Yolan Village

In a valley about five kilometers from Malvorrak's cave, a large village bustled with activity and life. This village had stood for generations, growing steadily but not dramatically; despite being the central hub of the region, its changes were often subtle.

However, compared to the rest of the region, this place could be considered a paradise for the monsters of the subterranean world.

This was Yolan village, the sole powerhouse of the Yolan territory, where monsters came to mix and mingle.

"Hm? What's that?" At the gate, a lizardman guard peered down the distant path. A giant silhouette was slowly making its way toward the village entrance.

This sight was relatively normal, as it was a monster village. Creatures of different races and sizes frequented the village to trade or seek refuge.

"That's…" But never in a hundred years did they think that a vicious beast like Malvorrak would come here. Even from this distance, they could see his massive build, scaly jade skin, and claws gleaming in the light.

It was a petrifying sight.

"Shit! Call the commander!" one of the lizardman guards shouted, readying his spear to fight to the death.

They were the sworn protectors of Yolan village; they couldn't flee even in the face of the brute Malvorrak, even if it meant fighting to the end.

---

"Hmp!!" A few minutes later, a tall lizardman adorned in high-grade armor and carrying a long spear arrived at the front gate, finding the guards pointing their spears at the imposing figure of Malvorrak.

He was flabbergasted. Malvorrak had the audacity to come to Yolan village after what happened last time? Did he come for revenge? The commander couldn't hide his worry.

Either way, he had to confront this situation; after all, he was the commanding guard of the village watch and a lizardman connected by blood to the Yolan family.

"Ahh, thank the gods! Someone with a functioning brain!" Just as he arrived, a tiny, annoying voice rang out from in front of Malvorrak, prompting the commander to direct his gaze toward a strange sight.

Four goblins held up a large board, and on it stood a young white lizard creature draped in an old, ragged robe that barely covered its legs.

"Hm?" The lizardman frowned, looking at the arrangement with confusion. From what he could see, these creatures seemed to be treating the small white lizard with considerable respect.

"You must be their leader, right? I heard your village is open to all creatures. Why does it seem otherwise?" Cious asked, his expression confused.

Yolan village was indeed open to all creatures; it was part of their culture. As the central hub of the region, they allowed every creature to enter, provided they didn't cause trouble.

"That's right…but…" The commander looked warily at Malvorrak. Every single creature in the village was dangerous in their own way, but Malvorrak? He was notoriously aggressive; letting him in was a risky decision.

This situation was special.

"Oh, is it because of him?" Cious looked up at Malvorrak and asked. Naturally, the only reason they were stopping him was because of the beast.

The big oaf must have given them some form of PTSD.

"He won't harm a single hair on anyone's head, I swear by the mountain god!" Cious declared, placing a hand on his chest as he stood upright like a human.

"I…" The commander looked over at Malvorrak, who was exhibiting a calm and tranquil demeanor. He hesitated.

*It can't be, can it?*

This little creature spoke with such confidence; it sounded like a fact. To swear by the mountain god was significant. The only logical reasoning he could think of was that Malvorrak had been tamed.

A wave of shock coursed through his spine, but it made so much sense. Why else would the normally aggressive Malvorrak be standing there in such tranquility while they pointed spears at him?

"We just want to sell a few things and we'll be on our way. Don't worry at all," Cious assured, his tone honest.

"Okay…but if we catch a whiff of mischief, you're gone," the commander finally relented. The free entry rule into Yolan village was an age-old tradition. They could only intervene if matters went sideways. Besides, if the commander's suspicions turned out to be correct, then keeping them in the village was wise until he informed the chief.

And so, Cious, the four goblins, and Malvorrak were allowed into Yolan village without incident.

"Let's stop at a merchant house first. I want to see how much this will go for," Cious said as they walked through the bustling city center. A few curious eyes fell upon them.

Malvorrak was well known and feared, but not everyone had seen him before. Most had only heard tales of his savagery, so while his presence was suspicious, it didn't cause immediate panic.

After all, even on that street, he wasn't the largest or fiercest-looking creature. Without him acting aggressively, he was akin to a random beast walking through the streets.

"Hm?" Malvorrak's eyes drifted to Cious's hand, where he effortlessly held up a ball-sized beast core.

Urgars' beast core. If anyone here knew what Cious was holding, they would be shocked beyond belief.

"It's yours to sell," Malvorrak replied approvingly. The beast core was typically his prize, and he wouldn't normally part with it so easily, but without Cious, he would have died in that battle. Gifting it to him seemed only fair.

He already had what he needed.

"Hehe, don't worry, big guy! With me by your side, the entire Yi Mountain will soon become your playground," Cious said with an evil grin as he gazed ahead at the bustling market coming into view.

He had plans for Malvorrak, this big oaf, and it was just a matter of time before they came to fruition. Malvorrak just needed to follow them.

That was easier said than done, however.