Chapter 171: To the East
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 171: To the East
“It is time, Blood Dagger.”
“Mm… I’ll be right out.”
Hearing Goff’s voice from outside, I slowly made my way out. Some time had passed since the Great Tribe Leader was chosen, and new brothers had finally arrived in the Land of Glory. I’d heard rumors that quite a few had survived this time, and I was curious to see what kind of warriors they were.
As I stepped out of the tent, Orbo of the Shield, Gark and Hark, and the elite Orc swordsmen followed behind me. We were heading out to greet the Green Skins who had passed the trial of Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.
On the flags Gark and Hark carried on their backs was the emblem of a blood-stained dagger, drawn by Najin. It was now the banner that represented our clan, a flag that everyone now recognized, unlike in the beginning.
As I walked with considerable dignity, I drew some attention. Even the chieftains of powerful, large clans, not to mention the smaller tribes, turned their heads to look.
I couldn't help but feel that just as I had grown stronger, so had my clan. We had fought many battles and, in the end, emerged victorious. The elite Orc swordsmen, who had swung their swords until their hands bled, now had a definite fire in their eyes.
“That’s a fine clan.”
“I heard a rumor that the three brothers succeeded in hunting the demonic beast of the East and claimed its lair. They said it was an honorable battle… Indeed…”
“A promising chieftain.”
“He possesses not only wisdom but strength as well.”
Of course, I wasn't the only one receiving such praise. Goff and Black Spear were, too. In a way, we were the most watched rookies at the moment. Even Orbo, who had arrived here before me, was now serving under me, so it was only natural that they looked at us this way.
As we continued toward the entrance of the Land of Glory, Goff spoke up.
“This brings back memories.”
“It does. It was hard, but… it was definitely fun.”
They say memories are beautified by time. It had been difficult, but the time spent wandering the desert day and night, feeling myself grow stronger, wasn't as terrible as I remembered. I recalled sparring with Goff and getting lost after taking a wrong turn. Who would have known that the goblins who had silently endured back then would grow into such magnificent figures? If I hadn't taken the glorious exam, I certainly wouldn't have become this strong.
I glanced back. I wasn't the only one lost in sentiment. Gark and Hark were talking to each other about their own glorious trial, and the eyes of Orbo of the Shield, who had passed his exam long ago, were gazing somewhere far away.
When my eyes met Jung Hayeon’s, she seemed to remember being in my arms back then and lowered her head slightly. As I watched them for a moment, Black Spear spoke.
“By the way, Blood Dagger. Did you hear the news?”
“What is it?”
“They say this new group of Green Skins found the Land of Glory in the shortest time yet.”
That was interesting. I had thought their time was similar to mine and Goff’s, but it seemed they were a little faster. Naturally, my expectations rose. I worried they might have high standards and find me lacking, but it didn't matter.
When I first came here, I was a junior, but now I was a senior. It was a strange and amusing feeling. On the vast plain, the chieftains and members of countless Green Skin tribes took their places one by one.
A welcome for our new brothers.
Not a single one of them looked annoyed. Everyone was sincerely waiting for the new Green Skins to arrive in the Land of Glory.
Just as the wait began to feel long, they appeared in the distance. Focusing mana into my eyes, I could make out the greenhorns who still looked unseasoned. It wasn't just that they had broken through quickly. They had managed to keep a large number of their tribe members alive, as their numbers were quite large.
I couldn't tell if many humans had survived as well, but this was a record-breaking number of arrivals. It made me think that electing the Great Tribe Leader in advance had been a good decision.
There were those who had evolved into Kobolds, some who remained Goblins or Hobgoblins, and others who had the form of Orcs. Their appearances were all different, but the expression on the faces of those holding a crude banner that could hardly be called a flag was one of awe. Or perhaps, astonishment.
It was amusing to think that Goff and I must have worn the same expression when we first arrived. But how could they not be surprised? The very fact that so many chieftains and tribe members had gathered to form a path to welcome them was enough to move them. They must have felt as if they were being rewarded for their arduous trial.
One of them, in particular, stared at us standing on the great plain, his eyes shining as his body trembled. He seemed quite sentimental for an Orc.
Despite being the ones who had arrived in the shortest time with so many members, they were hesitating. But eventually, one of the warriors at the front took a step forward, and with that, they set foot upon the Land of Glory.
“For the brothers who have overcome the honorable trial!”
“For the brothers who have set foot upon the Land of Glory!”
“For the brothers!!”
Just as it had been for us, a thunderous roar echoed out. Everyone placed a hand over one side of their chest in a salute to them. The sight before them must have been breathtaking. At the end of the path lined by warriors stood a great fortress built of wood. The newly arrived Green Skins now raised their heads to gaze at the massive wooden citadel.
