I'm the Only Totem in Another World - Chapter 49
Chapter 49: Birth of the Totem Guardian (1)
The most powerful warrior in the Tribal Federation, a talented individual with well-rounded abilities.
The only follower who can receive the Totem Guardian is Rake.
It’s not like I have to give Rake a blessing just because I gave Kanto and Paya blessings.
I made the selection based on logical judgment.
Increased stats don’t mean much to Muri, Harry, or Luna.
The only blessings I can give now are healing and removing status effects, so what’s the point of giving them to magic dealers?
It would be a waste to give them to the Golden Sun or Ashgrey Fog tribes who are far away.
Rake, who has worked closely with Totem No. 3 and will continue to do so, is the most suitable to become my guardian.
I told everyone to rest well today and decided to make an official announcement tomorrow when the tribe calms down.
Originally, this kind of thing has a greater impact when said during a peaceful time.
Actually, I just wanted to rest. I’m tired from using too many blessings.
* * * * * *
The next morning.
“Guardian, sir?”
Rake’s pupils widened.
━ My strongest sword, Rake. As always, defeat my enemies by my side.
It was a statement that reminded one of a destroyer rather than a guardian, but what does it matter?
Destroying the enemy, the cause of the problem, before protecting allies is true guardianship.
━ This is something only you can do. I didn’t even consider other candidates.
I have to say this to save Rake’s face.
“Ma, Malak-nim…!”
Rake’s eyes are moist.
Anyone would think she’s about to receive a ring along with a proposal.
“I will. I will become Malak-nim’s guardian and stay by your side.”
Strictly speaking, she’s not my guardian, but the totem’s guardian, but it’s not important.
The moment Rake knelt, the barbarians’ cheers erupted.
“Guardian! Guardian!”
“Chieftain Rake of the Brown Rock Tribe has become Malak-nim’s guardian!”
“The birth of the Totem Guardian!”
Everyone’s excited. They’re a bunch of fun-loving people.
I gave Rake the ‘Totem Guardian’ blessing.
“It’s my first time being encouraged by everyone.”
The blessed Rake smiled softly and slowly stood up.
Unlike Paya, there was no dramatic change. Her body just glowed briefly and that was it.
[You have bestowed the blessing ‘Totem Guardian’ upon Rake.]
Seeing this on the status window, I’m sure I gave it to her.
━ How do you feel?
“I’m happy. As happy as when I first saw Malak-nim. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
No, not that.
━ I gave you the blessing, but there’s no change?
“Ah… I’ll try it out.”
Rake blushed and swung her fists a few times in the air.
She’s even kicking. I must be imagining that she looks like she’s doing an air kick, right?
Are you that embarrassed?
“My body feels lighter. I feel stronger than before.”
Rake said, her cheeks flushed.
━ I see.
The ‘Increased stats near the totem’ buff is working well.
What about the other option, ‘Improved blessing efficiency’?
I used the Healing Totem.
“I don’t know, maybe because I’m not injured.”
I guess I’ll have to check this in another situation.
“Now that the subjugation is over and we have a guardian! Let’s have a feast today!”
Kanto shouts to the warriors.
He’s probably going to brag about his heroic deeds while drinking again.
Unfortunately, my business isn’t over yet.
━ I’m going to move the Tribal Federation headquarters.
This is the reason why I gave the blessings with a gap in between.
Isn’t it better to give them medicine and then make them sick, rather than just making them sick?
Oh, is it the other way around?
Anyway, I brought up a topic that the barbarians wouldn’t be very happy about.
“He, headquarters, you mean the Blue Moss Tribe?”
Kanto stammers. The other barbarians seem flustered too.
━ That’s right. I’m going to make the city our headquarters.
Even though we destroyed the city, we didn’t conquer the entire Symphony region.
We’ll have to subjugate all the villages in Symphony, and it’s too inefficient and cumbersome to go back and forth from the Blue Moss Tribe to the villages.
The reason I didn’t move our base to the village was because we could be surrounded and attacked.
There’s also a small part of me that didn’t want to tell the barbarians to abandon their homeland, but that was the main reason.
Now that the mid-ranking demon that ruled the Symphony region is dead, there’s no need to hide in the mountains.
We need to seize key points. The city has a castle and great infrastructure.
The rugged terrain of the mountains served as a wall, but it’s nothing compared to a real castle.
