Chapter 19: Goblin Leader

My body was aching all over when I woke up. Looking around, it seemed that I was still in the tunnel I escaped to, the same place where I lost consciousness. Upon standing up, searing pain shot through my legs, then went towards my trunk. My arms were numb, and it took me quite some time before I was able to properly move. The recoil from using the Pact was too much.

“My clothes’ been ruined,” I smiled wryly. I remembered the attack from the Werewolf General. That single strike had sent me flying, and it seemed that all my clothes had been reduced to tatters after that. I was practically naked right now.

The only good thing was that the Skill Book was still with me. The light that previously covered its body was no longer there, and only a dull silver book remained. I opened it and a message from the system immediately appeared.

Do you want to consume the Skill Book?

It is possible to obtain the Skill, City of Mirage

There was a moment of hesitation before I said yes. Slowly, the book turned to particles of light then entered my body. A weird sensation flowed through me, which quickly vanished afterwards.

I opened my Status Window and immediately looked at my Skill List. At the bottommost portion, a new skill was there. I paused. Wait, there were two of them.

[Skill] City of Mirage

A unique skill that enables the user to hide in an ever-changing mist.

It is not possible to attack while inside the Mist.

Initial Mana Cost: 25

Mana Maintenance Cost: 2 / Minute

Due to the [Unique Skill] classification, it is possible to pass the skill upon the death of the User.

I remembered the Werewolf General from before. The description given by the system was very similar to what the General used during its battle with me. If this was the same skill as that one, then I have just gained a short-duration invisibility skill. My blood started boiling upon realizing this.

But the last statement made me frown. It seemed that Unique Skills were skills that could be passed on from one user to another. This setup made it possible for me to obtain the Werewolf General’s skill upon its death, but it also meant that if I died, the one that killed me would obtain this skill.

Well, there was nothing I could do about it so I simply shrugged it off my mind. Maybe later, if I was able to once again kill a Unique Skill User, I would obtain another awesome skill.

“Now, the next one,” I mumbled.

[Skill] Lesser Compound Magic

A passive skill inherent to all Goblins. Upon evolving to a Goblin Leader, it is now possible to combine two magic elements at once.

The description was brief and short, and I still have no idea how to actually use the magic. It said that I could now combine two elements at once, and that this skill was available to all Goblins once they evolved into a Goblin Leader.

Wait. Goblin Leader?

I immediately looked at the upper portion of my Status Window. Sure enough, the species indicated was no longer Goblin Mage. This time it was classified as Goblin Leader [Mage]. And as though this revelation was not enough, I saw that my level jumped several times. I was level 19 now. It seemed that after killing the werewolves, I gained 11 levels in an instant. If I remembered correct, the Chieftain Candidate from before was of the same level.

Now that I had taken a look at my body, it was definitely different. I was taller than before, a bit scrawny, but definitely bigger. I was probably larger than the time when I became a Goblus Demigod. That form was a bit plain contrary to my expectations, and it resembled a smaller version of an elf. This form of a Goblin Leader was definitely more imposing.

Since I have a lot of unallocated points right now, I pondered on how I should distribute them. Upon evolving to a Goblin Leader during my sleep, my HP had risen tremendously. It was more than thrice than before. More importantly, my mana had also expanded greatly along with it. I could probably cast a dozen more spells now compared to before.

After some thoughts, I decided to allocate 20 points to Vitality, and 35 points to Intelligence. A bit of flexibility to situations would be now possible with this increase in HP, especially now that I have a newly acquired concealment magic with me.

To test things out, I began to cast the City of Mirage.

In an instant, a grey mist similar to what the Werewolf General used appeared before me. Surprisingly, despite the mist that enveloped my body, I could see my surroundings clearly.

“How do I confirm this thing?” I scratched my head.

I realized that there was currently no way to confirm if I had indeed become invisible right now. I dispelled the magic, and the grey mist vanished entirely.

Next, I tried Compound Magic. I summoned a fireball in my hand, and it my surprise, it was absurdly bigger than before. Upon the manifestation of the flames, the sphere of fire almost touched my face. Formerly, it was the size of an adult human’s fist. Now, it was the size of a basketball. A sound of bewilderment escaped my lips.

I once again checked my status window, and there I saw that from Lesser Fireball, my skill had evolved to Middle Fireball. This was probably the result of evolving to a Goblin Leader. Furthermore, the Earth Spike had evolved to Earthen Wall. There was also the bonus earth skill – Stone Missile.

