Chapter 57: THOSE WHO SEEK

Race: Goblin

Level: 8

Class: Lord; Horde Chief

Possessed Skills: Ruler of the Horde; Insurgent Will; Overpowering Howl; Swordsmanship B+; Insatiable Desire; King’s Soul; Ruler’s Wisdom I; Eyes of the Blue Snake; Dance at Death’s Border; Red Snake’s Eye; Magic Manipulation; Soul of a Crazed Warrior; Third Impact (The Third Chant); Instinct; Ruler’s Wisdom II;

Divine Protection: Goddess of the Underworld Altesia

AttributesL Darkness; Death

Suboridnate Beasts: High Kobold Hasu;(Lv1) Gastra (Lv20) Cynthia (Lv20) Orc King Bui; (Lv36)

It was at the base of a mountain, tall enough to split the heavens, within the darkness of a cave from which only a pitch black crag could be seen, that the Gaidga goblins lived. From there, three days to the east was the Village of GanraUnknown Forest. And two days to the south were the plains and forests where the Paradua Village lay.

“So that’s the home of the Gaidga.”

Peeking from the forest, we could see the Gaidga goblins’ large frames entering and exiting the cave incessantly.

As we were watching, I noticed that the Gaidga goblins were carrying a Big Horn.

“That’s the staple food of the Gaidga goblins, the Big Horn,” Gilmi said.

I thanked Gilmi for nonchalantly adding on that explanation while we continued to observe the Gaidga.

What really caught my attention was that giant hole on the Big Horn’s chest. The attack that left that gaping hole must’ve been fatal. It definitely wasn’t done by a common goblin’s strength. Not to mention that hole’s actually as big as a small goblin.

If that attack was dealt by someone from the Gaidgas, then I think I’ve been underestimating them a bit.

It could be said that the reason we’ve been winning until now is because that goblin was yet to make his appearance.

“Is the chief the strongest goblin in Gaidga?” I asked.

“Should be. Child of Mishra, Rashka. Even amongst the four tribes who administer their revered rituals of the gates of the underworld, he should be the strongest.”

Before I knew it, I was smiling.

Well isn’t that interesting?

Rashka of Gaidga.

If we were to fight a battle of strength, will you lose?

As I thought that to myself, I gave the signal to my subordinates.

And we walked quietly, stealthily approaching that black cave to siege it.

◆◆◇

At the border of the forest and the woods lay the home of the Paradua. It wasn’t hard to see why they chose this place for their home. They were goblins so, of course, they built their homes within the forest. But by building them close to the border of the forest, where the plains were, they could easily hunt for food.

Compared to Gaidga’s cave and Ganra’s natural fortress, the home of the Paradua, was lacking in defense. True, they might have had fences around their village, but in the end, it was only made to keep the beast inside from being able to easily leave.

It was an arrangement that didn’t take enemies into consideration. But that wasn’t strage, after all, once a battle within Paradua broke, their goblins would all fight on rider-beastback, since every goblin in

Paradua is given a beast at birth, to be ridden once they were old enough.

Fighting on the back of a beast gives great mobility, but it is something completely foreign to the concept of holding a castle. In fact, it’d be better to just run with them, instead of trying to defend a siege.

Because of that, the Paradua village does not have any good defenses.

And it was that very village that a large goblin from Gaidga visited.

Hanging from his neck could be seen a black, thorny amulet. This amulet was none other than the treasure of Gaidga, the Choker of WrathVidol Amulet.

It’s an amulet that could increase the strength of its bearer. It is both a treasure and the proof of being the chief.

In his hands was a club the size of the thick trunk of a tree. It was shaved at the end like a spear, so it could be said to be wooden spear if not for its humongous size. His strong jaws seemed like they could swallow all the goblins around him. He wore no smile on his face, just a straight line. And on his eyes could be seen a dark glint, burning, seemingly there with those deep lines in between his brows just for the purpose of staring down his subordinates and enemies.

A lone horn reaching for the heavens was on his forehead. And with his skin, brown, he was either a noble class or a duke class. The strongest goblin of the four tribes was currently on the receiving end of the Paradua chieftain’s wrath.

“And? How are you going to make up for this?”

The already aged glare of Aluhaliha pierced sharply at the large goblin standing before him.

Aluhaliha did not falter in the slightest before that goblin that looked no different from an immovable boulder.

In fact, he was so big that even if he were to fall over, Aluhaliha would still have to look up. Because of this, Aluhaliha had no choice but to ride on his rider-beast, just to meet this giant goblin’s gaze.

