Capítulo 26: Chapter 26: Village Chief
Han helped lift Sivo up as he barraged Luck with apologies.
"I'm so sorry, big bro! Despite saving us, this retard had actually repaid you with a spear to your chest!"
As those words left Han's mouth, Sivo suddenly smacked the back of his head as he angrily spoke,
"Retard? Who's the retard! And the attack was aimed at his shoulder. There would be no permanent injuries — I just wanted him to release our sister!" He spoke, his face turning red. If what his brother said was true, he really wanted to dig a hole and shove his head inside it.
"Ow, Ow! Why'd you hit me so hard!" Han complained, rubbing his head.
After Sivo and his group dealt with the small beast tide, he had rushed home. But to his horror, his siblings still haven't arrived. He was worried sick. He had promised his mother and grandfather that he'd make sure to look after them!
He had sent search squads out immediately but to no avail. Everyone really thought the worst situation happened.
After a few hours, the search squads were disbanded, everyone thinking the siblings had died as the forest was filled with ferocious beasts.
Although the search group had disbanded, Sivo didn't want to believe it in the slightest. He would've gone out there by himself. Days, weeks, months! Until he found their corpses with his very eyes, he wouldn't stop searching for them.
But when he was preparing to leave, news arrived that his siblings had returned safely with a suspicious person.
He had rushed to the gates immediately with the news.
And as for the rest, he attacked his siblings' saviour and was completely humiliated!
After composing himself, he turned to Luck as he spoke, "My name is Sivo, the leader of the Scorpion Warriors! Thank you for escorting my brother and sister safely, my gratitude for you cannot be expressed enough."
He then stared at Luck, sizing him up before he suddenly did a full 90-degree bow and continued, "I deeply apologise for attacking you. For a warrior such as myself to be so shortsighted is a disgrace! I can only repay you by inviting you to our village... and give you some clothes, unless... you prefer not wearing any..."
Luck curled his lips slightly before laughing and saying, "Haha, please! You don't have to apologise. If I were an older brother who was worried sick for their siblings who were lost and suddenly returned with a suspicious person, I would likely have done the same thing!"
Luck blinked and continued, "As for clothes, hehe, I would really appreciate it if you could provide some. My village had been raided by bandits, and due to some circumstances, I lost my clothes!" Luck fabricated a story.
Obviously, Luck didn't have any clothes. His tattered rags had been completely disintegrated by the explosion in the Sanctuary.
Seeing how amiable Luck was, Sivo became even more embarrassed. What a good lad! Despite getting attacked with a spear, he still showed a friendly personality.
"Haha, I see! Here I thought you were some lecherous pervert that prefers not wearing any clothes!"
"Hehe, I'm not such a person."
The two laughed as if they were good friends.
"What is your name, friend?" Sivo spoke, extending his hand.
Luck shook his hand and replied, "You can call me Luck."
"I see, Luck! Please come to our village and make yourself home. Our Village Chief would definitely repay you."
Luck nodded.
Once Sivo ordered his men to carefully carry Caeli to their house and to call the herbalist, he then got some clothes for Luck to wear for their meeting. After Luck received the clothes, he and Han followed Sivo to the Village Chief.
After a few minutes of walking, the trio eventually arrived in front of the Chief's abode.
Opening the flap, the three immediately saw an old man, his wrinkles deep and his expression stern. However, his eyes held much wisdom and experience.
Although he seemed quite domineering, the moment he saw Han, his eyes immediately softened.
"Grandpa!" Han shouted before rushing to hug him. After a few hours, his sprained ankle had become much more bearable.
"Haha, you have safely returned! Our ancestors have blessed us!" The old man spoke before continuing,
"Where's Caeli?"
"She's currently with the herbalist getting treated. She had thoroughly exerted herself after being pursued by ferocious beasts. However, she has no injuries." Sivo replied with a smile.
"That's good." The old man sighed in relief.
Sivo then said, "I'd like to introduce our friend here. He was the one that escorted them back safely."
"Hm?" He observed the boy next to Sivo. He was wearing some casual linen clothes, his grey hair quite eye-catching. Although Luck didn't emit any fighting intent, his expression friendly, the village chief still felt unnerved by the boy's eyes.
It was as they say: one's eyes were the windows to the soul. The old man's plentiful experiences had deduced that the child had been through a lot. Perhaps much more than he could ever imagine.
