EPILOGUE
In the ss'rak village, matriarch Jarlhu and patriarch Jura are facing each other. Zhesha is standing on the sideline while both of them argue. The ss'rak girl has the feeling that the fight from before has caused some rift in the village. Or maybe it was there before and is finally in the open...
The patriarch Jura insists this can't count due to several interferences, while Zhesha's mother says that their champion decided to take all of them on, never saying a number.
“Tash, whaz gooing on?” Of course, Zhesha can only rely on her father to understand why this tense atmosphere has emerged.
“Zhesha, shtay quiet for noa.”
Suddenly, patriarch Jura yells to the audience: “The judgment ish unclear. Neither power nor hash wisdom won.”
Zhesha's mother speaks in turn: “In times of need, the wise ushed raw power.”
“In times of need, the powerful reshorted to wisdom.”
“Foreign ss'rak, your leader hash left.”
“Yet you remained and honored our rules.”
“Ss'rak of this village, you decide. Shtay here, if you shee honor in humbleness and closeness to nature.”
“Or join Muaotef, if you seek the honor of returning and righting the wrongs.”
“Neither the patriarch nor I can lead you in this decision.”
“There ish power in resilience, there ish power in fighting for undoing a wrong.”
“There ish wisdom in protecting what we have, there ish wisdom in claiming a new future for our descendants.”
“Patriarch Jura hash shpoken.”
“Matriatch Jarlhu hash shpoken.”
Zhesha's mother returns to her family and exchange an important looking gaze with her husband. It's Zhesha who disrupts the silence: “Zosh! Waat happned?”
“Zhesha...” Her mother seems angry at her, though she remains calm, which makes it somehow worse: “Try to shink before acting. Why did you interfere?”
Is she talking about how Zhesha has put Kati back to her place? It's because it felt strange, seeing Kati that... weak. Kati is weak, she has soft-skin, she has a weak attitude, she doesn't understand honor, still, seeing her all bawling was what made Zhesha angry, so angry that she couldn't just stay there, doing nothing. Though she had almost no contact with that human Zhesha felt some sort of connection and it would be dishonorable to ignore it and let Kati fail because Zhesha did nothing.
However, before her mother, saying all of it out loud was impossible. So Zhesha instead looks down and uses the answer her mother wants to hear: “I'm shorry, Zhosh.”
Jarlhu accepts that answer, though she knows that her daughter got inappropriately close to the human. She was just that sympathetic. She also knows that she also carries the burden of guilt as she has decided to wage an important decision on a fight with no ss'rak included, thinking that the ritual combat will be more readily accepted by those who lust for blood and revenge.
Still, honor demands that she stands to her decision. Without Zhesha interference there might have been an actual victory for Jarlhu's standpoint, but everything considered it was a draw.
However, she is the matriarch. Even if most of them will join the ss'rak of Muaotef for honor, for bloodlust, for revenge for wrongs long passed, she's responsible for those who let wisdom lead them and stay here. Though the servants of Muaotef may also uproot the reason why they are here in the first place...
―○●○―
“Hey, you're still alive?” Lvo'tjos stands atop of Kruan's body.
The beaten ss'rak looks at the alfr with disdain. “Leeef me...”
“Man, don't just die on me. Your arm looks messy, you know? You're probably going through eight stages of gangrene here.”
“Leeef me!”
“Yeah, yeah. I just want to say, you and I are the same. I also got owned by Kenta.” The name itself makes Kruan growl. “Let me guess, now honor demands that you can't fight him anymore, right?” These words hits the mark, Kruan's grimace is showing how much this hurts him. “Well, you are out of a purpose, right? How about a new one? One that may let you meet Kenta again if he's interfering with Big M.”
“...what purpose...”
“Here, do you see this vial? This liquid is the blood of Big M. As your arm is almost non-existent already, how about replacing it by becoming the Arm of Muaotef? That position has everything, power, fame, maybe even honor. Big M gave me the blood as he's looking for someone who can execute his will, if necessary, and despite everything between him and me, he trusts my judgment. Just choose: Do you like lying and dying in the dirt or do you want to rise again and become much more?”
