Chapter 26 – Meeting the Clans

As the sun began to set, our party split up. Gr’ex and I making our roundabout route to meet the other goblin clans while the rest of the party head back to the compound.

It had been a very productive day. All of us leveled, some several times. Once I reached level 11, I shifted to playing a backup and support role, giving the rest of my team the opportunity to catch up in levels. And catch up they did.

Duncan and Jebediah reached level 11. Emily hit level 10. Suzie was the elf rockstar of the group, switching between her bow and her rifle. Her quick reflexes and rapid fire netted her to level 12.

The one who really reaped the rewards was Gr’ex. His Undead Zombies were beyond just back up support. In some fights, they were the perfect meat shields, soaking up damage or dog piling enemies. Sure, several were destroyed and unrecoverable, but it mattered little, as after each fight Gr’ex’s zombie horde grew. He currently had 45 Undead Zombie minions. The goblin even gained three additional levels and was now sitting at level 22.

Gr’ex sent his minions out ahead of us, ensuring we would not be blindsided on our way to the rendezvous. While the goblin and his minions were keeping watch, I reviewed my notification.

Level Up! Congratulations! You are now level 11. You gain +26 stat points per level...

I just couldn’t understand how so I asked my system mentally.

“System can you explain this whole +26 stat points per level? For the first ten levels I didn’t get this many so I’m trying to wrap my head around this.”

Query Accepted

You are seeing an increase in stat points per level due to two primary reasons. First, your Divine Infinitum originally granted you an additional +8 stat points per level. Since then, your Divine Infinitum has increased efficiency and capacity five times. This means every level you now gain +13 stat points per level from your Divine Infinitum.

“Wow! Gr’ex would lose his mind on this. Okay where are the other 13 points coming from.”

Query Accepted

When you were human, you gained the standard +5 stat points per level. Your race has since changed to Ancient Celestial Dragon. This means your +5 for being human is replaced with your new racial value. Ancient Celestial Dragons are intrinsically tied to the cosmos and gain +13 stat points per level.

“That’s insane. How common is it to have stat growth like that from your race?”

Query Accepted

Practically nonexistent. Ancient Celestial Dragons have one of the highest racial bonuses per level. Other dragons do not receive such bonuses. Only Ancient Omni-Dragons are your equal in stat bonuses per level.

“What is an Ancient Omni-Dragon? My Divine Infinitum references my type of affinity as Omni.”

Query Partially Accepted

Ancient Omni-Dragons are the royalty of dragon kind and seen as their natural sovereigns. It is unknown why you possess Omni as your type of affinity. Currently, not available to be able to answer your question.

“Well, this is the first time you’ve partially been able to accept my query. Guess it is better than not being able to answer my question.”

Such a situation is uncomfortable. Your Divine Infinitum is a danger to many, Omni is beyond limitless. Please refrain from further inquiries in this subject area.

Then I heard a screech in my head that made me stop dead in my tracks. It was like a computer was overheating or a fan was dying. It made me instantly decide at least for now to be careful with this Omni subject especially as it related to my Divine Infinitum.

Something was not comfortable with my line of questions, and it was powerful enough to interfere with my system. Last time that happened was the remnants of the Ancient Celestial Dragon in the core I absorbed, and he had apparently been around since the beginning of time. Yep, best for me to change subjects... oh look we are here at the Sleeping Willow camp.

“Welcome master!” Jek’jon greeted us as we entered the camp. He was surrounded by a few goblins in robes that looked older than dirt.

That was when I took the time to do a quick scan of the rest of the camp. There were goblins everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Some were in the trees, some on the fort walls... ‘hey how did that many goblins fit in that hut, are they part clown?’ My mind caught at the absurdity of so many goblins in such a small space.

An older goblin woman in black robes who was leaning on her staff squinted at me. Her nose was huge and what hair she had was white as snow. She was sitting on some kind of skeleton amalgamation that had four legs and a crook that she could sit in. “Is this the one you claim is the one who bears the mantle.”

The larger goblin man in leather armor next to her scrutinized me. He was bigger than Tek’tar but had kind eyes behind his gruff expression. “Looks a little small to me Jek’jon.”

