"A war," I rumble to myself while looking at the ceiling.
After the conversation that we had yesterday, Markus and the Queen requested us to prepare and improve ourselves for the allotted two months. According to the royals, the other Kingdoms that would attack our empire are diligent for wars and licit affairs, considering they reign above the continents. However, looking back from where I stand, what should a goblin do to level up?
When I ask these sorts of terms, Markus tilts his head in confusion and asks what these statuses are and levels I speak of. I thought these systems that I have were common in this world, but Grer, Izz, and I are the only ones capable of these options. It is also confusing that I can distinguish their strengths, although limited, with the use of their levels and stats similar to us three goblins.
"That damn god," I curse the ancient deity who threw me to this realm with no bonus stats, equipment, and titles. Instead, he used me as a pawn and transformed my handsome self into a green goblin, second weakest creature; rather than slimes, which are the most feeble.
Looking at the casement, I notice that the sun had already risen to the east, accompanied by the morning birds chirping to the west. The villagers below run around in harmony, unaware about the distant danger they would face; not until later.
Children with their cheerful faces circle the plaza, holding their handmade toy-a ball made of glued hay. The farmers and other civvies are all doing their specific jobs while greeting the soldiers on standby.
Today was the day that Markus will announce to the people the commencement of the war. Winter is coming next month, and the entire city would need to prepare some supplements to provide for the army.
"Sir, Lake?" A man lightly knocks on the door, asking for my presence.
Not wanting to be rude, I yelled as loud as my goblin voice could and told him I am already awake.
Recognising my voice, the attendant opens the door and brings a tray with mouthwatering varieties of meals. The royal family treats me like a human, but somewhere along with the menu, there was a plant that soothes my nostrils.
However, before I can even put the leaf inside my mouth, my intact body reacts and propels the herb away from me. Then, I enhance my movements with the use of my water ability and try something new.
[Congratulations, you have unlocked a new skill!]
-Unlocked skill
[Water Jet]-Increases the dexterity of the user for a limited time (30 seconds). Consumes 7 Arcane. The magic will dispel if the temperature of the surrounding is too hot or too cold.
Using the unheard ability, I coat my legs with the stream of water jet and launch myself to the attendant. The equerry could not react and receive the full blow of my kick. His body hovers and crashes to the wall, not entirely killing him but enough to make disabled. I notice the peculiar bug latching on his nape, concealed with a cloth camouflaging the colour of his epidermis. At once, I pull the pest off his back as he gradually regains his senses.
"Master, Lake!" The server cries while glancing at the teacup resting on the saucer. "Someone mixed the tea with poison, and so the others!"
After hearing his news, I immediately released him from my grip and dash around the enormous levels of the castle. Fortunately, before we had adjourned the meeting yesterday, I discerned the route of their bedrooms, memorising them just for this event.
I first move towards the maid's lounge and notify the guard's station inside. At first, they did not believe my words and claimed it as slander. After all, who would believe a mere globin-they said while resuming back to their routines. However, one servant under the direct supervision of the squire defends my reasons. Believing his words, the servicemen swiftly sprints over to the bedrooms to inform the rest of the Windsor family.
I quickly reinstalled my water jets and skied to the hall as fast as I could.
__________________________________________________________________
Thankfully, none of the royals living in the fortress have had symptoms of taking the toxin from the malicious plant. Everyone gathers around at the meeting room in the latter section of the first storey. All the prominent leaders, elders, and ministers present themselves with utmost pride and competence befitting to lead the country. I also notice that most of the figureheads are a mixture of species known as the demi-humans. The officials comprise the elves, dwarves, and the animania-half human and half animal.
"What brings us here, Markus?" The pointy-eared elf asks while taking a sip to his wooden glass.
He has a scrawny figure with a thin mithril armour cladding his vital points. His skin was akin to the colour of an apricot with a touch of white and yellow hue. Like the stories that describe their mien, he has a look of an early adult in his prime. But I would not let his looks deceive me because I know too well that they have a long-lasting age compared to the short-lived humans. The two guards at both of his flanks share the same features as the representative, and the only things different are their uniforms and choice of weapons.
The right sentry holds a dagger in each side concealed with the leather belt wrapped around his waist. His remaining guard is a woman that has a coil-shaped wand specifically utilising magic and sorcery. She also has a big-bosomed breast despite her craggy figure, making me question about the balance of her stature. Her face looks charming, youthful, and angelic, captivating most of the men present in the round table.
The official, however, has an enchanted glimmering bow dyed in gold and lime green. It has a size similar to the leader himself, wondering how he can use the long quiver. The three of them, when together, should be a potent force that can stand against a hundred army of footmen alone.
Seated at his right is the representative of the dwarves' race. Much like from the fantasy books that I know, they are short, burly, and have a lengthy and unclean beard reaching nearly on the floor. Each of the dwarves has their pair of goggles resting on top of their foreheads, symbolising their love of crafting and blacksmithing. Their taste of weapon is a hammer made with refined ores and metals simply used for their line of work or pounding their enemies.
Settled beside the dwarves is the animania kind. Their assembly involves three women attending the meeting. The woman from the left shares an akin resemblance to werewolves because of their protruding canines. The lady on the right side has an appearance complementing the Felis catus-also known as the cats. She has broad and upright ears with a tail careeringly waving.
Two of the guards have their swords sheathed on their hips and short daggers on their back.
Meanwhile, the representative of the animania comes close to a majestic fox. Her four tails, painted with a crimson hue, complements her plump lips and debonair fingernails. Her chest size exceeds that of the girl elf seated close to her. Somehow, I could feel that her eyes gradually lured me into the abyss, charming me with her lustful essence.
"Keep it together, Blake," I tell myself while hiding my erection in the thin piece of goblin cloth.
Markus, who had just arrived from the ingress, catches the attention of everyone, especially to the elf. Their eyes meet for a second, but the King of Joker averts his eyes and continues in his speech.
"Today, the territory of Spades and the neighbouring empire had declared war against our city."
Markus pauses for a while and reviews the expression of the attending members of the council.
As much as we had expected, their faces turned pale and frightened after hearing the declaration of war.
"I thought they respected the treaty?" The elder dwarf scowls while pounding his hammer, nearly wrecking the board. "Such nonsense!."
"Relax your lousy moustache, Draven. Your temper irritates me." The foxtail woman said while hurling her august tail on her lips, concealing her wicked smile. "No wonder you are not popular with the women~."
"I dare you to say that again, old hag, and I will cut one of your tails," The old dwarven retorted whilst aiming his hammer at the fox.
Without warning, Markus calls forth the celestial sword and splits the round table into half. The audience's eyes peer through the mess and avert their gaze back to the King.
"Silence, insolent fools." Markus' voice roars over the chamber, almost reaching the outside cottages. "This is not the time for fun and games."
His veins on his head protrude on the surface as I see him gritting both of his teeth and fists. Four magic circles, from all the basic attributes known to humankind, take their form and gather around.
I have never seen Markus this mad; not even from before.