The sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold as the forest opened into a wide clearing. What once had been a scattered camp was now taking shape into a true settlement. Smoke rose from cooking fires, sturdier huts lined the edges, and Direwolves prowled the perimeter with glowing eyes full of pride.
The goblins—no, Hobgoblins now—were busy at work. Their larger, more human-like forms moved with surprising energy as they lifted beams, dug trenches, and hammered stakes into the ground. It was clumsy and rough, but it was progress.
The moment Atem's group stepped into view, a cheer erupted.
"Lord Atem has returned!"
"Welcome back, Master!"
"Look! He brought new allies!"
Dozens of Hobgoblins dropped their work and rushed forward, their faces lit with joy. The Direwolves howled in greeting, tails swaying like proud banners.
Kaijin raised a thick brow, murmuring under his breath. "So these are the ones under your care… they look healthier than any goblins I've ever seen."
Garm folded his arms, impressed. "Their bodies—look at those muscles. These aren't the weaklings I grew up hearing about."
Myrd whistled low. "And those wolves… direwolves, right? They're massive."
Atem smiled faintly, his sharp eyes glowing softly in the firelight. "They've grown because they were given a chance. Strength comes naturally when people believe in something."
The Hobgoblins skidded to a halt as they noticed the dwarves trailing behind Atem. Their eyes widened, and nervous whispers spread quickly.
"D-dwarves?!"
"Are they enemies?"
"No, Lord Atem brought them—so they must be friends!"
Some bowed clumsily, unsure of the proper way to greet outsiders. The Direwolves sniffed the dwarves cautiously, but soon lowered their heads in acknowledgment.
Kaijin chuckled warmly. "They're a lively bunch, but the respect in their eyes—it's real. You've done well, Atem."
Atem crossed his arms, his smile small but sure. "Respect isn't demanded. It's earned."
The Oracle of Eternity's voice flowed into his mind, calm and eternal.
<
Atem's eyes softened. Yeah… I can feel it. This place is more than just a camp. It's becoming home.
Atem stepped forward, his cloak brushing the ground. "Listen well, everyone! These are Kaijin and his apprentices—Garm, Dord, and Myrd. They are master craftsmen, and from this day forward, they'll be with us. Treat them as you treat me."
The Hobgoblins' murmurs turned into excited chatter.
"Craftsmen?!"
"They can build things for us?"
"Maybe they'll make us real weapons!"
The dwarves stiffened as goblins crowded around, bombarding them with questions.
"Can you make me a spear?!"
"No, a shield!"
"Forget weapons—what about pots and pans?!"
Kaijin laughed heartily, lifting his hands. "One at a time, one at a time! Don't worry—we'll make plenty for all of you."
The apprentices, though startled, couldn't hide their smiles. For the first time since leaving Dwargon, they stood tall, pride glowing in their eyes.
Atem's gaze swept over the scene, his heart steady but full. This is it. This is the missing piece. With Kaijin's forge and his apprentices' skill, we can move past survival. We can build. Not just weapons or armor—but homes, tools… even comfort.
He smirked slightly. A bathhouse… yeah, I'll make sure that happens.
The Oracle's voice hummed within him.
<
That night, the Hobgoblins prepared a feast. Roasted meat, herbs, and foraged vegetables filled the air with rich aromas. The Direwolves lay around the fire like silent guardians, their glowing eyes watchful but calm.
Kaijin lifted a rough wooden cup of ale, his voice booming with cheer. "To new beginnings!"
The goblins raised their own cups and mugs, echoing the cry. "To new beginnings!"
Laughter and warmth filled the night. For Kaijin and his apprentices, what had started as exile now felt like the first step into a brighter future. And for Atem, it was clear—his village was no longer just a haven. It was becoming the heart of something far greater.
The next day....
The morning sun poured across the village like molten gold. The smell of fresh timber mixed with the smoke of forges and the earthy scent of the forest. Since Atem's return with Kaijin and his apprentices, the village had begun to change in ways that even Atem hadn't fully expected.
