At first, I was worried that the kobolds would stampede over and drain me of every bit of my blood. Instead, they slowly gathered around me in a semi-circle. I could tell how excited they were after they realized that they might be given the chance to “Become One With Their Inner Dragon.”
It started off with the shamans, but then spread quickly to every single kobold. Before I knew it, all of the kobolds were on their knees, bowing to me. Feeling like I needed to say something, I hastily improvised a speech,
“I’m proud of each and every one of you, my children. You have chosen to follow me, and I shall not lead you astray.” A little bit of my Southern Baptist heritage started to sneak into my speech and gestures, much like a preacher giving a sermon. “Trust in me, and I shall give you the opportunity to embrace the dragon that I know resides within each and every one of you.
“Yes, we shall endure many dark days and nights in the future. We will have to struggle against great odds and fierce foes. Our enemies will try to destroy our home, and thieves will try to steal our treasure hoards. However, we will survive. We will thrive. We will overcome every opponent and build a better tomorrow.
“We will begin by creating the greatest city in the world. Then we will form a nation whose existence is a beacon of hope and inspiration for every kobold and dragonborn. Other races will fear and respect our overwhelming might and listen to our words.
“Today marks a momentous occasion in our history, a turning point that will shape our future for generations to come. Each of you has been chosen for a great honor. It is one I believe you deserve. I will elevate you beyond your humble beginnings and forge a path to greatness for you. Over the next few days, you will be given the gift of my draconic blood. You will receive my bloodline and legacy that will allow your inner dragon to burst forth.
“As you undergo this transformation, remember that you will inherit the strength and resilience of dragons. Not only will you receive the gift of dragon blood, but you should also know that this blood comes not just from any dragon, but from a twilight dragon. Twilight dragons are the enigmatic guardians of dusk and dawn, whose very essence embodies the balance between light and darkness. We live in darkness but are a beacon of light in the lives of kobolds.
“We will be the culmination of their hopes and dreams. We will use our keen senses to pierce the shadows of oppression that shackle our brethren. We will illuminate the path ahead for the generations that come behind us.
“You already possess many fine qualities. These qualities include innovation and determination. They also include a feeling of community, a willingness to work, the desire to improve, the bravery to fight when needed, and the cunningness to plan ahead.
“When combined with my bloodline, you will thrive like no other race in the history of this world. These qualities that will guide us as we build our city and establish ourselves as a powerful nation beneath the earth. Imagine a city carved from the very bones of the earth, its architecture blending the natural beauty of our underground realm with the majestic designs of dragonkind. Streets lined with shimmering crystals, gardens of bioluminescent flora, and forges humming with the fires of innovation. All of this and more await us as we harness the magic within our veins.
“But our journey does not end with the construction of a magnificent city. No, my friends, that is just the beginning. With our newfound abilities and those qualities that we have always possessed, we will create a society where every kobold's talents are cherished, and every voice is heard. We will establish trade routes that span the depths of the earth, forging alliances with neighboring clans and races to ensure our prosperity and security.
“Together, we will cultivate knowledge and wisdom, delving into ancient texts and arcane arts that will unlock the full potential of our dragon blood. Our scholars will unravel mysteries lost to time, our artisans will craft wonders that rival those of legends, and our warriors will defend our nation with courage and honor. But above all, we will foster a community bound by loyalty, respect, and a shared vision of a brighter future.
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“Each of you, with your unique strengths and abilities, will contribute to our collective success. Together, we will build not just a city, but a home. It will be a sanctuary where every kobold can thrive and fulfill their dreams. So, my fellow kobolds, embrace this gift of dragon blood with pride and gratitude. Let it fuel your determination, ignite your passion, and inspire you to dream of the impossible. The future is ours to shape, and together, as one unified nation, we will rise to greatness and leave a legacy that will echo through the ages.”
I was really starting to get a roll, and I could tell that my kobold minions were eating up everything I served. Many of them had already stood up and were jumping with joy again. Others were simply looking at me with wide eyes, amazed by every word that fell from my mouth.
I could tell that they hungered desperately for what Geyma had gained. They would give their lives and their very souls to become a dragon among kobolds. I wanted to give it to them. They deserved it. From what I had seen, kobolds exemplified an ideal society. While I was definitely going to make a few changes, I would never change the soul of a kobold.
In my last life, I had seen so many hypocrites, liars, and thieves. Everyone always seemed to care almost exclusively about themselves. Politicians lied, and the people were stupid enough to believe them. They promoted fear and distrust.
The rich bought politicians and consolidated all the money into their own hands. Policies and policing was done for profit instead of protection. Laws were for thee, and not for me. Businesses were just as bad. In fact, according to the fourteenth amendment, corporations were even given rights normally associated only with people. It was called corporate personhood. Products were made to break so that consumers were forced to buy new ones.
People were forced to work multiple jobs at low pay. However, because of this, they also worked as little as possible at work, often because they were paid so little. This led to no one doing what they were supposed to be doing. Then again, it could have been because they were treated as disposable resources who resented their situation. People were angry that they weren’t given the life they had been promised.
The kobolds were different. They embodied the work hard, play hard lifestyle. They often didn’t have much, but they were happy. They treated each other like family, a big incestuous family, but a family nonetheless. There was so much to admire about kobolds. Perhaps the other kobolds recognized how much I admired them, because they responded enthusiastically to everything I was saying.
“For today, we begin a new chapter in our history. The first true draconic kobold has been born,” I said, motioning toward Geyma. “Soon, many more will join her. The future of every draconic kobold will be one filled with promise, opportunity, and boundless potential. Let us seize this moment and embark on this journey together, united in our purpose and driven by our shared vision of a prosperous and powerful nation. We begin this journey here, in the Sanctuary, for this city is where each of you will become dragons among kobolds.
“Not only will this city be a place of refuge and safety for kobolds and other dragon-blooded races, but it will also be a holy place for our people. It shall be the home to the Church of Twilight. This city will serve as a sanctuary where all who carry dragon's blood may gather, where they can seek wisdom. It will serve as a safe location where believers can commune with the forces of twilight. This city shall stand as a beacon of enlightenment, a testament to our commitment to balance, and a cornerstone of our burgeoning nation.
“Long live the Sanctuary! Long live the Church of Twilight! And long live the draconic kobolds!” By the end of the speech, I was running out of ideas of what to say, but I did mean every word that I said. I almost missed the system’s notification amid the resounding roars of the high kobolds who would soon be transformed into a new race, the draconic kobolds.
ACHIEVEMENT - TITLE UNLOCKED: GOD OF KOBOLDS. You have convinced a large group of kobolds to worship you as their god by creating a new race of kobolds. Because of this, you have unlocked the hidden ability to gain Faith Points.
ACHIEVEMENT - FIRST BELIEVER. You have gained your first believer. This kobold now considers you a god after changing her race into that of a Draconic Kobold. Because of this, you have gained Faith Points.