The massive double doors of the royal chamber closed behind them with a muffled boom. The private room was spacious, warmly lit by gemstone chandeliers, and walls lined with scrolls, battle maps, and trophies from wars past. A long polished stone table sat at the center, surrounded by seats reserved only for those trusted by the king.
King Gazel took his place at the head, his expression now softer, more thoughtful. Beside him stood three of his most trusted generals, still visibly shaken by the earlier display, yet composed in the presence of their king. Across the table sat Varvatos, relaxed and confident, with Veldora leaning back, arms crossed and a smug grin on his face. Gobta, who had regained his nerve (somewhat), fidgeted in his seat beside Varvatos.
Gazel:
"This world… grows stranger by the day. Never did I expect the Storm Dragon to walk into my halls as a guest… let alone behave himself."
Veldora:
"I can be very civil when I want to, you know!"
He chuckled, casually draping an arm over the back of his chair.
"Besides, Varvatos told me not to break anything."
Gazel (smirking):
"Then I suppose I owe him thanks for keeping the dragon in check."
Varvatos:
"As I said, our intentions are peaceful. What I build in the Jura Forest will become a sanctuary for all—monsters and people alike. I need allies, not enemies."
Gazel leaned forward, fingers steepled, studying Varvatos carefully.
Gazel:
"And you shall have one. Dwargon will stand beside your nation—not as an overlord, but as a friend. I have seen enough of your strength and more importantly… your restraint."
General Balfon, one of the older generals, cleared his throat.
Balfon:
"Your Majesty, if I may. If this alliance is to stand, we should have a presence in the forest. Eyes and ears… and hands to build."
Gazel nodded.
Gazel:
"Agreed. I will send four of our best blacksmiths to accompany you. Let them serve and build under your banner, but know they are dwarves of Dwargon. Treat them well, and they shall return loyalty tenfold."
Varvatos (smiling):
"I wouldn't dream of anything less. May I ask their names?"
Gazel:
"Kaijin and his brothers. Veteran craftsmen. They volunteered the moment they heard of your vision."
The doors opened again, and four dwarves entered. Kaijin, stout and proud with a battle-scarred arm, stepped forward and bowed deeply.
Kaijin:
"Lord Varvatos. We're honored to serve. Heard what you're building and... well, it's about time someone gave monsters a proper home."
Varvatos (standing to greet them):
"Then welcome to the beginning of something new. I promise, your work will shape the future."
Gazel:
"I'll visit the Jura Forest myself in a couple of months. I want to see this kingdom with my own eyes. Until then, build your foundation… and let's make sure this alliance lasts generations."
They raised their cups of dwarven ale in a silent toast.
Next Morning – Gates of Dwargon
The sun peeked over the mountains, casting golden rays across the cobbled path outside the gates. Varvatos, Veldora, Gobta, and the four dwarven blacksmiths stood ready for departure.
The gates slowly opened, revealing the open terrain ahead—and waiting patiently, Ranga stood tall and proud, tail wagging furiously the moment he spotted Varvatos.
Ranga (telepathically):
"My Lord! You've returned!"
He bounded forward like a massive, excited hound, skidding to a stop in front of his master, his eyes glowing with loyalty and happiness.
The dwarves took several steps back, startled by the enormous wolf-like beast. His fur shimmered, his fangs glinted under the morning sun, and his sheer size dwarfed most horses.
Kaijin (nervously):
"W-What in the stone-forged hells is that?!"
Gobta (grinning proudly):
"That's Ranga! He's our friend—and he's got lots of buddies too."
As if on cue, the rest of the Direfang pack emerged from the trees, large and swift, each with eyes trained on their master and their pack leader.
Kaijin's younger brother, Garm, whispered:
"We're riding those?"
Gobta (mounting his own Direfang):
"Of course! They're super fast. You'll love it. Just… hang on tight."
Veldora laughed heartily:
"Come now, dwarves! Where's that famed dwarven courage? These beasts are loyal, noble, and—well, they only bite sometimes."
Varvatos (chuckling):
"Don't worry. You're safe with them. Ranga, assign a gentle one to each of our new friends."
Ranga:
"Understood, my Lord."
The Direfangs approached calmly, bowing their heads to the dwarves, recognizing them as companions to their master. Slowly, hesitantly, the dwarves climbed aboard. Kaijin managed a gruff nod of approval once seated.
