As the celebration quieted and the final glow of evolution settled over the Ogres, a peaceful silence took hold of the village. The moonlight cast a gentle silver sheen across the land, reflecting off the now-transformed warriors who stood prouder, stronger, and more united than ever before.
Varvatos stood before them once again, his long coat rustling softly in the wind, eyes steady as he gazed upon the five hundred Ogres who now bore names—his names.
He took a slow breath, allowing the gravity of the moment to settle.
"You've all done well," he began, his voice carrying across the open clearing. "Today, you have awakened not just in body, but in spirit. You are no longer a scattered tribe surviving in isolation. You are now my people—my Crimson Legion."
The Ogres, now named and evolved, listened with silent reverence.
"Tomorrow," Varvatos continued, "we depart for what will become our true home. A land where Goblins and Ogres will live together. A place where strength and wisdom will build a new future. My village… our village."
The Ogres began to murmur with curiosity. Shuna stepped forward, her pink hair flowing in the breeze. "Varvatos-sama… is it far?"
"Not terribly," he replied. "It's nestled in the heart of the Jura Forest, guarded by natural terrain and soon—by all of you."
Benimaru stepped beside her, his aura now steady with authority. "You wish for us to protect it? To shape it?"
Varvatos nodded. "Not only to protect it… but to help it grow. With your strength, we will build a bastion of power and order in these lands. One that can withstand the chaos to come."
Souei, now cloaked in shadow as naturally as he breathed, inclined his head slightly. "Shall we prepare tonight?"
"Yes," Varvatos said. "Pack only what you need. We depart at dawn. The journey will take most of the day, but when we arrive, you will see the foundation of something greater than yourselves."
He turned to Veldora, who stood with his arms crossed, clearly amused.
"I'll fly ahead and prepare the Goblins for your arrival," the Storm Dragon said with a grin. "They'll faint from excitement when they see how many you've brought back."
"I hope they don't faint from fear," Varvatos muttered under his breath, glancing at Shion—who flexed her arms confidently—and Hakuro, who had already begun instructing a few younger Ogres on sword stances.
Varvatos addressed the crowd once more. "Tonight, rest. Eat, speak with one another, and reflect. Tomorrow begins a new era. For all of us."
A cheer erupted—not loud and wild, but firm and proud. The kind of cheer that resonated with purpose.
Benimaru bowed low, his voice steady. "We will be ready, Varvatos-sama."
As the Ogres returned to their homes to prepare, Varvatos found a quiet place near the edge of the village, gazing up at the stars.
Shuna approached quietly, hands clasped in front of her. "Thank you… for giving us names. For giving us hope."
Varvatos smiled gently, eyes never leaving the sky. "The honor is mine. I've waited a long time to build something like this. I won't let any of you down."
And as the stars above twinkled gently, the Ogres rested with new names in their hearts and a dream of a better future in their minds.
The sun crested over the distant horizon, bathing the Ogre village in golden light. One by one, the Ogres emerged, fully armored and ready. Packs slung over shoulders, weapons fastened to their backs, expressions sharp with resolve.
Benimaru stood at the front, Shion and Hakuro at his sides. Souei stood silently above them in a tree, scouting.
Varvatos walked toward them with a calm air, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. "Let's go home."
With that, the Crimson Legion took their first step on the road to the future, following Varvatos into the forest, toward the beginnings of a new kingdom—one forged in strength, trust, and unity.
The sun was at its peak, casting a warm golden hue over the wide, bustling village that now thrived under Varvatos' name.
The once humble goblin settlement had transformed drastically over the past few days. Stone walls now circled the perimeter, towering and solid—lined with watchtowers that looked more befitting of a small fortress than a simple village. Roads had been paved, lined with neatly constructed homes made of reinforced wood and stone, their roofs firm, their walls durable. The scent of fresh lumber and spices filled the air as smoke trailed from chimneys, carrying the aroma of food being prepared. Flowers had even been planted near doorsteps. It was no longer a goblin settlement. It was the beginning of a capital.
At the heart of it all, Veldora had returned.
