing.
What are these, cave miners?
Orion watched them coldly.
Suddenly, a red-skinned troglodyte leader appeared from the portal, wielding a small trident, matching the wall symbol.
But even as a weapon, the trident was like a toy to Orion.
Orion checked its attributes through the panel:
[Creature: Troglodyte Leader]
[Level: Elite]
[Weight: 300 pounds]
[Strength: 22]
[Agility: 17]
[Intelligence: 14]
Skill: Stone Skin
Traits: Can use rocks to enhance skin defense in battle, making it highly resistant to conventional weapons.
Orion: "...."
An elite-level leader.
Not unbeatable, though. Among elite creatures, this troglodyte leader was relatively weak, with less strength than Orion.
The only issue was its Stone Skin skill, making it extremely tough.
Retreat or fight?
As Orion pondered, the troglodytes became agitated, the leader using its keen hearing to locate Orion, attacking swiftly!
Orion raised his greatsword, blocking the leader's attack!
The leader's strikes couldn't harm him, but due to Stone Skin, Orion couldn't hurt it either.
Frustrated, the leader screeched, rallying the green-skinned troglodytes to charge Orion!
Boring... Orion watched them coldly. These green-skinned troglodytes were just cannon fodder.
One Whirlwind Slash could kill them all, Orion prepared to swing but paused.
The panel displayed a new newbie quest!
[Kill the Troglodyte Leader, reward 15 troglodyte miner slaves!]
Orion quickly adjusted, using the flat of his sword to knock out the green-skinned troglodytes!
With the minions dealt with, Orion focused on the leader.
They clashed again, the leader resilient under Stone Skin, its physical resistance high. Magic might work, but Orion couldn't use it.
Outside, the elders heard the fight but couldn't enter, watching helplessly.
Suddenly, Elder Thorak remembered something, shouting, "The troglodyte's ears are weak points, try using your spear, stab its ears!"
"Not effective!" Orion shouted back.
He had tried targeting weak points like eyes, heart, brainstem, all ineffective.
"Ah, weapon strength! Orion's weapon isn't strong enough! If he had an elite weapon, maybe he could do it!" Elder Rendall exclaimed, slapping his head.
But Orion realized, his weapon might not work, but the leader's might. He had a 1000% trident weapon effect bonus!
Grab that trident!
In a clash, Orion seized the moment, striking the leader's right arm!
The trident flew free, and Orion snatched it!
Though small, holding the trident, Orion felt he could see the leader's weak points!
No, he had gained the ability to target weak points.
Disarmed, the leader roared, leaping to reclaim its weapon!
But Orion charged, trident in hand, swinging upward!
The scene froze.
The sharp trident pierced through the rectum, the leader's body shuddering, letting out a scream that echoed through the cave!
It clutched its butthole, writhing in agony, then died.
At the entrance, the two elders watched, feeling a chill below.
"...That must hurt."
"Probably..."