As Thorian and Nox approached the Northern gates, the shadowstalker clenched his fists, barely containing his excitement. "Inly looked so amazing after his evolution!" he exclaimed, glancing at Thorian. "Those red tattoos on his face—savage!"

Nox's infectious enthusiasm brought a smile to Thorian's face. Reflecting on the image of the transformed warrior, he couldn't help but draw a comparison to the berserker class.

That might be a good class advancement for them.

Contemplating the potential that lay before them, Thorian's own excitement grew. Assembling a full squad of kobold berserkers at this early stage of the apocalypse could pave the way for future glory.

Returning to the present, Thorian and Nox arrived at the Northern section of the village. Like a relentless swarm of termites, the orcs methodically stripped away the forest that stood before the gates, clearing an unobstructed view toward the village hall. With tireless efficiency, they felled one tree after another, gradually diminishing the cluster of trees encircling the village center.

"Wow, they're fast!" Nox marveled. "We spent the whole afternoon cutting trees, but they've already cut so much more than us."

Thorian nodded, his smile reflecting their impressive progress. With this much, we should have enough wood to upgrade the last three statues into guilds. The only requirement left would be to have 100 registered citizens.

He scratched his chin, contemplating the brown kobloids. I want them all to evolve into proper kobolds before we approach their tribe. That would make the negotiations significantly easier.

As the two neared the gates, they discovered the group of newly evolved kobolds gathered within the village, talking amongst themselves. The warriors retained their distinct white color, but were now embellished with tribalistic red tattoos that adorned their faces and bodies.

That's the second step of the stabilization plan finalized, Thorian thought with a smile. That only leaves the naturalization of the orcs, the evolution of the brown kobloids, and reaching the 100 registered citizen goal.

Looking back at the group, Thorian saw Forlune sitting amongst the group of newly evolved warriors. However, he no longer exuded the same aura of strength and power he once had. The kobolds were now as large and powerful as him, if not more so, rendering his appearance rather ordinary in comparison.

Though the moon kobold conversed with the others, his energy seemed subdued. His gaze would drift into the distance, and his posture lacked the commanding presence it once held.

I told him this was going to happen, but I guess experiencing it is different.

"Is he okay?" Nox observed the moon kobold's unusual demeanor and whispered to Thorian. The latter merely shook his head and continued walking toward the group.

"Forlune," Thorian called out, capturing the kobold's attention. "Everyone, I see you have all evolved."

"Fighting those monsters is so much easier now, King," Bellafor proudly declared, flexing his enhanced muscles.

"I never thought our evolution would be this good," Crimen added, turning to Thorian and offering a respectful bow. "It's all thanks to you, my King."

Thorian surveyed the group of warriors, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. Including Forlune, there were only three of them.

"Where is Caedar?" No matter where he looked, Thorian couldn't locate the final warrior—the one who had placed second in the woodcutting competition and displayed the most potential among the kobloids.

At Thorian's question, the two warriors exchanged glances, leaving Forlune to provide an explanation. "He was badly injured."

The moon kobold rose to his feet, directing his gaze toward the rightmost watchtower. "The healer priest is taking care of him right now."

"Is he okay?" Nox inquired, concern evident in his voice as Thorian and Forlune strode toward the watchtower. Sensing the change in atmosphere, the shadowstalker trailed quietly behind them.

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Upon reaching the base of the watchtower, Thorian discovered the kobloid priest tending to Caedar, who was laying on the ground. The priest chanted a spell, focused on his patient.

Noticing Thorian's approach, the priest offered an explanation. "The bleeding has stopped, but his arm is gone."

Thorian's eyes fell upon Caedar, who emitted pained, labored breaths. His arm had been cleanly severed at the elbow, and the wound was now sealed thanks to the priest's healing skill.

"I'm sorry, King," Caedar managed a pained smile as he looked at Thorian. "I have become a cripple."

Thorian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Well, I can't say that was not expected. He then glanced at Forlune, who wore an expression of both shame and sadness. It was not unexpected, but they were still under your responsibility.

