-----Zo's POV-----

 

"..."

 

I could only hear the noises made by the blood dripping from my club onto the ground.

 

"..."

 

There were several corpses of a wide variety of animals. Six twin tailed foxes, two braten grizzlies, 10 horned rabbits, 3 large boars and 4 wolves.

 

"Why?" I said while looking at the corpses.

 

I was completely alone near the ancestral home of my tribe.

 

"I don't understand… I did everything that Ru and my daughters did to evolve and yet… I can't evolve… Why… WHY!?" I screamed as I used my club to crush the skull of a dead wolf.

 

I'm completely furious… I can't understand why I haven't evolved yet…

 

I reached Level 12, I got the titles and I have been hunting actively and yet… I still haven't evolved…

 

I can understand why Ru and my daughters evolved first, they are talented hunters… In fact, I was really overjoyed that they had evolved. It was an auspicious occasion.

 

They told all of us how to evolve… I followed their instructions to the letter and yet… I haven't evolved at all.

 

"Fucking why!?" I crushed the skull of another dead animal with my bloody club.

 

I don't get it… Why did Fa have to evolve before all of us!? She's the worst hunter in our tribe! I would have understood if it was Ka who evolved, but Fa? Are you fucking kidding me!?

 

That's outrageous! Why her!? Why Fa who chose to stay in the cave to raise children and not me!? I have been hunting for all of my life!

 

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" I started punching the corpse of a bear.

 

She doesn't deserve that evolution… Out of everyone, why her!?

 

"..." I looked around me.

 

And why did the others choose her side? They should know better! They should know that Fa was not fit at all to evolve!

 

Even my own son and daughters took her side… As hunters, they also should have the same opinion of me…

 

There's literally no reason for her to evolve instead of me!

 

"That's quite the bad mentality you have there, Zo." A young woman spoke to me.

 

A woman with blonde hair and silver eyes spoke to me. She was wearing a strange black outfit.

 

"Who the fuck are you!?" I shouted while I prepared my club.

 

"Calm down." She replied.

 

"Huh…? I can't raise my club…?" I couldn't move at all...

 

"To think that Arrat would also make me deal with this issue… Tomoko is also out of her mind and it is too much to deal with already… Sigh... I want to go back to my room…" The young woman muttered.

 

"Who are you…?" I looked at her carefully…

 

I couldn't do anything else but analyze the strange woman.

 

"Let's just say that I am very close to your son, Ru. Zo, you really have done it now huh… I'm afraid to inform you that Fa will probably never forgive you." She spoke.

 

Ru…

 

"What? Did he send you here to make me 'listen to reason'?" I said while looking at her with disdain.

 

"Nope. I was sent here by someone else. Sigh… You're a really hard headed guy, aren't you?" She sighed heavily.

 

"…" I didn't respond.

 

"No, I should be calling you an idiot. I think the word suits you." She said with a smug expression.

 

I could only glare at her with fury.

 

"That's so scary! I'm literally trembling from how imposing you are…! Not really... You look like a small and helpless kitten in front of me." She said with a flat tone.

 

(This fucking woman… I swear I will beat the shit out of her…) I thought.

 

"Ah… You really are trying to gain the hate of your children, especially your son, aren't you? That's so sad, Zo." She looked at me with a blank expression.

 

"..."

 

"You may have not realized this, but you have already started to hate your own children. You were proud at first because you thought that it was because of your genes and not Fa's. But the fact that Fa and your children managed to evolve and you didn't, says otherwise. You're jealous of her because of that." She spoke with a grin on her face.

 

Me? Hating my own children…? That's simply ridiculous… The one I cannot stand is Fa!

 

"At first you don't really notice this kind of feeling. It first appears as intrusive thoughts and slowly but surely while you try to evolve, you will be resenting your children more and more. You only attacked Fa because she was the closest target to relieve your frustrations. Yet, you were still beaten by her. How wonderful it is to evolve, right?" She asked sarcastically.

