Chapter 435 - Kutuk Re Qutuk

"Ring of Kushraz!" Mogranius shouted, remembering its name and assuring that its introduction will enslave everyone's attention.

Being the first to break the silence after that unnecessary shout, bewildered and unsure what's going on, King Michael spoke. "What's that?"

Direct, showing that he wasn't using anything as a metaphor, Mogranius answered. "A Ring."

Certain that everyone will follow up with a boat load of questions, observing how everyone around him are lost in this conversation, Mogranius continued with a brief explanation. "It belonged to an Ignite King in the late first Era, he died roughly over 2,100 years ago and such."

Asking the obvious question, firmly decapitated in terms of linking this topic with more Fire Power, King Michael asked. "What benefit does it bring us though?"

First showing dissatisfaction by shaking his head left to right repeatedly and saying. "I thought you would know about this more than me, a pity really."

Second and most importantly he described the Ring's attributes, "Shortly, it can make a Fire Controller a hell lot more Dangerous. Even a Magician can blast 10 foot wide Fireballs without even wasting 1/10th of his or mam's Stamina."

Although he has seen some bizzare things in his life so far, Mogranius an example. King Michael doesn't see this ring as something real and he did not fail to express it. "Are you sure this isn't fiction? That ring sounds far too powerful to be in anyone's possession."

His ears blowing out smoke, literally! Mogranius expressed his gathered up nerves by yelling his logical wordplay. "I've been to his Dungeon myself your "Highness"! For some reason no Fire Blaster can ever get in there so you know something valuable is down there."

Poking at Mogranius' plan once more, not because the King doesn't believe him but more like he wants to piss the old man off, Michael asked another Question. "Do you think Marixha can get down there, she is a Fire Blaster too... although through an unusual end."

His face red, smoke covering his Wizard hat and ears completely, not shouting this time but whispering instead, Mogranius answered. "How about we toss you against the Force Field with a Bear Claw and hope for the best?"

Realizing that he might be going too far, the King cut the jokes and tried modifying the idea. "How about we send Commander Alia and Isabel down there, they are more than capable."

Calming down in a break of a second, as if he was a moody Teenager although he is 60 years old! Mogranius both loves and hates this idea. Sure these two ladies could pass through the forcefield, but what other dangers could be collecting dust, set up straight by this King who can enchant.

Unaware of any offensions he can cause with his wordplay, Mogranius answered. "That's a good idea, but they can get killed. They have no Fire."

Commander Alia, being in the same room, jumped in the conversation and had an urge to smack the man behind the head. "I can survive in a Dungeon, you can barely survive in the shit shack alone."

Raising his forefinger high, Mogranius stated. "Okay that was one time!"

Interrupting this... unique topic. King Michael asked. "In which Dungeon exactly can they find this Ring?"

Mogranius immediately corrected with his forefinger still high. "The ring of Kushraz!"

Understanding his points of view, King Michael went along. "Yes, the ring of Kushraz. Is the Dungeon far away?"

Realizing that he might not have thought this entirely true, putting his forefinger down Mogranius stated. "It's about 30 Kilometers away from Dragon's Flame Kingdom..."

Shocked, looking at this time-wise. King Michael slightly yelled. "What? That Kingdom is nearly 500 Kilometers away from here!"

Based on experience, Mogranius explained. "Isabel can run faster than I can fly, this mission will take 2 weeks tops."

Trying to prove that she is strong as well as smart, Commander Alia released a firm fact. "And if we get it, it will be much like having 2 Grand Masters in our little group here."

Well the plan is settled from this point, the Fire Controllers can stay here and protect the Kingdom from Demonic invasions. In this sensitive situation it is a relief that they prove absolutely useless in that Dungeon.

With no time to waste, the two ladies will be well equipped and heading for Kushraz's Dungeon."

...

Looking at possibly 700 potential enemies in front of him, standing firm in front of Gaster Kingdom. These... creatures have not yet attacked, and Demand to talk to the Ruler of this Kingdom... they want to talk to King Michael.

Not sure what kind of title to use, never seen these beings before he figures that the "Peaceful Demons" have something to do with this. King Michael spoke as he approached the Leader. "Greetings... Sir...?"

Thankfully, able to speak the Ignite language this creature Answered. "I'm Sir Kutuk Re Qutuk. Leader of the Goblin Demons, claimer of land and treasure."

Seeing where this situation is going to, King Michael tried to remain calm and kind in order to avoid a possible conflict. "Hello Kutuk Re Qutuk. I'm King Michael, what brings you and your Army here today?"

Like any enemy or potential enemy, these... Goblin Demons came here unannounced. Although 4 foot tall, they sure can prove dangerous considering all the one handed Iron battle axes they are carrying. 

The Leader of these puzzling beings, cut straight to the case without any fear whatsoever. Getting c.o.c.ky once seeing the smaller Army size in front of the Castle walls. "I demand 20... no 30 Gold Coins a week if you wish for your Domain to not be attacked by us Goblin Demons."

As the leader made his demand clear, those of his own species cheered him on with countless whispers or loud talks.

"Yes 30 Gold Coins."

"We are big army."

"Gold or war."

"Kutuk smart!"

"I need new underwear."

Looking back at his army, Kutuk shouted. "Quiet."

If King Michael wanted to battle these Goblin Demons today, he would just squat down and tease the Leader's height and then cut his head off. But he will never get an opportunity like this one again.

Seeing that King Michael hasn't yet replied, Kutuk attempted to intimidate. "We are raiders, we have claimed many lands as our own! Now we only need more Gold! Pay us, or we shall claim your walls."

Understanding that this branch of self acclaimed Demons aren't particularly bright, King Michael the much smarter decided to kill two birds with one stone here. "I will pay you 30 Gold Coins a week for peace. But see, another species of Demons is causing us trouble. If you are willing to keep some of them away from my Kingdom, I will pay you a 500 Gold Coin bonus now and 70 additional Gold Coins every week."

Particularly smarter than the usual Demons who run around and shout until they got killed, but not too smart either. Kutuk Re Qutuk raised his hand and started counting his 7 fingers with the other, murmuring. "That's a lot of Gold."

Overall, apart from their short size King Michael is much intrigued by how their heads look. A key characteristic, they only have one eye right above where the nose is supposed to be. Compensating the other eye most creatures are supposed to have, with size as this one eye alone is big!

Apart from this unique eye, They have two long Donkey like ears which points out towards the Goblin attributes the King supposes. And right under the Ears, two Horns stretch Horizontally to the left and right. Mostly straight, but have a sharp curl at the end.

And what could be the most bizzare feature, their Chin is almost normal... The Jawline starts normal but the Chin stretches down, 1 inch or so thick and 4 inches long.

When these beings turn their head left or right, the King can see that the back of their head is longer than any Human would have. Starting from their neck, the back of their head takes a curl backwards, a foot long basically.

No doubt, these are the most interesting creatures he ever saw, and likes to learn more about them.

The Leader interrupted the King's curiosity by shouting. "I accept your offer."

"Perfect." Taking the opportunity to use these Demons as a Source of information, King Michael offered as he remained careful with his words. "You and your men might require a meal. How about you join me in my Castle, to see if we can make any other Deals and in the meanwhile my men will feed every Soldier of yours for free."

Agreeing to this more than reasonable offer, Kutuk turned around to face his Army but bumped into one of his men. That pissed the short leader off so he shouted, "Move you son of a Blue Goblin."

Kutuk continued to shout after, but this time for good. "Army!! We need gold, we will get gold. King offers Gold. You will stay here and not cause any trouble, or I will personally use you as fish bait."