Gornak steps forward, "I am the chief. But… may I bring one of my people with me?" He gestures toward Brak.
The soldier inclines his head slightly. "You may."
The soldier's gaze sweeps over the rest of the goblins. "As for the rest of you, take your time. Explore the city. Everything you see is at your disposal."
Brak exchanges a wary glance with Gornak. "Chief, this city… it feels like something out of a dream. Are you sure about this?"
Gornak said. "We already come this far. We'll see this through."
As they walk through the grand streets toward the palace, the silence between them stretches. Gornak finally breaks it, his voice hushed yet filled with awe.
"This city… it's enormous. I've never seen anything like it."
Brak glances at the towering spires and elaborate carvings.
"Chief, you're the only one among us who's ever been to a human town. What do you think of this place?"
"In my younger days, I did see a human city from the distance—bustling streets, tall buildings, markets overflowing with goods. But compared to this… That city was a village. This place feels like it belongs to a god."
The palace looms before them, an awe-inspiring structure of dark, gleaming stone and towering spires that seem to pierce the sky. The intricate designs etched into its surface shimmer faintly, as if alive. The air around it feels heavy, charged with an unspoken power.
Brak's voice is low. "In this world, we're nothing but goblins, always scurrying to survive. What kind of king lives in a place ?"
Gornak said. "We're about to find out."
Shortly after, they find themselves standing before a massive door, its surface carved with intricate runes that seem to pulse faintly. The royal guard halts, gesturing for them to proceed alone.
The door creaks open, revealing a vast throne room bathed in a soft crimson glow. A powerful aura washes over them, heavy and oppressive. Both goblins instinctively lower their gazes, their legs trembling as they take cautious steps forward.
Brak's voice is a whisper. "Chief… I can't look up. It feels like my body won't let me."
"Stay calm," Gornak murmurs, though his own voice wavers.
They walk further in, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the eerie silence. When they reach the center of the room, Gornak gathers his strength and raises his head. His breath catches.
Sitting upon a dark throne is a regal figure—a monster unlike any Gornak has ever seen. Crimson armor adorned with jagged edges covers his tall frame, and his pale skin gleams faintly under the dim light. Scales ripple along parts of his body, glinting like precious gems. His sharp, crimson eyes lock onto Gornak, and a chilling smile spreads across his face.
"You finally arrived," the figure says, his voice smooth yet carrying a weight that demands submission.
Gornak immediately nudges Brak, who hesitates before dropping to one knee beside him.
"Your Majesty," Gornak says, his tone reverent but cautious. "May I ask why you have summoned us lowly goblins to your great kingdom?"
The figure—Alix—leans forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studies Gornak. "You know how to show courtesy. I'm impressed," he says with a faint smirk.
Gornak bows his head lower. "I have some knowledge of royalty, Your Majesty. But still, I find your invitation… unexpected."
Alix chuckles softly. "Then I will be direct. I want you and your people to join my kingdom."
The words hang in the air, leaving both goblins stunned. Brak glances at Gornak, his disbelief clear.
"Your Majesty… forgive my boldness, but… are you certain? We are but goblins, hunted and scorned by many. Why would a king of your stature want us?"
Alix leans back on his throne. "As you can see, my kingdom is empty. I need citizens. Even if you are goblins, you are welcome here." His tone softens slightly, but the authority in his voice remains.
Gornak looks up briefly, his expression filled with a mix of gratitude and confusion.
"I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you for not discriminating against us goblins. It's rare for anyone to treat us as equals."
Alix's lips curve into a smile. "Haha, in my kingdom, every monster is equal. Strength, loyalty, and determination are what matter here. So, Gornak, will you join me?"
Gornak nods slowly. "It will be our pleasure, Your Majesty. But… I do have a request."
"Yes, Your Majesty. My people… we are not used to such a vast city. It would overwhelm us. If possible, I would like for us to remain in our village. We will, however, pledge our loyalty and pay you tribute in gold coins every month, in exchange for your protection."
Alix's eyes gleam with interest. "Gold coins, you say? Let me see them."
Without hesitation, Gornak reaches into a pouch at his side and retrieves a handful of gold coins. He approaches the throne and places them on the ground before Alix, bowing deeply as he does so.
Alix picks up one of the coins, turning it over in his hand. His heart races, though his expression remains composed. 'These… they're identical to the ones I used in the game. A surge of excitement rushes through him. If this is true, I can use these to revive my subordinates.'
He hides his excitement behind a calm exterior, setting the coin aside.
"Interesting. Very well, Gornak. I will allow your village to remain as it is. As for protection…"
Alix's eyes flick to the darkened corner of the throne room. "Come forth," he commands.
Gornak's voice trembles as he stares. "Sir… are you a hobgoblin?"
"I am," he replies, his voice deep and resonant. "My name is Calak, a humble soldier of His Majesty."
Brak instinctively steps back, his hands trembling. "Chief… a hobgoblin… They're supposed to be nothing but legends. How can one be here?"
Alix watches the exchange, his expression unreadable but inwardly satisfied. They're already looking at Calak like he's a god. This will ensure their unwavering loyalty.