Not to mention the blacksmith, warehouse, residence, armor, various weapons, and other facilities.
There might even be a secret passage to escape if we’re surrounded by enemies. The demons don’t seem to have used it, though.
There’s no reason not to choose the city as our headquarters.
━ We can return to the Blue Moss Tribe after the war with the demons is over. I’d like to use the city as our headquarters until then.
However, I’m just speaking carefully because it might sound like I’m telling them to abandon their homeland.
“…”
They’re all just rolling their eyes. Is this a problem that’s hard to decide even if it’s a god’s order?
I realized once again that the meaning of ‘tribe’ is quite significant to them.
“Why are you all speechless? Did you not hear Malak-nim’s words?”
It was Rake who stepped forward, her eyes sharp.
As expected, it was a good thing I gave her the Totem Guardian blessing before speaking. I think she would have taken my side even if I hadn’t given it to her, though.
“Are you going to give up the chance to win because you’re attached to your hometown? Did you think you could win the war with such a half-hearted attitude?”
“Th, that’s not it, but we need to prepare ourselves mentally…”
Kanto scratches his head.
“I abandoned my tribe. I left behind my hometown, memories, and my mother’s grave. All for Malak-nim, for the victory of the Tribal Federation. Don’t you insects have that kind of resolve?”
Everyone is speechless at Rake’s harsh words. They just hung their heads in shame.
“You pathetic human bastards.”
Rake scoffs.
Sudden human hatred. As expected, she has a strong sense of elitism.
This is why she eats alone.
“Let’s do as Malak-nim says. It’s the place our ancestors and parents protected, the land where we were born and raised, but it’s time to move.”
Paya, who had been watching the barbarians, stepped forward.
“We’re not abandoning it. Didn’t Malak-nim say so? We can come back.”
Muri added.
“It’s Malak-nim’s order! Those who disobey are no different from apostates! Let’s plant our flag in the city of the civilized!”
When Kanto, who had regained his composure, shouted lastly, determination filled the barbarians’ eyes.
“Yes! Let’s move the headquarters!”
“We’re just getting another new home!”
“Get rid of your cowardly thoughts!”
“For victory!”
They’re a warlike race, so they’re passionate. They reach a consensus very quickly.
I thought they would need more time to accept it.
“Everyone, get ready to go to the city!”
“Let’s go!”
“Get the carts!”
No, this is too fast.
“Ahem, what a hasty bunch.”
Even as he said that, Harry took out the Golem Controller.
He’s a typical tsundere grandpa.
Well, there’s a saying that you should strike while the iron is hot. It’s all for the best.
While watching the Tribal Federation’s moving preparations, I used the Bound Totem.
They’ll be fine moving without me.
I moved to Totem No. 2, which is with the Golden Sun Tribe.
“Malak-nim!”
The old priest wearing a mask, Bojak, greets me.
“The totem is being made well! I’ll let you know as soon as it’s finished!”
━ Are the civilized people adapting well? I want to see them.
“Understood!”
I left Bojak to guide me.
The knight William is drinking with the barbarian warriors, and the other civilized people are also mingling well with the barbarians.
The nun Grace, who I was most worried about… was reading something to the children, both civilized and barbarian.
It’s not the scriptures of the Goddess religion, is it? Then she’ll really be banished.
Looking closely, it was a picture book with cute illustrations.
Phew. I’m glad they seem to be adapting well.
I confirmed during the war that even civilized people can earn points if they serve me.
As long as they don’t cause division, they’re a valuable asset.
“Ah, Malak-nim!”
“You’ve arrived.”
After a brief conversation with Tur and Nix, I deactivated the Bound Totem.
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: I went down the mountain and killed three infected!]
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: Got praised by the Muscular Girl Chieftain lol]
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: I really wanted to die when I was eating bugs, but I’m so happy these days]
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: No lie, I’m praying to Malak three times a day. I don’t know what kind of god he is, but thanks anyway]
This guy is doing well too.
By the way, three infected.
Both the Tribal Federation and the Golden Sun Tribe took a break from subjugation today.
[Did you go hunting alone?]
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: Another warrior said he’d go with me, but I said I’d do it alone]
[Morning Tent Erection Knight: Anyway, I earned all the food for today]
I didn’t get any points today.
One thing’s for sure.
Even if a Paladin serves me, they can’t earn me points.