I had to blink a few times at the third elder when I noticed what he was sitting on moved. Eight stubby legs popped out from underneath. He was sitting on the biggest spider I have ever seen. It was easily his height and three times his width.

‘Man, so many people are going to lose their minds when they find out there are giant spiders in the apocalypse.’ I thought as I stared at the thing.

The third elder spoke. “There, there Lucile. We will see if Jek’jon is in error.”

Gr’ex was standing behind me and whispered so only I could hear. “You must show my people strength, power, and wisdom. If you can show all three, they will follow you anywhere.”

‘Strength, power, and wisdom huh?’ I thought as I released the tight control over my Dark Mantle ability. I then activated the Active ability and pushed more mana and stamina into it to amplify my aura across the whole camp.

Most cowered in fear. Many dropped to their knees and bowed so low their hands and heads touched the ground. The giant spider literally squealed, chittered, and then proceeded to try to dig itself into the dirt and hide. The elder who was sitting on his spider was thrown off, but he was too busy relieving himself to care. The old woman fell on her butt and the look on her face was one of fear and awe. The final elder grabbed a vial from a pouch, downed in and instantly turned invisible.

“Ooo. That guy has an invisibility potion I’m guessing. Very cool. I wonder if he has any more?” I commented on what I was seeing.

I felt a tug on my pant leg. I turned to see Gr’ex on his knees. “Dial it back... please.”

“Oh, sorry about that. It just felt so nice to let go for a moment.” I commented as I reapplied my tight control to reign my aura back in.

Gr’ex audibly sighed as he stood back up. “Ahhhh. So much better. Your use of your aura feels even more deadly and terrifying than before.”

Gr’ex stepped around me to see the aftermath. He shook his head as more were still prostrating themselves in front of him.

The old woman seemed to regain her faculties first. She took one look at Gr’ex. “Gr’exy? I thought you died!”

“Grandma Hal’ex?” Gr’ex said in reply as he started to make his way to his grandmother.

“Gr’exy? Grandma?” I asked in shock.

The skeleton chair monster moved in Gr’ex’s direction. A few moments later, grandmother and grandson were hugging and crying.

“I’ll leave them to their reunion.” I said to myself as I made my way to Jek’jon.

“Hey Jek’jon. I hope that removed any doubt they may have had.” I commented.

Jek’jon nodded profusely. “Yes. That was most helpful to remove their doubts. Come let me introduce you to the Crawlers chief Tan’don. I’m not exactly sure where the Boom chief Mek’mar has disappeared to.” Jek’jon pointed to Gr’ex. “The old crone over there hugging Gr’ex is the Death Weavers chief and Gr’ex’s grandmother Hal’ex.”

We walked up to Tan’don as he was using a staff to help him get to his feet. I cast PURITY!!! on the goblin chief to remove the smell that was already starting to waft off him.

“Oh, that feels so much better. Thank you, your dark eminence. I was a bit embarrassed that happened.” Chief Tan’don replied in thanks.

“Same thing happened to me the first time I beheld Shadowalker’s power. Since then, his mantle has grown more intense that I still get weak in the knees, but once you recognize him as your sovereign it changes.” Jek’jon explained.

“I will keep that in mind. Come let me see if Lucile has calmed down enough for me to introduce you.” Tan’don replied as he led us over to the giant spider that had buried half her body in dirt.

Tan’don tried to coax his spider mount out. “Come now Lucile, you can come out now.”

The giant spider poked its head out of the dirt, took one look at me, shook its head, and proceeded to try to dig deeper into the ground.

Tan’don looked back at us. “She’s usually much friendlier than this. Give me a few minutes.”

Jek’jon and I backed away. As we turned in the direction of Gr’ex and his grandmother, the large goblin popped into existence a few feet in front of us.

“Ah you’re back Mek’mar. Good, good. Let me introduce you to my master.” Jek’jon greeted.

Mek’mar cowered. “Uh-uh, I need a few moments to... uh clean up.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

I cast my PURITY!!! ability on the large goblin. After a flash he was clean and that is when I noticed he had different gadgets and vials attached to belts and coming out of different pockets. He reminded me of what you would get if you took a mad scientist and a goblin and mashed them together.

