"As expected, my king," Forlune said, his laughter rich and hearty. “You disappear for a few hours and you come back with a full army by your side.”
"It's been a long journey to this moment," Thorian acknowledged, his eyes meeting Brix's. He turned back to Forlune and issued his orders. "Escort our new allies to the Village Hall, along with Brix. Tonight, the focus is on establishing them as citizens and securing them shelter. We'll convene tomorrow to discuss their integration into various units."
"Understood, my king," Forlune responded, though a look of puzzlement crossed his face. “But how do I talk with them? They don’t seem to understand our language, and I definitely don’t understand theirs.”
"Brix will assist you," Thorian assured him, then directed his gaze toward the young shaman apprentice. "In addition to aiding Forlune with logistics, I have another task for you. I want a comprehensive account of the goblin tribe—everything from their total numbers to the specifics of their hierarchy, including how many hobgoblins there are and under which champion or elder they serve. Compile this information and present it to Melina. Do you understand?"
"Understood, Master," Brix replied, nodding with palpable enthusiasm. "I'll carry out your instructions to the letter."
“What about the classes, king?” Forlune inquired. “Should I tour them around the guilds to get their classes?”
"Not today," Thorian answered, shaking his head decisively. "We'll address that tomorrow. For tonight, just provide them with shelter and keep a watchful eye. The guarding duty should be lighter since the portals will cease to appear shortly."
Forlune glanced skyward, his smile tinged with complexity. “Oh, this will be the end of the second day,” he mused.“It’s been a long two days. But now we’re finally going to receive those rewards we have been promised for so long.”
"First thing tomorrow, we'll convene a meeting to assess the village's progress and outline our agenda for the day," Thorian said, more to himself than anyone else. Then, locking eyes with Forlune, he concluded, "That's all for now. Stay vigilant, and report back to me immediately should anything go awry."
“I will do that,” Forlune acknowledged with a nod, signaling the end of their conversation. He, along with Brix and a detachment of warriors, took on the duty of escorting the goblin newcomers, while Thorian commenced his patrol along the outer wall's perimeter.
As he walked, Thorian remained vigilant for any structural weaknesses or suspicious areas in the fortifications. To his relief, he found none. At each gate he passed, he paused to reflect on the events of the past few hours.
Nothing adverse had occurred, which not only relieved him but also signified the increasing strength of his village. A particularly noteworthy development was the complete evolution of the last few brown kobloids into their advanced kobold forms. Though he had anticipated this milestone within a few days, they had achieved it in nearly half the time.
At present, the kobolds serving as combatants in Thorian’s forces were roughly on par with the goblin champions, albeit slightly less powerful. However, once these kobolds underwent their first-class advancement, they would likely outmatch the champions in their current state.
Good, Thorian thought, a wisp of a smile crossing his lips. This should serve as a clear message to any would-be challengers among the champions.
While the goblins had agreed to submit to Thorian as part of their arrangement, he understood the intricacies of the mind all too well. Even if they feared his power and appreciated Brix's diplomatic skills, there was still the potential for discord if they perceived the kobolds under Thorian's rule as weak. Such perceptions could sow the seeds of rebellious thoughts, which might eventually germinate into plans and actions.
But this should make it clear. Even my least capable fighters can match their most formidable warriors.
With this satisfying thought in mind, Thorian set about erecting guardhouses near each of the four outer gates. These structures were intended exclusively for the guards tasked with vigilant, round-the-clock shifts, providing security against external threats.
Just as Thorian placed the finishing touches on the final guardhouse, a notification materialized before him. Monster Quest Fully Completed Now Serving Rewards
Level up!
Level up!
Level up! Skill Acquired Predator’s Gaze Predator’s Gaze Description Sharpen your focus and momentarily heighten your vision, allowing you to see heat signatures through obstacles. Rewards for Milestone 4 will be shown in the next evolution.
Just as Thorian’s lips parted into a smile as he saw the rewards pouring in, another set of notifications appeared in front of him. Revenge on the Monsters Fully Completed Now Serving Rewards
Level up!