Honor would demand from Kruan that he declines this offer and honor is one of the most important aspects of a ss'rak. A ss'rak without honor is not living a ss'rak-worthy life. Still... it would only taint his honor if he accepts the offer only to find a new opportunity to fight Kenta again, right? If he diligently fulfills his new purpose and just happens to fight Kenta again it would bring him honor instead, right?
… “Do it.”
“Welcome to the VIPs!”
With the Arm of Muaotef at his side, Lvo'tjos will also have an easier time fulfilling his original task in this swamps: Find the center and find out what's within. Big M is certain that a god is sleeping there, put to sleep by the alfar long time ago. These alfar were the ones who originally awakened the trees of the area to protect others from his harmful nature. In the end, they were contaminated by the god's evil itself, forming the Spirit Swamps as they're known today. Sounds plausible.
If this theory is right, this might be a power for Muaotef to claim. After Big M is done with the humans of Feuerberg, he will wage the next war. The one Lvo'tjos is actually interested in.
A war to save the world, to take revenge for his comrades, and for Elmli. They will pay!
―○●○―
Ohlbrücken, the only safe way to cross the river Ohl within weeks of travel. An old man is walking down the streets. He observes how the Crusaders are vigilant and looking at everyone, though they're not as inquiring as they used to be. Most likely because of what happened in Goldbrunn. It caused some trust-issues.
The old man hears how the people in the alleys praise the red ranger. If he hadn't met the boy himself, he would think of him as some sort of saint by now. However, some interesting bounties, bounties of juveniles he knows, are showing up on the east of Ohl, from Ohlbrücken to Feuerberg, that's why the city is so full right now. A lot of mercenaries and bounty hunters are here and they're less subtle than the Crusaders, causing a lot of problems for the city guard.
He sure hopes that the boy and the girls aren't stupid enough to let themselves be caught. However, right now he's facing different troubles. “Hey, geezer!” He's currently surrounded by some ruffians who ambushed him in a back alley. It's only natural, as he just sold the parts of a giant monster he picked up when he was out fishing in the Ohl for dinner. “Just give us the money and everything will be fine.”
“Youngsters, didn't you see why I got that bag? I just slaughtered a giant monster; so why should I be afraid of you?” This always happens when he has his coat, though these days are really getting cold at his age. Running topless may be a good thing for youngsters, but even the hardiest barbarian will find comfort in some warmth at his age. “I mean, look at me. I'm dirt poor, so how would I get any money otherwise?”
“Maybe you stole it? A dirty thief, right?”
“I don't steal, I plunder. Big difference.” The old man is taking off his cloak and the moment he's topless, the ruffians look like they want to run away. “Booh!”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
―○●○―
Correo is a merchant, and therefore part of the merchant league. While he has the look of a humble peddler, he's wealthy. While he does have some funds, it's not money that defines his wealth, however. It's connections and power.
He just talked with the Bloody-Nosed Mercenary Company who were going in the wrong direction, led astray by the enemy ranger which wasn't part of the contract he had with them. Correo didn't know before that the boy has attained the [Ranger]-class-up and after some negotiations, they refunded part of his advance and quit the contract.
Of course this makes Correo angry, yet it was partly his fault. He spread his budget among too many mercenaries, not only the Bloody-Nosed but others as well. So confident in his scheme and his servant, he didn't even think about how said servant would mess up his scheme. If she just had waited back then... It was a major setback.
Now Correo is in the woods near Goldbrunn, he looks for the squirrels that are subservient to his slave. After hearing about several lost mercenaries and Crusaders, he knows that this is the woods they are in. “Squirrels, come out,” he asks, surrounded by nothing but trees.
Some of them appear on the trees and on the path he has taken. He is surrounded by them. At least they listen, though he couldn't understand their intentions.
He has to continue: “The ones you are looking for aren't here. My slave returned to my side. Listen to my orders.”
The squirrels are exchanging glances, making some movements, yet no sound is to be heard. This heavy silence sure feels like they are talking to each other telepathically. After a few seconds, all shake their heads.