 

…

 

"I'm putting an end to this before you completely destroy your chances of keeping your family, Zo. It may be too late to fix your romantic relationship with Fa, but I think you two could become friendly again over time." She suddenly disappeared but I could still hear her voice clearly.

 

…

 

She suddenly appeared right in front of me…

 

"Zo, you will never be able to evolve. No matter what you do, you won't go through the process of evolution. Give up." She said with a serious expression.

 

I will not be able to evolve? Huh…? Why am I believing her words?

 

"The cause is a recessive trait you inherited by one of your grandmothers from nine generations ago. She was a Dwarf. You are technically more dwarf than goblin. That's why you'll never be able to evolve." She spoke with a flat tone.

 

Recessive trait…? What is that…? But, a dwarf…?

 

"My Status says that I'm a goblin…" I said while looking very intently at the mysterious woman.

 

"Yes, you're technically still a goblin, that's true. But because of that trait from your ancestor, you simply won't be able to evolve." She explained.

 

…

 

…

 

…

 

Why…? Why does it have to be so unfair…? Does it mean that I will be stuck forever as a weak goblin…?

 

I gripped my club tightly thanks to my anger and despair...

 

"That way of thinking is simply stupid, Zo. Humans, Elves, Dwarves and many other races do not go through evolution, yet there are individuals who could destroy creatures who have reached their final evolution. Why do you think they are capable of doing that?" She asked me.

 

"Because they were born strong." I replied.

 

She suddenly flicked my forehead… I was in extreme pain thanks to that…

 

"Fuck! What was that for!?" I said angrily.

 

"That's for being an idiot. That's literally the most stupid conclusion you could've reached. They can overcome creatures who evolve because they have leveled up a lot and actively use the Job system. Something that you're currently not doing." She explained with a blank look on her face.

 

I see… This gives me a lot to think about…

 

<SYSTEM: Two Jobs have been granted to the user. "Brawler" and "Blacksmith" have been added to the user's Status.>

 

Huh…?

 

"Done. With those jobs, your strength should be finally comparable to a hobgoblin. Zo, if you truly want to lose your tribe over this, then simply stay in this forest, but if you want to have a relationship with your children and your tribe members, then I suggest you think very carefully about how you will apologize to them and to Fa." She looked extremely menacing…

 

Apologize huh…

 

"You told Ru that you guys hunted together as a tribe for a reason, right? Then you betrayed your tribe thanks to your jealousy. As I said before, your romantic relationship with Fa might be over, but there's still a chance to at least have a friendly relationship and to mend your own relationship with the rest of your tribe and children." She suddenly turned around.

 

…

 

…

 

…

 

I think I am an idiot…

 

"You're right…" I muttered.

 

"Hoooh… It seems that you're actually more intelligent than you seem. I'm glad that you listened to reason, Zo. Take your time and think about how to apologize properly to your family, but be prepared to receive the beating of a lifetime. When you're ready to apologize, use that pretty tattoo on your hand. Goodbye." She said with amusement.

 

The woman quickly disappeared before I was able to say anything back…

 

"..." 

 

I could only look at the place where she used to be and think about our strange conversation…

 

I have finally realized that I might have made a terrible and irreparable mistake… This will be something that will chase me for the rest of my days…

 

…

---

"Please have a safe trip!" Orella said with excitement.

 

"..." Rigant was still silent… He was smoking another alricani stick.

 

"You have done an invaluable service to us… We promise that we will not forget about this!" Timothy bowed profusely.

 

"Thank you very much. As long as you keep your promise about that thing that we talked about during lunch, it will be fine." I replied.

 

It was finally time for us to leave Norvek.

 

Mara and Lara were in charge of getting some supplies for us.

 

Well… They ended up doing an extremely good job. They didn't need to pay for anything…

 

Why? The townsfolk gave us a lot of things for free.

 

The most important thing would be a wagon. 

 

The wagon can be moved with only one horse. Blanca seemed delighted when we showed her the wagon for some reason…

 

Anyway, the blacksmith, Silvia, Na and I (I was learning a bit from the blacksmith) managed to make a functional suspension and installed it on the wagon. 

