The goblins howled in agony as the onslaught intensified. Bolts of blue lightning arced through the chamber, searing through flesh and bone with unstoppable force. In mere moments, the once formidable foes were reduced to smoldering husks, their cries silenced by the wings of justice.
DING!
[Haxks has slain the Hidden Boss «Demihuman Goblin».]
[99,666 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[Titan’s Mind Cuff has been acquired.]
[Demihuman Skull Charm has been acquired.]
[Demihuman Goblin’s Heart has been acquired.]
[Blackened Bone Shard has been acquired.]
[3333 Gold has been acquired.]
DING!
[The quest «Seeds of Ruin» has been completed!]
[15,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[Grimhorn Totemstaff has been acquired.]
[Runetablet has been acquired.]
[90 Gold has been acquired.]
[Grimhorn Totemstaff (Bounded Item)]
[Rank: Unique
Type: Staff
Melee Attack Power: 4 | Magical Attack Power: 209~255 | Durability: 34/43 | Accuracy: 69
A relic of goblin legend, the Grimhorn Totemstaff is an ancient artifact that commands the power of transformation. At its peak, a menacing skull adorned with twisted horns gazes out with eyes ablaze, its eye sockets fitted with shimmering gems that pulsate with arcane energy.
▪︎ HP & MP Regen Speed +10%
▪︎ Unlocks the «Intrinsic Transformation» skill.
Conditions of Use: Lvl 20+ | Strength 3+ | Stamina 10+ | Intelligence 50]
[Intrinsic Transformation]
[Enables the wielder to shape-shift into various forms, from an innocent human child to a savage beast. Mastery of this ability requires a deep connection to the primordial forces of nature and the cunning intellect of the Goblin Shaman.]
[Titan’s Mind Cuff]
[Rating: Legendary
Durability: 8/8 | Magical Defense: 7.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: 8.6%
A broad, intricately crafted bracelet forged from iron. It’s imbued with the strength of giants and the wisdom of ancient sages, channeling immense might and intellect to its wearer.
▪︎ Attack Damage +5
▪︎ Magical Damage +7
▪︎ Str +3
▪︎ Int +5
▪︎ Stamina +10
Conditions of Use: Lvl 26+]
Daisuke doubled over with his hands on his knees, chest heaving as he took a moment to catch his breath. “We did it!” he exclaimed, his grin stretching from ear to ear as he shot Zephyr a thumbs up.
“Arf!” the pup responded, his tail wagging in excitement.
“I… can’t believe we just scored a legendary item,” Daisuke panted. “I guess any less… after defeating a unique monster would be unfair.”
***
Daisuke’s gaze shifted from Morgana and Amara’s resting forms to the downtrodden mothers and their demihuman children. Though their shackles had been shattered and the wicked goblins defeated, there was a palpable unease lingering in the air, a tension that weighed heavily on their shoulders despite their newfound freedom.
Perplexed, Daisuke furrowed his brow.
Gloria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re deeply troubled.”
“…About returning home after all this time?”
The woman shook her head slowly. “No, it’s about returning home with their children.”
Daisuke’s eyes widened with the weight of understanding, his once bright gaze dimming as he considered the mothers’ silent fears.
He tried wholeheartedly to smooth his features into a cool mask as one of the toddlers timidly approached.
“Play?” the child inquired, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope and innocence as he looked up at his rescuer.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
A wan smile tugged at Daisuke’s lips, his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion as he saw a glimpse of April in the child before him. Crouching down to the toddler’s level, he gently stroked his head.
“How about we leave this stuffy cave first?” he suggested softly.
At the mention of an adventure, the other three children perked up, their faces brightening with excitement.
***
As the afternoon sun gradually shifted toward the north, drifting clouds cast fleeting shadows across the rolling plains and distant mountains. Outside the abandoned village, a sprawling forest beckoned with the promise of mystery and adventure. The air resonated with the melodious warble of birdsong, carrying a sense of tranquility for miles around.
Gone was the oppressive stench of the cavern, replaced by the invigorating fragrance of the untamed wilderness. For the children, who had known only the dank confines of captivity, the newfound scent was exhilarating.
Morgana and Amara were placed to rest under the cool shade of a nearby tree. Meanwhile, Zephyr frolicked with the children, their laughter filling the air as they chased insects and playfully dared each other to nibble on blades of grass.
Daisuke, engaged in conversation with Gloria and the four mothers, couldn’t help but sense the females’ discomfort. Though he bore no resemblance to the goblins and his skin was far from green, the women struggled to meet his gaze. The mere presence of a man seemed to dredge up painful memories and evoke anxiety in them. Yet, driven by their determination to protect their offspring, they bravely endured his company.
Daisuke had only been away from Dusthaven for several weeks, but it was ample time to convince him that the world wasn’t ready to accept the children. Throughout history, humanity had shown a reluctance to embrace those who were different. Whether from fear of the unknown or a lack of understanding, society tended to either reject or marginalize those who didn’t fit the norm. Even in the present day, women still struggled for equality, facing discrimination and undervaluation.
In Sehreneti Online, legislation concerning human rights was still extremely lackluster. However, the issue extended beyond humans. The world was populated by a diverse array of species, each with its own place in the societal hierarchy.
Demihumans, in particular, faced significant discrimination and were often exploited as slaves. Yet, Daisuke feared that the goblins wouldn’t even be afforded that grim status. As a new species of Beastkin, they would likely be condemned as abominations and swiftly eradicated.
After explaining his plan to the mothers and calming their fears, Daisuke moved on to finalize the last part of the puzzle.
“Hey, Zephyr!”
