Phew. After almost two weeks, we’re finally getting rid of those Humans.

It wasn't all bad having them stay here for a while. A considerable volume of knowledge regarding the basics of magic was gained from Elianora. When using momma to help me test a few things, we discovered that she’s gifted with the fire attribute and can learn fire magic.

Fiara, too, was able to learn magic. Well, I expected it because she’s so intelligent. She can use both the water and lightning attributes. Although Fiara has twice as many spells at her disposal, momma is still the stronger of the two. I didn't know it, but apparently she was dedicated to becoming stronger before she had her first child. She had helped to kill several magic beasts before that. Indeed, if I use Analysis, I can see that her magic power is second only to me and Durghan among the people in this village.

Oh yeah, thanks to that conversation, I learned that I'm momma’s second child. As for what became of my older sibling, it’s something to leave for later.

We’ve begun processing the Silfela grass into thread. It’s difficult without the proper tools. We’ve only made a few small strings so far. Most of the successful product had been used to make a pair of earrings for me.

It's not just being selfish. I'm a village chief, and like any leader, I have to display the peak of what culture we possess. Also, it led to the discovery that bathing items in my blood will gradually charge them with the holy attribute, so it's important to do these things.

But, it wasn't only good things these Humans brought. Elianora regarding me as a divine messenger makes an agnostic-atheist like me very uncomfortable.

Then there’s Rudan, who’s been having a bromance with Durghan lately.

Because Rudan was loud and restless staying with our lovely Orc captain, Durghan decided to relieve some of the boy’s extra energy via training. It's a bit beyond my understanding, but they bonded after a day or two of fighting with each other. It feels like any day now that kid is going to ask to join the hunting team.

Lastly, the one who had seemed like the easiest one to get along with turned out to be a huge pervert. Nostel, that pretty boy archer, has a thing for big breasts. He held out for three days thanks to the race barrier weighing on his mind. At this point, though, he’s treating me no different from a Human woman.

I didn't understand what momma was talking about when she compared him to a woman, but now I get it. Just like the other Orc women here, Nostel will take things to the bedroom the minute I give him an opening. As for why momma opposes him so strongly, obviously it's because he’s weak.

Well, thanks to the new adventurer, Armin, they’re on their way out now. I wonder about the bruises they’re covered in suddenly, but I'm sure it's not something I should bother thinking too much about. If they’re going, it’s good, and I can take this village to level two.

Over the past two weeks, the hunters have been secretly scouting for Goblin settlements. The other day, we found one that was the perfect place to put my plans into action. It’s nearly noon now, and the timing seems good, so I'm sending Durghan and the hunting party out to begin the negotiations. There were two orcs in the village who had already learned the Goblin language, and they were forced to teach it to myself and the rest of the hunters. Well, the reward later down the road will please them plenty enough to make up for that.

And so, I'll be doing my afternoon training. I'm excited to see how this turns out. I'm sure Durghan will do a good job.

***

Giji laid on his back on the bare dirt and stared vacantly at the clear sky. His thin green lips parted and released a gloomy sigh. Immediately after, his stomach gave a loud rumble.

Several weeks ago, their cave had been attacked by a magic beast. The beast and their strongest warriors had fought fiercely and ended up killing each other. All of their strong people had been wiped out, and they were no longer able to hunt enough food to satisfy themselves. The magic beast meat had satisfied them for a while, but now they really were on the verge of starvation. Giji had come out of the cave because the depressing aura in there was too much. He was weak, just like the other surviving Goblins, but the others looked to him for guidance, since his father was the now-dead chief. Giji couldn't handle the pressure, nor could he do anything helpful, so he stepped outside for some peace.

Being eaten while in this defenseless posture… might not be so bad.

And then, Giji heard the sound of many footsteps. Judging by the sound, they were from creatures much bigger than him. He sat up nervously and looked to where the noise was coming from. His body started to feel colder as more and more giant silhouettes came into view.

Orcs…!

After that last magic beast, if they were attacked by Orcs now, it would be the end.

Giji knew he couldn't fight, and he knew he was too weak to run far, so he ended up just standing there and watching the Orcs approach. They made an orderly formation and a fully armored and well-muscled Orc stepped to the front. He had a large hide sack tossed over his shoulder.

“Greetings, Goblin. Are you hungry?”

Giji didn't see a reason to answer the sudden question, but his stomach growled regardless.

“Then, on behalf of the great chief Vyra, we would like to make a deal.”