I put Paul’s letter down. One of the additional documents included with the letter was instructions on how to add or remove people from the approved access list. There was an old school computer terminal and receptacle to deposit the DNA sample. It was a closed system so there was a limited chance for interference.

After I figured out the access terminal, I picked up one of the other documents. It was a mineral and soil sample report. The old mine had been shut down for decades. To learn it wasn’t as dry as people believed was a pleasant set of news. The report showed large veins of iron, copper, silver, and some gold deep underground.

“That will come in handy later if we need materials for building and trading.” I commented as I set the report down and picked up the rest of the documents.

One piece of paper was a simple note that said the filing cabinet behind me held many of Paul’s notes and sketches on his inventions and ideas. It would be a treasure trove of ideas to further help us grow a community if we could solve the goblin problem.

The last set of documents consisted of the purchase of the compound lot, the forest, town, and surrounding area. This also included official copies of his will and Living Trust that left everything to me.

“So, Jebediah was right, according to this I own this territory. Wait what is this?” I asked as another piece of paper with Paul’s handwriting on it fell out of the stack of documents.

PS: Something I have researched is how ownership authority seems to work. If there is meaning and intent tied to it and an exchange of value, there is more significance tied to it. Note: If you’re reading this my friend, I think this will matter in the apocalypse, but I can’t say why. Hope this helps you.

“How weird. It’s like Paul had some glimmers of insight into how things might work in the apocalypse. Maybe Gr’ex or the system can yield some answers.” I told myself as I stood and left the office.

Returning to the second subterranean level, I found Jebediah right where he said he would be.

“How did it go, son? Get some answers?” Jebediah asked.

“Some answers and more questions.” I replied.

“That is usually the way it works.” Jebediah commented.

“Come on. Let’s go see how the others are doing.” I gestured for Jebediah to follow me.

We found Duncan and Suzie excitedly working on the radio equipment and Gr’ex eating a donut. When the little goblin saw me, he pointed to the donut he was eating. “Duncan’s donuts are pretty good. He gave me one to shut me up while they worked.”

That comment made me laugh. “Ha, ha, ha, ha. I’m not surprised Duncan’s donuts are good.”

Gr’ex clearly didn’t get the joke, but Jebediah and Suzie laughed.

Suzie spoke up after she stopped laughing. “He, he. As you can see Duncan has been at it the entire time. What’s exciting is we think we got in contact with someone out there. Duncan is trying to get them back!”

“That’s good news. Any idea who it was?” Jebediah asked before I could.

“It sounded like Mrs. Burns.” Suzie said.

“Carol? If I recall she worked at a radio station back in the day. Her son Carl was ex-military. I think he ended up in Southern California. Hmmm. I thought she moved to Nevada a few years ago when we all got our payouts from Paul. I think she wanted to be closer to her son. What did the old bat have to say?” Jebediah asked.

“I’m pretty sure she’s younger than you Jeb. And we didn’t get much, she was trying to talk about some survivors before we lost the signal.” Suzie replied.

I took the opportunity to grab Gr’ex’s attention. “Hey, Gr’ex, you got a few moments to chat?”

Gr’ex just nodded. He ate the last of his donut as he followed me out of the room.

“What’s up?” Gr’ex asked.

“What do you know about territory ownership? Does significance in the process mean anything to you?” I inquired.

“You referring to Jeb’s statement that you own the area?” Gr’ex asked.

“Yes. Looks like it’s true. I found an official copy of the transactions. Paul seemed to think such exchanges were important in gaining ownership. Does that mean anything to you?”

“Of course. Energy exchange or trading something each party sees value in creates the impact of the exchange, which adds the meaning needed for the system to act. Soon that will matter for those who make deals and agreements and then try to break them.” Gr’ex answered.

“Matter how?” I asked.

“Your world is not yet fully integrated. Mana has only yet begun to flow and change your world. The other realms have not yet fully connected to this one.” Gr’ex explained.

“What does that mean?” I impatiently asked.

“I am getting there huemon. It means that this apocalypse is happening in waves or phases. Once there is enough energy or mana more functions will become available. The reason why my oath worked was the fact there is already a high amount of energy in the local environment. Why I don’t know. This will allow territories to be officially recognized by the system. For that to occur there must be significant impact for the system to acknowledge this place as yours.”

“So, you’re saying the system could take this place from me?”

“In a way that could be possible, but very unlikely. Possession is a big factor in assigning initial ownership, but it is not the only thing considered. If Paul really went through all that trouble and everyone recognized his right of ownership, the system would weigh that heavily in your favor.” Gr’ex further explained.

Just as Gr’ex finished his explanation a new notification popped up in my view.

