CHAPTER 3: Decisions and New Opportunity
"I'll let you live if you surrender now," Zasp said to the goblin.
"Huh? I'm not afraid of you," the goblin replied.
"Alright, I warned you," Zasp said.
The battle between the two became intense, but Zasp still emerged victorious. After defeating the goblin, Zasp immediately searched for his brother, Arkin. Moments later, Zasp found Arkin.
"Arkin!" he called out to his brother.
Arkin turned to Zasp and said, "Brother, I'm glad you're okay. What happened to the goblin?"
"Don't worry about that," Zasp replied.
"Thank you for saving me," the man said to Zasp.
"You're welcome," Zasp answered.
After that, Zasp and Arkin went home.
"Arkin, I have something to tell you," Zasp said.
"What is it, brother?"
"The king sent me on a mission," Zasp replied.
"What kind of mission?" Arkin asked.
"I was sent to find out what attacked the soldiers escorting the goods," Zasp explained.
"It's better if you go home to Aunt Lyn, because no one will be here to guard you," Zasp added.
"I don't want to," Arkin replied.
"There will be no one to look after you here, and no one to feed you because I won't be around," Zasp said angrily to Arkin.
"I can work, you know. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore—I'm already 13," Arkin argued.
"But—"
"Brother, you don't have to worry. I can take care of myself," Arkin insisted.
"Sigh. Fine, I'll allow it. Besides, I know someone who's looking for a worker," Zasp said to Arkin.
"I can introduce you to them," he added.
The next morning, Zasp woke up early to prepare their food. A little while later, Arkin also woke up.
"Good morning," Zasp greeted his brother.
"Good morning," Arkin replied.
"What's for breakfast?" Arkin asked.
"It's on the table. Go ahead and eat, then get dressed. We're going out," Zasp said.
"Where are we going?" Arkin asked.
"To the person I told you about. Didn't you say you were looking for a job? I'll introduce you to them," Zasp explained.
Arkin hurried to finish his breakfast so they could leave. After eating, they set out to visit the person Zasp mentioned.
"We're here," Zasp said.
"Wow, this place is amazing," Arkin said in awe.
"Stay here while I go find them," Zasp instructed.
"Okay," Arkin replied.
"Hello, is anyone here?" Zasp called out.
"Who's there?"
"Oh, Zasp! It's you! It's been so long since we last saw each other. How have you been?"
"I'm doing fine, how about you?" Zasp replied.
"Still strong," the old man said with a chuckle.
"Hahaha."
"So, what brings you here? What's the reason for your visit?" the old man asked.
"My brother needs a job," Zasp answered.
"Oh, is that so? Where is he?"
"Wait a moment, I'll call him," Zasp said.
"Arkin, come here and go inside. I'll introduce you to them," Zasp called out.
"Okay, okay," Arkin replied.
"Mrs. Lina, Mr. Roger, this is Arkin. He's the one I told you about," Zasp introduced.
"Hello," Arkin greeted.
"Aww, what a cute kid," Mrs. Lina exclaimed. "Well, well."
"Hehe," Arkin giggled.
"What can you do?" Mrs. Lina asked Arkin.
"Can you plant crops? And take care of animals?"
"Yes, I can. I grew up on a ranch, so I know how to do those things," Arkin answered.
"Is that so? Alright, you can start tomorrow," Mrs. Lina said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Lina," Arkin said.
After that, Zasp and Arkin left.
"Well, Arkin, I'm off. Let's meet up later," Zasp said as he left. Arkin continued walking home. While walking, Arkin ran into Koby.
"Koby, how are you?" Arkin greeted Koby.
"Hey, Arkin! Hahaha, I'm doing fine. How about you?" Koby replied.
"I'm doing well, and I got a job!" Arkin said.
"Really? Congrats!" Koby said.
"Where are you headed?" Arkin asked.
"Me? Oh, I'm just wandering around. How about you, where are you going?" Koby replied.
"I was on my way home," Arkin said.
"Oh, I see. Well, wait a bit before you go home. Let's hang out. I know a nice place," Koby suggested.
Arkin agreed to go with Koby.
Sigh. "It's getting late. I need to go home," Arkin said to Koby.
"Alright, let's go home," Koby replied.
They said their goodbyes and headed home.