Chapter 51: Things Remain the Same, But People Change (3)
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Sunlight cast its last shadows upon the world as night began to consume the environment, plunging it into darkness.
At this time of day, students and professors began returning to their dwellings after a long day of work and exhaustion.
Rest was essential for creatures; even these extraordinary individuals were no exception.
Within the dense forest, the sounds of rustling leaves and howling winds rose amidst the silence.
Rustle… rustle.
A young man's eyes gleamed in the darkness beneath the shadows of the trees with a cold brilliance; behind him stood a group of people.
Strange ears with some fur, sharp, fierce fangs, silver eyes reminiscent of a wolf; the tails usually swaying behind their backs were still and motionless.
These were members of the Storm Wolves Tribe, one of the half-human tribes controlling the northern forest; their tribe was neighbors with the Lightning Wolves Tribe.
The relationship between the two tribes was usually non-hostile, as their interests were not conflicting.
The main reason for the lack of conflict was that they couldn't afford to engage in conflict; they were not the only controllers in the forest despite being one of the major forces.
From this perspective, they maintained their relationship and were somewhat allies.
With the alliance of the two, they were undisputed kings of the place; there were relationships between them and other tribes, restraining each other.
But since the illness of the leaders of the two tribes in a strange incident, problems have grown larger; the young masters of the main lineage were the only ones worthy of leadership.
The problem was that the young—by nature, people with high ambitions and hot blood—considered power the measure of everything and the solution.
They didn't understand the elders' mentality in resource allocation and conflict; there were intrigues and diplomatic methods in resolving conflicts.
Because of this, there was competition within each tribe to inherit the position of tribal leader; the tribes closed their doors to each other for fear of being attacked.
The young man standing under the tree was named Ragnar; he was the nephew of the Storm Wolves Tribe leader, his father being an elder in the tribe.
Unlike the others, he wasn't interested in the position; he preferred that his cousin, his dear friend, take that position, so he supported him in his campaigns against his other brothers.
Conflict recently began to escalate within the forest, as there were some problems in the agreement between the Storm Wolves Tribe and the Lightning Wolves Tribe.
Since they are two powerful tribes in the region, their conflict was a concern for other clans; each tribe began choosing its side between the two; naturally, there will be hostility when the enemy is clear.
If there's a division into multiple sides, the alliance will have many sources; as all relationships are intertwined, this is what restrains them and prevents them from attacking each other.
But when there are only two sides to choose between, conflict becomes the only solution!
Ragnar was waiting for his cousin Gunnar, as he told him that he had found a way to ally with the White River Foxes Tribe.
That was good news—no, it's great news!
The White River Foxes Tribe is a tribe living near the White River, which is a strategic location.
Crossing it was difficult because of the water currents controlled by that tribe; they were skilled swimmers and built trenches to protect themselves during floods.
This simply means they have the initiative to attack as long as they build walls in their region.
By controlling the river currents, it was like controlling the supply route!
In battles of one or two people, it doesn't matter; they can just use other means, but in a large war, the environment was a decisive factor.
This was an unexpected boon.
After years of stagnation, the ranks of enemies and allies were about to be arranged, as conflict would undoubtedly erupt!
"…Gunnar, that scoundrel, he actually did it," Ragnar smiled from ear to ear.
Gunnar's ability to ally with this tribe and bring them to their side, even if he was the second son, was an achievement that would give him the initiative!
The moon began to shine its light on the dark world.
Ragnar's eyes looked at the beautiful moon above him.
This moon was truly strange; when a person sees it, they feel a kinship with it, and at the same time, an inexplicable feeling of separateness controls their heart.
"It's been a truly difficult experience,"
he couldn't help but sigh.
Conflict and killing, alliances and scheming; it weighed heavily on Ragnar's heart, making him just want to get away from it all.
He was a young man who loved fighting and developing his strength, but he didn't like these twisted conflicts and didn't like being impulsive either.
He was a calm person with a straightforward personality: kill the enemy, help the ally, that simple.
"You've arrived already?"
Standing beside his cousin's followers and sworn friends, Ragnar heard a calm voice from behind him.
"Yes, this news; upon hearing it, how could I not rush here? You will surely become the young leader if you ally with the White River Foxes Tribe!"
