In a small village nestled in the plains within the Forest of the Fallen, lived a struggling group of kobolds who fought daily for survival. Their lives were a constant battle against waves of beasts, hunger, disease, and the relentless scarcity of resources.
When they first arrived, no one expected them to last long. Weakened by their endless struggles and with little hope or strength left, they believed their fate was sealed—waiting for their worn-out bodies, marked by death, to finally give in. But then, something unexpected happened. They came—the fairies, or perhaps angels, or even demons in disguise.
It was as if the heavens had decided to reward the kobolds for their resilience and suffering. These tiny creatures appeared, bringing with them gifts from the forest and treasures beyond value. Life began to flourish again, even amidst chaos and death, as the kobolds found a glimmer of hope in the presence of these otherworldly visitors.
Curiosity stirred among the kobolds. Who were these children of the forest? Where had they come from? Some wanted to thank their saviors, others sought to draw closer to what they saw as divine beings, and still, others were driven by an insatiable greed for more than just forest offerings. Whatever the reason, they followed the fairies back to their home.
What they discovered was beyond anything they had imagined. Instead of a beast’s lair or a higher entity guiding the fairies, they found towers. Towering structures that stretched from the lush ground to the pearly clouds above. These massive towers stood amidst open plains dotted with rivers and a sea of vibrant flowers and herbs. Dozens of fairies fluttered peacefully around the place, creating a magical scene straight from a dream.
However, the fairies were far from welcoming. The kobolds' presence stirred the wrath of the forest’s guardians, and soon they were confronted by swarms of insects with blood-red eyes, seething with a murderous intent.
If not for Hilda, one of the few brave enough to step forward, the kobolds might have been wiped out right then and there. With her calm demeanor and determination, she managed to soothe the fairies' anger. Her courage not only defused the situation but won the heart of one of the creatures—a fairy named Ciel.
Ciel became Hilda’s loyal companion, and his knowledge was nothing short of extraordinary. He knew the secrets of medicine, healing the sick and injured, and even how to care for children. His understanding of these arts was so precise and profound that many in the village believed it could only be the work of the divine. Together, Hilda and Ciel cared for the wounded and helped deliver every child born in the village, fostering a new sense of hope and community.
Over time, Ciel won the trust and affection of nearly everyone in the village. Through him, and Hilda’s efforts, a bridge was formed between the kobolds and the fairies. What had once seemed like a miraculous intervention from afar became an ongoing relationship that brought peace, healing, and a deeper connection to the forest.
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"Push, Rihanna! I can see the first cub’s head!" Hilda urged, standing beside a woman lying on a bed made of leaves and clean cloths.
"ARGH!!" Rihanna’s screams echoed through the room, drawing worried glances from those gathered around her, clutching her hand in support.
"Come on, sister! You’re strong! The spirits of the forest won’t let anything happen to you or your cubs!" encouraged a kobold with brown fur and braided hair, standing close by.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, a small, golden-colored creature with shimmering wings and large, black eyes silently fluttered to Hilda’s shoulder. It gently patted her ear and whispered something in her ear.
Hilda nodded. "Alright, you’re 7 centimeters dilated. There’s no visible bleeding, and the cubs are in the right position. I can’t give you any more pain relief—too risky for the cubs. But don’t worry, Ciel will take care of you." She spoke in a calm voice, locking eyes with Rihanna, offering reassurance.
The little golden fairy, Ciel, floated gracefully through the air until he was face-to-face with Rihanna. In front of everyone, he began murmuring strange, unintelligible words that made little sense to the onlookers. Then, using his small fingers, Ciel began drawing a magical rune on Rihanna’s forehead. Wherever his fingers traced, a glowing golden line appeared, leaving behind an intricate pattern.
Ciel didn’t stop with just one rune. He continued his work, drawing more and more symbols, until a crown of runes adorned Rihanna’s sweaty brow. Satisfied with his creation, the fairy stepped back as the crown of runes began to emit a soft, golden light.
Slowly, Rihanna’s pain-stricken face began to relax, her body easing into the rhythm of the birth. The brown-haired kobold gently wiped away the sweat with a clean cloth, while Hilda remained focused on the cubs.
