The sun was just beginning its lazy climb over the treetops, gilding the canopy in hues of orange and gold. In the heart of the Great Forest, the village bustled like never before. The goblins marched in ordered lines, the ogres sparred with one another while their crimson eyes glowed with restrained power, and the newly built watchtowers stood like proud sentinels.
To an outsider, it might have looked as though the settlement had always been this strong, this united. But those within knew the truth: mere weeks ago, they had been scattered, hunted, and fearful. It was only under Luminus's guidance that they now stood with pride.
Yet, strength without recognition was fragile. The monsters of the forest were beginning to notice the changes. Rumors carried on the wind—whispers of a slime who led goblins, wolves, and ogres, who built roads and homes, who disciplined warriors like a general. Some tribes were curious, others wary, and still others… hostile.
And so, it became clear to Luminus: before war forced itself upon them, he had to attempt diplomacy.
---
In the village's central square, a council gathered. Luminus sat at the head, his slime form resting atop a smooth wooden platform, his voice carried with calm authority. Around him stood the leaders of his growing nation:
*Gorath, towering and broad-shouldered, the leader of the ogres, his crimson eyes steady and his deep voice rarely wasted.
*Rugo, the wolf-kin chieftain, lean and sharp-eyed, his wolfish aura always restless, as though he could hear the forest's heartbeat.
*Elira, silver-haired and sharp-minded, her presence commanding but precise.
*Mira, ever calm, hands clasped behind her back, her aura steady like a well-rooted tree.
*Zerath, eccentric as always, toying with a glowing orb of fire, smirking though his eyes betrayed focus.
*The Goblin Chiefs, veterans of hardship, their pride renewed since gaining names.
"I've considered our situation," Luminus began, his voice steady but heavy with intent. "The forest watches us. If we wait in silence, fear will twist into aggression. If we reach out, we might forge understanding—or at least avoid unnecessary battles."
"You mean… diplomacy," Mira said softly.
Elira frowned. "Diplomacy with who? The lizardmen to the south despise outsiders. The beastmen clans don't trust easily. And humans…" Her voice sharpened. "Humans will see us as nothing but monsters."
"Which is why this will not be easy," Luminus admitted. His core pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat. "But if we mean to create a land where all who seek peace may live, we cannot remain isolated. The first step must be ours."
---
### **Choosing the First Contact**
Arguments flared.
"The lizardmen will respect strength," Gorath rumbled, his deep voice carrying across the square. "If we demonstrate our warriors' discipline, they may accept us."
"Or challenge us to battle until one side is wiped out," Elira countered.
"The beastmen might be better," Mira offered. "They know the pain of exile and conflict. If any tribe would listen, it might be them."
Zerath finally spoke, smirking. "Why not humans? That's the true test. If Luminus can turn their fear into curiosity, we'd leap centuries ahead in one stroke."
The goblin chief, Rigul, shook his head furiously. "No, no! Humans will bring only fire and steel. They will burn everything we've built!"
Rugo's wolfish eyes gleamed as he added, "My scouts already sensed movement near the southern river. Beastmen eyes watch us. If we delay, they may test our strength without warning."
The council descended into debate until Luminus raised a tendril and silenced them. "All have merit. But one choice stands before the others. The beastmen are closest, and they've already heard of us. Their scouts were spotted at the river two nights ago."
Gorath nodded once, firm and resolute. "Then let us meet them before they decide to strike."
And so, the decision was made.
Luminus did not go alone. He chose his escort carefully: Gorath, the ogre leader whose sheer presence was a declaration of strength; **Rugo**, the wolf chieftain, whose pack would scout ahead; **Mira** and **Elira**, his most trusted advisors; and a small contingent of goblin wolf-riders. Enough to show strength, but not enough to appear like an invading army.
As they departed, villagers gathered to watch. Whispers spread—hopeful, fearful, proud. For many goblins, this was the first time they had seen their leaders act as diplomats rather than warriors.
The forest grew denser as they traveled south. The wolf-riders cut a cautious path, their mounts' ears twitching at every sound. Birds scattered, and unseen eyes followed from the undergrowth. Luminus could feel it—beastmen were near.