Level up!
Level up! Error: All class starting skills already acquired and fully mastered. Generating new reward Skill Acquired Elemental Perception Description Supercharge your eyes temporarily with mana allowing you to identify different elements in your environment. Purple Cloud Weapon Acquired Emberstrike Cane
As the notification disappeared, a long staff was being materialized right at Thorian’s grasp. It took a few seconds before it finally materialized and Thorian could grasp it. Emberstrike Cane Rarity Class Requirement Magus Advancement Requirement First Advancement Level Requirement 20 Description The Emberstrike Cane is made from Phoenix wood, rendering it nearly fireproof. Its tip holds a pulsing red orb that enhances the wielder's fire magic. Stat Bonuses Mana +25 Strength +10 Abilities Increases the potency of fire-based spells by 20%. Special Abilities Flare Burst: Once a day, you can channel the staff to unleash a flare that deals moderate fire damage to all enemies in a 10-meter radius.
As Thorian gripped the staff, he felt a surge of fiery energy course through him. The sensation was as if merely holding this weapon endowed him with remarkable strength. His gaze was quickly drawn to the deep-red orb mounted at the staff's apex; its luminescence seemed almost hypnotic.
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The orb's purity is high. It can be extracted and repurposed long after this weapon has outlived its usefulness.
Cradled within the metallic jaws of a lizard-shaped head, the fist-sized orb seemed a perfect fit. The silver metal seamlessly blended with the staff's wooden core, and arcane symbols etched along its length flickered with intermittent crimson light.
At last, a weapon befitting my abilities. All I need now is a robe attuned to fire or wind, and I'll be well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
Content with his newfound rewards, Thorian turned his attention to his status panel. Eager to see the tangible results of his recent endeavors, he looked forward to witnessing the fruits of his labor crystallized before his eyes.
Display Panel
Ding Race Flame Kobold Level 23/30 (exp: 3782/6800) Class Elemental Magus Level 20/40 (exp: 172/6600) Lifespan 40 years Cultivation Realm Qi Gathering Fourth Stage (3.5%) Stats Strength 103 Agility 114 Constitution 82 Mana 103 Qi 60 Free Points 15
Ah, I'm three points short, Thorian muttered, biting his lower lip in frustration. If only I'd remembered the 'Jack of all Trades' skill earlier, I would've allocated my points differently.
Though he regretted his oversight, Thorian shook off the disappointment. There was no use crying over spilled milk.
It's only the second day; there's no need to fret, he reassured himself. Last time around, it took me a year and a half to even discover this skill and accumulate enough free points for it. By then, I was already a high-level, second-advancement fire magus.
Reflecting on his past experiences brought a smile to his face. He could focus on acquiring the "Jack of All Trades" skill tomorrow.
Staff in hand, Thorian made his way toward the Village Hall. The closer he got, the more people he encountered—primarily goblins, who thronged the area around the hall in great numbers. Kobolds and kobloid citizens observed the new arrivals with keen interest.
Navigating through the crowd of goblins, Thorian finally reached his destination. Brix and Elder Omn were deep in conversation just outside the Village Hall.
Clearing his throat lightly to announce his arrival, Thorian approached the Elder. "So, what's your impression of the village, Elder Omn?"
Elder Omn turned around, his face breaking into a broad smile. "It is marvelous, king of the kobolds—"
"Just call me 'King,'" Thorian interjected.
"Very well... King," Omn nodded, adjusting his terminology. "I had initially thought Brix's descriptions to be exaggerated, but it seems he was rather modest in his praise."
"I'm pleased it meets your approval," Thorian replied, taking a moment to inhale deeply before laying out the immediate plans. "For tonight, all goblins—be they regular, hobgoblins, champions, or even elders—will be quartered in the area between the two walls. Is that clear?"
Elder Omn hesitated momentarily, evidently surprised, before comprehension dawned on him. "As you wish, King. I will relay this information to the rest of our council."
