Home of the Kobolds
Ryan didn't have an exact count of the Kobolds in the Ironcross Mountains, but he was certain that the number definitely exceeded 40.
If he were to venture into the Kobold base, he might find himself surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of Kobolds, which would undoubtedly be a challenging situation.
"I understand your point, Builder. You're right. There's no doubt that the base has more than 40 Kobolds."
"I'm glad you can do basic math. I recommend that you acquire more points before attempting such a feat," the Grimoire advised.
"... So unless I find a way to handle a large number of Kobolds we might encounter, it's best not to risk ourselves, even with our five new Kobolds…" Ryan said, wearing a mysterious smile.
"Yes, yes. That's exactly what I’m trying to tell you," the Grimoire reiterated until it noticed something. "So why are you still smiling and not discouraged in the least?"
"If I were to spend all my time trying to Instill Loyalty in every single Kobold I come across, I definitely would not have enough Grimoire Points. But you're overlooking a crucial fact, Builder."
“And what is that?” the Grimoire challenged.
“Even Kobolds have a hierarchy system. It may not be obvious, but I've read bestiaries that mention Kobolds, Orcs, Goblins, and other monster races having their own leadership structures. So that means that all I need to do is make the leader bow to me, and the rest will naturally follow suit," Ryan explained.
"I am aware of that, but the fact remains that you’ll have to find the leader of the Kobolds. Doing that is not going to be a walk in the park. All of the Kobolds will be in your way,” the Grimoire said. “You cannot simply go inside of their cavern and challenge their leader… wait, you’re not planning on doing that, are you?”
Ryan had a grin on his face. “What makes you think that I’ll be doing that?”
“T-that’s outrageous! You might be taller and stronger than them because you're a Human but Kobolds are trap masters and will not accept a challenge like that. You’re going to get hit by a boulder in the back of your head if you dare announce your presence to them!”
“Uh huh. I know that. I wasn’t really going to do something like that, Builder. You know me better than that.”
“… We would've barely known each other for just a month, much less two weeks! Even if I were an incredible Grimoire, and I really am, even I cannot fathom the unpredictability of your people.”
“I currently have the aid of my wonderful lover who just happens to be an assassin, Joan. I do not think that entering the home of the Kobolds undetected will be an issue,” Ryan said as he gestured to Joan who blushed lightly at his praise.
— — — — — — —
Once the preparations at the manor were complete, Ryan headed to the village to meet up with Spike and Doran. He asked them to gather their essentials and accompany him on a journey to Ironcross Mountains.
"Go back... to Ironcross Mountains?" Spike agreed despite still being under the effects of last night's feast, his face a bit flushed.
Doran had a similar response. Overall, there were no issues. Everything seemed fine and all until a familiar young man approached them.
“You will not be taking me, Master Ryan?” Tom said he stumbled slightly. He glanced at the five Kobolds that stood with Ryan and felt like he had been replaced by mere Kobolds.
“I will be leaving you the responsibility of managing the affairs of the village while I’m gone, Tom.” Ryan smiled and patted the young man’s shoulder lightly. “You are far more needed here. In fact, I believe you have already been given the storage ring by your grandfather, right?”
“Y-yes.”
“Good. You’ll be handling that and everything else. We won’t be gone for too long, so don’t miss me too much.”
“Ironcross Mountains is vast, Master Ryan.”
“And so we have the Kobolds to serve as our guide.”
— — — — — — —
With everything settled in Stonefall Village, Ryan and his company headed for the Ironcross Mountains.
They maintained a brisk pace as they traveled through the forest, guided by the Kobolds, until they finally reached the base of the mountains.
Along the way, Ryan and his companions allowed the Kobolds to take the lead, avoiding direct confrontations with any hostile creatures or plants.
The Kobolds proved to be adept at navigating their surroundings while minimizing conflicts.
“This is… exhausting isn’t it?” Ryan wiped the sweat off his brow and looked up at the towering mountain range. They were even taller than Mount Everest, and it was impossible to climb it up in one go. Recognizing the need for rest, they took a break.
It took the group a full three days of travel, climbing the closest mountain, before they finally reached their destination—an obscure cliff tucked away within the heart of the mountain.
“There?” Ryan asked.
“Kriee!”
“I see, so our journey has finally borne fruit at last.” Ryan said with a satisfied grin. ‘And how many points have we accrued while I was gone, Builder?’
“You have received 300 Points. People have been wondering where you’ve been since you left the village, so you now have a total of 1,110 Grimoire Points.” The Grimoire informed. “It’s not going to be enough for taming all of the Kobolds though.”
“I’m aware,” Ryan said. “And as I said before, we’re sneaking in.”
“We’re going to sneak there, Master Ryan?” Spike said with bulging eyes, not realizing that Ryan was talking underneath his breath. “We’ve never been to the home of the Kobolds, but I am sure that it is filled pi traps.”
“And we have the key… well, guides.” Ryan gestured to the creatures.
Thee five Kobolds stared at their old home with a sense of longing and nostalgia, but they didn’t run there right away.
All of them were keenly aware that their new appearance and new loyalty to their Master Ryan was not going to be appreciated by the other Kobolds.
“It’s time to go.”