"Perfect, Rihanna! Now, give me a big push!" Hilda instructed.
"UGHH!" Rihanna groaned, following Hilda’s command, and moments later, a tiny brown cub with caramel spots was born, slick and wet. Hilda swiftly checked the newborn, turning him onto his back and gently patting him until he let out small coughs, followed by soft whimpers of protest.
"Wonderful! The first cub is healthy and strong." Hilda announced, placing the newborn in a basket lined with clean cloths before refocusing on the laboring mother.
"You’re doing great, Rihanna. Just a little more and we’ll be done." Hilda said encouragingly, her calm demeanor a steady anchor in the room.
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Bloody rags lay awkwardly scattered on the floor as an elderly woman, her hands aged but still steady and precise, mixed herbs, oils, and pastes in a mortar. The soft grunts of newborns echoed through the room, accompanied by the excited chatter of people gathered around the bed, congratulating the young mother and her cubs.
Hilda, having finished her task, walked briskly toward the bed, her steps full of purpose. She reached the side of the resting woman and handed her a bowl filled with a strange, murky liquid.
"Drink this. It doesn’t taste pleasant, but it’ll help you regain your strength." Hilda said gently.
Without hesitation, one of the woman’s companions nodded gratefully, taking the bowl from Hilda’s hands and slowly helping the new mother drink. When the bowl was empty, the man handed it back to Hilda, bowing his head in deep thanks.
"Thank you so much, Elder, for helping deliver my children." said a gray-furred kobold with darker spots scattered across his body.
Hilda chuckled softly, her voice warm with age and experience. "Ho ho, I’m just doing my duty as an elder, boy. Thank Ciel and the grace of the fairies for this gift of life. There’s none of me in it."
As if summoned by her words, a small golden creature appeared, its insect-like face framed by a thick white mane resembling silk. The creature’s wings fluttered rapidly as it hovered next to Hilda, its golden body shimmering in the soft light of the room.
"Thank you, divine beast Ciel, for easing my mate’s pain." the kobold said, bowing respectfully to the tiny fairy.
Ciel responded with a soft, melodic chime, like the sound of distant bells. The fairy twirled playfully in the air, but then, without warning, froze mid-flight. The creature’s sudden stillness caused Hilda and the others in the room to exchange worried glances.
"Ciel? What’s wrong?" Hilda asked, her voice tinged with concern. She tried to get the fairy’s attention, but the creature remained unresponsive, seemingly disconnected from the world around it.
After a tense moment, Ciel snapped back to reality, his little body vibrating with excitement. The fairy let out a series of jubilant sounds before quickly flying to Hilda’s ear, whispering something that made her face darken with concern.
"Elder? Is something the matter?" Rihanna asked anxiously, clutching her newborn cubs closer to her chest.
Hilda quickly shook off her worry and forced a reassuring smile. "Oh, no need to worry! This is another matter entirely. But I need to speak with the village leader immediately. You stay here and rest as long as you need."
Without giving them time to ask more questions, Hilda exited the hut with urgency. The bustling village outside greeted her, dirt roads worn by cart tracks and the footsteps of villagers crisscrossing the small settlement. Wooden, clay, and stone huts dotted the landscape, with a few tents and even fewer well-built homes standing among them.
Hilda moved swiftly down the dusty road, her cane tapping rhythmically against the ground. Ciel flitted alongside her as they made their way toward a large tent made of patched cloth and supported by wooden stakes. Without hesitation, Hilda stepped through the entrance.
"The elder is here!" a kobold called out as soon as Hilda entered.
At the head of the room, a tall figure with fur as black as night and eyes as red as rubies turned to face her. His presence was imposing, a natural leader, but Hilda was unfazed. She met his gaze without hesitation.
"Onix! I need a word with you. Now!" Hilda called out, her voice commanding as she headed toward one of the side rooms inside the tent.
"Humph... Very well, Hilda." Onix replied, his deep voice carrying no resistance or irritation. He followed her, his large frame moving silently as they entered a more private area.
Hilda dragged a small bench over to the corner of the room, sitting with a soft thud. Onix remained standing, arms crossed, like a statue guarding the entrance.
