The Goblin Chieftain carefully studied its surroundings, but found nothing.
It turned to look at its people, only to find that they had run off again and were jumping around nearby—chasing sparrows resting in the jungle or wrestling with each other in pairs.
It couldn't help growing even more irritable.
Just as it was about to head to the storehouse to fill its stomach, the air suddenly fell unnaturally quiet.
Then the temperature of the once-cool air began to rise rapidly.
It lifted its head and saw a tiny point ahead releasing a dazzling light. Even as it noticed, the speck of light was rapidly expanding.
"ROAR!!!!"
It let out a loud roar, every hair on its body standing on end.
Then it twisted around, its feet exploding with strength as it launched its body into the distance.
Behind it, the expanding wave of scorching heat was hot on its heels.
"Thud!"
It smashed through a wooden platform with one foot. Splinters flew as it leaped into the air and landed on the bark of a withered giant tree some distance away.
Then its claws, each as long and sharp as a rock spike, sank deep into the bark. Using the friction they provided, the giant-ape-like Goblin Chieftain raced along the massive trunk.
"BOOM!!!"
The fireball exploded in the center of the Goblin nest.
Surging flames and a shock wave spread outward in a ring.
Nearby wooden platforms, rope nets, and bark were blown apart. Along with them went shrieking, tumbling figures, plummeting from above like leaves scattered by the wind.
"BOOM!!"
"BOOM!!"
Before the Goblin Chieftain, hiding behind cover, could run far, it poked its head out to check what was happening. Two more violent explosions rang out within the nest.
Gauss, hovering in the air, paid no mind