CHAPTER 225: CHAPTER 224: THREADS OF GROWTH

On the other side of the battlefield, Lumberling was already sprinting toward the Serpent Vine that was coiling and thrashing against Shade.

The massive snake hissed wildly, its scales glinting under the scattered sparks in the air. It had sensed Lumberling’s aura long ago, and in its panic, tried to slither away.

But Shade would not let it escape. His multiple legs wrapped around the serpent’s body like iron chains, his jaws biting down, refusing to let go no matter how the snake thrashed.

"Shade!" Lumberling shouted as he closed in, spear gripped tight. "Hold it steady, I’ll finish this!"

Shade screeched in response, his legs digging even deeper into the serpent’s flesh.

The Serpent Vine gave a roar that shook the trees. "GUAAHHHHH!"

Seizing the moment, Lumberling leapt high into the air. The ground beneath him cracked from the force of his jump. Spear raised overhead, he descended like a lightning strike.

Crack!

The spear pierced through the serpent’s head, splitting it apart in one clean strike. The serpent convulsed, then went limp.

A rush of essence flooded into Lumberling. He took a deep breath, then turned toward Shade, who was still gripping the lifeless serpent.

"You’ve grown bigger and stronger, buddy," Lumberling said, his tone softening as he approached. "Let me help you take it even further."

He lifted his hand, weaving the lingering essence directing it toward Shade.

(Beginner Essence Weave Lv.0 → Lv.1. Power +100.)

The essence flowed into Shade like a torrent. His carapace glowed faintly as his legs trembled under the overwhelming essence. His body shook violently, but Lumberling steadied him with a firm pat on his shell.

"There, there... breathe through it," Lumberling said, voice calm, almost like an older brother guiding a younger one. "You’re doing fine."

Moments passed before the tremors subsided. Shade’s many eyes blinked open, glowing faintly. He turned his gaze toward Lumberling, silent yet intense.

A thin thread of consciousness touched Lumberling’s mind. He didn’t resist, letting it flow in. Shade’s thoughts came through clearly.

’Thank you... I need to hibernate.’

Lumberling’s eyes widened for a moment, then broke into a grin. "So fast, huh? Just one absorption and you’re already pushing toward evolution again." He let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head. "You really don’t waste time, Shade."

Shade clicked his mandibles together in acknowledgment, his body slowly settling as fatigue pressed in.

"Alright then," Lumberling said, crouching beside him. "Come back with me to the goblin village. Hibernate there in safety. Once you evolve, the forest will be waiting for you again."

Shade let out a low hum, his mandibles snapping once more in agreement before curling his legs tighter around himself, preparing for the long rest to come.

....

The battlefield was quiet now, only the faint crackle of fire and the stench of blood lingering in the air. Lumberling walked through the fallen, his boots pressing against the trampled earth, until he reached the gathered sub-captains. Trask, Kelgroth, and the others stood waiting, their weapons still dripping, their eyes sharp but weary.

He studied them in silence for a moment, his gaze heavy, taking in their hardened faces.

"You’ve all grown," Lumberling said at last, his voice steady and low. "Each of you has taken steps forward. I can see it, and I can feel it."

Kelgroth straightened his back, pride flashing in his eyes. Trask grinned, though his breathing was still heavy. Even the quietest among them clenched his fist, as if to hold onto that recognition.

"This fight is only the beginning," Lumberling continued. His gaze swept across them, his tone carrying a weight that pressed into each heart. "It won’t be long before we stand side by side, fighting as one."

Trask stepped forward, striking his chest with a fist. "We’ll work hard to keep up with you, my Lord. That, I promise."

The others echoed him with a nod, their voices overlapping in rough agreement.

Lumberling gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable, then turned. Shade loomed behind him.

Without another word, Lumberling mounted Shade, and together they moved away from the bloodied field, heading back toward the goblin village, leaving behind the sub-captains who now watched him not just as their lord, but as the leader they would follow into any battle.

...

Before nightfall, Lumberling and Shade finally reached the village. Shade slowed as they neared the outskirts, his long legs curling inwards as if instinct already told him where to rest.

"You can choose any spot," Lumberling said, patting the spider’s bristled leg.

Shade clicked his mandibles once in reply before dragging himself toward a rocky slope. With practiced ease, he carved out a shallow cave and immediately began spinning thick layers of web, sealing the entrance into a strong white wall. His movements slowed as fatigue set in, the heavy rhythm of hibernation already tugging at him.

"See you soon, buddy," Lumberling said quietly, standing at the mouth of the cave for a moment before turning away.

As he made his way toward the heart of the village, the sound of hushed voices carried through the air. He spotted Liraeth standing with Jen near the firelight, the two deep in conversation. Liraeth looked focused, arms folded as she listened, while Jen gestured with quick hands, clearly explaining something.

"Jen," Lumberling called as he approached. Both women turned.

Her expression shifted from sharp to warm as soon as she saw him.

"I brought Shade with me," Lumberling continued. "Seal off the cave on the east side. He’ll be hibernating there. Make sure no one disturbs him."

Jen nodded without hesitation. "Alright, Brother. I’ll take care of it."

She gave a small bow before slipping away, already barking orders to a few goblins nearby. Lumberling watched her for a moment, she moved with confidence. While he had been gone, she hadn’t just been waiting, she had been carrying the weight of leadership, and it showed.

Liraeth glanced at him, her voice calm but carrying an edge of curiosity. "You trust her with that easily."

"She’s earned it," Lumberling replied. "She’s been holding this place together in my absence. That’s no small thing."

Liraeth’s lips tugged into the faintest of smiles.