Chapter 174: The Eastern Training Camp
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 174: The Eastern Training Camp
There are always strange ones, no matter where you go. While most grow up without much fuss, like Goff and me, there are certainly Green Skins who spend their three years causing trouble. And since the chieftains have no say in who they get, they can end up with uncontrollable troublemakers.
Thanks to the antics of Giant Scream Apachi, this year's batch was effectively branded as a bunch of problem children by the other chieftains. Though I dished out some much-needed discipline, the other chieftains also seemed to be pondering how to handle these newcomers.
I had already figured out exactly how I was going to handle Apachi. As I slowly laid out my plan, the other chieftains all nodded in agreement.
They seemed to find it quite reasonable.
The plan was to run them into the ground so thoroughly it would bring to mind an army from Earth. After three years, they would become true warriors, so it wasn't exactly a bad deal for them. The other newcomer chieftains gathered to offer Apachi words of consolation, but the Orc sorcerer, who looked quite sharp, seemed to sense that something was off. He kept glancing our way with a nervous expression.
Truthfully, this incident raised my standing a bit. I hadn't shown my full strength, but anyone who had reached a certain level of power could surely gauge how far I had come.
Even by my own assessment, I was just barely there, but I had certainly reached a level that could be called exceptional—top-tier.
It was only natural that the newcomers now looked at me with a hint of fear. With my heart pounding in anticipation, I could do nothing but wait for tomorrow.
And so, the next morning came.
I left my tent, my heart fluttering with excitement. Jung Hayeon's expression had brightened considerably lately, perhaps because we had been spending so much time alone together. Even the murderous glint in her eyes seemed to have faded a little.
“Taesung. So, is that Orc, Giant Scream, really going to come?”
“Yes. I was pretty rough on him yesterday, so I'm a little worried, but he gave his word. I doubt he'll back out now.”
“I hope that's the case.”
Recalling his condition yesterday, the chance of him bailing wasn't exactly low, but since he had spoken up himself, I believed he would keep his word. The day of selection had arrived, a day I eagerly awaited. I smiled, thinking of Mev, the sub-chieftain Ragia, and the countless members of my clan waiting for me. At the very least, I wouldn't be returning empty-handed. That fact alone was a great relief.
Just like before, all the chieftains, excluding the newcomers, gathered in the Great Tribe Leader's tent. The most excited among them were, predictably, Green Goblin and Big Ogre. Big Ogre, in particular, wore a tense expression; it had been a long time since he'd hosted a guest other than Goff.
“I heard the news, Blood Dagger. That was a fine thing you did. Kkirit.”
I turned toward the voice and saw it was Green Goblin. He gave me a thumbs-up, apparently having heard about yesterday's events and realized the importance of a proper lesson.
The one who drew all eyes away from me was, of course, the Great Tribe Leader, Storm Shadow. The tent flap opened, and all the chieftains turned to watch as Storm Shadow slowly strode to the center.
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor...”
After they exchanged the customary salute, a hand placed over the heart, the new Great Tribe Leader began to speak.
“The proposal Blood Dagger made yesterday seems quite sound... While looking after the new Green Skins for three years is an important duty for us, it is not more precious than the clans you are sworn to protect. As long as it is not too excessive, there is nothing wrong with establishing proper discipline. This isn't merely about looking after them. Providing systematic training is also a good idea. I will leave the matter to the discretion of each clan.”
His words were a bit vague, but permission had been granted. I bared my teeth in a hidden grin. Soon, the newcomers began to file into the tent. It wasn't difficult to spot Giant Scream Apachi.
Though he had been treated with the sorcerers' spells, he clearly hadn't recovered completely. His face and entire body were still badly swollen.
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor...”
After the newcomers exchanged greetings with the Great Tribe Leader, Storm Shadow addressed them.
“It is as I told you before. Green Skins, you who have passed the Warrior's Exam and set foot upon the Land of Glory. You may now choose your path for the next three years. For these three years, the chieftain you select will support you with all their heart and soul. Only after that time has passed may you raise your own new Green Skin banner upon this vast continent.”
Apachi and the others nodded in understanding.
“I have already introduced the chieftains, so we will skip that. Let us begin. First, the wise and honorable chieftain, Crugar. Whom do you choose?”
“I choose Goff of the Goff Clan. I am a sorcerer, and he is a great warrior, but I do not believe there is nothing I can learn from him. I am most curious about his clan.”
Goff's grin stretched from ear to ear. He was genuinely delighted. Seeing his face, I felt a pang of envy. That Orc, Crugar, was one I had my eye on. He was the brains of the operation, the one who kept the more belligerent new chieftains in check. Though he had failed to control Apachi earlier, the mere fact that he had looked so anxious at the time proved he was a thoughtful one.
I already knew that the son of Orbo the Shield would become an exceptional sorcerer, but even so, sorcerers were still a precious resource for any clan.
Of course, Crugar would be leaving in three years, but the development of a talented sorcerer would serve as a great lesson for the unrefined youngsters in the clan. Even though we lived in the same territory, I was envious that Goff had been his choice.
Still, I decided not to get impatient.
