Chapter 9: The Builder's Past
Srabon sat on a wooden bench, watching the sunset as the Builder hammered away at the newly constructed Archer Tower. The rhythmic pounding echoed through the village, a constant reminder of their ongoing struggle.
"You never stop working, do you?" Srabon said, a faint smile on his face.
The Builder paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "If I do, who will keep this village standing?"
Srabon chuckled, then fell silent. "Builder... you mentioned before that you lost a village once. What happened?"
The Builder's expression darkened. He set down his hammer and sat beside Srabon, his eyes distant. "It was years ago. I was the chief builder in a much larger village — stronger, wealthier. But we got too confident. Thought we were invincible."
"What happened?" Srabon asked.
"The Goblin King," the Builder said, his fists clenching. "He attacked us relentlessly. Wave after wave of goblins, hog riders, even dragons. We fought back, but... it wasn't enough. The village was destroyed. Everyone... gone."
Srabon's heart tightened. "I'm sorry."
The Builder forced a bitter smile. "That's why I keep building, Chief. I don't want that to happen again. Not here."
Srabon nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "It won't. Not while I'm here."
The Builder clapped a hand on Srabon's shoulder. "Good. Because the Goblin King won't stop. And we need to be ready."