A serious bluff, and the seed of hope

Wow, so this is how my second life ends. Kinda pathetic, isn’t it?

“YOU LITTLE CRAP! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, WALTZING OVER HERE AND SHOWING ME YOUR SHIT!”

“PORRIVE VE CRAPTIN!(FORGIVE ME CAPTAIN)”

“Oh so I’m the “Craptain” now-YOU’RE DEAD YOU F***ING ROOKIE!”

Well maybe if you stopped shaking me I’d be able to speak dammit! Geez, just what kinda difficulty is this world set on? On top of that, I always thought Minotaurs saved this kinda hostility for white rabbits. Forget that for now, KAMI-SAMA! HELP ME KAMI-SAMA!!!!

“Wait, Captain please! Rodney just woke up, of course he’s bound to be a little weird. Can’t you overlook this just once?”

Since you’re trying to save my ass, I’ll overlook you calling me weird just now. Maybe Phil’s words will help Torres calm-

“Would you like me to clobber you next?”

“You’re on your own pal.”

Bastard! And why the hell are you saluting me, like I’m a soldier marching to their death! Crap, I gotta think of something soon! Before this ox head actually kills me! Think, what would one of my hero’s do in a situation like this. That when I thought about him, the man who managed to beat countless villains through bluffing alone. I looked over at Ghast who was boiling red, and remembered where we were. It was then that I saw Captain Torres’ fist raised overhead. This is it, my one and only chance!

“Wait, Captain Torres!”

“What, you got some last words?”

“If you give me one week, I swear I’ll increase my yield to twice its number!”

The moment I said that, everyone went silent. Even that spineless wimp Phil went silent, hey Phil this is what you should’ve done to help me. You F***ing traitor!

“Heh, hahahahahaha! You’ve got a good sense of humor. An idiot like you who has the worst crop numbers of all the farmers, now says he’s gonna double his usual yield. You’re just grasping for straws now aren’t ya!”

“Wait! Please, just give me a chance!”

“Denied, NOW BE GONE WELP!”

I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. I could hear commotion from the guys watching close by, as well as the farmers doing their work next to us. I could also hear Phil’s sniffling, whatever happened to never crying again? Well for what it’s worth, it’s been fu-

“HOLD IT!”

I immediately opened my eyes and turned to see where the voice came from. I turned to see another goblin just like us, however he was different. His skin was light brown and his eyes had dark gray pupils. That and unlike the caveman pelts me and Phil wore, this guy wore miniature leather armor on his body.

“*Sigh* What is it now Doug? I thought I placed you on wall duty for today?”

“You did, but I couldn’t help but notice the commotion.”

So this guy’s name is Doug, what does he think he’s doing?

“Captain, please heed Rodney’s request!”

““Huh?””

For once me and Torres had the same response, did this guy show up to save me?

“And might I ask why I should give him such an opportunity?”

“I know Rodney’s been a failure up until this point sir, but something feels different about him. I feel that his words weren’t just hot air, maybe he’s on the verge of something extraordinary. If he does manage to keep his promise, that may even boost the morale of the other workers.”

“I see, it would be entertaining to watch this twerp squirm. Alright I’ll accept Rodney’s proposal.”

I’m alive, I’M ALIVE! BLESS YOU DOUG! I WON’T FORGET THIS DEBT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!

“However, I have some conditions.”

“What?”

“First off, your yield will be double the standard amount. Usually you manage to grow one or two potatoes every two weeks. By the end of this week I expect to see double the standard of an average work week. Since the standard is ten potatoes, I expect to see twenty by the end of the week. To make sure you have the materials, I’ll allow Ghast to lend you storehouse privileges.”

“WHAT!?! Torres, are you sure that’s a wise idea?”

“It’s only fair Ghast, that said let me get into the second condition. No running away, now that you’ve thrown down the gauntlet, I expect you to keep your promise. If you can’t you can expect the axe to come swingin’ you hear!”

“Y-Yes Sir!”

“Good! Prepare yourself, tomorrow the clock starts!”

****

“GODDAMMIT!”

I managed to bluff like a Joestar, no I react to the consequences like a Joestar. Seriously though, Rodney, why the hell is your farming stat so low?

“ Heh, that’s just about the reaction I expected from you.”

“Br-I mean Rodney! What’re we gonna do!”

I look over at Doug and Phil who saw my outburst just now. I couldn’t help but sigh at their pitying gaze, that’s when Doug gave me a serious look.

“There’s still time, maybe you can beg for an extension or-”

“Nah, I gotta do this.”

““Huh?””

The both of them looked at me like I went mad, so I decided to explain myself.

“Doug you stuck your neck out for me, if I were to beg for more amenities after you gave up so much already, I’ve got my pride as a man y’know?”

“...You really have changed, before you sat on hay and watched everyone work. Only to get back to work when Headmaster Ghast showed his face, but now you have a fire in your eyes. Are you really Rodney?”

This guy is too observant, even Phil is making a nervous glance back and forth between us.

“I’ll have to apologize if I come off as weird, I’m still recovering you see.”

“Yeah, Rodney’s just woken up after all. He even lost his memory, poor Rodney.”

“I see, well it might sound presumptuous, but I hope you stay like you are now. I feel that as you are now you’re capable of great things!”

I like the cut of your jib Doug, you got a way with words. That said, how in the word should I-

“Hahahaha, you guys are complete morons!”

“...Huh?”

Standing in the doorway of the tool hut we were in was a red skinned goblin the same size as us. Like Doug he had pupils in his eyes, but unlike Doug his were orange. The little bastard smirked at me, and opened his mouth and began belittling me.

“You’re living off borrowed time Rodney, I’m surprised you came up with such a dumbass plan. I can’t wait to see the Captain tear you to shreds in a week!”

“Stop it Hank! If you’re not here to help then get lost!”

I look over to see Phil staring defiantly at this red skinned hooligan. So his name is Hank, as for Hank he began glaring at Phil.

“You sure know how to run your mouth, I guess you have a couple of skills.”

“What?”

“Besides almost getting your friends killed, that is!”

Upon hearing those words Phil began to tremble, so he still hasn’t forgiven himself yet. Hank looked like he had more ammo, but before he could continue.

“Hank, shouldn't you be organizing the storehouse?”

“And Doug shouldn’t you be back on the wall!?!”

“I should, but I’m more worried about you. Remember how pissed Captain Torres was last time.”

“Tch!”

Hearing that Hank began moving towards the door, but not before turning back and looking at Doug.

“You won’t be top dog for long Doug, once I awaken further the one on top will be me!”

With that message, Hank left. What did he mean by “Awaken”, is this one of those cultivation related worlds? Before I could continue thinking, Phil walked over to us with a frown on his face.

“Sorry guys, I froze up back there.”

“Don’t worry Phil, I was amazed when you spoke up before any of us. Right Rodney.”

“He’s right Phil. So what if Hank made you freeze up, what matters is that you had the courage to move. Not to mention, you stood up for me. Thank you.”

“*Sniff* You Guys…”

Geez, talk about a crybaby, but it’s not like he’s ruining this good moment. Doug brought up that maybe a meal would be a nice change of pace. We decided to take him up on his offer and started moving to head for the mess hall, but before that I decided to do something.

“Uh, what are you doing with that?”

“It’s not like I need this poop stone, so imma just bury it here. Who knows, it might give me luck.”

“You really are strange now, aren’t you Rodney.”

I left that spot near the shed followed by the sound of laughter from my two friends. Ironically enough, my action just now will become my seed of hope for my current trial.