“Sorry.”

A deep voice, carrying an apology with it, fell on Aluhaliha’s ears.

The reason they were arguing was because of the defeat in the battle against Ganra.

Although Rashka might have left everything to Aluhaliha, a part of the Gaidga goblins still went ahead to attack the Ganra, but was repelled. And then right as the Paradua were in the middle of demanding the Ganra’s surrender, they were repelled again.

“Prove it.”

Aluhaliha was only following Rashka’s words, and his men were only following Paradua’s officer, so Aluhaliha wants Rashka to give him the head of that goblin as an apology.

“I can’t.”

But that’s impossible for Rashka. Because the goblin in charge, Riweka, was already dead. And goblins who managed to survive were all low-ranked ones, so they couldn’t take Riweka’s place.

“Brat, are you looking down on me?”

Of course, Aluhaliha wouldn’t just let this issue go. He is, after all, another chief leading his own tribe. If he were to just leave this be without receiving Rashka’s apology, his image as a chief would be stained. The decision to form an alliance with the Gaidga was mostly

his. If Aluhaliha fails to show the worth of that decision in good light, the next chief might just trample him underfoot.

“I’ll give you 3 big horns.”

The big horns that the Gaidga goblins ate have been decreasing lately.

“…Very well. But if something like this were to happen again…” “You don’t have to worry about that.”

The proud Aluhaliha only formed an alliance with the Gaidga for the sake of securing his tribe’s survival. Their food supply was dwindling; their beasts were fewer… If they were to keep up at this rate, their tribe would surely be in danger. Sensing that, Aluhaliha threw away his pride.

He stifled his own heart, and he trampled underfoot his faith in exchange for food.

Although it’s just 3 big horns, considering the state of the village, it’s still an important food supply.

“Enough of this topic. What are you going to do next?”

Aluhaliha, who was in a bad mood, changed the topic, shooting a sharp gaze toward Rashka as he asked him that.

“We’ll attack Ganra again. I’m gathering the subordinates I have spread out. I want them to go this time.”

Aluhaliha snorted toward the direction of Ganra.

“A battle to annihilate, huh?”

As Aluhaliha said those words, a lone goblin appeared within his mind.

It was that goblin who was standing behind the princess of Ganra, Narsa. With three horns, gray skin, and even a tail… that majestic appearance of his was unlike any other goblin’s. And with that great sword he wielded over his shoulders, the atmosphere about him was on a different league.

Not to mention the sharpness within that scorching gaze of his… Aluhaliha did not know why, but for some reason, that goblin had the power to move his heart with his words.

If one were to mention an existence “separate” from normal goblins, only one existence would come to mind. And that is: a king.

Is he the king Aluhaliha and Rashka had been waiting for? Or is he merely an impostor? No, it should still be too early for that salvation to come.

“Do you know the name of the goblin who came to Ganra’s aid?” Aluhaliha asked. He wanted to know… what does this goblin that’s like a boulder think of him?

“No, that sort of person“ “Chief!!”

A lone goblin ran toward them, frothing.

“What are you doing before a guest!?”

Aluhaliha yelled, but deep inside, he was perturbed. For his subordinate to be panicked to this extent… this was no trifle matter.

“Gaidga village is under attack!”

Neither Aluhaliha and Rashka could help but open their eyes wide.

“Has Kuzan moved!?”

What they feared the most was the movement of the Gordob goblins secluded in the north.

But…

“The enemy is Ganra! And the goblins from outside!” “What!?”

“Our discussion ends here. I’m returning.”

Even that normally calm voice of Rashka couldn’t help but show a tinge of impatience in it. Hearing that, Aluhaliha’s lips curved.

“What did the enemy name himself?”

“He didn’t name himself anything in particular. He just demanded us to submit to the king.”

“Absurd!”

Cracks appeared at that familiar club of Rashka.

“A king? Now, of all times!?”

In his anger, Rashka struck his club into the ground, giving rise to tremors through out the area.

“I’ll come with you,” Aluhaliha said. “Kid, call the others. We’re going to war!”

It’s too late already.

Once the curtains on war has been drawn, it won’t end until one side is annihilated.

“Attack Ganra!”

Aluhaliha’s words echoed throughout the village. And immediately, the riders of Paradua gathered.

Author’s Note:

It’s the long awaited guild war!

I’ve also written about the requested impression from the enemy’s side regarding the king’s appearance.

I wrote it from Aluhaliha’s perspective, who was affected by the king’s charm toward those of his race.