"Hmm... it seems we're trapped. Those goblins have completely blocked the exit," Rosella said, staring toward the passage.
"I can see that too. But why did you tie my hands again? I saved you, remember?" I said, raising my bound wrists.
"What else can I do? I'm alone here, and I'm not a fighter. It would be easy for you to kill me and escape. I can't take that risk," she replied.
"Really? After I saved you, you still doubt me? If I wanted to run, I could've done it earlier instead of helping you," I said sarcastically.
"Just shut up and let me think," she snapped.
She paused, thinking—then suddenly her expression changed.
"Wait... you're a demon, right? Then why don't we use your powers to deal with them? This should be easy for you," she said.
Damn it. I completely forgot I was pretending to be a demon. I needed an excuse—fast.
"Well... you see..." I hesitated before forcing a laugh. "You sensed my mana, right? I may be a demon, but I'm... a weak one. Haha..."
"Useless..." she muttered, thinking again. Then she smirked while looking at me.
"W-what...?" I asked, suddenly uneasy.
"Just shut your mouth," she said, pulling out the knife she had shown me earlier.
"Wait—this isn't right—wait, please—!"
I shut my eyes tightly.
But when I opened them, my bindings had been cut.
"Huh...? What? You're freeing me?" I asked in shock.
"Think of it as me repaying my debt," she said as she stood up. Then she added, "But... sorry. You'll have to be the bait so I can escape."
"What—AHHH?!"
Before I could react, she cast a strengthening spell, lifted me, and threw me straight toward the goblins.
"HOW is this repaying a debt?!" I shouted as I flew through the air.
I hit the ground hard, groaning as I pushed myself up—only to see goblins surrounding me.
I forced a nervous laugh.
"Heh... hello, guys..."
A goblin immediately slammed its club onto my head.
"Sorry, demon... but I have somewhere to return to," Rosella said as she walked away.
A few hours later...
I slowly opened my eyes.
I was tied to a wooden pole. Around me, goblins danced wildly. Some struck their wooden clubs against the ground, creating a crude rhythm.
This is bad. If I don't think of something fast, I'm going to become their food. Think, Zacken, think...
I struggled against the ropes, but they were too tight.
I can't break free... what should I do...?
Wait—maybe I can negotiate. If they listen, I might have a chance.
"Hey! Hey! Mister Goblin... please, just hear me out!" I shouted.
They ignored me—until suddenly, they all stopped.
One by one, they bowed.
A larger goblin stepped forward, wearing an animal skull like a crown. His presence alone silenced the others.
He approached me slowly, then scratched my face with his claw and tasted the blood.
"Hmm... not bad," he muttered.
He raised his wand.
The goblins erupted into celebration again.
"Please! Sir, just listen to me!" I tried once more.
The noise continued—but this time, the skull-wearing goblin seemed to notice me.
"Silence," the Goblin King said, turning toward me.
"You can speak, right? Please, Lord Goblin, at least hear me. I have an offer for you," I said desperately.
"Help me?... Hahaha," he laughed. "You're the one who needs help, pal."
"Please...! Give me at least a chance. If I am unable to help you, you can do whatever you want. Please, Lord Goblin, I beg you..." I said.
He stayed quiet for a moment, as if checking my intentions. Then he struck his wand on the ground with a thud.
"Release him and bring him to my chamber," he said as he turned and left.
Two goblin guards came forward and untied me.
The goblin guards dragged me through a narrow, dimly lit tunnel. The air was damp, and the walls were covered in crude markings. After a few turns, we reached a large wooden door reinforced with bones.
They pushed it open and shoved me inside.
The chamber was surprisingly spacious. Skulls, weapons, and strange ornaments decorated the walls. At the center sat the Goblin King on a rough stone throne.
He stared at me for a moment before speaking.
"Tell me first... why are you here? Demons rarely visit this place. This is goblin territory."
I swallowed nervously but kept my composure.
"I... was being taken as a tribute to the humans. They were bringing me to their kingdom," I said.
For a moment, the room fell silent.
The Goblin King's expression changed—surprise flickered across his face.
"So... it is true," he muttered. "The Demon Queen has fallen."
I frowned slightly.
"You know the Demon Queen?" I asked.
He let out a low grunt and shook his head.
"No. But she once came to us... asking us to join forces with her," he said.
His gaze hardened as he continued.
"She said if we don't raise our voices against them, they will keep killing our people... one by one."
I stayed quiet, listening carefully. His words carried weight—pain, even.
"I understand," I said slowly. "Your situation... it's not much different from mine."
The Goblin King looked at me again, this time with less hostility.
After a brief pause, he spoke again.
"I have a request for you."
I tensed slightly.
"My daughter... her name is Diana. She was captured by them. If she is still alive, she will be in the human kingdom."
His voice grew heavier.
"Rescue her."
The room fell silent once more.
This time, all eyes were on me.