 

We tested it a few hours ago and it works. We still need to test it on long trips though…

 

My skills as a craftsman have improved a bit thanks to the time we spent with the blacksmith.

 

We also got some food and other basic necessities like some sort of primitive toothbrush and toothpaste. 

 

The toothpaste tastes like mint. I have to teach my sisters and mother to brush their teeth three times a day.

 

There's also some tents and sleeping bags, all made out of leather. They are pretty comfy.

 

"It will be done. Don't worry, we will not disappoint our Golden Hero!" Timothy said with excitement.

 

"That's good. We will take the prisoners to Alorari and hand them over to the guild." I replied.

 

"Don't worry, we will also tell the people from your project that they can finally continue their work!" Silvia said with a sweet expression.

 

Cute…

 

The prisoners? They are the surviving bandits. 

 

Timothy thought that we would be given more money if we handed them over to the authorities in Alorari. It does not change that they will probably be executed or taken to participate in forced labour.

 

How are we taking them when we have only one wagon?

 

Fufufu! That's where the wacky magic of my adorable and cute wife, Silvia comes into play.

 

The whole wagon was enchanted and now the insides of the wagon are connected to her Castle.

 

We can probably transport a whole army there thanks to the strange magic.

 

Because of that, I have decided to name the vehicle: "The Wagon of Infinite Bullshit!"

 

Why that name? Well… Silvia explained to me the concept behind her magic and I didn't understand anything.

 

I gave that name to the vehicle just to tease her. It worked perfectly! She got all pouty and annoyed for a while. She did laugh about it later.

 

"Have fun! Remember to visit us daily, okay? The inn won't be able to run at all without you!" Orella was hugging Lara.

 

"Sheesh! Don't make a big deal out of this!" Lara was blushing because I was grinning at her.

 

"Of course it is a big deal! You decided to travel again on your own volition!" Orella said with a lot of enthusiasm.

 

Ah… Lara decided to come with us after Silvia tested her wacky magic on the wagon.

 

Lara has a pretty severe case of motion sickness, so she hates traveling. Thanks to the wacky spell of Silvia, she will not feel the wagon shaking at all because she will be inside the Castle.

 

"Remember to pray three times a day and don't forget to brush your teeth!" Marcus said to Junko. He was on the verge of tears.

 

"I know… Will you be fine on your own?" Junko was still pissed at Marcus.

 

She has forgiven him to an extent… This dogkin nun does know how to hold grudges… I better pat her head two thousand times a day…

 

I don't wanna get on her bad side.

 

"I will be fine! Especially after three goddesses descended here! This is the hometown of Lady Electra!" Marcus declared proudly while looking at our wagon.

 

Ah… I forgot to mention this, but Timothy, Orella and Marcus asked if they could pay us back somehow.

 

We were going to ask for money, but I thought of something else.

 

I asked them to help me spread Electra's religion.

 

Why? I had a talk with her during lunch. She asked me if I could help her get more followers.

 

As her first believer, that's apparently my only duty… Spread her words. In return, I gain her favour.

 

Basically, she's my sugar mommy.

 

When I called her that, Electra smiled bitterly and blushed every time I looked at her. Arrat was laughing like crazy thanks to my joke.

 

I had a fun time teasing Electra about it!

 

Timothy, Orella and Marcus agreed to what I had asked because it would be beneficial for them. Norvek will apparently become a holy site which will bring thousands of new followers eager to see the place where three goddesses descended.

 

"Rigant, you better stop smoking so much while I'm gone." Mara said to her son.

 

"..." Rigant seemed really distant.

 

"Seriously? If you're so affected by my new relationship now, then I cannot imagine how you will react when you have a little sibling on the way!" Mara got annoyed.

 

"I think you just managed to make the whole situation worse…" Rigant replied while lighting another alricani stick.

 

This guy needs a therapist because of me… I feel kinda bad to be honest.

 

"Fa! Have a great adventure! Show Zo that he was wrong and that you can be way better than him!" My stepmother Ka said with excitement.

 

"Good luck with that other matter! Fufufu!" My stepmother Ga said with enthusiasm.