“You are the servants of my slave, and therefore also mine.” Again, they shake their heads. “My slave is being punished right now. Heed to my order, and I will set her free again.” More shaking heads. This is really unnerving. Correo can't tell what they are thinking or if they are really servants of his oni. However, they are good assets. They can spy and more importantly: They can deal with the alfr's magic. “So be it. I'll return another time. Please wait here for my slave or me.” This negotiation has failed. However, he knows where they are for now and may send his slave back to gather them when she has been punished enough.
Correo already knows the whereabouts of the heroes due to his relic. It shows the direction to the closest hero and a rough estimation of how far that one is. With his other magic items it was easy enough to follow them, but entering the Spirit Swamps would have been suicidal.
He has another scheme to counter them. This time he will play a more active role in capturing Princess Katarine. For this, he only needs the right underlings. For starters, he has Lent Wood and Star Killer, the new heroes of the Lady. He will contact them next, though he also knows the perfect candidates to bolster them.
The reason why he left the squirrels is evident: If he told them about the whereabouts of the princess, they may follow her by their own discretion. He doesn't need unnecessary cogs in his fine-tuned machinery.
―○●○―
Lent Wood is kneeling in the star-chamber, the room where Kami-sama is residing. At his side is his partner, Star Killer. Both of them were asked for by the Lady, the goddess they serve. Her midnight blue hair with the stars inside is waving in the wind, while she listens to Lent's report: “We have conquered their first line of defense and slaughtered every unliving we could see. We're building fortifications to stage the next skirmishes.”
«Your work pleases Us.» Lent feels how his devotion to the goddess burns inside him as she praises his work. He conquered the ooaks and leads them into battle against the Undead Army, its general Laharel and whoever is creating these obelisks. With every battle, he and Star gain more and more XP, turning them into even more capable heroes than before. What they lacked previously were numbers, Lent learned it with his clashes against Laharel. Two people still have a limited number of arms and bodies. With his new underlings and class-up, he can turn anyone into dust between his fingers.
“Kami-sama, we'll win this war for you. This necropolis will be yours!”
«It already is. We ruled this city since long ago. The undead are nothing but a nuisance that can be ignored.» She really thinks nothing of them. «Our eyes are on what comes in the far future.»
“What will the future bring?”
«Our victory.» Kami-sama has connections far away. She stays here, hidden, so she can cast her web from the sidelines. While others carry on their fights, she has her eyes set on the price. «Yet, Our heroes, you will need to travel.»
Lent narrows his eyes and Star looks aghast. However, Lent controls his emotions and asks the question that is on both of their minds. “...why? Of course, I will heed your order, but our progress in the fight against the undead will be in jeopardy if I leave. I'm the commander.”
«As we said, the undead are a nuisance. Correo sent Us a message. He failed Us in capturing Katarine von Stolzherz. However, We will forgive him. For his new plan, he needs more people, so We send you, Our most trusted servants, to his side.»
This pleases Lent, Star also seems to be more at peace. It makes sense to send them if it's about that particular mission. Kami-sama desires the princess of Feuerberg and that person is a menace. Someone like Correo can't do it on his own, so they need to help. “We'll do it. We'll give orders to our underlings and make sure that the undead will stay where they are.”
«Excellent. This is a letter of Correo. It contains where you will meet up with him. Also, take these flasks.» From her wide, kimono-like sleeves she takes three bottles which contains a midnight blue liquid. It looks like ink. «This is Our divine gift to Our servant Correo.»
Lent has seen it before. It's a special ink that contains divine power, something precious and powerful, something that escapes the mind of mortals.
Currently, Correo might still enjoy special privileges within the servants of Kami-sama. However, with this mission, Lent will earn all of her favor.
―○●○―
“Here, Sir Gottfried,” the alfr says. Meldorn and the others are sitting at the forest edge of Aroahenn. The elves haven't opened up their barrier, but one of their guards, a ranger named Oro'hekk is serving them drinks in wooden cups. “Make sure to drink everything.”
“No thank you.” For some reason, Gottfried is cautious around the alfr. Meldorn can see that the alfr is moving like he's hurt, though the ever-moving ears, the almost expressionless face, the strange way he holds himself makes it hard to discern his feelings.
