At this moment, his tears were about to burst out, and even his voice was trembling. "Thanks to the spirits of our ancestors, our tribe finally has a successor! Child, I am the shaman of this tribe. I swear in the name of billions of gods in the world that if you are willing to dedicate this spirit to the tribe, I am willing to give you a status second only to mine, and even accept you as my apprentice and teach you the way of shamanism."
As soon as these words came out, the goblins around were shocked. One of the taller goblins questioned, "Teacher, isn't this too..."
"There is no doubt that his contribution is fully worthy of such a reward. I am already a hundred years old. If it were a few years later, the shamanic way might have been cut off forever, and my clan would have degenerated into the same faithless state as ordinary goblins." The old goblin interrupted.
"Are you already a hundred years old?" Isidor asked in surprise.
According to the knowledge he had in this life, the average lifespan of a goblin was usually only 20 to 30 years. Even the longer-lived ones could only live to 30 or 40 years old. A goblin who lived to be a hundred years old was unheard of.
"Yes, I am a hundred years old. The reason why I am so long-lived is because I am the descendant of goblins and elves." The old goblin said, turning to look at Isidor again.
"Elf?" Isidor repeated in confusion.
"That's right. The goblin bloodline will gradually deteriorate from generation to generation. The offspring born from two goblins will only be weaker and duller than their parents. That's why we rob human women for reproduction, so that the offspring born will be both smart and strong. The race born from goblins and elves not only has the aforementioned advantages, but also lives longer. But all this is just appearance." said the old goblin.
"Appearance? Is there any secret behind this?" Isidor couldn't help but ask.
"That's right! Based on my research on the relics of my ancestors, I can almost conclude that goblins are a race that descended from the elves." said the old goblin.
As soon as these words were spoken, all the goblins, including Isidor, exclaimed in amazement.
"There is no need to be surprised. Touch your pointed ears. This is the best evidence." The old goblin said slowly.
“But there are more species with pointy ears than just goblins and elves. And no matter what, the gap between elves and goblins is too big.” A goblin said, touching his ears subconsciously.
"It's normal for you to have doubts. Time will prove everything. Before this elf is completely worn out, we can raise at least twenty newborns. This means that there will be twenty goblins in the tribe who are as long-lived as me in the future. I can teach them all the shamanism and let them learn powerful magic. In this way, the revival of our tribe will be just around the corner!" said the old goblin with tears in his eyes.
"So that's it!" The goblins around cheered in unison. It was unclear whether they were infected by the atmosphere or if they really understood it.
"There is no time to lose. Bring her back to the cave and have the strongest member of the tribe plant the seed!" Seeing everyone's excitement, the old goblin clapped his hands, and many vines immediately grew out of the ground. These vines formed a net bag and held the elf in the tree hole. He handed it to the goblin next to him,
"Elf! Elf! Elf!" The goblins shouted, caught the net bag and hurriedly carried the elf back to the depths of the cave.
Isidor looked at their enthusiasm and couldn't help but feel a little scared. Although Esina seemed very confident, that was based on the premise that goblins didn't know magic. But now it seems that these goblins not only know magic, but also seem to be quite good at it. Isidor didn't dare to imagine what would happen next.
Chapter 5: The Elf in the Goblin's Lair
With an uneasy mood, Isidor returned to the nest with the goblins.
Although goblins are not very intelligent, they are natural experts in underground construction. The interior of the nest is very large, with crisscrossing passages, as if it is the result of expanding and connecting several natural caves.
"Come here, lock up the elves in the seedbed, take out all the good wine and meat, and use the most sumptuous banquet to welcome your second chief: Isidor!" the old goblin announced loudly.
The cave immediately became noisy, and the goblins' screams echoed in the cave, deafening. In a moment, countless foods filled the cave, and the goblins sat on the ground and ate and drank heartily.
Isidor noticed that the food of other goblins was mostly monster meat, but the food he got was very exquisite: there was wine, dried meat, preserved fruits, canned food, all kinds of food.
Considering that goblins do not have the ability to produce these foods, their source can only be the spoils obtained from humans. Distributing so much spoils to themselves is obviously a symbol of status.
