CHAPTER 12 – [“In Need of a Guide”]

harsha stepped out of the guild hall, Sephara's voice still echoing in his head:

> "A little beyond Shudralokh, there's a small jungle. In the middle of that jungle, you'll find a house. That's where Zogo lives. Just follow the river that flows from Shudralokh, and you'll reach his home."

With the map charm tucked safely in his pouch, Harsha didn't waste a second. He turned toward the edge of the village, where the silver-blue river curled like a living thread across the earth.

Before leaving, he stopped by the bustling village market. Goblins bickered loudly over prices, glowing signs floated overhead with fake enchantments, and enchanted tools clinked behind every stall.

He mentally checked Sephara's list:

✅ Holy Water – purchased.

✅ Healing Potion – purchased.

✅ Rations – purchased.

✅ Storage Cards – purchased, two gold coins each.

> "I hope these are worth the price," Harsha muttered, adjusting the pouch at his belt.

Only two things remained: enchanted armor and a weapon.

He approached the largest armor stall — a flashy monstrosity covered in fake silver polish and loud, blinking signage. The goblin shopkeeper, old and crusty with a twisted beard, eyed Harsha like a walking wallet.

"I need enchanted armor," Harsha said.

The goblin grinned lazily. "Ten silver gems. Just three gold coins each."

Harsha raised an eyebrow. "Three? Not even two?"

His voice didn't rise, but it sharpened. "Sephara already told me the actual price — ten gold coins or four silver gems. Do I look like I crawled out of a cabbage cart?"

Nearby goblins chuckled. The vendor's smile twisted bitterly.

> "If you're going to scam someone, at least try harder. Even a baby goblin with a fever could swindle better than that."

The shopkeeper's pride flared. "Fine. Five coins per gem. Fifty for the set."

Harsha blinked slowly. "You're raising the price because I caught your scam?"

The goblin shrugged. "Cheap goods? Try Astralokh."

"Astralokh's a year away on foot."

"Exactly."

Harsha laughed coldly. "I'd rather let a troll brush my teeth with a sword than buy from this overpriced dump."

He walked away — empty-handed, but proud.

Ahead, the river shimmered beneath the fading sky. The chaos of the village faded behind him. The jungle crept closer with every step.

> "It's been five hours since I entered this world…"

He moved faster, boots sinking slightly into the moss as he followed the river's soft song.

Then, something caught his eye.

A white rabbit.

It sat at the riverbank, fur sparkling like frost, and between its paws shimmered a White Gem.

> "A White Gem...? Sephara never mentioned this. Must be rare. Maybe I'm just lucky."

Excitement surged in his chest. But the rabbit twitched and darted into the glowing underbrush.

Harsha followed carefully. The rabbit paused just ahead — always within reach, always watching him — before darting away again.

> "If I catch it, I can bring it back for Sephara… or Zogo."

He lunged.

THWACK!

An arrow pierced the rabbit mid-air. It slammed into a tree — which immediately sizzled and melted into a bubbling green pool.

Harsha stumbled back.

> "WHO'S THERE?!"

A voice snapped from the bushes. "You idiot! I had to kill it because of you!"

A goblin girl emerged — red hair braided like flames, a bow slung across her shoulder. She looked like a wildfire in boots.

"I made you kill it?" Harsha asked.

"That thing was a trap beast," she snapped. "White Stone creatures use elemental defenses when threatened. It would've melted your face off. I saved you."

He stared at the sizzling bark. "That wasn't magic?"

"Goblin magic doesn't exist," she scoffed. "We use tools, traps, and brains. You owe me one gold coin."

"Nope," Harsha said. "Didn't ask. Not paying."

She narrowed her eyes. Then—thok!—a small stone hit his forehead.

"Ow!"

"Consider that your bill," she smirked and vanished into the trees.

---

Three more hours passed.

At the jungle's edge stood a crooked hut wrapped in mist.

Harsha stepped to the fence and called out, "Zogo! Mister Zogo! I'm here to meet you!"

The door creaked. A small human child stepped out, holding a grass cutter.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

Harsha smiled and reached to pat his head. "Hey, little warrior—"

The boy slapped his hand away. "Touch me again and I'll slice that hand off."

Harsha raised both hands. "Okay! Angrybird. Got it."

The boy disappeared inside.

A moment later, a broad-shouldered goblin boy emerged — scar on his lip, thick belt, muscles that said "I wrestle bears for fun."

"You Zogo?" Harsha asked.

"Do I look like a wrinkled fart?" the goblin snorted. "I'm his servant."

He looked Harsha up and down. "You don't look worth escorting."

Harsha smirked. "Maybe your eyes are faulty."

"Try not to trip on your shadow, bangle boy."

As they walked, Harsha spotted a flash of red behind a tree.

> Her again?!

The goblin girl stuck her tongue out.

Harsha sighed and walked faster.

---

Inside the hut, warm candlelight danced across bones, scrolls, and strange tools.

On the bed sat a wrinkled goblin — Zogo — his leg wrapped in thick bandages.

"What do you want, kid?"

Before Harsha could reply, the red-haired goblin girl entered, holding a scroll.

> "He's here on Lady Sephara's request."

Harsha blinked. "How did you—?"

She winked.

Zogo read the scroll and raised a brow. "Sephara, huh? That changes things."

He studied Harsha.

"Well, boy—"

> "Bangle boy," the girl added, grinning.

Zogo growled. "Manners, Zara."

He turned back. "I could train you… but I'm injured. I can't guide you."

Harsha frowned. "Don't you have someone else?"

Zogo's grin widened. "I do. A boy. But he's weak. If he dies, you take his place as my servant for life."

Harsha paused.

> "Zogo is clever," Sephara had warned. "He'll try to trap you in debt."

"I'll pass," Harsha said. "If I have to carry a deadweight, I'd prefer it be you."

Zogo laughed.

Then — the bandages vanished. The limp disappeared. He stood tall.

Harsha's jaw dropped. "That was… an illusion?!"

"Not magic," Zogo said. "A one-time-use Mirage Stone. We goblins adapt."

He tossed Harsha a stiff scroll.

> "A field almanac. Study it. Know your stones."

---

🧾 SINGLE-USE BEAST STONES – FIELD ALMANAC

Tier: Common to Rare

Trigger: Beast Survival Instinct

Use: Once only by humans

Effect: Color-Aligned abilities like acid, speed, illusions, etc.

---

Zogo's voice dropped. "Even a weak stone can kill a strong warrior. Knowledge is power."

Harsha crossed his arms. "Now that you're clearly fine… you're coming with me. I'll pay well."

Zogo snorted. "I'm old, not suicidal. But… I can assign someone."

"Who?"

"A boy. Younger than you. Expert in hand-to-hand combat. But he won't follow orders unless you defeat him in a duel."

Zogo's eyes gleamed.

> "Oh, and one more thing — he mixes combat with trap mastery. Be cautious, little bangle boy."

Harsha cracked his knuckles.

"Then tell him to meet me in the ring."

Next chapter:-13 THE FIST THAT BINDS