I still had Giant Scream Apachi.
As time went on, the chosen chieftains nodded. Although they were taking on a troublesome burden, they viewed being chosen as a positive thing and couldn't completely hide their pleasure.
“I, Hatagu, will go with Tanasha in the North.”
“Our Giant Axe Clan...”
“I, Small Beer of the Small Beer Clan...”
There were many newcomers, so the selection process unfolded slowly. The strange thing was that they all seemed to be subtly avoiding the East. Of course, a few others had chosen the East after Crugar, but they were a tiny minority.
For some reason, I started to feel sorry for the other Eastern chieftains. And as the pool of newcomers dwindled, my own anxiety began to grow.
The truth is, despite his nickname, Giant Scream Apachi is a pretty decent prospect. He's a little unhinged, but he was clearly the one with the real power among the newcomers. In terms of raw combat strength alone, you could say he's even a cut above Crugar, who chose Goff.
The reason I could watch the proceedings with such a relaxed demeanor was, of course, because I was counting on him. If Apachi were to backstab me, the facilities we were currently building back home would become useless. My clan members would be heartbroken, and strange rumors might spread, putting me in the same pathetic position as Green Goblin.
I glanced to my side and saw Green Goblin watching the situation with an incredibly anxious expression. A little more time passed. Since a chieftain couldn't be chosen twice, a few more were forced to pick someone from the East, but strangely, they all chose clans located some distance from mine.
Finally, only one remained: Giant Scream Apachi.
Since everything had gone so smoothly, Great Tribe Leader Storm Shadow spoke in a pleasant tone.
“Only you remain, Giant Scream Apachi. Which chieftain do you choose?”
“Uhm.....”
I couldn't help but get irritated as he dragged out his answer.
“I, Apachi...”
“The We...”
I had no choice but to stroke the shaft of my spear. It seemed as if his mouth was about to form the word 'West'. Of course, I wasn't threatening or intimidating him. It just so happened that there was a speck of dust on my spear, and I was merely brushing it off.
Coincidentally, my action seemed to remind him of the... passionate promise we had shared.
“I choose the Blood Dagger Clan of the East.”
I caught sight of Green Goblin hanging his head in disappointment. Big Ogre had managed to get one recruit, but Green Goblin was going home empty-handed again. I felt for the guy, but in any case, I had succeeded in securing one for myself.
“The Blood Dagger Clan has a strong chieftain, and a... be... benevolent one. I wish to go to the Blood Dagger Clan to learn about the... the source of his strength.”
His voice sounded strangely sad, but it was also the voice of one who had accepted his fate. I smiled brightly and clapped him on the shoulder.
“I'm counting on you, Apachi. I look forward to discussing the meaning of true honor with you.”
“Th-Thank you.”
Perhaps it was because of the sudden warmth in my voice, but his expression seemed to relax. After the selection of chieftains was complete, we watched as the Giant Wolves chose their riders. This time, a surprising number of them came forward.
As expected, the first to be chosen was Crugar.
Even Apachi was chosen by a rather large wolf, allowing him to show his own followers that he was still a force to be reckoned with. The bond between them seemed to solidify.
Once the official schedule was complete, we departed swiftly, just like last time. Storm Shadow seemed a bit disappointed, but we had much to do back home. Our business in the Land of Glory was finished. We had heard the final words of the great Agar and other untold stories, introduced the concept of politics staked on honor to elect a new Great Tribe Leader, and succeeded in acquiring some green, but useful, new recruits.
After gathering my people, I left the Land of Glory with Goff and Black Spear. Crugar and Apachi followed, their expressions holding a hint of anticipation.
But their real education was not yet over. I suspected they could already sense the shift in the atmosphere. I was reminded of that corner. A trivial memory from before I was summoned. The moment I said goodbye to my family and friends before entering the training camp.
Many years had passed, so I didn't remember it in detail, but back then, I had never felt supernatural energies like auras, mana, or killing intent. And yet, I felt something in that moment. A chill that ran down my spine the instant my encouraging family disappeared from sight. I figured that the recruits, who were surely more sensitive than I was back then, must be feeling it now.
Once the Great Tribe Leader's fortress in the Land of Glory had vanished from sight, I turned to Apachi and Crugar. I had already told Goff the rough outline of the plan and had even drawn up a schedule for them. Since they were recruits taken in by sworn brothers, we would be conducting joint training.
“Do you want to be strong?”
My voice was dead serious. Of course, they had no choice but to nod. But that wasn't the response I was looking for.
“Did you choose the East to become true Green Skins?”
“We did!”
“We did.”
Apachi, sensing the mood, roared his reply. Crugar, who seemed less accustomed to this sort of thing, answered slowly, looking flustered.
“From this moment, for the next three years, we will use all our strength to forge you into true Green Skins. There may be some pain. It may be difficult. But when those three years are over, you will be true Green Skins. Will you not entrust these three years to us?”
I stroked the shaft of my spear again, and the quick-witted Apachi roared his assent. Crugar glanced at Goff and, caught up in the moment, nodded as well. It was the moment the East's new main attraction, the Eastern Training Camp, opened its gates.