Chapter 13: Securing Vassals
Kai Xiusu stepped forward, plucking the badge from the carriage wall and infusing it with a faint surge of Fire Element through a simple Cantrip. The flame flared, and in its glow, words materialized like embers in the air.
"Anzeta Chapter invites your participation."
"Gathering Time: December 1st, 1723."
"Location: Stravburg."
"Teleportation Coordinates: "
"An Arcane Hermitage insignia—interesting. This gathering must be several years off."
Kai Xiusu nodded approvingly, slipping the badge into his pocket.
"And the books?" the Red Dragon asked, turning to Lanpu.
"Right here," Lanpu said sheepishly, pushing aside a pile of gnarled bones to reveal a lacquered box carved from golden nanmu wood, stuffed to the brim with neatly wrapped tomes.
- The Nobleman’s Manual of Military Drill — Crafting a Visually Impressive Force
- Simplified Fireball Technique Analysis
- Encyclopedia of Spellcasting for Apprentices — How to Experience Points to Your Son
- Seyn’s Adventure Log
- Court Anthology of Bards
- How to Become a True Noble
- How to Survive in the Wild — A Handbook of Wild Herbs — The Complete Guide to Herbalism
- Power and Intrigue — Chronicles of the Akarnas Kingdom Court
- Aesthetic Guide to Giant Females
Kai Xiusu stared, utterly dumbfounded. At last, he understood why this Ogre had spoken with such a Minstrel-like cadence—and why the young Noble Wizard had met such a bizarre end.
Even if he hadn’t been devoured by the Ogre, he would’ve surely died from sheer absurdity.
"Uh… good. Keep collecting," Kai Xiusu muttered, still stunned, offering a half-hearted compliment.
Lanpu scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. The Red Dragon blinked—this was the first time he’d ever seen the word shy applied to a three-meter-tall, one-ton Ogre.
"Lanpu," the Red Dragon said, "I need you to build a camp and fortress in the Giant’s Vale."
"And here," he continued, pausing thoughtfully, "this place will become the heart of my vassals. It shall no longer be known as Giant’s Vale. From now on…"
He smiled faintly, recalling a name from a past life.
"...it shall be called Ashen Hollow."
"Yes, Master," Lanpu declared, eyes alight with fervor. His mind raced with visions of conquest and dominion—until a chorus of raucous, mocking grunts from his fellow Ogres shattered the moment.
"Boss, when’s dinner?"
"Yeah, I’m so hungry I can see my toes now! Used to be able to barely see my ankles!"
The Ogre named Changya grumbled, its yellowish, jiggling chin trembling with hunger.
"Food, food, food! Go do your damn work!" Lanpu roared, brandishing his wooden club like a war hammer, face twisted in fury.
Still, beneath the absurdity, Lanpu’s collection held real value.
The Simplified Fireball Technique Analysis and the Encyclopedia of Spellcasting for Apprentices were particularly insightful—clear, practical, and deeply illuminating. Kai Xiusu found his understanding of the Weave deepened significantly.
This so-called "New Era" Ogre tribe—thirty-odd Ogres, plus one Fireball Spell-Cannibal Magician—was no joke. In fact, it was a formidable presence across the surrounding region.
And now, having secured both the Chimera from Giant’s Maw Cavern and the Ogre tribe from Gluttony Valley, the Red Dragon finally had a true following. His name was no longer whispered in fear—it was earned.
Ashen Hollow.
Just two days later, a horde of over four hundred goblins arrived at Giant’s Vale, drawn by the rumble of power.
They chattered and screeched like a swarm of insects, but fell utterly silent the moment they beheld the Red Dragon—towering, colossal, a force of nature. Several fainted on the spot. One even lost control of his bladder in sheer terror.
Leading them was no Goblin, but a towering Dwarf Goliath Warlord—a rare, powerful cousin of the Goblin race, far more intelligent and physically imposing. Behind him stood several massive, broad-shouldered Bear Goliaths, his personal bodyguards.
The Warlord had reddish-brown skin, deep gray hair, and yellow eyes set beneath a prominent brow. His mouth was lined with long, sharp yellow fangs. A large, crimson nose marked his face—proof of his strength and masculinity among his kind.
He knelt before the Red Dragon, head bowed, posture humble.
Kai Xiusu looked down at him, impassive.
> [Based on your strength, you receive the following information.]
[Dwarf Goliath Warlord]
Medium humanoid (Goblinoid), Lawful Evil
Race: Dwarf Goliath
AC: 17 (Half-plate armor)
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 12
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 11
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft, Passive Perception 10
Skills: Leadership +6, Hunting +4, Military +4, Construction +4
Languages: Common Tongue, Goblin Tongue
Traits: Militia Advantage, Military Cohort
Actions: Multiattack, Greatsword, Leadership
Challenge Rating: 4 (1,100 XP)
Assessment:
"Warhorn sounds, trebuchets hurl boulders, and the Dwarf Goblins march across the battlefield—thousands of warboots pounding the earth. In borderlands and frontier settlements, such tribes are a constant threat, their hunger for conquest never satisfied."
The Red Dragon regarded the kneeling Warlord, then spoke slowly.
"Why do you wish to become my vassal?"
The Goliath remained bowed. His voice was steady.
"Goblins always submit to the strong."
A pause. "And you, Red Dragon, are a force of endless conquest."
"I can serve you. I can fulfill my purpose under your banner."
The Red Dragon narrowed his eyes.
"And what proof do you offer? A mere insignificant Goblin?"
The Warlord did not flinch at the insult. He spoke with quiet resolve.
"I will prove my loyalty with blood and fire."
Kai Xiusu mulled it over. He needed manpower. His territory was still in its infancy. And among these creatures, this one was clearly exceptional—far more capable than the Ogres, whose military tactics came straight from The Nobleman’s Manual of Military Drill, which was more about appearance than effectiveness.
With such a strong warlord, he could build an army that didn’t just look good—it could win.
"Very well," Kai Xiusu said. "But we’ll see how you perform."
"You are permitted to enter my domain. Seek out my vassal—he will show you your duties."
"By your command," the Warlord replied, voice thick with reverence.
Hearing the words, the goblin horde erupted in jubilant screams.
These goblins were weak—most barely over a meter tall, their strength barely enough to best a common peasant. They survived only by clinging to stronger powers, by swarming around the mightiest. And now, they had attached themselves to the mightiest of all: a Red Dragon.
No wonder they were ecstatic.
(End of Chapter)
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