"Ohh... I’m getting too old for this." Hilda muttered to herself.
She adjusted her cane, planting it firmly in front of her, and leaned forward slightly, her eyes locking onto Onix’s. "Listen closely, boy. We have a dangerous situation—something delicate that needs handling with care."
Onix’s expression immediately hardened, his ruby-red eyes narrowing. "Report. Now." His voice was cold, commanding, as he fixed Hilda with a piercing stare.
Hilda let out a small chuckle. "Heh… I'll let Ciel tell you. This concerns him more than anyone."
As if on cue, the small golden creature that hovered near Hilda floated forward, completely unbothered by Onix's imposing presence.
"I am Ciel, son of the Supreme Queen, and I speak only the words of truth." Ciel declared, his voice clear and unwavering as he spoke in the kobold language.
Onix raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. So you speak our tongue, yet you always pretended not to?"
"I am Hilda's familiar." Ciel replied, a faint, mischievous smile on his face. "I see no reason to converse with those who are not essential to my life."
Onix grunted, his irritation barely masked. "Fine. What is this... 'truth' of yours?"
"The Supreme Queen has spoken." Ciel said, his voice reverent. "She is coming—right now, at this very moment. She has decided to bless these lands with her divine presence."
Onix’s eyes narrowed further. "What? Who—what is this 'Supreme Queen'? And when exactly is she arriving?"
"The Supreme Queen is the mother of all, the creator of life and the guardian of truth." Ciel intoned, his expression bordering on fanatical. "As one of her humble creations, I serve her, just as many others do who exist solely for her."
Onix’s jaw tightened. Whether it was the fanaticism in Ciel's voice or the idea of such a powerful being approaching his village, something unsettled him deeply. His village, his people—his family—were at stake.
"When?" Onix demanded.
"By sunset." Ciel said, twirling in the air as if entranced. "She will arrive, bringing her most powerful children and those worthy to stand by her side."
Onix’s voice grew heavy. "What does she want?"
"The Supreme Mother seeks riches beyond mere jewels or gold. She desires a wealth far greater than any simpleton consumed by worldly greed could imagine." Ciel answered, his tone filled with awe.
"And how does this involve us?" Onix pressed, his frustration mounting.
Ciel’s golden eyes gleamed as he responded, "The actions of the Supreme Mother are beyond the comprehension of beings as insignificant as myself."
Onix’s lips curled into a sneer. "Tch! Another fanatic, no better than those church zealots." He shook his head, exasperated. "Fine. I’ll take your warning and prepare accordingly."
As Onix turned to leave, Ciel’s voice cut through the air, sharp yet strangely calm. "Those who seek the truth that only the Mother carries, Mr. Grayon, often find themselves blinded by her brilliance. Are you so certain you’ll stay true to your ideals when you witness the splendor of the Supreme Mother?"
Onix turned slightly, his face darkening as he caught sight of Ciel’s grin—a grin revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, gleaming dangerously.
"Ugh… Monsters will always be monsters." Onix muttered, before storming out of the room.
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This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Kobolds were seen traversing the forest, making their way toward a small facility nestled within a cave. This place was Hilda's official "Home." where she spent most of her time, venturing out only to perform rituals and treat her patients in the village.
Among the kobolds in the group, the majority were robust males, marked by scars from past wars and conflicts. Leading the way was Hilda, who walked vigorously with her cane. Ciel flew gracefully beside her, while Onix trailed behind, ever vigilant of his surroundings.
"Matriarch... Forgive me if this question is offensive, but what exactly is the 'Supreme Mother'?" inquired an older kobold, who, unlike the others, did not appear to be a warrior.
Taken aback by the question, Hilda discreetly glanced at Ciel, seeking reassurance about speaking freely. The small being merely smiled at her, offering no objection.
"Well... I've never met her personally, and I can't claim to know the full extent of her power. However, from everything Ciel has shared, I believe she is the 'Mother' of the fairies—essentially the progenitor of her entire race." Hilda replied, continuing her stride.
