King Of Limbo

Aron emphasized that a definite threat was still approaching and that time had not stopped.

They hesitated out of concern that Pesia might not actually be doomed if all of this turned out to be a sophisticated hoax.

Such a scenario was given some thought, but since they would have to engage the horde on their own, they knew in their hearts that they would lose horrendously.

Aron basically left them with no good way out at this point, so their two selections were their best bet.

"Indeed, you're correct. Being in limbo for a lot longer than we have here, I can attest that he is not lying when he says there is no place for the weak. This is why we Kolieans chose to sacrifice the weak."

Elise thought about it for a moment and then stood up for her people. She looked at Selha and Helar, but they didn't object to her choice.

Kolieans were used to making sacrifices, and because their race was dwindling in Pesia, they planned to head back to Limbo, where they had at least become more resilient through time despite the hazards there.

It didn't surprise Aron because he had predicted they would pick this.

"We consent to also sacrificing the weak because we cannot put the life of our entire race in danger."

Celes was the next to concur, and neither she nor her fellow Aethelians who were still standing said anything to express their displeasure.

They were a race that prioritized the welfare of their group above all else; they saw little wrong with risking a few lives in order to rescue countless.

Aron anticipated that given their general outlook, they would also come to same conclusion. He believed that the Komi and humans would have the hardest time making a decision.

Even though there were sporadic internal disputes, the Komi took an exceptional amount of pride in their clans and treated one another as family.

They would cooperate whenever a challenge arose to deal with it. And now? To ensure their own survival, they were forced to leave behind their brothers and sisters. This amounted to betraying their convictions.

Even Aron was unable to foresee their final choice.

Yugar, a highly proud and valiant figure to whom many Komi looked up despite being from various clans, was the first of the few remaining Komi leaders to advance.

"Hero Aron, I know your thoughts, and I admire you for being able to carry them, but I am unable to. I'll sacrifice myself rather than desert my clan mates, and if that doesn't work, you can utilize the mana crystals belonging to my clan."

Yugar made a big choice in that instant, but he didn't stutter. The Komi were prepared to go to this extreme; Yugar would rather die than surrender his people.

Aron continued to be indifferent and only gave him a cursory nod.

"The choice you make as leaders has nothing to do with me," Aron said. He gave a remote response as if he didn't care.

Yugar sighed in that instant, but he was content. He then suddenly flapped his wings and let them open wide.

He then reached behind his own back and pulled out a feather that wasn't quite like the others. He gave it a little pat before approaching Aron and handing it to him with a nod.

"Even if I pass away today, my clan won't forget the favors we owe you; if you ever need it, just give this feather to the chief in charge at that time. We Komi never forget."

Although Aron was unable to comprehend Yugar's views, he appreciated him for doing whatever it took to uphold them; in that way, they were comparable. It's too bad.

Many Komi watched Yugar stroll back to his post in wonder; some of the helplessness they had been experiencing had subsided.

"Smh, we've had enough life! Why do you make it tragic?" Goovin, the leader of the Bull clan, then pounded his hooves and came over to Aron.

Goovin was one of the rare Komi who were taller than even Kolieans; his bulk reached Aron before he put his big, hairy hands on his head and...

Crack!

While he wasn't as adept at speaking as Yugar, he didn't want to be outdone by this old buddy of his, so he broke off one of his prized horns before awkwardly handing it to Aron.

"Here, I owe you a lot as well. You can use this to prove that you are a man I consider suitable enough to mate with my daughter and also should you ever require aid from my people."

Goovin spoke awkwardly, keeping his head up high and dodging glances.

This scumbag really played matchmaker in such a circumstance?

Yugar was astounded by Goovin's thick skin yet couldn't criticize his way of thinking. If only he had spoken this final request, too.

Aella, Jagu's mother, was the final significant leader to emerge.

Jagu noticed her moving forward while holding a dagger, which she quickly brought to her ear. This made him frown, and he went up to Aron before she could.

"Since few in my clan can currently match me, and since my mother still needs to raise two cubs, it is best that I sacrifice myself to save my people." Jagu talked quickly and forcefully.

But like her son, Aella was just as obstinate.

"As chief, it is my responsibility, not yours. If my offering is insufficient, please feel free to follow me." She chastised.

Although Aron didn't know exactly how the Komi would respond at this point, he did know Jagu would again foolishly try to shoulder the burdens. So Aron decided to step in.

"I won't let Jagu pass away because he's like a stubborn younger brother to me. I'll use my own resources to make up for it on his behalf."

Everyone was taken aback by Aron's statements, but Jagu was particularly confused about how to respond. Aron's words couldn't be trusted, but Jagu truly wanted to think he meant what he said because he had never let his allies down.

The mother and son duo exchanged words before removing their left ears with the dagger they were holding.

"We live as you've asked us to and die only before you. We each owe you a life," Aella spoke in a firm voice, paying no attention to the wound on her bleeding ear.

Jagu felt uncomfortable with her silence and her departure.

He said, "Thank you," not knowing what else to say.

'It's a necessary investment,' he thought. Aron nodded at Jagu after a moment of reflection.