He wondered if the function of the crystal floating in his palm worked the same as the [Town Hall]. Perhaps it could create new soldiers?
Since the resemblance of the crystal is almost a replica of the crystal found in the fireplace in the [Town Hall], it wasn't completely wrong to think that the energy contained inside the crystal could be used to create a new building of some sort.
Though the Yeti was already a powerful ally, it wouldn't hurt to have another structure to emerge. And considering the threats outside of the [Rift], a contingency plan was a must. Numbers always proved to be the safest means to increase the foothold of a fort.
The thought of glory filled his mind with visions of a general riding on horseback, brandishing a halberd, as his armies slashed through the defenses of his enemies, leaving a trail of blood in their wake.
Just imagining it filled his mind with various kingdoms and knights swearing fealty to him. Commanding the soldiers under his banner, expanding the land, and catering to the desires of his people. It might be too much responsibility to ask for, but he had always dreamed of being a king ever since the day he started reading fantasy books back on Earth.
His childlike bearing had never changed. It wasn't that he was old, but rather, he had never seen the world outside since the moment he contracted his disease as a child. And every time he reached out his hand for the sky, the sky seemed to go farther and farther away from him.
Olen's daydreaming came to a stop as he remembered his past and looked at the crystal floating in his palm. "It's never too late to dream," he said with a smile on his face.
Alfrick, who was acting as Olen's adviser, appeared by his side and bowed. "It would be wise to use the crystal, my liege. If I may suggest, having one crystal for each would be our best bet. Our resources are dwindling, they will only last us for four days," he said, placing his arms on his chest.
"Where did you find such a portion of supplies?" Olen wondered.
"As far as I know, there isn't anything edible in this god-forsaken world," he thought while brushing his beard.
"Apparently, the captive brought a month's worth of supplies with her. Enough to cover her for a month," Alfrick replied, bowing.
"Is there anything strange about these supplies?" Olen asked.
"They seem to have some sort of unique technology. It appears to be fueled by an essence similar to the energy found in the stones," Alfrick replied, holding out a stick, resembling a shadow stick that he had seen at the historical museums back on Earth.
Olen examined the ancient tool in his hand. The stick was intricately carved with strange symbols and the teeth of a wolf stood at the top. He knew that this was the shadow stick, an ancient method used by explorers to navigate their way. The carvings on the stick would glow when pointed in a specific direction, each symbol representing a cardinal direction - east as the wolf, north as a moon, west as a mountain, and south as the sun.
“Well, it looks like I'm in a magic civilization, but it seems to be in its primitive stages,” Olen thought to himself.
“Hmm, magic is indeed convenient. I’m going to need that,” Olen said as he grabbed the stick from Alfrick’s hand.
Olen then remembered the direction of the monsters where the [Rift] had emerged during the [Escalade]. The stick would help him locate the direction of the Rift and strategically manipulate the area by using the rubble as a defense in case of an ambush.
The heat was just enough to cover the first layer of the zone, but farther than that, his vision was blocked by the heavy snow. He could only see twenty meters ahead before losing sight in the hailing snow.
With a plan in mind, Olen pointed the stick towards the sky in the direction of the [Rift]. The stick shone with brilliance as the carvings of the moon glowed, indicating that the Rift was located to the north.
"It seems I have found the perfect location to construct the building," Olen said confidently as he held the crystal in his hands, its brilliance shining brightly as he walked towards the outer edge of the zone.
After some time, he reached the outermost layer of the zone. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the crystal in his hands and remembered the runic language he had studied in his memories. He carefully crafted the spell to cause the crystal to materialize into reality.
"Forged by the void, ashes to dust!" he shouted as he released the spell.
The crystal flew out of his hand, and chaotic energy flooded the area, forming into a sphere.
Just as the energy was about to take shape, a deep voice spoke to him in his mind.
[Not enough energy]
"What?" Olen shouted in surprise, his face showing shock.
"Why does this sound so familiar? When did I hear this before?" He thought to himself, confusion etched on his face.
Deep in thought, Olen paced back and forth, trying to recall where he had heard the voice before. After a moment, an answer suddenly came to him. He walked towards the [Rift Shard], his suspicions confirmed.
[Rift Shard]
(Bound: Olen Fairer)
Energy: (90/1000)
[Town Hall (Hall of Heroes)]
Energy: (200/200)
Confirming his guess, Olen looked towards the crystal in his hands, checking its status. He thought for a while, and decide to shake his head and change his mind. ‘It definitely has to do with the stone shards scattered outside the zone layer’
[Dwelling of the Longcloaks]
Energy: (0/100)
There has been some confusion lately about the potential uses of the stone. Olen knew that it could enhance the essence within the body, but he had a hunch that it could also have something to do with the crystal. His ability revealed that the energy in the stone was similar to that of the crystal, although it was more diluted.
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To test his theory, Olen reached into his pocket and retrieved the stone he had found earlier. He aimed the crystal in his palm at the [Rift Shard] and the stone shard shone with brilliance before disappearing. Suddenly, a screen appeared in front of him.
[Diluted essence is found]
[The essence contained inside can be purified to a fraction of energy]
Olen observed as the stone disintegrated, releasing its energy into the [Rift Shard] and leaving behind only dull pieces of the stone.
"This core crystal is as frugal as a miser," Olen thought to himself.
[Energy gained: 0.20]
[Rift Shard]
(Bound: Olen Fairer)
Energy: (90/1000)
“This must be a joke! Are you going to tell me I'm going to need five rocks so I could increase the energy to one” Olen exclaimed in disbelief, raising his hand in protest.
Taking a deep sigh, Olen examined his hand, counting the numbers with his fingers, "F*ck, I need fifty stones!" he thought. However, upon recalling the abundance of stones scattered outside of the zone, it was indeed more than enough.
