The following days were filled with tension. Gobu did his best to maintain order among the goblins, but the seeds of discontent had already been planted. Some of the older goblins, including a few of the six chiefs, began to voice their displeasure more openly. They had lived as leaders of their respective tribes for years, and the idea of answering to one of their own who was now an emissary of Lucas felt like a betrayal.

"What gives Gobu the right to rule over us?" one of the elders muttered. "We were chiefs before he was ever chosen. Why should we bow to his title?"

Others whispered of rebellion, a faction rising to challenge Gobu’s leadership. Perhaps we should leave, return to our villages, and carve out our own future, they murmured. If Gobu insists on being the Overseer under the automaton's control, we will have no choice but to rise up.

Lucas, ever watchful, had heard the rumblings of dissent. He knew he had to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating. The goblins, though under his protection, were beginning to question their position in the world. If left unchecked, their rebellion could lead to full-scale defection or worse—an uprising that would threaten his authority.

Late one night, Lucas summoned Gobu to the dungeon's main chamber. Gobu arrived, his face solemn, as if he knew what was coming.

"Great Master," Gobu said, bowing low, "I have tried to maintain order, but I fear I am losing control over my people. They question my authority, and some are calling for rebellion."

Lucas studied him, his expression unreadable. "You are my Overseer, Gobu. You were chosen for a reason, and your loyalty is unquestionable. But your people are restless, and I understand why. You cannot rule through fear alone."

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Gobu’s eyes lowered. "What should I do, Master?"

Lucas stepped forward, placing a hand on the goblin’s shoulder. "You need to show them that you are their leader, not just my puppet. You must make them understand that their place here is by my will, and by your strength."

Lucas paused, allowing his words to sink in. "But if you fail... I will step in myself, and you will not like the consequences."

The following day, Gobu called for a meeting of the goblin chiefs. He was determined to regain control over his people, but he knew this would be a turning point. As the chiefs gathered around, their expressions were skeptical, their eyes filled with doubt.

"I am your Overseer," Gobu began, his voice firm despite the tremor of uncertainty. "And I lead by Master's will. But I also lead for the good of our people. The Master does not wish us harm; he offers us protection. But we must earn it, by showing loyalty and discipline."

One of the chiefs spoke up, his tone sharp. "And what of the others? The ones who believe we should leave? Should we just stand by and follow you while you bend to the automaton's every command?"

Gobu’s heart raced, but he stood tall. "I do not bend to the automatons," he replied, his voice steady. "I serve him because it benefits us all. If you cannot see that, then I will have no choice but to act. The Master has given us a chance, and I will not let it slip away."

The room was silent, the weight of Gobu’s words hanging in the air.

After a long moment, the chiefs reluctantly nodded. They had seen Gobu’s resolve, and despite their frustrations, they knew he was the leader they had, whether they liked it or not.

Lucas watched from the shadows, his mind racing with the knowledge that Gobu’s success or failure would dictate the future of his empire. This is bad, I should have thought of this.The goblins had made their choice—for now. But the test was not over.

Gobu, despite his insecurities, had proven his loyalty once again. He had quelled the unrest, but Lucas knew that in the future, there would be other challenges—other leaders to contend with. The power struggle among the goblins would not end so easily.

For now, Lucas allowed them to settle into their roles. But he knew the balance of power was fragile, and as long as Gobu remained his Overseer, Lucas would be watching carefully for there is something coming.