Before the baffled Thor could respond, Li Lin burst out laughing.
"If Mr. Dunce had stayed in school and paid attention to what his teachers were teaching, if he had some understanding of his own magic... He wouldn't have foolishly left the academy to waste away in the Black Market like some lowlife maggot."
Li Lin spread his hands, his concluding smile devoid of any sympathy. No one thought he said or did anything wrong.
Yes, the life of an enforcer was a tragedy from start to finish. But it was all self-inflicted; a simpleton seeking his own destruction is in no way deserving of sympathy. To feel sorry for such an idiot is absurd.
"Knowledge changes fate. Ignorant people may be fearless, but their end is always tragic. Gentlemen, I hope you can learn a profound lesson from that fool who blew himself up."
With serious expressions, the elves nodded their heads. If this bloody living example could not give them some insight, then there really was no difference between them and fools.
"Study hard and make progress every day." The educational slogan from his distant homeland was not uttered, but the requisite spirit and atmosphere for learning were somewhat established. Whether to use this oddly familiar slogan did not seem important. The objective had already been achieved; there was no need to dig into unnecessary details.
There was another backup plan, unfortunately unused - Li Lin had planned to talk about the Japanese version of learning through work. However, those horrifying stories might scare the young ones; working madly until exhaustion was not the result Li Lin wanted.
However, a little addition at this moment seemed no problem.
"Considering balance in development, I've decided to add martial arts lessons."
"Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!"
The simple-minded lads burst out with a fervor they had never shown even when long-awaited goods arrived. The popularity of hands-on classes was incomparable to complex liberal arts courses - they were easier to understand and way more fun.
"Please maintain the same enthusiasm and energy in other classes."
Li Lin's voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for the dancing lads to hear. The cheers instantly died down, but their faces were still flushed with excitement.
"Are all boys such fools..."
Freya grumbled as if sighing. No one heard the young girl's low grumble. Even if someone did, they wouldn't have bothered arguing with her.
Li Lin's next words attracted the attention of all the elves, including Little Wildcat.
"We've done what needs to be done. We should head back. Everyone in the valley is probably getting impatient. Let's bring the goods back and give them a proper jolly. The celebration will be more fun once we get back. Until we unload our goods in Niflheim, please stay alert."
"Why? You think trouble will find us again?"
Freya's jesting tone did not get a response. Her shrunken tiny body seemed to agree with Li Lin's warning.
"There haven't been any clear signs or evidence yet. But, don't forget the Count and Bishop who lost 500 horsemen. Their search parties should still be prowling about. Also, the blob that we clashed with a few days ago; seven to eight days are enough for it to recruit a large swarm of desperados. It wouldn't be surprising if we ran into either of these two packs of mad dogs on the way back."
The baddies who failed to provoke Li Lin and suffered huge losses would definitely seek revenge. Not for their subordinates, whom they never cared about and wouldn't mourn for. But even if only for the sake of their all-important reputation, they would definitely strike back. Whether they are nobles, bishops, or black market tradesmen, they are each the leader of their respective organization. If a leader cannot guarantee the safety of his subordinates and can't strike back at an enemy who has slapped him in the face, he should abdicate as soon as possible and flee far away. Otherwise, the subordinates whose career progress has been hindered by a weakling would use a dagger, poison or whatever to "help" the "former leader" to step down. The process of stepping down for those in high positions in places where there are no adequate regulatory frameworks to ensure safety is always bloody and painful.
"Let them come. I've been waiting for them."
The thud of fist meeting fist sounded, as if cheering on Thor's brave words. The duel that was interrupted before was unsatisfactory in both process and result for Thor, so an opportunity to remedy that naturally filled him with fighting spirit.
"Yeah, those who aren't afraid of death can come find me."
"I've been idle for several days, and my bones are almost rusting."
"You better come, otherwise it'll be too boring."
The other elves also expressed their own pre-battle sentiments in a chaotic manner. Just by listening to their statements, one might mistake them for bloodthirsty bandits. However, Niflheim, where they were born and raised, has never been a safe civilization. Nonetheless, the village has rules to govern their behaviour. The mainstream societal attitude is to uphold honor and justice. In the eyes of these rugged elves, Li Lin's violent actions, something considered lawless in a rigidly regulated city, was something to be respected — apart from the gore.
This group of young elves, who pay no heed to human hierarchy, were not warmongers. However, if someone wanted to grab even a hoe from them without paying for it, these stalwart lads, hardened by harsh lives, would demand a steep price.
Upon hearing that a large number of enemies might appear and that a skirmish might break out, their first reaction was not fear. On the contrary, they believe that their actions are for the future and hope of their tribe, as well as the continuity of protecting their homes. Therefore, they were all high-spirited and up for the fight. After being idle for several days, their arousal was somewhat overly intense.
"I'm glad to see you all ready to kick their asses," Li Lin addressed the crowd.
Everyone laughed at the earthy, appealing proclamation, and after a moment, the clamor subsided as they awaited Li Lin's next words.
"If a battle breaks out, I hope everyone will protect the wagons and goods. Leave the enemies to me."
Without any laughter or cheers, the elves stared at Li Lin's casual smile. Their eyes, filled with bewilderment, doubt, resentment, and humiliation, were all focused on the face they had previously found pleasing.
"Could you explain the reason for this arrangement?" asked Tyr, his voice as low and calm as always, but the unhappiness was evident, adding an unpleasant touch to the awkward silence along with the heavy breathing of many who felt slighted and overlooked.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Time for a brief explanation:
Nidhogg: Lord Li Lin is actually ill, right? Ah, it hurts! Please don't step on my tail, sir!
Li Lin: Please understand that this is a "Love Attack" I've carried out to educate dim-witted subordinates!
Nidhogg: Oh, it hurts! This is just abuse, isn't it? Can you explain to the readers what "Savant Syndrome" is?
Li Lin: Savant Syndrome refers to some pathological individuals, who suffer from serious psychological diseases or mental disabilities, yet display astonishing capabilities and extraordinary talents. Their special abilities and their defects present a stark contrast.
Nidhogg: But Lord Li Lin doesn't seem to have any obvious defects?
Li Lin: I am an artificial life form with congenital savant syndrome, created by implanting special genes at the fertilized egg stage and then cultivated in an artificial environment. Therefore, the way I manifest differs entirely from human patients born from human females.
Nidhogg: Thank you, Lord Li Lin, for explaining this to us in person!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
PS: Your support through votes for this novel is greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot, everyone!