Chapter 137: Troubled thoughts (1/2)

Eventually, the golden luster faded from Aiden's eyes, while his [Draconic Aura] receded, releasing the unsurmountable pressure from the chieftain. He looked at the prostrating leader on the ground. A small, unnoticeable smile momentarily swept through his face as he addressed him with his 'normal' voice.

”Rise. Despite your stupid greed, I will give you one last chance. Be responsible from now on and take good care of the residents of this village. Be different from what the world thinks about us, be better.”

He turned around, looking at the two youths standing guard at the entrance, looking very proud despite the lack of weapons in their hands or any combat experience. He could only inwardly sigh seeing this, this was caused by his acting after all… He had to take some responsibility for their changed fates.

Looking back at the goblin chieftain, who just stood up, still having a frightened expression, Aiden continued.

”Also, take care of those two. They are good seedlings, they could be exceptional warriors one day. They have been chosen.”

The goblin looked at the backs of these two youngsters for a moment, before nodding his head. Even if he couldn't see anything special about them now, he didn't dare to complain. He respectfully answered the order.

”Yes, Lord. I will personally train them! I swear on my life! But…” he turned meek as his thoughts trailed to the harsh life of their species. He only continued after a few audible gulps. ”...But the training can be harsh, and I can't protect them at all times. To survive and become full-fledged members… That's down to them only.”

Naturally, while Aiden never experienced their life, after witnessing the previous leader's memories, he was familiar with his words. The training he mentioned was more like a series of trials. To progress, they had to set out on increasingly dangerous hunts and bring back treasures or food to obtain merits.

Only by obtaining a sufficient amount of standing could they eventually progress to the last part, the Selection. This was a gruesome and cruel event, where they all battled in gladiatorial combat, oftentimes against each other, but on rare occasions against captured wild beasts. At least half of the participating young fledglings met their early ends there. This might seem counter-productive, but one has to remember, that goblins do not put much value on individual life, due to their incredibly fast reproductive rate.

Figures like this chieftain that had some sort of shamanistic power were incredibly rare, but regardless of that, they still had to go through this 'Rite of Passage'.

Listening to the chieftain's words, Aiden lightly nodded, agreeing with him.

”I know. Their fate is up to their own. However, they will have the right to enter the Selection, regardless of what merits they obtain. Train them well and leave the rest up to them. With that, you can save yourself as well.”

Turning around, he stepped towards the entrance, but before he left, he spoke in a cold tone, sending another wave of shivers down the chieftain's spine.

”Remember, I will know if you betray my trust. You don't want to test my patience.”

With that, he stepped out of the building, leaving the frightened creature to himself. He said what he wanted, and even made some way for the two younglings who still had no idea they were simply used.

---

Walking past the two young goblins, he stopped for a moment. He turned his head sideways, and spoke in a clear tone, shocking the two of them. This was the first time they could hear his voice, so far he had been silent!

”The chieftain will personally help you in your training. However, it is still up to you if you can pass the Selection and be recognized as warriors. Train hard to become one and be worthy!”

With that, he was about to walk away but was stopped when a delicate dark green hand grabbed his left hand and gently pulled on it.

”But…” The female goblin opened her mouth to speak, with a respectful, reverent tone. ”...We want to follow the Lord!”

The male youngster fervently nodded his head next to her, adding his already obvious thoughts to the argument.