.
In the lava cavern on Iowa Mountain, Landen listened to Osser Plagg recount his struggles and couldn't help feeling a little impressed.
Even though he'd been born with abilities equivalent to a Senior Mage among the Human Race, and even though becoming a Goblin Demigod back then had been much easier than becoming a Legend among humans now, how many fallen Demigods were willing to keep up with the advances in magic and use every means available to regain their former glory?
"Don't make yourself sound so noble." A Great Goblin was boasting beside Aofen, who regarded him with contempt. "You being here or not makes no difference. Goblins have become a bunch of bugs. Look at those Goblins who can survive on whatever scraps they find and breed after just a few weeks. Don't you think the language of this world can no longer describe your species?"
"And after all these years, you still wanted to develop humans and Beastmen into your followers. And what happened? They see you as nothing more than a big bug."
"You!" The people who knew each other best were always the best at hurting one another. Osser Plagg immediately lost his composure. After a moment, he retorted, "You willingly ascended in this Magic Furnace back then. So why are you acting like a victim now, in front of Her Majesty Vili's Retainer?"
"I was young and foolish back then, and I regretted it afterward. Now I just want to return to the Magic Web and wash away my shame. I wouldn't even mind if Her Majesty the Queen of the Magic Web struck me down." There wasn't a trace of insincerity in Aofen's eyes. She looked ready to face death at any moment, noble and unflinching.
"This..." The Great Goblin was indeed