"Hahaha, nothing is certain yet; in fact, I haven't told anyone but those I trust about this."
"Is that because of them?"
Ragnar prevented himself from smiling at Gunnar's remark about his trust, and showed his doubts about the secrecy of the matter.
"Yes, I didn't want my brothers to hear about it, as they will try to stop me by any means!"
When Gunnar mentioned his brothers, his voice became cold.
"Don't worry… what's the use of thinking about what can't be controlled? It's better to focus on our mission."
"You're right,"
Ragnar tried to comfort his friend, knowing that delving into it would only annoy them.
"Let's go now; I'll explain on the way."
Gunnar seemed to be in a hurry; he put his cloak's hood over his head and jumped toward the trees.
Ragnar caught up with him; the followers were behind them.
Swooosh!
Ragnar's speed was enormous; he surpassed the others. The sound of the wind pierced his ears as he soared above the trees.
"So? What's your way of winning over the White River Foxes?"
He slowed his pace; he was now beside Gunnar.
"…It's simple, actually."
"What is it?"
Gunnar was silent for a while; he didn't answer immediately.
"…Promise me you won't laugh," Gunnar muttered in a low voice.
"Huh? Why would I laugh?" Ragnar was confused.
What exactly is this fool saying?
"Just promise me!" Gunnar said impatiently.
"Okay, okay, I promise!"
Ragnar didn't understand exactly what was happening, but he went along with him anyway.
"The daughter… of the White River Foxes Tribe leader… we're in love."
"What, really?!"
Did I hear him right?
This scoundrel… he was in love?
Ragnar remained silent for a while.
Gunnar looked at him expectantly, waiting for his answer.
"Well… congratulations?"
"Huh?"
"Why are you confused? Oh… you think it's a foolish thing to fall in love with a girl from another tribe?"
"…Isn't it? That's what others say when someone tries to prove their relationship in the tribe," Gunnar said unsurely.
"And? They couldn't protect their love because they were weak! But you're different, Gunnar. If you become the young leader of the tribe, who would dare oppose you?"
Ragnar laughed in the face of his friend's doubts; "Even the council of elders will think twice before trying to talk to you about it, not to mention opposing you."
Gunnar's eyes were wide open. Previously, he seemed almost unsure of his decision, but after hearing Ragnar's words, he became firm in his decision.
"…Thank you, my friend."
"Ohhohoho, no thanks between friends. So, will you use this to unite the two tribes through marriage?"
"Yes, I already got her consent; I only needed to bring someone with another position in our tribe."
"Since I'm the elder's son and our relationship as friends is known, my appearance with you there is like getting the elders' council's approval? You're a genius, man!"
At this time, Gunnar's pace slowed slightly and he became silent; his body trembled slightly as if he were preventing himself from laughing.
While in front of his friend, Ragnar continued laughing, believing that his friend was embarrassed and happy to reap the rewards of his efforts to gain the position of young tribal leader.
Ragnar hummed a tune, imagining the bright future awaiting the two.
And at that moment.
Bam!
Ragnar's ears heard a loud sound before a burning sensation of pain spread to his back.
"Huh?"
For a moment, Ragnar didn't understand what had happened.
Was… I attacked?
But how?
His mind didn't realize what had happened.
Swooosh! Swooosh! Baak!!
A wave of weapons flew in the sky before colliding with someone's body.
As if it were an automatic mechanism in his body, a cold light flickered in Ragnar's eyes and strong winds appeared in the area.
Swooosh—! Swooosh—!!
The weapons about to hit his body were repelled by a wave of wind gathered around him.
Roar—!!
With a roar from his mouth, as if he were a beast, the weapons were directed toward the place they came from.
Baaaaam—!!
Bam! Bam Baaaam—!!
The sounds of explosions rose in the quiet forest.
Nearby trees were destroyed; small animals hiding in their burrows and tree trunks were crushed into a paste of flesh.
Crack! Crack!
The trees that weren't destroyed were collapsing and falling; after enduring for many years in their places, their roots were uprooted so easily.
"Cough… cough! Cough!"
Ragnar, who survived thanks to his quick reflexes, was coughing up blood.
He felt the pain in his back; his spine was slightly visible.
