Chương 82: Subjugation

The newly-minted Broken-Tooth was in high spirits. He had not only claimed leadership of the tribe through blood but had also acquired the most exquisite mate he had ever laid eyes on—Black-Light. As a female Kobold who had long integrated into the Alliance, Black-Light felt that life with Broken-Tooth wasn't bad; after all, he was a "young, rich, and powerful" alpha in this wilderness. However, she had not forgotten her mission.

One day, after Broken-Tooth returned from a hunt, she urged him: "Broken-Tooth, you should go to the fishing village to meet Lord Gobu-Witch and resume the tribute. The Conqueror will send Ogres to clear our land and distribute iron tools. We won't have to chase prey to stay full."

"Enough!!" Broken-Tooth roared. A young leader who had never tasted defeat, he felt invincible now that he was backed by the cheers of his tribe. To him, the Goblins were merely cowards who stole the fruits of others' labor. He tore a chunk of bloody, raw venison and shoved it toward Black-Light. She recoiled: "The Conqueror says raw meat carries parasites..." This was the final straw. Broken-Tooth viewed this as "thought pollution" from the Alliance.

He grabbed her jaw and forced the raw meat into her mouth with savage fury: "Eat! I told you to eat! You are my property now; you obey me! Forget what those Goblins taught you. Sooner or later, I will kill them all and turn them into food!" This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Black-Light gasped for air, her eyes wide with terror. Suddenly, the chaotic noise of the camp died down into a chilling silence.

Broken-Tooth looked up to find a limping, tailless Kobold leaning on a staff, watching him with icy eyes.

"Gobu-Witch! How did you get here!" Broken-Tooth scrambled back, snatching up a stone axe. Gobu-Witch struck the ground with his staff.

"It seems old Broken-Fang is dead. I am the harbinger of the Alliance. The Broken-Tooth tribe is condemned for rebellion. The 10th Company will annihilate you all with the fires of sulfur!"

"Leave this place now—it is your only chance at survival. Otherwise, die!" Gobu-Witch delivered the ultimatum. By now, the air was thick with the scent of acrid sweat and gunpowder. The 10th Company had already closed the net. Broken-Tooth, driven by primal aggression, ordered his tribesmen to arm themselves. Gobu-Witch simply shook his head and turned to leave. Black-Light spat out the raw meat and scrambled after him.

In Iron City, she had the protection of the law; here, a chief could rip her throat out on a whim.

"Black-Light! My Black-Light!" Broken-Tooth went berserk. He couldn't let his prize escape. He rallied all three hundred Kobolds and charged into the woods, following her scent. Two hundred meters out, he saw her. She was standing amidst a disciplined line of Goblin musketeers.

"Black-Light! Give her back to me!!" Broken-Tooth screamed, his eyes fixed solely on that sleek, obsidian-furred figure.

"Present arms!" Li Qinwu's cold voice rang out.

"Black-Light! MINE—!!!" Broken-Tooth lunged.

"FIRE!!" BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!