The next morning—
"Huff… huff… Brother, wait for me!"
Lumberling turned back and smiled as he saw the girl struggling behind him, flushed and panting. He had brought her along on his daily jog.
"I can't run anymore, Brother…" she whined, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
Lumberling stopped and walked over to her.
"Sigh. Come on, get on my back—I'll carry you."
"I'm sorry, Brother…"
"It's fine. Hop on."
He gently hoisted her onto his back and resumed jogging, her small arms loosely wrapped around his neck. Before long, she had drifted off to sleep, her breathing soft and steady. Lumberling glanced back and smiled, then lightly tapped her nose with a finger, amused as she wrinkled it in her sleep.
Back at the carriage, he carefully placed her inside the tent. She instinctively curled up beneath the blankets, snuggling deeper with a contented sigh. He watched her for a moment, a quiet smile lingering on his face, then stepped away and resumed his own training.
Later that evening, as the campfire crackled low and the stars emerged above, he spoke to her softly.
"We're going to adjust your sleep schedule from now on," he said. "While the carriage is moving, that'll be your time to rest. Your training will happen early in the morning and again at night."
"Okay, Brother," she said, nodding with sleepy eyes. "I'll follow your arrangements."
For the next three weeks, Lumberling trained with the little girl. They ran together in the mornings before letting her rest. In the evenings, before their weapon training, he taught her how to read and shared basic knowledge—things she hadn't learned due to missing her early education. During the first few days, Lumberling took it easy on her, letting her rest the moment she grew tired.
Each night, watching her sleep peacefully in the tent, Lumberling found himself planning ahead. Over their time together, he'd discovered that she was quite gifted—almost on par with Skitz, surprisingly. He briefly wondered how the goblin was faring, but since their reunion was nearing, he didn't dwell on it.
"Good morning, old man. How was your sleep?"
"Morning, young man. Same as always—I just hope these old bones can keep up with my granddaughter."
"You're holding up well."
"I hope so," the old man chuckled.
"I've been meaning to ask—what's your plan from here on out?"
The old man sighed. "We don't really have one. For now, I just want to get my granddaughter as far away as possible from the people who want us gone."
Lumberling nodded silently, then said, "I have a proposal for you, old man."
"I'm afraid we can't offer you anyth—"
"Let me finish first," Lumberling cut in, his voice serious.
The old man quieted, sensing the weight behind his words.
"I want to bring you both to a place where you can live in peace. I'll take responsibility for your safety, food, and everything else you need. I'll train your granddaughter personally—make her into a proper Knight. In return, I ask that both of you serve me."
"Serve you? As our Lord?"
"That's right."
The old man hesitated. "I appreciate everything you've done for us—more than I can put into words. But... I'm not sure my granddaughter would want to serve anyone."
"Then ask her," Lumberling said simply.
"She's still young. I don't think she's ready to make that kind of decision."
"Then make a decision for her. It's an offer, not a command. You can give me your answer once we reach the city."
The old man fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Understood. Thank you, truly."
Somewhere deeper in the forest, two figures clashed—not with malice, but in training. Lumberling parried each strike from the girl with a wooden stick, easily dodging her swings and tapping her when she left herself open.
"You're so mean, brother!" she pouted when their sparring ended.
Lumberling only smiled in reply.
"Jen," he said suddenly.
The girl blinked and turned to him, surprised—this was the first time he'd called her by name. Until now, she'd only been "little girl."
"Yes, brother?"
"Do you want to keep training with me like this?"
"Of course! I wish we could train like this forever!"
"Forever, huh? Who'd want to train forever?" he chuckled.
"Hmph."
"But tell me—was it fun?"
"Yes! Even if you're mean to me sometimes."
Lumberling's expression softened. "Then I'll be honest with you. Once we reach the city... we'll have to part ways."
Jen's smile faltered. Her heart sank. Over the past few weeks, she had found comfort in him—a friend, a mentor, someone who made her feel safe and cared for, like her parents once had. The thought of losing that again made her chest ache.