"As a Beast Tamer, can you tell me if there's more to it? What potential danger does a progenitor pose? Or anything that could help me establish a friendly rapport?" the old kobold asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Well... It has been quite some time since I last worked in my field. But... if the 'Supreme Mother' truly is a progenitor, she would be exceptionally dangerous in her own right. Progenitors possess powers that are far more refined and 'pure' than those of their descendants, usually boasting an extensive array of innate skills and abilities. Take Cain Bathory, for instance; he is renowned across the lands as the supreme guardian of his species for centuries." Hilda explained, her tone tinged with tension.
"Cain Bathory? Who might that be?" another kobold asked, puzzled.
"The progenitor of the vampire race, you fool. As far as I recall, they dwell in the far south, in the frozen territories. According to legend, their species was forced to hide after their progenitor fought—and lost—to the Demon Lord ages ago." Hilda clarified.
"Far south? Isn't that the land of the demon kind?" another kobold queried from the back of the group.
"Indeed, it is. I can’t recall the specifics of that situation, but we beastmen have historically maintained a good relationship with the demon kind, at least before the humans cut off our trade routes." Hilda said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
"Really? We were allies with demons? That seems wrong... especially considering what the Demon Lord did to our lands and our people." remarked one kobold, his face twisting in bitterness.
"You're too young to remember that, kid. Even I’ve only heard about it from my parents and the rumors brought by merchants. But I can tell you... I don’t believe the 'Demon Lord' is truly a demon." Hilda said, her tone contemplative.
"How is that possible? I always thought 'Demon Lord' was just a title or an advancement." one of the kobolds interjected.
"Well... the Demon Lord is something different. He has been in this world for—let’s say—'a short time.' His existence here is relatively recent compared to the demon kind, just like us beastmen. The demon kind has existed alongside humans and elves for eons. In fact, the bond between beastmen and demons was so strong in the past that races like the Kitsune and Tengu emerged from the mixing of our bloodlines. It’s possible that a pure demon evolved into a Demon Lord or somehow discovered a path to gain that title... But the tales I've heard about the Demon Lord are nothing like the stories of the demon kind." Hilda said, shaking her head as if lost in thought.
"Really? It can't be as bad as the tales of the dark corruption itself." one of the kobolds remarked, skepticism creeping into his voice.
"You have no idea. Everything they say about him... the son of chaos, the stain of destruction, evil incarnate, the end of all things. When I was young, it was said that the gods ordered the destruction of the Demon Lord. This led to a massive mobilization of soldiers throughout the empire, with rumors spreading that the elves had been nearly exterminated by him. Emperors across the nations, guided by their deities, attempted to vanquish the Demon Lord in great crusades, but they failed miserably every time. It was only when the goddess of humans created the Seven Heroes that the tide began to turn. The Demon Lord was pushed back, but tragically, during the 'War of Eternal Light,' six of the seven heroes fell, and the whereabouts of the Demon Lord became a mystery to the rest of the world." Hilda explained, her tone heavy with remembrance.
"T-That's... disturbing. If the Demon Lord isn't a... 'demon,' then what is he?" asked one of the kobolds, eyes wide with apprehension.
"I don’t know, kid. They say he is some kind of punishment cast upon the world for its sins, or perhaps a destroyer of worlds intent on annihilating everything in his path." Hilda replied, a shadow crossing her face.
"Damn... that's terrifying. But is he still alive? I've never heard of anyone confronting the Demon Lord; they only speak of the 'dark corruption,'" another kobold interjected, anxiety palpable in his voice.
"Well... I can't say for sure. Some stories claim he was severely weakened, others say he is currently sealed away, and some even suggest that the 'dark corruption' is the Demon Lord himself." Hilda said, her brow furrowing.
"That sounds like nonsense..." said another kobold, shaking his head.
"What about the human heroes? Are they doing nothing against the Demon Lord, or what's left of him?" one of the kobolds asked, genuine curiosity shining through his fear.
"I don't know... They say they can’t do anything against the Demon Lord in his current state." Hilda replied, a note of frustration in her voice.
Before anyone could speak further, a buzzing sound echoed through the air, reaching the ears of the traveling group. Onix immediately rushed to the front, positioning himself protectively between the kobolds and the forest ahead.
"That's it!" Hilda began.
"They're here!" exclaimed Ciel, the small creature who had remained silent until now, flitting beside Hilda.
