Overlord: Welcome the Birth of the King

Agu?

Seeing that the hobgoblin Mukua seemed to recognize the newly arrived hobgoblin, Lyle narrowed his eyes slightly, studying the one called Agu.

The Gigu Tribe's Agu?

This was a minor character from the anime. Compared to the other hobgoblins, who were just slightly more intelligent than regular goblins, Agu stood out. He displayed intelligence on par with that of a human.

Lyle carefully examined him. Other than being a bit younger, Agu didn't look any different from the other hobgoblins. He lacked the distinct features that made him stand out in the anime.

At least… from Lyle's perspective, all these hobgoblins looked more or less the same.

Just then, rustling sounds came from the nearby undergrowth. Two more hobgoblins emerged, following Agu. Their gazes met Lyle's, and an inexplicable chill ran down their spines. Instinctively, they took a step back.

"H-Human..." one of them stammered in fright.

It made no sense. The human before them was lean—his limbs were thinner than even a young ogre's arm. He looked nothing like the towering trolls of the deep forest.

Yet, just standing there, this human radiated an aura that made their skin prickle with fear, as if they were in the presence of a mighty troll lord.

"M-Master! They are from my tribe!"

Mukua, still lying on the ground, hurriedly propped himself up on his elbows, his voice trembling as he spoke.

"They are not lowly goblins!"

He was terrified that Lyle might cut Agu down just as he had effortlessly slain the lesser goblins.

Agu tensed, his legs trembling, before suddenly dropping to his knees. He placed both hands on the ground and pressed his forehead into the damp forest floor.

"H-Honored human... we are from the Gigu Tribe, deep in the forest. We are not like the lowly goblins."

His voice quivered as he spoke, his nervousness causing him to stumble over his words.

"Please... spare Mukua. We... we are willing to offer you something valuable in exchange."

His plea seemed to awaken the other two hobgoblins. Realizing the situation, they hastily removed the large wooden baskets strapped to their backs and placed them on the ground before kneeling alongside Agu.

"Oh?"

Lyle's gaze flickered with interest as he turned to Mukua, who was still prostrated.

"It seems you hold some status in your tribe."

Mukua's face lit up with pride despite his battered state.

"Of course, Master! I am a hero of my tribe!"

"A hero?"

Lyle chuckled lightly and stepped forward, his attention shifting to the baskets in front of Agu.

One was filled with various herbs. Many still had dried soil clinging to their roots, indicating they had been harvested recently.

The other basket contained strange mushrooms, most of them blue and oddly shaped—somewhat poisonous-looking.

Herbs? Mushrooms?

Lyle raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a knowing smirk as he turned to Agu.

"You're quite clever—more than I expected."

He might not recognize these herbs or mushrooms, but their presence in the depths of the Tob Forest suggested they were valuable.

For the Gigu Tribe, however, these items were likely not considered rare treasures.

It wasn't that Agu was trying to deceive him.

On the contrary—

This hobgoblin clearly understood what held value in human society.

Considering the Gigu Tribe's harsh living conditions, they wouldn't have much that humans would find desirable. Yet, Agu had chosen to offer something that humans would undoubtedly want.

That level of insight was rare among demi-humans.

Agu remained bowed, too afraid to lift his head. He didn't understand why this powerful human had suddenly praised him.

But at least—

The herbs he had offered seemed to have pleased him.

Agu let out a quiet breath, his nerves easing slightly.

When he had first heard reports from fleeing goblins that Mukua had been captured but not killed, he had begun to suspect that this human warrior harbored no particular hostility toward hobgoblins—only toward the weaker goblins.

After all, from the perspective of a hobgoblin, goblins were an entirely different species.

With that in mind, Agu had gambled that offering valuable herbs from the forest might allow him to establish some form of relationship with this human.

But...

Was this human stronger, or were the trolls of the deep forest stronger?

Agu hesitated.

It must be the trolls, right?

Before he could continue this line of thought, a calm, measured voice interrupted.

"Tell me about the trolls in the deep forest."

Agu flinched, instinctively looking up to see Lyle standing there, arms crossed, gazing down at him with an unreadable expression.

That towering figure sent a fresh wave of fear through him, and he quickly lowered his head again.

"H-Honored one..."

Agu stammered, struggling to grasp Lyle's intent.

"With so many goblins dying in the outer forest, and considering the chaos I've caused recently…"

Lyle tapped a finger against his arm.

"The trolls must have noticed, no?"

He had been cautious while operating on the outskirts of the Tob Forest, wary of attracting the attention of the trolls.

Agu hesitated before nodding.

"They know, Master."

His expression darkened, recalling his futile attempt to seek aid.

"But… to them, goblins are just disposable pawns. No matter how many die, they don't care."

"They don't care?"

Lyle's eyes gleamed slightly.

He had worried that his activities would attract the attention of the trolls, which was why he had limited himself to the outskirts.

But now, hearing Agu's response, he realized he had been overly cautious.

Come to think of it—

Those arrogant trolls had even ignored Ainz's warning. They had been defeated twice and still failed to recognize the power disparity.

It made sense. If they could be so blind to a supreme being's strength, they certainly wouldn't care about some dead goblins.

I should've acted even more boldly.

Lyle smirked slightly before refocusing on Agu.

"Tell me everything you know about the deep forest and the trolls."

This time, Agu didn't hesitate.

He eagerly shared all the information he had, harboring a secret hope—

That this powerful human might rid them of those damn trolls once and for all.

By the time Lyle finished listening, a satisfied smile formed on his lips.

He had gained valuable intelligence.

The next time he ventured into the Tob Forest, he would be much better prepared to deal with the trolls.

With a casual wave of his hand, he stored both large baskets into his inventory.

Agu lifted his head slightly, only to see the baskets vanish into thin air.

His round eyes widened in shock.

Gone? Just like that?

What incredible power…!

Is it some kind of magical artifact…?