Mek’mar quickly ran his fingers over his gear checking everything before he audibly sighed in relief. “Whew! I was worried whatever you did might have destroyed something or ruined one of my experiments.”

‘He is a mad scientist!’ I thought.

Just as I was about to say something Mek’mar’s eyes widened, and he dropped to his knees. “Uh-Uh. I just realized you might have taken offense to my words your dark eminence. I assure you that I was more worried a chain reaction could occur, some of my items are very sensitive to magic. Please forgive me if...”

I raised my hand to stop his rambling. “Please take a breath man. And get up.” That was when I realized all the goblins in the camp minus the chiefs were still bowing in supplication. I let my voice echo. “That goes for the rest of you, get up. I appreciate the sign of deference, but I need followers who will look up, otherwise you will forever be bumping into things.”

The last of my words got a few chuckles from some of the braver goblins. Th crowd slowly got up and after looking my way multiple times they returned to their duties.

“You know the Sleeping Willow clan will be even more devote after today’s display, master.” Jek’jon whispered so only I could hear.

I nodded in acknowledgment before turning my attention back to Mek’mar. “So, I take it you’re some kind of scientist?”

“Sci-en-tist?” Mek’mar sounded out the word. “I am not familiar with that word. My Boom clan specializes in Goblin Engineering. Many of our clan are Artificers and crafters. We create many different experiments and gadgets from potent alcohol to big bombs. Sure, we have many other, shall we say, less explosive items, but our clan has a strong fascination with fire and blowing things up.”

“Ha!” I patted the now excited goblin engineer on the shoulder. “Jebediah is going to love you, as is my friend Laraaq!”

“I appreciate the offer your dark eminence, but I am happily married.” Mek’mar replied hesitantly as it appeared earlier still feared offending me.

I shook my head and chuckled. “Ha! No, no. Not like that. They both love blowing things up. My comment was more that I’m sure they are going to love your gadgets and want to test them.”

Mek’mar seemed relieved and then brightened. “Ooo, maybe they will want to test some of my more delicate experiments, after some in my clan repeatedly lost their eyebrows, they stopped offering to help their chief.”

I laughed a good hearty laugh. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Now I’m certain you guys are going to get along. That is if your clan is still interested in pledging their fealty.”

Mek’mar’s eyes widened. “Oh, forgive me your dark eminence! In my fear and then excitement I failed to make our intentions clear and pledge my fealty. All my clan will do so.”

Mek’mar got on his knees and recited the sacred words of fealty and gave his oath both for himself and his clan.

I received the notification confirmation.

Congratulations! The Boom clan goblin chief Mek’mar has pledged both his fealty and the fealty of his clan to you. They have promised to serve you in any way you require and defend your interests. You have promised them a place in your lands and holdings.

Congratulations! As two different goblin clans have pledged fealty to you and your cause, other goblins will recognize your authority and have an increased desire to join your banner. Increased relations with any of the goblin race. This bonus increases as more clans pledge their loyalty. You have gained the title War Chief.

Title: War Chief

Description: Many of the more brutal and aggressive races such as goblins, Orcs, ogres, trolls, Minotaurs recognize the importance of strength and how conflict may be needed to grow and prosper. Due to the savagery such a mindset may create, these races tend to align to Dark’s goals of conquest and power. Only the strongest of leaders can rally such factions in both times of war and peace. Those that can are called War Chief. This title grants +13 to all stats. +25% effectiveness of your forces in battle. In addition, grants you the Right of Mok’Tai.

I didn’t even have to ask as my system immediately knew what I wanted.

Query Accepted

Right of Mok’Tai

Description: This is the right for one War Chief to challenge a clan chief or another War Chief. This right is to the death, but not necessarily the final death. The winner keeps what they kill, granting them authority over the other clan or war band. Please Note: Many of the Dark have used this right to seize control of some of the weaker races and use them for their own wicked purposes.

I finished reading and became aware of my surroundings again. ‘Man, I really have to be careful about that.’ I thought as I saw both Jek’jon and Mek’mar bowing. “Command us our War Chief.”