Smiling at the boy, he said, "Thank you, young warrior, for escorting these two back. My gratitude towards you, not as their Chief, but as their grandfather, cannot be expressed with words. This favour, I will not forget."
"Just your kind words are enough, village chief! I did a duty anyone else would have done!"
"Haha, that's where you're wrong, in this place, you'd find that such people who help strangers just as a duty are very rare. You had even risked your life, you are truly an individual worthy of respect." The village chief praised.
Luck just sheepishly smiled as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Your words are too kind, village chief!"
"Haha, please call me grandpa Kanu." He spoke.
"What? I can't do such a thing! I'm not worthy!" Luck exclaimed.
Village Chief Kanu chuckled at the boy's politeness. Such young people were hard to come by as children his age were usually too mischievous or loud and entitled. He reassured Luck, "You had saved my two grandchildren, if you are not worthy, this entire world wouldn't be!"
Luck showed an embarrassed expression as he said, "I see... then... Grandpa Kanu."
Village Chief Kanu smiled.
He lifted himself off his chair as he walked out of the tent. Each step was not of an old man, but a great warrior that still had great power.
Luck pondered, 'This person is at the gold stage. Though, his aura doesn't feel that powerful. A village chief was usually decided by strength, so he's the strongest in this village?'
"Follow me! From all your travels, you must be hungry." Village Chief Kanu spoke.
He was leading them to his house.
As they arrived at a large wooden structure, they opened the door.
Luck could see a large beast pelt hanging on the walls as he noticed all the rooms. Compared to the other houses, this one was the most luxurious in this village.
He could spot the kitchen, the dining area and the sleeping rooms.
In one of the sleeping rooms, Luck noticed how Caeli was lying there, and by her side, were two women. One of them had long golden hair, which Luck guessed to be her mother and the other had raven-black hair who was feeding Caeli crushed medicinal herbs — the herbalist.
"Caeli! You're awake!" Han exclaimed with joy.
"Han... I'm glad you're safe. And our saviour..." Caeli shot a weak smile as she turned her attention to Luck. Due to her fatigued state, she couldn't see his appearance clearly. She seemed to be etching Luck's appearance to her memory.
The golden-haired woman then spoke, "Less speaking Caeli, focus on recovering and you can thank your saviour later."
Caeli nodded.
After a few more minutes, the herbalist suddenly said, "I've given her the medicinal herbs. She should make a full recovery at nighttime."
"You have my gratitude, Varsa." Chief Kanu thanked her.
After she gave the herbs, Varsa left the house.
Village Chief Kanu then introduced the siblings' mother to Luck. Her name was Stelle. She had a very gentle personality, showing Luck a great deal of hospitality.
Due to Luck's act of being an overly polite and righteous child, he easily got along with the family.
After Caeli had recovered, they all had a feast.
"Luck, is your village... still okay? You don't have to answer if you feel uncomfortable." Stelle showed an expression of pity towards the boy.
Luck just chuckled deprecatingly as if trying to hide his sorrow as he said, "No... my village had been completely destroyed by those bandits. I should be the only survivor... " He simply retold the backstory of Avice whilst changing a few things.
Stelle covered her mouth as her eyes watered slightly. Such a young kid had experienced so much suffering.
Village Chief Kanu simply had a cold expression. He has also dealt with those bandits before and if he could, he would kill every single one of them. Even his daughter's husband had been killed by those evil people.
Seeing the gloomy atmosphere, Han and Caeli began losing their appetite.
Luck quickly spoke, "Sorry to bring the mood down, but I'm fine! If my parents were to see me moping around, they would surely berate me!" Luck chuckled.
Stelle had a sad expression before she suddenly suggested, "Luck, if you have nowhere to stay, how about you live with us? I'm sure all of us would be happy to have you. I am truly grateful that you have brought my two children back to the village safely."
"Yeah!" Han exclaimed, his eyes gleaming.
Sivo also nodded as if he wouldn't mind and Caeli had a hopeful expression.
Luck smiled, showing a grateful expression as he bowed and said, "Thank you! I will definitely return this favour!"
Seeing Luck agree made the family smile. Chief Kanu also didn't mind. He guessed that Luck was at least a warrior or a master. With his keen eyes, he noticed how Luck had extremely well crafted muscles, perfect for battle. And at such a young age, roping him into his village would be very beneficial. Luck was a genius in his eyes. Furthermore, he found the child quite likeable. Despite all the hardships he went through, he is still not detached and can smile.
