บท 16: Meeting Goblin

'Hm… What's this?'

As Elias and his subordinates arrived at the cafeteria, they noticed a strange commotion occurring among the prisoners.

On the corner of the cafeteria, there was a large line made up of prisoners.

"Goblin! I've been waiting for ya! The usual. Three packs of cigarettes."

"Hey, Goblin, did you bring in the goods I asked this time? I'll pay anything you want."

"Line up properly you punks!"

Amidst the loud crowd, an unfamiliar conniving voice answered with a chuckle.

"Oh, yes, yes. I, Goblin, never disappoint. I got a bit delayed but I brought good things! But you know the usual; it isn't for a cheap price, hehe.."

Hearing that, the prisoner first in the line let out a chuckle and waved their hand in dismissal.

"Yeah, yeah! Spirit force, valuable objects, or something, I don't know what you want,, but we know that we don't need it!"

"Hurry up, Goblin!"

While such a strange commotion was occurring, some of the other inmates were on their seats, watching the scene with interest.

'Ah, it seems he's still scamming people at this point…"

Elias inwardly let out a low chuckle.

'Goblin.. We finally meet!"

Beside him, Donato leaned in and whispered some information about the commotion.

"Young master, be careful… based on the information we gathered that Goblin is most likely a dungeon escapee. Not to mention a powerful one, considering the security team failed to catch them even with the captain."

"I think it's unsafe to go there. But from the information I gathered, it seems Goblin is genuinely selling things… for a weird price. Not money, but something called spirit force and potential."

Spirit force, what a fancy name for lifespan… Elias nodded, his lips curling into a smile.

He shook his head and replied.

"Don't worry."

From the information gathered… there was no doubt about it, the Goblin was that existence.

'But why is he here? Wait… could it be? Since the novel hasn't started yet… then he's still under that existence?'

Elias' thought as his eyes widened slightly.

'I have to act fast then.'

With Goblin's help, escaping will be much easier and faster.

While the commotion was getting louder and louder, he snapped from his daze and looked at the line with interest before speaking his thoughts.

"Let's go and see. I'm curious about this Goblin."

Donato and the rest gravely nodded before following along. They didn't lower their guards as they approached the corner.

As they walked, the other prisoners finally noticed them.

Thump! Thump!

Seeing them proceeding towards the line, the prisoners in the line abruptly changed their expressions and looked at each other helplessly.

'They're here.'

From their eyes, they conveyed their intentions as a tacit agreement was made.

At that moment, they simultaneously decided to disperse and created a separate space for Elias and his subordinates to walk on.

While such a strange scene occurred, Elias watched everything expressionlessly.

This was the might of authority.

In the last few days, besides working out in the morning, fighting his subordinates and progressing the skill requirements, he also didn't slack off in establishing his authority and control in this prison.

He realized that through this way, he didn't need to worry any more about troublesome matters appearing like Garland and his goons.

And if some people found his rules unreasonable, they could rebel and fight him, which he wouldn't mind as it further added into his progress.

It was a win-win scenario for him.

And more importantly, he didn't need to exert strenuous effort to do it and just assigned his subordinates for the task.

With his subordinates' strength, it was enough to intimidate most of the prisoners in Tartarus and establish a reputation.

Authority through intimidation and fear was often a bad idea, but it was the easiest and fastest way to gain recognition.

And for him, who had no interest in forming any connections with the other prisoners, it was the best option.

As the line dispersed, the figure on the corner of the room was exposed.

Goblin was a short man with a ruddy face, with his overall height merely at the level of Elias' waist.

Behind his back, a gigantic brown bag hung heavily, as though containing an uncountable amount of treasures.

Goblin was surprised by the sudden dispersion, directing his gaze to the approaching Elias.

As he saw Elias' and the other five's appearance, his eyes seemed to flash his thoughts 'a good costumer!' with a glint.

"Ah, sir? You are?"

Goblin hurriedly approached with a conniving smile, clasping his hands together.

As soon as he moved, Donato and the rest were about to step up and guard Elias, but a hand stopped them.

"You five step back for a moment. I'm going to do some business."

Donato and the rest didn't want to, but under Elias' orders, they reluctantly stepped back a little.

"Young master, be careful…"

Elias simply nodded and waved his hand in dismissal.

"I'll be fine. Don't worry too much."

Donato and the rest turned quiet after that, obediently following his order. They stood at the side in guard, ready to act at any moment.

Looking at the dwarven-like figure, Elias slowly approached with a smile of his own.

Goblin rubbed his hands together. He flashed a smile showing his white teeth before introducing himself.

"Ah, may I know the good sire's name? You can call me Goblin, the best merchant in all realms. I'll have you know it's not an exaggeration! I travelled a thousands miles and have everything you want, of course not for a cheap price…"

However, Elias laughed and rejected instantly.

"Let's not do this. I'm not fond of people trying to scam me."

Goblin momentarily froze. However, he recovered quickly.

"Haha, what does sire mean by that…? I'll have you know—"

Cutting his words off, Elias shook his head and spoke.

"Stop. I know what you're trying to do. I'll get straight to the point, are you interested in making a deal with me?"

Thump!

Taking a step back, Goblin suddenly changed his expression, looking at Elias warily.

However, he quickly reverted back to his previous smiling face and spoke.

"Deals are my lifeblood! I do all kinds, any kinds and every kind of deal for the right price. I wonder what deal sire is talking about…? I'll say it first that escaping this prison is impossible."

Under everyone's gaze, Elias nodded and suddenly reached out his hand.

"Excellent. Since that's the case. I'll cut it short. I want to make a deal with you, be my subordinate for ten years."

No one was prepared for that—not even Donato and the rest. Everyone's eyes suddenly turned wide, especially the man himself, Goblin.

Goblin was momentarily stunned. After quickly recovering from his daze, he hurriedly waved his hands and shook his head.

"What? Are you crazy?! That's impo—"

Before he could even finish, Elias cut off his words with a smile.

"Are you sure? I'll make you an offer you can't refuse."