RIO AND FRIG

In the backyard of Bayrak's hut, a number of skinny goblins were busy brushing the brown fur of the cornibuses. Apart from splashing water, the roar of the stocky rhinos also enlivened the atmosphere.

The village hall is another story. Bayrak gathered all his best soldiers, then let them organize the ranks. With the dagger in his right hand, the goblin was seen pacing up and down in front.

"Today our ancestors will be proud. Scary stories, terror after terror, hundreds of threats that hit our village will soon disappear. The destroyer, Fenrir will die tonight. His blood will flood the land of the Nyx forest, his teeth will be the most precious necklace, and the news of his death will be the happiest news in our history." As he spoke, Bayrak's black eyes gleamed with fire. "Stretch your backs, O my warriors! Because the goblins will destroy the tyranny of darkness!" The shouts of enthusiasm then rumbled like the sound of war drums.

On the other hand, Revan and Rio were involved in an argument with Kron. As usual, the giant who was pretentiously loyal often steadied his ego in front of the fake King. He also often mentions the caste difference between ordinary humans and wizards.

Rio's cowardice was also affected, and the accusation seemed to make Rio sick. Although slightly bent, but his gaze pierced sharply at Kron. Enough was enough, now he wanted to defend himself.

"Then do it for the sake of the goblins. There's no need to think about me!" he said furiously, making both his interlocutors stunned. "You insist on boasting of your seemingly innocent king, but unknowingly you forget yourself, Kron! I realized that I am not comparable to your king, and neither are the other kings. However, if we don't act now, do you think the outcome will be better? I'm sure none of you know the existence of the King's reincarnation. So this land will have to endure decades of suffering, or even more to find it." Rio's breath hitched as his sentence ended.

Revan and Kron suddenly went silent. They gasped at Rio's defense just now. Although Kron's high nose still snorted in annoyance, his stone heart slowly softened. His ego had been eroded by conscience, or rather the fact that Rio's words were true.

"I told you this young man has Lord Aaron's heart, didn't I?" Revan spoke softly.

"Hey, Rio!" Kron said. "I don't care about your heart which is said to be Lord Aaron's inheritance. However, I think what you said has some truth in it. Even though our throne is never occupied again, at least this land still gets its rights." A faint smile bloomed in the midst of his annoyed expression.

"So?" Revan smiled, he knew very well what was in the giant's heart.

"So what?" said Kron, his forehead twitching. Revan just wiggled his thick eyebrows as if pulling a string of sentences from Kron's mouth. "Good grief! Alright, I'll take part in this hunt," he said resignedly.

"Re-really?" Rio was shoked.

"You've heard, haven't you?" grumbled Kron as he narrowed his eyes. "If you ask about the events of last night, then I will call for the first option. Keep on going!"

Rio suddenly exclaimed cheerfully. Finally, the loose plan was completed thanks to the approval of Kron. There is no longer an ego that limits differences, the bad nature has been replaced by mutual trust. Even if it's just a spark, at least the seeds of trust will grow into cooperation and produce success.

While Kron replaced his bear jacket with a mole coat, Revan and Rio decided to go to the village hall first. On the brown muddy ground, they could clearly see the footprints of the goblins running here and there to supply the needs of the raid.

A goblin rushed towards the village hall with a bundle of pointed spears on its back. Meanwhile, three other tails were seen carrying a bag full of rocks. It's quite heavy indeed, but enthusiasm triggers the strength in their little legs, so they can carry them anywhere.

Bayrak was supervising the work of his people when Rio and Revan arrived. With his arms crossed, he stared at the two of them—contemplating what kind of topic would come out of their mouths.

"How was the preparation?" Revan said.

"Pretty good. We just need to perfect our tactics and fighting skills." Bayrak turned his head towards the group of goblins who were busy playing spears. "This is the first time I've seen their spirits grow that much."

"Your people are very enthusiastic, you know? If Fenrir dies later, maybe the goblin village will be as free as it used to be," said Revan.

"Remember, Tarnath is still blocking us." There was sadness on Bayrak's face when he said that. "However, we would be very grateful if some vraves were still left for erevna next year."

"S-so you're going to step down next year?" Revan was a little surprised mixed with disappointment. "May the next leader be as wise as you, Bayrak."

"Not next year, two or three years, maybe. There are many candidates for the next term, including my son. I don't expect much, the most important thing is that the Alpha can protect this village."

They were immersed in the conversation, except for Rio who was just silent while listening to foreign terms on the sidelines of the conversation. Like erevna, he didn't know for sure, but maybe it was some kind of tribal election event similar to the elections in his world.

Also, he had heard of Bayrak's children who had participated. Rio had never seen another goblin in Bayrak's hut that deserved to be called a child, other than Grep whose behavior was far from the word "leader".

"Where is your son now, Bayrak?" Rio asked curiously.

"In the hut." For a split second Bayrak took a deep breath. "He is the little gray goblin in my hut. Her skin is too sensitive, even just to feel the warmth of the morning sun," he continued sadly.

"Can female goblins come with erevna?" Revan replied.

