The Shadow Clan

A Doubt

It's been 5 days since Ragnarok's announcement was announced. Some countries, especially Europe, are trying to create combat technology for the preparation of Ragnarok. Countries in the Asian region, meanwhile, are trying other ways. Some hold fighting competitions to find strong people. In exchange for a prize as the winner. But there are also those who are looking for people with supernatural powers. In order to win easily when participating in Ragnarok later. All struggled. All are trying. 

"Come on! Come on! Run even faster! Are you a human or a snail?" Skotd shouted loudly at Aji's head. Makes Aji depressed and has a headache. 

Aji continued to run while climbing a mountain that was almost 2000 meters above sea level. Not only running, he also carries a heavy burden on his back. 

"Did the generation of the shadow clan before myself, also do this kind of strenuous exercise?" asked Aji with a hunting breath. 

"No. Only the first generation alone. Later generations inherited the abilities of previous generations. Whether it is inheriting fighting ability, it also inherits memory. And the next generation, enough to develop the ability of the previous generation," replied Skotd. 

"Then why should I practice if indeed the next generation inherits the abilities of the previous generation?" asked Aji in surprise.

Skotd is actually equally astonished. This is the first time it has happened.

"I don't know myself. This phenomenon has just happened. Maybe it's because I haven't been resurrected for too long. Or maybe, something is wrong with you," Skotd replied uncertainly.

"Me? Indeed, what's wrong with me?" 

"I don't know. Maybe it's because you have suicidal thoughts," replied Skotd originally.

Aji somewhat agreed with Skotd's answer. But on the other hand, Aji also disagreed. 

"Or maybe it's because of my status. You know what? Cecilia had said that I was the King. And the previous generations of the shadow clan were also referred to as Kings. Maybe it's because of that. You just look at this me. What part of can I be called King? I come from the lower class. From birth I lived as a slave. A person like me, how can be called King. Especially by the woman who calls herself the Goddess of Light. It must be because of that," said Aji.

"That sounds reasonable. But not because of it. Every generation of shadow clan born, is indeed destined to become a King."

"Really?" 

"Do you doubt me? I have lived for a very long time. Even before the shadow clan existed. There's no reason for me to lie to you," Skotd said. 

Aji fell silent thoughtfully. He felt something strange about Skotd's statement. But the strange feeling he felt, was masked by the fact that Skotd had lived for thousands of years.

"So every generation of the Shadow clan is born, will always be destined as King?" asked Aji.

"I don't have to repeat what I said," replied Skotd. 

"Then, I am indirectly the King?" asked Aji, pointing to himself. 

"Yes.... but after you managed to save the planet," replied Skotd. 

"What is a condition?" 

"No. But logically, the King must protect his people from all threats and calamities. Otherwise, mana deserves to be called King." 

"You're right. But on this planet, there are already too many bad people and people who have lost their sense of humanity. All already don't care about each other. Why save such people?"

"But there are still many people who care about each other. You just don't know because you're always oppressed. So that your eyes become blind. And leaving only deep hatred." 

Aji was silent. He began to realize that. He once saw a small child feeding cats. He also once saw a teenage girl distributing her bread to hungry people. Such things Aji has seen although not often. 

"If you consider that people who only care about themselves deserve to die. Then, what about people who still care about others? Do they also deserve to die?" 

Aji was speechless. And for some reason, in his heart now there is a feeling that seems to make him feel a responsibility. 

"So what? Want to let them die in vain? Or save them and turn this world into a new world?" asked Skotd without having to ask how Aji feels now. Because, everything Aji feels can be felt. 

"Can I really do it?" 

"No one knows before trying. But acting to do the right thing, it's better than doing nothing." 

Aji's spirit became burning. He became more and more convinced of his destiny. 

"Well, let's retrain. But before that, I want to eat!" said Aji. 

"Eat? You used to eat once every 2 days, why do you want to rush to eat now?" 

"That was yesterday, when I was a slave. Now my money is hundreds of millions. I can eat whatever I want until I'm full!" 

"You became so arrogant after becoming a thief. But my advice, we don't have to buy food. It will take a while when we go down the mountain."

Aji's forehead frowned in surprise.

"Then? We are looking for fruit? From just now, I didn't see any fruit trees around here." 

"Who also advises looking for fruit? Your body is already thin. We don't need fruit. But meat!"

"Meat?" 

"Yes, meat. So we have to hunt to get it. And this will be an exercise for you too. Because hunting skills are the craftsmanship of your ancestors. So you have to master it."

Aji hissed.

"It's really troublesome," Aji chirped.

*** 

Behind the bushes, Aji waits for deer or other animals to pass by and steps on a simple trap he made at the direction of Skotd. However, almost an hour passed with no sign of animals about to pass. Let alone to cross the trap, Aji himself is not sure that there are animals around. As far as he knows, the current animal population is very small. Especially those that live in the wild. Because there is a lot of poaching from poor people who want to be able to eat.

"Hey, do I really have to wait like this? My stomach is already hungry," Aji complained, followed by the roar of his hungry stomach.

"Patience, we have only been here for 40 minutes. At least we have to wait until 2 hours. Usually 2 hours just get it," said Skotd. 

Aji was surprised by Skotd's answer. 

"Hey! I can't wait that long! What about my practice? You said it yourself is not, if we don't have much time and we have to practice hard!" 

"Hunting is also included in training. So don't protest. We wait up to 2 hours. Only after there is no result do we look for other locations to hunt again," Skotd said. 

Aji stood up. Made himself out of hiding. 

"I can't stand it anymore. If we really hunt, we shouldn't hide like this! We must search and hunt. If I hide without certainty like this, I will starve to death!" said Aji. 

"That's right. But I doubt your ability to hunt in that way. Your physical condition has indeed improved 10 times. But when compared to the power that a tiger has, you are still defeated. You will be his meal."

Aji's forehead frowned. He didn't understand why Skotd was talking about tigers instead.

"We are hunting antelope, right? Why do you have to bring a tiger?" asked Aji starting to be suspicious.

"Because we have to magnify the opportunities. So it's only fitting that we take into account the power of tigers."

"I don't understand."

"It's like, you can kill a deer with one arrow. But with conditions. You have to stick your arrow right in the head or heart of the deer. That way the death of the Deer is inevitable. However, what if you miss? Or the arrow you shot didn't stick deep?" 

Aji was speechless. 

"Do you understand now? That is why we must magnify our chances. So that the guarantee of success is greater."