Fierce blue eyes, sharp fangs, striped hairs, and a tail covered in white hair. A white tiger sat in the highest seat of the great hall, overbooking everyone with his might and authority. Not a single noise echoed as his gaze streaked to those in front of him.
Wolves, bears, raccoons, rabbits, and a lot of furry beasts gathered around the white tiger, eyes just as fierce and observant as the latter. The tension only rose with the passing of time, awkward silence looming over the Great Hall.
"Sakar... What's the meaning of this?" ［Great Chief］
The white tiger's words echoed in the Great Hall, full of authority and intimidation. The Elders didn't voice out their thoughts, their eyes simply swimming towards Sakar who just entered the Great Hall along with a pair of unfamiliar figures.
Of course, those two figures were none other than Grey and Yuna who are on their way to have a little chat with the Chiefdom's Great Chief. And well... with such a "warm" reception... there isn't really much to say.
"I greet the Great Chief." ［Sakar］
"""We greet the Great Chief!"""
Sakar didn't answer the question immediately, first greeting the Chief as he knelt down on the ground. The other warriors followed suit and knelt before the Great Chief as well. Only two figures not doing the same.
Grey and Yuna remained standing, not faltering from the Great Chief's intimidating glare and not letting their knees bend even a little. Neither their eyes nor hearts wavered as they stood their ground against the tension.
With their flamboyant actions, everyone's eyes gathered towards them, all astounded by their unfounded courage and needless confidence. Though some were simply baffled by them, some... Well...
"How disrespectful! Kneel before the Great Chief!" ［???］
... Some had more extreme reactions. One of the elders made an outburst as he slammed his hands on the armrests of his seat. Irked veins showed up on his forehead as he uttered such words, obviously driven by anger.
But Grey and Yuna remained standing. After all, if they were to have a talk with the Great Chief, it was better to establish the power balance as early as they could. They aren't under them, rather, they were equals. They won't stand for any less.
"Why... You...!" ［???］
Of course, their persistence and silence only served to fuel the elder. His face turned red as he glared intensely, his hands grabbing the armrest even more, inserting as much force as he trembled in anger. He was fuming, almost snapping.
"Warriors, seize these disrespeー" ［???］
"Head Elder, stop." ［Great Chief］
"Bur Great Chief! This is unacceptableー" ［Head Elder］
BAAANNNNGGGGG
The Head Elder tried to argue, but he wasn't even given the chance to finish his words. As the Great Chief slammed one of his hands to his armrest, a loud boom echoed in the air forcefully cutting the Head Elder's words.
"Head Elder, don't make me repeat myself." ［Great Chief］
"N-No... I apologize, Great Chief." ［Head Elder］
One glare from the Great Chief and the Head Elder could feel himself under a lot of pressure. It was pressure enough to make it hard for him to breathe. It wasn't only the Head Elder, the only elders and warriors also felt the same pressure, unable to talk back even a single word.
There was no other choice left for the Head Elder but to submit and close his mouth. Though he didn't want the Chiefdom to associate with outsiders, he couldn't even open his mouth even if he wanted to. The pressure was simply too much.
Soon, silence returned to the Great Hall. With the Head Elder shut up, the other elders also suppressed their voices. Their eyes once again wandered towards Grey and Yuna's direction, acting as if nothing happened.
"Sorry about that just now. We're just in a bit of a prickly situation right now. I hope you understand." ［Great Chief］
"No, it's alright. We don't really mind." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. That's good to hear." ［Great Chief］
The conversation soon continued, but it was one as dry as a dessert. Rather than greeting each other warmly, they simply measured one another, wearing fake smiles on their faces as they appraised the other party,
Of course, with Grey's abilities, he was quickly able to get a quick grasp on things. Be it the Chiefdom's layout, structure, hierarchy, and battle capabilities. Grey was able to get a solid understanding the village as a whole, sharing what he learned with Yuna through telepathy.
And throughout the whole Chiefdom, Sakar was the one with the highest combat power, followed by the Great Chief and a number of elite warriors. The number of Mid-Rankers only totaled to a couple dozen, not even half of Galderia's.
Grey has already expected them to be quite far behind in technology and culture, but he didn't think even their military power is so vulnerable. While it was understandable with their low population, it was still a little unsettling.
To be frank, Grey was a little disappointed, and so was Yuna. It was a mystery how such a civilization continued to exist when a single enemy, at C-rank or above, could wipe them out. There was more to the island than it seems.
