“Hmm, I believe we shouldn’t squander our time discussing this matter. I am aware, and I trust that you are too, that our pursuers are likely on our trail by now. In light of this, let’s prioritize our progress and I will fill you in on the details as we go.”
Nura Bayajidda lapsed into a contemplative silence before he eventually nodded, signaling his understanding of the dire situation they were in.
Commander Kisa, however, harbored a lingering question. “Yet, I must ask, why did you choose not to fly? Flight grants speed far surpassing that of any ground-bound pursuit. Could we not have eluded our pursuers more effectively from the air? What kept you earthbound?”
After a brief pause, Nura Bayajidda replied, “Indeed, I was flying. But the reality is, that not everyone is endowed with the profound cultivation strength of the King’s Legion. Extended periods of flight sap my energy, compelling me to land and recuperate before I can proceed. It would be imprudent to let my energy reserves deplete fully, given our current jeopardy. Whenever my cultivation dips to half capacity, it becomes imperative to restore it fully before continuing. Consider the potential consequences of encountering an enemy while my reserves are diminished.”
Comprehension dawned on Commander Kisa as he understood the limitations Nura Bayajidda faced. Those with elevated cultivation levels often overlook the constraints that their lessors contend with. Even a deva, who is not a member of the King’s Legion, must touch down after sustained flight to replenish their energy. This revelation made Commander Kisa consider the implications of traveling alongside Nura. While Nura’s slower pace due to a lower level of cultivation could impede him, he surmised that the delay might be minimal. Should Nura’s energy begin to wane, it seemed feasible for him to share a fraction of his vast reserves, allowing them to maintain their flight without pause for Nura’s recovery. The advantages of having Nura by his side would far outweigh the slight inconvenience of sharing his cultivation power.
After pondering the situation, Commander Kisa voiced his resolution. “There’s no cause for concern. When your cultivation level begins to decrease, I’ll lend you a bit of my own. This way, we can continue without interruption.”
Once again, Nura Bayajidda fell silent, this time reflecting on the commander’s offer. After a moment of consideration, he nodded, signifying his agreement to the plan. With a newfound understanding between them, the two then took to the skies, seamlessly blending flight with swift strides through the air, their journey unhampered by the constraints of individual cultivation levels.
Commander Kisa, while adept in many aspects of cultivation, does not hold the ability to directly transfer a segment of his power to Nura Bayajidda. Nevertheless, he owns a unique seal, a tool utilized by the elite King's Legion, which can be charged with his cultivation energy. This seal can then be given to others, allowing them to tap into the stored energy to amplify their cultivation or to reclaim any cultivation they might have previously lost. Hence, the strength that Nura Bayajidda would receive from Commander Kisa wouldn't constitute new cultivation per se; it essentially acts as a catalyst, aiding him in restoring and bolstering the cultivation prowess that had been diminished.
During their journey, Commander Kisa took the opportunity to recount to Nura Bayajidda the sequence of events that unfolded on the battlefield. He purposefully chose to leave out any mention of the 'pol string' skill and the specific herbs that are reputed to be capable of awakening the core within cultivators. It was a deliberate omission, perhaps to maintain a strategic advantage or to protect certain secrets.
However, Nura Bayajidda unexpectedly broached the subject himself, asking, "This skill, is it known as 'pol string'?"
Initially taken aback, Commander Kisa's features contorted into a frown, but after a brief pause, a small smile graced his lips. He replied, "Indeed, that is the skill we call 'pol string.' Since you're already aware of it, there's no longer any point in withholding the information. We've underestimated that boy, the one we've been dismissing as the weakest among the emperor's progeny, but he's been deceiving everyone all this time. Maybe he chose to let the world see him as the most feeble, to avoid the cutthroat competition with his siblings and to gain a quiet corner of the empire to rule. But as it stands, you and I can both see that he's not the weakest. He's cunning, like the creature that disguises itself as harmless to catch the unwary hyena. If only we had known of his true strength and skills, the battle would have been approached with a different strategy."
Nura Bayajidda simply shrugged, indicating a resignation to the past and the futility of regret. "I think now there's no point in looking back," he stated.