After two days' travel, they reached the wide river, its waters glistening under the midday sun. And there, waiting on the opposite bank, stood a band of beastmen.
-
They were tall and muscular, their bodies a blend of human form and animal features—fangs, claws, fur, tails. The leader, a lion-headed warrior with a mane like fire, stepped forward. His voice carried across the river.
"So it is true. The rumors speak of a strange lord who unites monsters under one banner." His amber eyes narrowed. "And yet… you are a slime."
The beastmen behind him chuckled, some openly sneering. A slime? To them, it was laughable.
Gorath bristled, his crimson eyes glowing faintly, but Luminus's calm voice cut through the tension. "Yes. I am a slime. And I am the leader of the village to the north. We come not to conquer, but to speak."
The lion-beastman growled, his tail lashing. "Words are cheap. Monsters unite under strength, not promises. What proof do you bring that you are worth listening to?"
-
It was as expected: beastmen respected strength above all else. To them, diplomacy without proof of power was weakness.
"I will face you," Gorath rumbled, stepping forward, his fists clenched, his voice like thunder.
But Luminus shook his head. "No, this test is mine."
Mira tensed. "Luminus—"
He pulsed reassuringly. "If I am to lead, I must be the one they recognize. Not through destruction, but by showing them what I am."
Crossing the river was effortless for him—his slime body floated, gliding smoothly until he reached the opposite bank. The beastmen stepped back instinctively, unsure of what to make of him.
The lion-leader growled. "Very well, slime. Show us."
---
The beastman lunged, claws like iron, his roar shaking the trees. Luminus's body shimmered, absorbing the blow harmlessly. Gasps rippled through the beastmen ranks.
"What—?!" the lion snarled, striking again and again, but each blow sank into Luminus's body without effect.
Then, in a blink, Luminus extended a tendril and wrapped it around the lion's arm, lifting him into the air with impossible strength. But instead of crushing him, Luminus gently set him back down.
"I do not seek to destroy you," Luminus said, his voice resonating, calm but undeniable. "I seek to build something greater. Strength that protects, not conquers. A land where monsters need not fear extinction."
The lion staggered back, staring at him with wide eyes. For the first time, silence fell among the beastmen.
---
The lion bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect rarely given. "You… are no ordinary slime."
Murmurs spread. Some beastmen still looked doubtful, others intrigued. The lion raised his hand, silencing them.
"I am Kaelen, chief of the Redmane Tribe. You have shown strength without cruelty, power without arrogance. Perhaps your words are worth hearing after all."
Luminus inclined slightly, his form rippling. "Then let us speak, Chief Kaelen. Not as rivals, but as leaders who wish for peace."
---
That evening, the two groups shared a fire by the riverside. Tension lingered, but slowly eased as food was exchanged and stories told.
Luminus spoke of his village—of goblins who no longer bowed to fear, of ogres who found new purpose under Gorath's leadership, of wolves and riders who patrolled and protected the borders, of unity born not from domination but from respect.
Kaelen listened, skeptical but thoughtful. "Your dream is bold. A nation of monsters united… It has never been done. The Demon Lords rule through fear, the humans through persecution. What makes you think you can change that?"
"Because I believe in those who stand beside me," Luminus replied simply.
Gorath's crimson eyes glowed proudly. Rugo's ears twitched, the faintest smirk tugging his lips. Mira gave a faint smile. Even Elira, ever skeptical, looked convinced in that moment.
Kaelen chuckled softly. "Strange slime. Perhaps you truly are different."
---
By dawn, no formal alliance had been signed. No treaty written. But something far more important had been forged: a seed of trust.
As they parted, Kaelen spoke. "I cannot promise allegiance, but I will not raise my claws against you. If your dream endures… perhaps one day, the beastmen will join it."
Luminus pulsed warmly. "That is all I ask."
As they made the journey home, the village behind them awaited eagerly. For the first time, their dream of a nation did not feel so far-fetched.
The first step had been taken.