New Quest: Right of Ownership

Description: As you have just learned possession is a factor in determining initial ownership. Two factions of goblins occupy a portion of what should rightfully be your territory. Eliminate the invaders to gain ownership of this new territory. Ownership will unlock the Territory Management function of the system. Resolve these two threats before phase one of the apocalypse is completed. Each threat resolved prior will grant additional quest rewards. Time remaining before phase 1 completion in area: 5 days, 13 hours, 18 minutes...

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Gr’ex noticed the distant, glassy-eyed look of someone reading a notification. “What did you get?”

I answered Gr’ex’s question as I finished re-reading the notification. “A new quest. I must resolve the goblin invasion in roughly five days. The challenge to my right of ownership of this territory must be resolved before then.”

“That does not leave us much time. To deal with the Bone Marrow and Sleeping Willow clans.” Gr’ex stated as he pulled out a ring and handed it to me. “Here. If you have finished absorbing the core you can start to attune to this ring. We will need to scout, and you and I should be able to do that better as goblins.”

“The extra Ring of Minor Illusion?” I asked in surprise. When we first discussed the item Gr’ex seemed very hesitant to part with it. ‘Perhaps he’s beginning to trust me.’ I thought as I just nodded in thanks.

Suzie poked her head out of the doorway. “Come quick! We got her back!” She didn’t even bother waiting for us before she went back to the radio.

We entered the room and heard an excited conversation.

“It’s good to hear from you too, Mrs. Burns!” Duncan said.

“Is that my donut? How have you been sweetie?” Mrs. Burns said on the radio.

“Surviving ma’am. I’ve got Suzie-cue and Mr. Jones with me.” Duncan replied.

“Suzie-cue? Did you finally go home for a visit?” Mrs. Burns asked.

That one question made Suzie begin to lose the wall she had erected around her emotions. “Y-yes ma’am. I got a chance to spend time with them... before they vanished.”

“Sounds like they were the lucky ones, sweetie. Don’t fret. Don’t fret. I’m glad to hear you and Duncan have each other right now.” Mrs. Burns comforted.

Duncan squeezed Suzie’s hand to let her know he was there for her. She just nodded and wiped away some tears that started to form.

Jebediah decided to chime in to change the subject. “How are you holding up you, crazy old bat?”

“Is that Jebediah? You’re like twenty years older than me. I’m doing just fine you old coot! It’s just me but I’m well stocked on food, and I don’t eat a lot. My place is secure enough, and I’ve got no reason to leave.”

“That’s good to hear. What can you tell us about your area? Have you talked to other survivors?” Jebediah asked.

“I’ve seen some weird monsters and some undead, but they seem to be looking for other prey. As for survivors, I’ve talked to a few people, they are scattered all over in small pockets. My son’s group is probably the largest I’ve heard of so far.” Mrs. Burns shared.

“You talked to Carl?” Duncan asked.

“Yes, my sweet donut. Carl was able to get out of the city. Luckily, he was smart and lived in one of the suburban cities in California and was still armed. He helped form a group of survivors of over sixty people.” Mrs. Burns beamed with pride about her son.

“Wow. Good for him. Glad to hear he’s doing okay. Did they find a good place to defend?” Jebediah asked.

“They found an old secure warehouse but yesterday he told me they are packing up.”

“Packing up? Is it not safe?” Suzie asked with concern.

“Oh no sweetie, my son just said it’s not sustainable. Carl said they met someone who is leading a convoy northeast. My son said they should be stopping by and picking me and other survivors up along the way.” Mrs. Burns explained.

“Do you know where they are going? And do we know anything about the person leading the convoy?” Jebediah questioned.

Mrs. Burns shared what she had learned. “The new leader of the group seems to be tight lipped about the destination. My guess is he doesn’t quite trust everyone yet. Carl made mention of some awful business with a man named Tom who was the nephew of their old leader. Tom took advantage of their people. Mr. Laraaq killed him for hurting people. Said he wouldn’t tolerate such behavior.”

That name caught my attention. Gr’ex was the only one looking at me, so he picked up on my change in posture. “What is it?”

I raised my hand to forestall my goblin companion. I wanted to hear what they were saying.

“This Mr. Laraaq seems like he doesn’t mess around. Sure, you didn’t trade one tyrant for another?” Jebediah asked.

“No, I don’t think so. I got a chance to talk to him on the radio last night. He assured me he would keep an eye on my son and watch his back.”

I spoke up for the first time. “Is it possible to get a message to him?”

“Who is that? I don’t recognize your voice.” Mrs. Burns inquired.

“He’s a friend of mine. Goes by the name Shadowalker. We are staying at his place currently.” Jebediah explained.

“What’s with all these weird names.” Mrs. Burns commented.

“It’s a gaming thing ma’am. Do you think you can get a message to Laraaq?” I asked.