"No, of course not. My son Grep, he has a skin disorder. The green color has faded since childhood so that his manhood is often doubted. However, I'm sure his soul will inherit me," said Bayrak.

"I understand how your son feels," said Rio. "Being considered weak is indeed painful. I'm sure one day Grep will be as good as you."

Thick clouds still limited the scorching heat of the sun, when Kron arrived with a new appearance. The dusty, worn-out jacket was a little better now—instead of a smooth, slick dark brown fur. Her green irises observed the activities of dozens of goblin warriors, then turned to the sides of Revan, Rio, and Bayrak.

"Finally you came," said Revan with a friendly smile.

"Looks like our preparations are very good," Kron commented. Her loose teeth peeked behind her long bangs. "I got excited too."

"You'd better get ready too. If you want, I can give Kholoros for training." Bayrak replied.

"Yes, we will be very grateful," said Revan.

"Okay, come on!" He stepped slowly toward the tall hut—the torches inside which had not yet been extinguished.

Bayrak opened the casket, dug deep and let out a sigh of relief when the shimmering green cube was successfully removed. From Bayrak's hands, Kholoros was immediately transferred to Rio's arms. The size of the armor seemed too big for the young man's body, so it took two hands to carry it. The iron is still as strong as ever, with pops of tree and leaf motifs, as well as graceful snaking lines.

Only a second had passed, a very bright light broke out. Everyone in the cottage spontaneously shielded their blinding eyes. Rio was just as bothered by the holy light, to the point that his eyes had to be closed for quite a while. Just as before, the light of Kholoros suddenly dimmed, replaced by the dim light of the torches.

"That's ten seconds. Can you take the opportunity to put the armor right in front of Fenrir's face?" asked Bayrak, trying to clear the doubts in his heart.

"I-I…." Rio stammered, while his eyes couldn't leave Kholoros. "I don't know," he answered a little weakly.

"I think so too," said Bayrak. "When Fenrir realizes that my soldiers are just bait, sooner or later he will surely aim for the armor. If that happens, then there will be no more opportunities for us."

"Unless Rio has a fast mount and can fly." Kron chirps.

"A mount?" said Bayrak in surprise.

"Of course. Rio, follow me!" He invited Rio to go to the veranda while facing the village hall, where several goblins were competing against each other.

"What do you want to show me, Kron?" Rio was curious.

"See you later," he replied with a smile. "Summon: Winter Griffin!.

Immediately, with Kron's right arm reaching out to the village hall, a blue circle spread out—making the goblins who were originally serious in training take a short break. A few seconds later, Frig finally shot out of the bright circle. He howled with joy as he flapped his lavender-scented wings.

"Frig!" shouted Rio very happy.

"To be honest, since yesterday Frig has been dying to meet you. It just makes my head dizzy," said Kron, crossing his arms.

Satisfied weaving through the layers of clouds, Frin swooped down and landed in front of the tall hut, staring at Rio while screeching with joy. Immediately, Rio dashed down the steps, embracing the wondrous beast, while Frig was engrossed in licking his face with his purple pointed tongue. The burden of longing seemed to float from the bodies of the two, leaving Rio's fingers affectionate caress.

"Frig has good reflexes and flying speed. I think Rio can get close to Fenrir with his help before moving backwards after ten seconds is over," Kron said to Bayrak and Revan, following their steps towards Rio.

"Griffin is the right choice. I'm a little relieved that we can cover the gaps," Bayrak responded.

"They get along very quickly, don't they," commented Revan when he saw Rio and Frig's closeness.

"Frig has never licked my face. However, when he is with Rio, he seems willing to do anything." Kron looked enviously.

"Ah, maybe because your body stinks, Kron," said Revan giggling.

"No way! I changed my jacket, you know!" He protested. "How about you, Julius? Your coat looks really dirty."

Revan quickly sniffed his blue coat. His nose immediately scrunched up the smell.

"You're right," he said. "Bayrak, is there a bath for me?"

"The Nyx River has the clearest water in the forest. Incidentally, the tributary is behind my hut," said Bayrak while pointing his index finger slightly higher than the roof of his hut.

"Good, good! I'm going to take a shower now." Revan immediately jogged to their cottage at the end of the village to get a new suit.

Bayrak and Kron silently looked at Rio and Frig, as well as the goblins who were back in training. The Alpha approached Rio while picking up Kholoros which he had abandoned on the ground due to the excitement of meeting Frig. When he saw it, Rio's face became uncomfortable. He felt guilty for neglecting the noblest of armor.

However, Bayrak who knew his behavior was not annoyed at all. In fact, he patted Rio's shoulder with great pride. Some of the teeth of the hook slipped out.

"After all, armor is just an inanimate object. Your friendship is much more important," he smirked cheerfully. "I hope you and your mount will free my village from terror."

"Frig will definitely do his best," said Rio as he gently stroked Frig's soft fur. "We certainly can," he continued confidently.

Frig's beak burst open. He screeched in pleasure, then licked Rio's face again. The licked just laughed out loud while hugging the animal's body. What a strong emotional bond.

(To Be Continued)