"Where are the others?" he asked.
"Jessica and Kelvin are with some of the orc younglings.
Apparently, kids are kids regardless of species—they're playing some kind of game involving throwing rocks at targets."
Lyra smiled slightly. "Grimnir's leading a joint patrol with orc warriors, establishing the boundaries of our new shared territory. And Kira's been helping organize supplies and figuring out logistics for feeding everyone."
"Sounds like you've all been busy while I was unconscious." Said Satou
"Someone had to keep things running," Lyra said. "But we need you back on your feet soon. There are decisions that need to be made, and everyone's been waiting for your input."
"What kind of decisions?" Questioned Satou
Lyra's expression grew serious. "Whether we stay here in the orc settlement or build something new. Urgak's offered to let us integrate into their existing village, but some of our people are uncomfortable with that. They want our own space, our own identity."
"And what do you think?" Satou asked.
"I think..." Lyra paused, choosing her words carefully. "I think we need our own place. Not separate from the orcs, but distinct. A settlement that's clearly goblin-built but connected to the orc village. Show that we're partners, not subordinates. Does that make sense?"
It did. And it aligned with something that had been forming in Satou's mind even before the duel.
"We build a village," Satou said decisively.
"Our own settlement, designed by goblins, using my Earth Manipulation to create proper structures. Close enough to the orc village for mutual defense, but far enough that each group has their own space."
"You really think you can build an entire village with earth magic?" Questioned Lyra
"I won't know until I try," Satou replied.
"But if it works... if we can create a proper goblin settlement with walls, houses, storage facilities... That changes everything. We stop being nomads running from threats and start being a real community. A civilization."
Lyra studied him for a moment, then smiled. "When you first started giving orders back in that cave, I thought you were just desperate and making things up as you went. But you're actually thinking long-term, aren't you? This isn't just about survival anymore."
"It was never just about survival," Satou said quietly. "I've been given a second chance at life in this world. I'm not going to waste it just scraping by. If I'm going to lead these people, I'm going to lead them somewhere worth going."
—-
Two days later, Satou stood in a clearing about half a mile from the orc village, his mana fully recovered and his body mostly healed.
Around him, twenty goblins and a handful of curious orcs watched as he prepared to demonstrate what Earth Manipulation could really do when pushed to its limits.
"The key," Satou explained, as much to himself as to the audience, "is understanding that earth magic isn't just about moving dirt. It's about shaping, compacting, reinforcing. Creating structures that will last."
He placed both hands on the ground and closed his eyes, feeling for the earth beneath. His mana flowed outward, connecting with soil and stone, understanding its composition and potential.
Then he began to shape.
The ground rippled like water. Soil rose and compacted, forming walls that grew taller and thicker by the second. Stone fragments pulled together, fusing into a solid foundation. Clay and minerals mixed, creating mortar-like substances that held everything together.
The watching goblins gasped as a structure took shape before their eyes—a rectangular building with thick walls, a sloped roof for rain runoff, and openings for windows and a door. It wasn't fancy, but it was solid. Real.
Satou held the construction for thirty seconds, pouring mana into every detail, before finally releasing his grip on the magic.
The structure stood firm, slightly rough around the edges but undeniably functional.
[Earth Manipulation has leveled up!]
[Earth Manipulation (Basic) → Earth Manipulation (Intermediate)]
[New abilities unlocked: Can now shape stone in addition to soil. Can create more complex structures. Mana cost reduced.]
Satou opened his eyes and surveyed his work. The building was crude by modern standards, but for a group of goblins who'd been living in caves and improvised shelters, it was a palace.
"That's incredible," one of the orc warriors said, stepping forward to examine the walls. He pressed against them, testing their strength. "This is solid work. Better than some of our wooden structures."
"And I can make more," Satou said, trying not to show how drained he felt. "Homes for families. Storage buildings. Eventually, defensive walls. We can build a proper village here."
Urgak, who'd been watching from a distance, approached. His new High Orc form was even more imposing than before—standing nearly nine feet tall, his muscles enhanced, his presence radiating power that made even his own warriors step back respectfully.
"You continue to surprise me, little goblin," Urgak said. His voice had deepened with his evolution, taking on resonant qualities that made everything he said sound important. "When you proposed this alliance, I thought it would be a temporary arrangement. A moon cycle of cooperation before we went our separate ways."
"And now?" Satou asked.
"Now I'm beginning to think my tribe has stumbled into something much larger than a simple alliance." Urgak gestured at the newly created building. "You're not building a camp. You're building a foundation for something permanent. A goblin nation, perhaps?"
"Just a village for now," Satou replied. "But yes, eventually, something more. A place where goblins aren't just prey. Where we can live, grow, become something worth respecting."
"Ambitious," Urgak said. Then he smiled—a sight made slightly unsettling by his prominent tusks. "I like it. My tribe has been stagnant for too long. Perhaps working with goblins will remind us what it means to build rather than just survive."
He extended his remaining hand toward Satou. "Let's make this official. Not just an alliance of convenience, but a true partnership. Your magic and vision, combined with our strength and experience. Together, we create something neither of our peoples could achieve alone."
Satou looked at the offered hand—massive and scarred, belonging to a creature that could crush him without effort. But also extended in genuine respect and partnership.