“Most assuredly. Carl is supposed to call me soon before they pack up their equipment and head out. What is it you want me to tell him?”

“That Shadowalker is happy to know he is alive and to be safe. We are dealing with a goblin problem, but I don’t want him risking his life to get here. The more survivors he can pick up along the way the better, but again take only calculated risks.” I stated.

Mrs. Burns said in concern, “Goblins? That doesn’t sound good.”

“It’s not ma’am but I’d rather my friend get here safely than rush.” I replied.

“Well, I’m going to sign off now. I don’t want to miss my son’s radio message. You all stay safe yourselves.”

“You too Mrs. Burns.” Duncan and Suzie said.

Jebediah said in farewell, “Try to stay out of trouble Carol.”

Everyone turned to me. Jebediah asked, “So... want to tell us more about Laraaq?”

“Laraaq is Oliver.” I replied.

“No way. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Good for him dealing with that scumbag. I knew he had it in him.” Jebediah chuckled.

“Laraaq was one of his gaming handles, like Shadowalker is one of mine. If he’s leading a convoy then that means we can expect reinforcements at some point. It would behoove us to start working on recon and gathering information on our enemies.” I explained.

“That is a good idea but also very risky business leaving this compound.” Jebediah replied.

“That’s why Gr’ex and I are going to go scouting.” I answered.

“What? We are? Why would we do that?” Gr’ex asked incredulously.

“Because we can blend in with your illusion rings. We can make ourselves look like goblins.” I stated as I gave my companion a pointed look.

“Wow you can do that?” Suzie asked.

“Yes. Gr’ex show them your goblin form.” I ordered hoping my ally would pick up on my message.

“Ah yes, my goblin form. Here let me show all of you.” Gr’ex replied as his features slowly changed until the goblin was in his true form.

“Wow that looks so real. Let’s see yours Shadowalker.” Duncan said in awe.

Gr’ex chimed in. “He still has to attune to the ring, but it will work the same as mine does.”

“Man, you look just like them. It’s kind of creepy.” Suzie commented.

“Creepy, I can show you creepy!” Gr’ex offendedly replied.

I quickly stepped in. “Gr’ex why don’t you help me learn how to attune to the ring. Maybe we can go upstairs so we can get started. Jebediah you are the only other person who can access the subterranean levels. Mind staying here and helping Suzie and Duncan?”

“Sure, not a problem, son.” Jebediah nodded.

It was clear now that we had contacted someone they knew in the outside world, Duncan had zero interest in leaving the communications room.

Suzie chimed in. “Jeb, if you’re staying can we go take a more detailed look at our supply cache? If we are expecting over sixty guests in a few days, it would be good to have a handle on everything while Shadowalker and Gr’ex are out scouting.”

“Good idea Suzie. Duncan, you good to stay here?” Jebediah asked.

Duncan just waved his hand as he ate a donut and fiddled with the radio equipment.

Jebediah chuckled. “He, he, he. I’ll take that as a yes. Alright Suzie-cue let’s take an inventory of what we’ve got.”

As Gr’ex and I returned to the surface level I gave him a quick warning. “You have to be careful. They only know goblins as invaders and killers. Give them time.”

Gr’ex shrugged. “They are not wrong. Goblins aren’t as driven for battle like Orcs are, but we can be a bit bloodthirsty when riled up. I will do better.”

“That is all I ask my friend.” I responded as I exited the elevator.

Gr’ex stood there for a minute before stammering out, “Do you mean it?”

I stopped and turned to face my companion. “Do I mean what?” Then it clicked, did I consider him a friend. “I believe we are well on our way to being friends. So, yes, I would say we are new friends. Come and explain this attunement process.”

Gr’ex smiled at my response. ‘Who would have ever thought I would be friends with a huemon.’ He thought before saying, “As I mentioned before, reach out with your magic and attempt to connect it to the ring. Usually, one has to do that for several hours or days, but something tells me you won’t have much difficulty.”

True to Gr’ex’s words, the moment I put the ring on and fed it a trickle of my mana I immediately received a prompt.

Congratulations! You have attuned to a magical item that uses a magic type within your core. Item Attuned: Ring of Minor Illusion.

Ring of Minor Illusion

Description: Think of the image you wish to convey as you visualize pushing that image into the ring. This illusion is strong enough to provide false data on common identification magic.

I immediately took the form of a goblin caster, wearing similar robes to Gr’ex. I looked at myself in the mirror. “So, this is what I would look like as a goblin.”

“Not the ugliest goblin I’ve seen. Then again, not everyone can be as good looking as Gr’ex.” My goblin companion commented.

I chuckled. “Ha, sure, sure. Let’s get going. I want to get an idea of what we are up against.”

We walked out the front door and I locked it behind us.