With renewed energy and determination, Raden and Ryoma set out towards the small, unnamed village at the end of Traist. The cat decided to accompany them to bid them farewell and sat perched on Raden's shoulder as they made their way to their destination.
As they neared the village, a scene of utter devastation greeted their eyes. The land had been captured by the Vikings, and fire camps dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see. Although Raden had known about this, the sight still shocked them all.
Determined to avoid violence, the trio decided to first attempt to negotiate with the Vikings. Raden, being the most skilled in diplomacy, volunteered to go as a messenger.
With his blades sheathed at his side, Raden strode confidently towards the enemy camp. He carried with him a message of peace and a plea for mercy. Despite the danger, Raden remained unflinching, his eyes fixed firmly on his goal.
As he approached the Viking chieftain, Raden spoke with eloquence and persuasion, urging him to spare the village and its inhabitants. The Viking listened intently, his face unreadable.
For a moment, the air was heavy with tension, and it seemed as though the slightest misstep would plunge them all into a bloody conflict. The chieftain was a fierce Viking Named Ragnar
As Raden presented his message of peace, Ragnar simply laughed in his face. "You think I will spare these weaklings? I am Ragnar, the conqueror of nations, and I will take what I want!" he boomed, his voice echoing across the camp.
The air hung with Tension. Raden Reaches His Blade Cuts off the Viking's Throat Grabs the Bow, sets fire, and signals Ryoma about them not accepting the Treaty. Raden Makes his Way to the entering point of the Village. Arrows wrapped in flames were thrown At him but they were pretty much useless as Raden dodged.
As Ryoma and Cat arrived at the village, they were met with a distressing sight. The villagers, all elves including Niamhriel, were being held captive as slaves by the Viking chieftain, Ragnar. Their cries for mercy filled the air, but the chieftain showed no sign of leniency. He declared that their enslavement was their punishment for running away from Alrtri.
In a sudden attack, one of the Vikings attempted to strike Ryoma from behind with his axe. However, Ryoma remained composed and turned his head slowly, intimidating the Vikings and thwarting their attack.
Ryoma, a ronin, then challenged Ragnar to a duel to determine the fate of the villagers. Ragnar, heavily armored with an axe in hand, accepted the challenge. Ryoma, however, was armed only with a rusty sword. Ryoma puts a deal that if he had defeated Ragnar without landing a blow he had to release the villagers and get out of the Traist. It seemed suicidal and Warriors started mocking Ryoma
The scene was tense as the two skilled warriors faced each other, each ready to engage in combat. Despite being pushed back by Ragnar's powerful strikes, Ryoma remained resolute and steadfast. The wounds he had sustained from Ragnar's blows did not deter him, and he continued to fight with great courage and determination.
Ryoma's movements became increasingly fluid and unpredictable, as he deftly dodged and deflected Ragnar's attacks with impressive agility. With each strike, Ryoma's rusted sword glinted in the sunlight as it clashed against Ragnar's formidable axe.
The spectators looked on with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the intense battle between the two warriors. Ragnar's strike hits Ryoma and a long scar would extend from his hips to his Shoulder was formed. Ryoma remained Unfazed.
Ryoma's fighting style was one of patience and defense, allowing Ragnar to exhaust himself with each swing of his axe. Though Ryoma never landed a single strike, his strategic moves and impeccable defense proved superior. Finally, Ragnar admitted defeat, realizing that he had met his match.
As the dust settled, Ryoma went to comfort Niamhriel, who was overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of her village's liberation. With a gentle pat on her back, Ryoma's actions spoke louder than any words could have. His display of compassion and strength saved her people and given them hope for a better future.
As Ryoma limped towards the sea, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, he saw a battleship approaching. The sight of the Britannian flag caused a tremble to pass through the Viking warriors. The ship docked on the shore, and a towering figure with blonde hair and red eyes emerged from it, quickly apprehending Ryoma with handcuffs.
Ryoma, accepting his fate, made a final statement to his comrades before departing with his captor.
I have committed grave sins, sins that can never be forgiven. My blood can never wash away the darkness that plagues my soul. You, Neko, are the only one who can bring me back. Come to the lands of Nippon if you wish to see me again."
The weight of Ryoma's words hung heavy in the air, his tone heavy with regret and despair. The complexity of his character and the gravity of his actions was palpable, leaving a profound impact on those around him.
"Ryoma!" shouted Raden as the ship grew smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing into the horizon. It was a bittersweet moment for Raden, who knew that Ryoma was embarking on a new journey, but at the same time, he would miss his friend dearly
Raden watches the ship disappearing as he Shouts "Ryoma!! I'm coming! For you!" His voice echoes the Ocean and reaches Ryoma. Ryoma couldn't look back
The cat smiled in tears as Ryoma gives him the Name 'Neko'. Raden asks Neko "Why did they take him away?"
"I Had Heard about a Certain Samurai who made his exit after killing the Shogun from Nippon. He had a bounty on his Head. He was hiding in the Traist. I believe." Replies Neko
Raden approached Ragnar and beseeched, "Pray, couldst thou graciously spare us some vessels? I am resolute in my endeavor to retrieve Ryoma, and we must traverse to the land of Nippon." Neko expounded that they would need to traverse through Leviathan's Maw to arrive at Iopmin. Albeit the plausible peril, Raden evinced no trepidation. Upon beholding Ryoma, Ragnar was veritably impressed and proffered to lead Raden to Nippon.
"I swear on my passageway through Valhalla, I shall not betray you. I shall help you regain your lost companion" Says Ragnar Wisely. The rest of the Vikings were not sure but they had made up their mind that they would not betray Raden. As they knew Raden was beyond strong for them.
The chief of the Village Appears and bows his head toward Raden showing his Gratitude.
"Show your Gratitude to Ryoma, not Me"
Niamhriel decides to Aid on Raden's Journey As well. Raden Goes toward Neko and says "You too!"
Neko was shocked beyond belief. He refused to go. He states He didn't want to die so fast. Raden ties him up and says "You know many things, we don't, you shall tag along." They sat At the Campfire that night everyone slept except Raden. He was gazing upon the sea.
The Other day Everyone woke up early. Sees the Dawn Rising. And Raden Gazing upon it from the shore. And so began their Voyage towards Iopmin. A conquest of Nippon.
As news of the fall of Morgan Bloodfyre spread across the world, the name of Raden McCoy echoed through the streets and alleys like thunder. For it was he who had brought down the feared tyrant, and set the traitor free.
Gildart Smiles as he sees the Dawn