I immediately tried using Stone Missile. Upon chanting, sand and dust began gathering towards my opened palm, eventually forming a sharp projectile. It reminded me of a spear tip.

Next, I summoned a fireball on my other hand. I was still at lost on how to actually use Compound Magic when suddenly, the Earth Missile and the Fireball hovered above me then fused together. Crackling sound was heard inside the tunnel as the flames started changing its color. From fiery red, it turned into crimson-black, probably due to the effect of amalgamating with the Earth Missile.

To test its strength, I shot it towards my rear, at the wall that made the path a dead end. The crimson-black sphere shot at its target with great speed, hitting the wall with a loud impact. The tunnel momentarily shook, and dust fell down the ceiling. Since the wall was made of earth, it should not really be possible to create cracks on it using fire, but it did. Furthermore, it was not simply cracks, but a crater. A small crater the size of two fists was seen at the place where the Compound Magic had struck.

“Becoming a Mage is the right choice, huh?” I smirked upon saying this out loud. Previously, I felt helpless when I was still a fledgling little Mage. But now, my magic had evolved to a new different level. I felt that with this, it would even be possible to fight against the damnable Minotaurs. I was somehow itching to get to the Portal.

With vigor, I began walking towards the outside, towards the place where the Ancestral Goblin Mother rested. My body still ached all over, but the joy I felt after seeing the new skills gave me enough strength to move forward. I soon reached the end of the tunnel.

You are awake at last, Little One.

A voice greeted me the moment I stepped out of the hole. I looked towards the Ancestral Goblin Mother. It was the same as before, its ugly distorted face unmoving despite talking.

Upon looking around, I realized that there was no one here except us. There were no corpses, no guards. The bodies of the dead werewolves had vanished from sight. Still, the large claw mark on the wall and the fissures on the ground clearly told everyone that a battle had taken place in this cavern.

You’ve been asleep for three days now. How was it? The omnipotent feeling given by a Goblus Demigod?

The Ancestral Goblin Mother seemed please, judging by the sound of its voice.

“Three days?!” I almost choked on my own saliva. I knew that I had probably slept for a long time, but not this long. If three days had indeed passed, then the Portal must be open right now.

The Ancestral Goblin Mother chuckled.

I actually expected you to die after using the Pact. Sleeping for merely three days is nothing compared to that, right?

I just heard some dangerous things come out of this giant monster’s mouth.

Since you’ve survived the first time, it seems that you are somehow capable of wielding that Power, albeit temporarily. Such a lucky one, truly.

The feeling of rage that should have come out upon hearing this was no longer there. Instead, I was merely thankful that I did not die after using that Pact. I looked at my Status Window before, and the [Skill] Pact was still there.

Since you’re already here, let us start with your rewards. I have taken quite a liking to you, so I will be generous with this one. Forget about the mediocre reward promised last time. I will let you wish for something even greater than that. So, tell me. What is it that you want?

“I want the Portal to close, as soon as possible.”

The Ancestral Goblin Mother turned silent after that, probably surprised that I wished for such a thing. After some time, it spoke.

That can’t do. My beloved children will die of hunger if the Portal closes now. You should wish for something else.

The voice of the Ancestral Goblin Mother had turned a bit unfriendly after my first wish. It could probably tell that I sincerely wished for the closing of the Portal, which was definitely harmful for the Goblins.

As I began to think of what I should wish, the colossal monster made a sigh. Particles of light appeared in front of me, eventually forming a staff. It seemed to be made out of bones, and the tip itself was the skull head of some animal, or maybe a monster, I was not sure.

Since you can’t seem to decide for yourself, I’m just to going to give this to you. Now, after you get your new Goblin Spawns, begone.

The unmoving monster was definitely pissed off right now. Hey, you were the one that asked me to wish for anything, and now, you’re getting angry? Of course, I did not voice my thoughts out loud.

I used the identify skill on the bone staff.

Identification failed.

Upon seeing that the Identification failed, a sense of excitement rushed through me. Usually, if the items were rare, it would take some time before I was able to successfully identify it.

“Identify!” I said.

Again and again, the skill failed. After the ninth try, just before I was about to give up, it finally worked.