If his village were to get destroyed by bandits and all his loved ones were killed, he knew he wouldn't have taken it easily, pursuing a life of vengeance.
Han was extremely happy as he could potentially learn some moves from Luck and Caeli was extremely grateful to being saved, her young emotions in turmoil. She had even been sneaking glances at Luck, slightly blushing. Throughout her life, she has never had such emotions before. With the village chief as her grandfather, she always tried her best to look dignified and respectable, thus she was like the young flower in the village, pursued by many. Furthermore, she was 15. At this age, most people were already married!
...
Once everyone was finished eating, the moon was currently hanging above the village, casting a silvery light upon the forest.
Luck was currently near a stream that was just outside the gates of the village. Warriors were patrolling, so no beasts were in sight.
Luck wasn't wearing anything as he cleaned his body with the water of the stream, using a bucket.
He was washing away the months of filth and bloodshed.
Despite the bone-chilling coldness of the water, Luck's face was expressionless, his black eyes like an icy lake — a complete reversal of the act he had put on for the family.
Luck was simply using them. Although the old man was quite insightful, he had also been fooled by Luck's naive and righteous facade.
In front of a polite child with a sad backstory, they had easily let their guard down.
At most, he would only stay here for a few days. Such a place won't help him achieve his ambitions. Life essence? This was merely a mortal's weapon. Although powerful, it is limited to the range of mortal capabilities. It's not something that can split the mountains or sever the skies.
Luck wanted to be a magi — a being of mystery and absolute power. A comfortable life? Why would he want such a boring thing? A comfortable life was simply an illusion to him if there were people that could easily ruin it. Only when he reaches an unimaginable realm where he has no equal would he settle for a comfortable life.
As for Caeli... Luck had realised that she was quickly developing feelings for him. However, something like love was too soon for him. As of right now, it was just a distraction. In the future, he may indulge in his carnal desires, but love... Luck merely scoffed.
Of course, it didn't mean he didn't find all women unappealing. He is a man after all, but as an individual who advocates clear-headedness and logic, such desires can be easily suppressed!
'Perhaps tomorrow, I will inquire for information of magi from the village chief...' Luck contemplated. The Village Chief seemed to have plentiful experiences. Furthermore, this village has connections with one of the cities.
Luck decided to stay in this village to relax for a short period of time as he consolidates his memories. In the one year he's been in this world, he has never had a moment of rest, constantly fighting for survival.
After Luck cleaned himself, he dressed himself in his linen clothes as he went back to the house.
As Luck entered the house, he immediately noticed Sivo.
Noticing Luck, Sivo smiled and said, "You're back. Everyone already went to sleep and Grandfather went back to fulfill his duties as a chief. If you're tired, you can use that spare room over there."
Luck nodded. "What are you doing right now?"
"I'm just making sure my gear is perfect. You see, our Scorpion Warriors constantly have to go out into the forest to hunt for beasts to provide food for the village. We then sell the remains of the beasts to a nearby city outside the forest." Sivo replied, his eyes focused on his leather armour and spear.
"That sounds like tough work." Luck spoke casually.
Sivo smiled and said, "Haha, you bet. But making sure our village doesn't starve and protected is the duty of a warrior."
"If you want, you can watch our training tomorrow. You can even join us if you like. You're no weakling. Han told me how you managed to kill a dire wolf by yourself." Sivo chuckled to himself. Him getting completely suppressed during their confrontation made more sense now.
As for whether he believed it or not, it wasn't too hard to believe. Considering Luck had countless scars, Sivo and Chief Kanu had guessed Luck had a very tough life and was trained at a young age. In the Myriad Glades, villages are split into four sizes: Small, medium, large and great.
Their village was only a medium one. A medium village can only produce 1 grandmaster a century whereas large and great villages have many grandmasters, even legendary warriors.
Sivo was only at the peak of a warrior, just a step away from being a master.
Only Chief Kanu was a grandmaster, however, he is past his prime.
For a village to last and survive in the beast tides, you need at least two masters and many trained soldiers.
They guessed that Luck had come from a large village before being raided by bandits, likely from a powerful family. Just like villages, bandits have their own sizes, but they are usually more formidable as they are smaller but stronger on average.
After talking for a few more minutes, Luck eventually went to his room to sleep.
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