Chapter 8: Challenge

I narrowed my gaze quite stunned.

I hadn't expected that suggestion. 

Flogga's was no doubt shrewd. Ugly but shrewd.

She wasn't just throwing the idea out there, she clearly had someone in mind when she suggested a new chief be chosen.

And that was me. I was sure. 

And here I thought all goblins were supposed to be dumb.

Guess I was wrong. 

The other goblins nodded slowly at Flogga's suggestion, their agreement spreading like ripples in a pond. It was clear Flogga had influence here. 

And made a mental note of that.

She seemed to be the brains of this operation, and the way the goblins reacted to her words only confirmed it. 

Then Flogga turned her attention to Zzok.

"Zzok, how about you be the leader of the clan?"

I gasped.

Did I say I was sure it was no doubt me? 

Now I have no idea what goes on in the ugly granny's head.

Zzok shook his head firmly, his expression resolute.

"No," he said. "I can't be chief. Leaders must be blessed. Zzok not blessed. We choose goblin blessed to be leader." 

The words "goblin blessed" hung in the air, heavy with implication. 

And all of a sudden, every pair of goblin eyes turned to me. 

Wait, what? Is he talking about me? 

Now we're talking.

Zzok's eyes locked onto mine, and soon enough, the rest of the goblins followed his lead, their gazes heavy with expectation. 

I blinked, realizing that to Zzok—and probably the others—I had already proven myself. Taking down hobgoblins and bearing the mark of their god apparently earned me a spot on their imaginary pedestal. 

Leader? Me? No way. 

I shook my head, a smile creeping onto my face despite myself.

It was absurd. 

But then, an idea crept into my mind.

Sure, I was still a teenager with zero real-world leadership experience. And yeah, leading a clan of goblins was not exactly on my nonexistent bucket list.

But...I had spent countless hours playing RPGs.

I'd been the guild leader more times than I could count. Strategizing? Delegating? Boss fights? Been there, done that.

This was a new world. A fresh start. 

What else did I have going for me?

I exhaled slowly, letting the moment sink in. 

Fine. I'd do it.

'Goblin Chief?'

That had a nice ring to it.

I couldn't help but grin starting to enjoy this.

Flogga looked like she was about to suggest me as the new leader when suddenly, one of the goblins cut her off, his voice sharp with frustration.

"No! We cannot allow a stranger to lead the clan! I will lead. I trained directly with the former chief and can use magic, so I am worthy!"

He was practically fuming, his eyes flashing with defiance.

A few of the other goblins seemed to hesitate, murmuring to each other, clearly considering his words.

But most of them? They just stayed quiet, eyeing him suspiciously.

I narrowed my eyes at the wannabe leader and opened up my system to check his details.

[Narg Goblin Acolyte Level 1]

Acolyte and a level 1 at that, sit down buddy.

Sure, he trained under the former chief, but that didn't mean anything to me.

Now I had tyrannical desires burning inside me now.

If I became the leader, there'd be rules—my rules—and Narg would be at the bottom of that totem pole.

But before I could say anything, Zzok stepped in, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Are you blind?" Zzok's insult rang out, directed at Narg.

"Don't see Drugar's mark on him? He's worthy to be leader of clan!"

Hell yeah, Zzok.

His faith in my tattoo made my respect for him grew in that moment.

But Narg wasn't backing down.

He squared his shoulders, his fists clenched.

"Then I challenge him for leadership of the clan!" He glared directly at me, full of determination. "It's tradition. So he has no choice but to accept."

Honestly? I admired Narg's stubbornness.

It was brave, annoying, a little cool, but also pretty damn dumb.

With my innate skill, taking him down would be a piece of cake. I'd swap positions, and it would be over before he even realized it.

But Zzok wasn't having it.

His voice cut through the air, sharp and clear:

"I'll advise you not to face the blessed one. He killed three hobgoblins and is the reason we're are standing here now. You stand no chance."

Zzok warned but Narg didn't back down.

His eyes were fiery with determination. He wasn't afraid, and maybe that was a bit admirable—but he had no idea that he was up a level three goblin with an SSS-rank skill.

As Zzok spoke of my feats, I could feel eyes on me.

Flogga's gaze grew even more intense, making me uncomfortable.

What was with her stare? It was like she was trying to see into my soul.

Seriously this old hag.

And then there was Zahra the only female goblin.

The way she was looking at me—it made me feel shy for a second.

But wait. No.

Screw that.

She rejected me earlier. She didn't matter now.

Narg's voice then broke through my thoughts.

It was really hard to put the ambitious goblin in mind.

"No... I'm not backing down. If he's worthy, let him prove it." Narg challenged.

I couldn't help but grin.

If he wanted to die today, who was I to stop him?

Zzok shot me a glance.

It was clear he didn't fully agree with Narg's challenge, but there wasn't much he could do.

Flogga, too, seemed reluctant, but both of them knew the rules of goblin tradition.

The strong led, and if the chief backed down from a challenge, then they weren't worthy to lead.

With that, the other goblins began clearing the area, giving us space for the fight. 

I stepped forward, my grin only widening.

This was happening.

A one-on-one fight for power.

I wasn't going to drag this out. I'd make it quick.

"Alright, Narg. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you get. But be warned—this will end in one move."

"Do your worst," Narg said, and to my surprise he summoned a fireball, the flames crackling in the air.