“Get up, get up. What did I say about looking up. I wholeheartedly welcome the Boom clan into our ranks. I will want a full accounting of what sorts of gadgets and weapons you can make for us.”

“Yes, my War Chief.” Mek’mar replied.

The old woman finally walked over with Gr’ex. “Well, I guess my pledge may not be as interesting. I am Hal’ex, your dark eminence. I am the chief of the Death Weavers clan and the grandmother of my Gr’exy.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you chief Hal’ex. I welcome any family of my new friend Gr’ex.” I replied.

I saw Gr’ex gain a look of surprise. “You consider me your friend?!”

“Of course, Gr’ex. In such a short time, we have already been through so much. You may need some work, but we all do.” I said as I put my hand on Gr’ex’s shoulder.

I thought I saw tears forming in Gr’ex’s eyes, but the goblin just nodded and looked away.

Hal’ex spoke up. “Well, I still want to thank you for sparing him. He said you spared him, and he has pledged his fealty and loyalty to you. It is clear you value my grandson which makes me think you will value the rest of my Death Weavers. My clan specializes in Death magic and curses, that is what we are most known for, but what many do not know is we have long worked with the Crawlers clan to gain access to their spider silk and are excellent tailors and decent enchanters if I do say so myself.”

“Wow, very impressive.” I acknowledged.

Hal’ex continued. “If you will accept our fealty, all that we have is yours, your dark eminence.”

“You are more than welcome among my people. Besides, how could I separate family again.” I replied.

Hal’ex smiled as she gave her hand to Gr’ex so he could help her to kneel. “I Hal’ex, goblin chief of the Death Weavers clan hereby, on my power, give my oath of loyalty and fealty to War Chief Shadowalker. His enemies are our enemies, his allies shall have sanctuary among our people. I pledge this with my authority as chief for myself and all of my clan, now and forever!”

“I accept the oath of loyalty and fealty from Hal’ex and the Death Weavers clan. I offer them sanctuary in my lands and to do what I can to help them prosper and grow as long as they keep true to their oath.” I replied almost unbidden as the words flowed out of me.

There was a thrumming of power as she finished. “What was that?” I asked as I felt that in my bones.

Gr’ex spoke as he helped his grandmother up. “My grandmother is a powerful spellcaster. When a powerful magic user gives an oath with and on their power, it carries more weight. It is not required, but by doing so, if she ever broke her oath, she would lose all her power and the impact would cripple her if not outright kill her.”

“Why?” I asked the old woman.

“Because I see something special in your eyes. You have suffered much in your life, yet you do not see it that way. Something within you holds true to hope and it is that shared hope that I have for my people. Many of my clan are casters and crafters, we have little else. We even train our young at a very early age to harness their gifts. This will show my people how important this oath is for all of us.” Hal’ex explained.

I quickly reviewed and dismissed the confirmation notification.

I bowed my head in acknowledgment. “I am honored.”

Hal’ex gave a wicked smile. “You should be you young one. If I was a few decades younger, no make that a few years younger I’d be chasing after you as a mate. We are hardwired to desire powerful mates and produce strong offspring. In fact, I warn you now, what some of my clan members may attempt to gain your favor.”

“Umm, good to know. Oh look, Tan’don has finally coaxed Lucile out of her hiding spot.” I quickly said to change the subject as I noticed a few female goblins in dark robes literally drooling and licking their lips.

I said a silent prayer. ‘Oh, please let me survive the apocalypse and not have to deal with a bunch of crazy goblins in heat.’

Tan’don was leading Lucile over with her reins as he talked to her sweetly. “See Lucile, he likes us goblins. Three clans have already pledged themselves to him.”

Tan’don bowed his head. “My apologies your dark eminence, spiders have a natural inclining to the dark as their sanctuary. But when they feel that very dark brings terror down on them, it is a horror unlike any other for their kind. Go ahead and slowly try to pet her, she likes to be scratched just behind the eye cluster.”

I hesitantly walked over to Lucile. The giant spider was the size of a large dog. I have friends who would’ve already been miles away by now at the first sight of this thing. Luckily it wasn’t one of my fears, but it is not like I could ignore its giant mandibles.

