In the next morning, a heavy silence blanketed the tribe after returning from the Elko battle. The air hung thick with the scent of dew-soaked earth and lingering smoke from distant fires, the weight of yesterday's chaos pressing on every soul.
Everyone woke slowly, bodies aching from the night's march, eyes shadowed with unspoken fatigue.
Fude stirred in his tent, his jelly form rippling faintly as he pushed aside the flap. He stepped out deliberately, scanning the goblins and tribespeople with a quiet intensity—watching them move like ghosts through morning routines, their movements heavy, faces etched with quiet relief and buried fears.
They survived... but at what cost? I need to see them whole.Ongo spotted him immediately, straightening from a crouch with wide, loyal eyes. His fur bristled slightly in the chill dawn, voice low and hesitant. "Master Fude... you woke up. Where are you going, master? I can come with you. Tell me.
" A pause stretched, his tail flicking nervously, hands clenching at his sides.Fude met his gaze steadily, a faint warmth softening his core despite the gravity. He exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing just a fraction.
"Nothing... I am out for morning fresh air. Inhale it. Yeah, you can come with me." Good. He needs this too—grounding after the storm.Both walked out in heavy silence, footsteps crunching softly on gravel as they climbed the mountain path.
Mist clung to the rocks, the world below unfolding in a vast, somber vista—the tribe's tents like scattered wounds on the green expanse. Wind whispered through pines, carrying faint echoes of birdsong, but the atmosphere felt leaden, charged with unspoken burdens.
At the summit, Fude paused, staring down with arms crossed, his form still against the breeze. A long silence fell before he spoke, voice low and weighted.
"I was very happy with you, Ongo. You led everything very well without myself... and I also know this—you suffered too much by the king." He bore my rage alone. How does one repay that shadow?Ongo shifted uncomfortably, gaze dropping to the dirt, ears flattening as memories clawed at him. His chest rose and fell deeply, fists tightening until knuckles whitened.
"Master... when I was a king of kingdom, I always tried to protect my people... tried to make my kingdom high. But when I lost my kingdom fully, it doesn't hurt me... because in my heart, it was saying you were there, saving this Ongo.
" His voice cracked faintly, eyes distant, reliving the fall—flames, screams, the hollow ache. Not the crown... but losing you would break me forever.A heavy pause, Ongo's breath ragged. "And really, I have never thought in my dream that horrible things occurred.
Our kingdom was too much powerful... exporting many things like gold, silver, and weapons, etc. But when I lost it, I don't feel anything hurt hard... which hurts me in my life... when I saw you lose control, my master Fude." He swallowed hard, body trembling slightly, gaze lifting with raw vulnerability. My heart stopped... failure again? No—never for him.Fude placed a steady hand on Ongo's shoulder, grip firm yet gentle, eyes locking with unyielding conviction.
Silence stretched again, the wind howling softly. "No, Ongo... you are not a problem for anyone. Believe in yourself. Because I saw how you handled everything smoothly after I lost my control." Brave through my darkness.
He doesn't see his own light. "You are always a brave commander... a brave king in my eyes. So don't blame yourself, got it? Because it kills you inside... slowly, slowly."Ongo nodded slowly, throat tight, a single tear tracing his fur before he wiped it away roughly.
Fude continued, voice dropping heavier, atmosphere thickening like gathering storm clouds. "So don't worry—now everything is perfect.
And I want to tell one more thing, Ongo. This is important for everyone... not for you only."Ongo's brow furrowed, body leaning forward tensely. "Master Fude... what are you saying? I can't get it." What shadow haunts him now?Fude turned fully to face the horizon, fists clenching at his sides, voice grave as stone.
A profound pause, his form quivering faintly with buried pain. "Ongo... as you know, I lost my control over myself in the battlefield. And if that boy was not present on the field to stop me... then I destroyed everything... which I never want.
I only want a peaceful life in this world where I was recreated by the gods." The rage... it nearly consumed all I built. Never again.Ongo's eyes widened slowly, breath catching. He stepped closer, voice barely a whisper after a stunned silence.
"Master Fude... are you come from the real world... after your death?"Fude nodded once, gaze distant, reliving the street's chaos—the glint of the knife, blood hot on skin. "Yeah... I came from there.
I was pinched by a sharp knife by a robber in the streets... and I tried to protect my friend Alok San." That life ended... this one demands more wisdom.Another heavy silence, wind moaning mournfully.
Fude's voice deepened, resolute. "Remember... a king or a leader rules on the kingdom through love can win against violence... can conquer territory, but not the people's hearts. Learn this." Power without heart is poison.
"So I want to say—you, if in the future I am leading a battle and get out of control over myself... then don't hesitate to kill me, got it? I am hoping this day never comes."Ongo recoiled visibly, face paling, hands trembling as he gripped Fude's arm desperately.