"What happened?" Thorian asked Forlune, seeking answers. "How did things come to this?"

"It was that giant mantis," Forlune bit his lower lip as he explained. "Half an hour ago, just after the magi evolved, the giant mantis appeared and caught us off guard. It was so fast. By the time Ventus could react, it had already taken Caedar's arm."

Thorian nodded at Forlune's explanation, deciding not to probe any further. If it was a Thri-kreen, then it was understandable. Without a proper grasp of its strengths and weaknesses, it might be one of the most challenging monsters to fight in the forest at the moment, at least among the normal ones.

Thorian glanced back down at Caedar, pondering the situation as he scratched his chin. Nox, on the other hand, could only fidget in silence while Thorian was lost in thought.

If it's just one arm, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Good thing it happened recently, too.

With a strategy in mind, Thorian turned to the group and declared, "From now on, do not kill any of the monsters that come knocking at our doors. Strip them of their limbs and allow Caedar to deliver the final blow."

All eyes were fixed on Thorian as he outlined his plan, a mixture of confusion and curiosity filling their expressions as they tried to understand his reasoning.

"King... why?" Caedar inquired weakly.

"You'll find out soon enough," Thorian replied, casting a reassuring smile at the injured warrior. "Just rest for now."

Forlune, initially taken aback by Thorian's plan, quickly adapted and regained his composure. He addressed the two bewildered warriors, saying, "You heard our King's orders. Let's move."

"Understood, boss," Crimen acknowledged, nodding at Forlune as he and the other warrior trailed behind the moon kobold. The trio effortlessly scaled the wall in just a few steps, while Thorian observed from the side, pleased. He is shaping up in his role quite nicely.

Impressed by Forlune's demeanor, Thorian turned to Nox and suggested, "Shall we head upstairs?"

Nox, who had remained silent throughout, eagerly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's go!"

Thorian chuckled softly at his companion's enthusiasm before they both ascended the watchtower stairs. Reaching the top, they found Ventus and Aqua surveying the battlefield below.

"You're looking sharp, Ventus," Thorian praised the light yellow kobold—a coloration he had rarely seen among their kind.

He then turned his attention to the blue kobold, adding, "You too, Aqua."

"Thank you for the compliment, my lord," Aqua replied with a graceful bow, his words imbued with an uncommon elegance rarely encountered among kobolds and kobloids.

"You too, King!" Ventus boomed with a hearty laugh. "We're looking good, but you two are looking even better!"

Feeling bashful of the compliment, Nox scratched his head and laughed. "Thank you!"

Meanwhile, Thorian simply smiled and joined the two magi as they gazed out from the watchtower. Below, the group of warriors stood by the wall, poised for any ill-fated creature that might dare approach.

"I'm curious. What kind of skill did you acquire from your evolution?" Thorian asked the pair.

Ventus' expression swelled with pride at Thorian's question. "I think it's better if I show you, King!"

The yellow kobold extended his arm, pointing his palm toward the forest. Taking a deep breath, he bellowed, "Gale Slash!"

A crescent wave of wind surged from the watchtower, slicing cleanly through several sizable trees.

"Wow! That is so powerful!" Nox cheered, while Ventus basked in the praise, scratching his nose.

"Did you have to shout the name, though?" Aqua sighed, casting a disappointed glance at the wind magus.

"No, but it does sound cool that way!" Ventus replied, bubbling with excitement.

As the trio bantered, Thorian nodded in appreciation of Ventus' skill, deep in thought as he scratched his chin.

"Gale Slash is a very useful skill," Thorian remarked, much to the wind magus's delight.

"I know, right? It cut through that big mantis immediately! But it does use up quite a bit of mana, though."

Thorian nodded at Ventus' explanation, then continued sharing his thoughts. "That is a good use for the skill, indeed. But I think I have a better one."

Ventus raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what is that, King?"

Thorian took his time, scratching his furry chin before replying, "Cutting trees."