"Droy we've had this discussion before and I will not allow it; you are my oldest child, as well as a man of the Vi Alester de Refie'ere name, so you will inherit the throne as the strongest claimant. Or would you rather see the kingdom suffer under the rule of the nobles puppeteering the actions of your brother or sister."(Alfonse)

These words were said to Droy Vi Umino Alester de Refie'ere, the oldest sibling amongst the Kings three royal offspring, as well, as being at the age of 18 approaching 19 already, this was the age were one was considered a full adult under the eyes of everyone. Physically saying there was nothing extraordinary about the young man's physique he was simply an ordinary youth that could be said to not give off the excellent splendor of an atmosphere his father showed. This was a mistake however, as he was also one whose voice could exude authority when need be.

"Father that is enough, I have already made my decision, at the time of my 19th birthday I will announce my decision towards all those present, and the very next day I will begin my journey nothing you say will change it. You may be the king however I am not one who would take kindly to being forced a kingdom upon, especially one which I have not yet earned."(Droy)

Said with the sternness of a true king, Droy directed the words towards his father who could only remain silent, and angry at what he'd said.

"So is this the answer to my question, you feel that you have not earned the right to rule yet when you are my blood, the king who has maintained the kingdom in check for so long and directed and trained the best soldiers of this nation. The fact that you are my blood is enough to let you rule over 5 other nations."(Alfonse)

"No it is not father, a man should never think himself higher han other's simply because of one's origin, because if it were like that we'd all be claiming hipocrisy. Before kingdom's existed before societies existed there were no kings or queens and our origin willl date back to that time were our ancestors were simple people trying to survive a world full of monsters. So don't say being your roots can make me a king. Kings are those whom have acquired the wisdom and strength to lead others. Those who are followed by other's as a result of their choosing not because they claim it. If I am to be king it will be under those terms."(Droy)

After saying his words of wisdom to his father, the kings aide entered the room. He approached the king and said the following-

"Your grace I ask your forgiveness for interrupting your discussion just now but it is a matter of great importance since it concerns the attacks that have been happening around Crater Valley. It seems something unexpected has been causing those attacks, something the size of an army."(Normand)

"Hmmm, very well inform the closest nobles near the valley to be on full alert, and the other nobles about the situation, meanwhile I'll attend to the guild master I assume he's waiting for me outside."(Alfonse)

"Yes your grace."(Normand)

"Very well I will go now, and you my son this matter is not over yet."(Alfonse)

"I beg to differ father it is indeed at it's end. And that will be the final word I hear of it."(Droy)

"Argh, enough with your thick headedness I'll fill you in later as to why, however later, right now this matter demands my attention until then I hope you have a fine day my son."(Alfonse)

Alfonse bade farewell to his son and began exiting through the passage that connected to the throne room. He arrived at the throne and was greeted by the Heroic figure of Timberland White, A class adventurer as well as the oldest adventurer in the Kingdom having lived 86 years he was still showing no signs of giving in to old age despite time trying to prove him otherwise, his white beard the only thing signaling his advanced age.

"Ah gods Alfonse the father of time has not been good to you has he."(Timber)

"Not now Timber, I'm in an extremely bad mood so tell me did your adventurers manage to deal with the problem or where there to many monsters to deal with."(Alfonse)

"Ay alright straight to business then old friend. First things first, it doesn't seem to be as simple as you think. You remember the corpses of the goblins and Knight that were left behind due to low personnel?"(Timber)

"Yes I know of them they were left due to the monsters that were still around, that's mainly why we sent you. Aside from confirming and exterminating any possible monsters, it also served so that we could finally recover the bodies of our fallen knights. A couple of nobles were mixed in that platoon."(Alfonse)

"Well it seems that they weren't as dead as you might think. Or something might have turned them mad but It's highly doubtful."(Timber)

"Somethings turned them mad, what are you saying is there magic at play here?"(Alfonse)

The king said as he struck the left handle of his throne with his right hand, while remaining standing up.

"Speak clearly Timber just what are we facing?"(Alfonse)

"Well I'll say it now then, the adventurers that were sent to deal with it said wicked magic was used to corrupt the bodies of the soldiers and goblins that had fought in the Valley. It seems to be a curse or dark magic of sorts that takes possession of corpses and brings them back alive as an organism that feeds upon humans."(Timber)

"What sort of thing are you speaking of, the dead rising up. Please I have no time for such foolishness Timber. Can it not simply be that the Hopgoblins took on the armor of our soldiers and pretended to lie dead in wait to ambush your adventurers."(Alfonse)

