「Invisible message: Welcome to a Low-Class Colonized Planet. Destroy the slave factory or survive. Time Remaining: 1 hour 46 minutes.」

***

After taking a moment to carefully consider my options, I decided to head toward the central building. The rationale behind this choice was straightforward: critical facilities were typically situated at the heart of a complex such as this one.

Moreover, the thick, black plumes of smoke rising from the central structure made it stand out even more.

I cradled Doppy securely in my arms and meticulously descended the fortress wall.

“Have you located the intruder?”

“Not yet, sir!”

“Any signs of scaling along the walls?”

“We’re… not sure, sir!”

“Not sure? What do you mean ‘not sure’?”

“My apologies, sir! I’ll confirm immediately!”

It seemed the soldiers passing by still hadn’t considered the possibility that I could already be inside the fortress. Their voices echoed loudly as they exchanged reports, unaware of my presence.

The insignias affixed to their uniforms suggested that some held positions of authority, so I strained my ears in an attempt to glean some useful information. My eavesdropping proved fruitful, as a significant piece of information slipped through during my careful listening.

“Damn it! We have to resolve this before the Overseer returns! Move faster!”

“When is the Overseer expected back?”

“It’s been a week since it was last seen, so how would I know? We’ve already squeezed this planet dry. It could be a while before it returns. Regardless, if we don’t have this situation handled by the time it returns, we’re all as good as dead.”

The Overseer.

I didn’t know how strong the Overseer was, but I still found it fortunate that it wasn’t here. Its absence meant these creatures would be slow to respond and less effective in organizing their defenses.

Having gathered all the intel I could, I made my way toward the central building. As I approached, the incessant clanging of metal grew louder and louder, filling the air.

Clang, clang—

The rhythmic sound reminded me of a busy forge. Amidst the din, I caught occasional shouts like, “Move faster!” or “Keep the pace steady!”

Did I choose the wrong building? Does this place simply forge weapons for the soldiers?

No, I couldn’t jump to conclusions just yet. It was possible that the entire goal of the optional hidden mission was to sabotage this facility—perhaps this was their primary armory and weapons depot.

If that were the case, destroying it would be a critical objective. I needed to get inside and confirm.

With this thought in mind, I moved closer, intent on sneaking in. Unfortunately, the iron door was firmly shut, posing a significant problem.

There’s no straightforward way to enter.

These creatures were already aware of my ability to turn invisible. If the door suddenly opened without anyone visibly present, it would immediately alert them to the fact that I had breached the fortress.

Simply waiting around wasn’t a viable option either, as there was no telling when the door might open again.

Hmm, what should I do?

The lack of messages from the tower only made the situation more complicated. Without knowing how much time I had left, it was difficult to formulate a clear strategy.

If I had ample time, I could afford to exercise patience. However, if the countdown was running low, I would have to take risks to force my way in.

As I stood contemplating my options, I heard footsteps approaching me.

“Oshuke, is it really necessary to inspect the weapons factory? We haven’t found any sign of the intruder yet—”

“Enough. We need to increase our vigilance inside the fortress as well, just in case.”

A seemingly high-rank goblin wearing many insignias and an orc soldier were headed in my direction. The orc reached out and swung the door open wide, allowing the goblin to step inside.

I caught a glimpse of the factory’s interior through the opening. It was a hive of activity, with various creatures laboring away as they crafted weapons, shields, and other armaments.

Automated machinery churned alongside creatures that hammered manually, blending the crude atmosphere of a medieval forge with the harsh precision of modern industrial production.

Focus. This is no time to be gawking.

Seizing the opportunity, I slipped through the open door behind the orc. Letting them guide me, I silently shadowed them into the bustling factory.

However, nothing seemed to suggest that this place was anything more than a weapons manufacturing plant. My gaze then landed on a massive furnace positioned at the center of the factory.

It wasn’t because the furnace appeared more significant than anything else, however.

