My (Monster?) Hero Life

Needless to say, the atmosphere around Stonefall became quite awkward for a while. Sophia had no idea how to talk to Kace after her outburst in his manor. Lilly did not understand what she had done wrong, and Kace just did not want to be dragged into anything.

Elderbeard tried several times to reach out, but Kace rejected every attempt. Sonia already understood that it would take time to mend their relationship, so she gave Kace the space he needed.

The only person outside of the Tu'Thrag that Kace was willing to spend time with was Shagrat. Kace and Shagrat had made peace after Kace apologised for his behaviour. For the past month, Kace had visited the goblin king regularly to vent his frustrations.

"We've finished the statue of Gyn that you requested, but you still haven't told me why you want such a thing?" Shagrat leaned back in his chair under the sunlight as he sipped on the wine he received from the Treants.

"You'll find out soon enough." Kace chuckled as he eyed Shagrat. He did not want to reveal his secret just yet in case Shagrat advocated for it to be used on Durz instead.

"Hm, have it your way then." Shagrat laughed before his expression became serious. "The council is wondering when the attack on the North will resume."

"What did you tell them?" Kace was not surprised. Sophia had stepped down as the commander now that Sonja had appeared.

"Nothing, I just said that I'd ask you. After all, you're the one that's got to meet Rysa anyway. So we can't do anything about it until you're ready." Shagrat sighed helplessly as he studied Kace's reaction.

"We'll set off a day or two after Grugda returns. It shouldn't be much longer now." Kace smiled in a meaningful way.

Shagrat hummed as he felt as though Kace had just given him a clue to his plans. However, Shagrat could not figure out what the Chimera was up to at all. 'Be that way then!'

Another two days passed before the sound of an airship rumbling through the skies sounded in Stonefall. Kace grinned when he heard that sound through an open window and immediately set off for the docks.

The time had come, Kace knew that this ship was carrying Grugda already. He could only hope that the Eljein had succeeded in creating the potion. 'I'm sure he has, Grugda knows how important this is.'

As the airship descended, Grugda slowly came into view. He was wearing a solemn expression on his face that had Kace worried for a moment. However, Grugda soon broke into a grin before nodding towards Kace.

Kace instantly felt elated, Grugda had just confirmed that he had succeeded in his task. Kace broke into a wide grin, and everyone who had come to welcome Grugda recognised that something significant had happened.

"Your Majesty, can you have Gyn's statue brought to my manor? Also, I think it would be a good idea to summon Vaskra over as well." Kace smirked as Grugda descended to join them.

Shagrat was utterly confused as Kace and Grugda disappeared into town without another word. Once they were away from prying eyes, Grugda removed a bone from his belt and handed it to Kace.

Kace studied the bone carefully. 'It always amazed me how Grugda managed to fill these things with his potions.' Kace shook his head as he failed to understand how the Eljein had managed it.

"How hard was it?" Kace asked with a raised eyebrow. He was pretty curious since he had no idea how to make potions himself.

"Very," Grugda replied. "I almost. Failed. Several times. The methods. Are more advanced. Than what. I'm used to."

Kace could only take his word for it, but he was surprised that Grugda had praised Rysa's methods. "Is there anything to be worried about?"

"Hm. Maybe. This potion. I've never. Seen anything like. It. I don't. Have any answers." Grugda replied with a concerned expression.

Kace raised an eyebrow at that as they arrived at his manor. 'Perhaps I should send for Lilly in case something goes wrong.' Kace furrowed his brows as he considered it before dispelling that idea.

'Vaskra and Grugda should be enough. It's best if we don't involve anyone outside of our circle. Gyn's sure to suffer some confusion.' Kace waited patiently with Grugda as they waited for Shagrat's goblins to bring the statue over.

Shagrat and Vaskra arrived together with confused expressions as the statue was placed in the courtyard's centre. Kace looked around and was happy with those who had gathered.

"My friends. Some time ago, we lost irreplaceable companions to take this town for ourselves." Kace's tone was heavy and solemn. His words dragged up memories that those gathered could never forget.

"Today," Kace continued after glancing at everyone. "We will welcome back one such comrade. The one who has given much to us even after he lost his life."

Those gathered could not help but frown at Kace's words. Their eyes shifted from Kace to Gyn's statue. Suddenly, Shagrat understood what Kace had planned. His jaw dropped, Shagrat was speechless.

Before he could say anything, Kace snapped the top of the bone to reveal a bright blue potion. He quickly downed it in one go as he focused on his memories of the eccentric goblin.

Vaskra gasped as she felt a surge of mana gathering above the manor. To her, it felt like an unstoppable storm. Her eyes widened as she shot a concerned look towards Kace! 'He can't control that!'

As Vaskra was about to shout a warning, the storm suddenly descended. It shot through Kace's back and knocked him from his feet. Kace's vision began to grow blurry as he stared at the statue.

Crimson lines ran across the stone as chunks began to fall from it. Beneath the broken pieces, soft green skin was revealed to the onlookers. Kace smiled as he felt his consciousness slipping. "He's alive..."