As if wanting to savor the feeling a little longer, they began to walk very slowly.
“The Land of Glory! Kkirik!”
“We’ve finally set foot in the Land of Glory!”
Just like the goblins from our clan, they were making a fuss. A smile crept onto my face, and when I looked at our Orc swordsmen, they bashfully lowered their heads, their faces flushing.
I slowly watched the newcomers as they passed by our clan, one by one. Countless Green Skins went by, but none were particularly impressive. Of course, the chieftains of each clan were decent, but if you were to ask if they were stronger than Goff and I were back then, the answer would be a bit ambiguous.
The one who caught my eye was the Orc who had trembled while looking at the plain with a sentimental expression. Many were responsible for their clan’s flag, but for some reason, I felt that he had been the key to this trial.
It seemed highly likely that he was the type who had led his entire group, just as Goff and I had.
He was looking around a bit distractedly, so by a stroke of luck, our eyes met. When I raised the corner of my mouth in a slight smile, he nodded back. It seemed I had made a good first impression.
At last, when they reached the great fortress, the massive gates began to slowly swing open. The newcomers, naturally, stared with wide eyes, eager to see the Great Tribe Leader of the continent.
The existing chieftains also placed their hands on their chests in a salute to the new Great Tribe Leader.
Originally, in Green Skin society, the Great Tribe Leader was one who stood above all other Green Skins. But of course, that wasn't all. One could not become the Great Tribe Leader simply by wanting to. It required strength, wisdom, honor, and the most important qualification.
The Green Skin who emerged as the gates opened certainly resembled the first Great Tribe Leader, Agar, whom I had seen three years ago.
His dignified gait and the depth in his eyes. The long tusks jutting forward and the scars on his body seemed to speak of the life he had lived. Without anyone ordering them to, all the newcomers placed their hands on their chests.
The new Great Tribe Leader looked upon them with a satisfied expression and slowly opened his mouth.
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor… I am Storm Shadow, Great Tribe Leader of this Land of Glory. My brothers.”
His voice overwhelmed the great plain—no, it overwhelmed all Green Skins.
*
“It seems things have settled down for the most part.”
“This is just the beginning, Blood Dagger. Personally, I am grateful to you. I feel it was a good decision to speak with you.”
After the welcoming ceremony for the newcomers had more or less concluded, Storm Shadow and I were talking in what was no longer Great Tribe Leader Agar’s tent, but his.
I didn't know if he had been hiding his true self all this time or if the position made the man, but Storm Shadow, now wearing the mantle of Great Tribe Leader, seemed different. His eyes had grown deeper, and I could see he was careful with his every action. He, too, was fully aware of the responsibility that came with bearing such honor.
“So, what is the plan moving forward?”
“First, we must announce the death of the former Great Tribe Leader. Before revenge and war, we must quell the chaos and strengthen our foundations. As I’ve said before, I will uphold the will of the Great Tribe Leader Agar. However, I am not Agar. I do not believe I can develop the Green Skins in the same way the first Great Tribe Leader did.”
“That’s a good way of thinking. Forging your own path for the Green Skins is a fine method.”
It truly was a good idea. I thought of the Orc from the South and the Werewolf from the North who had appeared alongside the Great Tribe Leader. Perhaps realizing that Storm Shadow’s honor was a step above their own, they had said nothing after the vote concluded.
They had simply nodded and pledged to become the loyal servants of Great Tribe Leader Storm Shadow. Seeing them assist him earlier, it seemed their pledge was sincere.
“The first Great Tribe Leader, Agar, shouldered everything himself. Many Green Skins tried to help him, but he chose to sacrifice, dedicating everything for our sake. Compared to him, I am very small. However, with the help of countless chieftains, including Sand Glave, Silver Fang, and Earth Wave, I do not believe I will fail to uphold his will. I still find it difficult to understand the coexistence he desired… but I will live according to his final message.”
“I, too, will lend you my strength, Storm Shadow.”
He had taken another step forward. This Troll, who had spent his entire life in the shadow of Great Tribe Leader Agar, had finally stepped into the light. But despite the anxiety he felt, I did not think for a moment that he would fail to lead us well.
Storm Shadow was already a more than excellent Great Tribe Leader, an honorable being. Looking at his face once more, I was certain of it.
“Thank you for your words, Blood Dagger.”
“You flatter me.”
“However, for the time being, I will not be accepting your help.”
His words were sudden. As I was trying to process them, the Great Tribe Leader, Storm Shadow, slowly spoke.
“I’m entrusting the East to you.”
His words were a bit startling.