Haruki stood before the judge, his hands bound in chains, his white hair falling over his face as he stared defiantly at the man in charge. The courtroom was packed with onlookers—dwarfs, demi-humans, and even a few humans—murmuring amongst themselves.
The judge, a stern-faced dwarf with a long gray beard, glared at Haruki. "You are charged with assaulting a nobleman and causing a disruption in this city. How do you plead?"
Haruki smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Oh, I plead guilty," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But let's get something straight. He was talking down to the workers—people who've been busting their asses to fix this city after that disaster. Someone needed to put him in his place."
The courtroom erupted in whispers.
"Silence!" the judge roared, banging his gavel. "You dare to justify your actions in my courtroom? Do you think yourself above the law?"
Haruki shrugged. "Not above the law—just above idiots like that so-called nobleman. He's not a leader, just a boss who sits back and orders everyone else around. Maybe if he did some actual work, I'd respect him. But he doesn't, so why should I?"
The nobleman, sitting to the side of the courtroom, turned red with fury. "You insolent brat! You poured alcohol on me!"
Haruki smirked. "Yeah, I thought you liked alcohol. My bad. Guess I misunderstood."
The crowd burst into laughter, but the judge slammed his gavel again, his face flushed with anger. "Enough of this mockery! I hereby sentence you to twelve years in prison for your crimes against a noble!"
Haruki threw his head back and laughed. "Twelve years? For hitting that guy? Yeah, no thanks."
Before anyone could react, Haruki flexed his arms, and the chains binding him snapped with a metallic clang. The guards rushed forward, but Haruki moved faster. He dashed to Grix, breaking his chains as well, and grabbed him by the arm.
"Time to go," Haruki said with a grin.
The guards tried to block their escape, but Haruki spun and kicked two of them aside with ease. "Sorry, boys, but you can't keep up!" he called over his shoulder as he and Grix bolted out of the courtroom.
Once outside, Haruki summoned his wolf companion with a sharp whistle. The massive creature appeared from the shadows, its fur shimmering under the dim sunlight. Haruki hoisted Grix onto the wolf's back and climbed up himself.
As they sped out of the city, the sound of hooves thundered behind them. Haruki turned, ready to fight, but he saw Jack and his crew on horseback. "If you're leaving," Jack called out, "we're coming with you!"
Haruki smirked. "Suit yourselves!"
They rode hard and fast, the guards shouting and scrambling behind them, but Haruki activated his Assassin's Presence skill. The air around them shimmered, and they became nearly invisible, their movements undetectable. The guards lost their trail within minutes, shouting curses as they disappeared into the wilderness.
Back at the goblin village, the atmosphere was filled with energy and hope. Jack and his crew got to work immediately, constructing sturdy homes and fortifying the village's defenses. Haruki watched them with a sense of satisfaction, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.
"You guys are doing amazing," he called out to Jack, who waved back with a grin.
As the sun set, Haruki sat around a small campfire with Grix and a few of the goblins. He held a cup of water, sipping it slowly. "What's that you're drinking, Lord Haruki?" Grix asked curiously.
"Just water," Haruki replied. "I'm not old enough for anything stronger, and besides, I need a clear head."
Grix tilted his head. "You're so strong, though. You act like someone much older."
Haruki smirked but didn't reply, his thoughts drifting to Yuki and Dante. He hadn't seen them since Vedryn's attack. "They'll be fine," he muttered to himself, but a small part of him couldn't help worrying.
A few days later, Haruki learned about a nearby dungeon from one of the villagers. "It's dangerous," the elder goblin warned. "Few return from its depths. Are you sure you want to go alone?"
Haruki grinned, his white hair catching the light. "Dangerous, huh? Sounds like fun."
He set out early the next morning, his dagger strapped to his side and his wolf by his side. The dungeon was a foreboding place, its entrance hidden among twisted trees and jagged rocks. Haruki stepped inside, his Zetsu flaring slightly as he prepared for whatever lay ahead.
Hours later, Haruki emerged, bloodied but victorious. His body ached, but he felt stronger than ever. He clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing through him.
"New skills, huh?" he muttered, examining his abilities. One, in particular, stood out—Full Heal. "So, it lets me recover from major injuries and stamina loss. I wonder… can it even heal missing limbs?" He chuckled to himself, brushing off the thought for now.
As he stepped away from the dungeon, something caught his eye—a mask lying on the ground. It was sleek and simple, with faint runes etched into its surface. Haruki knelt down, using his Scan skill to analyze it.
"Mask of Suppression," the skill read. "Capable of hiding one's power and presence."
Haruki smirked, slipping the mask onto his face. Instantly, he felt his aura disappear, his Zetsu no longer leaking out uncontrollably. "This is… pretty cool," he said, adjusting the mask.
He looked out over the horizon, the goblin village visible in the distance. With new skills, new allies, and new tools, Haruki felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead.
The chapter ends.