Chapter 107: Gork's Gamble

He squinted at the short goblin's leather shirt and pants, marvelling at their rough yet functional design for a second.

Then, his fist whistled above his head.

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"Step back during the negotiation! Maven, stay with me."

At his command, the army struck their breastplates in a coordinated show before the ground shook beneath the combined steps of 850 demons.

Refocusing on Gork, he noticed the resignation twisting his lips and slumping his trembling shoulders. Yet, the goblin remained silent, clutching the faint ray of hope shining amidst the despairing darkness. After all, his stupid citizens didn't realise it, but these demons came from the East, not the West.

With an approving nod, he outstretched his palm, his voice resounding unnaturally gentle to the goblins. Yet, this gentleness only deepened their dread.

"Your decision saved your town and opened up new possibilities for you. Here is my offer: join my territory as subjects. I'll let you continue managing this place as you have in the past. I ask nothing in return but your loyalty and for you to focus on everyone's well-being." He grinned and pointed at Maven. "You can ask him if you're doubting my words."

Without waiting for the goblin to recover, Maven removed his helmet, revealing his kobold's features. Then, he recounted what happened in the mine and how Adam welcomed the few surviving kobolds. Better, he let them manage the mine however they wanted and stationed a mythical figure to keep them safe.

Gork's eyes trembled as the faint ray of hope in his heart ignited to become a golden inferno. Yet, he remained silent, waiting for Adam to continue. After all, nothing came for free in this world, and he knew it.

Meanwhile, Adam winked at him. "I want to build a territory where everyone leads peaceful and fulfilling lives. I believe your technology and craftsmanship can help me reach that goal."

As his words lingered, Gork's internal turmoil raged in his mind.

Was he trying to deceive them using the simple but lethally efficient demonic modus operandi? He didn't know, but Maven's presence reassured him. Even if their interactions were few, he had traded iron ores for a few trinkets with the kobolds in the past. Yet, could he trust him? What if the demon enslaved or brainwashed him?

A deep furrow creased his brows as his heart raced in his chest. He wanted to believe, to embrace that inferno of hope, but had to test the waters first. And after a silent minute, his eyes sparkled with an idea that would solve his doubts since no sane demon would go against Zepar.

With a cough, he raised his head and straightened his posture as he pointed west.

"I'll join you wholeheartedly if you prove you're not like the other demons. A cult of fanatics claimed the old ruins west." A steely glint flashed in his eyes. "Destroy them before they summon Zepar's legions, or drop the act and kill us all."

Meanwhile, a notification rang in Adam's ears as rows of texts appeared in a fiery window.

[Gork issued you a unique quest.]

Rid Hestia's realm from the heretics dwelling in the forest. seaʀᴄh thё nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Reward: The goblin's town will join and expand your territory's surface.

Failure: Zepar's legions will upturn the realm to find and enslave you like a dog.

He clenched his fist, his lips curling into a grin as his muscles tensed.

"I planned to raid these fools after our negotiation. You can accompany us to witness the process." A steely glint flashed in his eyes. "The species doesn't matter, nor does the background. I welcome everyone equally. But I won't let any threat thrive on my territory."

A satisfying deal struck, and unwilling to waste time when the menace in the north still loomed, he turned to his army. His voice thundered like a bolt as he roared and circled Gork.

"March West!"

Garduck, Bart, Ifrit, and the others echoed his command and supervised the army as the forest's ground began to rumble again.

At the rear, Luna commanded the djinns' division with Ondine. Yet, a bizarre eagerness filled her hasting heart. Was it because they would retaliate actively against the demon lords? But shouldn't she tremble at their potential retribution?

She inhaled a sharp bowl of fresh air, memories she hated resurfacing. Yet, this time, they fueled her steps with determination, courage, and a burning desire for revenge!

Unconsciously, she murmured what Adam said to Baal as the soft midday breeze ruffled her green hair.

"Wash your neck in your noble castle, Duke Zepar. I'm coming for you. But I won't be alone this time. "

On his side, Gork squinted at the demon's back. Awe and fear melded to force his lips into a twitching frenzy before they parted as he addressed his citizens.

"Stay in the town until I return! If I'm not back before tomorrow's sunrise, flee for your lives!"

Then, he rushed behind Adam despite his chattering legs.

Just like that, the demonic army circled the town without touching it or wounding a single goblin on their way.

Two hours later, Adam raised his fist to halt their march for the second time today as he squinted at the ruins ahead.

A Tall tower cast its shadow on the surrounding trees. Its roof had collapsed under the ravage of time, leaving nothing but the sparse fragments of its once proud form. Like snakes, wild grass ran along the cracked stones in a green and brown veil, their roots slowly weakening the structure.

Underneath the tower and behind spiked wooden walls, the fabric of tents and the different campfire's flames fluttered in the wind.

And populating the area, he saw a seemingly endless swarm of black-robed figures. A broad hood covered their faces as a clinking noise echoed with each movement they made. Some stood guards, while others carried heavy buckets wafting the pungent smell of blood inside the tower.

He tucked his fingers around his chin, his brows creasing into a worried frown as his eyes darted left and right to count them. Yet, he gave up.

'They're more than a thousand, and most of them hid armor under their ridiculous clothes.' His eyes narrowed into fiery slits, and his heart raced against his chest as the smell registered. 'They're probably preparing for a summoning ritual or something. We must stop them!'