Chapter 77 - Aftermath (1/2)

Chief Mein groaned in discomfort as he struggled to open his eyes. The faint sound of hushed conversation and whispers entered his ears, drawing his attention.

”Ulain, are we really going to work as that serpentine's underlings?” Ian's voice was hoarse as he forcefully choked the words out.

”Or else? What do you think we can do or should have done? Allowed our Pink Goblin race to end in our hands? Handed our race over to the dark lord for him to turn them into puppets? Or held on stubbornly to a nonexistent pride and led the remaining members to a dead end? What do you think we should have done, Ian?” Ulain shouted in rage, his face turning red from all his suppressed emotions.

Only he knew how hard it was. How difficult it was to choose between death and slavery. As easy as it seemed, living in servitude was harder than dying brutally. However, he still chose the harder choice for his clan, because he didn't wish for it to end in their hands.

He didn't want to become the sinner of their ancestors, who strived so hard to ensure the continuity of the Pink Goblins race.

Unfortunately, even with the Pink Goblin race's continuity in mind, it was still not easy to make the choice of entering slavery for survival.

”You are not a kid anymore, Ian. Every decision you take cannot be based on your feelings or emotions. As a leader, there are times when you need to think logically rather than emotionally to lead. Don't forget, your every decision is for the race, and the continuity of the Pink Goblin bloodline.” Clapping his hand on the young blonde goblin's shoulder, Ulain sighed tiredly.

Some decisions drained one's mind and exhausted their spirit. It was the same case with Ulain. He felt drained and exhausted in both mind and spirit. Sweeping his gaze over the devastated resident, his heart sank.

The Flaming Forests were no longer a place for the living. The blood and gore in the region were enough to rival a battlefield.

”Now go, Ian. Our race needs you. They need reassurance for the coming future and comfort for the pain of their departed ones. Until the Chief awakens, you are in charge.” Ulain dropped his hand and turned, intending to leave.

”Uncle Ulain, was that the best choice? Was there no other way?” Ian's sorrowful voice stopped him in his tracks, bringing his steps to a halt.

”What do you think, Ian? If we did not make the choice to side with her, do you think there would be any Pink Goblins remaining at this moment? If we did not accept her condition, would Chief Mein still remain with us? What do you think Ian? Although it might not have been the best choice, I believe it was the only choice we had.” Sighing, Ulain resumed his walk towards the flame-haired figure leaning against the flame tree.

Ian watched Ulain's departing figure, his shoulders drooping in powerlessness. Before the advent of the dark shadows, he never imaged that a day would come in the future where he would be enslaved. A time would arrive where he would take orders from a member of another race.

A time, where his identity would not be the Young Master of the Pink Goblin race, but of an underling of a serpentine.

'Was this truly the only way?'

He struggled in denial, unable to accept such ending.

”Ugh!” The slight sound of groaning drew him out of his chaotic thoughts, returning him back to the present. Looking over, Ian saw his father getting to his feet.

”Father!” Surprised, Ian ran and held the chief's arm just as he was about to fall over.

Supporting him, he helped his father to his feet.

”Father, are you okay? Why did you get up? You should get some more rest. I will go and get someone to take a look at you.” He fired in rapid succession, his anxious face displaying his turbulent emotions.

After that devastating battle, he never thought he would see his father again. Especially not after seeing the multiple wounds and injuries he acquired that refused to self-heal. Now, to be able to see his father standing on his own two feet, he was beyond stunned.

He was overwhelmed with relief.

”I do not need any more rest. I have rested enough. Take me to the serpentine. I have something to discuss with her.” Chief Mein was a man of steel. No wound or injury was deep or severe enough to get him to lay down unless he desired so.

Now, that his grave injuries were healed, a little bit of tiredness and exhaustion could not keep him down.

Ian looked at his father with complex emotions flickering in his pink pupils.

He thought over Ulain's words and had to admit. In a twisted sort of way, their savior was their enslaver.

If it hadn't been for her, he would not be here, his father would not be here, and the Pink Goblin race would not be here.

”What are you spacing out for? Go on, lead me to the serpentine.” Chief Mein commended in a non-negotiable tone.