"Yeah that was what we said except that they'd thought they could kill them off normally like chopping them in half through the shoulders or shooting arrows at the heart, all things that would kill your average goblin or Hopgoblins. Instead the creatures seemed undeterred and the only known way to deal with the monster seemed to be a blow to the head that destroyed the center part of the brain. And also from what they've seen, it looks like either the magic is spreading to all manner of living being as the nearby cattle were affected. This all leads to the conclusion that either the spell caster keeps on casting the spell to affect every nearby organism. In which case we should be wary of any nearby foul magic at play, it is also assumed that the spell integrates into the organisms asimilates into their body and propagates somehow, allowing it to spread the magic through cells. However there seems to be a limit to its effects as it will not infect someone by having a simple scratch, so we are currently wondering if the means for it to activate are death or large enough particles of the magic, in this case we need only do research."(Timber)

"Well this was a surprise, to think that something new would be entering through our kingdom. Should we usher in a new group of Summoned Ones in case this new plague threatens the land."(Alfonse)

"Summon them if you will but I'd say it is not yet necessary. You need only destroy the monsters before they spread; the adventurers spoke that the monsters are two things slow and unintelligent. They possess things such as enhanced strength and no feeling of pain but the team clearly stated that the only reason they lost a member of their team was due to being outnumbered and losing their swiftblade teammate. They said they'd managed to confirm atleast 41 kills before being overwhelmed."(Timber)

"Hmmm, I hope they were at least properly rewarded with what they were payed."(Alfonse)

"They are in mourning Alf, don't make light of their Quest."(Timber)

"Forgive me then. You may leave now, I must seek council with my Captain of the Guard."(Alfonse)

"Ah little ol' Mirelia please do give her my regards I ain't getting any younger and she hasn't responded to my marriage proposal despite all this time."(Timber)

With a wolfish grin and a wave of goodbye Timberland leaves the Throne room out through the huge doors which the guards struggle to open in regards to his exit.

'Oh boy if the nobles get a hold of this they are certainly going to use it against me.'(Alfonse)

---------------------------------------------------------

Wildlands

Hopgoblin camp,

Demos Tribe

14th of the first Twin Heroes 1458

Demos goblins, the goblins belonging to this tribe are known as the cruelest and most merciless of all the goblin tribes in the surrounding Wildlands of the Kingdom of Florent. The reason for this is because the current society of this tribe follows a strict religious culture adoring the Demon lord Saü-Torus, a minotaur like shaped demon that was known to slaughter entire tribes of humans back in the time before Kingdoms were built. Then at the time of his peak; believers of the demi-god(at the time) of luck, along with Nidírn himself appered to release the enslaved humans and slay the demon Lord, they failed in slaying the immortal only managing to seal him back inside his hellvoid known as Halphthorn, a land filled with eternal war and violence. Due to their beliefs they subjugated a majority of the goblins as well as other monsters in the vicinity, they became the fourth most dominant force of the Wildlands and have become a thorn at the side of the kingdom for many years.

In this camp frolic a countless number of goblins, Hopgoblins, Ogres, and trolls, obviously the most dominant of the races would be from the goblin side being the only part of the society which can actually form somewhat intelligent strategies they rule the community. And currently inside a tent that is atleast twice as large as all the surrounding tents, as well as being the only one decorated with the bones of various different monsters and humans is a meeting of the not so human proportion, with its current attendants being the leaders of all the goblin tribes under the Demos banner.

"Hruaaagh, enough is enough. The Ogri tribe ain' no bowers to the likes of Demos. Them not even consume the pity like humas."

(Torcqa: Ogre overlord of the Ogri tribe. Took over the Ssling tribe through brute force five months ago during the month of the Rising Hero. Changed the name, culture and war mind of the tribe and placed a strict rule of strength in it allowing him to rule over 323 strong melee brutes and 100 other service goblins. His tribe is located in a large cave infrastructure 7 miles north east of the entrance to the wildlands .)

"And you thinks that one as stupidly brutish as you will be able to lead everyone."

(Hogoma: Hopgoblin leader of the Hill Tribe. Took over after becoming a hopgoblin and the former leader being slain in combat 6 years ago ever since has defended his title from countless challengers through strength and numbers. He is also one of the non naturally gifted goblins to acquire magic by learning it through books to a small degree. He leads a balanced army structure of bow and spear wielders 500 strong with 300 civilian gobs. Their campsite is located east of the Demos campsite with a distance of atleast 10km.)

"Wha said you?! *Glares at Hogoma*"(Torcqa)

"Bah bumble al yay wants non ya gone charge us any how's."

(Goboto: Hopgoblin leader of the Temeru tribe. Took over 1 year ago, after slaying the previous leader. Their activities are focused on the capture of humans and all other humanoids but they do carry out dealings with slave traders from the human lands. Weaponry includes nets and spears, and are highly regarded by others due to procuring a fresh source of human slaves so that they don't have to worry about protecting themselves as the othertribes protect them. They are 1000 strong due to always having a fresh stock of human/humanoid female sex slaves. Although the real front of their army is roughly 600. They're located over 2 miles west of the entrance to the wildlands and have managed to stay hidden by living underground in a secluded location were humans dare not approach.)

