After our village was blessed with the griffin by the mysterious traveler from the central continent, we began to thrive. The griffin protected us, keeping the surrounding monsters in check, and this safety allowed us to focus on growth. We developed advanced techniques for cultivating crops and discovered metals in the nearby mountains. Though the deposits were not vast, they were sufficient to forge weapons for our soldiers. With these advancements, we began to expand, occupying more and more territory under my command.
But one day, the chief—our pillar of wisdom and leadership—collapsed. On his deathbed, he named me his successor, appointing me as the new village chief. I did not desire the position. The council of elders, ever meddling, wielded too much power. With the help of Aric, my loyal brother and the first mage , I had the elders arrested and declared myself the sole ruler of our territories. From that day forward, I dedicated my life to building our future.
Fifteen years have passed since that pivotal moment. Our population has grown from a mere 2,000 survivors, bolstered by the addition of rescued humans, to a thriving 15,000. Around 5,000 now live in our capital city, with the rest spread across villages under our domain. My trusted comrades oversee these villages as chiefs. Under my leadership, our people advanced in every aspect—agriculture, metallurgy, and combat. We had clashes with the beastmen in these years, but our soldiers, empowered by body-strengthening techniques and supported by mages, secured victory after victory.
One day scouts brought startling news. Large ships carrying humans were spotted near the western coast. My first thought was of the traveler who had given us the griffin. Were these humans connected to him? Their presence could bring new opportunities—or new threats.
---
The Council Meeting
I summoned my advisors, war generals, and high-ranking mages to the grand hall. Aric stood beside me, as always, a pillar of confidence and strength.
"What would be the intentions of these humans?" endric began, breaking the silence that hung in the room like a heavy fog.
"Our only way to find out is to meet them, brother...uh, Your Majesty," Aric said with a wry smile, earning a few chuckles from the council.
"Yes," added Khan, one of endrics most trusted generals. "But we must not take any chances. It would be wise to station soldiers at a distance, ready to act if things go awry."
Endric stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the map spread out before them. "A cautious approach, Khan, but let us tread carefully. If they are hostile, an overt show of force might provoke them. Yet, if we appear weak or unprepared, we risk being seen as easy prey. We need balance."
Aric stepped forward. "Allow me to lead a small delegation. A show of strength tempered with diplomacy. I will take a few trusted individuals and approach them first."
Endric nodded. "A sound plan. Your abilities will indeed be invaluable. But we need more than intuition. Khan, prepare a scouting unit to monitor their movements. Report back with details about their numbers, equipment, and behavior."
Khan bowed. "As you command, Your Majesty."
One of the scholars, a frail old man with a white beard, raised his hand. "Your Majesty, a gesture of goodwill might be prudent. Perhaps rare herbs, polished gems, and enchanted trinkets as gifts. It could pave the way for an alliance."
"A wise suggestion," endric agreed. "But ensure the gifts do not reveal too much about our capabilities. We must remain cautious."
A young female mage, seated near Aric, spoke up next. "Your Majesty, we could use the griffin as a display of our strength. Its mere presence would serve as a deterrent."
"No," I said firmly. "The griffin is sacred to our people. It has served us well in protecting our lands, but we cannot risk it unnecessarily. If these outsiders prove hostile, the griffin must be reserved for when we truly need it."
"Wise decision, Your Majesty," Aric said with a smirk. "Besides, the griffin might not take kindly to being paraded around as a trophy."
The council chuckled, easing the tension. I stood, my voice firm. "Then it is decided. Aric will lead the delegation, supported by a hidden detachment of soldiers. Khan, ensure their movements are monitored but do not engage unless ordered. Scholars, prepare the gifts. Handle this delicately, but make no mistake—we will defend our people if necessary."
As the meeting concluded, I turned to Aric. "Be careful, brother. If these humans are connected to the traveler who blessed us with the griffin, they may possess powers or knowledge far beyond our understanding. Do not let your guard down."
Aric grinned confidently. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll handle it."
Arics was excited he though he would get a chance to meet his master who taught him in the past and show his growth to his master.
---
The following morning, Aric set out with a small entourage of 10 elite soldiers, two mages, and two wagons carrying gifts. As they neared the foreigners' camp, Aric cast a Language Connection Spell, a shimmering blue light enveloping him before extending to the newcomers.
The foreigners—tall, armored, and armed—gathered defensively. Their leader, a stern man with sharp features, stepped forward cautiously. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "I am Leonor solvainar, captain of this expedition. State your intentions."
Aric inclined his head. "Greetings, Sir Leonor. I am Aric, envoy of King Endric of Navami. We come in peace"
Leroy was shocked as he expected the foreigners to speak in a different language as they belong to different continents and aric could read that on his face.
"Do not be too surprised sir solvainar I am using magic to translate the conversation. "
Says aric
This is Leroys first time seeing magic like this . As a member of royal family and being the second prince he already witnessed some magic from the first mage of his kingdom but this was his first time seeing something like this.