"Master Fude... I can't do this! We can't lose you—you are very precious for us... and this tribe was expanded through your hard work." Kill him? The thought rips my soul.Fude's eyes hardened, pulling away gently but firmly, silence amplifying the finality. "Now enough. You have to follow my orders which I said you, got it? And now we don't talk this topic again, got it, Ongo?"Ongo bowed his head low, shoulders slumping in defeated acceptance, voice a broken murmur.
"Okay... my master Fude."Fude exhaled sharply, turning away. "Now we shall go back in the tribe.""Okay, master Fude." They descended in weighted quiet, footsteps echoing hollowly.
At the base, Fude's eyes narrowed on a few goblin riders mounting up, their faces grim with purpose. "Where are you going, goblins? Can you tell me?"Cherko straightened rigidly, saluting with a fist to chest.
"Master Fude... we are going for hunting. For today night, we have arranged a party as victor of the battle. It was planned by Dazzley." A faint, proud glint broke through his fatigue.Fude nodded slowly, gaze piercing.
"Okay... but be careful. And come back before sundown." They rebuild... good. But vigilance never sleeps.They rode off into the mist-shrouded wilds, silhouettes fading solemnly.Ongo shifted awkwardly. "Master... I have work, so I am going. If you want something, call me.
""Got it. You go and finish your work, Ongo." Fude watched him depart, solitude settling heavy.Ongo went to his duties, and Fude entered his tent, where Dazzley waited anxiously, hands wringing a cloth, eyes downcast.
"Master Fude... I have made few foods for your breakfast. Can you eat?"Fude softened faintly, sitting wearily. "Okay, Dazzley. Give me what you cooked for me.""Dinosaur meat... which I roasted for you, Master Fude." She served it with trembling care, hovering silently.
Fude took a bite, chewing methodically, forcing a nod despite the void in his senses. "It was very tasty." Truthfully... no flavor reaches me now. But her heart needs this lie.In other side, Demon King Seriko stared into his glowing globe ball, face twisted in seething rage, veins bulging as Fude's image burned in the crystal light. The chamber echoed with his heavy breathing. "Jelly... you destroyed my five years plans in a second.
You will pay for this. I will never spare you, jelly. I am promising myself—I never spare anyone when I get first rank in demon king." That insignificant form... unraveling everything.
Fury boils eternal.Seriko's advisor bowed low, voice cautious amid the tension. "Now what you do, King Seriko? We have to think—when we get whole nation in our control, then we fight against the demon king for first rank."Seriko slammed a fist down, eyes blazing.
"I know that! My plans were vanished by a small jelly... but I never wait. I will again fight against the demon king Leobarko to snatch his first rank."Advisor pressed gently, unflinching.
"You can't even harm Demon King Leobarko. He was much powerful than you... and he was made demon king at fourteen years old. He was most experienced king."Seriko's rage erupted—he hurled a wine glass shattering to the floor, shards scattering like his fractured schemes. "I know this, advisor! And I don't want to hear this again, got it?" Silence fell sharp, his chest heaving.Advisor paused, then spoke evenly.
"King Seriko... if you want success in your plans, then I only say one thing. We have first to spread this jelly—cut off main kingdom. Like he was supported by Wellko Kingdom and Bcieco Kingdom... and Elko tribe king Zelkaro accepted him as his king."Seriko leaned forward menacingly.
"So what we have to do? Go and say him, 'I am very happy, jelly'? Ah?"Advisor's eyes gleamed coldly. "First, calm down. I have a plan. We have to send our human people... and they go in his tribe and say the goblins were trying to kill me.
Then they ruin his tribe and leave for do church where against the jelly."Seriko's scowl twisted into a dark grin, leaning back slowly. "That was amazing plan. Do whatever you want—you don't need any type of permission from me, got it, advisor.
""Okay, my King Seriko." Advisor bowed deeply. "Then I am going to send them in the tribe.""Got it." Advisor left with purposeful strides, shadows swallowing him.
Meanwhile, the first king got the information about Elko tribe battle. First Leobarko Demon King had sent his spy in every kingdom.One spy came into his cabinet, bowing low and kissing the king's appendage in reverence, body rigid with deference.
"My king... I have information which you want always."King Leobarko regarded him coolly from his throne, atmosphere thick with authority. "Which type of information you came in front of me."The spy, named Uche, straightened slightly, voice steady but reverent.
"A jelly creature whose name was Fude... he finished whole demon dinosaur troops which was sent by King Seriko to capture the Elko tribe. But he saved it... and he also lost his control over himself when he heard Dazzley—a goblin girl who always stayed with him—when he knew she died, then he got out of control.
And everything is in this magical stone stored."King Leobarko murmured gravely, "You said Fude... ha." A thoughtful pause, fingers drumming throne arm.His army commander, whose name was Leo Duro, stepped forward, eyes wide with rare awe. "I was glad to see a small jelly creature have this much power... and I have fought many battles, but never saw her type."King Leobarko nodded decisively, voice commanding.
"Commander Leo Duro... you have to leave for goblin tribe. I am giving responsibility to protect Fude's tribe. Because I know Kung Seriko's next target is Fude... and I don't want innocents die because of us.
