Lord: Starting from a Goblin Nest

Gracia snapped her fingers, and the world in Ron’s eyes immediately became vivid. Everything in the darkness was so clear that even standing atop the castle, he could still observe the activity in the distant villages.

Under the moonlight, in the darkness, layer after layer of red Fungal Mat stretched out like some unspeakable monster. Countless creatures, covered from head to toe in spore clusters, were frantically busy, seemingly building their homes.

“Building homes? You give them too much credit. Look closely.”

The creatures’ methods were quite primitive; they used no sophisticated tools. Their so-called ‘home building’ was merely an attempt to replicate the dilapidated houses around them. Ron noticed a log, crawling with Red Mould, being placed properly atop a “house.” But the next moment, the spore-covered creatures unhesitatingly chopped a section off the log, making it identical to the drafty, ramshackle wooden hut beside it!

“Spore People rarely build or craft anything. Any tools they have are taken from other creatures, or they construct things by copying simple structures they’ve seen.” Gracia scoffed. “As for that Red Mould, you should have found a way to deal with the source right after you brought it back, not dragged things out until now.”

“But Jilannis said their territory was quite limited, and Anastina mentioned that too…” Ron frowned. “How did they suddenly get here? Are they not afraid of sunlight anymore?”

The Spore People themselves aren’t afraid of sunlight, but the Red Mould can’t survive in it. Since the Red Mould is a necessary prerequisite for creating Spore People, they normally never leave the areas where it grows. They shouldn’t be appearing in such an open area.

“Most of the Red Mould is still afraid of sunlight, but for some reason, a portion of it has mutated,” said Gracia. “They’ve developed hard shells that allow them to withstand sunlight, thereby protecting the other Red Mould beneath them.”

“In exchange for losing their toxins and parasitic abilities, these mutated strains of Red Mould are no longer afraid of sunlight, alcohol, or salt. Under their protection, the Red Mould’s habitat has been able to expand. If you don’t stop them, I’m afraid all of Delusional Land will be their domain.”

“Of course, it could get even worse.”

Ron grimaced at Gracia’s explanation. These fungi, which should have been extremely fragile, were now becoming a real problem. “That doesn’t sound like a strategy a fungus would employ.”

“While the creations of the Gods are undeniably works of immense power, natural evolution can be just as staggering—something you should know better than I,” the Devil Duke said, glancing at Ron. “But I know what you mean. This isn’t normal evolution or mutation. It’s happening too fast.”

“There’s likely some entity behind the scenes, a guiding hand orchestrating all of this.”

“Could it be the Banker?” Ron recalled the black mist he had seen in the sky.

“Not it,” Gracia said, shaking her head. “This would be a pointless endeavor for it, but it might be related.”

“For various reasons, I cannot personally investigate this connection, but you aren’t bound by the same restrictions. That’s why I’m telling you this. What you do with it is up to you.”

“Rest assured, I won’t stand by and do nothing,” Ron said gravely. “This goes against my interests.”

“Also, thank you for coming to inform me personally.”

A cunning smile appeared on the Devil Duke’s face. “Just a thank you? That’s not quite enough.”

“You see it yourself—the once-defeated are showing signs of a resurgence. Do you really plan to face them alone? The power backing them can’t be small.”

“You mean…”

“You also need a powerful ally,” Gracia said, staring into Ron’s eyes. “Someone who shares your interests, possesses enough power to counter your opponent’s backer, and plays by the rules…”

Ron narrowed his eyes and cautiously took a step back. “An old friend?”

“Or, a new master.”

Gracia raised her hand. Flames materialized in the air, sketching out a parchment contract covered in clauses. It flew before Ron, and just as he leaned in for a closer look, a quill pen appeared from nowhere and landed in his hand.

“Come, serve me,” Gracia’s voice was filled with persuasive power. “You’re a clever man—intelligent and powerful. My Gold Coin Legion needs new blood like you to grow even stronger, and in the mortal realm, you will gain everything you desire.”

“Unlike Zarell, who uses up his Contractors and casts them aside, I prefer long-term partnerships. After all, the Father enthroned on the eighth layer of conspiracy can’t be challenged overnight. So you can rest assured. I am far more lenient and… gentle… with my subordinates than other Dukes.”

“Like how you treated Queen Farama?” Ron sighed. “You could have saved her, but instead you let her remain a hero’s fragment for all those years?”

“I had my own considerations, of course. See? Didn’t she regain her freedom in the end?”

“I do my best not to entrust my life and freedom to others,” Ron said, tossing the quill aside, though it promptly flew back into his hand. “And while you have helped us a great deal, we haven’t just been taking without giving back.”

“Not long ago, didn’t we protect one of your enterprises from another devil?”

“Are you talking about that little pipsqueak who wasn’t even a greater devil?” Gracia laughed until she shook. “Don’t be ridiculous! You don’t actually think I couldn’t have handled him without you, do you?”

“But it still would have cost you extra Energy, wouldn’t it?” Ron refused to back down. “Your attention isn’t confined to just this one world.”

“But it’s not like you were simply trying to ruin his plan,” Gracia huffed. “Don’t forget, Yelena works for me. I’m perfectly aware of everything that happened during that little operation of yours.”

“You were simply protecting your own interests.”

“And are you any different for coming here tonight?” Ron shot back. “Letting these Spore People and their master take over Delusional Land certainly isn’t something you want to see happen!”

“So why, then, should I sign this contract?”

“You!” Gracia’s face instantly darkened. “Ron, you’d better think this through!”

“For now, our interests do align. But if I were to find another proxy and truly re-enter the game, do you think you could still be so defiant without anyone backing you?”

“At that point, there will be no more ‘cooperation’ between us!”