Once I got close enough, I slowly lowered my hand and started to first stroke Lucile’s carapace before scratching at the spot Tan’don indicated. Lucile literally started to purr. Don’t ask me how a giant spider can purr, but it was. Then she leaned into me like it was giving me a hug.

Tan’don clapped his hands in excitement, and I almost crapped my pants. I was so focused on the spider it completely caught me off guard.

“Excellent. As you can see your dark eminence, my clan, the Crawlers, get our name from the spider mounts we raise. They make amazing pets, loyal as long as you keep them fed that is, and as you can imagine are very capable in battle. Most spiders can lose multiple limbs and still be almost fully battle capable. We also have many beast tamers, skilled archers, and scouts.”

“Most impressive, chief Tan’don.” I replied.

The old goblin reminded me of a sweet old man who loved his family and was proud of them.

“I am an Earth mage and have beast tamer skills. If it will please you, your dark eminence, I will give my oath on my power and use a skill that allows our bonded spiders pledge their line to you as well.” Tan’don explained.

“Please do. I might actually feel better having the spiders bound in that way.” I said honestly.

Tan’don nodded before both him and Lucile bowed. The weirdest thing happened. As Tan’don spoke, it was like I could hear Lucile’s chittering as a voice that overlaid or echoed after the old goblin. “I Tan’don... I Lucile... give our oaths of loyalty and fealty for both us and our brood for all eternity!”

I accepted their oaths. “I Shadowalker, accept your oaths of loyalty and fealty in the same gravity they were given. As long as you remain true to your oaths I shall stand with your people and help you grow and prosper.”

This time it felt like two thrumming notes of power echoed as if singing a song of unity.

I received the confirmation notification and after reviewing and dismissing it, I saw another notification. This one had a gold border that seemed to glow.

Congratulations! More than one faction and race previously following the Dark have joined your cause in loyalty and fealty. As you already hold the titles of World’s Champion and War Chief, this grants you two additional benefits. You are now considered your own Faction. You gained the title: Dark Eminence.

My system once again knew what I wanted to know.

Query Accepted

Faction: Dark Eminence (Default Name)

Faction Leader: Shadowalker

Description: Like the Right of Mok’Tai, Factions have authority to parlay, conduct negotiations, form alliances, and enter into trade deals with other factions. Once your Faction territory is officially established, Contested Portals cannot be opened in your domain. This does not prevent other portals but as Faction Leader who possesses Space magic affinity, you will be notified should another portal open in your Faction territory.

Title: Dark Eminence

Description: Your Dark Mantle is recognized as the authority of power that can strike fear into your enemies and inspire your allies. Many races known to typically align with the Dark have legends of a sovereign who shall wield such power. This title acknowledges the truth in what others see within you. +13 to All Stats. +10% increased chance of successful negotiations. Increased chance to cause Horrified status effect on enemies when you release your Dark Mantle aura. +25% chance to rally your forces when you are personally on the battlefield. In addition, grants you authority over your own Faction.

As I finished reading all of that, my mind was reeling.

‘So many things to consider. I was not expecting taking in what in a sense is a bunch of goblin refugees would net me so many benefits. The stat bumps alone are huge.’ That train of thought was interrupted when words appeared in my vision.

Please Note: System has temporarily delayed integration of stat bonuses to allow for time to prepare for large influx of stats. Remaining time: 60 seconds.

“I have so many questions, but they will have to wait. My system delayed my stat gains from my titles to allow us to finish the oaths. Too many stat changes at once. So, I will need a few moments to acclimate.” I said as I dropped to the ground, already feeling it start.

“Normally I would ask but I got to know. How many stats?” Gr’ex inquired.

I gritted my teeth as I spoke. “26 in All Attributes.”

Just as the pain took me to sweet bliss and I passed out, again, I hear Gr’ex.

“You see what I have been dealing with?! What person do you know gets 26 stats in all attributes, at once! Luckiest son of a...”

I passed out before I heard him finish his rant, a smile on my face despite the pain of my bones and muscles growing and reshaping all at the same time.