The revelation led to a shared moment of bitter laughter between them, acknowledging the irony of their situation.
Seeking to understand Nura Bayajidda's intentions in the aftermath of their shared experiences, Commander Kisa probed, "What is your plan now? Where are you heading?" He recognized that although they were allies in escape, their paths might diverge. Kisa was aware that Nura, being young and at a pivotal stage in his life, might well decide to forge a new path for himself. It wouldn't be surprising if Nura opted to reinvent his identity, altering his appearance and name, and find a secluded place to lay low for a while, away from the troubles that had befallen them.
“My plan is quite simple. Should we make it to the border, it may be time for you and me to go our separate ways. Until that moment arrives, we can make this journey together. If we run into any foes, we will unite our strengths to overcome them. And if adversaries chase us down on the battlefield, we will stand side by side to fight them off. Should we reach the border without such confrontations, it would be prudent for each of us to choose our path thereafter.”
Commander Kisa’s expression darkened, his frown deepening. The thought of separating from Nura Bayajidda was far from his intentions. He has a desire to use Nura as a mere messenger to the King’s Legion. “Yet, you have not divulged your true plan to me,” said the commander, his voice tinged with discomfort. Despite his esteemed position as a one-star commander, he felt a twinge of shame at the notion of courting an alliance with a commoner. Nevertheless, he suppressed his ego, recognizing the necessity of engaging with Nura with due courtesy and respect.
“My plan?” Nura Bayajidda’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he turned to regard his comrade. “My goal is to meet with one of the influential tribes and trade the vital intelligence I’ve acquired about Armad Wilberforce’s capabilities. They must be alerted, for I am certain they would spare no expense or effort for such information. In exchange for these details, they would surely offer me sanctuary and a secure hiding place. Isn’t it plausible that these powerful tribes would give anything to prevent someone with such potentially disruptive influence from continuing to exist?”
In the current era, the discord between the Wilberforce tribe and the other dominant tribes was common knowledge. Although these formidable tribes were often embroiled in their internal disputes, they were acutely aware of the threat posed by the burgeoning power of the Wilberforce tribe. It was common practice for them to set aside their differences and form alliances when faced with a member of the Wilberforce tribe who could potentially bring turmoil to their realms in the foreseeable future.
Commander Kisa lapsed into a contemplative silence. Nura’s plan had not escaped his strategic considerations. However, he had not pursued this avenue himself for one critical reason: his ties to the Wilberforce tribe. The major tribes would be skeptical of any intelligence he brought forward, likely dismissing it as a ruse or a trap laid by the Wilberforces. Nura Bayajidda, on the other hand, bore no such allegiance to the Wilberforce bloodline. He could approach the major tribes without the burden of suspicion, potentially earning their trust and protection. Indeed, should they find his information credible, they might even bestow upon him a prestigious position within their ranks, allowing him to claim their tribal name as though he were born into it.
This is not an unusual occurrence in the current era. Indeed, there have been recent reports of students in the capital city of Wilberforce demonstrating exceptional cultivation abilities. In these cases, the dominant tribes have taken it upon themselves to recognize these talented individuals. They do so by essentially adopting them and granting them their revered tribal names. For a student born into a lesser-known or smaller tribe, this practice can lead to a significant elevation in social standing. The newfound association with a powerful tribe often results in a great sense of satisfaction and an increase in status, which the students welcome with open arms.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Among the tribes, the Wilberforce stands out as particularly prestigious and powerful. It adheres to a strict policy of exclusivity, reserving its name for those who are born within its ranks, a sign of its elite status. In contrast, other large tribes within the city do not share this reticence. They see no dishonor in extending their names to those who are not of their blood, even if those individuals were once strangers to them.
