The city of Garnolith was no longer just a hidden place in the forest. It had become a symbol of strength. Stone walls stood tall, glowing golems patrolled the streets, and the people walked with pride. At the center of it all stood Jin—their king, their protector, their hope.
And soon, the world began to take notice.
---
It started with a flower.
A young lizard girl placed it at the base of Jin's statue in the square. She closed her eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Stone King," before she ate her meal.
More followed. A small stone shrine was built near the citadel. Inside, torches glowed softly, and symbols of Jin—the sword, the mountain, and his crest—were carved into the floor.
They called it the Church of the Stone.
Raku, once a soldier saved by Jin, became its leader. He spoke with passion.
"Jin gave us safety. He gave us a future. He taught us to build."
Some said Jin was chosen by the gods. Others said he was a god.
They sang songs of stone and fire. They told stories of battles and kindness. And slowly, belief spread—not just in Garnolith, but to faraway lands.
Jin visited the shrine one day. He looked at the people kneeling.
"I am not a god," he said. "I bleed. I fight. I build. That's all."
But Raku only bowed and said, "Even gods walk the land sometimes."
Jin looked into the hopeful eyes of his people. He couldn't stop them. He wouldn't break their faith.
"I will protect you," he said gently. "But don't forget—I'm still just a golem."
Outside the shrine, the people knelt and prayed. And far beyond the forest, the Church of the Stone began to spread.
---
In distant kingdoms, whispers about Garnolith turned to concern.
In Redvale, a merchant spoke before Baron Silen.
"The walls are high. The golems walk like soldiers. The people are proud and unafraid."
"And who leads them?" the Baron asked.
"A man made of stone. They call him the Stone King."
Silen narrowed his eyes. "No one rules a forest without our knowledge…"
In Frostmoor, the Queen read a scroll with a calm but sharp gaze.
"Stone King. Golems. Mana crystals. A fortress in the wild..."
She looked at her knight. "Is he building an army?"
"Possibly," the knight said.
"Then he is a threat."
In Sunderash, the desert emperor laughed at the rumors.
"A god in the woods? Let him have his fun."
But later, in secret, he whispered to his spies, "Watch this city. And watch its king."
Back in Garnolith, Jin stood atop the citadel. The sky was quiet, but he felt something.
"They're watching," he said softly. "Let them."
---
Merchants came next.
Dressed in gold and silk, they brought gifts: fine wine, bright cloth, rare spices. But their eyes held greed.
One tall man bowed before Jin in the great hall.
"Oh great Stone King," he said sweetly, "I offer you riches. In return, I want just a little mana crystal."
"How much?" Jin asked.
"A wagon full," the man smiled.
Jin's red eyes glowed. "No."
"No?" the merchant gasped.
"You want to trade lies for power. I will not give away the future of my people."
The merchant shouted, "Other kings would beg for this!"
"I am not other kings," Jin said calmly. The guards led the merchant out.
More traders came with smooth words and shiny gifts. All were turned away.
Some cursed his name. Others, the honest ones, spoke well of him.
"He is strong—and smart," they said. "He cannot be bought."
Even the children began to play, shouting, "No lies in my land! I am the Stone King!"
That night, in the crystal garden, Jin touched the glowing stones.
"Strength," he whispered, "is also saying no… even when the world says yes."
---
As night fell, Garnolith glowed in peace.
But in the forest nearby, someone watched.
A man in a dark cloak, with glowing eyes, stood in the shadows. He climbed a tree and looked at the tall walls and glowing golems. He saw guards, children learning magic, and carts full of crystals.
He pulled out a silver ring and whispered, "This is Agent Crow. Report to the Black Crown."
A voice replied, "Speak."
"The city is stronger than expected. The Stone King leads loyal people. He controls powerful golems and crystals."
"Is he a threat?"
The spy looked at the giant stone statue of Jin in the city square.
"Yes," he said. "A great one."
"Then keep watching. If he grows too strong… we crush him."
The spy nodded and disappeared into the trees.
Back in the citadel, Jin looked out at the dark forest.
He didn't see the spy.
But his heart told him something was coming.
He narrowed his eyes.
"Let them come," he said with a small smile.
"I am not afraid."