Agu?
Recognizing the name and seeing Mugu's familiarity with this small goblin, Adam's eyes narrowed imperceptibly as he studied the one called Agu.
Agu of the Gigu Tribe?
A minor character from the anime, Agu stood out among the typically dim-witted goblins, who were only marginally smarter than regular goblins. This Agu displayed intelligence nearly on par with a human's.
Adam scrutinized him closely, noting that, aside from being younger, Agu's appearance didn't differ much from other goblins.
At least, to Adam, all goblins looked more or less the same.
Rustle!
Rustle!
The two goblins trailing Agu emerged from the bushes. Meeting Adam's cold, expressionless gaze, they instinctively recoiled, a chill gripping them.
"H-Human." The stammering goblin said, voice trembling with fear.
This human looked frail!
Compared to the mighty trolls, even a young ogre's arm was thicker than this human's thigh. Yet, standing there calmly, he exuded an aura that raised goosebumps on the goblin's skin, akin to the dread inspired by glimpsing a powerful troll from afar.
A primal fear welled up within.
"Lord! They're from our tribe." Mugu said, propping himself up on his arms, his fearful eyes darting to Adam. Swallowing hard, he added nervously, "Not those lowly goblins."
He dreaded Adam treating Agu and the others like the common goblins he'd slaughtered with a single swing.
Agu's legs stiffened. He dropped to his knees, arms braced on the ground, and pressed his forehead into the rotting leaves.
"Great h-human." Agu stammered, his voice quivering as he spoke haltingly, "W-we come from the Gigu Tribe, deep in the forest. We're not lowly goblins. P-please, spare Mugu-nii. We offer precious items."
Agu's words jolted the two goblins behind him.
They hurriedly removed the large wooden baskets from their backs, placing them before them, and knelt alongside Agu in a慌张 flurry.
"Oh?" Adam's face showed a mix of surprise and amusement. He tilted his head toward Mugu, sprawled on the ground. "Seems you hold a high position in your tribe."
"Of course, lord." Mugu replied, his battered green face swelling with pride. "I'm the tribe's hero."
Hero?
Adam chuckled, stepping forward to inspect the two large baskets in front of Agu.
One was brimming with various herbs, many with dried soil clinging to their roots, clearly freshly harvested.
The other contained an assortment of odd-looking mushrooms, predominantly blue and peculiar in shape, likely poisonous.
Herbs? Mushrooms?
Adam raised an eyebrow, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he looked at the kneeling Agu. "You're clever. Smarter than I expected."
Though unfamiliar with these herbs and mushrooms, Adam knew they were harvested from the depths of the Great Forest of Tob.
Their value in the outside world would be considerable.
Yet, for the Gigu Tribe, living deep in the forest, these items held little worth.
This wasn't Agu being cunning.
On the contrary!
Agu clearly understood what held value in human society.
For a tribe like the Gigu, struggling to survive in the jungle's depths, they had little that would catch a human's eye.
Most notably, Agu's approach, proposing a trade-like exchange, was strikingly different from typical demi-human behavior. It was surprising.
This went beyond mere intelligence.
Hearing Adam's praise, Agu kept his head bowed, unsure why this formidable human had complimented him.
But one thing was clear: the herbs offered seemed to satisfy him!
Whew...
Agu's taut nerves eased slightly. He'd guessed correctly.
After hearing from goblins fleeing to the forest's depths that Mugu was captured but not killed, Agu had surmised this human harbored animosity toward goblins, not their kind.
In goblin eyes, they were an entirely different species from common goblins!
With this in mind, Agu saw an opportunity to use forest herbs to forge a connection with this human.
But… who was stronger? This human or the trolls?
Surely the trolls were mightier.
Agu's mind swirled with thoughts.
"What's the situation with the trolls in the forest's depths?" A calm voice asked, reaching Agu's ears as he lay prostrate.
The sudden question made Agu lift his head, meeting Adam's composed gaze as he stood nearby, arms crossed, looking down.
The towering figure sent a shiver through Agu.
He quickly lowered his head again.
"G-Great lord…" Agu stammered, confused by the question.
"With so many goblins dead in the outskirts, plus the commotion I've caused." Adam said, tapping a finger lightly on his arm, "even you goblins know about it. The trolls must be aware, no?"
Adam knew little about the trolls ruling the forest's depths. Agu offered a chance to gather intel.
"They know, lord." Agu replied hastily, his face clouding with dejection as he recalled his plea for aid. "To the trolls, goblins are mere fodder. Their deaths mean nothing."
They don't care?
Adam's eyes flickered.
He'd been cautious, fearing his actions would draw the trolls' attention, sticking to the forest's outermost regions.
Agu's words made him realize he'd been overly careful.
It made sense.
Given the trolls' arrogant, reckless nature, ignoring even Ainz Ooal Gown, who repelled them twice with ease, yet failing to grasp the gap in power, their coarse temperament wouldn't care about scores of dead goblins in the outskirts.
He could've been bolder.
Adam gave an imperceptible shake of his head, then pressed on. "Tell me about the forest's depths and everything you know about the trolls."
Agu realized this human sought information on the trolls.
Far from withholding, he spilled every detail he knew.
If possible, he dearly wished this human would deal with those wretched trolls.
After learning more detailed intel about the trolls, Adam's face broke into a satisfied smile.
The harvest was substantial.
Next time he ventured into the Great Forest of Tob, he'd be better prepared to face the trolls.
With a wave of his hand, Adam stored the two wooden baskets in his item box.
Agu cautiously raised his head, his round eyes widening in shock as the baskets vanished into thin air.
Gone?
Incredible!
Some kind of magical item ability?
***
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