That was a somewhat serious injury.
If he hadn't protected his body at the last moment, his injuries would have been worse.
But with this… that wasn't what concerned him.
Cold eyes staring at him, many people stood silently; some were injured because of Ragnar's counterattack.
"Cough… what… what are you doing!"
Anger was evident in his eyes, and despite his injury, his voice didn't lose its strength.
They actually dared to betray him!
Were they under someone's control, or…
Thoughts raced through Ragnar's mind as he looked around to find out what was happening.
"…Even at a time like this, you're looking for a way out, huh… you're a truly annoying person,"
a calm voice.
No, it should be said that it was calm; however, there was a hidden coldness in his voice.
On a tree that had fallen to the ground, a person sat wearing a dark blue cloak.
He placed his hand on the surface of the tree, while his other hand held a red fruit.
It was Gunnar.
His silver eyes stared coldly at Ragnar, and even more, with malicious intent—the desire to kill.
It only took Ragnar fractions of a second to understand what had happened.
"Gunnar… is this… what I think it is?"
His voice was unsure, rather, his voice was unbelieving, unwilling to believe.
Ragnar's eyes were wide, an ominous feeling rising in his heart.
"Impossible… this can't be real!"
Ragnar wasn't stupid or foolish; he immediately understood his situation just by looking around.
Everyone was holding weapons, staring at him indifferently; Gunnar sitting calmly.
Clearly, they wanted to kill him.
He understood that; he didn't need more information; certainly, he understood what was happening perfectly.
But!
There was a huge difference between someone understanding something and accepting it.
Did Ragnar believe what was happening now?
He didn't believe it; he didn't want to believe it; he even wanted to deny it.
As blood flowed from his lips, Ragnar cried out in despair.
"No, no, no, this can't be true!"
When he was fifteen years old, Ragnar's mother died before his eyes, poisoned, leaving him with a deep scar.
It was later revealed that his uncle was the one who killed her; in the face of the evidence, his uncle denied the truth until he was executed.
Because of that incident, he no longer trusted others.
He didn't have anyone he trusted in his tribe except his old father and Gunnar.
The rest of the tribe either feared him or envied his strength and talent.
Everyone who approached him had a hidden agenda; Ragnar didn't feel any sadness about this truth; that's how things went in the world.
But that didn't mean he was cold-hearted; he also wanted to build an equal relationship with someone.
Ragnar wanted someone he could trust, someone he could call a friend.
That person was his cousin Gunnar.
The two lived through hardships relying on each other, and Ragnar helped him climb the ladder of power within the tribe.
He was happy; seeing his dear friend rise was enough for him to feel proud.
Look at him; he's my friend.
Such a pathetic person; do you expect him to accept the fact that his only friend was trying to kill him?
Hahaha, simply impossible!
Why did Gunnar do this? Didn't he help him all along?
What sin did he commit for Gunnar to do this to him?
"Why are you so silent! Tell me! I just don't understand; my mind can give me the answer, but my soul and heart simply can't accept this!"
What was Gunnar's answer to his dearest friend's words?
His only answer was silence.
"Kill him,"
simple and specific words.
Sreeeeeng!
Everyone held their weapons and, without much surprise, simply attacked Ragnar.
Ragnar gnashed his teeth and bared his claws and fangs.
He now understood only one thing.
He must kill the enemies.
"Aaaaaah—!!!!!!"
With eyes rolling back like a beast losing its aim, Ragnar's furious scream caused the air to tremble.
Bam! Bam! Crack! Baaaak!
The sound of explosions echoed through the environment; nature's cruelty was displayed in its most beautiful form.
Under the bright moonlight, an injured person could be seen tearing apart his enemies in a fit of rage.
Blood stained his clothes and the environment like a river.
His movements were direct and merciless.
His appearance was like a cruel beast.
However… his eyes were profusely tearful.
Only when Gunnar ordered his killing did he accept the harsh reality.
He had been betrayed.
Silence fell again.
Torn bodies scattered around; their blood spilled; the green grass was colored with a vibrant crimson.
The blood of the dead was warm, but their cold, severed bodies were what they left in this world.
"…Even to the end, you resist; you're a beast, for sure,"
Gunnar muttered, his voice slightly trembling.
