656 Passing The Mantle

Flashback

One week ago

Standing atop the towering wooden walls that encircled the Second Border City, the Village Chief gazed beyond, his eyes tracing the outline of the distant Third Border City'.

"In less than a year, look at everything you've accomplished. Amazing. It's simply amazing," the Village Chief said, admiration obvious in his voice as he praised Orion and the impressive structures he had erected. He turned to face Orion with a warm smile.

Orion shook his head, "I wouldn't have done it without your help or that of the key figures," Orion responded.

"Nonsense! You definitely deserve the praise. Without you and your ingenuity, none of this would have been possible," the Village Chief responded.

"From Orion's skies, enabling us to soar through the wide sky and easily observe the dead forest, to the healthcare structures that have improved the lives of so many people, to these strongholds..... these fortresses, each capable of standing on its own against the Vylkr vines and helping us deal with the spread of our population, saving us from the headache of where or how to build a new settlement. Lastly, with the presence of the god you convinced to bring back to the Village, we no longer need to worry about Vylkr vine attacks."

"We can focus on reproducing, tending to our farms, and strengthening our security to our heart's content. Also, because of you, the warriors are no longer constantly burdened with the weight of protecting the Village. They can now rest as they please."

"If you've noticed, they are much friendlier and respectful towards you. There has even been an uproar about making Seth step down from his position as the Rightward Stronghold Leader, and you take his place," the Village Chief added with a chuckle.

Orion nodded in response. He knew this was why the warriors listened to his instructions respectfully and why even those he had never met appeared to understand who he was on their first meeting. However, he couldn't help but smile wryly as he didn't know there was an ongoing uproar for Seth to step down from his position.

"I didn't know such a thing was happening," Orion responded.

The Village Chief exhaled, "Seth has just become the Rightward Stronghold Leader a few months ago, and with the peace and calmness in the Village, which is unlike before, he hasn't had the chance to further show his strength. It's a given that others are still doubtful of his position and think that he might have gotten there because he is the Village Chief's son. Nevertheless, don't worry about it. I am sure he will soon be given the chance to settle in and prove his capabilities," the Village Chief replied.

"My only disappointment is that Drakar made such a terrible mistake by leaving the Village and cannot witness the beauty that it is now. Maybe if he had stayed, then he might have had the chance to witness such a beautiful sight," the Village Chief added with a disappointed sigh escaping his lips.

After a few seconds of silence, the Village Chief realised he had been sidetracked from his real purpose of coming here. He coughed lightly before saying, "Do you want to know why I called you outside today?" his eyes fixed on Orion.

Orion shook his head in response, "I don't know why, Chief?" Orion replied.

"I called to speak with you because I've been considering retirement. Of course, this was something that I only wanted to address in four or five years. However, after witnessing your journey and how you transformed this Village, I realised it would be stupid to wait until then before deciding to announce my retirement. I have already discussed it with the rest of the key figures, and they have no disagreements with my decision," the village chief said, slightly becoming weary.

"I've thought carefully about this. I want you to succeed as the next Village Chief."

Orion was instantly stunned by the Village Chief's words.

Though his number one priority has always been wanting to hold enough influence so he could have his own voice in the Village, despite already achieving that and becoming even more respected, Orion realised that becoming the Village Chief would further cement that authority, placing him in a position that would be difficult for anyone to dispute against. However, Orion didn't expect the Village Chief to make such a decision so soon, especially since he still had yet to become a three-star warrior or reach his six-star potential.

Orion was already aware that it took up to a year or within years for a one-star warrior to advance into becoming a two-star warrior. So, he had also been consuming Vylkr vines or going out to hunt them himself whenever he had the opportunity to do so to advance quickly.

"What? You aren't interested in becoming the next Village Chief," the Village Chief said, furrowing his brow.

He had thought Orion would be excited about the prospect, considering it was an honour that even an ordinary Villager would never dream about.

However, noticing Orion's pondering expression, he couldn't help but become confused.

"No, it's not that. I feel like becoming the Village Chief might be a little early, especially since my strength is still improving," Orion responded.

"Oh! True, though it would be wrong to say that you haven't been sharing the burdens of the Village with us, a young man like you still has enough time to enjoy the rest of his life before being burdened by the full responsibilities of the Village Chief," the Village Chief responded with a thoughtful expression.

"However, your achievements have overwhelmingly surpassed the benchmark for the qualifications to become the Village Chief, and with the Key figures' agreement, I am sure that everything will go as planned. Also, if you choose to accept the mantle of the Village Chief, it would be in name only until you gain enough strength and are fully capable of bearing the responsibilities of the Village Chief, so there isn't really anything for you to be worried about."

"Okay, I don't have any complaints if it's like that. I'll do it; I'll succeed as the next Village Chief, Chief," Orion responded firmly.