Kaijin:
"Alright… not bad. Bit bumpy, but I've ridden worse."
Varvatos mounted Ranga.
He took one last look back at the city of Dwargon, now behind them, then turned to the open road.
Varvatos:
"Let's go home."
With a thunderous gallop, the Direfangs took off, a blur of motion across the land. The wind whipped against them, trees rushing past, the terrain shifting from mountain to forest.
Their journey had begun—and in the distance, the Jura Forest awaited. A place where dreams, ambition, and destiny would collide.
The sun dipped just above the treetops, casting rays of molten gold through the dense foliage of the Jura Forest. The rhythmic thud of Direfang paws rolled through the clearing like distant thunder. A cool wind brushed past, stirring the trees as the forest welcomed its returning lord.
At the head of the group rode Varvatos, cloaked in calm authority atop the proud Ranga, whose massive form dwarfed the other Direfangs trailing behind. Beside him were Veldora, practically glowing with amusement, Gobta, clinging to his mount with wide eyes, and four very tense Dwarven blacksmiths—Kaijin, Garm, Dold, and Myrd—each holding tight as the beasts carried them swiftly toward the horizon.
Kaijin (yelling over the wind):
"By the flame! These wolves are faster than a speeding cart down a mountain!"
Myrd (gritting teeth):
"I'll take a forge over this any day!"
As they broke through the final line of trees, the group emerged into a wide clearing—and the dwarves' eyes widened in astonishment.
What stood before them wasn't a primitive camp or a loose scattering of huts like they expected. No—this was a budding city.
Massive stone walls, carved clean and evenly, wrapped around the perimeter. Paved roads, aligned with precise geometrical planning, stretched throughout the village. Homes, shops, and even watchtowers stood proudly, some adorned with glowing runes that shimmered faintly in the fading sunlight. There were water channels, stone arches, and even lampposts lit with gentle magical orbs.
All around them, monsters of different races moved with coordinated purpose—goblins, hobgoblins, lizardmen, ogres, even dragonewts—working together in peaceful unity.
Kaijin (in awe):
"This… This isn't a village. This is a kingdom in the making."
Garm (staring up at a stone tower):
"It looks like it took years to build all this..."
Dold (squinting):
"But the stones are fresh. There's no weathering. This... this was made recently?"
Gobta (beaming proudly):
"Pretty cool, right? Lord Varvatos built all of this—with magic!"
The dwarves all turned sharply to him.
Kaijin (in disbelief):
"Magic? You're telling me one man did this? The walls, the pavement, the buildings?"
Gobta:
"Yup! He just waved his hands around and—poof! The walls rose, the roads appeared, and the houses started forming themselves like they had minds of their own!"
Veldora (grinning):
"He is quite the showoff when he's in the mood."
Kaijin (muttering):
"This level of architectural control… Elemental transmutation on a mass scale. Instant masonry... I've never even heard of magic like this."
As they rode deeper into the settlement, the main square came into view. Several ogres were guiding stone slabs into place with magic, and hobgoblin architects were reviewing scrolls and sketches. The sound of hammers, laughter, and moving carts filled the air.
The group came to a stop as Benimaru, Shion, and Souei approached to greet them.
Benimaru (nodding respectfully):
"Lord Varvatos, welcome back."
Varvatos:
"We've returned with new friends. These four will be in charge of developing our blacksmithing sector."
Shion (eyeing the dwarves):
"So these are the famous Dwarven craftsmen? Hope you like a challenge."
Kaijin (still distracted by the city):
"Lady, we've forged blades for kings and emperors, but I've never felt so out of my depth. This village feels... alive."
Varvatos (smiling):
"That's because it is. Every stone and street here is laid with intent—with harmony. This place is not just for monsters. It's a sanctuary for all who seek peace."
Myrd (slowly nodding):
"Then let us do our part. With your vision and our hands, we'll forge a future no kingdom can match."
Ranga, sensing the moment had settled, let out a soft bark, nudging Varvatos' leg affectionately.
Varvatos (resting a hand on his head):
"Come. There's still much to do. I'll show you where your forge will be. Tonight, we feast. Tomorrow, we build."
As the group moved deeper into the heart of the village, the sun finally dipped behind the mountains, casting the sky in twilight. Lanterns flared to life one by one, and the fires of Tempest roared anew.
A new chapter had begun—not just for Varvatos, but for all of them.