However, despite the abundance of food, Isidor still ate it without any appetite.
Esna was still in a coma, and she had no idea that goblins could perform magic. If she didn't remind her, the consequences would be disastrous.
But is it really necessary for me to take such a big risk to help her?
Although she saved me, in the end, she just wanted to use me for research and work. If I stayed in the goblin tribe, I would be able to enjoy a position second only to the first.
After much thought, Isidor decided to tell Esna the information. At worst, he would not help either side. This way, no matter who won, he would have an explanation.
Thinking of this, he stood up and said to the old goblin: "Chief, can I go check on that elf? I gave her a sleeping potion. If she sleeps for too long, she might become an idiot. Why not let me wake her up?"
"Haha, wouldn't it be better to become an idiot?" A goblin laughed while holding a wine bowl.
"That's right! And every woman who comes here ends up becoming an idiot...hiccups!~" said a goblin who could hardly stand steadily.
"Yes, yes, yes. The pair of sisters captured in the carriage last month and the female adventurer who broke in half a year ago to rescue her companions, all resisted fiercely at the beginning, but didn't they all resign themselves to their fate in the end?" The goblins talked about the women who were captured here in a vivid and colorful manner, and their expressions became more and more excited.
Seeing that they were talking endlessly, Isidor had to raise his voice and question loudly, "Elves cannot be captured casually! The chief said, right? An elf can give birth to at least 20 goblins before it is completely worn out. If an elf gives birth to fewer goblins due to health damage, the tribe will lose a few shamans in the future! Can you bear this responsibility?"
The goblins looked at each other, seeming to think that what Isidor said made sense, and finally they all looked at the old goblin who remained expressionless.
The goblin slowly glanced at everyone, and finally his eyes fell on Isidor.
"Child, are your actions for the benefit of our tribe?" asked the old goblin.
His eyes were so deep that they seemed to see through everything. Isidor felt like there were thorns on his back, as if he would be discovered immediately if he showed any fear.
"Of course!" Isidor answered bravely.
"Are you willing to swear to this?" the old goblin continued, staring into Isidor's eyes.
Staring at him with those cloudy but oppressive eyes, Isidor felt his heart was about to jump out. But he still withstood the pressure and said loudly: "I swear: everything I do is for the tribe. If I break this oath, those who raised me will not have a good end!"
"Very good. I will give you this necklace as a symbol of status. The seedbed is located in the deepest part of the cave. You can find it by going down." The old goblin seemed very satisfied with Isidor's oath. He took off the animal tooth necklace from his neck and put it on him himself.
Isidor heaved a sigh of relief. The people who raised him were naturally the villains in the circus. Before he awakened his memories of his past life, he was forced to train by them every day. He was beaten and scolded every day. If they really didn't have a good end, he would be so happy that his nose would bubble. Swearing by these people, he naturally had no psychological burden.
"Thank you, Chief!" Isidor fled the banquet as if he had been pardoned, and came all the way to the seedbed where the elves were imprisoned.
The goblin in charge of guarding saw the necklace and respectfully let him in.
The so-called seedbed is actually a group of separated wooden houses. In each room, a human or subhuman woman is tied up with rattan. These women are in disheveled clothes and have dull eyes. God knows what they have experienced here.
The room where Esna was imprisoned was at the very back. Her room was larger than the others and had a large velvet bed where Esna slept.
Isidor took a closer look and found that Esna was still tied up with ropes, lying on her back on the bed in a very bad posture. Because her clothes were torn, her private parts were exposed. Isidor's lips were dry and his mouth was parched, and he couldn't help swallowing his saliva.
[Ding! The side quest has been triggered: "Tribute to the Classics"]
[Mission objective: Imitate Shinji's actions when visiting a patient]
[Success reward: None (but very cool)]
[Failure penalty: none]
At this moment, the untactful system came out to cause trouble again.
"Fuck you!" Isidor cursed inwardly and shook Esna's shoulder with his hand.
Perhaps the effect of the drug had worn off by now, and Esina woke up quickly.
