The Achievement Junkie

"Acting in the shadows?" Jard's eyes narrowed as he realized how deep this simple discussion would be. "Haven't they always acted in the shadows?"

"This is true, but never like this. You already know enough about the black market district, but this is far worse than what we imagined," stated Rydel. "Let us sit as we explain everything."

"Right." Jard motioned for everyone to take a seat around the table in the center of the room. Once everyone was seated, the goblin queen was the first to stand and present her case.

"Allow me to explain the situation of my people. Within the past year, I have managed to unite the goblins under me and build a great city in the third level of the mine. I understand that you and the other humans typically come to the mine during certain times of the year, correct?"

Jard nodded and said, "Yes, we only allow mining for four months in the year, leaving the mine with ten months to recuperate and regrow any harvested crystals."

"That's why you were unaware of the changes we created until recently," explained the queen. "First, let me tell you that there isn't much left for you to mine this season, so I ask that you stop permitting entrance until the next harvest."

"Why isn't there anything left for us?"

"Because, to speed up our city's development we used the azure crystals throughout our architecture, giving off natural light and increasing the city's durability," said the queen.

"But making an entire city filled with azure, that would mean you and your people would grow stronger over time. Wouldn't that mean you'd become a threat to the Reinolt Kingdom as time passed?" asked Jard.

"If you don't trust me, then it would appear so," admitted the queen. "However, it was the Royal Court that helped us grow so quickly."

Jard didn't respond but his face was enough to show his surprise as he waited for the queen to continue uninterrupted.

The queen continued, "The Royal Court came to us and offered materials and weapons to strengthen us. I'm not certain who the man was, he concealed himself and his level well. But I can assure you that he was a higher level than I."

"But why would they help you?" Jard couldn't resist the question.

"The Royal Court wasn't always very clear about their reasons to help," answered the queen. "Sometimes they wouldn't explain themselves, while others they only wanted to gain a powerful ally."

"But, if the Royal Court was behind this, why were you capturing adventurers? I know that it was common for us to not get along, but you mentioned being forced to do so?" questioned Jard.

"That's where it gets complicated," sighed the queen. She shook her head as she spoke, "A couple of months ago, right before you human's began to enter the mine, we received a command from the Royal Court. Before, they agreed not to give us orders or to interfere in our city, but they threatened to cut off support and possibly storm the city if we didn't cooperate."

"I gave in and permitted to follow along with their request." The queen's shoulders shrank as she continued, "We were asked to house trolls within the city."

"Trolls!?" Jard was startled by such an unexpected revelation.

"Yes, trolls. At first, there were five of them and we were forced to let them stay in the palace. However, they planned to bring more and migrate a whole tribe to our goblin city."

"An entire tribe…" struggling to believe the concept, Jard glanced at the serious Rydel. Seeing the hunter's nod was enough to fill him with unease.

"I'm sure you already know what it is that trolls are after, so I won't get into too much detail. But I am sorry to say that us capturing you humans was a means to appease the trolls, which we had no way to reject"

"But if the Royal Court had you house trolls, doesn't that mean they've been working with the trolls as well?" Jard reasoned.

"You're exactly right," agreed the queen. "Had I known that accepting their help and becoming reliant on their steady supplies would turn against me so quickly, I wouldn't have accepted their support."

"Does that explain the issues in the mines, Jard?" asked Rydel.

"Yes, that's enough to understand the situation."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door, followed by a voice, "Sir, is there something wrong? You're meeting with the council is—"

"Enough of that, I'm busy learning about the truth of the azure mine. Immediately shut it down for exploration. We've been tasked by the king himself to govern the mine, so make sure to not let a soul in, even if it were the king. Is that clear?" shouted Jard.

"Y-yes, sir!" rushed footsteps were heard as the loyal servant took off to fulfill orders.

"Sorry about that. There shouldn't be any more issues involving the mine, right?" asked Jard, looking to the queen.

"None," replied the queen, keeping her gentle seriousness.

"Now that you understand her story, we can discuss the real matter at hand," said Rydel. "You've already cut off communications with the Royal Court, correct?"

"Yes," answered the queen. "I've already destroyed the mid-tier contact crystal they gave us, and they know we were under attack by you and a Hell-flame Fox."

"Alright, that's where things start to get tricky. Since they know that much, I think it's best if you and your people lay low for some time."

"I agree, but we'll need his support in keeping more humans out." The queen motioned toward Jard.

"That I can handle. I'll assign a couple of guards to watch the entrance while we prepare to seal the mine ahead of schedule," mentioned Jard.

"Good, I'm glad you two are getting along," joked Rydel

The queen and Jard shared a glance, not knowing what to say to the other. By instinct and nature, they shouldn't be friendly, but they both understood the threat and support they could offer each other.

"Now, if you can lay low until I send for your aid, that would be best. So if any human's sneak into the cave, what will you do?" asked Rydel.

The queen sighed and crossed her arms. "I won't kill or capture them, but I'll keep my goblins on guard at all passages to the third level regardless."

"That's fine, I don't think most would make it that far anyway considering the chaos on the second level," reasoned Rydel. "But if they show the association symbol, make sure you let them pass."

"Yes, yes, I'll make sure to inform the guards." The queen retrieved a handkerchief with the association crest and waved it around as proof of her intentions.

"Good, now inform Jard about the other part of the deal you made with the Royal Court."

"Oh yes," replied the queen, reigniting a fire in her eyes. "I was forced to send my weakest goblin patrols to the first floor as fodder for the no-good prince to kill as he pleased."

"Don't forget that rage, we'll need that in the future," said Rydel. "Now, back to you Jard."

"What do you need from me? You already know you have my support. I will admit though, I didn't expect you to ask something so serious so soon," chuckled Jard.

"I'm just trying to stay one step ahead. At the end of this discussion, I'll contact the chief and we'll fill him in and get his approval before making a move," explained Rydel. "But before that, I need to know why you would support us over your king."

"That's easy, the Adventurers Association is well known across the continent for its fairness and justice. Also, you've proven yourselves far more supportive; the fact that my son is here and alive is thanks to you." Jard's tone was soft yet firm, showing his genuine feelings about the association.

"Then would you object if we took over the kingdom personally?" asked Rydel.

"That's a different situation entirely. I'd prefer to avoid that happening at all costs. If the Royal Court was overthrown, I believe it'd be best if the new ruler came from within the country."

"Well said," smiled Rydel. "I agree so let's keep it that way."

Jard was relieved when Rydel admitted the association's true stance, glad that Rydel was reasonable and understanding.

"We won't take over any countries, but we'll help keep them in line," explained Rydel. "The Royal Court has been acting out against the association within Reinolt City for some time now. It was never enough to take action, but with the Royal Court colluding with trolls and goblins, no offense," Rydel held his hand up innocently to the queen, "the association may not have a choice to sit on the sidelines."

"What do you propose?" asked Jard.

"We can't do anything yet, but in time we may act. According to association rules, we can't interfere in any nation's politics without solid proof and multiple cases," answered Rydel. "Give me some time to do some digging, then I'll know more about that specifically