Two weeks after starting our expansion projects, I'm sitting with my feet in a shallow pool, shoes off and pants rolled up, enjoying a rare moment of peace. The swamp markings on my skin glow faintly in the dimming light of dusk. It's still humid as hell, but I've almost gotten used to it.

  Almost.

  "Miss the goblin caves we first set off from?" Morrigan asks, somehow materializing beside me without making a sound. Her evolved form casts an impressive shadow across the water.

  "Every damn day," I admit with a laugh. "But this isn't so bad." I gesture at the transformed landscape around us.

  And it really isn't. In just two weeks, our projects have progressed with astonishing speed. The agricultural initiatives have already yielded their first harvests, mushroom beds producing strange but nutritious fungi, razorfish pools teeming with writhing silver shapes, and patches of swamp rice already knee-high and vibrant green.

  Most impressive, though, is our northern expansion. The swamp has stretched toward the Thunder Mountains with unnatural speed, tendrils of marshland extending along the channels we've constructed. In some places, the wetlands already touch the mountain foothills, creating a seamless connection between our territories.

  "The miners report excellent progress," Morrigan informs me, the primary reason for her visit. "The mountains contain rich veins of iron, copper, and other metals. They've also discovered something unexpected."

  "Oh?" I look up at her, squinting against the setting sun.

  "Existing mine shafts. Ancient ones, stretching deep into the mountains. Far deeper than they should."

  Before she can elaborate, one of Nerk's elite hobgoblins approaches, saluting crisply. "Monster Lord, your presence is requested at the northern mining outpost. Urgently."

  I sigh and pull my feet from the water, wiggling my toes one last time before stuffing them back into my boots. "So much for my break."

  ---

  The journey to the northern mining outpost takes most of the night, even with Morrigan's magical assistance speeding our travel. By dawn, we reach the foothills where our swamp now mingles with the base of the Thunder Mountains. It's a strange but impressive sight, marsh grasses and cypress-like trees growing right up to rocky slopes, the transition between ecosystems now blurred by our terraforming efforts.

  The mining outpost itself is a hive of activity. Evolved goblins scurry about with surprising discipline, carrying tools and ore samples. Orc blood-warriors stand guard at strategic points, their metallic skin patterns catching the morning light. Trolls assist with the heavier work, their regenerative abilities making them ideal for the more dangerous aspects of mining.

  Nerk meets us at the main entrance, his evolved form ducking slightly under the wooden support beams.

  "Situation complex," he begins without preamble. "Miners broke through wall into existing tunnel system three days ago. Not natural formation. Constructed."

  "By who?" I ask.

  "Unknown initially. Sent exploration team. Two hobgoblins, one blood-warrior. They returned yesterday with... visitor."

  He leads us to a large tent where Gorthal stands guard, his fragment-enhanced axe at the ready. Inside waits one of the strangest beings I've seen yet in this world, and that's saying something.

  The creature stands about four feet tall with grey-blue skin that seems to shimmer slightly in the torchlight. Large, luminous eyes dominate a face with minimal nose and mouth features. Spindly limbs end in six-fingered hands with what appear to be natural crystalline formations at the fingertips. Most striking is the network of glowing lines beneath its skin, pulsing with soft blue light in complex patterns.

  "This is Thrazz," Nerk introduces. "Representative of the Azurite Conclave. From what he calls the Underrealm."

  "The what now?" I blurt out.

  The creature speaks, its voice surprisingly melodic despite the clicking undertones. "The Underrealm, surface-dweller. The true domain beneath your temporary kingdoms. The endless caverns and passages that span the continent's underbelly."

  I glance at my lieutenants, who seem equally surprised. "You're telling me there's an entire... civilization down there?"

  Thrazz makes a sound that might be laughter. "Not one civilization. Dozens. The Azurite Conclave is merely one faction among many who dwell in the deep places. Your miners have breached our territorial boundaries."

  "I guess we should have posted 'No Trespassing' signs," I mutter, then shake my head. "Sorry. We had no idea anyone lived down there. We're just looking for metal ores."

  "So your subordinates explained," Thrazz replies, those luminous eyes studying me intently. "The Conclave is... disturbed by surface dwellers penetrating so deeply. It has been centuries since such incursions occurred."

