Chapter 9 - : 9 : The Grimclaw Kingdom!
Their path eventually led them to an enormous stone door, towering high above them.
Goblin guards stood tall — well, as tall as goblins could — their weapons clutched tightly, their beady eyes watching the pair with a mix of curiosity and caution.
The leader goblin of this group walked toward the guard and whispered something in their ears. Aiden couldn’t make out what he said.
Aidem thought, *These goblins... they’re not mindless beasts. They’re organized. Intelligent.*
The heavy doors creaked open, stone grinding against stone, revealing what lay beyond.
The moment they entered, Aiden’s sharp eyes took in the surroundings — towering stone walls, bustling training ground off to the side.
Goblin soldiers, some scarred and hardened, were locked in combat drills.
Others stood in circles, chanting incantations, their claws swirling mana into visible spells.
"Master..." Luna whispered, pressing her shoulder against his as they walked, "they can use magic."
"I see it." Aiden’s eyes narrowed. "More advanced than I thought."
Luna leaned in closer, her tail brushing against his leg as she whispered directly into his ear, "Something’s off with these ropes."