Elder Jarv’s POV

Jarv was an elder, a position he earned after years of hard work under the previous elder. This status afforded him privileges that even champions did not possess. Though physically stronger, they were still his subordinates, as this was the way of the goblins. Throughout the latter half of his life, he enjoyed absolute control and power within his community. However, when the apocalypse occurred and they were forced into this world, he had to relinquish some of that control upon allying with two other goblin tribes. Nevertheless, he remained at the top of the pyramid, matched only by fellow elders.

However, the situation changed dramatically when Thorian appeared. Thorian defeated all their mightiest champions single-handedly, leaving him and the other elders astonished. They had no choice but to join him. Refusal would have meant Thorian imposing his will through sheer force.

Joining Thorian's retinue did offer significant benefits; Elder Jarv increased his strength tenfold and evolved into a mystic shaman. His connection with his deity strengthened, allowing him to wield more divine power. Yet, he also lost his top position, now ranking below not only Thorian but also his two generals, Forlune and Zogarth.

Therefore, when the opportunity to become a vassal lord arose, Jarv assumed all the elders would seize it. They would rule their own communities as kings, only occasionally answering to Thorian. That was his belief, but the reality before him proved otherwise.

Just what is Oom thinking about? Did he go mad?

Thorian offered him the chance to become a co-vassal lord, yet Oom discarded it. Had Jarv been given the same opportunity, he would have seized it eagerly. There was no need to hesitate. With such a position, he could establish a large goblin base within the village, commanding obedience due to his status as an elder. His status would return to what it was before Thorian's arrival, but now he would lead a far more formidable force.

So, why would Oom reject this offer? Does he have other plans?

Observing Thorian and Elder Oom converse privately, Elder Jarv waited patiently, eager to discern the motives behind his fellow elder's decision.

"Sorry for making you wait," Oom approached Jarv, pulling him from his thoughts. With a knowing smile, Oom inquired, "It seems you have much to discuss with me."

Unable to read Oom's expression, Jarv hesitated for a moment before scoffing and motioning for the elder to follow. "Let's talk as we walk."

Once they were in a more secluded location, Elder Jarv began, "What were you thinking, rejecting that offer, Oom? Do you not realize your position? You're an elder, for heaven's sake!"

"Of course, that's what you would say," Elder Oom chuckled, causing Jarv to frown.

With a puzzled look, Jarv asked, "Do you have another plan? Have you made a deal behind our backs? Otherwise, your decision makes no sense to me."

Elder Oom continued chuckling before letting out a deep breath. Then, with a serious expression, he asked, "Jarv, what do you think of the past two weeks we have spent here? Calm your mind and think carefully."

"What do you mean, 'what do I think'?" Jarv retorted, angry that Oom had answered his question with another question. However, as he saw the cold expression on Oom's face, he gulped down his saliva and gathered his thoughts.

"Certainly, it has been wilder than I ever imagined. The scales of power at play are unlike anything we were used to. We have gained great powers and fought against equally mighty foes," Elder Jarv admitted. He then paused for a second before continuing, "But what use is power when it comes with no status? We are elders, rulers of the goblins. Yet here we are, mere counselors. Our words hold less weight than even Aqua's."

"So, you want a small village to play king in. Isn't that right?" Elder Oom cut through Jarv's meandering. "That is just a dream with no basis in reality, my friend. We are no longer in Sandia, where your status as an elder alone offered you eternal glory."

Jarv tensed as Elder Oom stared into his soul. While his mind wanted to retort, his body stopped him dead in his tracks

With a sigh, Oom changed the subject, "Do you know how many fully-fledged shamans have emerged this week?"

Taken off guard, Jarv took a few seconds to respond, "A couple dozen, at least. I'm not sure of the exact number."

"Indeed. Twenty-six, to be exact," Oom nodded. "Now, you might believe that you are still safe because you have evolved into a mystic shaman, and that as such, you can still retain your status as an elder. However, these new shamans are also on the verge of evolving. When they do, what will set you apart from them?"

"My position on the council?" Jarv answered with a doubtful expression. "Surely that should hold some weight."

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"It does," Oom nodded again. "But do you truly believe you will retain that position for long if you go and wither away in some far-off village? A new upstart will take your place sooner than you realize if they prove more useful to Lord Thorian."

Hearing these words, Jarv clenched his fists, and the words got stuck in his throat.

"Let me give you a piece of advice, considering our long history," Elder Oom smiled as he patted Jarv's shoulder. "Right now, you are part of the winning team. Do not let the illusion of former glory take away your future. Snap out of it immediately, and the glory you will enjoy will be nothing like you've experienced before."