  Great. Two weeks into our mining operation and we've already managed to piss off an underground civilization we didn't even know existed.

  "Look, we don't want any trouble," I say, trying for a diplomatic tone. "If we've crossed into your territory, we can pull back, establish proper boundaries—"

  "The Overseer requests your presence," Thrazz interrupts. "You, specifically, Monster Lord. To discuss terms."

  I blink in surprise. "Me? Down there?"

  "You are the leader. The one who commands these evolved surface monsters. The Overseer wishes to assess your intentions directly."

  I look to my lieutenants for input. Morrigan steps forward. "I should accompany you. The Underrealm may contain magical phenomena unknown to surface dwellers."

  "I will also attend," Nerk adds. "Tactical assessment necessary."

  Gorthal nods. "Blood-warriors provide protection."

  Thrazz makes a sharp clicking sound. "The Monster Lord may bring two companions only. The paths to our settlement are not designed for large numbers."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  After some discussion, I decide on Morrigan and Nerk as my escorts. Gorthal will remain to oversee the mining operations and maintain communication through our bond network.

  "When do we leave?" I ask Thrazz.

  The creature's glowing patterns pulse more rapidly. "Now. The Overseer does not enjoy waiting."

  ---

  The descent into the Underrealm is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. What began as a conventional mine shaft quickly transitions into something else entirely, a perfectly carved tunnel with walls so smooth they feel almost polished. Glowing crystals embedded at regular intervals provide illumination that shifts subtly in color as we progress deeper.

  "How much farther?" I ask after what feels like hours of walking downward.

  Thrazz doesn't break stride. "We approach the First Threshold. Beyond lies the Shimmering Way, which will lead us to Azurite territory."

  "Very helpful," I mutter under my breath.

  After another hour of descent, the tunnel suddenly opens into a vast cavern that steals my breath away. The ceiling soars hundreds of feet above us, dotted with luminous stalactites that cast rainbow-hued light across the expanse. Below stretches an underground landscape I could never have imagined—terraced fungal forests in impossible colors, lakes of water so clear they appear almost invisible until something moves beneath the surface, and distant structures carved directly from the cavern walls in complex geometric patterns.

  "Holy shit," I whisper, and for once, Nerk doesn't correct my casual language.

  "The Great Hollow," Thrazz announces with obvious pride. "One small chamber among thousands that form the Underrealm."

  As we cross the cavern floor, I notice movement everywhere—other subterranean beings going about their business, creatures that defy easy description pulling carts of mysterious goods, flying things that might be bats or might be something else entirely carrying messages between distant points.

  "How has no one on the surface known about this?" I ask, still gawking like a tourist.

  "Some do," Thrazz replies. "The dwarves, certainly. Some elder elves. The lich Malachar." That last name sends a chill down my spine. "But surface dwellers generally lack interest in what lies beneath their feet until they need something from it. Like your metal ores."

  We're led across a bridge formed from what appears to be a single massive mushroom cap, its surface hardened to stone-like consistency. Beyond lies the Azurite settlement, a complex of interlocking crystalline structures that glow with the same blue light as Thrazz's skin patterns.

  The Overseer's chamber is an imposing space carved from a single enormous geode, its walls lined with crystal formations that seem to observe us as we enter. Seated upon a raised dais of blue stone is a larger version of Thrazz, though with more elaborate patterns glowing beneath its skin and crystal growths emerging from its shoulders and head like a crown.

  "The Monster Lord of the surface approaches," Thrazz announces formally.

  The Overseer studies me with eyes that seem to see through flesh and bone. "An unusual surface dweller," it observes, voice deeper and more resonant than Thrazz's. "Neither fully human nor fully monstrous. Carrying fragment energy, yet not corrupted by it. Interesting."

  I swallow hard, unsure of proper protocol. "I, uh, appreciate you meeting with me. There seems to have been a misunderstanding about territory—"

  "No misunderstanding," the Overseer interrupts. "Your miners breached our boundaries. This is fact. The question now is what comes next."

  Morrigan stiffens beside me, power gathering subtly around her transformed form. Nerk's posture shifts almost imperceptibly into combat readiness.