The pup bounded over at his comrade’s beckoning call. “Hey, buddy… I’m going to need a huge favor.”
“Kyuu?” the pup tilted his head inquisitively.
Daisuke knelt down, his hand affectionately ruffling the canine’s fur. “I need you to take them to Elmridge Village,” he said, nodding towards the girls who offered sincere bows. “Guide them to April and the others safely. With your skills, I know you can do it.”
The pup hesitated, weighing his options.
“I’ll be fine,” Daisuke reassured with a warm smile. “I promise to keep out of trouble until you get back.”
“Arf!” Zephyr barked in agreement, his tail wagging vigorously.
“Attaboy!” Daisuke praised, his voice brimming with encouragement.
The girls’ faces lit up with radiant smiles as they bowed again in gratitude. Gloria’s own smile widened, her only lingering concern revolving around Zephyr’s ability to safeguard the group from the perils lurking in the wilderness. Yet, she found solace in the fact that she had already witnessed firsthand the remarkable capabilities of the young wolf.
“As for the return trip,” Daisuke whispered nervously as he secured a necklace around Zephyr’s neck. “I know you hate it, but I’ll reset your summoning at the end of the day. That should give you enough time to make the trip. Sounds good?”
“Grrr.”
Daisuke offered an apologetic smile. “I know you’re bummed out about the summoning, but just do it this once… for the kids, okay?”
The toddlers gazed up with wide, innocent eyes, and Zephyr broke into a sweat at the blinding intensity of their pleading stares. Feeling the weight of their expectation, the pup sighed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation at Daisuke before reluctantly conceding to the request.
“Don’t worry,” Daisuke attempted to appease. “I’ll have plenty of barbecue prepared in time for your return.”
Zephyr’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, steam spewing from his nostrils in excitement.
Internally, Daisuke couldn’t help but smirk. Hook, line, and sinker!
Everyone regarded the canine awkwardly.
After saying their goodbyes, Daisuke and Gloria watched as the group vanished into the distance.
“Tantyu~” one of the toddlers chimed while waving.
“Do you think they’ll be alright?” Gloria wondered aloud.
“This isn’t the first time Zephyr’s been entrusted with such an important task,” Daisuke reassured her. “Let’s trust in him. They’ll be fine.”
***
“I’m sure a man of your esteemed stature has already sampled most of the forbidden delights this world has to offer.”
These words were uttered by Casimir—a familiar man of considerable girth for whom Reeza had been amassing an exorbitant amount of coin.
Across the table from him sat a guest exuding an air of eloquence, unmistakably of noble lineage. The scene was completed by their formidable escorts, standing sentinel-like at their sides, their expressions stoic and unreadable.
“But, personally,” Casimir continued, “I doubt a youthful mind could fully comprehend the sophisticated needs of a man. However… imagine a female with the intellect of a grown woman and a physique radiating the allure of a forbidden fruit.”
The noble’s eyebrow lifted with interest, an amused smile curling his lips.
“What if one could truly have the best of both worlds?”
Following Casimir’s words, a progression of several diminutive women quietly entered the room. They formed orderly lines before the two men, their demeanor serene and composed. Bathed and perfumed with incense, they were clad in their finest attire.
One among them, petite yet curvaceous, caught the nobleman’s attention. Her face, whitened by cosmetics, was in beautiful contrast to her flowing pink locks and striking ruby-red eyes.
“Don’t tell me—” the nobleman stuttered, his curiosity piqued.
“I expected nothing less from a man as well-traveled and knowledgeable as yourself,” Casimir praised with a sly twist of his lips. “Your discerning eye is truly remarkable. As you’ve guessed, these are Florian women—a rare breed of demihumans found only in the remote countrysides of the eastern continent.”
“Oh!” The man rose to his feet, his excitement palpable as he approached the women with the wonder of a child encountering a treasure trove for the first time. “I’ve never beheld such marvels! They’re absolutely exquisite!”
Casimir’s laughter rumbled through the room, his belly shaking with mirth. “We do aim to please,” he replied humbly, though a smug grin couldn’t help but creep across his face. “Many high-ranking dignitaries have savored the delights our establishment offers. In fact, they were so impressed that they’ve all agreed to invest in our enterprise.”
“Is that so?” The man turned away from the women to meet Casimir’s gaze, his expression a mix of curiosity and condescension. “Men of my stature are quite comfortable in terms of wealth, so what benefit would investing in this venture hold?”
“Before we delve into such… mundane matters,” Casimir interjected smoothly, his voice a whisper of silk. “Why not select one of our courtesans to assist you in unwinding? After all, it was a long journey from the royal capital, wasn’t it? Why don’t you take this time to simply relax.”
The man frowned. It was such a slight twist of his eyebrows that it was almost unrecognizable. He was fully aware of the serpent’s attempt to curry favor—a ploy designed to undermine his vigilance. But despite his confidence that such tactics would not sway him, he found himself undeniably intrigued by the prospect of tasting the unique wine offered by the deplorable man.
“In that case,” the nobleman agreed, his gaze lingering on the pink-haired woman’s voluptuous curves and a flat-chested girl who exuded childlike innocence. “I’ll choose these two.”
Two of them? Casimir’s eye twitched momentarily in irritation. But he kept his expression even, knowing he couldn’t afford to antagonize his potential investor. Presumptuous bastard!
“It seems your travels have stirred quite the appetite,” Casimir mused, his tone masking his simmering indignation. “Allow us to satisfy that hunger.”
As the courtesans were ushered into a room fit for royalty, the nobleman’s predatory aura lingered behind them. Their indifferent expressions concealed the turmoil within, their eyes betraying no emotion.