Staff of Milchurza (Ancient)

A staff created by the Great Witch of the West before its death. This item is one of the Seven Grand Staffs of Magic.

Effects:

+ 100% Magic Amplification

+ 150% Mana Regeneration Rate

Reduces Mana Cost by 50%

Reduces Cast Time by 50%

Additional Effect: Item Morphosis – It is possible to transform the staff into a bracelet or a necklace.

[Ancient] Items are Indestructible.

Despite the pissed off voice of the Ancestral Goblin Mother, the item it gave me was actually pretty amazing. This simply showed that this colossal thing was really grateful that I saved it that day. Compared to the 1500 Exp, Basic equipment, and or the disgusting Meat Fruits, this was definitely a better reward.

With the staff held in my hand, I began to summon my fireball. I almost jumped in excitement when I saw that it was definitely larger than before, almost twice the size compared when I summoned it back in the tunnel. The Magic Amplification effect of the staff was really astonishing.

After confirming its effect, I said, “Item Morphosis.”

The words that came out my mouth were awkward, definitely embarrassing, but it was actually effective. The staff shrunk and distorted into a bracelet. After chanting, “Item Morphosis” once again, the bracelet turned back into a staff. A grin was plastered on my face after I changed it into a bracelet once again and wore it on my hand.

I wanted to thank the colossal monster for giving me such a powerful item, but the fact that this thing was the one responsible for the Portal made me hesitate. Eventually, I swallowed the words in my mouth.

I remembered the words of the Ancestral Goblin Mother. “Wait, what do you mean by new Goblin Spawns?”

There was a period of silence, a sigh was heard, then the voice answered.

Goblin Leaders are granted their own men after evolution. Touch my body, to receive the reward, Little One.

The voice of the monster was still irritated, and I could feel that it wanted me to get out as soon as possible. Really, this was a moody one.

I went towards the colossal body and touched it. A familiar pulsating sound echoed in my ears, and numerous balls of flesh were ejected out of the body one after another. Their bodies were still slimy as they stood up one after another. Goblin Spawns. A lot of them.

You have gained a hundred loyal Goblin Spawns!

It is possible to name them.

Do you wish to proceed?

I immediately declined the offer. Name a hundred Goblins? You must be kidding me. Although it should be possible to name them just like Uno and Dos, I simply did not have the motivation to do so right now.

The Goblins went towards me, and upon making eye contact, they all knelt down simultaneously.

You have met the requirements to create a Village.

It is now possible to create your own village.

Do you wish to proceed?

I remembered the villages we passed by along the way. Those Goblins had made houses resembling huts, and there was even that one watchtower. If these new guys were the same as Uno and Dos, then they would probably also listen to everything I say. I needed a place where they could stay. It would make everything easier.

“Yes,” I said.

A Ting! sound echoed, and a window popped up.

You have become a Village Leader!

Please name your village.

“Methuzelda,” I said. Frankly speaking, I was satisfied with the name. It felt cool, a bit bad ass, actually. This was a rare moment for someone like me with a bad naming sense.

You have successfully created the Village of Methuzelda!

I did not even have my own territory right now, but the system was considering me a Village Leader already. I smiled wryly.

Village of Methuzelda

Leader: Goblin Nick

Number of Residents: 103

It seemed that including the one hundred new Goblin Spawns, Uno, Dos, and I were considered part of the village.

The Goblin Spawns probably knew that Methuzelda had just been created. They all expectantly looked at me, their eyes wide and glittery.

I guess for now, I should go towards the place near the foot of the mountains and start building a village there. Having more men under me would definitely give boost to my power. But first, I needed to clarify some things.

I looked at the Ancestral Goblin Mother. “By the way, what happened to the Werewolves?”

My last memory before I fell unconscious was that the reinforcements sent by Osiris had arrived in this cavern.

Driven away by the Brat, of course.

The brat this monster was referring to was probably Osiris.

The Werewolf Lord put up quite a fight. Even after the Anubis Clan came, they still managed to slaughter a large portion of the Goblin Race, even killing a lot of Anubis Warriors in the Process. Silverfang is indeed strong, and if not for its absolute pride as a warrior, I would have loved for it to become one of my subordinates. A pity, truly.

Osiris and Silverfang eventually clashed against each other. If you go to the Yolkshur Mountain Range, you’ll see that a portion of it was chipped off. Their fight was so fierce that a portion of the mountain was destroyed.