"So you wan' die two net dragga."(Torcqa)

"Ge' outta some first *growls at Torcqa*."(Goboto)

"I make a toot' picks from your bones."(Torcqa)

"Les see dar try's. Whatta ya say Hogo les put 'em in its place *Goboto gets up and lifts his net*."(Goboto)

"You don't need to ask twice *He grabs his sword and small sparks of energy start appearing in his hand*."(Hogoma)

"Yes les yer dead be my food *bang, Torcqa punches away the table inbetween them while holding a humongous double bladed axe*."(Torcqa)

The room was filled with an opressive tension as the bloodthirst could be felt from the three monsters. With nothing standing between them they circled each other looking for an opening to exploit. Torcqa was fixated on Goboto unconcerned by Hogoma's magic or sword, meanwhile Goboto was looking for a way to escape the reckless charge that was being prepared by Torcqa. Torcqa charged and received a magic blow from Hogoma, he shrugged it off and resumed his charge bringing down his axe with tremendous speed. Goboto dodge the axe, barely scraping some hair from his back yet allowing him to gain distance so that he could throw his netting towards Torcqa's face. In that moment of distraction where Torcqa was reaching for the netting to take it off, Hogoma pressed forward to Torcqa's face blasting another bolt of magic on it. The disorientation that Torcqa took on right then, was broken by his will. He let out a deafening roar which stunned the two goblins allowing him time to send Hogoma flying towards the other side of the tent and letting him close the distance to Goboto who was still stunned. Goboto was held down by Torcqa's massive foot, axe within an inch of his neck.

"You dead now."(Torcqa)

"Fuck yer."(Goboto)

"Ahahaha. Uuuff."(Torcqa)

With a single punch Torcqa was forcefully pushed back a couple of meters away from Goboto. What stood in place of Torcqa was a taller than average Hopgoblin with a height of 183 centimeters. The goblins skin was ashen black which only served to highlight its silver hair as well as the small upward pointing horns that grew out of its head. The goblin scanned around the tent to see the damage which had been inflicted to the inside, after it finished observing everything it looked at the other Hopgoblins that were currently kneeling before him, he glared towards the ogre which was getting up and forced it down into a kneeling position after staring the brute down.

"Well then it's good you've all calmed down. First of all let me express the immense displeasure that I currently have due to having come back to a tent that has been bandalized by the guests that I invited. Torcqa, Goboto, Hogoma, SUFFER! *With that, all three of them grew in pain as dark energy began being emitted by The Goblin's left hand That glowed with an eerie darkness*.(The Goblin)

"Were sorry leader. Aaaaaghhh! We'll start behaving."(Hogoma)

"Fine I guess this'll be good enough I was starting to get bored anyways. *He leaves the three on the ground and sits in a luxurious looking chair*. As long as this chair is still safe you all live."

(Hogotul The Horned: Took over the Demos tribe since he became a Hopgoblin 6 months ago. Ever since he took over, the activity of the Demos has grown to an insurmountable level of cruelty, and depravedness. The tribe focuses on methods of torture, to gain information on human caravans to raid and pillage, as well as procuring pinpoint locations for the Hill and Temeru tribes to raid and acquire weaponry and slaves. They arm the Ogri tribe with the lower tier weapons that they gain from their spoils, taking the best weapons for themselves. He is known as a rarity amongst the Goblin community for having been gifted the blessings of the dark God of War Crocus, and the Demon Lord Saü-Torus, his horns being prove of that. He achieved the shortest rank-up in monster history by ranking up from a goblin to a hopgoblin within 5 months of his birth and to everyones chagrin becoming a variant of the race, this earned him the title of leader after disposing of all the challengers. It can also be said that his high strength and height are showings of him shortly and slowly achieving a new rank up.)

