LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 6: The Agreement
Hans had always assumed the mysterious voice speaking to him was some malevolent spirit, a parasite waiting for an opportunity to take over his mind and body. But now, as the truth settled in, his understanding of the situation shifted completely.
The voice was not just a spirit—it was Demon Lord Marlic, the former ruler of the Forest of Darkness.
Hans had heard of Marlic's reputation, a name whispered in ancient tales, feared and revered alike. Unlike other demon lords who sought power for themselves, Marlic had a vision—to unite all creatures, regardless of strength or status, into a single force capable of standing against the human kingdoms. Under his rule, goblins, orcs, lizardmen, and even ogres had worked together, standing as equals.
But Marlic's dream never saw fruition.
The Twelve Kingdoms, threatened by his growing influence, had sent a legendary hero to put an end to his ambitions. It was said that this hero possessed power beyond mortal comprehension, an individual capable of tearing through armies with a single stroke.
In the end, Marlic was defeated.
Yet, as the Twelve Kingdoms celebrated their victory, their hero mysteriously vanished without a trace. No one knew what became of him. Some believed he had perished alongside Marlic, while others whispered of a darker fate.
But with Marlic's downfall, chaos swallowed the Forest of Darkness.
Without a unifying force, the monster tribes turned on each other, vying for dominance. War erupted, and in the end, the ogres emerged victorious, establishing their iron rule over the land.
Still, some creatures remained loyal to their fallen lord.
Unbeknownst to Hans, the goblins were among the most devout followers of Demon Lord Marlic. They had held onto his teachings, his legacy, for generations. If they could see the spirit now speaking to Hans, they would undoubtedly bow in reverence, for they had never abandoned their faith.
Yet, only Hans could see and hear him.
With this revelation weighing on his mind, Hans knew he had to tread carefully. Even though Marlic had stated his intentions, trusting him outright was foolish. The former demon lord had been a ruler, a strategist. His words were sharp, laced with hidden meanings.
Even so, Hans had no choice.
The ogres and their allies would not tolerate a goblin breaking the laws of racial hierarchy. If Hans wanted to protect the goblins from the inevitable retaliation, he needed power. He needed knowledge.
And Marlic was offering both.
Taking a deep breath, Hans made his decision.
"I will accept your offer," he said slowly, "but on one condition."
A low chuckle echoed in his mind. "Oh? A condition? Very well, Hans. Speak. I am listening."
Hans' fists clenched. His heart pounded.
"I only have one condition," he said firmly. "You are never to attempt merging with my body again."
Silence.
Then, after a long pause, Marlic exhaled in amusement.
"Very well, I can agree to that," he said. "You have my word."
Hans exhaled in relief. But before he could speak, Marlic's tone grew serious.
"However… there is something you must understand," he continued. "If your life is ever in mortal danger, I cannot guarantee that I will uphold our agreement."
Hans frowned. "What do you mean?"
Marlic sighed. "If you die, I will disappear forever. This is not merely a contract of convenience, Hans. My very existence is tied to you now. If I ever sense your soul about to be extinguished, I will have no choice but to act. Whether you approve or not."
Hans hesitated. There was something
different about Marlic's words. For the first time, it felt as if he was genuinely… concerned.
Could a former demon lord truly care about him?
Regardless, Hans had made up his mind.
"Fine," he said. "I understand."
A deep laugh rumbled in the back of his mind. "Then our pact is sealed."
As their conversation concluded, Hans slowly returned to reality—only to notice the goblins staring at him.
They had seen his lips moving, his shifting expressions. To them, it was as if Hans had been speaking to thin air.
The shaman, his old eyes filled with curiosity, stepped forward.
"Mister Hans," he said cautiously. "Is there… something troubling you?"
Hans quickly shook his head. "No, nothing. I was just… lost in thought."
The shaman nodded, but as he turned to leave, his entire body froze.
A strange sensation washed over him.
A feeling so familiar, so deeply rooted in his past, that he could hardly breathe.
He had felt this presence before—long ago, when he was just a child.
It was the same presence that had once saved their tribe from destruction, the same force that had protected them from rampaging demon beasts.
Tears welled in the shaman's eyes. He knew who it was.
"My Lord…" he whispered under his breath.
Far away, deep within the murky swamps of the Forest of Darkness, a towering fortress loomed. Inside, a young chieftain sat upon his throne, his sharp reptilian eyes glinting with intrigue.
"Impossible," he muttered. "A single man defeated a demon beast?"
Lizardmen were among the few intelligent monster tribes, known for their warrior culture and tactical prowess. Unlike other creatures, they had successfully risen in the hierarchy, earning their place through sheer strength.
Their tribe had also been one of the first to join Marlic's cause in the past.
And now, something was happening in the goblin territory—something unnatural.
"Commander," the chieftain called.
A massive lizardman warrior stepped forward, his heavy armor clanking with each movement.
"Gather the troops," the chieftain ordered. "We ride for the goblin lands."
The commander blinked. "At once, my lord."
And then, the call echoed through the fortress.
"PREPARE THE TROOPS!!"
Back in the goblin's village
Hans remained unaware of the growing storm.
With his pact with Marlic now sealed, he had taken his first step toward changing the fate of the goblins.
But forces beyond his understanding had already begun to move toward him.
The lizardmen. The ogres. The Twelve Kingdoms.
And at the heart of it all—
Hans, the man carrying the will of a fallen demon lord.