If I need to destroy the factory to complete this trial… then collapsing that furnace would likely bring the entire operation to a halt.

I decided that would be my backup plan in case I couldn’t identify a more critical target. One little burst of lightning and this furnace would almost certainly explode spectacularly.

While I was lost in thought, the goblin commander began issuing stern warnings to the workers, instructing them to remain on high alert.

“So stay vigilant! If you notice even the slightest abnormality, don’t hesitate and sound the alarm immediately!”

Judging by its tone, it seemed as though it would be leaving the factory soon, most likely to deliver similar warnings to the other buildings within the fortress.

Then, an idea struck me.

I should follow the goblin. If the entrances to the other buildings are as tightly secured as this one, then

it would be nearly impossible to enter them unnoticed.

If I tailed this goblin commander, I could potentially gain access to those other structures without raising suspicion.

Now that I had confirmed this building was nothing more than a weapons factory, it made sense to inspect the others by following it.

Before that, I should conduct one last sweep, just to be sure.

Although there wasn’t enough time to meticulously search every corner of the factory, I activated Flash Strike and swiftly scanned the interior within the slowed perception of time.

Outside of a small, office-like area that could have held some information, nothing appeared particularly significant.

Apparently, it was just a weapons factory.

Having finished my reconnaissance, I turned my attention back to the goblin commander, readying myself to follow it wherever.

***

「Invisible message: Welcome to a Low-Class Colonized Planet. Destroy the slave factory or survive. Time Remaining: 1 hour 27 minutes.」

***

“Are you heading to the barracks now, sir?”

“No, I’m going to the slave factory.”

“But I just checked the slave factory earlier. Is there really a need to go again?”

“I have a bad feeling… It’s as if the intruder is already inside the fortress,” the goblin spoke as its eyes swept over its surroundings, its gaze brushing past me.

I held my breath and tensed, unsure if it was unusually perceptive or simply cautious.

It was most likely the latter. If it truly had such keen senses, it wouldn’t be oblivious to the fact that I was practically right behind it.

However, it did mention a slave factory…

The term struck a chord, making me suspect it had something to do with this floor’s trial. The barracks were probably just quarters for the soldiers and unlikely to be of any real importance.

The conversation between the orc and goblin continued.

“How could he have made it inside the fortress? The walls are far too high. He must have fled after seeing the massive army outside.”

“Ryoken!”

“Apologies, sir.”

“Never make optimistic assumptions. Always consider the worst-case scenario. One day, that misplaced hope will lead you straight to your death.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Chastised by the goblin’s stern words, the orc quickly lowered its head in submission. The goblin, seemingly lost in thought, momentarily glanced up at the sky.

“Bring the soldiers stationed outside the fortress into the interior, immediately. I’m convinced the intruder is already inside.”

“Pardon?”

“Bring them in and have them search the fortress! Move quickly!”

“Yes, sir!”

The orc, spurred on by the goblin’s authoritative command, sprinted toward the main gate. Watching it go, the goblin turned its gaze back in my direction.

“Show yourself.”

What? Does it know I am here?

I was struck by a wave of confusion. However, I quickly realized it was nothing more than a bluff.

It wasn’t making eye contact with me. It was simply acting, much like a child at home alone calling out, “I know you’re there! Come out!” confidently to an imaginary thief.

The goblin was putting on a show, gripping its sword so tightly that its knuckles were turning red from the strain.

“Show yourself!”

The tense silence lasted about ten seconds. Finally, the goblin clicked its tongue in frustration, its cheeks flushing as though embarrassed by its own overreaction.

Using my supernaturally keen hearing, I caught its murmurs, “It felt like someone was watching me.”

Scratch that—maybe it wasn’t merely anxious. Even if it was only instinct, its senses were sharper than I had given it credit for. I would have to be more mindful of where I directed my gaze.

Deciding to drop its act, the goblin resumed its stride toward the slave factory.