Amidst these societal customs, Commander Kisa is faced with a dilemma that extends beyond the mere adoption of tribal names and into the realm of survival and allegiance. He expresses his deep concerns to Nura Bayajidda, his voice laden with a sense of urgency. “Don’t you see the potential for disaster in our situation?” he inquires with a grave tone. “I’ve considered the possibility of fleeing and adopting a new identity under the banner of a major tribe. But what of the complications? Reflect on the number of years Prince Armad will require to consolidate enough power to locate us and exact his vengeance. That’s not the only challenge we face. Within three years, the mission his father has entrusted to him will probably be accomplished. He does not need to extend his efforts beyond the conquest of the adjacent nine towns for his father to acknowledge his triumphs and grant him the right to govern his territories independently. What do you suppose will happen at that juncture?
I’ve heard that the emperor himself has plans to travel to the town of Tiriba to personally observe the advancements his son has brought forth within a mere four years. What then, if at such a moment, the prince decides to unveil the secrets of our past dealings to his father? Is there any tribe that would offer us sanctuary that wouldn’t capitulate to the emperor’s demands to hand us over? The moment he expresses his will, they would surrender us without a second thought. We simply do not possess the kind of clout or virtue that would prompt any tribe to protect us against the emperor’s pursuit. Even if your plan could shield us for a brief period, how long can we truly rely on such a strategy? Our sole avenue to ensure our continued survival is to make certain that Prince Armad is no longer a threat and that the truths of the battlefield are forever buried.”
Nura Bayajidda regarded Commander Kisa with an intense and scrutinizing gaze, the kind one might reserve for a man teetering on the edge of reason. It was as though he saw before him not an ally in arms but a man driven to the precipice of desperation.
“You have misunderstood my intentions. It is precisely because I wish for Armad’s death that I’m willing to divulge this news to the prominent tribes. If you haven’t comprehended that, I’m uncertain how to make my point any clearer.”
Commander Kisa raised his hand promptly, signaling for attention, and shook his head in frustration. “You’ve failed to grasp the essence of my argument. You may have elevated the status of these prominent tribes to a level they have yet to attain. We’re the ones who coexist with them, who stand as their adversaries. We have an intimate understanding of their strengths and their weaknesses. Let’s not forget Prince Armad’s lineage; he is the progeny of Emperor Ayrion. Moreover, it’s widely acknowledged that Armad has been entrusted with a mission by his father. The Empire’s official stance may be one of non-intervention in the prince’s affairs, but make no mistake, they will not stand idly by if the major tribes attempt an assassination. You might be unaware, but the Wilberforce tribe has placed informants deep within the rival factions. These spies are well-informed about the major tribes’ every maneuver. The idea that these tribes could surreptitiously eliminate the prince is a gross underestimation. Any significant action taken against the prince would swiftly reach the emperor’s ears. It’s conceivable that if the victims were not of royal blood, they might be vulnerable to such machinations. Yet, I can assure you, any such attempt on the prince’s life would only be feasible if the emperor bestowed upon him the autonomy to govern his lands. In such a scenario, they might act without the fear of repercussions from the Wilberforce Empire. I trust you now have a better understanding of my position.”
Nura Bayajidda’s expression grew stern with contemplation. He was not entirely persuaded that the major tribes would risk the bold move of publicly assassinating the prince. His knowledge of the power and resources at the disposal of these tribes was limited. Their operations were cloaked in secrecy. To the ordinary citizen, the major tribes were a force to be reckoned with, particularly when they forged alliances. Among the circle of experts, there is a minority who posit that should these tribes unite, even the Wilberforce might not withstand their combined might. However, the prevalent view among experts is different; they argue that although the Wilberforce would face a formidable challenge, they would ultimately emerge victorious from such a conflict, albeit at a great cost. It’s this potential for significant loss that the Wilberforce tribe seeks to avoid, which is why they opt to sustain a delicate balance of power and continue their coexistence with the major tribes.
Nura Bayajidda pondered Commander Kisa’s recent statements and found a sense of accord within himself. The strategic intricacies of their current predicament were not lost on him, and Kisa’s insights resonated deeply.
“Do you think it’s possible that, despite their numbers and power, these great tribes are incapable of dispatching assassins to slay Prince Armad without leaving a trace?” Nura Bayajidda posed the question, his brow creased with concern and doubt.
