Chapter 6: Goblins and Dire Wolves
.....
I looked around for the 'great one' they were supposedly talking to.
"They mean you" Ryu whispered into my ear.
"Nani?! um do you guys mean me?!" I looked at the army confused as they nodded.
" your presence can't be ignored! Please state your business!" The one I think is the leader spoke despite obviously trembling like a scared cat in the rain.
They have courage, I'll give them that.
"Um we come in peace? If you don't mind were actually looking for a human village, can you tell us where the closest one is please..." I said as nicely as I could. I smiled as gently as I could to ease their fear but they just stared back at me dumbfounded.
"Village ? in that case come with us" their leader said. My brow quirked up intrigued.
.....
They led us to their village, if you can even call it that. The houses were barely keeping it together. The residents were half naked, dressed in rags as they stared at me cautiously.
Why do I suddenly feels like a aristocrat trailing in the slums?
The leader led me to one of the manageable looking huts, where an older goblin sat staring at us. We stepped inside feeling awkward. After we sat down, two female goblins came in with a bowl of berries and some water.
"Sorry that we don't have much to offer you" the old goblin spoke as the army leader goblin sat beside him.
"Don't be, you giving us something is more than enough." I waved dismissively
"Your so kind, great one. I am kabu, the chief of this village and this is my son lute" the old goblin said.
"I'm Shiori Koromi, that's Ryuchi and this is Haruna" I introduced
"We're Very pleased someone such as yourself agree to come to our village, wrecked as it is. " kabu smile
"What are you talking about?" I quired.
" Your aura isn't one to ignore " kabu chuckled
"Aura?" I blinked
{ it's the showing of mana status in ones body} the holographic screen explained.
I guess I'm the only one who can see the screen...
"Please show me mine ..." I thought
{Verywell}
The next moment, a dark purple haze could be seen around me, so potent that it was a spreading through the ground.
This is how I look to other people?! No wonder they were terrified!. My face paled
" yet your people came despite it?" I asked, not knowing whether to be impressed by their bravery or surprised by their foolishness.
"So you were just testing us, that's a relief" kabu sighed in relief.
"Y..yeah! That's right! I was just testing you and you passed!" I chuckled nervously. Ryu and Haru stared at me with a 'who are you trying to fool?!' Deadpan. I cleared my throat.
"So what's the reason for bringing me here?". I asked getting to the point. The two goblin looked at each other before looking at me desperately.
Suddenly, Kabu bowed on all fours before me desperately.
"Please oh great one! Recently, We have been being harassed by hound like monsters called the dire wolves, we've tried to fight back but there way to strong. We've lost many and plenty of our soldiers are injured, please help us!"
I was speechless. Wait a minute, they want me to fight?!
"Of course she'll help!" Ryu said excitedly as he stood up
Hello?! I was dumbfounded at Ryu.
"Now hold on a damn minute! Don't go deciding stuff like that for me!" I spoke panicking.
"My apologies!" Ryu said and sat back down.
"Now as I was saying, you need me to defend you?" I said clarifying their request.
"Oh please! If we don't do something soon we'll all be exterminated!" Lute begged , also on his hands and knees
I thought for a moment as my eyes drifted to the goblin kids peeking from the windows. They were so innocent.
"What's in it for me?" I asked as the two rose their head confused and speechless.
"I'm not asking for compensation, but if I'm going to go risking my ass, I would at least need some kind of motivation. To keep it simple, I don't work for free" I said bluntly.
"Master...." Ryu stared.
"If you have nothing to offer, then I best be on my way..."
"If- if you help us, we'll give you our absolute loyalty!" Kabu said bowing once more.
Damn, he really is desperate...
"Then it's settled, I'll help you " I stood up. I walked out of the hut as all the goblin residents stared at me, some with nervousness, others with wonder.
"My name is shiori koromi, As of today I'll be your new master! In exchange for your absolute loyalty, I shall do everything In my power to protect you! "
There was a pause, then
They all bowed on their hands and knees gratefully.
"Oh thank you!" lute smiled with tears in his eyes
"You can thank me later, first take me to the injured ones." I stood up.
Originally, goblins would be considered weak monsters so naturally I was reluctant to help since I have nothing to gain from it.
However, if my theory is true then by forming a contract with them, they might evolve into something more useful. Plus, even if there considered monsters, their lives are just as important.
lute led me to a tent, There laid a bunch of goblins, laid in rows on either side, barely gripping onto their lives despite the poorly done treatment and bandaging on there fatal wounds.
"I'm surprised there still breathing" I strided over to the closest one, covered in bite marks and claw slashes. i sat down beside him...
{Healing master activated}
The glowingblue liquid emitted from my palms as itspread all over the injured goblin.
Everyone watched with fascinations as the wounds vanished almost immediately. The goblin in question regained consciousness and slowly opened his eyes
"Are you an angel?" He asked
"No dear" I smiled before treating the rest.
"Amazing, great mage!" Kabu praised.