Hobgoblins and Direwolves watched intently as Kaijin swung his hammer with expert precision. Sparks flew, ringing like tiny chimes, as crude pieces of iron transformed into perfectly balanced blades.
"Watch carefully," Kaijin instructed, his voice firm but patient. Garm struck the anvil with steady rhythm, Dord polished metal with exacting care, and Myrd measured alloys meticulously. "It's not just about strength. Rhythm, balance, and respect for the material—without that, even the strongest strike fails."
Atem hovered above the scene, his cloak billowing slightly with his movements. "Good… this is progress. My goblins couldn't even swing a club straight before, and now they're learning technique instead of destroying everything around them."
<
Atem's sharp eyes softened. "I can see that. They're growing… and not just in strength."
Kaijin's forge quickly became the heart of the village. The glowing coals and hiss of molten metal drew curious Hobgoblins, who lined up with wide eyes, asking endless questions.
"Master, can I try making one too?" Gobta asked eagerly, holding a tiny piece of iron.
Kaijin chuckled. "Of course. But start with practice pieces. Don't burn yourself—or anyone else."
Atem's voice carried guidance, calm and precise. "Gobta, heat evenly. Don't just swing wildly. Think about the motion, not the force."
The goblin grunted, sweat dripping down his brow, as a small spark jumped from the anvil. "I… I did it!"
Atem nodded, a rare smile breaking across his face. "Yes. Tiny steps lead to big results. That's why I brought Kaijin here."
By the end of the first week, several Hobgoblins could forge simple tools: axes, knives, and farming implements. Within two weeks, crude but functional weapons were ready for defense.
Meanwhile, Kaijin supervised upgrades across the village. With Atem's guidance and subtle use of magic, the huts were reinforced, walls straightened, and roofs strengthened with iron braces.
Dwarves instructed the Hobgoblins in proper carpentry techniques, showing them how to measure, balance, and secure beams. The Direwolves tilted their heads, watching carefully as walls and gates rose under their combined efforts.
Atem hovered above the construction site, surveying everything like a strategist. "Widen the gate here, reinforce the walls there… and yes, a watchtower on that hill will give us a perfect vantage."
The Hobgoblins cheered. "Master Atem, it's going to be incredible!"
By the end of the month, the village had transformed from a loose cluster of huts into a small, fortified settlement. Wooden fences secured the perimeter, and watchtowers gave the wolves a proper lookout.
Kaijin also introduced combat drills, teaching proper stances and swings. Wooden swords were the first step, emphasizing control and precision.
"Faster! But precise!" Kaijin barked. "Strength without control is worthless!"
Atem occasionally demonstrated a technique, slicing through air with precise energy constructs or manipulating shadows to show proper form. The Hobgoblins mirrored his motions, cautious but eager.
Seeing Gobta try to mimic a shadow blade was… entertaining. He ended up spinning around, clothes damp with sweat, looking like a flailing mop. Atem couldn't hide a faint smirk. "Keep at it. You'll improve."
The Direwolves, meanwhile, learned patrol coordination and defensive formations. They helped train the Hobgoblins in dodging and positioning, forming a small but effective militia.
Life in the village had taken on a lively, organized rhythm:
Tools: Every household had proper farming and cooking implements.
Weapons: Hobgoblins could defend themselves, and hunting became efficient.
Houses: Roofs no longer leaked, walls were solid, furniture sturdy.
Education: Kaijin taught metallurgy, measurement, and teamwork.
Atem's Oversight: He ensured morale stayed high, occasionally adding fun projects like a bathhouse or fountains for relaxation.
The village thrived. Hobgoblins no longer feared clumsiness—they had guidance, direction, and the confidence that came from proper training.
Hovering above the forge, Atem's cloak fluttered in the morning breeze. <
"I can see that," Atem said quietly, scanning the bustling village below. "A place that can defend itself, grow, and thrive… and with Kaijin and his apprentices, it's sustainable. This… this is exactly what I envisioned."
He watched a Hobgoblin swing a hammer correctly for the first time, sparks flying like fireworks. "…Enough to celebrate… for now."
<
Atem's eyes gleamed. "Yeah… today, we celebrate. Tomorrow… we build an empire."