As the buzzing intensified, Onix squinted into the thick, dark forest. To his astonishment, he saw what appeared to be a large cloud of small, golden stones flying toward him. It soon became clear that these were not stones but dozens of tiny creatures resembling Ciel, armed with small weapons and tools fashioned from bones and wood.
The cloud of creatures began to encircle the kobolds, producing an almost deafening buzz. They moved in a rhythmic wave, forming a living wall that observed and assessed the group inside their circle.
"OH, CHILDREN OF NATURE, WE COME IN PEACE, ANSWERING ONLY THE CALL OF YOUR 'SUPREME MOTHER,'" Hilda declared, stepping forward and creating a path between herself and Onix.
"Woman! Stay behind me and don't put yourself in danger!" Onix shouted, his protective instincts flaring.
"You stay quiet! The fairies are peaceful; they won't attack us unless we give them reason!" Hilda shot back, casting a bitter glance at Onix.
"InTrIgUiNg... YoU AlL ReAlLy hAvE MoRe vAlUe tHaN YoU ShOw." a distorted voice resonated from nowhere, sending a chill through the group.
"W-What?!" Hilda stumbled back, startled.
In response, Onix pushed Hilda aside with his body, swiftly retrieving his spear from his back and aiming it at the direction he believed the unsettling voice originated from.
"Show yourself!" he demanded, his voice steady despite the unease clawing at his gut.
"YOU! How dare you point a weapon at the Supreme Mother's envoys?!" Ciel hissed, delivering a flurry of small punches to Onix’s shoulder. The kobold warrior barely registered the blows, his focus fixed on the unfolding scene.
From within the wall of creatures, a figure began to emerge. It was draped in a flowing white cloak adorned with intricate golden embroidery of flowers and hexagons. The front of the cloak was wide open, revealing a hollow space filled with masks crafted from what appeared to be mud and wood. The masks displayed a range of expressions—some small and sorrowful, others larger and grinning—but none had a face. Instead, a large mask resembling a graceful woman’s smile occupied the spot where the creature's face should be. It floated effortlessly in the air, gliding like a specter.
"W-What is that thing?!" one of the kobolds exclaimed, stepping back in surprise.
In response, the creature slid through the air silently, like a viper approaching its prey. It circled the group of kobolds, its long, ethereal cloack gliding gracefully as it regarded them with an unsettling presence.
"We aRe tHe cHiLdReN Of tHe qUeEn. We aRe tHe hAnDs, EyEs, EaRs, AnD FaCeS Of tHe qUeEn, SeNt hErE To cOnVeY HeR WoRdS AnD FuLfIlL HeR WiShEs. YoU MaY CaLl uS KuRiYeL." The creature declared, its voice a strange blend of many tones.
"Kuriyel? S-So... what did you come to talk about?" Hilda asked, striving to maintain respect despite her unease.
The creature emitted a low hiss, and soon several smaller creatures swarmed around the group, stirring up a whirlwind of wind and dust that momentarily obscured their vision. When the dust settled, the kobolds found themselves in front of tables and chests formed from intertwined roots, which had grown directly from the earth.
On the tables rested an oddly shaped teapot, seemingly made of ceramic, alongside several cups that appeared to be part of a set. A large wooden plate held a steaming pie, its enticing aroma wafting through the air.
"PlEaSe, SiT DoWn aNd lEt uS SeRvE YoU." Kuriyel said, gracefully floating beside the table.
"Boss... this is very strange." a kobold whispered to Onix, who studied the multi-faced creature warily, the sound of its voice echoing like a chorus.
"One does not refuse the generosity of the fairies..." Hilda replied, stepping forward to sit on one of the root chests.
With a resigned sigh, Onix sheathed his spear. He signaled to the rest of his group, who hesitated before following his lead to the table, taking their seats alongside Hilda.
"We rEgReT OuR LaCk oF TaCt."Kuriyel continued, a small swarm of creatures alighting on the teapot, lifting it into the air and pouring tea into each cup. They then darted off to serve each person at the table. "I AsK ThAt yOu fOrGiVe oUr rUdE BeHaViOr. GiVeN ReCeNt eVeNtS AnD ThE QuEeN'S WiLl, We mUsT TaKe aCtIoN."