I stared ahead at the rest in curiosity, I treated the rest swiftly as they all cried in relief. Ryu noded impressed
Just then , there was a loud cry.
"It's them the wolves! There back!" A goblin screamed as everyone started running around, panicking.
These idiots, I frowned at thepathetic behavior, I stared ahead as my face paled.
There much more frightening up close!
"They're back already! Great mage, what are we going to do?!...." Lute frowned looking at me for orders.
"First get those headless chic--- I mean follow goblins together in one spot, keep the children in the middle" I said calmly as he and his father nodded before running ahead.
"Ryu, make a barrier around them! Haruna your on support!" "RIGHT!" they said in unison before running ahead.
The Pack was being led by a larger one with a large scar across its eye. That must be the leader. I stood at the village entrance as the pack stood before me, growling and glaring menacingly.
{Insight activated}
{Species: dire wolves}
{Lv: 25}
{Rank: intermediate}
{Strategy: biting, slashing, intimidating prey}
{Strength: razor sharp teeth and claws, night vision, Sharp senses}
{Weaknesses: they're vulnerable to fresh meat, easily distracted, depends on alpha male for orders}
"Look we don't want any trouble, just please go back to where you came from!" I yelled, my voice carrying across
They growled menacely as a few ran forward to attack. I dodged each attack swiftly using my agility.
During our walks, I'd managed to get used to this body, even trained with Ryu a bit. I might not be op level but I can still land a hit.
I leapt forward hitting a few wolves, just enough to knock them out instead of killing them like the thunder bear incident.
"I wouldn't ask again, please leave!" My eyes widenedas an energy blast came out of nowhere.
"What the hell?!....."I frowned at the alpha but had no time to think as his pack was already a pain to deal with.
Just then I had an idea, I ran deeper into a forest to which they stupidly followed as I to be expected. Once far enough I turned to face them with a smirk.
{Radar activated}
Thanks to my aura, the area was clear of any other monsters for the time being.
Prefect. It was easy dodging their attack thanks to my agility by they managed to get some hits as well.
"Ahhh!" I cried as one of them bit in my arm. I shook it off as I clenched my now bleeding armthat was now healing thanks to the healing properties of my blood. The dire wolves grinned, licking the blood on it's lips.
"Master your arm!" Haruna stated horrified as well as Ryu
"Don't worry, everything is going according to plan..." I smiled at them before facing the remaining pack, there mouths drooling from the scent of my blood, the alpha finally took initiative and ran in my direction.
"Foolish mortal!" Alpha scorwled.
I stood my ground unfazed as it bared it's fangs, lunging at me.
Only to stop midair...
Thedire wolf was confused as he was now retrained by my strong webs. The goblins gasped in surprise whereas the dire wolves froze with disbelief.
"How can this be?!" The alpha barked unable to believe his situation
"Look, we don't want any trouble, kindly tell your pack to leave at once..." I said
"Why bother protecting such weak monsters?! We're trying to make a new era of strong beasts to rule this forest!" The alpha barked unapologetic.
"I don't care for you goals, I'm here to make peace so quit all this pointless fighting"
"Foolish mortal!-"
"Are you willing to work with us or not?" I asked getting impatient and tired of his self-righteous bullshit.
"I would never agree to such a pathetic idea, as long as I draw a breath I will do everything it takes to eradicate weaklings species in this forest!" he growled. The goblinshorrified as they shook in fear.
"Then you leave me nochoice " I sighed in disappointwith that I, tighted my webbing around the alpha as it sliced in to pieces.
Blood splattered everywhere as I stood, glaring at the rest of the pack with a menacing stare.
"I am she shiori koromi! Protectors of the goblins, your leader is no more! So just LEAVE ALREADY!"
The air shifted as intended my mana emitted from my body. The barrier Ryu was holding was barely holding it together even with Haruna supporting him. The wolves slowly crawled there way through the intense wind and towards me.
Just leave already, I sweatdropped.
"WE OFFER OUR LOYALTY! OH GREAT ONE!" the bowed there heads at me.
What the heck?! I blinked stopping the tormoil.
{New Achievement unlocked}
{saved endangered goblins}
{Reward: you've been giving the title of goblin Queen}
{New Achievement unlocked}
{slain alpha dire wolf}
{Reward: dire wolf pelt, bite attack+3, title of new alpha}
What?! I stared at the holographic screen dumbfounded. So even if I don't eat the prey, I can still gain some cool stuff, this is a total game changer!
"Um did we win?" Luke asked waryly
"Yeah. I think we did" I smiled
The goblins celebrated as the wolves sat there like good little pups.
.......
I sat before both species on a make shift throne as Haruna and Ryu stood beside me.
"Listen up! I am your new master and now that the feud between your species is now resolved, you'll all be living together inmy spiritual space, under my leadership. Therefore, rules would be put in place to ensure a peaceful coexistence." I announced as Haruna and Ryu stood forward.
