In the square outside the Imperial City, the first "cross-realm" exchange delegation had been waiting for quite some time.
Several thousand goblins stood in loose formations, dressed in uniform gray-white uniforms with the emblems of the Goblin Empire and the Stigma Mark of the Supreme God's Court sewn onto their chests.
At the front of the formation stood the caravan leader, with the captain of the guards at his side. Behind them were dozens of scholars, researchers, and biologists carrying toolkits and sample cases.
They came from all walks of life and each had their own duties, yet at this moment, they stood silently in the morning light, awaiting the order to depart.
Halu emerged from the palace gates, followed by two attendants.
He wore a simple dark blue robe, with neither a crown nor a scepter.
He walked down the passage between the ranks and reached the raised platform at the front, his gaze sweeping across the faces before him.
His eyes moved from merchants to divine arts practitioners, from divine arts practitioners to guards, then paused briefly on several crates of goods covered with canvas at the rear of the formation before he looked away.
"The place you are going is the unfamiliar Source Realm."
His voice carried across the square, clear to everyone present.
"There are humans, dwarves, elves, and even the orcs who once attacked us."
"Their civilization differs from ours. Their beliefs differ from ours. Their language differs from ours as well."
"But one thing is the same—we all need to live, and we all yearn for a better life."
With that, he shifted slightly aside, allowing one of the attendants behind him to step forward.
The attendant held a sealed scroll of documents. Halu took it and raised it before his chest in one