  "I hope what comes next is a peaceful agreement," I say carefully. "We didn't know about the Underrealm when we started mining. Now that we do, we can establish proper boundaries, maybe even trade arrangements if that's something you're interested in."

  The Overseer's crystal crown catches the light, sending prismatic reflections across the chamber. "The Azurite Conclave has no inherent objection to surface dwellers mining where appropriate. Metal holds little value for us compared to the crystals we cultivate. However..."

  Here it comes, I think.

  "...we currently face a situation that disrupts our crystal cultivation. A problem your strange evolved army might help resolve."

  "What kind of problem?" I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.

  "A dragon problem," the Overseer states bluntly. "A crystal drake has taken residence in our southern cultivation chambers. It destroys our harvesters and disrupts the resonance patterns necessary for proper growth."

  Of course it's a dragon. It couldn't be something simple like giant rats or a plumbing issue.

  "And you want us to... what? Kill this dragon for you?"

  "Remove it," the Overseer clarifies. "Kill, drive away, convince it to relocate, the method is irrelevant. The result is what matters."

  I glance at my lieutenants. Morrigan's expression remains carefully neutral, but I can feel her intrigue through our bond. Nerk is already calculating tactics, I can practically see the gears turning behind his eyes.

  "And if we help with this dragon situation?" I ask.

  "Then the Azurite Conclave would consider formal agreements. Mining rights in designated areas. Trade of surface goods for Underrealm materials unavailable above. Perhaps most valuable to you, Monster Lord—a secure ally below the surface who could provide intelligence about movements others might wish to keep hidden."

  That last bit catches my attention. An information network that extends throughout the continent's underside would be invaluable, especially with threats like Malachar and his Death Knights still out there.

  "We'd need to know more about this crystal drake," I say. "Size, capabilities, weaknesses."

  The Overseer makes a gesture, and a three-dimensional image appears in the center of the chamber, a projection formed from light filtering through crystals. It shows a serpentine dragon with crystalline scales and wickedly sharp growths protruding from its spine and tail. Not as massive as I'd feared, perhaps thirty feet from snout to tail tip, but definitely formidable.

  "It arrived three cycles ago, following a crystal vein into our cultivation chambers. It consumes the raw crystal growths, disrupting centuries of careful cultivation. Its scales deflect our conventional weapons, and its breath weapon crystallizes organic matter on contact."

  Lovely.

  "How soon do you need this handled?" I ask.

  "Yesterday would have been preferable," the Overseer replies without humor. "Tomorrow would be acceptable."

  I take a deep breath, considering our options. This is clearly dangerous, but the potential benefits are significant—mining rights, trading opportunities, an Underrealm ally with an extensive intelligence network.

  "We'll deal with your dragon problem," I decide. "But I'll need to bring more of my forces than just these two."

  The Overseer's patterns pulse rhythmically for a moment before it responds. "Acceptable. Thrazz will guide you to the appropriate cavern. I suggest you prepare thoroughly, Monster Lord. The crystal drake has already killed twenty-seven of our cultivators."

  As we're escorted from the chamber, Nerk leans in close. "Dragon hunting different from typical combat operations. Need specialized approach."

  "No kidding," I mutter. "Got any ideas?"

  "Several," he confirms. "Will need Gorthal's blood-warriors with fragment-enhanced weapons. Morrigan's magical countermeasures for crystallization breath. Perhaps Morkath's trolls for regenerative capabilities if injuries occur."

  "So basically everyone," I sigh.

  Morrigan places a taloned hand on my shoulder. "Consider, my lord—this challenge also presents opportunity. A dragon would make an impressive fifth bond, would it not?"

  I stop in my tracks, staring at her. The thought hadn't even occurred to me.

  "A crystal drake as our fifth lieutenant?" I consider the possibility, imaging the kind of specialized forces a dragon commander might lead. "That's... actually brilliant."

  Nerk nods appreciatively. "High-risk strategy. But potentially high-reward. Dragon bond would provide aerial capabilities currently lacking in army structure."

  As we make our way back to the surface to gather our forces, my mind races with possibilities. The Monster Lord's army with a dragon lieutenant, that would change everything.

  Assuming, of course, we don't all get turned into crystal statues first.