"Sir?... Great Kuriyel, what does that mean?" Hilda inquired, cautiously taking a sip of the tea.
"SiNcE HeR ArRiVaL In tHeSe lAnDs, ThE QuEeN HaS AlWaYs rEgArDeD YoU WiTh cOmPaSsIoN AnD EmPaThY. fOlLoWiNg hEr wIlL, wE GuIdEd yOu tHrOuGh tHe fOrEsT AnD PrOvIdEd mEaNs fOr yOuR SuRvIvAl iN ThE FaCe oF ItS AdVeRsItIeS." Kuriyel explained, its many voices blending together in a harmonious melody.
"And for that, as the leader of my pack, I will be eternally grateful to... you." Onix said, lowering his head in a gesture of respect toward Kuriyel.
"We uNdErStAnD." Kuriyel replied, its voice echoing softly. "BuT ThE WiNdS HaVe cHaNgEd, BrInGiNg cHaLlEnGeS AnD ThReAtS We cAnNoT IgNoRe."
As everyone sipped their tea, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Kuriyel floated before the table, remaining impassive, a statue of calm until the eyes of the masks on its body began to glow with a soft golden light, capturing the attention of everyone at the table.
"HuMaNs, SpIrItS, aNd mOnStErS, tHe qUeEn sEeKs a pEaCe tHaT CaN No lOnGeR Be fOuNd iN ThEsE LaNdS. wE WiLl lEaVe, AnD YoU WiLl bE On yOuR OwN." Kuriyel stated simply.
"W-What?! You are leaving the forest?!" Hilda exclaimed, nearly leaping from her chair.
The kobolds exchanged glances, their expressions mixed; some looked worried, others relieved. Even Onix appeared disturbed by the news, caught between the implications of this development.
"YeS, wE Do nOt iNtEnD To fIgHt fOr tHeSe lAnDs, NoR ReMaIn iN A PlAcE WhErE OuR ExIsTeNcE Is uNwAnTeD. wE WiLl sEeK A NeW HoMe, A NeW LaNd tO CaLl oUr oWn."Kuriyel explained.
"B-But! Isn't that too hasty?! Wait—Onix! We should follow the divine beasts!" Hilda urged, her voice rising in desperation.
Onix frowned, contemplating her words, but he didn't have a chance to respond before Kuriyel spoke again.
"No, YoU MaY StAy hErE, oR ReTuRn tO YoUr oLd lAnDs, BuT YoU CaNnOt aCcOmPaNy uS."Kuriyel declared, its tone firm.
"T-That..." Hilda hissed, frustration evident in her voice.
"Why are you running away?" Onix pressed, his gaze steady and serious.
"HmM... 'RuNnInG AwAy' Is a hAsTy tErM. iT ImPlIeS FlEeInG FrOm a cHaLlEnGe oR A CoMpLiCaTeD SiTuAtIoN. wE ArE MeReLy... AvOiDiNg tHe iMmInEnT CoNfLiCt." Kuriyel replied.
"Avoiding conflict with what? And who? The humans? I believe we can deal with them." Onix argued.
"No, YoU CaNnOt. YoUr vAlUe iS NoT HiGh eNoUgH To wArRaNt tHeIr aTtEnTiOn oR EvEn tHe sAlIvA In tHeIr mOuThS To tAlK To yOu. ThEy hAvE JuSt dEsTrOyEd yOuR ViLlAgE AnD TaKeN WhAt tHeY WaNt fOr tHeMsElVeS. wE ArE NoT In cOnFlIcT WiTh tHe hUmAnS, bUt wE Do nOt hAvE FrIeNdLy rElAtIoNs wItH ThEm eItHeR. oUr tRuE EnEmIeS LiE ElSeWhErE, aNd wE PrEfEr tO AvOiD ThEm. ThE BeSt cOuRsE Is fOr uS To cHaNgE."Kuriyel explained, its voice a calm yet insistent rhythm.
"What do you mean? Explain yourself! Do you know something we don’t about the humans?!" Onix demanded, rising from his chair, his frustration boiling over.