* * *

With two hours left before they had to depart for the new villages, Thorian decided to make his way to the Magus Guild. As he reached its gate, Fizzlegrin walked to greet him.

"My lord, it's been a while since you've come here for a proper training session. I only see you when you're registering your quests and collecting their rewards," the guild master chuckled. "I'm curious about your progress in elemental manipulation. I'm sure with your talent, you'll surprise me once again."

"Those are high expectations to reach, guild master," Thorian smiled. "As of right now, I've upgraded the manipulation skills of three elements: fire, water, and wind."

Fizzlegrin's expression froze for a second before he chuckled while shaking his head. "If it was anyone else, I would have questioned their sanity for daring to lie to me. However, it is you we're talking about."

He then looked at Thorian and asked, "Since you're already this advanced in your journey as a magus, do you want to take the second exam soon? The requirement is to upgrade just one manipulation skill to the second level, but you've already gone way past that."

Thinking for a second, Thorian responded, "Let's leave the exam for tomorrow. I want to tackle it after upgrading the earth manipulation skill too."

"A wise choice," Fizzlegrin chuckled. "I'm curious what kind of rewards you'll be offered this time."

With those words, Thorian registered his quests for the day before beginning his training. As he did with the other four elements, Thorian conjured ten small rocks atop his fingers and gradually started controlling them from left to right. Time quickly passed by, and before he noticed it, the two-hour window had already closed. By the time he finished, Thorian was able to freely control nine rocks around his body. He knew that with just a bit more focus and concentration, he would be able to control the tenth one too, and upgrade his skill to the second level.

As he was making his way to the outer gate, Thorian's mind was full of thoughts.

Right now, I have access to the manipulation skills of all four basic elements. But what about the secondary ones? Lightning, wood, ice, and the rest. I know that magus classes corresponding to those elements eventually gain access to their manipulation skills, but what about the Elemental Magus? Will I gain those skills eventually as I advance this class?

As Thorian's mind rumbled with such thoughts, an idea struck him. When I combine Wind and Fire skills using fusion, I gain lightning skills. Is it possible to replicate this process manually? Just stacking the manifestation of those two elements manually won't work; it will just create a stronger fire. The combination must take place at an even deeper level.

Smiling at this conclusion, Thorian shook his head and pushed the thought to the back of his mind. Such an undertaking couldn't be accomplished in a simple manner. He would need to test this theory through prolonged trial and error if he wished to succeed.

Reaching the outer gate, Thorian found the two groups ready to depart. As such, without wasting many words, the group made their way to the first territory altar.

Looking to the side, Thorian found a stream that passed close to the heart of the territory. Following this stream with his eyes, Thorian found a lake. It was the same one that he had used to clean his body on that first night, when he had given Nox his name.

With a nostalgic look on his face, Thorian turned around toward Lapis and Vivax. "From now on, you will be ruling the Silvermoon Village. Other than the members of my original tribe, you two have been with me the longest. You should already know a thing or two about ruling a village and growing, or am I wrong?"

"My lord, we understand your will completely," Lapis assured. "You don't have to worry about a thing. We will make sure to grow Silvermoon into a splendid village."

With those words, Lapis put his hand on the Demon Face, thus becoming the vassal lord of the Silvermoon Village.

As the ceremony was completed, Thorian left Lapis, Vivax, and their group to tend to the matters of their village. He then guided the other group to the last territory altar with Yorden, the High Orc Champion, by his side.

"Yorden, I have heard much about you from Zogarth," Thorian addressed the to-be-vassal lord with a warm voice. "This is a great responsibility I bestow upon you. I hope that you are ready for the task."

"I will not disappoint you, my king," Yorden replied with a serious voice, reminiscent of Zogarth's. "I will work day and night so as to not bring shame to you and to my dignity as an orc."

"Then I am expecting great things," Thorian said, patting Yorden's shoulder before his gaze shifted to the rest of the group. Amongst them, the ones who grabbed his attention immediately were Caedar and Mysta. "You also have great counselors within your group. Be sure to listen to their wisdom, for a lord does not rule alone."

Following Thorian's gaze, Yorden nodded, "I understand, my lord. I will make sure to never forget your words."

Returning a nod, Thorian focused on the altar that they were approaching. The name he chose for the last village was Fernstead, after the plant that covered the clearing in which the altar was located. While it was not the most creative name, Thorian was satisfied with it.

Going through the same procedure as the last two villages, Thorian made Yorden his last vassal lord. After making sure that he was well aware of his abilities as a lord and what plan he should take, Thorian made his way back to Wolvendale.

Even as he was walking and guiding the two groups, Thorian didn't waste any time. He continued practicing his Earth Manipulation Skill. As such, by the time he entered the outer gates of Wolvendale, a notification appeared in front of him.