Elven Rebirth

Chapter 12. An Elven-Goblin King

A few days passed, and Eryndor's hut door creaked open to Grimp's knock.

"Enter," Eryndor called out.

Grimp stepped inside, his expression serious.

"Chief, I've returned from scouting the Dark Forest."

Eryndor gestured for Grimp to continue.

"I found three other goblin clans in the western region," Grimp reported. "Each unique, each powerful."

Eryndor leaned forward, intrigued.

"Tell me more."

Grimp nodded. "The first clan is led by Shaman Korga, a powerful spiritual leader. Their clan, the Shadowhand, wields dark magic and cunning."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed. "A valuable ally."

Grimp continued, "The second clan is the Ironfist, led by General Gorthok. Their warriors are well armored and formidable in battle."

Eryndor's interest grew. "A military force to reckon with."

Grimp smiled. "And the third clan, the Paradya, is led by Archer Vexar. They're skilled archers, mastering ranged combat."

Eryndor's mind whirled with strategic possibilities.

"Contact them," he decided. "We need allies against the Western Kingdom."

Grimp nodded. "I've already sent emissaries. We await their responses."

Eryndor stood, pacing his hut.

"Shaman Korga's magic, General Gorthok's warriors, and Archer Vexar's marksmen... Together, we can challenge the Western Kingdom."

Grimp's eyes shone with excitement, "The tide of power will shift, Chief. The Dark Forest will soon tremble with our united strength."

Eryndor had a smile on his face, "When divided, each clan is vulnerable, but together, under one banner, even the elves will think twice before waging a war against us." He then turned to Grimp.

"Go and rest my friend, you have done more than I've expected." Eryndor said. Grimp's eyes shone with delight at being called a friend of Eryndor, the clan chief.

He placed a his fist on his chest in solemn pledge, "Till the day life departs from me, I shall continue to serve you my Chief."

Eryndor dismissed Grimp, his mind racing with strategy. He knew the goblin way: strength ruled, and weakness was exploited.

"To unite the clans, I must demonstrate my power," he thought, pacing his hut.

A plan formed in his mind. Upon the arrival of the three clan leaders, he would initiate a duel, showcasing his overwhelming strength. Defeating them would solidify his leadership.

"A goblin King," he whispered, his ambition burning brighter. "That's merely the beginning."

Eryndor's gaze swept across the Dark Forest map etched on the wall.

"Next, the orcs, harpies, and every sentient beast will bow to me. United, we'll take down the Elysia Forest elves."

His eyes gleamed with determination.

"No one will challenge my rule. I'll forge an empire, with the Dark Forest as its foundation."

Eryndor's thoughts turned to the upcoming duel. He would need to be cautious, yet decisive.

"Shaman Korga's magic, General Gorthok's battle prowess, and Archer Vexar's marksmanship... Each will push me to my limits."

A fierce grin spread across his face.

"But I will emerge victorious. I must."

The sound of approaching goblins echoed outside, signaling the arrival of the clan leaders.

Eryndor's heart quickened, anticipation building.

"The time for unity has come. Through strength, I'll forge an empire."

Before exiting his hut, Eryndor focused inward.

"System, I require defensive enhancements and the best armor my points can buy."

"Ding!

Magic Shield, Aegis of the Ancients for Five hundred points. Full Armor, Opressor's Plate for Eight hundred points, emitting an oppressive aura. Additional effects, Intimidating Presence for Two hundred points and Fearless Aura for three hundred points!"

The system confirmed the purchases.

Eryndor stepped out of his hut, unarmed and unarmored, a calculated move.

Before him stood Shaman Korga, General Gorthok, and Archer Vexar, each accompanied by their respective clan members.

The three leaders regarded Eryndor with disdain, their expressions ranging from skepticism to scorn.

General Gorthok sneered. "This is the leader who summons us? He looks like a scavenger. Who has ever heard of an elf leading a clan of goblins!?"

Shaman Korga's gaze pierced Eryndor. "I sense no remarkable power within him, how did he get these goblins to serve him!?"

Archer Vexar snorted. "A pretender, nothing more, that's exactly what he is."

Eryndor smiled, relishing the opportunity.

"I propose a test of strength," he said, voice even. "A duel. I win, you serve me. I lose, my head is yours. Now, attack me together, at once. Prove your worth."

The leaders exchanged surprised glances.

General Gorthok snarled. "You think you can take all three of us?"

Shaman Korga's eyes flashed. "We'll crush you."

Archer Vexar drew his bow. "Let's end this farce. Who does this charlatan thinks he is!?"

The three leaders charged, their movements synchronized.

Eryndor stood firm, unarmed and unarmored, awaiting their assault.

The three clan leaders assaulted Eryndor simultaneously, unleashing a flurry of attacks.

Shaman Korga summoned dark energy blasts, General Gorthok swung his massive greataxe, and Archer Vexar fired arrow after arrow.

Eryndor dodged and weaved, effortlessly evading each strike. He toyed with them, allowing them to exhaust themselves.

With a swift kick, Eryndor sent General Gorthok stumbling back. A fluid motion dispatched Shaman Korga's energy blasts.

Archer Vexar's arrows ricocheted off the ground, mere inches from Eryndor's feet.

The duel resembled a dance, Eryndor leading the clan leaders in a futile pursuit.

Finally, they halted, panting and frustrated.

Eryndor smiled. "Enough."

With a wave of his hand, a brilliant light enveloped him.

The light dissipated, revealing Eryndor clad in the "Opressor's Plate" armor.

A majestic red cape flowed behind him, billowing in an unseen wind.

The overbearing pressure emanating from Eryndor forced all goblins to kneel.

Reverence and fear etched their faces.

"A goblin King!" The shaman uttered.

"The aura of a Warrior King!" General Gorthok spoke

"We were blind, the prophesied Goblin King is here."

Even the unaffected followed suit.

Shaman Korga, General Gorthok, and Archer Vexar prostrated themselves.

"My King!," they chorused.

Eryndor's gaze swept across the assembled goblins.

"Ding!

Congratulations to Host on uniting the goblin clans of the western dark forest."

"Ding!

Host has been awarded 50,000 goody points."

"Ding!

Host has unlocked the BOP, Base Of Operation, branch.

Base Of Operation, goblin clan, 3,000 goblins."

"Rise, my subjects," he declared. "A new era begins."

As they stood, Eryndor's voice echoed.

"We will unite the Dark Forest, and beyond."

His gaze settled on the three clan leaders.

"You three will serve as my generals."

Shaman Korga, General Gorthok, and Archer Vexar nodded.

"Till the day life departs from us, we will serve you, my King!" They echoed. Their loyalty was sealed.