Chapter 12: Bonekeeper

Picture this: an ugly old goblin with a toothy grin, casually presenting me with a bloodstained bone like it was a gift basket.

Yeah, that scene was straight out of a horror movie.

Don't blame me for my reaction.

Anyone in my shoes would've done the same.

My reaction clearly caught both Flogga and the goblin behind her off guard.

They stared at me for a moment.

The mood was quite awkward before I coughed, standing up straighter and pretending like I didn't just screeched like a banshee out of fear.

Flogga's grin widened, and to my annoyance, the goblin behind her chuckled as well.

I frowned, narrowing my eyes at them.

Did the two plan this? Seriously, Flogga, it's too early for pranks.

Flogga held up the bone, still grinning and I asked, my brow twitching.

"Where did you even get this? And why does it look so... fresh?"

"Relax, Totem," she replied casually, like it was no big deal. "I took it from the dead chief's body. We can use it to make a graveyard at the new base. Just offer it to God Drugar, and a graveyard will form wherever you place it."

Her words sank in, and I blinked.

Oh, so it's not a prank.

But seriously—taking a bone from your former leader? Flogga, are you even sane?

I decided not to dwell too much on the grim details.

After all, she clearly did it with the clan's future in mind

. As unsettling as it was, her willingness to take such a creepy step for the sake of her people was... well, kind of admirable.

Scary, but admirable.

And the graveyard? That was something invaluable.

If we could create one at the new base, it would ensure that if any of our clan members died, they'd be able to come back.

I couldn't deny it—this gruesome bone held incredible value for the clan.

Still, holding that bloody bone?

Yeah, thanks no thanks.

"Uh... you should hold it instead," I suggested, taking a cautious step back. "I'll collect it when I need it."

Flogga's expression shifted almost instantly.

At first, she just narrowed her eyes at me, a piercing look that screamed judgment.

Then, as if she'd already written me off as hopeless, her face twisted into something resembling disdain.

She didn't even need to say it—I could practically hear her calling me pathetic.

She still held up the bone, her gaze soul piercing, and I cracked.

"Fine," I muttered. and reluctantly holding out my hands.

The moment she handed me the bone, I snatched it up and immediately stored it in my inventory. No way was I going to hold that thing any longer than I had to.

As soon as the item vanished into my storage, I frantically wiped my hands on my clothing, trying to erase the phantom feeling of dampness that clung to my skin.

Flogga's eyes them widened, her expression doing a complete 180.

"Oh! Space magic," she said, her voice filled with awe.

Her eyes sparkled as if I'd just performed the greatest trick in the world. "Young Totem, you keep surprising me."

Space magic?

All I did was use my inventory.

It wasn't anything flashy or groundbreaking, but if it impressed the old goblin granny, I wasn't going to argue.

"Also, take this," Flogga said, interrupting my thoughts.

She handed over a blade, its dark, sinister sheen catching my eye.

"Old Chief used it," she explained bluntly. "But he's dead, so you use it now."

I accepted it without hesitation.

"Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful.

As I held the weapon, I felt its weight—light yet solid, with a faint chill that sent a shiver up my arm. My curiosity took over, and I immediately activated [Analyze] to see what I was dealing with.

Item: Gravefang

Rank: Rare

Type: Curved Blade

Description:

Gravefang is a slightly curved blade forged from black iron found in the depths of a forgotten mine. When used to attack, it inflicts venom upon its target and can terrify enemies when wielded in the dark.

Special Traits:

Venomous Slash: Wounds caused by Gravefang inflict a poison that saps the target's strength over time.

Intimidating Aura: The blade whispers in the dark, unnerving enemies who dare to face its wielder.

"Ohh…"

I nodded, genuinely impressed by the weapon's special traits.

It was a weapon fit for a leader.

"I'll use it well," I said, my tone firm.

Flogga gave me a curt nod, her wrinkled face neutral as she turned and walked away. Watching her retreating figure, a thought struck me.

Had her loyalty increased after giving me the weapon? Curious, I activated [Analyze] to check.

[Flogga] – Goblin Alchemist | Level: 3

Skill: Potion Making | Loyalty: 51%

"…"

Seriously? Just one?

I sighed, shaking my head.

Winning her over was going to take more effort than I thought.

But my frustration didn't have time to settle because I felt someone else's gaze on me.

My eyes flicked to the side, locking onto Narg.

He stiffened like a child caught stealing cookies, quickly averting his gaze.

Narg was a problem—one I couldn't afford to ignore any longer. With his pitiful loyalty and bruised pride, he was like a ticking time bomb. I needed to figure out what to do with him before he became an even bigger threat to my position.

I approached Narg slowly, and he visibly shrank back, refusing to meet my gaze.

The tension between us was thick, and it was clear he still hadn't come to terms with his loss.

"So, Narg," I said, my voice calm but laced with authority, "what are you going to do now? I'm the chief. And I can't keep someone with loyalty as low as yours. I think it's best if you leave the clan."

I said leave the clan, but what I really meant was die.

Letting him go wasn't an option.

There's nothing more dangerous than a resentful loner with nothing to lose.

If I allowed him to leave, I'd always be looking over my shoulder, waiting for the day he'd come back to stab me in the back—or worse, lead others against me.

This had to end here.

Narg hesitated, his eyes darting nervously between me and the others.

Fear was written all over his face. He didn't want to leave; maybe he even understood my real intention.

Did he think Flogga had advised me to kill him? Perhaps he'd seen her give me Gravefang, assuming it was specifically for this moment.

"Leave the clan?" he murmured, his voice trembling.

I gripped the hilt of Gravefang tightly, preparing myself.

The venomous blade would end this quickly.

But then, he continued, his voice desperate and pleading.

"No... Where would I go? I'll be eaten by a Mooncat before dawn! No goblin survives alone!"

Mooncat?

I froze, caught off guard. That was a new word I hadn't heard before. What in the world was a Mooncat?

I glanced toward my dictionary Thok for answers. But little runt was busy being bossed around by Flogga, struggling to carry her belongings.

Screw you, Flogga

Thok is supposed to be my underling.

Frustrated, I tilted my head skyward.

Gandalf? You there?

Nothing. Not a word.

The heavens were as silent as ever.

I sighed heavily.

Screw you too Gandalf

Shaking off the disappointment, I refocused on Narg, who was still trembling in front of me.

"Whether you get eaten by a Mooncat or not isn't my problem," I said, my tone sharp. "So make a choice. Stay and prove your worth or leave."