"Hmm~ There is a stench of goblins! It seems that we have successfully infiltrated!" Esina looked at Isidor, her nose suddenly moved, and she said excitedly.
"Keep your voice down, there are goblins guarding outside! Do you want to get pregnant?" Isidor hurriedly stopped him.
"According to human standards, I am indeed at the right age to get pregnant, but I have been busy with other things, so it has been delayed until now." Esna held her chin, seeming to be thinking about this matter seriously.
"I'm not asking you to consider this, but I'm here to tell you: your previous judgment was completely wrong. These goblins can use magic! If you stay here any longer, even if you publish a book, it will at least be labeled as a heavy-mouthed book! I can help you untie the rope, but it's up to you whether you want to escape or not." Isidor warned.
When Esina heard the news, she still had an arrogant expression on her face. After a long while, she said slowly:
"But isn't this exactly why I came here? As for magic? Don't be ridiculous. How could the goblin's magic work on me?" Esna said, and her limbs nimbly escaped from the ropes like a long snake.
She stretched out her body, her hands shaped like lotus leaves, and gently held up a pair of longevity peaches and said to Isidor, "Come, touch me."
"Oh, so direct? Although I'm not particularly opposed to it, you should at least give it some time, right?" Isidor said.
"Don't waste your time. Just touch it when I tell you to!" said Esina angrily.
"You said it, right? Don't regret it!" Isidor made up his mind, thinking that he didn't deserve it anyway, so he stretched out his hands and rubbed it vigorously.
However, an invisible barrier completely isolated him. Wherever his hands reached, he could only feel an invisible resistance, as if he was touching an invisible wall.
"This is my protective magic: 'Perfect Virgin'. It is so powerful that it is almost a curse. Even the great magicians among humans cannot easily break it. So do you think that the inferior and stupid goblins are capable of breaking it?" Esna sneered with undisguised contempt.
"I am also a goblin, the inferior and stupid race you mentioned." Isidor said unhappily.
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean it. What I meant is, although goblins are an inferior race, you, as an outlier among them, still have certain advantages, such as... give me some time, I will definitely be able to think of it..." Esina rubbed her temple and thought seriously.
"......It seems that I am meddling in other people's business. Anyway, there is an old goblin with a blue tattoo among them. He looks very powerful. You'd better pray for the best." Isidor rolled his eyes at the elf, turned and left the seedbed.
Chapter 6: The First Goblin Martial Arts Tournament
When Isidor returned to the hall, the banquet had ended and there were leftovers and messy cups and plates everywhere.
Seeing Isidor coming back, the old goblin stood up and announced loudly: "Everyone, get ready. The sacred ceremony will officially begin next!"
In an instant, the drunken goblins seemed to be energized as if they had been injected with chicken blood and began to clean up the place.
Soon, the entire hall was cleaned up. Then, several tall goblins carried Esna and the velvet bed over and placed them in the middle of the hall.
At this time, Esna had woken up, but her body was tied up again. Considering that her body could not be touched by the goblins, Isidor guessed that she had tied the rope back herself.
Hundreds of goblins gathered around the big bed. However, despite the presence of so many people, the scene was still completely silent. Everyone was silent, as if they were students waiting for a lecture from the principal.
"Clean her first." The goblin ordered.
Several strong goblins responded by bringing a bathtub, and one of them reached out to pull Esna up.
However, the elf seemed to be covered by an invisible barrier, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not touch her body.
"Hey, haven't you eaten? You can't even lift a woman?" The strongest goblin pushed his companions away impatiently and grabbed Esna's arm. However, even though he tried his best, he couldn't make the elf's seemingly slender arm shake at all.
"Get out of the way," the goblin ordered.
"It's a very beautiful protective magic. The application of magic power is as standard as in a textbook. I underestimated you." The old goblin said, and personally held out a huge golden wine glass. The glass was engraved with many patterns and looked very exquisite.
As soon as Esina saw the cup, her eyes lit up immediately. Seeing this, Isidor suddenly thought: Esina's purpose of sneaking into the goblin's nest seemed to be to find some precious props. Could it be that she was referring to this cup?