Rule 1: no attack humans!
Rule 2: any disagreement should be settled by a game! Or the new coming counsel!
Rule 3: belittling any race is strictly prohibited
Rule 4: betrayal is a capital offence, once caught you'll be exiled immediately.
Rule 5: any form of violence unless necessary is prohibited.
Ryu and Haruna stated respectively.
"Other rules would be added as time goes on, any questions?" I said with an unreadable expression.
A goblin rose his head,
"Yes, Lute?" I pointed at the goblin.
"What do you mean by living in your spiritual space?" He asked
"I am building a kingdom of different species, in a my spiritual space.You my dear subjects would be my first residents" I explained. Lute took back his hands as another rose theirs
"Yes?"
"What's a spiritual space?, great one"
"It's basically my own personal dimension, based on my knowledge and mana information, you'll understand once you're in there" I explained
Another rose their hands
"What's our new kingdom going to be called?
I grinned "it's called-.." I grinned
"Ethereal city!" Ryu stated, proudly cutting me off. Everyone awed at the name. Just then a hand was rised.
"What's this about a counsel?"
"Well, I wouldn't be around often, neither would my companions, that's why a counsel would be installed to run things while we're gone."
"And who would be on this counsel?" The goblin asked.
"For now, your goblin chief, lute and the previous second in command dire wolf, but as time goes on, new species as well as their leaders would be joining"
"Ok"
"Why can't we attack humans?"
"Humans are simply creatures, though they believe their complex due to the knowledge they hold. When they see a creature that's more stronger, they attack without hesitation due to there fears. most cities and kingdoms scattered across the world are pupolated by humans, I just don't want our kingdom to be considered a threat, hence don't attack humans "
"Um ok, I understand " they nodded
"Um great mage! Why must all disagreement be solved by games if not the counsel?" Kabu asked.
"Because kabu-san, games are a fun as well as creative way to solve a problem, violence is pointless and messy so I'm mostly against it, unless necessary."he nodded.
"Are there any other questions?" No one answered.
"I guess that's a no. Our main goal right now is to settle the situations involving food, clothing and shelter. once inside my domain, you'll be given a job based on your skills of expertise. But first let's start with introductions" i pointed at a random goblin as he stared back confused.
"Um, great mage I'm afraid besides me and my son none of our village has names" kabu interjected
Say what? He must have read my thoughts because he nodded.
"Were monsters my grace so we're supposedly nameless, we usually just communicate through our thoughts" he explained.
"Well that simply won't do." I sighed at the inconvenience
"I'll just have to give you guys names then" everyone's eyes widened with shock and surprise.
"Is that okay?" I wonder why there so shocked. The goblins and dire wolves celebrated joyfully, even kabu whose old was acting like a kid whose parents offered to take them on vacation. I just sweatdropped at all there excitement.
....
All the goblins lined up into rows of two, male and female. Kabu was up first. he practically oozing with joy
"So have any suggestions for your name?" I asked wanting to get his opinions first.
He shook his head "whatever name you give me would do" he replied smiling.
My servants are practically my kin so I guess japanese style names would suite.
"Very well, from this day on, you name shall be, Dayama!" I announced, kabu's eyes watered with grateful tears as I internally panicked.
"Is there something wrong with it?!"
"No my grace I'm just so happy!" His body started glowing faintly.
"What's going on?!" I asked. I didn't form a contract so why the heck is he glowing?!
"Master, forming contract is basically owning the souls of you contractees whereas naming a monster is giving them a bit of you mana, in order words they aren't bound to you like I and Haruna" Ryu explained.
"I see " I nodded while stroking my imaginary beard. Up next was lute,
"Since families have a similar pattern in their members names, yours would be yamada!" I announced.
"I accept, great mage!" He bowed as he stared glowing before skipping to the father for a happy dance.
"Um ok~ let's name the rest of you!"
....
"And yours is mika!" I said naming the final goblin. I felt super drained but tried not to let it show.
"Next up, the dire wolves" I turned to the monsters in question.
"Um pardon me my grace but are you sure you want to name everyone today?" Dayama asked worriedly.
"Why not, the sooner were done with this, the better, right?" I said staring ahead.
"I ... Suppose " he frowned a bit.
"Ok, let's begin" I stood before the previous second in command dire wolf, it had grey fur while the others were navy blue, I also noticed the star sharped birthmark near it's right ear"
I wonder if he's upset that I killed his father, I hope his not hostile about it and bro doesn't begin his villain arc.
I pointed at him.
"I shall name you, Fang. suddenly, my head felt really woozy.
{⚠️⚠️ Warning! Warning! Mana has been depleted to the minimum capacity!⚠️⚠️}
{MandatoryMana recovery period: 3 days}
"Master!" I heard Ryu's panicked voice as he caught me before I could fall.
Damn, you should have told me about this first, yamada!
Then, everything went black. The last thing I Heard was haruna 's and Ryuchi's panicked voice.