Sitting under the green maple tree was a group of dwarves resting in the shade. Among them was a tall male dwarf, about the size of an average man or around five feet tall, sitting in the center, wiping his oversize glasses clean of dirt. His lenses were tinted blue, and its frame was crimson red. And when it hits the light, the lenses reflect a gentle blue light. The glasses were beautiful, but the rest of his outfit looked like a combination of random assortments of clothes with different styles. He had a green striped collar shirt and thick jeans hoisted by two bright yellow suspenders. His shoes were made of leather with its rims painted purple, and he had white gloves. His white fluffy hair and beard were the only parts of his body that did not overwhelm those that meet him.

The rest of the dwarves were dressed rather simply. They had a plain shirt hidden under an unbuttoned gambison. They looked like soldiers. Their swords were leaning against the trunk of the tree.

The tall dwarf noticed the goblins leaving the cave. He jumped up on his feet and waved his hands at the tribe. He shook the soldiers up, and they walked to the goblins and introduced themselves. The tall one walked towards Sun and extended his hand, "Hello, my name is Professor Louge. And you must be the leader of this troop." His voice sounded dry, and his mannerism gave off a pompous aura. "It is a pleasure to meet you, mister?"

"Sun, my name is Sun." Sun was leaning on a cane he used to help him walk with his injury. He shook hands with the Professor. "And it's nice to meet you too, I guess."

"Goodness me, what happened to your leg, Mister Sun?" He said while pointing at his leg with his pinky.

"Just had to fight off a few animals during the journey. Were you guys waiting for us or something?"

"Do you have anyone that could heal those wounds? A healing spell could do the trick, but we were must remedy that injury quickly before it leaves a hideous scar. Soldiers, do any of you know healing spells to cast on these poor souls." The soldiers shook their heads.

"Its alright, Professor. We have someone that could heal us."

"And who may that be?"

"My mom, she knows how to use healing spells. Mom!" Sun called for her, "This is my mom; her name is Mari."

"Nice to meet you," Mari said.

"A peasant girl that knows healing magic. Peculiar, but not entirely implausible. May you show your abilities."

"I'd love to, but I kind of exhausted my mana."

"Oh well, that can't help then. And I believe there are three more women among you." Professor Louge searched the back of the tribe but only saw two. "Where is the other one?"

"She, we lost her on the way after getting attacked by a swarm of perytons."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Please accept my dearest apologies and condolences." He grabbed Mari's hands and gently squeezed it. The goblins behind them stared at Professor Louge and his eccentric clothing. "Maybe it's best for us to continue this in a private setting. I have very important information to relay for you, Mister Sun. Let us discuss this further under the maple tree while the tribe could rest after your travels. And Miss Mari, I'd love it if you could join us as well."

"Oh, of course," Mari said. They walked towards the maple tree with Mari holding Sun's hand. They sat under the massive roots protruding out from the ground. The tree was the largest maple tree Mari has ever seen. It towers over the other trees, with the tall pine trees its only rivals in height.

The snow around them was melting around them faster than normally would. It's only been a few days, but winter was leaving, and spring was quickly replacing it. The Professor put his glasses on and was at awe at the sight of Sun and Mari. "My goodness, both of you have such amazing potential in the field of mana consolidation."

"Excuse me?" Sun asked, confused.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, but I could not bare my curiosity any longer. These glasses allow me to see," He said while creating air quotes with his fingers, "The Kas and the mana it holds inside a person. And both of your Kas is very large! It is no wonder you've reached enlightenment, Mister Sun."

"Thanks, I guess."

"Now, I wish to present you a letter." He hands Sun the envelope with a stamp featuring hammers forming a cross in front of an unpolished gemstone. "This letter is meant to be opened by dwarf so pleased do not open so carelessly."

"Then why give me this letter?"

"So if by any chance you need to cross the borders of our kingdom and its foreign territories, all you need to do is present this document to the guards."

"Sounds awfully familiar," Sun recalled his memory, and it left a bad taste in his mouth.

"Pardon?"

"No, its nothing."

"Excuse me, but why do we need this anyway. The Bolsca Kingdom resides primarily in the mountains east of the forest. I doubt we will have to travel across the mountains unless you have more outposts set up in the southern parts of the forest because of the war underground."

"Wait! Mountains?" Sun got up on his feet. "Do you know a wizard named Pagasa or a mountain called Heart?"

"Well, I know of a mountain called Mt. Heart, but not of a wizard that calls itself Pagasa. Unless you're referring to," Professor Louge rubbed his chin. "Yes, it makes sense while his majesty would give you that letter."

"Well, at least I know the place is real."

"Sir," A soldier interrupted the three, "We have to return to camp soon, its nearing nightfall."

"Oh yes," The Professor stood up and shook Sun's hand, "I apologize, but our group is in a hurry. I have an important mission as a delegate of my kingdom to descend underground and be the mediator between the two kingdoms battling under our feet."

"Before you go, could you escort our mothers towards the human towns."

"What?" Mari said surprised.

'Well, I suppose we can make a detour on our way. I believe there is an underground highway leading to a human city."

"No, I will not be going."

"But mom."

"No, they're busy as is, and I still need to heal you and the others."

"But,"

"No, buts." Mari rubbed her hands together, "Do you really want me to leave." She whispered.

Sun hesitated to answer, "No."

"Then it's settled. I'll stay as long as you need me."

After their short conversation, the tribe waved goodbye at the dwarves and continued their march until they reached Bona. The camp was small and but the short walls were taken well cared of by the goblins stationed on the camp. The goblins there were surprised to see the new Chief, but they did not question his authority. They were only four of them and the entire tribe supporting the Chief. And the presence of seven conquerors following the orders of this odd-looking Chief just made his rule more convincing.

The four goblins toured the tribe around the camp and helped set up sleeping areas for their tribesmen they haven't seen for so long. They were sad to hear what happened to their village, but that was in the past. The future is now, and if their tribe hoped to survive, they must conquer their neighboring rival, the Razin.

After organizing the camp and setting up their tents, Sun went for a walk along the wall. Mari saw him sneak away from his brothers, and she followed him. "Sun, can I ask you something?"

Sun was surprised to hear his mother's voice behind him. "Sure," He said after facing her.

"Is there something you need to do in their kingdom. Or someone you want to meet?"

"Yeah, but don't worry, mom. I'll get you and the others free first. You can count on me."

Mari answered with a forced smile. She wasn't what she wants. Freedom was something she yearned for during her capture, but she grew to love her son. And she wants to see him grow stronger and watch him grow to be a better goblin than those that defiled her. A sense of pride swelled inside her, watching her son overcome hurdles after hurdles. And Mari wants to continue supporting him. "Sun," She called for him.

"Yeah?"

"I don't want to leave."