Chapter 26: Goblins, Direwolves, and a Divine Message
Drake, Rimuru, and the Pokémon made their way toward Staraptor's location. As they approached, they saw five small, trembling creatures—goblins—shivering in fear under the sharp gaze of the airborne predator.
They didn't blame them. With Staraptor circling overhead like death incarnate, a single wrong move might've meant instant doom.
As the group drew closer, the eldest of the goblins, his body frail and shriveled, stepped forward and dropped to his knees.
"Oh great one, please forgive us if we've offended you somehow. Could you ask your bird-like creature to stand down?" he begged, his voice shaking.
Drake's tiger-like eyes widened in disbelief."They can talk?!" he thought, genuinely surprised.
Cough "Sorry if he scared you," Drake said diplomatically. "He's just… had some rough encounters with your kind in the past. He's on edge."
Then he turned his head. "Staraptor, come."
The large bird responded immediately, swooping down and landing next to Drake, gently nudging him with its beak.
"Hahaha, calm down, buddy. These guys are harmless," Drake chuckled, rubbing Staraptor's head before gently pushing him aside.
Turning back to the goblins, Drake asked, "So, what brings you all the way out here? Judging by your condition, your village isn't nearby."
The old goblin slowly stood, now more at ease. "Yes, great one. We're searching for allies… Our village is under threat from a pack of direwolves."
Drake's brow furrowed. "Why would direwolves attack a goblin village?"
The elder bowed his head. "Ever since the guardian of the forest—Storm Dragon Veldora—disappeared, chaos has spread. The monsters have grown more violent… and we goblins are weak by comparison."
Drake turned toward Rimuru, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, brother… what do you say? Want to help some goblins and gain a little foothold in this world?"
Rimuru bounced with excitement. "Yeah! A nice village of our own sounds great."
With a sharp-toothed grin, Drake turned back to the goblins. "Alright. We'll help. Lead the way."
The elder's eyes widened in gratitude. He dropped to his knees again, tears forming. "Thank you, Drake-sama. From this moment on, you are our leader!"
Drake smirked, his sharp fangs gleaming. "Okay, enough formalities—let's move."
The goblins led the group through the forest. After some time, they reached a clearing where a humble village stood—crudely built huts made of wood and leaves, barely standing but clearly lived in.
Drake's eyes went wide. "You guys seriously live in… these?"
The elder flushed with embarrassment. Rimuru burst into laughter, slapping his slimey form like a drum.
The old goblin scratched his head. "W-We goblins don't require much comfort. We're monsters, after all. Building isn't exactly our strong suit… But, welcome to our humble home."
Drake, Rimuru, and the Pokémon entered the village, curiously inspecting the area. But then—Drake suddenly stopped in his tracks.
He stared ahead blankly, as if seeing something no one else could.
The first to notice was Garchomp, followed by Infernape. They immediately began waving their arms, trying to snap him out of it. But nothing worked.
Gardevoir's eyes glowed as she attempted telepathic contact—but something blocked her. Rimuru bounced frantically in front of him.
"Big bro! Hello?! What's wrong?! Wake up!"
Then it happened.
A blinding light engulfed Drake's entire body, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.
A moment earlier, just before he froze, a small yet familiar ding echoed inside his head. A translucent black screen materialized before his eyes—it was the system. But something was different. Its design had changed, sleeker and more refined.
[System update complete.][You have received an Update Gift and a Message from: THE ABSOLUTE ONE.][Would you like to view it now?]
Drake grinned mentally.'Yeah. Show me.'