The village was restless.
Ever since the adventurers had left, whispers traveled through every hut and fire circle. Some goblins feared the humans would return with armies; others thought they should flee deeper into the forest. Wolves growled uneasily, as though sensing a storm that hadn't yet broken.
But when morning came, the goblins gathered at the central clearing, where Luminus sat like a glowing jewel, calm and steady.
"All of you," Luminus began, his voice carrying with surprising strength for such a small body, "I know you're afraid. I am too."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. To hear the great one admit fear… it shook them. But Luminus wasn't finished.
"Fear is natural. What matters is what we do with it. We can run, but where? The forest is dangerous. We can fight, but right now, we're weak. So what we need—" his body pulsed, bright with resolve, "—is to grow stronger. To build a place so safe, so united, that no one can take it from us."
The goblins stared, wide-eyed. A place no one could take away… A dream.
The next days became a blur of effort.
Under Luminus's direction, goblins and wolves worked side by side. Fields were cleared near the forest edge, seeds gathered and planted. Timber was cut, but with care so as not to strip the land bare. Simple fortifications were raised: sharpened stakes, watchtowers of logs.
For the first time, the goblins weren't just surviving. They were building.
Still, Luminus knew walls and farms wouldn't be enough. They needed knowledge. Tools. Skills beyond what goblins were born with.
So he turned to Drakion.
"Old dragon," Luminus said one night as he rested, "how much do you know about this world's magic and nations?"
Drakion chuckled deep in his prison of chains. "More than most scholars, less than the gods. But why do you ask? Do you crave power?"
Luminus pulsed. "Not for myself. For them. If humans and other races are going to come… I need to understand the rules of this world."
There was a long silence, then a rumble of approval. "Good. That hunger for knowledge will serve you better than teeth and claws. Very well. Listen, and I will tell you of the Kingdoms of Man, the Beast Nations, and the Empire to the East…"
So began Luminus's education—one whispered lesson at a time.
Meanwhile, the goblins themselves were changing.
Those Luminus had named were still growing into their new strength. They trained daily, sparring with wolves, learning discipline rather than wild panic. Some discovered affinities for skills they'd never imagined: one goblin learned to shape stone, another could coax sparks of fire. With guidance, their crude tribe was evolving into something more.
But evolution attracted attention.
It was on the twelfth day after the adventurers' visit that a messenger arrived. Not human, but a small, cloaked figure who slipped past the wolf patrols as though he belonged there.
He bowed before Luminus, his hood falling back to reveal pointed ears—an elf.
"My master bids me bring word," he said smoothly. "The forests whisper of a slime who commands goblins and wolves alike. My master… is curious. He wishes to meet you."
The goblins tensed, some clutching weapons. Luminus, however, stayed calm.
"And who is your master?"
The elf smiled faintly. "A lord of the forest. One who values balance. Whether he sees you as ally or enemy depends… on your answer."
Luminus considered. He could refuse. He could hide. But no—if his people were to have a future, they couldn't cower forever.
"Tell your master," Luminus said, "that I will meet him. If he comes in peace, we'll talk. If not…" He pulsed, and wolves growled in unison behind him. "…we'll be ready."
The elf's smile widened, as if amused. He bowed again. "Very well. Then the test begins."
And with that, he vanished into the trees.
That night, the village was quiet, the firelight heavy with unease. The goblins looked to Luminus, waiting for reassurance.
He pulsed once, glowing brighter than the flames. "Don't be afraid. We've already survived more than we ever thought possible. And no matter who comes next—whether man, elf, or dragon—we'll face them together."
The goblins straightened. The wolves howled at the stars.
And for the first time, the word that had only been whispered took root in their hearts:
King.