The warlock shook its head. "Only heard whispers. Smoke in the air that wasn't ours. Lights in the far cliffs that flickered too perfectly. Nothing direct."
Ethan leaned back, letting the words settle in.
"There are sanctums," the goblin said slowly, "with power far beyond ours. Places where humans rule. Or orcs. Or stranger things. But they do not talk. They do not trade. They prepare."
Ethan's jaw tightened. That wasn't what he wanted to hear. No maps, no detailed alliances, no clue which direction to head in next. Just… rumors.
"And if I wanted to reach one?" he asked, though the question already felt hollow.
The warlock smirked, a weary, mocking smile. "Then walk. Until the Labyrinth eats you."
Ethan stared at it for a long moment, then rose to his feet. The goblin flinched slightly, expecting violence.
Instead, Ethan simply turned and walked toward the door.
Just before stepping out, he stopped.
