The True Shape of the World

The Shadeborn woman watches me, her violet eyes reflecting the soft glow of the etheric light pulsing from the Guardian standing nearby. I can feel the weight of this moment settling in. She has offered me something few in this world would—knowledge. And knowledge, in a place like this, is just as valuable as gold or power.

I cross my arms and nod. "Alright. Let's start with the basics. Who exactly are these rulers you mentioned?"

Her expression remains unreadable as she begins speaking, her voice calm and measured. "The lands you stand on do not belong to you. They do not belong to the goblins you've taken under your rule, nor to the beasts that roam the forests. Every inch of this world falls under the rule of Territorial Lords—some by birthright, some by conquest, others through sheer power."

I narrow my eyes. "And where am I right now?"

She glances around my settlement, her gaze sweeping over the goblins, the Guardians, and the resources being gathered. "You are in what is considered wild land. Unclaimed, dangerous, often ignored. It is a space that the strong can take, but also one where the weak are swallowed."

I let out a slow breath. That explains why I haven't faced direct opposition yet. If I've been operating in a no-man's-land, then there hasn't been a reason for the powerful to take notice—yet.

"But that will change," she continues, as if reading my thoughts. "The moment you expand far enough, claim too much land, or grow too strong, you will no longer be ignored."

Behind me, Gorak scoffs. "Then we take before they come." His arms are crossed, his stance rigid. "Grow fast. Fight first."

The Shadeborn woman barely gives him a glance. "That is one way. But brute strength alone will not be enough against those who have ruled for years."

I keep my gaze locked on her. "Then what's the smart way?"

Her smirk is subtle. "You must know your enemies before they know you. You must move in the shadows while they still see you as insignificant."

A system notification pings in my mind.

[New Quest Unlocked: Shadows Before War]

Objective: Gather Intelligence on the Nearest Territorial Lord

Reward: +200 Gold, +Faction Information

I exhale. The system itself is recognizing that this is important. That means I need to pay attention.

I turn my attention back to her. "And where would I start?"

"There is an outpost not far from here," she explains, shifting slightly. "A minor hold under the rule of a Lesser Lord. It is not a fortress, nor a stronghold, but it is where scouts report and information flows."

I glance at Gorak. His jaw tightens, his hands clenching into fists. "You mean a place to raid."

The Shadeborn tilts her head. "If that is how you choose to act."

I process her words carefully. If an outpost exists nearby, that means I am already on the edge of someone's influence. This "Lesser Lord" may not see me as a threat yet, but if I keep expanding, they will. The question is whether I act first or wait for them to come to me.

I weigh my options carefully.

1. I could send scouts first, get a read on their numbers, weaknesses, and leadership before making any moves.

2. I could strike immediately, hitting them before they even know I exist.

3. Or I could try diplomacy—introduce myself before conflict becomes inevitable.

The smart move is gathering intel before making a decision.

I nod slowly. "How much do you know about this outpost?"

The Shadeborn's smirk lingers. "Enough to get you inside."

Gorak scowls. "Trickery."

She meets his gaze without hesitation. "Strategy." Her eyes flick back to me. "If your leader is smart, he will not waste it."

I ignore their exchange, opening my system menu to check my resources.

Current Gold: 780

Passive Income: 30 Gold per Minute

I have enough to upgrade my forces before making a decision. If I wanted to strike first, I could recruit more warriors or enhance my Guardian Units. If I chose to scout first, I could focus on stealth-based upgrades or even attempt recruiting a more specialized unit.

Finally, I exhale and meet the Shadeborn's gaze. "We start with reconnaissance. I need to know what we're dealing with before I commit to anything."

She nods approvingly. "A wise choice."

The system chimes.

[Quest Accepted: Shadows Before War]

"Where is this outpost?" I ask.

She steps closer, drawing a rough outline in the dirt with her finger. "Half a day's journey to the east. Near the river, positioned at a natural choke point. They do not have a large force, but their walls keep them safe from wandering beasts and raiders."

I crouch, studying the rough map she's making. "How many?"

"Fifty, at most," she answers. "But most are not warriors. Fifteen fighters, maybe twenty if pressed. The rest are laborers, scouts, and low-level administrators."

Gorak grins. "Then we could crush them."

I glance at him. "Or we could learn more first. We don't know who backs them."

His grin fades slightly, but he nods. He understands the risk.

I straighten. "I'll send a small scouting party. Myself, the goblin scout, and two others."

Gorak raises an eyebrow. "You? A leader does not need to sneak in shadows."

I smirk. "Maybe not. But a leader also doesn't charge into battle without knowing what he's fighting."

The Shadeborn woman watches the exchange with mild amusement. "If you go, you'll need more than a goblin scout. I can guide you through the terrain unseen."

I hesitate, but it makes sense. She knows the land, and if she wanted to betray me, she wouldn't have waited this long.

"Fine," I say. "You come with us."

The system chimes again.

[New Party Formed: Reconnaissance Group]

Members: Ethan, Shadeborn Guide, Goblin Scout, 2 Goblin Warriors

I nod, satisfied. This is a calculated risk, but it's one I'm willing to take. If the outpost is weak, we can exploit that. If it's stronger than expected, we'll know before walking into a fight unprepared.

The Shadeborn smirks. "Then let's begin."

As the sun dips lower on the horizon, I gather my team, ensuring we have what we need for the journey ahead. The outpost represents the first true test of my rule, the first step into the larger political world of this.