The slave factory was located in a dilapidated building behind the main factory. This was the building I had thought resembled a massive sports arena.

The goblin pulled open the enormous iron doors of the factory. Unlike when the orc had opened the door for its superior earlier, the goblin only left a narrow gap, barely wide enough for itself.

I activated Flash Strike. Time slowed to a crawl, allowing me to slip through the partially open door and catch a glimpse of the interior.

What the—?

The grotesque scene within the factory left me momentarily speechless.

Focus. I have to get inside first.

No matter how shocking the sight was, Flash Strike didn’t freeze time completely. I needed to get a better look once I was safely inside.

Following closely behind the goblin, I entered the slave factory and was immediately assaulted by the full horror of the scene before me.

The factory’s interior was divided into two main areas. One section housed a repulsive mass of black tendrils that snaked out in every direction. The other area was occupied by enemy soldiers, torturing and tormenting various species.

Those tentacles look similar to what I saw on the sixth floor.

On the left, dozens of long, slimy tendrils pierced the heads of restrained creatures, much like how I had seen the Seraphim Queen’s larvae first latch onto their hosts. The beings impaled by these tendrils occasionally convulsed violently, their bodies jerking uncontrollably.

To the right, enemy soldiers from various species were branding, beating, and tormenting their own kind—seraphim torturing seraphim, orcs flogging orcs. Despite brutalizing their kin, the soldiers’ faces betrayed not a shred of guilt or remorse.

“Uuuggh...”

“Argh...”

Emaciated and haggard, the victims could barely even muster a feeble groan.

One of the soldiers was busy heating a branding iron when it noticed the goblin, and it hurried over.

“Oshuke, sir!”

“Yes. How much longer until this batch is fully brainwashed?”

“About another week, sir. I’ve heard that the central weapons factory is already producing equipment and armor for them.”

“Good. Then we’ll be able to replenish some of the forces lost during the last conscription.”

So that’s what this slave factory really is.

They were torturing these beings, turning ordinary creatures into mindless slave soldiers.

My body grew hot as my breathing quickened. The pitiful sight of the broken, emaciated creatures seared itself into my vision, bringing with it a haze of mounting anger.

This… This is what would happen to the people of Earth if I fail to conquer the tower.

My fingertips began to tremble faintly.

Doppy was standing beside me and covering its mouth desperately, shaking uncontrollably. Watching goblins torture other goblins—seeing its own kind inflict such cruelty—must have been a tremendous shock for it.

I gently patted Doppy’s head to comfort it.

A surge of fury welled up from within me.

Who do these creatures think they are? How dare they subject others to such torment?

I wanted to scream out, demanding an answer. But I refrained.

After all, everyone here, even the torturers, were themselves victims of brainwashing. They were puppets of some higher power. This was just one more scene of the weak preying on the weak.

The ones who deserve to die are those so-called divine beings who created these wretched colonies.

That didn’t mean these brainwashed soldiers were entirely blameless, however. Torturing, brainwashing, and enslaving other intelligent beings was unjustifiable.

Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do to break their indoctrination. So, I raised my axe instead.

“The intruder is suspected to have already infiltrated

—Ugh

!”

My axe cleaved through the goblin commander’s neck, tearing through its green flesh. One sickening squelch later and the goblin’s head was sent flying, severed cleanly from its body. Not long after, a geyser of green blood erupted from the stump of its neck.

“Aaaargh!”

“I-intruder!”

“Someone killed Oshuke!”

“Sound the alarm! Ring the alarm!”

The creatures’ terrified screams filled the factory.

Deng— Deng— Deng—!

The sound of the alarm reverberated through the building. Someone at the rear seemed to have frantically rung the bell.

Not that it mattered. In order to free the remaining captives and get them out of this hellhole, I had to kill every single guard in this wretched place.

The alarm that started ringing within the factory soon echoed throughout the entire fortress, spreading the sound of impending chaos.