"Ah, how forgetful of me... This may be long overdue, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Manelo, Great Chief of Torogi." ［Manelo］
"Grey of Aster, a pleasure to meet you." ［Grey］
"And I'm Yuna, also of Aster. Nice to meet you, Great Chief Manelo." ［Yuna］
The three key figures introduced themselves to one another with welcoming smiles yet no matter how much they smiled, the tension in the air didn't disappear. Rather, each and everyone of Grey and Yuna's movements were scrutinized by the Great Chief and elders.
Though the Head Warriors and the warriors were already on Grey and Yuna's side, the same couldn't be said for the others. The Great Chief could only wonder why a man like Sakar was subservient to the guests before him.
"Aster... I can't say I'm familiar with such a land..." ［Manelo］
"That's because it isn't a place, it's the name of our party. If you're asking where we're from then it would be from the Kingdom of Alfrione." ［Grey］
"Alfrione, huh... An interesting name indeed." ［Manelo］
There was no need to hide such details from the Great Chief. If they want to have a smooth conversation, they must first prove they were trustworthy. Of course, private and personal information was out of the question, only trivial ones.
"Hahaha. Well, it's not just the name, it's also a wonderful place. The food is great and the people are also hospitable." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. That sounds like a really wonderful place indeed. But I wonder... Where is this Alfrione you're talking about? This is the first I've heard of it." ［Manelo］
"Oh, it's nothing too far. Maybe a couple dozen kilometers from here? You just need to go straight over there." ［Grey］
Answered Grey, ending his statement as he pointed east, over the seas where only a thick fog of white could be seen. At his gesture, the Great Chief's eyes widened in shock as his hands trembled ever so slightly.
"T-The sea of fog?! They came from the sea of fog?!"
"That's impossible! That should be where the world ends!"
"This settles it! Aren't they just lying at this point?!"
Well, it wasn't only the Grreat Chief who was shocked. The elders and warriors in the Great Hall quickly descended into chaos as such a revelation rang in their ears. Not a single one was able to accept Grey's words as the truth.
It was only natural. After all, with such a powerful spell covering the archipelago and having been isolated for a very long time, the inhabitants of the island had thought that the islands are all there is in the world, the sea of fog being the end of it.
Some have tried to venture away, but their minds are always clouded the moment they get inside the fog, losing their direction and somehow returning to the island the moment they regain their senses. Both curse magic and array is also used on top of barrier and illusion magic.
The Great Hall was thrusted further into chaos and the elders, loud as they could be, expressed their disbeliefs as they exchanged opinions with one another. Only one person remained calm, nailing down his nerves as he composed himself.
"Silence!" ［Manelo］
A single word from the Great Chief and everyone's voices were quelled in an instant. Though he was also in disbelief from Grey's claims, he didn't let his beliefs cloud his judgement. He was intrigued, if anything.
"Grey, was it?... You say that there lies lands beyond the sea of fog?" ［Manelo］
"Yes. That is correct." ［Grey］
Grey's eyes didn't waver a little as he answered. And the Great Chief, seeing those eyes, could only sigh in resignation. With such a strong and confident look, he could only believe the young man before him, yet still unable to grasp his words.
"Alright, let's say that is true. Then, I want to ask you a couple more questions. Would that be alright with you?" ［Manelo］
"Of course, that's more than fine. But... In exchange, we'll also be askingー" ［Grey］
"How impertinent! How demand such things fromー" ［Head Elder］
"Head Elder! That's enough!" ［Manelo］
The Head Elder started barking once again, but a single warning from the Head Elder and he was forced to close his mouth once again. Now, the Great Chief's glare was even more intense than before, like a predator about to devour his prey.
"But Great Chief! This impertinence needs to be punished!" ［Head Elder］
"And who would dare punish them? Is this how we show hospitality to our guests?! You're the one bringing embarrassment to Torogi!!" ［Manelo］
"Great Chief! I'm only doing this for the sake of Torogi! Please do not be fooled by their appearances, I'm sureー" ［Head Elder］
"Head Elder, this is my last warning! Don't test my patience if you don't want to be kicked out of the Great Hall!" ［Manelo］
The Head Elder argued fiercely, but the Great Chief was even fiercer. Though the former stood his ground quiet firmly, in the end, it was futile. With the Great Chief as his enemy. He could only tremble with frustration as he glared at Grey and Yuna.
Hesitant as he may be, the Head Elder soon took his seat, and soon, silence returned to the Great Hall. The Great Chief then glanced at the other elders, trying to see if there was anyone who dared to say something. But silence remained, not a single one brave enough to meet his eyes.