I saw the old goblin cutting his palm and letting the blood flow into the cup, muttering something, as if he was repeating some kind of spell.
Isidor noticed that the elf's eyes never left the old goblin's lips. Could it be that she not only wanted the cup, but also wanted to write down the spell to activate it?
After a moment, the old goblin's chanting ended.
He was seen twisting his body and doing a strange dance. At the same time, dark red liquid gradually emerged from the cup until it filled the golden cup and overflowed.
"Are there any other tricks? If not, I'm leaving." Esna yawned and easily broke free from the ropes on her body.
"No, you will stay here forever, giving birth to goblin offspring until you die." The old goblin said, picking up the golden cup and walking towards Esna, pouring all the liquid in the cup on her.
However, the liquid in the cup slid over Esna's body without leaving any trace on her, and even failed to stain her clothes.
"Are you going to use this thing to crack my 'perfect virginity'? Just with this cup of dirty water? People say that goblins are cunning, but I guess your brains aren't that good either! Hahahaha, I'm almost laughing out my prostate fluid." Esna laughed disdainfully.
"Excuse me, girls don't have a prostate. It's called Skene's glands..." Isidor corrected.
"Don't worry about the details. Anyway, if you've had enough fun, it's my turn..." Aisina was halfway through her words when the smile on her face suddenly froze.
Because the liquid poured on her began to evaporate rapidly, and with every bit of evaporation, the invisible barrier on her body became thinner, until it disappeared completely.
The smile on Esna's face gradually faded and turned into horror.
She stood up and tried to escape, but her hands and feet were immediately tied up by the soft vines growing on the ground and she fell back onto the bed.
"The protective magic has been lifted. In order to ensure the hit rate, I will designate eight of the strongest tribesmen to complete the ceremony. Next, the tribesmen whose names I call out will come forward." The old goblin said and began to call the roll.
Eight tall and burly goblins stood up one after another. Although it was a bit strange to describe goblins as burly, judging from the goblin's markings, they were undoubtedly giants, and each of them was at least as tall as an adult human male.
"This ceremony is different from usual ones. We must strive for saturation and not waste a single drop. Do you understand?" the goblin asked sternly.
"Understood!" the eight goblins whose names were called said loudly.
"Well, let's start!" said the old goblin, waving his hand.
The moment the old goblin waved his hand, the goblins rushed forward.
"Help!" Esina screamed.
Seeing that the footage was about to become unbroadcastable, Isidor realized that he had to do something.
"Stop!" Isidor roared, temporarily scaring everyone. The eight goblins also put away their guns and bullets in confusion and looked back at Isidor.
"Child, are you dissatisfied with my decision?" The old goblin turned to look at Isidor. Although his eyes were still as clear as the winter of 1939, Isidor still read a hint of doubt in them.
"Chief, this elf is extremely precious. How can it be used so carelessly? I completely agree that the strongest member of the tribe should plant the seed. But isn't it a bit too arbitrary to directly designate a candidate like this? Other members of the tribe don't even have a chance to try. I'm afraid they will be dissatisfied in their hearts even if they don't say it." Isidor thought quickly and made up an excuse to prevaricate.
"That makes sense. What do you think?" asked the old goblin.
"It's simple. The strongest is determined by strength. I suggest holding a 'Goblin First Martial Arts Tournament' to select the eight strongest goblins and have them plant the seeds. This way, we can select the truly strong ones and everyone will be convinced. Isn't this killing two birds with one stone?" I suggested.
After saying that, he secretly observed the reactions of the goblins, and saw that they were all rubbing their hands in anticipation. Goblins were a combative race, and using fighting to decide the right to mate seemed natural to them.
Isidor made the right bet this time. Even if the old goblin didn't want to say it in public, he had no choice but to agree because of the reaction of the crowd.
"Good idea. Let's lock up the elves without further delay. Those who are willing to participate can come and sign up with me." Sure enough, after seeing the reactions of the crowd, the goblin nodded in agreement.
"Count me in!"
"Let me go, I'm the best shooter in the world, I'm sure I'll score!"
"Me, me, me, I can do it too!"
For a while, the sounds of registration came one after another, and the hall was in chaos.
