Three hundred and twenty years ago.
Demon Domain, Lost Land, Endless Great Forest.
An invisible force twisted space, causing a rift to split open without warning amid the bizarre, towering ancient trees.
Two Goblins with dark green skin, long pointed ears, and hooked, hawk-like noses leaped out one after the other, warily scanning their surroundings.
Unlike their Goblin kin commonly seen throughout the Demon Domain—dressed in rags, timid and foolish-looking, muddling through their days in a daze—
these two were lean and capable, well-equipped, and sharp-eyed.
They were clearly Goblin warriors who had undergone rigorous training and possessed considerable combat strength.
After confirming there were no threats nearby, one of the more powerfully built Goblins relaxed slightly and tilted his chin at his companion.
"When you return later, report in detail to His Majesty the Emperor about what happened within the Demon Domain."
"Especially that massive bright-silver crossbow. Be sure to emphasize it, because it could be extremely important information."
The somewhat younger companion nodded silently to show that he understood.
The brawnier Goblin continued, "For now, we'll split up. I'm planning to head outside and update the intelligence on those three Kero Clan fellows."
"There's no rush, is there?" the younger companion asked, clearly surprised. "Why not return with me first, see Father Emperor, recover a little, and then set out?"
"After all, that's the outside world. There's no demonic energy there to replenish us."
"Although we demons don't need to participate in the Plunder Game when entering or leaving the Demon Domain... we're currently in the 'turbulent period' Father Emperor once foretold."
"If anything goes wrong, without support to back you up, your situation will become extremely dangerous."
"That's exactly why I'm splitting up from you." The burly Goblin replied with a faint smile. "Otherwise, I'd definitely take