"More...?! More than just a few minutes of time?! Explain yourself!" the kobold leader demanded, gripping his spear even tighter.
Track...!
The other kobolds followed their leader's example, sweating profusely as they readied themselves in case the response was unsatisfactory.
"As you yourself said, kobold leader, the dungeon needs a reform. A major transformation is required to strengthen all its inhabitants, from the inside out. This isn't something that can be achieved by simply eliminating the goblins and labeling them as dead weight."
"You're not saying anything new. We've also thought that a reform is needed, but we don't have the power to make it happen. You're just here trying to save your own kind!" the leader shouted again.
'That's how dungeon monsters are. They face danger even when they know they stand no chance. I could just kill them all and be done with this charade, but it seems the god of this world has given me a good opportunity to evolve quickly...'
Sigh...!
"Certainly, I won't deny that I want to save them because they're goblins like me. Still, think about it: with me in the first line of defense, how much time do you think I could buy you?"
The kobold leader fell into deep thought. In his eyes, the magnificence of the aura emitted by Valipher was reflected.
Adventurers with magical perception might classify him as a highly dangerous creature—perhaps even strong enough to be the final boss of a small dungeon!
Glup!
'With that power, he could buy us hours... No, maybe even days!' This was a collective thought among those present.
"Even so, you said it yourself—if the first line gets stronger, then they'll just send stronger adventurers!" said the old goblin Rastre, worried.
Valipher couldn't help but be momentarily speechless.
'Hey, old man, do you really want to die?'
"Of course, that's also part of my plan. I can't reveal more for now, but I beg you all to place your trust in me!"
Valipher's blood-red eyes gleamed with intensity. What normally would have been words spoken in submission, when uttered by the young goblin, were instead filled with an almost despotic authority.
"Kuh...!" The kobold leader remained silent for a few moments.
'I was willing to kill them all for just a few minutes. If this goblin can really give us days, then I can't complain...'
"Alright then, but I, along with the weaker members of the dungeon, expect to see positive results."
The kobolds turned back toward their phase and began walking, except for the leader.
"My name is Kaelius. Kaelius Tara Ven Machia VII. How should I address you, leader of the goblins?"
'There's no nepotism involved in choosing a monster leader; it's decided by pure strength, so it's not wrong to call me the leader of the goblins.'
'Since we're in the Machia Forest, I suppose I should identify as if I'm from here, or I'll be seen as an outsider.'
"Remember well, Kaelius-sama. My name is Valipher Vexaris Ven Machia."
Kaelius remained contemplative but finally nodded with determination.
"I'll leave it to you then, Vexaris-sama." The kobold turned and walked away with his tribe.
As the kobold tribe departed, Valipher glanced at the goblins, who were trembling in his presence.
Sigh...!
"Well, there's no need to keep showing off my aura. Forge!"
[spell.forge::add_magic_ocultation {
target: entity::ID[15504];
effect_to_add: Magic_aura_ocultation;
duration: 0;
visual_effect: {
particle_type: burst[RGB(128, 0, 128)];
particle_size: 3cm;
particle_lifespan: 2s;
particle_density: 25;
};
on_cast: {
apply_effect(target, Magic_aura_ocultation);
apply_visual_effect(target);
};
on_complete: {
maintain_effect(target, Magic_aura_ocultation);
remove_visual_effect(target);
};
}]
Valipher's body lit up with a purple glow even more radiant than his aura, and the magical power emanating from him calmed.
Gradually, the goblins began to relax. Those who had been on the ground stood up, and those who were already standing stopped trembling.
"Since you've already heard my name, it would be foolish to repeat it. I won't pretend with you, as it's obvious you know I'm not truly a Ven Machia, but I hope you can accept me as one."
Valipher respectfully bowed to the elder Rastre, causing everyone, including the elder himself, to be startled.
"Th-The honorable leader of the goblins shouldn't bow before this old man. Even though you are an outsider, we cannot turn our backs on the one who has given us another day of life. We're not as cruel as the kobolds."
The young goblin simply nodded, a bead of sweat sliding down his cheek.
'It's a bit strange to be treated like this by someone so much older than me…'
"Lead the way to the base, Rastre-san."
"Y-Yes. B-By the way, my lord, there's no need to use any honorific with this old man!"
Sigh...!
'I don't think I'll ever get used to this!'
. . .
In a plain surrounded by trees and vegetation, sixteen goblins stood together.
"So, these are the burrows, right?" asked the young goblin.
"That's correct, my lord... Would you like me to gather all the goblins from the burrow for your ascension to power?"
'Goblins live in burrows hidden underground. Normally, it's a network of tunnels with compartments that serve as homes for goblin families. In the end, each has a name and surname; the only thing uniting them is belonging to the same burrow and race.'
"No, not yet. Send everyone home for now, and take me to yours; I need concrete data on the burrow."
"Y-Yes! You all heard him, everyone can go rest." With refined gestures, the elder gave the command.
"YES!" All the goblins shouted in unison.
Valephir smiled and nodded repeatedly at their actions.
'That's how a ruler should be! If I want to have a say, I need to learn well from the old man.'
"Please follow me, my lord, to my humble abode. Magic Archive: Vision of the Hidden!"
Once again, Rastre extended his hand toward an empty spot in the plain, and a green magic circle formed in his palm.
WOOSH!
Another magic circle embedded in the ground responded to the magic summoned by Rastre, revealing an old wooden hatch hidden among some branches and stones.
Upon opening the hatch, the young goblin saw stairs descending, illuminated by a faint light at the bottom.
The tunnels were vast galleries of earth, wide enough for three goblins to run side by side without getting in each other's way. The walls were firmly packed dirt, and the air was humid, filled with the scent of soil and underground vegetation. As they walked, torches flickered on the walls, casting a warm, flickering light.
Along the tunnel, small houses were embedded in the walls, each with sturdy, small doors adorned with signs bearing the surnames of their inhabitants. The torches inside these homes also burned, casting their light through the windows and creating a warm glow that spilled into the dark tunnel.
Scattered along the path were barrels of water, some empty and others full, serving as reserves for the residents. Some passageways led into the darkness, ending in dead ends.
Finally, Valipher and Rastre reached their destination.
Creak…!
The creaking of the door as it opened was loud, causing Rastre to blush slightly.
Valipher felt like laughing at the absurdity of the situation but settled for shaking his head and whispering, "It's fine."
The lone torch illuminating the room struggled to stay alight, flickering with every breeze that entered through the single window beside the door. A little light from the tunnel torches filtered through the opening.
The old wooden floor creaked softly underfoot, creating a surprisingly cozy contrast with the surrounding dirt and stone walls. In the center of the space stood a sturdy table surrounded by four worn chairs, while in a somewhat hidden corner was a small straw bed covered with a blanket that seemed to be made of sunflowers.
'It's really sad to see the poverty they live in…'
"When I told you I'd show you my humble abode, I wasn't lying. Hehe~ Come in, this is your home now; you can sit," Rastre invited kindly.
"I'll take you up on that."
Valephir sat down while Rastre remained standing, making the young goblin feel out of place.
Sigh…
'I don't have time for this…'
"Come on, sit down; we have much to discuss!"