feel light. The sun was setting, bathing the forest in golden light.

"What's next?" he asked Alya.

"You need allies. Real ones. A kingdom doesn't build itself," she replied.

Sylph's voice chimed in. "This land is home to many creatures. Prove your strength, and some will follow you willingly. Others... may need persuasion."

Lakshya's sharp eyes caught movement near a stream. A group of goblins had gathered, their crude weapons and ragged clothes evidence of their struggles.

"Goblins?" he murmured. "They don't look like much."

"Don't underestimate them," Alya warned. "With guidance, even the weakest can become powerful."

Approaching cautiously, Lakshya stepped into the clearing. The goblins tensed immediately, weapons raised.

"Who are you?" their leader growled. "What do you want?"

Lakshya raised his hands. "Relax. I'm not here to fight. I'm here to help."

"Help?" the leader sneered. "Why would someone like you help us?"

Lakshya thought quickly. Using Wind Manipulation, he gathered fruits from nearby trees and set traps for small game, laying out a modest feast before them.

"See? I can make your lives easier. Join me, and you'll never struggle again."

The goblins hesitated. The leader, Roran, crossed his arms. "How do we know you'll keep your word?"

Lakshya pulled out a glowing crystal—the core of the guardian he'd defeated earlier.

"This is proof of my strength. Follow me, and I'll share my power with you."

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Roran studied the gem before bowing. "Very well. I, Roran, pledge my loyalty to you."

One by one, the goblins followed suit, kneeling before their new leader.

System Notification:

> Followers Acquired: 12 Goblins

Leadership Skill Unlocked: Inspiring Presence

Boosts the morale and loyalty of allies in your presence.

Lakshya grinned. "That's a start. Let's see where this road takes us."

---

A Predator's Challenge

Night fell as the goblins worked to fortify their camp. Lakshya stood watch at the edge of the clearing, unease prickling at the back of his neck.

"You sense it too," Alya said.

Lakshya's sharp eyes scanned the treeline. "Yeah. Something's watching us."

A sudden rustle broke the silence. Girin, one of the goblins, approached cautiously. "My Lord, the scouts reported strange movements deeper in the forest. Creatures are avoiding this area... except for one."

Lakshya frowned. "What kind of creature?"

"They couldn't identify it, but it's large and fast," Girin replied.

Alya's voice echoed in his mind. "It's a predator testing you. Deal with it before it gets too close."

Sighing, Lakshya turned to Girin. "Hold the camp. Make sure no one leaves."

---

The Shadow Panther

The forest grew colder as Lakshya ventured into the darkness. Activating Cloak of Shadows, he moved silently, blending into his surroundings.

A low growl rumbled ahead, and Lakshya froze. His enhanced vision revealed a massive creature—a shadow panther, its black fur absorbing the moonlight. Glowing red eyes locked onto him.

"Oh, great," Alya muttered. "An ancient shadow panther."

Lakshya smirked. "Ancient or not, it's about to become my newest skill set."

The panther lunged. Lakshya dodged, using Web Manipulation to entangle its legs. The beast roared, breaking free with brute strength.

"Alright, you're tough," Lakshya muttered. Activating Venom, he coated his claws in paralyzing toxin, slashing the panther's side. The venom slowed it, but the panther's dark aura flared, resisting the effects.

The beast swiped, sending Lakshya crashing into a tree.

"Use your summoning skill!" Alya shouted.

Lakshya grinned. "Right."

Activating Spider Summoning, he unleashed a swarm of shadowy arachnids. While the spiders overwhelmed the beast, Lakshya lunged, striking a lethal blow with venom-coated claws.

The panther collapsed, a soft glow emanating from its body.

---

A New Ally

The glow condensed into a smaller figure—a shadow panther cub with jet-black fur and red eyes. It bowed its head to Lakshya.

System Notification:

> Tamed: Shadow Panther Cub

New Skill Acquired: Shadow Manipulation

Grants control over shadows to create illusions, conceal movements, or attack enemies.

Lakshya sighed, picking up the cub. "Another mouth to feed."

"You'll thank me later," Alya teased.

The cub purred, nuzzling his arm.

Lakshya smirked. "Fine. Welcome to the team."