Leading the expedition was one of the three legendary figures of the Goblin Clan, the Great Sage Azebar.
"Great Sage, the ruins discovered by our scouts lie beyond that gate!"
Among the goblin cavalry, a particularly tall middle-aged goblin knight glanced at the towering metal gate and spoke respectfully to an elderly goblin trailing behind.
The elderly goblin wore a bone crown crafted from some unknown creature, gripping a staff carved from a jade-like spirit tree.
At the knight's words, the Great Sage's emerald eyes flickered with a swirl of blue and white light, as though some arcane mystery brewed within them.
After a long moment, he snapped out of his enigmatic trance.
To the astonishment of the goblin knights, the elderly sage leapt from his direwolf mount, knelt before the metal gate, and shouted with fervent zeal.
"Heavens bless our kind! Heavens bless our kind! The prophecy reveals that within lies the key to our clan's glory and dominance!"
"No, not just glory—it's far greater! With what lies inside, we goblins shall surpass the Titan Giants and Ancient Dragons to become the true masters of all Felander!"
After his outburst, he strode to the middle-aged goblin knight and issued calm, precise orders.
"Azir, I command you to return to the Goblin Court at utmost speed. Seek King Amigel and have him dispatch our finest legions and most skilled artisans to this place!"
"Furthermore, tell him this site holds the key to the Goblin Clan's ascension! It surpasses every possibility we've ever discussed!"
"Yes, Great Sage! I swear to deliver your message to the King!"
The middle-aged knight thumped his chest, his voice resolute.
One Month Later.
A goblin legion numbering nearly ten thousand had encamped around the ruins.
Three Months Later.
Through means unknown, the Goblin Clan finally breached the metal gate.
Years Later.
The myriad races of Felander began to notice something peculiar among the goblins: a new breed of intelligent beings, resembling Titans in form but standing only two meters tall.
Their physiques were unremarkable, devoid of any trace of supernatural aura, yet the goblins guarded them zealously.
They called themselves the Human Race.
In time, the Goblin Clan unveiled an array of strange creations that baffled the other races of Felander. Some of these bizarre constructs wielded immense power, capable of threatening even the remnant Titans and Ancient Dragons.
-----------------
The Eastern Seaboard.
Paradise Mountain.
Atop the mountain stood its grandest structure.
A magnificent edifice of marble.
Since the founding of the Winged Clan, the graceful Winged Ones had gradually abandoned the primal instincts of their Eaglefolk ancestors.
They had grown to cherish beauty, demanding perfection in all things.
This building was no exception.
Within its halls, Jarius sat at the head, flanked by two young Winged Ones, a male and a female.
The male stepped forward to report.
"Clan Leader, we've confirmed that the Titan King and the Ancient Dragon Emperor have indeed fought to a stalemate, both grievously wounded. Most of their Titans and Dragons perished! Given this, should we continue our strategy of seclusion?"
"According to our intelligence, fewer than ten Titan Giants remain in the world, and only a dozen or so Ancient Dragons survive, all heavily injured. The vassal races once loyal to them are growing restless, their allegiances wavering."
The female Winged One added.
"There's another critical detail: the Goblin Clan appears to be discreetly rallying the myriad races!"
Jarius nodded thoughtfully before asking.
"And what of the Eaglefolk Court?"
"The Eaglefolk King was gravely wounded in the final battle, yet remains loyal to the injured Thunder Titan. Recently, they rebuffed an envoy from the goblins!"
"I see," Jarius mused. "The Goblin Clan harbors ambitions of rebellion. But for us, both the Titans and the Eaglefolk Court are enemies!"
The Eaglefolk Court was a blood feud, and as for the Titans, Jarius doubted they would look kindly upon the Winged Clan after learning he had exploited Titan corpses for a century.
After a moment's contemplation, he issued his command.
"The war between the goblins and Titans won't erupt immediately. Claire, convey my orders: the Winged Clan will end its seclusion. Let our warriors take to the skies and lands of Felander to make our presence known."
"We must show all of Felander that the Eaglefolk are not the only intelligent race of the skies—there is also the Winged Clan of the Eastern Seaboard!"
"I have no doubt that soon enough, goblin envoys will come knocking at Paradise Mountain!"