CHAPTER 240: CHAPTER 239: HOMECOMING

Poison and cold resistance, the Alpha had carried more than strength, it carried survival against the elements.

"A fine harvest," he whispered. "Not just for me, but for all of us."

Around him, his warriors still murmured, buzzing with excitement over their own changes. Some sparred lightly, testing their newfound power, while others simply sat with pride, grinning like children gifted with treasures.

...

When the essence rituals were complete, the camp shifted to the next task. Blades flashed, ropes tightened, and hands moved with practiced rhythm as they processed the carcasses of the slain bears.

Meat was cut and divided, hides bundled, bones set aside for tools, and the most valuable parts stored carefully. The air smelled of iron and smoke, but also of victory.

When the work was finished, Trask, the other six Sub-Captains, and several elites who were still uninjured stood ready. Packs were slung over their shoulders, weapons sheathed, and discipline steadied their tired but proud faces. They were prepared to head back to the second base with their share of the spoils.

Lumberling stepped forward, his expression calm but his tone carrying weight.

"Thank you all for fighting at my side," he said, his gaze sweeping over them. "This was not an easy battle, but together we made it through. I hope we’ll meet on the field again."

The Sub-Captains exchanged firm nods, and Trask grinned despite the weariness etched into his features.

"You only need to call, my Lord. We’ll be there."

"Aye," Shen added, tightening the strap of his pack. "We’d gladly fight for you again."

With that, they hoisted their loads, one-third of the bear meat carefully divided among them, and began the march back toward the second base.

Grokk, still carrying the scent of his evolution, stood with Karnark, Kaeldron, and the lizardmen. They had their own burdens, hauling bear meat and bundled materials with steady resolve.

Lumberling gave them a smile.

"You’ve all done well. Rest when you return to the village."

The gnoll dipped his head respectfully, while Karnark thumped his chest in acknowledgment. The lizardmen hissed softly, their way of showing agreement.

Then Lumberling placed a hand on Grokk’s shoulder.

"Tell Liraeth and Jen I’ll be delayed returning."

Grokk nodded. "Consider it done, my Lord."

With that, the group departed, heading down the forest trail toward the goblin village, the weight of their loads matched by the quiet pride of their accomplishments.

Lumberling watched their figures fade into the trees before turning to those who remained, the wounded and the few able-bodied soldiers tasked with carrying them. Some leaned on makeshift crutches, others were hoisted onto broad backs. Despite their injuries, none complained.

He exhaled, mounted Lunira, now towering and radiant in her new form, and looked over the weary band.

"Let’s move," he said firmly. "The faster we reach the city, the faster the healers can tend to you. The sooner we finish, the sooner we return."

With that, the group set off, Lunira’s powerful strides leading them toward the distant city and the promise of healing within the Church’s walls.

...

Nearly a week passed before Lumberling and Lunira finally returned to the goblin village. The road back had been long, and costly, every wounded subordinate had been treated at the Church, but the price of healing had drained the last of his gold. He was broke again.

Still, he didn’t regret it. Gold could be earned. Lives, once lost, could not. And besides, with Liraeth handling their trade routes and dealings, money would come again.

As the familiar rooftops of the village came into view, a tired breath escaped him. Home.

When he reached his house, Jen and Liraeth were waiting. The moment their eyes fell on him, they lit up, but just as quickly, both turned their heads with exaggerated scowls.

Lumberling chuckled softly under his breath. ’I did promise to return in a week.’ Yet here he was, more than a week late, his word already broken.

Before he could say anything, Lunira padded forward, lowering herself so Lumberling could dismount. The great wolf seemed to sense her master’s trouble and decided to intervene. With a deep, echoing howl, she caught Jen’s attention.

Jen’s head snapped toward her, and her eyes went wide.

"Lunira... you... you evolved!" she gasped.

In the next heartbeat she was running, laughter spilling from her lips. She threw her arms around the wolf’s thick neck, burying her face in the silver fur. Lunira’s coat shimmered under the light, richer and brighter than ever, and the wolf gave a soft, pleased rumble.

Jen’s voice was muffled as she giggled into the fur. "You’re even more beautiful now!"

Lunira licked her cheek in answer, earning another round of laughter from Jen.

Lumberling watched the scene, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "So I see who gets the warm welcome."

Liraeth crossed her arms, still keeping her head turned away from him, but her mouth twitched as if holding back a smile. "Maybe if you kept your word about when you’d return, you’d get one too."

Lumberling raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. I’ll accept my punishment."

Jen peeked up from Lunira’s fur, her smile softer now. "But... we’re glad you’re back, big brother."

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Lumberling said, his tone carrying softness.

Liraeth finally turned toward him, her sharp green eyes narrowing. "That subordinate of yours... Grokk. The last time I saw him, he looked different. Did he...?"

Lumberling’s lips curved into a small grin. "Yes. He evolved."

Her eyes widened, surprise breaking through her usual composure. She couldn’t sense auras like knights or mages, but she didn’t need to, Jen had told her enough. Grokk had already reached a strength at the level of a Quasi-Knight, and now, after evolving, he stood on par with a True Knight.

Liraeth shook her head slowly, disbelief flickering across her face. "I... I don’t understand anymore. How can you and your people keep growing like this? Monsters don’t just... climb stages one after another."

Lumberling chuckled under his breath, meeting her gaze with steady calm. "Maybe you’ll understand someday. And maybe... you’ll see it yourself."

Her brows knit into a frown, half frustrated, half unsettled, as though she wanted to demand more but knew she wouldn’t get an answer.

Before the silence could stretch further, Jen piped up brightly, tugging on Lumberling’s sleeve. "Brother! Skitz had sent you a letter."

She pulled a folded parchment from her pocket and held it out to him with both hands.

Lumberling broke the seal and scanned the words. As he read, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Both women watched him closely. Liraeth, arms still crossed, tried not to look curious, while Jen leaned forward.

"What did they say?" Jen finally asked, unable to contain herself.

Lumberling lowered the letter and turned his gaze toward the distant horizon, in the direction of the Drosvain City.

"The captains and sub-captains..." he said quietly, before his voice grew firmer, "they’ve reached the Concordant State."