"Hey, System—where did you go? Hello??"
[What do you need, Master?]
"Why did you disappear earlier? And what the hell was that glitch?!"
[I cannot answer that, Master. You haven't met the conditions.]
"...What do you mean 'conditions'? What conditions?!"
[I cannot answer that either. Conditions unmet.]
"Tch, that's vague as hell..."
Suddenly, rustling came from the nearby bushes. Haruto's instincts flared—he reached for his sword, but paused when three goblins emerged.
"System, give me my iron sword!"
[Understood.]
The iron sword materialized in Haruto's hand with a flash. But before he could attack, the goblins did something unexpected—they knelt.
Haruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... they're bowing?"
One of the goblins raised its head.
"Master, please forgive us if we have offended you."
His heart raced. "They... can talk?" Then it hit him—his title.
The Ruler of the Forest of Death... could it be?
[Yes, Master. It's because of your title.]
"...Holy crap, I didn't think the title would be this overpowered."
A sly smirk crept onto Haruto's face. An idea brewed.
If I act like their ruler… will they obey?
He straightened his back and barked a command:
"You three! State your names!"
The first goblin spoke.
"My name is Gobchi, Ruler. The one on my right is Gobiro, and the one on my left is Gobo."
They're really listening to me... Oh, this is gonna be fun.
"Gobchi, Gobiro, Gobo! From this moment on, you will address me as Ruler. Is that understood?"
All three bowed even lower.
"Yes, Ruler! We understand!"
Gobchi looked up again.
"Ruler, do you wish anything of us? We will fulfill your command, no matter what it is!"
Damn, they're loyal little guys…
"Hmm, I don't have any tasks for now. You three may go."
[Master, you have gained two new abilities:]
[Voice of Command: Allows absolute control over your servants. They will obey even against their will.]
[Summon: Instantly summon any contracted servant at will.]
"Wait, how do I form a contract?"
[Simple. They just need to drink your blood.]
"Dark... and kinda metal. I like it."
Haruto turned back to the goblins.
"I'll form a contract with you three. Any objections?"
The goblins pressed their heads to the ground.
"We exist to serve you, Ruler. We are honored."
"Good. Now, come here. Open your mouths."
The goblins obeyed. Haruto nicked his finger with the sword and let his blood drip into their mouths. As the blood entered. A Black and red aura covers them and a glowing bird-shaped mark appeared on each of their necks.
[The contract is completed]
"Thank you, Ruler! We are forever yours to command! We pledge our loyalty, now and forever!"
I expect igris level loyalty from you.
...."Alright boys you may leave. I'll summon you when I need you for doing my handiwork."
"Yes, Ruler!" The goblins vanished into the shadows of the trees.
Haruto stood there, feeling the weight of his newfound power.
"Damn baby... I feel like a damn king."
[You were always a king, Ruler.]
"...Wait. Why are you calling me Ruler now?"
[Well, since you told the goblins to call you that, I figured I'd follow your lead.]
"Hah, fair enough.
Even though.. I feel like a king now. A king still needs a queen that I don't have. Right.
[]
The system opens but didnt say anything.
Do you want to say anything System?
[No]
Okay, if you say so.
Alright, shall we head to the kingdom now?"
[Yes, Ruler.]
As Haruto began walking toward the distant glow of the Kingdom of Cloria, the sky darkened. The stars twinkled above, and the air grew colder.
"I'm beat... Hey, System, how much further do we have to go?"
[Approximately 10 kilometers remaining.]
"NANI!? Ten kilometers?! Nope. I'm about to lie down right here and die."
Just then, the gentle creaking of wheels broke the silence. A horse-drawn cart appeared, carrying an old man. He slowed down as he saw Haruto panting by the road.
"You need some help, young man? You look exhausted."
"Ah, yeah! Thanks, old man. I'm heading to the kingdom—could you give me a lift?"
"Of course. Hop in. I'm heading there myself."
Haruto climbed aboard.
"Thanks again. I'm Haruto, by the way."
"Zahak's the name. Nice to meet you. Your name gives a little... déjà vu feeling to me, though.", I don't know if its your name or your looks. But don't mind it.
Haruto eyes widened a little.
Well, you might've met someone with similar name so that might be the reason.
"I'm from a faraway kingdom. That's probably why."
"Hmm, makes sense. So, why're you visiting Cloria?"
"I heard it's beautiful. The food's good too."
"Ha! You heard right. That's why most folks visit. I'm a merchant myself—heading in to sell some goods."
"Sounds cool."
A few hours later...
The cart rolled past Cloria's gates under the starlit sky. Haruto's eyes lit up. The city was glowing—buildings shimmered, lamps cast golden light on clean stone roads, and the cold air felt refreshingly peaceful.
Haruto leaned back, eyes half-closed, a satisfied smile on his face.
"This world... maybe it's not so bad after all."
Chapter 4: End