The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 72 A Hard-Fought Victory

Lance stood near the center of the camp, his sword resting tip-first in the ground as he surveyed the aftermath. He scanned the area, taking in the wounded goblins being tended to by Mira, the charred barricades Kaeli had built, and the bloodstained spear Rynne carried as she barked final orders to the remaining warriors. The camp itself hadn't received much damage at all, save for some minor ones left by the beasts that had managed to break through before being hunted down right after.

"We did it," Zarra said, appearing beside him with her bow slung over her shoulder and her twin daggers sheathed. Her eyes held both exhaustion and satisfaction. "I don't know how, but we did it."

Lance nodded, though the weight of the battle still pressed heavily on his shoulders. "We won," he said, his voice steady. "But it wasn't easy."

Looking at the wounded, Lance could easily heal them all, but he chose not to following something that happened previously.

...

[Some Time Back]

Lance sat at a wooden table near the medical tent, watching as Mira worked with quiet determination. She moved about, her hands glowing faintly with magic as she prepared herbal poultices and sorted through bundles of freshly gathered plants.

"Mira," Lance called, his voice soft but enough to catch her attention.

She looked up, her emerald eyes meeting his. "Lance. Are you feeling alright? Your injuries from the fight..." She said, her voice a bit down.

"I'm fine," Lance said with a reassuring smile. "Your healing magic did the trick, as always."

Her cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, and she quickly looked back down at her work. "It's nothing compared to what you can do," she said, her tone modest, just down by a faint bit.

Sensing the minute shift in her tone, Lance was curious about her response, so he stood and walked closer, leaning against the edge of the table. "Mira, you're such an amazing healer. I've seen how much you've done for this tribe. Why do you doubt yourself?" He asked.

Mira paused, her hands stilling as she considered his question. "It's not that I doubt myself," she said softly. "It's just... I know there's so much more I could be doing."

"Hmm?"

"We couldn't have done this without you, Chief," one warrior said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Lance shook his head. "You fought for your home, for your tribe. That's what really won this battle."

As he moved through the camp, he felt a surge of pride and humility. The goblins had grown so much since he first arrived—stronger, braver, and more united than ever.

'Heh... it's a wonder what simple human politics can achieve here. It almost feels guilty to receive those remarks.'

Near the edge of the camp, Lance found Rynne standing alone, her spear resting against a tree. She turned as he approached, her golden eyes softening.

"You look like you're carrying the weight of the world," she said.

"Sometimes it feels like I am," Lance admitted with a faint smile.

Rynne smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, you did good, Lance. Better than good."

"Thanks, Rynne," he said.

"A victory like this calls for celebration, hope you're ready?" She asked, a small smirk on her lips.

Returning the smile, Lance drew her in unexpectedly, wrapping a hand around her waist and closing the distance between them. "MM?" She let out in surprise, but her expression lowly softened as Lance planted a soft kiss on her lips, drawing her in as both passed the moment in bliss.

"You still reek of blood." Lance said as they separated.

"We should wash ourselves before the night ends."

"We should."