His large presence didn't go unnoticed. The moment his shadow passed over the village, the goblins stopped everything. And as he descended with an amused grin, his arms folded behind his back, they all dropped to one knee in awe and reverence.
"Lord Veldora has returned!"
"Welcome back, Storm Dragon-sama!"
Veldora chuckled as he landed gracefully just outside the central plaza. "At ease, everyone. You've done well."
Rigur, the goblin leader, rushed forward and bowed deeply. "Veldora-sama, is Lord Varvatos well?"
"He is," Veldora said, smiling. "And he's not far behind. He's bringing new allies… strong ones. Ogres."
There was a murmur among the gathered goblins. Eyes widened. Ogres? Warriors of the forest? Allies?
Veldora continued, "They are not enemies. They will be part of our village. Prepare lodging. Prepare a feast for tonight—enough for five hundred."
Rigur didn't hesitate. He snapped into action, his evolved form—taller, broader, more commanding—standing out as he gave orders.
"You heard Lord Veldora! We'll set up temporary housing near the eastern quarter and open the storerooms for food! Cooks, gather your teams! Builders, to the east gate!"
With practiced discipline, the Hobgoblins and Goblinas scattered into motion. The village came alive like a well-oiled machine, proof of how far they'd come under Varvatos' leadership.
Hours Later – At the Outskirts of the Village
Varvatos led the Kijin through the forest path, the trees gently parting as if the forest itself respected his passage. Birds chirped in the canopy, and a soft breeze danced between the leaves.
The Kijin, once proud Ogres, now walked with power humming in every step. Their bodies had become leaner, their muscles tighter, their skin more radiant with vitality. Their horns had grown more refined, their clothes more elegant from the evolution. And more than that—there was clarity in their eyes.
Benimaru, walking beside Varvatos, suddenly slowed his pace. "Varvatos-sama… what is that…?"
He stared through the trees. One by one, the others did the same, their expressions shifting from alert to stunned.
Shuna gasped quietly. "Is that… the village?"
Souei narrowed his eyes. "That's no village. That's a fortress."
As they stepped out from the edge of the woods, the full image unfolded before them. Tall, fortified stone walls surrounded the settlement. Watchtowers stood vigilant on the corners. The gates were reinforced with iron and decorated with the sigil of Varvatos—a crimson dragon entwined with a sword.
A city had been born where a simple village once stood.
Hakuro's aged voice trembled with awe. "He built all this… in mere days?"
Even Shion, normally focused more on physical strength, was speechless. "It's beautiful…"
Souei added, "Efficient too. I can see the scouting points and guard placements. He designed this with defense and growth in mind."
As they reached the massive gates, they slowly creaked open, revealing a group of Hobgoblins standing in formation to greet them. Leading them was Rigur, who rushed forward the moment he saw Varvatos.
He dropped to his knee before him. "Welcome home, Varvatos-sama! We've prepared the village for your return!"
Varvatos stepped forward and offered a warm smile. "Well done, Rigur. I see the village is in good hands."
Rigur stood, glancing behind Varvatos at the Kijin. His eyes widened with awe. "These are… the Ogres?"
"No," Varvatos said, placing a hand on Benimaru's shoulder. "These are Kijin. They've evolved, just like all of you. They are the Crimson Legion—our family now."
Benimaru stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "I am Benimaru, and we are honored to join your village."
Rigur bowed in return. "We welcome you. You are home now."
The Kijin looked around, noting the strength and civility of the Hobgoblins. They weren't the weak, cowering creatures they remembered from stories. These Goblins stood with pride and strength. They had evolved—just like them.
Shuna whispered to Shion, "I was expecting more chaos… but this place feels… peaceful."
"And powerful," Shion replied. "I like it."
Veldora stood atop a platform, watching it all unfold with pride. "Now this," he said aloud, "is how legends begin."
Varvatos turned to the Kijin. "Tonight, we feast. Tomorrow, we begin training and construction. This village will be our foundation. But our true kingdom… lies ahead."
And as the sun dipped into twilight, casting the village in a warm golden glow, the newly united people of Varvatos began their first evening together—bound by strength, purpose, and the dream of a new world.