"Onix! Be respectful!" Hilda growled, concern flashing in her eyes.
"HmM... wE KnOw a lItTlE, bUt wE KnOw a lOt aS WeLl. ThE OdDs iNdIcAtE ThAt tHeY ArE ReTuRnInG, bIgGeR, sTrOnGeR, aNd wItH A ClEaR GoAl iN MiNd. We cOuLd bE WrOnG Or rIgHt, BuT We wOn’t gAmBlE AgAiNsT ThE OdDs." Kuriyel stated, its many faces reflecting a somber understanding of the situation.
The group fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of Kuriyel’s words settling heavily upon them. They faced a world changing rapidly around them, one where old allegiances might no longer hold true.
"We can come to an agreement with the humans! If we work together, we can secure a good deal for both of us!" Hilda exclaimed, her voice rising with determination.
"Oh? AnD WhAt dO YoU HaVe tO OfFeR? eVeRyThInG Of vAlUe yOu pOsSeSs wAs gIvEn tO YoU; yOuR ExIsTeNcE Is nOtHiNg mOrE ThAn fUtIlE AnD MuNdAnE."Kuriyel replied, his tone unchanging and cold.
Kuriyel's words had an immediate effect on the kobolds, shifting the atmosphere dramatically. The friendly conversation morphed into a stark realization of their place in the hierarchy, where they stood at the bottom, vulnerable and exposed.
"W-Why would humans care about an insignificant village of kobolds? Your fear is irrational." one of the kobolds protested, trying to regain a sense of pride.
"HuMf... KoBoLdS: wEaK, iNjUrEd, UnArMeD, aNd mAlNoUrIsHeD, sUrViViNg iN A FoReSt rIfE WiTh dEaDlY DaNgErS. yOu pOsSeSs tReAsUrEs fAr bEyOnD YoUr cApAbIlItIeS, aNd yEt yOu aRe mIrAcUlOuSlY AlIvE AnD WeLl, EvEn aMiD ThE StOrM. i fInD It iRrAtIoNaL ThAt yOu bElIeVe yOuR ExIsTeNcE Is aNyThInG OtHeR ThAn... 'cOnTrAdIcToRy,'" Kuriyel said, the mocking lilt in its voice unmistakable.
Onix stood up from his chair again, the weight of Kuriyel's words sinking in. His hands trembled, a mix of anger and fear washing over him. "Why didn't you say anything about this before? Why only now?!" he demanded, his irritation boiling over.
"SiMpLe. It iS NoT OuR CoNcErN WhEtHeR YoU LiVe oR DiE. wE AsSiSt yOu oUt oF PuRe gEnErOsItY, eXpEcTiNg nOtHiNg oF VaLuE In rEtUrN. dId yOu tRuLy bElIeVe tHaT SoMe mEdIoCrE SaCrIfIcEs wErE WoRtH ThE PrIcE Of oUr pRoTeCtIoN AnD AiD? wE CaRe aBoUt oUrSeLvEs, AnD OnLy oUrSeLvEs. We cAmE HeRe oUt oF ReSpEcT FoR OuR LoNg-sTaNdInG 'bOnD' aNd tO SpEaK WiTh oUr bRoThEr."Kuriyel explained, its voice as unwavering as stone.
The kobolds exchanged uneasy glances, disturbed by Kuriyel's bluntness. They felt trapped, caught between the reality of their situation and the lingering hope for something better. Silence fell over the group, each of them grappling with their fears, except for Hilda, who finally decided to speak up again.
"You said you came out of respect for us, and to speak with your brother... Are you... Are you going to take Ciel with you?" Hilda asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"MoThEr aLrEaDy sPoKe. ShE sAiD ThAt CiEl Is FrEe tO ChOoSe wHeThEr tO StAy Or Go wItH Us, BuT ThIs cOnVeRsAtIoN MuSt Be CoNdUcTeD BeTwEeN Us AnD OuR BrOtHeR." Kuriyel replied, its voice echoing with an unsettling finality.
Ciel, sensing the gravity of the moment, flew up onto the table, gliding in front of the towering Kuriyel with a bright smile. "Brothers!" he hissed cheerfully.
