MTL NOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 14 – Bonds of Trust
Chapter 14 – Bonds of Trust
The tension lingered long after Kurobe and his entourage disappeared into the forest. The goblins resumed their work, but the air remained heavy with unease. Joshua stood at the edge of the village, his galaxy-red eyes locked on the treeline. His mind raced as his Heavenly Abyss System quietly calculated the probability of future attacks.
[Threat Likelihood: 87%. Timeline Estimate: 3-7 Days.]
"Three to seven days..." Joshua muttered under his breath.
"Already planning ahead?"
Rimuru's lighthearted voice broke through his thoughts. The golden-eyed slime floated to his side, radiating his usual calming presence.
"Someone has to," Joshua replied, his voice cool.
Rimuru chuckled. "You're always two steps ahead. But don't forget — we're in this together."
Joshua's gaze flicked toward his brother. Despite his casual demeanor, Joshua knew Rimuru's mind was just as sharp. They were opposites, but their bond made them stronger.
[Synergy Bonus Activated: Tempest Brothers. Combined Combat Efficiency +15%.]
Joshua's system flashed the notification, reminding him that their connection wasn't just emotional — it was tactical.
"I won't forget," Joshua finally said.
Rimuru's smile softened. "Good."
Preparing for War
The brothers spent the next few days reinforcing the village's defenses. Joshua worked alongside the angelic wolves, organizing shifts and sharpening wooden stakes. The demonic wolves, led by Zagarath, prowled the perimeter, their crimson eyes gleaming in the shadows.
Rimuru, meanwhile, used his Predator skill to create stronger weapons and armor for the goblins. He even taught the more promising warriors like Gobta the basics of combat.
As the sun set on the third day, the village was a fortress of sharpened stakes, trenches, and hidden traps. The goblins trained tirelessly, their confidence growing under the brothers' guidance.
Despite the preparations, Joshua couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be enough.
[Hostile Force Detected. Estimated Time of Arrival: 12 Hours.]
His eyes narrowed. The system's warnings were never wrong.
"They're coming," he murmured.
Rimuru glanced up from inspecting a spear. "Already?"
Joshua nodded. "Tonight."
Rimuru's smile faded, replaced by a determined glint. "Then we'll be ready."
The Night Battle
Darkness fell, casting long shadows across the village. The Tempest Wolves prowled the outskirts, their howls echoing through the night. The goblins stood ready, clutching their weapons with trembling hands.
Joshua stood at the front lines, his body flickering between his human and slime forms. His galaxy-red eyes glowed faintly in the dark.
Rimuru floated beside him, his aura calm but sharp.
"They'll test our defenses first," Joshua whispered.
"I know," Rimuru replied.
The first attack came just before midnight. Direwolves, larger and more savage than the Tempest Wolves, emerged from the shadows. Their howls split the night as they charged the village.
"Hold the line!" Joshua's voice rang out, clear and commanding.
Zagarath and the demonic wolves met the enemy head-on, their crimson fangs tearing into the invaders. Arven and the angelic wolves flanked from the sides, cutting off escape routes.
Joshua's system flickered in his mind.
[Combat Analysis: Advantage. Probability of Victory: 72%.]
He clenched his fists. That still left too much room for failure.
With a flicker of white light, Joshua activated Abyssal Chains, binding three direwolves in place. Their snarls turned to whimpers as the dark chains coiled around them, squeezing tighter with every breath.
Rimuru's voice echoed in the night. "Water Blade!"
A shimmering arc of water sliced through the air, felling another two wolves.
The battle raged on, the brothers moving in perfect sync. Every time Joshua's demonic side pushed for violence, his angelic side tempered it, turning each attack into calculated precision.
By dawn, the ground was littered with the bodies of fallen wolves. The Tempest Wolves howled in triumph, their howls echoing across the clearing.
New Bonds
As the sun rose, Rimuru approached the remaining direwolves, their heads bowed in submission. He placed a hand on the largest wolf's head.
"I name you Rigurdo, leader of the Tempest Wolves."
Joshua followed, his eyes softening as he approached two smaller wolves — one with silver fur and another with jet-black fur.
"I name you Seraphis and Nyx."
[Naming Complete. Angelic and Demonic Subclass Activated.]
Seraphis shimmered with holy light, while Nyx's fur darkened, crackling with shadow energy.
The Tempest Brothers had not only defended their village — they had forged a new alliance.
Joshua's system whispered in his mind once more.
[Quest Complete: Defend Tempest Village. New Quest Generated: Expand the Village. Prepare for the Coming War.]
The storm was far from over — but the Tempest Brothers would weather it together.