Key To A Goblin's Heart

Maland's POV 

I woke up to find myself in the infirmary surrounded by countless soldiers who were yet to regain their consciousness. I looked around myself, wondering how we had all failed on our very first day. I have never been ashamed of myself in my entire life. 

When I finally made it through the competition, I felt I deserved this. That I was strong, and I was worthy. And yet as I lay here with many others I couldn't help but feel undeserving of this honor. How can I protect the whole kingdom if I couldn't survive the very first day?

"I see someone finally woke up" A familiar deep voice mumbled from behind me, prompting me to look back. It was none other than general Dorin, who held a bottle of water towards me. The way he stood there, magnificently unbothered, as if his presence was mocking my entire existence.

"I am sorry" I mumbled. Sorry for not living upto the standard. Sorry, for failing this nation.

"You're sorry"? He looked at me finally, amused by my apology, "That's new, Usually people blame me for being this rough" He snorted, before the tiny hint of smile vanished and he stared at nothing in particular.

"You're the general for a reason. I have faith that whatever you put us through, however tough it gets, you have a valid reason. Even if we can't see it yet, I am sure it's for our benefit. After all, I too want what is best for this country." I declared.

"Our country needs more men like you, seeking for the collective good rather than individual" He mumbled, "Keep it up" he gave me a slight nod and vanished.

I stared at the spot where he stood a moment ago. Did he just.. Approve of me? He had a snarky aura around himself, but I… He actually approved of me. Now I was more delighted than ashamed. If it hadn't been for the glass on the window with the contrast to the night sky, I wouldn't have realised that there was a smile on my face. Hearing him say those few words, 'keep it up' made me feel elated beyond what I can describe. 

Ever since I was a kid, I had idolized my father who recently gave up his life for the kingdom. I marched in this journey, to follow in his glorious footsteps, in the hopes of dying the way he did. Fighting for this country. But he was just not my idol, he was my mentor. 

With him gone, I suppose I needed someone who could be my mentor for my journey ahead. Hearing General say those words made me consider, was he suited to be my mentor? Would he accept me as his apprentice?

The next few days passed by in a haze, quite literally. I wondered if it was me who felt like this or that is exactly how things were going. It feels like I have had those days… except, I can't recall them clearly. Does it… happen like this? I wondered.

After a few days I was in the middle of the practice when I heard an announcement go, "Everyone is asked to assemble in the front courtyard. You have five minutes." 

Everyone rushed through, leaving behind whatever they were doing. I almost dropped my sword in the mayhem, while a few of the soldiers who were washing their clothes by the brooke, almost let the water take their only apparels away.

At the courtyard we were instructed to stand in a queue in our order of arrival, but not before we drew a ball at the entrance from a dark box. It was as if we were drawing for a lottery or something. When all of us were finally in our position, the General took the front stage.

"Today, we have planned an interesting activity for all of you. The ball in your hand can be opened like a bottlecap. Inside it there is a number either in blue or red. That's where it gets interesting. You must engage in hand to hand combat with your complementary colour counterpart" He declared.

A wave of whispers took over the entire courtyard, until the general spoke again, "Now, the winner will be promoted to the next level. This event will last for several days depending upon the time each of you take to fight. The winner of this entire event will receive a special prize from me" He declared.

A happy murmur once again overtook the entire hall. Knowing the general, I wondered what kind of prize he must have planned. Did it have something to do with armory? Or was it a position? Or was it simply a ruse? Nevertheless, I had the zeal to be the winner, because no matter what the prize was, it was always great to be the winner.

I wasn't much of a talker unlike my fellow soldiers, and apparently the one I was supposed to be up against had been offended by my uptight attitude once. Looks like he was thrilled to have the opportunity to beat me up. On the other hand, I was determined to simply own the spot of the ultimate winner. 

As we were a hundred soldiers, we had fifty numbers. This time, my number was seven so my combat was scheduled today itself. The other soldier, whose name I didn't bother to remember, was taking great pleasure in beating me up. I pretended to be hurt more than I already was, and he bought it. 

The others too bought it as well given how they cheered for him. Through all the chaos I managed to spot the General who was watching me keenly with a dirty look. When his lips gave a tiny faint smirk, I realised that he anticipated my next move really well. 

My fellow soldier was embracing his victory, as he launched his ultimate strike, when I ended up flipping out our positions. Throughout the combat I saved my energy, while he used all of it to put me to the ground. The entire courtyard of cheers dipped into silence, staring intently at the turn of events.

In a manner of a few seconds, not only did I have this guy pinned to the ground, but also had him knocked out for good. I expected the crowd to cheer for me as well, but no one did. Clearly it wasn't just him who wasn't very fond of me, it was apparently everybody. 

Somehow being hated by everyone didn't feel so bad, but I knew that it would affect the sense of camaraderie in the long term, so I simply bowed out and got down from the podium. My opponent was rushed to the tent for primary care while the rest of the combat continued.

I was engrossed in the fight, studying everyone, each of their moves knowing I could be pitted against any one of the next. My focus was so sharp on the match that I lost focus from my immediate surroundings. It is probably why I jumped a little when I heard someone speak right next to my ear. "Smart move" The general smirked. 

"Thank you" Is all I said. To be praised by the general itself meant a lot for me. This time however I managed to hide my smile and continue to look ahead pretending to study their moves. 

"I suppose not fraternizing with the rest gives you an advantage. They can't expect your moves" He mumbled. "But surprisingly, it goes both ways" He smirked.

I looked at him confused, "So that is supposed to affect me" 

"You saw the crowd cheer for Stylix, but not for you, why is that"? He asked me.

"They don't like me very much," I admitted honestly.

"And that doesn't bother you"? He asked me.

"A little bit, but it's not under my control" I admitted honestly.

"Really? So it's their fault they don't like you? Seems quite unlikely" He mused.

"It's because I am not friendly," I declared. "But there is nothing I can do about it" I admitted.

"Seems to me like you can" He scoffed. "It might be friendly combat for now, but in the long run when there is a war and you need to be defended, they might not stand up for you. You need to build your relationship from the days of training" 

"I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, I don't need anyone else to protect me" I declared with pride. It was true, I enjoyed the job of protecting others and hated it as much when others tried to do it to me.

"Arrogance" He snorted, clearly mocking me, "I assumed you were a team player, but I guessed I was wrong. You might not be fit for the military after all" He mumbled before taking his leave, leaving me dumbfounded.

A few days ago he approved of me, and now he was disappointed. Was he right though? Was being cold to others will backfire on me in the long run? Then again he was the General for a reason. No matter what I assume it can never counter his expertise. His words left me so shaken that I couldn't focus on anyone's moves and tactics after that.