 

"Hehehe! It will be very fun!" My mother replied with excitement.

 

My mother has been really excited about this trip with us. She has been very clingy with me ever since we picked them up at the castle...

 

"Ru!" My little brother, Go, suddenly hugged me from behind.

 

He's also a bit clingy.

 

"Go, wait!"

 

"Sheesh! We promised that we would say bye together!"

 

My two little sisters Ba and Za came running with annoyed expressions.

 

"Ru! Take this!" Go suddenly put something in my hand.

 

It was another bracelet. It was made out of wooden beads.

 

"The kids here taught us how to make it! They said that it would help you have a safe trip!" Go said with excitement.

 

Oh! What a thoughtful little brother!

 

"We'll give our older sisters some bracelets next time you visit!" Ba said with enthusiasm.

 

"We only had the time to make one…" Za admitted with embarrassment.

 

"It is fine. As long as you give them something, I'm sure that they will be happy." I said as I was putting on the bracelet.

 

I need to bring gifts to these three… I'll think about what to bring...

 

"Neeeeeeigh!" Blanca neighed happily.

 

"We should get going if we want to inspect the base of those bandits. Let's start our adventure!" Elise raised her fist into the hair. She was overflowing with excitement.

 

It warms my heart seeing Elise like that.

 

"Everything is already prepared!" Arrat yelled from the inside of the wagon.

 

(Ru, we have everything ready inside! Your sisters are watching over the prisoners like hawks! We can depart whenever you're ready!" Electra was also very excited.

 

(Thanks. We are departing immediately.)

 

I pity those guys. One wrong move and Ya might use her club to turn them into eunuchs.

 

Wa might stab them if they try something funny.

 

Xi would probably play football with their heads…

 

The rest of my sisters would probably encourage those three.

 

Then I remember all the suffering they have caused and think that if my sisters did that, it would be for the better.

 

It is a bit sad to leave Norvek, but we will be returning here everyday basically.

 

"All aboard the Wagon of Infinite Bullshit!" I shouted.

 

Silvia then elbowed me… 

 

"Dummy…" She pouted.

 

"You better get used to the name. Let's go then!" I said as I grabbed her hand.

 

We both start walking together towards the carriage.

 

Elise, Junko, Mara and Lara quickly ran towards the wagon.

 

"We will see you tomorrow then!" Lara waved her hand at her parents and uncle before going into the magical wagon.

 

"Orella please make sure Rigant gets over his trauma!" Mara entered the wagon.

 

"I'll try!" Orella replied.

 

(A futile effort.) Arrat said with a flat tone.

 

"Junko! Don't forget to write me letters! Remember to pray whenever you're in trouble!"

 

"Okay! See you tomorrow!" Junko smiled before getting into the carriage.

 

"I'll be going inside then. I will be preparing everything for a picnic!" Silvia kissed my cheek before going into the wagon.

 

I love these women so much…

 

"Let's go together at the front, Ru! I will show you the way!" Elise said with excitement.

 

I simply nodded and smiled at her.

 

The two of us didn't waste any time and got on the front seats of the wagon.

 

I grabbed the reins and prepared myself to drive.

 

I'm actually a bit nervous about it… I practiced for a bit with Elise before since she knows how to drive a wagon, but I'm still very nervous.

 

"Neeeeigh!" Blanca was impatient.

 

"Let's go then! I can't wait to show up at the guild and show those pricks who gave the compulsory request that I managed to complete it! Thank you very much my dear golden prince!" Elise was resting her head on my shoulder.

 

Before I could even use the reins, Blanca started moving on her own...

 

"Neeeeeeeigh!" She neighed with excitement.

 

The problem was not that she started moving on her own… The problem was that she and the wagon instantly gained a lot of speed...

 

"Seatbelts! Seatbelts! Fuck! We need to install those things!" I said in panic.

 

"What the fuck!? The fuck are those!?" Elise also panicked. She was now hugging me tightly.

 

Neither of us had expected the mare to be able to drag the wagon and maintain such a speed…

 

The rest of our trip was a very scary experience...