His decision was indeed correct.
This beast must die… or he might be the one torn apart by these claws someday.
His eyes looked towards the source of this devastation in the area.
Leaning against a fallen tree trunk, his body severely injured.
His eyes were dead and lifeless; the previous tears turned into blood; his left leg was severed.
The bodies around him were scattered like worn-out dolls; the blood flowing from his leg filled the place like a small pool.
It was clear and needed no explanation.
Without any treatment, this was the end.
Sensing someone's gaze on him, Ragnar weakly stared at that person.
His right hand was severed, and he stood before him with cautious eyes.
As if looking at a strange beast, not a person from the same tribe.
It was Gunnar.
"Why… you said that before, didn't you?"
While holding his severed arm, Gunnar spoke in a calm voice.
When he became certain that Ragnar had no hope of survival, Gunnar relaxed and began to speak.
He could treat his arm, but not now, as he still had things to do.
Ragnar didn't answer him; his lifeless eyes became slightly emotional.
The question that hadn't been answered before was now coming to him, but at the moment of his death.
This fact made his anger rise again.
Just why… after all I've done for you, why did you repay loyalty with betrayal!
His eyes told everything.
Seeing the complexity in Ragnar's eyes, Gunnar sighed sadly.
"Actually, I… didn't want to do this either."
"Don't joke… don't joke with me…" Ragnar muttered weakly.
Ragnar's reaction was expected; Gunnar would be even more angry than this if he were in his place.
"I'm not lying… do you think I should lie in a situation like this? You're already dying."
"What about… what about your marriage to the daughter of the… White River Foxes Tribe leader… cough!"
"It was a lie."
Gunnar didn't understand why Ragnar asked this specific question, but he answered anyway.
It was just a lie he wove to lure Ragnar here.
He had already allied with most of the White River Foxes Tribe members; there were some opponents, and that was a problem.
To make them an example for others, and at the same time, uproot the weeds from their roots, he went with Ragnar here.
When Ragnar dies, Gunnar won't return to the tribe; instead, he will send a message saying that Ragnar was assassinated.
Who will receive the blame?
The blame will fall on the White River Foxes Tribe; this will put them at odds with his tribe.
Despite his injuries, for revenge, Gunnar will go alone and face them alone. How will the rest of the tribe see him?
Of course, they will feel angry and fight alongside him, first among them is the elder, as these scoundrel foxes killed his son!
In the end, what will the result be? The elders of the Foxes Tribe will act and blame those who opposed the alliance in turn, and they will be presented to the Storm Wolves Tribe as goodwill to execute them.
Even with his deep sadness, for the sake of the tribe, Gunnar will lead the negotiations.
With his intelligence and wisdom, he will make the Foxes Tribe submit to his tribe in those negotiations; this will give him an overwhelming advantage and even the support of his dear friend's father, who avenged his son.
Without a doubt, he will become the young tribal leader!
His plan; only the leader of the White River Foxes Tribe knew it; even his allies were in the dark.
"…Just for that reason… you did all this?"
Ragnar looked around; the blood spread throughout the place; the people who were once allies had their bodies scattered and severed.
"Don't tell me… did you use them as well?"
The feeling of unease increased, indifference vanishing from his heart.
Ragnar stared at the person in front of him, unbelieving. Did he really know Gunnar?
Such a beast who didn't shed tears for his former comrades; did Ragnar know him?
"Why… why did you bother befriending us if our fate was to be disposed of in the end! Just why all this effort!"
"Because I want power—!!"
Gunnar's scream was like a desperate roar against the world.
"Because I was weak! You'll never understand! How would you understand? You're talented and very strong; behind you is the elder; all my brothers were talented or had supporters behind them, but what did I have? Nothing, nothing!"
As if everything the young man had kept bottled up in his heart had burst like a flood, Gunnar's eyes became intensely red.
"My mother was just one of the tribe's concubines without a deep background; the tribal leader never cared about us; I had no one but my sister; she was talented, and I loved her more than anyone, and you know what? She was tortured under the pretext of training by one of the elders; only to end up dead; the tribal leader didn't care and said it was her fault if she was weak."
