Chapter 29:A Genius Scam or Just Villainy?

Mike was still rubbing his temples, trying to process the self-inflicted food crisis, when Kiera strolled over, hands behind her head, looking way too amused for his liking.

"Ohhh, my lord, you might wanna check this out," she teased, grinning.

Mike groaned. "Kiera, if this is another problem, I'm gonna lose my mind."

Kiera smirked. "Oh, it's definitely a problem. But it's a funny one."

Mike sighed. "Fine. What happened?"

Kiera crossed her arms. "Well, while I was setting up traps at the village border—you know, doing my actual job—something got caught in one."

Mike scoffed. "Just kill it. It's probably some dumb monster that wandered in."

Kiera raised an eyebrow. "**Oh, you'd think that. But this one? It can TALK."

Mike blinked. "…Oh."

Kiera smirked. "Yeah. Now you're interested, huh?"

Mike turned to Loran, who was already adjusting his glasses, clearly intrigued.

"Alright, Kiera, lead the way," Mike ordered.

The Talking Captive

When they arrived, the creature was thrashing in Kiera's trap—a short, goblin-like thing with cracked, dry skin, struggling against the ropes. But what stood out? It was screaming in some weird, broken language.

"You will… regret this! The great lands of—ACK!—will punish you!"

Mike squinted. "Is it… saying something, or is it just making noises?"

Loran tilted his head. "It's definitely speaking, but the structure is… weird."

Then, a system notification popped up in Mike's vision.

---

[SYSTEM SCAN ACTIVATED]

Species: Mud Gremlin

Intelligence: Below Average (Dumb as hell)

Habitat: Harsh, infertile lands

Threat Level: Low (Would lose to a mildly determined chicken.)

Notable Traits: Talks big, fights like garbage.

---

Mike stared at the system window in front of him, his grin slowly stretching ear to ear.

"Habitat: Harsh, infertile lands."

His mind was already racing with possibilities. This wasn't just some random monster. This was a golden opportunity.

Loran, standing beside him, was still focused on the trapped Mud Gremlin, arms crossed as he analyzed the situation.

Mike leaned in close, lowering his voice so only Loran could hear.

"Loran… I have a plan."

Loran glanced at him. "A plan? Do tell, my lord."

Mike grinned wider. "These guys live in harsh lands? That means they're used to farming in shitty conditions. What if… we convince them to help us?"

Loran raised an eyebrow. "Convince? My lord, I hope you're not thinking of outright enslaving them."

Mike chuckled. "Oh, no, no, no… we're gonna help them."

Loran's interest piqued instantly. "...I'm listening."

Mike whispered the details of his plan, and as he spoke, Loran's expression changed. From confusion… to understanding… to pure, unfiltered evil genius.

Loran grinned. "Brilliant."

He turned to the Mud Gremlin, who was still thrashing in the trap, and his entire demeanor shifted.

Loran sighed dramatically, stepping forward. "Ah… poor creature, what a terrible situation you're in."

The Mud Gremlin froze, eyeing him suspiciously. "...H-Huh?"

Loran shook his head solemnly. "Caught in our trap… held against your will… things must seem so unfair right now."

The Mud Gremlin nodded aggressively. "YES! UNFAIR! RELEASE ME!"

Loran chuckled. "Ah… if only it were that simple. You see, we weren't even looking for you. We were simply preparing our land for future growth and prosperity."

The Mud Gremlin blinked. "...Growth?"

Loran nodded. "Yes! In fact, our lord is very generous. He is always thinking of ways to share his good fortune with others."

Mike, standing behind him, had to physically stop himself from laughing.

The Mud Gremlin looked confused. "...S-Share?"

Loran smiled. "Indeed! And you, my friend, have arrived at just the right moment."

Kiera, arms crossed, leaned toward Mike. "Damn. He's actually doing it."

Mike smirked. "Just watch."

Loran crouched down, looking the Mud Gremlin in the eye. "Tell me… do you and your people struggle in your lands?"

The creature narrowed its eyes. "...S-Struggle? No! We are strong! We survive!"

Loran nodded knowingly. "Of course, of course. But… it must be exhausting, yes? Constantly fighting against the land, the weather, the lack of food…"

The Mud Gremlin hesitated. "W-Well…"

Loran's voice became softer. "Wouldn't it be nice… if there was an easier way? A better way?"

The Mud Gremlin tilted its head. "...Better way?"

Loran clapped his hands together. "EXACTLY! Imagine… instead of struggling every single day… you had access to new lands! Good lands! A place where you and your people could thrive!"

The Mud Gremlin's eyes widened. "A-A new land!?"

Loran nodded enthusiastically. "**Yes! And guess what? Our great lord, in his infinite wisdom and kindness, is willing to offer you an opportunity."

The Mud Gremlin blinked rapidly. "...Opportunity?"

Loran smiled. "We will welcome your people! Give them land to work on! In return, you will help us with your knowledge of harsh farming techniques!"

Mike barely held back a snort. Harsh farming techniques?! These guys are just dumb enough to survive in bad conditions!

The Mud Gremlin looked overwhelmed. "Y-You would… give us land?"

Loran put a comforting hand on its shoulder. "Of course! And all we ask in return… is a little hard work. A small price for a better future, don't you think?"

The Mud Gremlin's face lit up. "Y-YES! A BETTER FUTURE! HARVEST KING WILL LOVE THIS!"

Mike internally fist-pumped. IT BOUGHT IT.

Kiera stared at the scene, then leaned toward Mike again. "Dude. This is actually messed up."

Mike smirked. "I know. But it's also genius."

Loran, keeping his composed expression, stood up proudly. "Then it's decided. Take us to your people. Let us discuss your future!"

The Mud Gremlin nodded aggressively. "YES! I WILL LEAD YOU TO THE VILLAGE!"

As it cheered in excitement, Mike and Loran exchanged looks.

And in that moment, their expressions morphed into the most demonic grins imaginable.

Mike whispered under his breath, "Congratulations, Loran. We just scammed an entire race into being our workforce."

Loran chuckled. "And they think it's a favor. Brilliant, my lord. Absolutely brilliant."

The Mud Gremlin, completely unaware, smiled in excitement, thinking it had just secured a golden future.

Meanwhile, Kiera just shook her head. "You two are actually evil."

Mike grinned. "No, no. Just… efficient."

—TO BE CONTINUED…