Chapter 171

Chapter 171 For the East

“It is time, Blood Dagger.”

“Yes, I will go out now.”

I walked slowly after hearing Goff’s voice as our new brothers arrived here after the new Great Tribe Leader had been elected. I had heard that there had been many survivors this time and was curious to know about them. I saw the rest of my tribesmen when I came out of the tent, as they all were going out to greet the Green Skins who had passed the test.

Gark and Hark held our flags that symbolized our clan, and others knew that now. Some looked at us while we went past, and I realized that our clan had become stronger after winning many fights.

“It’s not a bad clan.”

“I heard that three Green Skins had defeated the monster of the East and took its abode. I heard that it had been a noble fight...”

“He has power and wisdom.”

Goff and Black Spear received good words, and we were noted rookies now. As Orbo, who had come here earlier than me now worked for me, I thought it was apt. Goff spoke as we moved to the gate.

“It reminds me of old times.”

“Yes, while things had been difficult, it was also fun.”

Memories tended to be idealized, and having felt myself becoming stronger in the desert was not bad. I remembered sparring with Goff and losing my way. Who knew the goblins that had endured that incident now became this strong? The tests did make us stronger.

I looked back, and others were also being sentimental. Gark and Hark were talking about the tests, and Orbo’s gaze was looking afar. Jung Hayeon looked down when our eyes met as she remembered how I had carried her. Black Spear spoke to me then.

“Did you hear, Black Spear?”

“About what?”

“The Green Skins we are about to meet had come here fastest in history.”

His voice rang over all Green Skins present.

***

“Things wrapped up.”

“It’s only the beginning now, Blood Dagger. I am personally grateful to you and think it fortunate that I had been able to talk with you.”

I was talking with Storm Shadow in the Great Tribe Leader’s tent, which was now his. Storm Shadow looked different now, and I could see that he was careful with everything he did. He was acutely feeling the weight of his responsibility.

“So, what will be your future plans be?”

“I will first announce the previous Great Tribe Leader’s death, and it’s time to rebuild and calm Green Skins down than revenge. I will follow in his footsteps, but I am not Agar and cannot develop our society in his way.”

“It’s a good idea to go down your own path.”

I remembered Sand Glave and Silver Fang, and they seemed to have acknowledged that Storm Shadow had been a better candidate than them. I saw them willingly bow to Storm Shadow, and it seemed that they were not lying.

“Our first Great Tribe Leader had shouldered everything, and while many Green Skins wanted to help him, he wanted to sacrifice himself and gave everything to us. I cannot do that, but I believe that I could follow Agar’s path if others helped me. I do not fully know what his last words meant, but I will respect his last wishes.”

“I will help, Storm Shadow.”

He had stepped up, and I was more confident that he was a true and honorable Great Tribe Leader than he thought of himself.

“Thank you, Blood Dagger. But I won’t receive your help for a while.”

His words were sudden, and I had been thinking about his meaning when he spoke again.

“Please take care of the East.”

I could not help but be surprised.