I momentarily held my breath. So, those two were that strong? I doubt if even my Goblus Demigod form could do that, especially since I have a time limit of three minutes. But still, I have not yet tried the other three remaining skills. The Call of Gaia was actually enough to slaughter the Werewolves in this cavern. I wondered what the rest of the skill could actually do.

Lak ‘Amesh and the Minos army arrived in the middle of the clash. Silverfang was severely wounded after Lak ‘Amesh and Osiris teamed up. With half of his Werewolf Army dead, Silverfang eventually retreated. You should have seen how that werewolf fled with its tail wagging between its legs. Hilarious.

The voice of the Ancestral Goblin Mother was filled with vigor and excitement when it said that. I could not help but frown. After all, the Werewolves waged war against these monsters because they were against the opening of the Portal. In a sense, they were the Human Race’s allies. I could not find myself to be happy after hearing of the Werewolf Lord’s defeat.

After the Ancestral Goblin Mother finished her story, I decided to bid farewell and went outside. There were Goblins Stationed there, and upon seeing me getting out of the cavern, they all attentively took a battle stance. I guess the war three days ago had made everyone wary.

Seeing that I was one of their kind, they eventually relaxed, but their eyes were still filled with wonder as they stared at my direction, more specifically, at the Goblins tailing behind me. I probably resembled a mother duck right now.

The Goblin Warriors made a salute, and I nodded back in kind. As expected, a Goblin Leader held considerable amount of authority in this place.

I went back to the Goblin Slaughter house and began looking for Uno and Dos. Just like before, this place was filled with numerous Goblins working left and right. It was as though the war from before was a lie.

I was halfway towards the Mines when two familiar figures approached my direction. One was wearing a red scarf, while the other one wore blue. A tight sensation filled my heart as I looked at the two of them. They were both running, and their eyes were filled with joy upon seeing me.

“Uno, Dos,” I softly whispered when the two were a mere breath away. I felt that the two of them wanted to hug me, but refrained from doing so, probably due to respect in hierarchy. “You’re both, fine. Thank goodness.”

The two nodded at once, and a soft shriek filled with joy escaped their lips. I placed a hand on their heads and rubbed them. Even after evolving to a Goblin Leader, these two were still able to recognize me. I was somehow genuinely happy.

The two of them noticed the Goblins tailing behind me, and I explained the situation to them. The two nodded intelligently at my words.

“About the Portal, do you know if it’s open right now?”

Uno and Dos looked at each other. Dos made gestures with its hands, and I immediately understood that the Portal was indeed open right now.

Upon turning into a Goblin Leader, I now have more confidence in my abilities. Furthermore, I have obtained useful skills and even an awesome item. There should probably no longer a need to hide too much once I got back in the Human Realm. I smiled at this thought.

“First, we will go to the foot of the mountain and build a village there. Uno, Dos, the two of you will be in-charge of supervising the village’s creation. I will be giving out detailed instructions later. After that, I will enter the Portal. There’s something I need to do in the Human Realm, at all costs.”

The two nodded enthusiastically at my words. I was about to lead the group out of the Slaughterhouse when I suddenly saw a strange statue at the center of the cavern. I approached it.

Around the statue, some Goblins were kneeling, as though in prayer. There were Meat Fruits at its feet, definitely an offering of some sort.

“A bronze statue?” I mumbled. This statue was definitely made out of a metal, probably bronze. It was a statue of a large monster with twin horns. Its arms were muscular, and on its back, two large unfolded wings protruded. Its face was definitely that of a Goblin, but it gave off the vibe of an enraged Minotaur.

This statue was not here before, definitely.

My curiosity reached its peak, and I used the Identify skill on it.

Statue of the Goblus Demigod

Traces of ancient magic has been found in the Holy Ground of the Ancestral Goblin Mother. After examining the magical imprints, it was concluded that it came from a Goblin. The Goblin Chieftain has proclaimed that the Legendary Goblin, the Goblus Demigod, the protector of the Goblin Race, has finally appeared and protected the Ancestral Goblin Mother from the shadows.

This statue has been built in worship of the Legendary Goblin.

The image of the statue was that of a war-crazed monster. Just a single look would petrify a person if they do encounter this monster in real life.

As I stared at the bronze statue and the Goblins worshiping it, a small voice escaped my lips.

“But… I didn’t look like that at all.”