The Ultimate Skill System: Absorb, Upgrade, Create, Transfer-Chapter 34 - : Lion’s Plea

The morning sun rose gently over the Lionkin village, casting a warm golden glow across the wooden huts and the lush greenery surrounding them.

The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of dew-kissed grass and the distant aroma of roasted meat.

Birds chirped softly in the trees, their melodies blending with the quiet hum of the village waking up. It was a peaceful morning.

Today, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and hope.

Keiran stepped out of the small wooden house where he had spent the night. The structure was simple but sturdy, built from the thick trees of the forest.

He stretched his arms and took a deep breath, feeling the cool morning air fill his lungs. As he walked into the open, he was greeted by the sight of Lionkin villagers going about their morning routines.

Children played near the huts, their laughter ringing through the air, while adults tended to their tasks with smiles on their faces.

When the villagers noticed Keiran, they paused and waved at him, their expressions filled with warmth and respect.

Keiran nodded in response, his face calm and composed. He wasn't used to such attention, but he could sense their gratitude.

After all, he had played a key role in defending their village from the Hyenakin. The villagers' gestures were their way of showing appreciation, and Keiran accepted it quietly.

As he made his way to the center of the village, he was invited to join the villagers for breakfast.

A large wooden table had been set up, laden with an assortment of fruits, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread.

The food smelled delicious, and Keiran took a seat as the villagers eagerly served him.

They treated him with great respect, almost as if he were a honored guest. Keiran assumed this was because of his actions the day before, but he couldn't help but feel that there was something more to their behavior.

Leina approached the table with a large stick of roasted boar. She placed it in front of Keiran with a smile. "This boar was hunted by Greon this morning," she said proudly. "The power you gifted him has made him an even greater hunter than he already was."

Keiran nodded, acknowledging her words. He picked up a piece of the roasted meat and took a bite.

It was tender and flavorful. As he ate, he noticed the villagers watching him with admiration. It was clear that they held him in high regard, and he couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable under their gaze.

After breakfast, Keiran decided to rest for a while. He sat on a wooden chair in an open area of the village, enjoying the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees.

A Lionkin woman stood nearby, waving a large leaf to fan him and keep him cool. Keiran leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the villagers.

Something felt different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It wasn't anything sinister—in fact, it felt quite the opposite. The village seemed to be filled with a newfound sense of hope and determination.

As Keiran pondered this, Greon emerged from the forest. The Lionkin warrior carried himself with confidence.

He approached Keiran and greeted him with a respectful nod. Keiran returned the gesture, his expression calm and composed.

"Keiran," Greon began, his voice steady but filled with respect, "may I speak with you? Just the two of us?"

Keiran raised an eyebrow but agreed. He stood up and followed Greon as the Lionkin warrior led him into the forest.

They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds being the crunch of leaves under their feet and the distant calls of birds.

Eventually, Greon stopped and turned to face Keiran.

"I want to thank you," Greon said, his voice sincere. "The skill you gifted me has made me stronger. I am in your debt."

Keiran shrugged. "It was no problem," he replied simply.

Greon hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I know you have your own goals, and I don't want to impose. But if there's anything I or the village can do to help you, please let us know."

Keiran didn't respond immediately. He could sense that Greon had more to say, so he waited patiently.

Greon took a deep breath, his voice steady but heavy with concern as he began to speak. "Our village faces many dangers, Keiran. The enslavers are always lurking, waiting for a chance to strike. They see us as nothing more than prey, and we've lost too many of our own to their cruelty. And it's not just them—the human kingdoms are constantly at war, spilling blood over land and power. Their battles spill into our lands, and we're caught in the middle, unable to defend ourselves. And now..."

He paused, his voice lowering. "The Forest of Fiora, which has always been our refuge, is being invaded by demon armies. They grow stronger every day, and we... we are small, vulnerable. It feels like it's only a matter of time before we're wiped out."

"We've been living in fear, waiting for the inevitable," Greon admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "But then you came. You gave us hope. You showed us that we don't have to be helpless."

Keiran listened quietly, his expression unreadable. He understood what Greon was trying to say, but he remained silent, allowing the Lionkin warrior to continue.

After a moment of hesitation, Greon knelt before Keiran. His head was bowed, and his voice was filled with determination. "Please, let me serve as your subordinate. In exchange, I ask that you protect the villagers. I know I'm not strong enough to be of much use to you, but I will be loyal. I will dedicate my life to your cause."

The forest fell silent as Greon waited for Keiran's response. The Lionkin warrior's heart pounded in his chest, fearing rejection. He had poured his heart out, and now all he could do was wait.

Keiran looked down at Greon, his bored and indifferent eyes meeting the Lionkin's hopeful gaze.

For a moment, it seemed as though he might refuse.

But then, to Greon's surprise, Keiran simply said, "Okay."

Greon's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected such a straightforward answer. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Keiran nodded. "Yes. It saves me the trouble of looking for people willing to fight with me."

A wide smile spread across Greon's face. He stood up quickly, his heart filled with joy and relief. "Thank you, my lord!" he exclaimed.

Keiran raised an eyebrow at the title but didn't object. He turned and began walking back toward the village.

"Gather everyone," he said over his shoulder. "I'll announce our agreement."

Greon nodded eagerly and rushed ahead, his steps light and full of energy.

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As he ran through the village, he called out to the villagers, telling them to gather in the center of the village. The villagers, curious and excited, quickly assembled, their eyes filled with anticipation.