"Can't you stay with us in the city? I promise I'll listen to everything you say."
"I can't stay with you... but I have a better offer. I've already spoken to your grandfather about it. You're still young, but you're smart. Help him decide."
"What's the offer, brother? Can I stay with you?"
He saw the light return to her eyes, a spark of hope reigniting.
"Yes. But it comes with a price," Lumberling said. "I want you and your grandfather to swear allegiance to me as your Lord. I may not be strong now, but I promise to treat both of you well."
"Of course, Brother! You're strong—and I'll swear my allegiance to you!" Jen beamed.
"Don't be hasty, silly," he chuckled. "Talk it over with your grandfather first. I asked him to give me his answer once we reach the city."
"Don't worry, Brother—I'll convince Grandpa!"
Lumberling watched her run off with a grin. She practically bounced with excitement as she returned to her grandfather.
As a leader, he knew what lay ahead. Responsibility. Vision. And the need to gather capable people by his side if he wanted the goblin village—and his future plans—to thrive. Jen was sharp, energetic, and showed signs of real potential. He was confident both she and her grandfather would accept his offer.
He had already begun planning his next steps.
A week later, the carriage finally rolled through the stone gates of Flameskin, their destination city.
Lumberling walked through the bustling streets alongside the old man and Jen, weaving through merchants and townsfolk. The scent of roasted meats, sweets, and spices hung thick in the air.
"Brother! Can I get one of those? They look really yummy!" Jen pointed eagerly at a stall selling bright-colored candies.
"Jen, behave yourself," her grandfather chided.
"You'll buy me one, right, Brother?" She turned her pleading eyes up at Lumberling.
He smirked. "Aren't you spoiled."
"Hmph! I don't like it anymore," she pouted.
"Are you sure?" he said, already reaching into his pouch. "Excuse me, two of those lollipops, please."
"Here you go, sir," the vendor replied cheerfully.
"A candy for me and your grandpa then, since you said you don't want one."
Lumberling unwrapped a lollipop and dramatically lifted it toward his mouth—then laughed as Jen's eyes widened.
"Just kidding. Here," he said, handing her both.
"You're so mean!"
"Alright, alright. You get an extra one," he teased, patting her head.
They strolled through the town together, taking in the sights until they reached a modest inn.
As they stood in front of it, Lumberling turned to the old man. "Tomorrow morning," he said quietly, "you'll decide. Either you come with me... or we part ways."
He met the old man's eyes. Jen looked up at her grandfather, hopeful and silent.
The old man sighed. "Alright, young man. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, old man. Good night, Jen. I'll see you both in the morning."
"Good night, Brother," she said softly.
That night, an icy blue eye opened in the darkness.
'Status,' Lumberling commanded in his mind.
A faint glow flickered behind his eyes for a moment.
Name: Lumberling
Race: Human
Age: 19
Level: 4
Essence Points: 3229 / 3500
Power: 1232 (Skills: 857 | Lvl: 375)
Knight Stage: Knight Page
Active Skills
Beginner Sprint Lv0 (828 / 1000)
(Grants a burst of lightning-fast speed. Consumes a large amount of stamina.)
Beginner Hammer Shock Lv0 (51 / 1000)
(Using any blunt weapon, this skill channels physical strength into a thunderous strike that generates a localized shockwave. Deals heavy physical damage and stuns enemies within a short radius. Effectiveness increases with skill level and physical strength.
Passive Skills
Essence Devour
(Automatically devours the essence of those you kill. Absorbs a portion of their special experiences and memories.)
Beginner Pikeman's Art Lv4 (157 / 1000)
Beginner Swordsmanship Lv2 (0 / 1000)
Beginner Bowmanship Lv0 (450 / 1000)
Beginner Shieldmanship Lv0 (259 / 1000)
Beginner Cudgel Fighting Lv0 (134 / 1000)
Beginner Concealment Lv1 (100 / 1000)
Beginner Dual Wielding (Axes) Lv0 (1 / 1000)