Chapter 46: The Chief’s Last Stand

I had only just awakened the legacy, so there was still much I didn’t understand about its abilities, but the fight with Luther had given me a glimpse of what I could do.

That was enough to make me eager to test my limits.

I didn’t know exactly how strong Orgrun was compared to Thors.

The chief had accepted the dwarf’s challenge to protect the clan, and I had no intention of undermining his decision by rushing into the fight without a good reason.

However, the situation could change quickly. If Thors proved too powerful for him, the responsibility of defeating the dwarf would fall to me.

And after what had just happened, I was confident that I could at least give him a proper fight.

Whether I could actually defeat him was another matter.

Luther had been a Level 25 Swordsman, while Thors was a Level 30 Berserker.

The difference in their levels alone didn’t tell me everything, but I had no reason to assume the dwarf would be easier to handle.

His experience, physical strength, and fighting style could make him considerably more dangerous than Luther.

Still, I had a newly awakened legacy class, several skills I hadn’t fully explored, and a fresh level-up.

I wasn’t the same goblin.

Besides, I couldn’t help wondering how many Legacy Points I would receive if I managed to defeat Thors.

If Luther had rewarded me with two, the dwarf might be worth considerably more.

I quickly pushed that thought aside.

I needed to focus on the fight first. There would be plenty of time to examine the rewards afterward, assuming we all survived.

A faint skittering sound came from above, drawing my attention toward the trees.

I looked up just in time to see Drako gliding down toward me, his small body moving between the branches with the ease of an experienced climber.

The little lemur had flown away when I picked up the Doom Axe, most likely frightened by the overwhelming surge of power that had erupted from the weapon and coursed through my body.

Now that the disturbance had passed, he had returned.

However, instead of landing on my shoulder as he usually did, Drako slowed his descent and hovered nearby.

His head tilted slightly as he studied me, and I could see the hesitation in his movements.

He seemed unsure whether approaching me was a good idea.

I couldn’t blame him.

The transformation had been sudden, and even I was still trying to understand everything that had happened.

The lightning, the glowing runes, the strange markings that had spread across my body, and the overwhelming strength I had gained would have been frightening to witness, especially for a creature as small as Drako.

I extended my hands toward him, keeping my movements slow and deliberate.

"Come on. It’s still me."

Drako hesitated for another moment before gliding forward.

His tiny feet settled on my shoulder, and he gripped the fabric near my neck to steady himself.

Even after landing, he continued studying my face as if searching for some sign that I had become a different creature.

I smiled and gently raised a hand toward him.

"You don’t have to be afraid. I’m still the same goblin. Just more powerful."

Drako made a faint chittering sound, his body relaxing slightly as he settled into his usual position.

That was more like the little lemur I knew.

I gave him a gentle pat before turning toward the clearing, where the outcome of the challenge would soon be decided.

Talia and I hurried through the trees, with Drako clinging to my shoulder.

The closer we came to the clearing, the easier it became to hear the sounds of the gathering crowd.

Goblins and humans had assembled to watch their respective representatives fight, and the atmosphere was tense enough that even the slightest movement seemed capable of drawing attention.

When we finally reached the clearing, the difference between the two groups was immediately apparent.

The goblins stood together in a tight cluster, their expressions grim as they watched the battle.

Some had their hands clenched at their sides, while others shifted nervously or looked away whenever the fighting became particularly brutal.

None of them seemed willing to voice their fears, but the worry on their faces was impossible to miss.

Their chief had accepted the challenge on their behalf, and his defeat could mean the end of their clan.

The humans, on the other hand, appeared far more relaxed.

Several watched the fight with their arms folded, while others exchanged quiet remarks among themselves.

They showed little concern for the outcome, carrying themselves with the confidence of people who had already decided how things would end.

To them, Thors’s victory seemed so certain that there was little reason to worry.

I moved through the goblins, with Talia following close behind.

A few turned to look at me as I passed, their eyes briefly settling on the Doom Axe and the blue runes glowing along its surface.

I noticed their surprise. But didn’t respond to it, as my attention had already shifted toward the center of the clearing.

I saw Orgrun. And my heart dropped.

The chief was in terrible condition.

His clothes were torn, and blood stained several parts of his body.

His posture had grown unsteady, with one shoulder hanging lower than the other as he struggled to remain upright.

Even from where I stood, I could see the strain in his movements.

He was breathing heavily, and each attempt to steady himself seemed to demand more effort than the last.

My expression hardened as I took in his condition.

Orgrun had accepted the challenge to protect the clan, and he had fought knowing that the lives of every goblin present depended on the outcome.

Yet the sight before me made it painfully clear that the battle was not going the way we had hoped.

I tightened my grip on the Doom Axe.

Whatever happened next, I might have to step in.

The dwarf, in...