Thorian stepped into the Village Hall, where he found Melina diligently recording the day's quests for a pair of hobgoblins. As she concluded her task and lifted her gaze, her features morphed into an expression of stark surprise.

"I don't believe we've met before," she said, advancing to scrutinize Thorian's unfamiliar guise.

At this, Thorian let out a soft chuckle. "Have you already forgotten me, Melina?"

The sound of Thorian's voice, barely altered despite his evolution, made Melina gasp. "My lord, forgive me. Have you undergone your evolution?"

"Indeed, I have," Thorian replied, his eyes glinting with pride as he surveyed his new form. "This appearance differs greatly from my previous one, so your confusion is understandable."

"It's certainly distinctive," Melina conceded. "This is my first encounter with such a transformation. I wasn't even aware that an evolution like yours was possible."

"Our circumstances are indeed unprecedented," Thorian said with a laugh. "The notion of monsters acquiring classes was inconceivable until we achieved it. Naturally, the evolutions arising from such a scenario are extraordinary."

"That makes sense, my lord," Melina agreed, nodding. "And there's this peculiar aura about you, reminiscent of a regal creature, akin to a dragon or a phoenix."

"Comparing me to such exalted beings is far too generous," Thorian said with a dismissive scoff. "Those creatures could obliterate this entire kingdom on a whim. Their power is so vast, it makes any comparison to me absurd."

Melina's laughter was light, her tone filled with unwavering faith. "Yet, I am confident that one day, you too will reach such heights, my lord. Knowing you, you won't rest until you've scaled those peaks."

Her words, coming from the beautiful elven maiden, almost coaxed a blush from Thorian, but he swiftly concealed his emotions with a cough. "Let's set aside the flattery for now. Are my generals and unit leaders gathered in the room upstairs?"

"Yes, my lord," Melina chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "They await your arrival to commence the meeting."

With that confirmation, Thorian cast a glance towards the stairway leading to the upper room. "Then I shouldn't keep them waiting."

After receiving a nod of affirmation from Melina, Thorian ascended the stairs. The meeting room was full, save for one vacant chair. He took his place beside Forlune and whispered, "Yesterday's meeting felt incomplete without you, Forlune."

Forlune's smile was one of gratitude. "Your words honor me, my king."

Surveying the assembly, Thorian initiated the meeting. "Fortunately, we face no urgent crises today. However, there are topics we must address to steer our village's future in the coming weeks."

Clearing his throat, he continued, "But first, I need a summary of yesterday's discussions."

"Yes, my lord," Zogarth interjected confidently. "Following our strategy, the four additional squads successfully navigated the fourth layer of the Verdant Labyrinth. Remarkably, they incurred no serious injuries, and those afflicted by the purple cloud were promptly treated with detoxification potions."

Elder Yur couldn't hide his satisfaction. "I always said our goblin champions were dependable," he remarked, his voice tinged with pride.

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Thorian, absorbing the news, nodded in approval. "That's encouraging. Given your firsthand experience in the Thunderous Citadel's second layer, do you think these squads, if combined, could conquer it without suffering any losses?"

Zogarth's response was earnest and assured. "I see no reason for failure, my lord. Honestly, the Thunderous Citadel's challenges, formidable as they are, seem less intricate than those of the Labyrinth's fourth layer. The Lightning King, while powerful, isn't insurmountable. I'm confident they won't let you down."

A smile crept onto Thorian's face. Indeed, the second layer of the Thunderous Citadel isn't overly difficult along the standard path. The real challenge was the hidden boss, but that's no longer a concern.

Thorian's declaration carried an air of confidence. "Today, our four parties, including the main one, will take on the second layer," he stated. "The leaders will be myself, Forlune, Zogarth, and Elder Omn."

Elder Omn expressed his gratitude. "Your trust honors us, my lord. We won't let you down."

With the plan in place, Thorian shifted the focus. "Now, let's discuss the progress of your units. I'm particularly interested in their average levels and cultivation ranks."

Forlune promptly responded, "Our company's members average level eight in their first advancement class and ten in their species class. As for cultivation, they've reached the third stage."

Zogarth concurred, "Our unit's levels are comparable, my lord."

Thorian nodded, then turned his attention to Elder Omn. "And your progress with the goblin champions?"

Elder Omn, after exchanging glances with his fellow elders, said, "I've recently advanced to a Wildseer class, now at level 10. My species level is nearing 23; just seventeen more levels until evolution. The other elders and champions are on a similar path."

Thorian nodded approvingly. "A Wildseer is a commendable class. Continue advancing your levels. I eagerly anticipate your evolution and the new forms it will bring."

Elder Omn, smiling, replied, "That day is as eagerly awaited by me, my lord. Your encouragement means a great deal."

Thorian's gaze swept over his trusted advisors, pausing on Forlune. "The same expectation extends to all of you."

Forlune, the kobold general, couldn't contain his excitement. "That day is upon us, my king. I'm just one level shy of evolving. I'm certain my new form will be formidable."

Thorian's eyebrows raised in pleasant surprise, and a smile spread across his face. "I have no doubt about that, Forlune."

Thorian lightened the mood with a quip, "Let's move on from the commendations. Our meeting isn't just for uplifting speeches." He chuckled, then got down to business. "Apart from dungeon matters, today's focus is on our village's next phase of upgrades."

Aqua, ever curious, leaned in. "What are our needs, my king? The village's growth is paramount for us all."

"We need an abundance of rocks and wood," Thorian said, taking a deep breath. "You're all aware of our wood requirements. As for rocks, they're crucial for future upgrades. It's wise to stockpile them now, in these relatively calm times."

Vigil's brow creased in thought, then he voiced his concern. "Are you referring to the lady in green, my lord? Do you suspect she might strike at us again?"

Thorian's tone hardened. "She's already dealt us a heavy blow. As long as we both inhabit this forest, peaceful coexistence is impossible."

Elder Omn, puzzled, interjected, "Forgive my ignorance, my lord, but I'm unfamiliar with this lady in green."

Thorian realized the oversight. "Ah, you weren't here for that ordeal. She orchestrated the largest assault on our village, commanding thousands of mind-controlled humans to attempt our annihilation."

“We did end up killing her whole army as retaliation, though,” Forlune added with a hint of anger. “But that whore was not in the mix, and it’s because of her that Nox is in the state he is in.”

The mention of Nox cast a somber shadow over the meeting room. A primal ferocity, long suppressed by their evolution and assimilation into civilization, resurfaced among the kobolds. Even Elder Omn, previously unaware of Nox's significance, sensed the deep impact he had on Thorian and his kin.

Forlune's voice was a low growl, brimming with barely contained rage. "I want to tear her to pieces right now."

Thorian's response was calm yet firm. "That time will come," he said, rising from his chair. "For now, let's adjourn. We must continue to work diligently for the well-being and prosperity of our village."