"Good," Thorian nodded, continuing his briefing. "We'll meet early tomorrow to discuss the formation of new units. Each will be comprised of a mix of races: goblins, kobolds, and even some orcs. The aim is to foster unity and camaraderie as swiftly as possible. I trust you understand the logic behind this approach. As agreed in our negotiations, each elder will head one of these units."
"I am profoundly grateful for your generosity," Elder Omn responded, bowing slightly. His expression then turned hesitant. "If I may, could I inquire about these much-discussed classes? Will we have an opportunity to explore them?"
“Those details will be addressed in the morning," Thorian replied. "For now, rest well. Tomorrow promises to be a long and productive day; you'll need all your energy for it."
With that, Thorian bid farewell to the two goblins and entered the hall. The first person he noticed was Forlune, his towering presence unmistakable as he organized the goblins into orderly lines that ended at Melina's desk. Clutched in his hand was a silvery saber that Thorian had never seen before.
"Is that a new weapon you've acquired?" Thorian approached, smiling. "It suits you well."
Caught off guard initially, Forlune broke into laughter when he saw Thorian approach. "It's called the Moonlight Saber," he announced, brandishing the weapon proudly. “What a beautiful piece of work. It’s even better than this chestplate.”
His eyes then drifted to Thorian's staff. "And what about yours, King? It appears quite imposing."
"It's called the Emberstrike Cane," Thorian responded, examining his weapon. "It significantly enhances the potency of my fire magic."
“I fear for your enemies, king,” Forlune roared with laughter. "You were already incinerating them; now there might not even be charred bones left behind."
“You joke too much,” Thorian chuckled, proceeding past Forlune. At the other end of the room, Melina was hard at work registering the stream of new goblin citizens. The line seemed endless, and for a brief moment, Thorian felt sympathy for the receptionist; her night was clearly going to be a long one.
As he moved through the hall, Thorian's eyes landed on the bulletin board. There appeared to be one more quest listed than usual. Intrigued, he plucked the quest parchment from its place to give it a closer look. The Midnight Guardians of Locksley Description Unlock the full capabilities of Locksley by defeating the formidable guardians that appear at the stroke of midnight. Four powerful boss monsters will materialize at the North, South, East, and West perimeters of the city. Vanquish these ancient foes to activate the city's long-dormant fortress system and earn substantial rewards.
Quest Objectives Be at one of Locksley's cardinal points (North, South, East, West) by midnight.
Defeat the boss monster at that location. Rewards Unlock Locksley's Fortress System
Contribution-Based Rewards: Varies (Arcane Coins, Experience Points, Special Items)
Speed Bonus: Extra rewards for slaying the boss monster quickly
Interesting… So even the surrounding territories to the main city have access to this type of quest.
After examining the new quest, Thorian returned the parchment to its spot on the bulletin board. This development would certainly be a key topic in tomorrow's meeting. The unlocking of Locksley's fortress system marked a significant shift in regional dynamics. Coupled with the declining numbers of roaming monsters, this could offer a glimmer of hope to the survivors of the initial apocalyptic events. More importantly, it could serve as a powerful asset for humanity to regain their footing in a world now dominated by monsters.
But these were considerations for tomorrow. For the moment, Thorian decided to put such matters aside. His immediate plan was simple: return to his residence and get some much-needed rest.
As Thorian walked back to his home, he noticed Harald sitting in the distance. The direwolf was in the same meditative posture as before, but the absence of circulating mana indicated that he had fallen asleep—evidently worn out from intensive mana manipulation training.
A smile crossed Thorian's face at the sight of his companion's dedication. Approaching Harald, he took a deep breath and carefully hoisted the massive creature over his shoulders. The direwolf remained asleep, his light growls and deep exhales gently ruffling Thorian's fur.
Once inside, Thorian settled Harald into a corner of the living room before proceeding to the master bedroom. The moment he collapsed onto his bed, his mind switched off, and he was enveloped in the peace of deep sleep.