"My mother suffered deep sadness. Do you think she stayed for her untalented son compared to his brothers? She preferred suicide; my mother and sister left me; who remained? No one!"
"We were raised on solidarity and brotherhood, hahaha…! Where is righteousness when they killed my sister, where is righteousness when they didn't even bother burying my mother! In this world, nothing matters but power!"
Gunnar's eyes were cold as ice, and he laughed like a madman.
"…What about me! I never wronged you; why did you just treat me like everyone else while I looked up to you like an older brother!"
The severely injured Ragnar was surprised; he didn't know any of this. Did the tribe hide this as a stigma?
But he didn't simply accept that; no matter how much he thought about it, it's impossible for Gunnar's expressions and actions to be false when it comes to their friendship; why then?
"Older brother? Hehe, naive, truly naive!"
A cold smile crept onto Gunnar's mouth: "Since I possess neither enough talent nor support, what do I have left but perseverance? I did everything I could to gain power. Yes, I abandoned all my constraints for the sake of power!"
"Only when I use masks like righteousness and virtue, only when I ignore the interests of others and care about myself will I rise undoubtedly; when I use methods such as killing and extortion, only when I'm merciless, will no one surpass me!"
"That's not our tribe's way! You're just like a madman! What's the difference between you and the beasts? Just for this reason, you killed all your companions? You're a monster! You're a monster!"
"Monster? So, I've become a monster; will I gain power if I become a monster? if so, I will gladly accept that!"
"insane … you're insane …" Ragnar was terrified.
Seeing Ragnar's reaction, Gunnar laughed. How could such a person understand him?
"Do you remember your mother death? It wasn't the elder who killed her; it was me. I killed her and blamed your uncle; only then will you distance yourself from everyone, and I can manipulate you as I please. Only when I give you what you don't have will you trust me unconditionally!"
At this moment, Ragnar's eyes widened. How… how could this be true!
His mother, whom he had loved since childhood, wasn't killed by his uncle but by the person before him, his close friend?
This is simply unreasonable!
"…You!"
Ragnar felt angry at being deceived like this. How could he simply tolerate such betrayal?
"Shocked? Hate me, hate me with all your heart. What can you do in the end? Hahaha! Your whole life was a lie. You are strong, that's why I wanted you by my side, but because you are strong too, I was afraid you might betray me someday; that's why you're before me, about to die."
Tears began to stream from Gunnar's eyes as he laughed toward the moon with sadness and madness. "You're strong, but so what? In the end, I won! I won over you! Hahaha—!"
He laughed so hard he fell to the ground, but the tears didn't stop; something in his heart had broken.
At this moment, Ragnar was silent, looking at the person in front of him with anger, regret, hatred, and… sadness.
He had lived with him for a long time; no matter how much Gunnar lied to him, he could immediately detect his lie.
At this moment, Gunnar was miserably sad.
"Although you hit me… the only one who got hurt was you,"
Ragnar's eyes dulled, and all emotions vanished from his heart; he closed his eyes sadly.
This betrayal was painful to his heart, and seeing his only friend like this… it further broke his heart.
Toward the young man who closed his eyes, Gunnar looked at him silently, then closed his eyes.
"I… didn't kill an old friend… I only got rid of a new enemy,"
Only after a long time did he open his eyes; then, calm returned, and the previous traces of madness disappeared.
He took out a small ball from his pocket and placed it on the ground.
Gunnar walked away from the place, leaving silence to prevail again.
After about ten minutes.
Booooom—!!!!!
The entire place exploded, erasing all evidence.
Only after making sure, Gunnar truly disappeared and left the place.
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"What a fun show to watch,"
His red eyes were twinkling under the moonlight.
Leon was carrying someone's body while looking at the explosion that had occurred.
Who would have expected to be so lucky?
He had just found a way to help him control the forest faster than he intended.
While staring at Ragnar, who was about to die, a smile crept onto Leon's lips.
"Beast, huh? You don't even know what that means, but don't worry; I'll teach you the real meaning of what a beast means, hahaha!"
As the crimson flames lit up the world like the sun at its sunset, a huge, frightening shadow could be seen casting its form on the trees.
It was a young boy standing on a tree, laughing.
The sounds of laughter were alarming, causing terror in the heart.