"HmM... YoU... lOoK DiFfErEnT... mOrE PoWeRfUl... InTeReStInG... mOtHeR MiSsEs YoU." Kuriyel observed, its many eyes narrowing with interest.
"Hehe! Thank you! I evolved into a different race and got the [Shaman] class! Now I can create all sorts of cool runes with amazing effects!" Ciel said excitedly.
"ThAt's... InTeReStInG... yOu ShOuLd ViSiT YoUr MoThEr AnD ShOw HeR YoUr SkIlLs. If YoU wIsH To ViSiT HeR, A GrOuP Of GuArDs WiLl EsCoRt YoU To ThE NeSt." Kuriyel offered, a hint of approval in its tone.
"Thank you!!" Ciel replied, beaming.
"Um... LeT'S GeT StRaIgHt To ThE PoInT... Do YoU WiSh To StAy Or Go wItH Us, CiEl? It's YoUr DeCiSiOn." Kuriyel said, its voice dropping to a serious tone.
Ciel hesitated, glancing at Hilda and the other kobolds, contemplating the weight of his choice. After a moment of deep thought, he looked back at Kuriyel and spoke softly, "I... I would love to go back home, but I've been by Hilda's side for so long, and we’ve been through so much together that... I can't just leave her after all this time. I... I would like to stay."
The air around them thickened as the eyes of Kuriyel's masks began to glow ominously, casting a palpable pressure over everyone present. Ciel seemed particularly affected, his spirit dimming under the collective gaze of hundreds of eyes that felt hostile.
"HmM... If ThAt's YoUr WiSh... StAy wItH ThEm. BuT DoN'T ReGrEt YoUr ChOiCeS... bRoThEr." Kuriyel said, turning its "face" away, a clear dismissal of Ciel's decision.
"Y-Yes..." Ciel whispered, floating back to Hilda’s side, visibly deflated.
"So that’s it? You’re just going to leave us?! After everything?" Hilda asked incredulously, her voice filled with desperation.
"Oh, PlEaSe, DoN'T AcT LiKe We'Re cLoSe, JuSt bEcAuSe YoU'vE LiVeD WiTh OnE Of... 'Us'. It DoEsN'T MeAn AnYtHiNg. OuR SuRvIvAl AlWaYs CoMeS FiRsT, AnD OuR ReLaTiOnShIp wAs BoRn OuT Of NoThInG MoRe ThAn PiTy. Of CoUrSe, We DoN't InTeNd To CaUsE ThEm AnY HaRm, Or EvEn WiSh ThEm DeAd, BuT... We ArE OuR PrIoRiTy." Kuriyel said, gliding around the table, its presence casting a shadow over the gathering.
"As a ToKeN Of OuR KiNdNeSs, We WiLl CoNtInUe To TeLl YoU ThE SeCrEtS Of ThE FoReSt, AnD WhIsPeR In YoUr EaRs ThE SeCrEtS We HaVe HeArD AmOnG ThE TrEeS. If HuMaNs Or AnY DaNgEr So MuCh As SeTs FoOt In ThEsE FoReStS, YoU WiLl KnOw It ImMeDiAtElY. BuT Do NoT CoUnT On Us To SaVe YoUr SkInS WhEn ThE StOrM KnOcKs On YoUr DoOr." Kuriyel continued, its tone unwavering.
"ThE QuEeN MoThEr Is MeRcIfUl AnD CoMpAsSiOnAtE. ShE WiLl PrOvIdE WeApOnS AnD NeCeSsArY ReSoUrCeS As A PaRtInG GiFt, AnD To EaCh ChIlD In YoUr ViLlAgE, A ViAl Of [DrOpS Of LiFe] WiLl Be OfFeReD." Kuriyel stated, floating gracefully in the air.
"But—"
"ThErE Is No BuT. ThAt Is All We HaVe To SaY. ThIs WiLl Be ThE FiRsT AnD LaSt TiMe We SeE EaCh OtHeR. MaY MoThEr HaVe MeRcY On YoUr SoUlS." the creature concluded, its voice echoing with finality as it slid backward and vanished in a cloud of golden insects, leaving behind a group of confused and helpless individuals.
At least there was still tea on the table.