Chapter 20: Our Ambitions
Ron never anticipated the system assigning him any straightforward tasks. Each task or training seemed geared towards endangering him. As the man claiming to be a mentor mentioned earlier, the system wasn’t nurturing heroes but rather significantly shaping tools. Nevertheless, it was a reality that the system could enhance his strength.
Ron grasped the Ashes of the Forge from the void, and the feel of the great sword was now familiar. He took a deep breath and acknowledged that the Ashes of the Forge would likely become his go-to weapon. Amidst sharp insect chirping, a lunar worm blinked in front of Ron, its abdomen revealing a starry sky-like scene.
They didn’t induce disgust; instead, they resembled works of art. Unfortunately, Ron lacked artistic appreciation. He swiftly split the lunar worm, turning it into a mesmerizing display of starlight. The unpleasant insect chirping resumed, overshadowing the spectacle.
When the Ashes of the Forge’s blade hit the lunar worm, it produced a sound akin to crystal collisions. A swing of the Ashes of the Forge caused Ron to lose balance, stumbling backwards.
“Ten thousand of these things, you’re a genius,” Ron quipped, propping himself up with the Ashes of the Forge.
The system seemed determined to make him achieve extraordinary tasks in extreme conditions. Ron wished he could rally his spirits like a passionate youth but preferred being with the Phylin tribe than enduring this torment.
“System, what’s resonating?” Ron casually inquired.
“You’re resonating with <Warrior Tier 3>. Once successful, your strength will see a significant leap.”
“Failing means dying here, right?” Ron had no interest in being the hundredth person buried under a tombstone.
Even in this ruinous scenery, the tombstones of past travellers served as a warning.
“Please, traveller, keep your confidence. This is just a simple training.”
“So, what exactly are these lunar worms?” Ron asked.
“These lunar worms are a favourite of the Bi-colored Realm mages. They’re used to concoct various magical potions.”
At night, Loloan, with half his head wrapped in bandages, received a lecture from Susuan.
“I am an amazing Phylin tribe warrior!” Yelled Loloan, but Susuan knocked him on the head, interrupting his statement.
“Loloan, don’t be so reckless when you know you’re not strong!” Susuan applied herbs to him, saying, “We don’t have much of these herbs!”
The underground of Windbird Town was filled with severely injured Phylin tribe members. If thieves arrived now, they wouldn’t have the strength to fight back.
“I am the strongest warrior of the Phylin tribe!” Despite his swollen face, Loloan proclaimed boldly, “I will lead the charge!”
“Yes, you are the strongest of the Phylin tribe.” Susuan applied herbs to him.
Loloan, the self-proclaimed strongest warrior, was a unique character in Windbird Town, but his brain didn’t work too well.
“Someday, I’ll make everyone know that the strongest Phylin warrior is the most powerful in the world,” Loloan touched his nose.
People in the Bi-colored Realm always claim the Phylin tribe was feeble, merely regarded as reserves for some beasts. Loloan was determined to show those individuals that they were not just prey for beasts.
“Rest well today,” Susuan said, “Those of us who haven’t fought before will take guard duty seriously tonight.”
Most Phylin tribe members capable of fighting were lying in bed, unable to move. To ensure their safety, Phylin tribe members who didn’t participate in the raid would be vigilant tonight. Even Susuan would join the shift rotation. Having one more person on guard duty would ease the pressure on others.
However, despite their defences, they might not withstand an attack from the bandits.
“But really, why would Dad Susua do such a risky thing?” Susuan asked, looking utterly puzzled.
Although they dealt with one bandit group, it attracted the hostility of others. With many injured in the effort, their settlement could become vulnerable to an attack.
The Phylin tribe didn’t heal quickly. For example, Loloan’s injuries would take at least a week to recover fully.
“We need some change,” unexpectedly, Dad Susua stood behind Susuan. “If things stay the same, we’ll perish sooner or later.”
“Wow!!!” Susuan jumped and hugged Loloan. “Dad Susua, don’t scare us!”
“Wowwww!!!” Then, Loloan let out a shriek, not from fear but because his injuries were aggravated.
“We can’t live underground forever,” Dad Susua said softly. “This is a good chance for us to find our own settling place.”
Ron didn’t stay underground tonight, so Dad Susua could freely speak his mind.
Ron was a new lord, and while it’s uncertain how accommodating he would be, he at least promised to grant them citizenship. The Phylin tribe was simple, and strategic thinkers like Dad Susua were a rarity. It was challenging for them to advocate for their own welfare. The good news was that while the Phylin tribe was simple, they were not foolish. They could easily differentiate between fools and villains.
The hardworking Phylin tribe only wanted their efforts not to be stripped away, so Dad Susua requested Ron to grant them legal citizenship in his territory.
“We, the Phylin tribe, want to turn this town into our home!” Dad Susua said with conviction, “That’s our ambition!”
“But Dad Susua,” Susuan said, “If we get robbed in our current situation, what should we do?”
“What to do?” Dad Susua placed his cane before him, “I don’t know!”
How could he possibly know what to do in the event of a robbery in their current situation?
If worse came to worst, he’d have to flee with the Phylin tribe.