Fortunately, the party had sufficient manpower to spare and, based on his assessment, the goblin and particularly the Yeti would be invaluable in gathering the stones located outside of the zone, reducing the time required for the task.
‘An hour should be enough’
With a determined look in his eye, Olen called out to Feimshall, hoping to convince the Yeti to join the gathering party. He knew that the monsters may not be inclined to follow his orders, but he couldn't deny the usefulness of the Yeti's strength and resistant fur in exploring the vast area of snow. Though he hesitated to admit it, Olen knew that the goblin's life was expendable in comparison to his companions.
Olen may have been naive, but he was no fool. He knew that reality often presented harsh choices, and when desperation set in, there was only one option left: to forge ahead no matter the outcome.
***
Feimshall stood entranced as he watched the small goblin prance around on the Yeti's broad shoulder, gesturing wildly as if it were giving commands. The Yeti didn't respond, allowing the goblin to continue to ride on its shoulder and consume the stones laid out in front of it. Although the changes in its body were minimal, the energy in the stones was not enough to satiate its appetite. The larger the mass, the more energy it needs to consume.
Meanwhile, Alfrick watched from a distance, pondering the workings of their minds. He often wondered if the three of them had been brought to this world solely to cause him problems as they continued to live and breathe.
"Anytime now," Alfrick mumbled in frustration, rubbing his head as he kept his eyes on them.
"Feimshall, come and meet me at once. I have an important task for you," Olen shouted, his anger evident in his voice.
"Finally," Alfrick thought to himself.
"Roar?" The Yeti perked its head up and looked at Feimshall with a questioning look. "Uga uga?" The goblin jumped on the Yeti's shoulder, pointing its finger in the direction of the sound.
Feimshall's face twitched as he saw the Yeti look at him with a questioning expression. However, relief washed over him as he heard the goblin's voice, avoiding the possibility of another unwanted hug. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the goblin's small gesture, which had indirectly saved his life and brought him close to tears. He felt like the hostility of the world was always following him.
Alfrick shook his head, emerging from the corner and walked towards Feimshall with a look of pity on his face. "Let's go," he said, patting Feimshall's shoulder for comfort. Feimshall looked at him with teary eyes and replied, "I'm too pitiful."
After some time, Olen heard footsteps coming to his ears, turning his head to the sound, a towering figure stood 4 meters tall emerged from his view, as the goblin stood on his shoulder pointing its fingers to him and declaring itself to the world as its king.
"UGA UGA!" the goblin shouted, standing in defiance towards its owner and snarling in contempt. It held a grudge against Olen, remembering the night he looked down upon it.
The goblin understood the contract it had entered into, but in its mind, it knew that it had the freedom to make its own choices. The contract seemed to be partial to non-slavery. Although the contract seemed useless, there was a bond between the owner and the goblin, connecting them through their expressions and feelings and guiding them to coexist rather than force.
Olen had been aware of the goblin's feelings towards him from the start. However, he had no plans or time to bond with it. The only reason the contract had been successful was that the goblin had cowered in fear, and he had no time to spare.
[Goblin]
Species: Goblin Variant
Mana: (1/1)
Talent: Coercion
Abilities:
Tier: 1
[Contract: Olen Fairer]
Coercion: able to gradually persuade the target as long the species is in its presence.
Who would have thought, in a group of idiots, a shrewd and a cunning goblin would actually be the one who is the most cunning among them. Olen shook his head and realized he had been too complacent.
Olen cracked his shoulder as he looked at the goblin, letting out a smirk in response to its declaration and contempt.
The Yeti, seeing the smirk, snapped, its face contorting with anger. Its eyes turned red as it placed its hand on the ground like a gorilla and charged at Olen with its four limbs plowing through the snow.
Feimshall, seeing the Yeti's anger, raised his hand in an attempt to stop it, but it was too late.
The Yeti charged towards Olen with anger consuming its senses. However, Olen stood unfazed, not intending to dodge the incoming monster.
Suddenly, a huge energy burst forth from the [Rift Shard], answering to the call from the voice echoing in the sky. Olen's third eye brimmed with brilliance as the energy of the [Rift Shard] formed into chains, enveloping his body.
“What the rift see, sees in you”
“SHARD EYE!”
[Due to your performance your [Speech] has reached the maximum proficiency]
[Recalibrating…]
[You have gained the ability [Silver Tongue] due to the unique circumstances that had been gained from your recent actions]
[Speech] has gained maximum proficiency]
[The synchronization of its proficiency has been increased]
[Any proficiency that uses its logic will now be easy to track]
[You have gained the skill [Bargain]
[You have gained the skill [Eloquence]
[Silver Tongue]
[An ability that depends on active persuasion and deceit]
[Effects may vary in increase to confusion, charm, manipulation]
"How dare you challenge my authority by looking into the eyes of a god, puny ant," Olen said in a deep, commanding voice.
The immaterial chains that danced around his body suddenly moved towards the Yeti and goblin, emitting a powerful pressure from the [Rift Shard] and evoking its presence to those who dared to disobey him. The chains bounded the monsters, bringing them to their knees as the pressure overwhelmed them.
Olen looked at the Yeti with a cold and unfeeling gaze, as he spoke in a calm and composed tone. "I will not tolerate disobedience. You will do as I say, or face the consequences."
The Yeti stopped struggling, as it let out a low growl, acknowledging Olen's authority. The energy chains dissipated, as Olen released the Yeti from its restraints.
Olen made way to their front, as he looked down at them in their eyes with contempt in his gaze.
“You shouldn’t have provoked me when I am inside my territory, especially those who are bound with a contract—” Olen said, with a tone of ridicule.
“This time, both of you are going to learn what obedience is—”
“After all, I’m in need of your assistance.”