"Now then who cares to elaborate on the subject that you were discussing so that I may be informed as to the. reason for this transgression. Torcqa perhaps, or maybe Hogoma, Goboto maybe. No, no one, fine then pick a seat or sit on the ground but lets be civilized during this meeting or I might decide your usefulness has reached it's limit."(Hogotul)

"Yes leada, please forgave us.*Sits on the ground, trembling*."(Torcqa)

"Yes what ogri say forgive yus.*Sits on a stool*."(Goboto)

"... Thank you for your understanding Hogotul.*Sits on a chair opposite of Hogotul and places the table in the middle once more*."(Hogoma)

"Good then how about we now continue with an actual intelligence share between us figure heads. You might all be wandering, as to why, one of my platoons was sent to battle out of the wildlands without any support from any of your troops however that was actually a calculated moved from my part."(Hogotul)

"Wait a moment Tul saying yer troops dead were know'ed."(Torcqa)

"Very true Torcqa and even more so since I only sent newly ranked-up goblins to fight with the exception of the one that was conducting experiments with a new magical curse that we uncovered."(Hogotul)

"What? Then, are you saying you sacrificed goblin lives, just so you could conduct an experiment."(Hogoma)

"Yes that's precisely what I did. And might I add, it was an experiment that succeeded. The magic that we uncovered was a curse magic that resurrects the dead."(Hogotul)

"Wai' ar yer saying that ar's have gained a way fer immortality."(Goboto)

"Well it all depends, you'll certainly not be affected by attacks to the body or old age but your still going to have rotting flesh, you won't retain your mind, and you'll also crave the flesh of the living because of it, and all this happens once the magic has afflicted you or you die after being scratched or bitten by one under the influence. It is called 'Undeath' magic; if the magic is cast upon you, and you die within it's influence you will resurrect as an undead, mindless corpses who hold a deep hatred for all of the living this in turn allows us to utilize our enemies soldiers against them, overwhelming them with both the unrestrained strength of the undead, numbers, and our own troops. The experiment done was to prove it's effectiveness and help increase duration and loyalty towards the caster, because for some reason after some time passes the corpses will stop moving and none would follow the orders of the caster. We've already solved both of these problems and are currently looking forward to performing raids on human settlements, with themselves as their own enemy all without us having to first use our goblins."(Hogotul)

"Hmmm wais a sec' I hear frum human slave traffic that deal with us, that der village were attacked by sum wick creatures who fit dis description. Them say that non matter how manyer times der hit they didn stay dead. Skin were maggotie cover and smell gross. Consumed entire village, and some villagies even walker away following them creeps."(Goboto)

"Well this is quite the development, the magic must have entered into a dormant state after some time passed but that means that our caster lost control of them because the magic consumption was said to have halted... I'll inform our shaman of the happening you've done your part Goboto. And now does anybody else have something to add."(Hogotul)

"Yes, is this magic risk free or does it come with any downside. I don't want the magic turning on us at a later date only to have ourselves fighting our own dead."(Hogoma)

"Your worries are noted however aside from this unknown factor that splintered some fragments of the undead in the kingdom. As long as our caster or shaman cuts off all mana the undead die even if it holds no loyalty towards them. The other variable that might have activated the magic in the Valley could be due to the location of were we uncovered the magic being in close proximity. So I can at least assure you that we won't suffer any backlash at a later date. And even if we did your opinion on the matter is only taken into consideration Hogoma, don't forget you all serve me I dont really have to answer to any of you, the only reason I hold this meetings is so that none of you go rogue or do any stupid moves without my approval. Now, since that was all please leave and report on the next summons as always."(Hogotul

"Yes Lord Hogotul.*Everyone bows and exits*.

Walking away and breathing deeply with relief the three could not help but exit as quickly as they could. Once outside Hogoma and Goboto looked at Torcqa to confirm their suspicions and the ogre could do nothing but agree with what they thought.

"Did you notice it he's definitely going through a second rank-up. But how could he have done it so quickly its only been about 5 maybe 6 months since he ranked-up, how is he doing it so quickly?"(Hogoma)

"Yar be a blessed by a god and a Demon what would ye expect."(Goboto)

"Nar this is uncredible *dejected face* I blessed by thar god o' fight and der spirit o steel and I ranked onle after 9 yeers. *slumps his shoulders and begins walking out into the distance* Der be truly a monstur over us."(Torcqa)

"Harharharharhar, good seeing dem ogri on lumps, well I leave. Hogotul set an tasker fer me."(Goboto)

As Goboto left the area, and Torcqa was nowhere in sight Hogoma saw a nearby campfire that was empty so he went over to it and sat on one of the logs surrounding the fire. He pressed his right arm to his chest and felt a powerful beating. He could feel the hold of change that was beginning to happen inside of him the strengthening of his organs as well as his muscles all slowly becoming stronger signifying his change.

'My rank-up will start showing soon even without a blessing from a god or anything I've managed to reach where I am. Still to be out leveled by a new born is unsettling is this the difference between the truly gifted and gobs like me well if I was to compare with ogres like Torcqa then I'd still be ahead in life but Hogotul is just to monstrous I must catch up to him.*He gets up from the log and begins walking outside of the camp*' "I'll be back once im on equal footing with you Hogotul, you were once my friend and equal but it is obvious that your strength has isolated you from the ones whom you consider weak, goodbye for now my young friend."(Hogoma)