The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 8 A New Leader

The crackling of torches illuminated the goblin camp as the female goblins celebrated their victory. After waiting throughout the day, the male goblins had returned with more warriors. Unfortunately for them, the goblins were ready, and this time, more than the first, Lance's strategies were enacted to their fullest potential. They succeeded in killing most of the male goblins, leaving only a few of them to escape.

At the moment, Lance watched something completely out of anything he could have thought of.

Before his very eyes, around the main camp fire, the goblins danced and sang, their cheers echoing into the night, punctuated by wild laughter and the rhythmic clap of their hands. It was simply a sight to see, as the goblins started resembling humans the more Lance studied them, just those with green skin.

'It's like visiting the village back on earth.' Lance thought to himself.

He leaned against a splintered barricade, watching the celebration from a distance. Even though it looked interesting and he would want to join in, his muscles ached, and his mind was weary from the day's events. Honestly, he couldn't tell where the rest got their energy from.

The goblins danced and sang, their movements wild and unrestrained, but Lance could see the shadows of fear lingering in their eyes even at such moments of joy.

"They're still scared," he said softly, more to himself than anyone else.

Lia appeared at his side, her yellow eyes almost gleaming in the torchlight. "Of course they are. Those bastards will come back, and we all know it."

Lance nodded, his gaze distant. "Then why celebrate?"

Lia smirked. "Because tonight, we're still alive. Let us have this."

Lance thought about her words, and though he wouldn't adhere to such logic himself, he could understand their reasoning. 'So, they're more like barbaric or dumb humans more than anything. Or is it more of a cultural thing... they seem well coordinated to me.'

As the night wore on, the celebration began to wind down. The goblins gathered in small clusters around the fires, sharing food amidst discussions. Lance sat on a log near one of the smaller groups, his presence drawing wary glances. His legs had grown too tired from standing, he had to sit.

Even now, Lance couldn't help but study the goblins before him while his mind raced with different thoughts, especially what his fate would be once this threat they faced was over.

"You're staring again," Lia said, appearing at his shoulder like a shadow.

Lance almost jumped, nearly dropping the piece of bread he'd been nibbling on. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—" He replied instinctively before realizing it.

Lia waved him off, her expression amused. "You're an odd one, human. Most would've run screaming from here by now. But you remain, sitting with us like you belong."

Lance hesitated. "Hahaha, what choice do I have?" he admitted softly.

Lia's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but she didn't press further. Instead, she gestured toward the largest fire, where the elders were gathered.

The first elder's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good enough."

Lia stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "It's not just staying. You'll need to lead us."

"H-hey," Lance blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "I didn't agree to that."

"You don't have to," Lia said, her tone firm. "This tribe needs a leader, someone who can see the bigger picture. That's you."

"I told you, I'm not qualified for that," Lance protested.

"No one ever is," Lia replied. "But then, when you stepped into our camp, we were on the verge of collapse. Now? We have hope. That's because of you."

Lance opened his mouth to argue, but no words came. How could a goblin produce such concrete logical arguments?!

He looked around the circle, at the elders who had once been so hostile toward him. Now their gazes held something new—respect.

The decision was made before he could object further.

That night, while everyone slept soundly, Lance found his mind unable to rest, with the weight of his new responsibilities weighing on him. He never would have thought that this would be the direction things went.

The goblins gathered at dawn, forming a loose circle around the central fire. Lia stepped forward, addressing the tribe with her usual confidence.

"This human has saved us twice now," she began, her voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "He's not one of us, but he's proven he belongs!" She said. Lance who stood close by watched to see the reaction of the goblins, and weirdly enough, none of them seemed to show any signs of protest, instead, it seemed more like they agreed.

"From this day forward, the human, Lance, is our leader! He will guide us, and we will follow!" Lia said.

Though the first half didn't draw any reaction from the goblins, this final half was different. The announcement was met with a mix of cheers and muttered grumbles, but no one openly objected.

Lance stood awkwardly at Lia's side, his mind still reeling, and his eyes saggy and tired from a night without sleep. He'd come to this world with nothing, and now he was being given everything, a tribe, a purpose, a chance to make a difference.

'Is this how others get isekiaed?' he thought to himself.

"Fine," he muttered, barely loud enough for Lia to hear. "But if this goes badly, it's on you." He said, just loud enough for Lia to hear him.

Lia smirked, her yellow eyes gleaming. "Don't worry, human. We'll make sure you don't screw it up."

For the first time in days, Lance smiled, accepting the responsibility thrown at him.