As twilight settled over the city, the glowing orbs that lined the streets flickered to life, bathing the stone-paved paths in a gentle, ambient glow. Varvatos, having taken a leisurely stroll with Ranga at his side, paused atop a raised terrace overlooking the central square. From here, he could see everything—the heart of his domain. And it was growing.
His sharp eyes caught movement near the southern section of the settlement. Humanoid figures with long tails, scaly limbs, and tribal gear moved about, assisting goblins in lifting lumber and carrying stone. Lizardmen.
Varvatos (turning to Rigur, who stood nearby):
"I see we have new allies. Lizardmen, if I'm not mistaken?"
Rigur (nodding and stepping forward):
"Yes, my lord. They arrived not long after you departed for Dwargon. Their leader said they had heard rumors of a powerful being building a sanctuary within the forest… and they wished to be part of it."
Varvatos (stroking his chin, intrigued):
"Interesting. The forest listens more keenly than I thought. Good work, Rigur."
Rigur (bowing):
"It is our duty and our honor."
Varvatos (after a brief pause):
"Tomorrow, you will organize teams—scouts and emissaries. I want you to scatter throughout the Jura Forest. Any intelligent monster you meet—be they ogres, beastkin, dryads, or dragons—tell them what we are building here. A kingdom of peace and strength, under one banner. Invite them. We will welcome all who come with good intent."
Rigur (with a spark of pride):
"As you command, Lord Varvatos. I shall begin organizing tonight."
The clang of hammer on steel rang through the air like music. Smoke curled up in neat spirals from chimneys newly constructed along the Forge District, a small enclave to the east of the central square. Kaijin and his brothers—Garm, Dold, and Myrd—had already settled in.
Their workshop was both practical and ornate, made of fine stone enchanted to endure extreme heat. Runes glowed faintly along the walls, and several elemental furnaces were already in use.
Kaijin (wiping sweat from his brow):
"Never thought I'd build a forge in a monster city... and yet, I haven't felt this inspired in years."
Garm (examining a blade under enchantment):
"The energy here is so dense and controlled. It's like the earth itself listens to us."
Myrd (nodding):
"I've already started forging a new batch of armor—something custom-fit for ogres and goblins alike."
Dold:
"And I've been sketching designs for a hybrid weapon—might work for lizardmen."
Just then, Gobta burst in, half-covered in soot and panting.
Gobta:
"Kaijin! Kaijin! The orcs arrived! And… and there's a flying lizard too! A big one!"
Kaijin (raising an eyebrow):
"Flying lizard?"
Gobta (grinning):
"A Wyvern, I think! But don't worry—he's friendly!"
The gates, recently reinforced by magic-infused stone and adorned with banners bearing Varvatos' sigil, opened wide as Rigur and his teams returned.
With them came an impressive sight: a diverse assembly of monsters. Orcs, surprisingly calm and disciplined. Dryads, walking gracefully among the trees that followed. Kobolds, scurrying with curious eyes. Lycanthropes, strong and proud, followed by elves with bows slung across their backs. Even a small group of demi-humans, their origins unknown, came forward with hope in their eyes.
Rigur (to Varvatos):
"My lord. They came willingly. They wish to join our cause."
Varvatos (stepping forward, addressing the new arrivals):
"You have heard the call. Know this: here, strength is respected, but peace is sacred. This kingdom shall be your home, if you wish it. Contribute. Protect. Grow. And you will never be alone again."
There were murmurs of agreement, and many among the new arrivals knelt in pledge.
The village had evolved into a thriving city.
Shops of all kinds lined the main road—weapon smiths, potion brewers, scroll vendors, and clothing stalls selling enchanted garments. Homes were crafted with both utility and beauty, adorned with hanging lanterns and patterned stonework.
A training ground had been established near the west district, where ogres sparred with goblins, and lizardmen taught orcs advanced spear techniques. Veldora occasionally "supervised," shouting dramatic advice from a shaded perch.
Children—goblin, kobold, demi-human alike—gathered in open-air classrooms, listening to elders teach them language, mathematics, and history. A library, still under construction, was being built near the central square with plans to house ancient texts and magical tomes.
Kaijin (walking beside Varvatos):
"In all my years, I've never seen this. Different races. No tension. Just… unity."
Varvatos (smiling faintly):
"Because this place was not built on fear or power. It was built on the belief that monsters, too, can dream."
Shion (approaching with a list):
"Lord Varvatos, we've finished the plans for the harbor on the southern riverbank. With your magic, we can start construction within the week."
Varvatos (nodding):
"Do it. This city will soon be a capital."
Benimaru stood at the edge of the newly constructed central plaza, watching the people move with purpose. Orcs hauling lumber. Elves organizing supplies. Dwarves hammering at their forges. Even wyverns gliding above the city, forming part of the aerial patrols. He turned to Varvatos, who stood beside him, arms folded and eyes scanning the horizon.
Benimaru broke the silence, "You know… we should also establish a proper name for all this."
Varvatos glanced sideways, curious. "A name?"
Benimaru nodded. "Yeah. This place has grown beyond a village. It's basically a real kingdom now. One with culture, order, and strength. It deserves to be recognized for what it is."
Gobta popped up from behind them, covered in flour from a recent kitchen visit. "Oooh! What about 'Gobta-ville'?"
Veldora, standing on the other side of Varvatos, burst into laughter. "Hah! As if we'd name this grand place after you! 'Gobta-ville'? That's comedy gold!"
Gobta scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Well, it was worth a shot."
Varvatos closed his eyes for a moment. He was quiet. Still. Almost like the world around him had faded into a gentle hush. The wind tugged at his coat as he thought, memories of his journey playing in his mind: the goblins' loyalty, the dwarves' dedication, the many races coming together under one cause.
Then, with calm confidence, he opened his eyes.
"…Nyvaris."
Everyone turned toward him.
"That's the name," Varvatos continued. "From this day forward, this land—our land—will be known as Nyvaris."
Benimaru raised a brow. "Nyvaris…"
"It has a nice ring to it," Kaijin said, stepping forward, wiping his soot-covered hands on a cloth. "Strong, noble, and timeless."
Shuna, who had just arrived with a tray of tea, smiled softly. "It feels like a name that can inspire generations."
Veldora gave an approving nod. "Nyvaris… I like it. It sounds legendary."
Gobta squinted. "What does it mean?"
Varvatos looked ahead toward the horizon, where the stone walls of the city met the wild beauty of the Jura Forest. "It means 'New Dawn of Unity' in the ancient tongue. A name to reflect what we're building here. A nation where all intelligent beings can stand together—regardless of race or background."
There was a moment of silence, as everyone took in the weight of the name.
Then Benimaru placed his hand over his chest and bowed. "Long live Nyvaris."
"Long live Nyvaris!" the others echoed, one by one.
And so, as the sun finally dipped behind the trees, casting its final golden rays upon the realm, the Kingdom of Nyvaris was born—its heart beating with hope, power, and the promise of a future forged by all.