It is actually a he.

The goblin didn't like the idea of being a pet. Such an idea represented the opposite of his current goals. Nor did he like the names the mage presented. But now was the time to be lead out and try to escape. Not to complain or cause trouble. So the monster merely flashed his cock and balls hidden behind a small loin cloth. The mage simply responded with, "Gob it is then." Gob would have rolled his eyes at that if he was familiar with the expression.

The man proceeded to fetch a leash and collar. Returning to the cage he pulled a key out from a pocket and opened the door to the cage. He then reached out clicking into place the ends of the collar around the goblin's neck. Standing up with leash in hand and Gob attached to the end of it he said, "We might turn a few heads while we are out, but you should be fine as long as you stick with me."

Gob nodded. He was going to run off, but not before being out of sight of any bystanders. As the two of them headed out they certainly caught a lot of attention. Some people pointed and murmured among themselves. Having a tamed beast or even a contractually bound demon or elemental was not too unusual, but to have a monster under control was unheard of. A couple of more boisterous and drunk onlookers heckled the mage and goblin.

Gob could for the most part understand what was said and was unfazed. The man similarly ignored the onlookers for the most part, but did say to Gob while affecting an air of superiority, "Some people just take things for granted. Wasting away their mind and life. But I strive to keep things moving forward. Few care enough to better themselves. It is even rarer for someone to take an interest in the unknown and improve everyone's knowledge and understanding. Although more than plenty of people seek out power and glory. Some such fools brave the dungeon you once defended."

Gob wondered why did the dungeon even need defending and for what cause did it get attacked? So he looked up to the mage and asked, "Why do people attack the dungeon?"

"I can't say with absolute certainty. As the only people who have gone and returned never killed the boss. But supposedly at the end is a portal that leads to a place more densely suffused with mana and power. Stronger races, beasts, monsters, materials, and a deadlier dungeon that repeats the process. Some legends say a few gods were actually mortals that conquered dungeon after dungeon until they ascended into godhood."

"Ascended into godhood?" Gob said perplexed by such a notion. He could understand what was said, but such a change seemed impossible. From his limited knowledge gods were supremely powerful beings. By comparison even the boss of the dungeon he once lived in should be less than a fly to a god. Yet supposedly people that would need a well trained group to even attempt the dungeon could grow in power enough to be a god.

"Yeah. It is almost certain that some gods were not around from the beginning. And it is quite likely that some were once normal people. Although exact details are uncertain. Facts inevitably get altered. Parts get omitted. Stories become exaggerated. And so on. Therefore unless you can verify something yourself, everything must be taken with a grain of salt."

The forest loomed tall in the distance as the duo left the city. The forest floor was dimly lit with little light making it through the tree leaves. The edge of the city was not far from the forest. A dirt path lead straight into it.