Rotfeld takes a sip: “This is really good. What is it?”
“Dried Aeolferelda-leaves, with a bit of extra spice.”
Pontiff Kasse is also drinking some, relaxing seemingly. “This is good...”
Meldorn is curious, but he is also careful. Instead of doing something, he decides to observe more. He's a hunter at heart, so he only moves when he knows that it will lead to his quarry.
Oro'hekk continues with a nonchalant voice: “Why are you here this time, Sir Gottfried?”
“Because we are looking for Princess Katarine.”
“Ah, the princess. How do you know that she was here?”
“We have the Huntsman on our side.” Meldorn has just found and tracked her steps up to this point. They were washed out, but if you know what you're looking for, it's easy enough. Asking in the inn before also helped.
“The Huntsman? Well, then let me just tell you, Sir Gottfried, that she's not here anymore and there is no need for you to attack our barrier. I may be a little concerned about whether you can break it or not, and we like being protected.”
“In which direction did she go?”
“I can't tell you, so look for her tracks yourself.”
“Fine.”
“Also, you're welcome to stay here at the border for a while.”
“We plan to continue as fast as possible.”
“Oh, then I'm sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“For having put some laxative in your drinks.” Rotfeld and Kasse are looking shocked to their already emptied cups, while Meldorn sure is glad that he didn't drink anything from them.
Gottfried also looks like he's glad he took his own internal advice.
―○●○―
“Thanks for everything, Braxas!” Masahiko hugs his stout friend and tutor like a brother.
“Don't mention it, lad. Be sure to give'me a crash-course if you find a cool [Class-Up], kay?”
“Sure.”
“'n get your girl back.”
“She's my friend, but I will!”
After everyone has finished their training in Kraggwas, the underground city of the dari, Masahiko and his friends finally leave the hospitality of the stout yet strong folk.
It takes a while, but finally, they're at the gate to the outside world. The dari stationed here open it, and for the first time in a while, Masahiko sees the sun again. This makes him feel all nostalgic. “You know what,” he says to Daichi, Katsuo, Teru, and Eri: “I really missed the sun.”
Daichi shields his eyes from the sun rays. “Actually, it hurts.”
Teru is snarling: “Try having [Perception], Dai-kun! I need sunglasses, it burns!”
Katsuo also has the [Perception]-ability, therefore he moans: “...too accustomed to the underground.”
Eri tries to smile back at Masahiko, but hers is a bit wryly: “Masa, we should start slowly.”
“Yeah, you're right.” Even he can tell that the tears at the corner of his eyes are due to the brightness instead of the happiness he's feeling: “Still, time to head back to Esse.”
―○●○―
“Is this the border, Ara-san?”
“Positive.”
“Well... are you all sure you want to do this? This is going to be dangerous.” All of us are standing at a border-area, the border where the monsters of the Spirit Swamps become stronger. This is a place that neither the local ss'rak nor Muaotef's minions have trodden.
“Ken, staying would be dangerous in itself.” Kyou-san wants to raise her level more than ever before. In these parts, the monsters will be stronger, and therefore give more XP.
“Kenta-kun, if my hypothesis is right, we should be able to handle it.” Despite our failings with the weaker monsters, Ara-san is sure that we can win against the stronger ones, as it was more of a lack of strategy and knowledge than of pure combat prowess. I also agree with this, but theoretically, we should practice with the weaker ones before...
“...” Rine isn't saying anything. Since our talk, she is often in thought. “...I'm ready.” It's untypical for her, but I think she just took the first step to becoming an adult.
“Well, I did warn you.” I can't say that I'm unhappy with this decision. Fighting stronger monsters, getting through the swamps faster by a more direct route, going to places that the Luuto-guy might not want to enter...
The whole journey through the Spirit Swamp up to now was a mess. However, I still refuse to see it as a bad decision. Strangely enough, the path to making that decision right is going through more hardships.
Every one of us has changed since we came to the swamps, though it may only last until we leave this place. No, we have been changing the whole time...
I'm OK. I will bring the whole party to Zethtrin, then we will undo the curse. Finally, I will start training to fight the demon king, then I will kill him and return home... Then I may finally be able to...
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