Goblins are weak and cowardly monsters.
However, goblins living in packs act in groups of anywhere from a few to dozens. As their numbers increase, they become proportionally more proactive and aggressive.
There were many cases where novices, full of confidence because they were "just goblins," charged in only for their mercenary group to be wiped out.
"You guys call yourselves mercenaries and you're running away from goblins!"
But even such a goblin pack is ultimately just goblins.
They have a habit of avoiding a fight and fleeing if the opponent looks strong or outnumbers them.
Chris likely planned to lead a large number of mercenaries to scare the goblins away.
In fact, the normal progression in the tutorial was for the goblins to flee first.
However, because a few mercenaries fled first, the goblins perceived the remaining mercenaries as a pack weaker than themselves.
Goblins are cowardly and cautious, but they are extremely aggressive toward opponents weaker than them.