With a grave nod, Commander Kisa replied, “Absolutely, they are incapable. I assure you, even with the greatest secrecy, or any method more clandestine than secrecy itself, their plots to kill the prince would be futile without alerting the Empire of Wilberforce. What eludes your understanding is that informing the tribes of our knowledge will only generate further complications. It would attract the vigilant eyes of the Empire, prompting them to seek out the source of the leak. Have you considered the consequences of such an investigation? It would ensnare us in the bitter feud that rages between the Empire of Wilberforce and the tribes. It’s needless to say those caught in the middle of such a struggle often meet a swift and merciless end. I implore you to reflect on this once more.”
Nura Bayajidda’s frown deepened. He was acutely aware that entering the fray, akin to a ‘Battle of Elephants,’ was to invite disaster upon oneself, to be inadvertently crushed by forces far greater. Since his escape from the battlefield, his mind had been a tempest of strategy and survival. The elimination of Prince Armad seemed to him the only resolution to his disquiet. However, without the means to personally carry out such a deed, he was in dire need of an accomplice. If the formidable tribes were not the solution, where then could he find the requisite ally?
“What are you planning to do? Since you’ve ruled out the option of turning to the tribes, you must be contemplating another course of action,” Nura Bayajidda inquired, his slight smile betraying a hint of cunning.
Commander Kisa’s demeanor was a blend of earnestness and subterfuge. Although his discourse with Nura Bayajidda was sprinkled with elements of truth, it was masterfully interspersed with falsehoods. In stark contrast to his assertions, the tribes indeed possessed the capability to stealthily eliminate Armad. Should the Wilberforce Empire have had the ability to prevent such clandestine maneuvers, they would have surely exercised it to neutralize any shadowy threats posed by tribal operatives. However, Nura Bayajidda remained ignorant of these nuances. Commander Kisa had skillfully crafted a narrative so complex—a labyrinth of veracity and deception—that Nura Bayajidda was left grappling with uncertainty, unable to discern the true path through the maze of half-truths and outright fabrications laid before him.
“What are your thoughts on all the souls dwelling upon our world? Tell me, who do you believe Prince Ikenga harbors the most animosity towards?” Commander Kisa posed this probing question to Nura, skillfully weaving it into his attempt to recruit Nura’s support for his plot. Nura Bayajidda, poised on the cusp of a reply, found himself interrupted as the commander, eager to impart his insights, continued unabated. “Prince Armad. It is Prince Armad who occupies the darkest recesses of Prince Ikenga’s enmity. The entire empire is privy to the fact that Prince Ikenga is the heir apparent, preordained to ascend to global dominion following his father’s tenure. Yet, the notion of relinquishing even a sliver of his future sovereignty to his brother, Armad, is insufferable to him. To thwart such an outcome, Prince Ikenga would see his brother removed from the equation entirely. Both you and I can attest to Prince Ikenga’s unyielding resolve in matters of power and succession. At present, Armad’s ability to incite turmoil within Ikenga’s realm supersedes any threat he might pose to the great tribes. Armad’s cultivation, though formidable, will not mature to a level that could trouble the tribes for another half-century. Similarly, you are not yet in a position to challenge their might. Consequently, while a confrontation between the tribes and Prince Armad may loom on the horizon, it is not a pressing concern. On the other hand, the peril that Prince Armad represents to the crown prince, Ikenga, is a storm that could break within a mere three years. This reality positions Prince Ikenga as an indispensable ally in our current ventures. Have I made myself clear?”
Nura Bayajidda, ensconced in contemplation, allowed the commander’s words to wash over him, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon his shoulders. Time stretched on as he mulled over the implications, until at last, he nodded, a gesture heavy with the weight of understanding. Indeed, Prince Ikenga’s vested interest in eliminating Prince Armad was palpable, a fact that Nura could not disregard. However, the route to influencing the crown prince eluded them. Nura had pondered similar strategies, but each time, he confronted the stark reality of his limitations — a deficit in power, an absence of political leverage, and the dearth of requisite virtues deemed necessary by those who navigated the corridors of power. He lacked the means to embark on the treacherous journey to Wilberforce, the capital city, much less to gain entry into the fortified palace or the confidence of the crown prince.