Ten Years Later


    The Ancient Dragons had mysteriously vanished, as if they had uncovered some hidden secret, leaving no trace behind. The remaining Titans and the Goblins, however, were on the brink of open conflict.


    The most powerful of the Titans, Thunder Titan, had once planned to personally punish the treacherous Goblin Tribe. However, as he approached the Goblin King’s domain, only a few miles away, he sensed a deadly threat looming from afar. Quickly abandoning his plan, he retreated to his ancestral homeland to recover.


    Meanwhile, in the vast expanse of Ferland, the nearly ten million Goblins had gathered around the Goblin King''s court, swearing loyalty to King Amigul. Unlike the Hawkmen King''s court, the Goblin King’s tribe treated its scattered people far better, providing food, helping them find homes, and even fostering extraordinary individuals. Thus, the various Goblin factions that once served different Titans had united under King Amigul’s banner, pledging their allegiance to him.


    The Hawkmen King’s court, the Snake King’s court, the mixed-blood giants, the centaur kingdoms, and other loyalist factions to the Titans angrily condemned the Goblins'' betrayal. However, this did little to halt the Goblins'' rapid rise.


    What intrigued people even more, however, was the mysterious new race of "humans" among the Goblins. These beings, though standing just over two meters tall and lacking any extraordinary aura, were treated with great caution by the Goblins. Their presence and rapid rise were deeply connected to the Goblins'' newfound strength.


    At the same time, the Winged Tribe’s reputation across the continent began to grow. The rarity of intelligent flying races made the Winged Tribe particularly valuable, especially since most of their powers were based on light, and their professions included healing abilities, which made them even more favored across Ferland’s races.


    Moreover, when the Winged Tribe met the Hawkmens in the sky, they proved to be even stronger. Unlike the Hawkmens, who relied on their talons, the Winged Tribe''s hands were like those of humans, which allowed them to wield bows and strike from a distance—making them formidable archers. Winged Tribe archers soon became one of the most feared units in Ferland.


    This strength was not lost on the Goblins. They knew that the Winged Tribe was a force to be reckoned with.


    <hr>


    The First Snowfall


    As the first snowflakes fell on Mount Celestia, the Goblin emissaries arrived as scheduled.


    A delegation, more stylishly dressed than anyone from Ferland, ascended to the mountaintop. Among them were the usual small, green-skinned Goblins, but there was also a human-like figure standing among them. She resembled a Winged person, except she didn’t have wings.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    As the Goblins and the human approached Jano’s grand tent, the Goblin emissaries displayed their usual etiquette—respectful, poised. The human girl, however, appeared fascinated by the Winged Tribe. She glanced around with a look of curiosity, her face showing genuine interest.


    When they reached Jano''s residence, The White Bastion, the Goblin emissaries offered their formal greeting, placing a hand over their chests.


    “Respectful greetings, Winged King. We are emissaries sent by King Amigul of the Goblin Kingdom, and we extend our most sincere respect to you.”


    Jano stood, his white wings folded behind him, his violet eyes scanning the Goblins, then resting on the human girl in the group. He smiled and said, “Welcome, emissaries from the Goblin Kingdom.”


    Though he welcomed them, Jano couldn’t help but feel a bit of surprise. The Goblins before him were clean, well-groomed, and well-dressed—nothing like the ragged survivors he’d seen in the fifth chapter who had been barely clinging to life in the wilderness. The Goblin emissaries looked far more organized and formidable.


    Seeing Jano’s amiable demeanor, the Goblin emissaries relaxed, and their leader immediately got to the point.


    “The Titans and the Ancient Dragons have ruled over Ferland for millennia, enslaving many races with their overwhelming power. They were proud, self-centered, and sparked a war that nearly destroyed the continent, causing countless deaths. Now, the lands are filled with resentment toward the Titans and Dragons, and the remaining races can’t stand their rule any longer.”


    “And the Goblin Tribe, under the guidance of our Grand Sage, High Priest, and King Amigul, has united the scattered races to rise up and overthrow the rule of the Titans!”


    “We wish to form an alliance with the Winged Tribe, to join forces and bring down the Titans once and for all.”


    Jano listened closely, then, without hesitation, replied, “The Winged Tribe is willing to join the Goblins and the other races in overthrowing the Titans and Dragons.”


    “However,” Jano continued, with a more serious tone, “what has the Goblin Kingdom promised the Winged Tribe in return?”


    The Goblin emissary smiled and said, “Overthrowing the Titans and taking control of Ferland—could there be a greater reward?”


    Jano shook his head and responded earnestly, “The Winged Tribe has never bowed to the Titans. What is the difference whether we join or not? What will we gain from this?”


    The Goblin emissary hesitated, but then remembered his instructions from the Grand Sage.


    “The Winged Tribe commands the most formidable air force in all of Ferland! We must ensure they join us.”


    With a sigh, the emissary answered, “Respectful Winged King, the Grand Sage and King Amigul have made promises to you.”


    “If the Winged Tribe joins our cause, once the war ends, you may claim a territory of your choice as your own!”


    “Additionally, we will share some of our incredible Goblin technology with you!”


    “Moreover…” The emissary continued talking about various benefits.


    Jano, finally satisfied, nodded. “Good. Please present the pact. My tribe will form an alliance with the Goblins and together we will topple the unjust Titans!”


    The Winged and Goblins celebrated by the great bonfire, feasting and drinking, their laughter and joy filling the air.


    The red flames danced, casting their glow on the faces of all present, as the Winged girls sang and danced around the fire.


    Amidst the revelry and cheer, a human girl, who had accompanied the Goblin envoy to Mount Celestia, quietly approached Jano. She spoke softly, her voice gentle.


    ‘Honorable Winged King, I have a question to ask.’


    ‘Ask away, emissary.’


    ‘May I ask, did the ancestors of the Winged people also come from the refuge?