[801-1000] THE EVOLUTION OF A GOBLIN TO THE PEAK

Chapter 960 Invitation

Souta sat before a grave, the final resting place of Yenxa, one of his trusted subordinates. Alongside Yenxa, the fallen members of Astros rested in this sacred ground, a testament to their sacrifice in battle.

A figure approached Souta, breaking his reverie. "My Lord, someone wishes to meet you," they informed him.

Souta turned, curiosity evident in his expression. "Who?" he inquired.

"The Head of the Shimpan Family. They said an emissary from the Palleo Kingdom in the Obsidian Desert is here," came the response, delivered with respectful deference.

"The Obsidian Desert?" Souta's eyebrows lifted in surprise. He knew of the vast desert adjacent to the Hall Plains.

Rising to his feet, Souta made his decision. "Very well. I will receive them. Arrange the meeting," he instructed.

With a bow, the messenger departed, leaving Souta to contemplate the implications of this unexpected encounter.

Souta furrowed his brow, wracking his brain for any knowledge he might possess about the Obsidian Desert. However, he soon realized that his familiarity with the region was limited to hearsay; he had never personally ventured there during his time in the game.

Leaving the grave site behind, Souta hastened to his office, eager to gather more information. Consulting his subordinates, he requested any details they could provide regarding the Obsidian Desert.

The reports revealed that the Obsidian Desert was vast, stretching several times the size of the Hall Plains. It was home to numerous small countries, each boasting considerable power and longevity. In terms of military strength, these desert nations were formidable, comparable to the affluent countries of the Hall Plains that harbored high-ranked Shackled Realms. Among these nations stood the Palleo Kingdom, a significant force in the region.

Surveying the documents spread across his desk, Souta pondered the implications of this new information.

"What do you think?" Souta asked, placing the paper files on the table.

"I believe their interest in us stems from our connection to Olympus. It's no secret that we're warriors of Athen's Champion, and your position as a Grain Leader sets us apart," Alice remarked, offering her perspective on the Palleo Kingdom's visit.

"I share the same sentiment," Souta nodded in agreement.

The situation in the Obsidian Desert was dire, with tens of thousands of refugees fleeing to the Hall Plains a few months ago. The influx of refugees had reached staggering numbers, nearing the millions. Even before Souta's journey to Selnes Country, refugees from the Obsidian Desert had been arriving.

"It's likely they seek to leverage our strength to aid them in their current predicament," Souta mused.

"Let's await their visit and discern their intentions," he concluded.

He wasn't concerned about potential attacks here. With Kessa by his side, they were the strongest monsters in all of Astros. Even a Hero-rank expert would hesitate to cause trouble in their presence. Moreover, a powerful formation covered the land, further bolstering their defenses. The Astros could take on a Seventh Shackle Realm, and even Eighth Shackle Realms would find it difficult to infiltrate.

As the time for the meeting arrived, the group from the Palleo Kingdom gathered at the table, opposite Souta and his men.

Crown Prince Servon observed the man with a striking appearance seated across from him. Despite sensing no discernible aura from this man, his instincts warned him of his danger. With crimson hair and a dark horn protruding from his forehead, along with eyes tinged with a crimson hue and dark-toned skin, the Crown Prince recognized him instantly as the infamous Blood Lightning Monster. The individuals beside him, though somewhat known, paled in comparison to their leader's notoriety.