"Haah... Guests, I once again apologize for that." ［Manelo］
"No, no it's alright. I didn't think the Chiefdom would be so lively. It's quite refreshing, actually. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Un! It feels like you're so close, like a family!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! Right, a family! I'm thankful for your understanding." ［Manelo］
Even then, even after all the ruckus, Grey and Yuna still humored the Great Chief and let things pass through. Though they were a little annoyed, it wasn't like it was the first time such things happened. They couldn't afford to waste any more time.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I would also like you to answer our questions. I believe that's only fair, no?" ［Grey］
"No, you're right. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one asking, after all." ［Manelo］
"I see, then... Since you already asked us a couple of questions. Can I go on ahead and ask our first question." ［Grey］
"Sure, go ahead." ［Manelo］
Thankfully, unlike the stubborn and antagonizing Head Elder, the Great Chief was a rather open-minded person. It was such a relief that they didn't have to use force once again. A relief for the other party, that is.
"Then, let me ask you... What problem is the Chiefdom facing right now?" ［Grey］
It was still the first question, but Grey quickly struck a sore spot. Everyone present quickly flinched at his words, especially the Great Chief, unable to hide his shock. The atmosphere's tension quickly rose in an instant.
From the bits and pieces of Sakar's memories, the Great Chief's previous words, and the unusual tension in the air, Grey and Yuna had already expected something was going on. And seeing everyone's reactions, their suspicions only grew stronger.
"It's quite a long story... Would you care listening?" ［Manelo］
"Un, sure! We have all the time in the world." ［Yuna］
There was no time to dilly-dally. The moment Grey and Yuna nodded to the Great Chief's questions, the latter soon opened his mouth and started telling them a story. And the Great Chief really wasn't joking. It was a very long story.
According to them, it all happened about a month ago. The Chiefdom was just normal as it usually is, when suddenly, an "Evil Beast" appeared out of nowhere, rising from the sea of fog and bringing havoc to the Chiefdom.
It was no mere beast. It was one which spanned more than a hundred meters, with its body covered in deep blue scales like the deep ocean. And every time it resurfaced from the sea, it would always blast everything it saw with a blast of high pressure waters from its gigantic maw.
The inhabitants' hearts were swallowed by terror and despair, many houses were destriyed and many lives were lost. Because of it, many villagers moved closer inland and fishing had completely stopped. It was a nightmare.
『Grey, isn't this...』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah, it seems to be the reason why beasts are suddenly appearing near Lista. And judging from the description, it seems to be a 'Leviathan'.』 ［Grey］
『A Leviathan... Hmm... It's that S-rank beast, isn't it?』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah, that's right. It's often called the 'Ruler of the Sea' or 'The Monster of the Deep'. To be honest, it's quite a troublesome enemy.』 ［Grey］
『Hmm... I see...』 ［Yuna］
Grey said that it was "troublesome", but it was way far beyond such a simple word. If it wasn't for the fact that it was an aquatic beast, with the Chiefdom's military power, they would have been already destroyed. They were fortunate, truly fortunate.
The Great Chief's story continued, and the two listened attentively, not missing a single word. After which, they then asked each other questions relating to the outside world, culture, structures, and many more topics. Both parties learned quite a lot.
"Kingdoms, Guilds, and Cities, huh... I see... It seems like the world is far vaster than I could ever imagine." ［Manelo］
Not just the Great Chief, but everyone was also amazed by what answers came out of Grey and Yuna's mouth. Though it was pretty hard to believe for them, with how sophisticatedly weaved their stories were, it was hard to deny. They could only accept.
"Then, for my last question... What do you want from us?" ［Manelo］
It's finally here! The question Grey and Yuna were waiting for. Though they initially were just exploring, with the way things are, they couldn't just leave things be. It was a pity that their previous vacation time would be cut, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Though now, it is only the trouble of Torogi, with the passing of time and the beasts' sudden migration, the whole ocean ecosystem could be compromised. Not only Lista, but all port cities would suffer, and further along, even inland settlements would get affected. It was a big problem.
'Haah... Looks like His Majesty will owe us another one after this.' ［Grey］
Though Grey as he resolved and braced himself for what's about to come. There was not much to think about. Them being the way they are, there was no way they could simply stand around when such things are happening.
"What we want... How about you? What do you want? We have a proposal for you, but would you care listening?" ［Grey］
"A proposal... Interesting... And what might that 'proposal' be?" ［Manelo］
The fish has bitten the bait. As soon as Grey heard such a statement, a smile quickly appeared on his face. He may not be the best in negotiations, but he knew full well that in order to strike a deal, one must first catch the other party's interest. A success!
