Chương 12: Luna’s quest

Novice's mage robe.

Introduction:

A robe that once was worn by a foolish novice who desired to prove himself. He stormed the camp with bravery, only for the hobgoblin to trample him like a flea. Intrigued by the robe's design and smooth fabric, it kept it despite the size difference.

Protection against mana +5

Energy regeneration +5%

Note: The engravings are rudimentary, but you won't walk around with those ragged pants anymore.

"Hahaha. Nice haul, guys! Retrieve the cleaver and other weapons, too. Even if their quality is low, we can sell or melt them."

He chuckled, passing his short arms inside the robe and feeling its smooth texture kiss his skin.

With its dark appearance and sparkling gray engravings, he went from a bare chested imp to a well-dressed little demon befitting his lord's status.

As the camp buzzed with movement again, he focused on the short papers, making their information appear.

[Warehouse blueprint x1]

[Basic barn blueprint x1]

[Goblin hut blueprint x1]

[Marketplace blueprint x1]

"Sweet!"

His fangs glinted as his smile reached his eyes.

He could build the two buildings he needed most and begin his lord's journey. With all the wood they scavenged from the camps, he would only need stones to upgrade his hut to the second level! And with all the carcasses, even if he wouldn't touch goblins' meat even with a pole, the other lords would rush to trade.

'I need to abuse the early stage. I can also build a barn for Bart and capture some rabbits and boars. We'll keep the good meat and sell the monsters'.'

After all, he would take care of his citizens and provide them with the best. As for the others? They could trade or starve, and see their people rebel after a few days.

But he knew their needs would transform. The longer they survived, the easier it'll be to procure food, making this seven-day grace period critical.

"Let's head back. Carry as many things as you can for now."

Heeding his command, the busy demons rushed to him.

Shihan manipulated her shadows to build a rough cart. The others piled the wood and carcasses on it before pushing it to the territory.

His brows rose in intrigue at her ability, realising demonic energy had practical uses outside combat.

'I'll swallow my pride and ask her how she does it in private.'

He nodded, moving to carry the cleaver and a few logs on his shoulders.

The several hundred kilos pressed down on his short body. Yet, each step made him marvel at his newfound strength. If not for his aching ribs, he could even carry more!

'I wonder if I look like an ant carrying oversized items from above.'

A chuckle escaped his self-mocking smile as he focused on the obsidian weapon taller than him.

Hobgoblin's dark cleaver

Introduction: A gift from the goblin god Xorth. After destroying a lord's territory, he promised its previous wielder a chance to rise in their society and evolve.

Level requirement: 7

Strength +15

Energy condensation: The cleaver imbues its edges with its wielder's affinity, making it a threat even in the hands of a child.

Note: A sturdy uncommon blade. It's too big for you, though.

"Incredible!"

He whistled, unbothered by the size. He didn't have to be the one wielding it, anyway.

His eyes darted to his companions and lingered on Bart's bulging muscles.

'He'll become a terrorising menace if he uses it.'

However, he shook his head the next second.

While the demon would sweep his enemies with it, he wanted to use his knowledge and proficiency in herding to supply the territory with food.

'Garduck will do. He is less powerful but more agile. His technique is polished, too.'

He nodded before his territory's ethereal walls met his eyes, and the nearby running river's soothing sound filled his ears.

The moment he stepped inside, Luna came to them, eyes narrowed into slits.

Before she could talk, he threw the logs he carried to the ground, planted the cleaver between them and spoke.

"All the resources are yours. But I'm willing to buy the cleaver and food back."

Contrary to his expectations, lips twisting in a sneer, she snorted.

"Keep this trash to yourself. Build a castle for me instead. I want a grand bathroom with flowing, clean water, a royal grand hall, and a fully furnished bedroom. If you do it before the month ends, I'll consider becoming your subject."

He noticed how her crossed arms squeezed her chest and the solemn look plastered on her face.

'Her demands are extravagant.'

His finger tapped on his cheek as he pondered for a second.

"I'll build it. But I want your support during this month."

With her strength and potential, he would see it as an investment. After all, he would have to reward his meritorious subjects, anyway.

"I'll help you raid camps, but don't count on me for menial tasks like hunting, transporting, or building."

He nodded, outstretching his small hand to seal the deal.

Yet, he noticed the hesitation dancing in her eyes and her trembling hand gradually extending.

DING

The moment they finally touched, a prompt appeared before his eyes, making him understand why.

[The succubus Queen Luna issued you a quest. Complete it to prove you aren't like the ordinary demons lusting over her body or demonic essence to repair her shattered trust.]

[Reward: Loyalty +25.]

[Failure: Loyalty -55. She'll do everything in her power to kill you and will never trust anyone again.]

'She must have faced betrayal more than she wants to remember,' he thought, a bitter taste filling his mouth as he took her beautiful figure in.

'But it's true she has a nice body...'

A scarlet blush colored his cheeks as his eyes lingered on her black and red leather outfit before returning to her green eyes hastily.

'Focus on her eyes, bad boy. Better focus on the territory!'

Pushing her attractiveness to the back of his mind, he retrieved his hand before stepping to the center, where his three buildings lay and took the blueprints out.

DING

[Newby buildings are automatically built. For the advanced ones, please recruit or form artisans.]

[Fifty units of wood detected. Consume ten to construct the warehouse?]