"Commander Leo Duro—a giant bear whose were also known as death monster—gripped his eight swords tightly, body tensing. "What are you thinking, my king? I know you are thinking something big. I can know your plans."Leobarko smiled faintly, enigmatic.
"You know it very soon... but you have to most protect her tribe, got it? And when I get time, then I will make him my friend. It was enough for you to know.
"Commander bowed deeply, resolve steeling his massive frame. "Okay, my king. It was enough for us to know... and I am leaving for the goblin tribe.
" He strode out powerfully, swords clinking ominously.The spy boy lingered. "May I go, my king?""Okay... now you may go. And if you know more, then tell me."The boy bowed and departed silently.
Back in the tribe, the goblins returned from hunting, dragging giant hens in heavy silence, their faces smeared with effort and quiet triumph. Cherko hefted one proudly, muscles straining.
"Now it was perfect, our Master Fude. I will never eaten this in her life, I'm sure." They moved back solemnly, the weight of spoils mirroring their burdened hearts.Few minutes later, they came back into the tribe.But Fude slipped away to the near dungeon alone, atmosphere dim and echoing with drips.
He spread himself into clones, raising hands high in desperate solemnity. "Oh god... bless me to save my best friend Fox Berko." If only... to pull him from the void.He shot magic on his clone. After agonizing minutes, Fox Berko's soul transformed into the clone of Fude, taking shape as a giant, muscular boy—human version, towering powerfully.
Berko stretched slowly, grinning through fatigue. "Ah... finally I came out from your stomach. I got bored in your stomach, my friend Fude."Fude's core surged with rare joy, laughter rumbling deep.
"Yeah, my best friend... I was also happy to see you again, Berko." Laughter echoed—ha ha ha—breaking the gloom briefly."Now come with me in our tribe."Berko eyed him curiously. "A tribe? Ah.""Yeah... I became a leader of goblins tribe."Berko chuckled lowly. "Interesting, my friend Fude.
I know this... and you deserve this position." But peace? In this world?Fude sighed heavily, shoulders sagging. "But never wanted this position... only want to live peaceful life."Berko's face darkened seriously.
"Fude... forget you take peaceful life. Because you challenged the second demon king Seriko—he will target you. And I lied to you about myself."Fude froze, eyes narrowing in the dim light. "What you lied from me? Can you tell me?"Berko met his gaze unflinchingly, pause heavy. "I was a demon king... third my rank. And which thing I told you in the dungeon—it was fake information about myself.
I was not pet of here."Fude crossed arms skeptically, silence stretching taut. "Are you thinking I will believe whatever you said? And how I believe? You have to prove it that you are third demon king.
"Berko laughed deeply, then sobered, rolling up his sleeve slowly to reveal tattoo designs—like three heads of snakes etched boldly on his hand.Fude stared intently.
"Are you saying this tattoo designs were adding you all demon kings? Ha.""Yeah... but it was different at every rank.""How many demon kings were present?""Only 5 lords... but 5th lord died in the battlefield when he was leading the fight with first king Leo Duro against second king Seriko.
"Fude absorbed it gravely. "Did you know this... and when you become a demon king?""I was made king at the age of 25th... by first king. And King Leo Duro was made by old king whose name is Rachael Ray... at the age of 14 years."Fude exhaled thoughtfully.
"Oh... it interesting information about the demon kings. I have never thought this. So never mind—now we go in tribe."Both emerged from the dungeon's oppressive dark, stepping into tribe light with purposeful strides.The cook approached hurriedly. "Master... our guest was also came here.
""Did you serve them the drinks or not?""Yes, master... we serve them drink which you said."Berko leaned in curiously. "Whose your guest came here? Can I talk with them?""Okay... you come with me. But promise—you behave well, got it."They went to attend the feast, where King of Wellko Kingdom Lardo Frenko and Elko tribe King Zelkaro came with his son.
Tension hummed in the air, faces stern under torchlight.King Lardo Frenko eyed Berko sharply. "Who is this man, Fude? Can you introduce her?"Fude gestured calmly. "Oh yeah... I forgot to introduce him. His name is Berko... and he was third demon king in legendary swordsman.
"Wellko kingdom king and Zelkaro froze in raw shock, faces draining pale, bodies stiffening. "What... you name? Said Berko? He was that fox... who destroys our house five years later?"Fude nodded gravely. "Yeah, Lardo Frenko... you are right. He was that one.
"Zelkaro swayed, clutching his chest, eyes glazing. Fude caught his arm steady. "What happened to you, Zelkaro? Are you okay?"Zelkaro gasped, steadying with effort. "You are friends of demon king Berko... that way you are too much powerful."Berko interjected firmly, arms crossed. "This was not true.
He was powerful by himself... not by me, got it."Then everyone endured the party—drinks flowing heavily, night stretching long in somber enjoyment, shadows dancing with unresolved weight.And in the party, commander of first demon king also arrived in the goblin tribe... as per orders of first king.