"Nothing much, really... The 'Evil Beast', we'll take care of it for you. How does that sound?" ［Grey］
Shock and confusion. Everyone fell into such a state as soon as Grey's words rang throughout the Great Hall. Especially with Grey's confident and indifferent smile, they could only open their mouths in agape.
After all, no one in the Chiefdom managed to make a scratch on the beast, and to suddenly appear and declare such a thing with confidence, it was nothing short of preposterous in their eyes.
BAAAANNGGGGGG
"This is preposterous! Are you saying that you could defeat the Evil Beast when our proud warrior couldn't?! There is a limit to how arrogant you can be!" ［Head Elder］
Of course, the Head Elder didn't just let the matter go. Though he had been warned by the Great Chief, he couldn't hold his anger any longer. He was like a dam who just broke down, hostility flooding and gushing out of his mouth.
"Head Elder! That's more than enough! You can only say that because you haven't seen Lord Grey and Lady Yuna's prowess! I believe in their words!" ［Sakar］
"Hah! Are you taking their side, right now?! It seems that you've been brainwashed by these evil spirits! They really are wicked!" ［Head Elder］
"They aren't evil spirits! They are the Emissaries of God!" ［Sakar］
Sakar's words boomed all over the Great Hall, and everyone was quickly silenced. All eyes were on him. The man who is said to be the most stubborn in Torogi, to declare such a thing, there was no way they could simply ignore it.
"Sakar... Do you know the meaning of those words?" ［Manelo］
"Yes, Great Chief..." ［Sakar］
"Then, are you willing to take responsibility for it?" ［Manelo］
"Of course! I am willing to bet my life on it!" ［Sakar］
There was only a firm and serious expression on Sakar's face as he answered the Great Chief's question. And in such words, the Head Elder's boiling anger only reached its peak. He finally snapped.
"Great Chief! He's clearly out of his mind! This is preposterous! They're clearly evil spirits! I know they are! They are the reasons for our misfortuneー" ［Head Elder］
"Kalun! I've had enough! I've already warned you before! Yet you still ignore my words! Am I a joke to you?!" ［Manelo］
Unfortunately for the Head Elder, the Great Chief's patience for him had also run out. His cold voice echoed in the Great Hall as he gave his final glare towards the Head Elder, forgoing his title and calling his name directly. It was over.
"N-No... Great Chief... That's notー" ［Kalun］
"Warriors! Seize the Head Elder and escort him out of the Great Hall! It seems like he isn't feeling well today. Make sure he gets plenty of rest." ［Manelo］
"Great Chief! No! Please listen to me! Great Chief!" ［Kalun］
The Head Elder kept on yelping as he was dragged away by the warriors, but it was futile. The Great Chief didn't listen to his words and didn't even bat an eye. Before long, silence returned to the Great Hall as one person was removed.
With the Head Elder gone, everyone's eyes shifted back to Sakar, Grey, and Yuna who were still in the middle of the Great Hall. All were interested whether Sakar's words were the truth or just some made up nonsense. The Chief was especially curious.
"Then, Sakar, back on the topic... You said they were the legendary Emissaries of God, didn't you?" ［Manelo］
"I did, Great Chief." ［Sakar］
"I see... Then, how exactly could you prove your words?" ［Manelo］
The Great Chief asked, bearing down heavy pressure upon Sakar. Though he was of lower threat level, he was much more intimidating, imposing his authority upon everyone without leaving a single gap open.
But rather than answer directly, Sakar only nodded towards Grey and Yuna, and the two stepped forward. They have already made advance preparations beforehand for when the moment comes, and now, it was finally time to execute it.
⟨⟨ ⟨⟨Holy Bell⟩⟩ ⟩⟩
Two distinct voices danced in the air, carried by the gentle winds, and radiant light burst forth soon after. The golden light, like the sun rising from across the horizon, illuminated the whole village, filling it with warmth and comfort.
It was not only for show. As soon as the light melded into one's body, all the pain and discomfort they felt quickly vanished as if it was but a terrible dream. The bells rang and rang, a sweet and divine melody drifting in the air.
'God... God has not forsaken us...' ［Manelo］
To witness such a scene unfold, the Great Chief's knees finally gave out as relief and happiness. Following him, the others also kneeled on the ground, bowing their heads as they showed their respect to the two figures before them.
"""We greet the Emissaries of God!"""
CHAPTER 227 END