Chapter 27: The Goblin King's Trap
The narrow tunnel seemed to stretch endlessly, the walls closing in around Srabon, Mira, and Magnus. The air was thick, heavy with the scent of damp earth and stale goblin breath. Mira's bow was drawn, her eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement.
"I don't like this," Magnus muttered, his axe gripped tightly in his hands. "Feels like we're being watched."
Srabon swallowed, his heart pounding. "Stay alert. The Goblin King wouldn't leave his hostage unguarded."
\[New Quest: Defeat the Goblin King's Elite Guard. Reward: 2000 Gold, 1500 Elixir.]
As they pressed forward, a faint, echoing laughter drifted through the tunnel. The sound was chilling, cold and malicious. Mira tightened her grip on her bow. "That's him."
"The Goblin King," Srabon said, his jaw clenched. "He's close."
They rounded a corner and stepped into a vast underground chamber. Torches lined the walls, casting flickering shadows over the jagged rock. At the center of the room stood a massive stone throne, and seated upon it was the Goblin King.
He was larger than any goblin Srabon had ever seen, his muscles bulging beneath his tattered cloak. His eyes glowed a sickly yellow, and a wicked grin spread across his scarred face. "Welcome, little chief," he sneered, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I was expecting you."
Beside the throne, Leto's sister lay bound and gagged, her eyes wide with fear. Srabon's heart twisted at the sight.
"Let her go," Srabon demanded, stepping forward.
The Goblin King chuckled, leaning back on his throne. "And why would I do that? You're in my domain now. You walked right into my trap."
Magnus raised his axe, muscles tensing. "Then let's see how strong your trap really is."
With a snap of the Goblin King's fingers, dozens of goblins emerged from the shadows, their weapons drawn. But these weren't ordinary goblins — they were heavily armored, their eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Elite Guard," Mira hissed, raising her bow. "This won't be easy."
"We fight our way through," Srabon said, his grip tightening on his sword. "Stay close and don't let them separate us."
The Goblin King leaned forward, his grin widening. "Attack!"
The elite goblins charged, weapons gleaming in the torchlight. Srabon lunged forward, his sword meeting the first goblin's spear with a resounding clash. Mira loosed arrows rapidly, each one striking true, but the goblins kept coming.
Magnus swung his axe in wide arcs, taking down three goblins at once. But for every goblin they felled, two more took its place. Srabon's arms burned as he parried strike after strike, sweat pouring down his face.
"We can't keep this up!" Mira shouted, an arrow grazing her shoulder.
Srabon gritted his teeth, eyes locked on the Goblin King. "We don't need to. We just need to get to him."
Magnus caught on, slamming his axe into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent several goblins flying. "Go!"
Srabon sprinted forward, weaving through the chaos. The Goblin King watched him approach, his grin never faltering. "You think you can defeat me, boy? You're nothing but a lost little chief."
"Maybe," Srabon said, raising his sword. "But I'm not alone."
Mira fired a shot, the arrow whizzing past the Goblin King's head, distracting him for a split second. It was all Srabon needed. He swung his sword, aiming for the Goblin King's neck.
But the Goblin King moved with blinding speed, catching Srabon's sword with his bare hand. His grip was like iron, his eyes burning with fury. "You're going to regret this."
Before Srabon could react, the Goblin King's fist crashed into his face, sending him sprawling across the chamber floor.
"Srabon!" Mira screamed, rushing to his side.
Srabon coughed, blood dripping from his lip. The Goblin King loomed over him, laughter echoing through the cavern. "Welcome to my world, little chief. You're not leaving alive."