55 – Encounters and Reunions!
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PART 0 – Author's Suffering!
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I have never felt so much anger and heartache before while writing this chapter.
- First: I had written around 3000 words before my computer broke. For several reasons, I left it to write on Friday (19/07).
- Second: I had to wake up at 5 am on Friday to take my grandmother to her doctor's appointment. For several other reasons, I was unable to write in the afternoon and had to leave it until the evening. Only at dawn did I go to write. I stayed up until 5am on Saturday writing. I managed around 6000 words.
- Third: Relaxed after completing it, I laid my head on the pillow to end the day. As soon as I lay down, I slept and my notebook was on. Hours passed, notebook turned off, I was still sleeping. I woke up and lo and behold, the file got corrupted and I lost all the progress I made overnight!
I finally managed to recover today (Sunday) and as a bonus we have 500 more words. This isn't an excuse, it's just an angry author's rant. Good reading to everyone.
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PART 1 – Red Orcs!
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With matters in the mountains resolved, it was time to return home, create more problems, and then resolve them until the wedding tournament.
Everything was perfect in Skarla's eyes. The duchy established a base to bolster its trade with the mountains. The empire introduced modernity to the mountains.
Little by little, the prejudice would diminish. His strength allowed him to suppress the orcs, who are simple and savage, who listen first to fists and then to words.
Skarla understands that establishing a successful negotiation basis will transform the Krugar Mountains into the Earth's "Silk Road." The Krugar Mountains would serve as a swift route for trade between the north and the center of the continent.
Not to mention the vast, fertile lands. Rich mineral resources. Many cartographers and experts, dispatched to explore, were already submitting reports on their discoveries.
The Krugar Mountains are a true gold mine. She has the power to gather and govern all these resources.
Of course, the threat of the North's invasion persists. Despite instilling fear in their hearts, a significant amount of animosity persists. But to avoid trouble, Letiphia sent garrisons to join the orc troops.
As the war came to an end, the orcs who guarded the passes to the duchy were, for the most part, reassigned to defend against the north. Cartographers are establishing outposts and focusing on this region to determine the locations of future fortresses that will serve as trading posts.
During her time here, Skarla focused on investigating the Red Orcs. She felt the demonic power in those orcs and wanted to know what Makaulu did if he had an agreement with the demons.
The response was amazing, and Skarla went to the site personally.
…
Nestled in the mountains, the "Black Forest" is a region where one can easily lose their way or succumb to the ferocious creatures that inhabit this area.
This place was home to ancient tribal heroes. A place for trial and competition.
It was here that the tribes forged their strongest warriors. A recently repaired temple stands in the center.
“When I first arrived here, the temple was full of damage, almost 100 years without a concert. The time when the strongest ancient warriors died and it became impossible to travel to the center without dying.” - Makaulu said that he had guided them.
On the way, they came across Boardogges, Pythons and Giant Wasps. Creatures at least level 6, some of which were Alphas, were above level 10.
Of course, Skarla had no problems dealing with such creatures. And upon arriving at the center, they found something that looked like a Mayan Temple.
Skarla felt the mystical force in the environment, the energy density, and several other unique factors. There are many orc shamans here who take care of maintenance and spiritual matters.
Skarla's presence shook the atmosphere. The confused chief shaman was astonished. - "You! What did you do?!"
"Hmm?" - Skarla, who was observing the environment, frowned. - "Like this?"
"What does that mean?" - Makaulu frowned irritably.
“The ancestors are agitated! What did you do?!" - The shaman did not retreat, furious as he looked at Skarla.
“I just got here. Anyway, stop bothering me and show me how Red Orcs spawn.” - Said Skarla, waving his hand and looking at Makaulu.
“DON’T YOU DARE IGNORE ME! You need to find and apologize to the ancestors. NOW!" - Roared the orc, and Skarla frowned, closed her eyes, and concentrated.
Soon after opening her eyes, the surrounding environment began to tremble and distort. She looked at the temple and said. - “I have important things; if you want my presence, wait!”
At her tone, the surroundings fell silent, and the shaman was shocked. He stammered, and with some fear, he backed away.
…
In an underground area next to the temple, we found a huge space with many shamans praying. In the center, there is a deep stone table with oval walls.
On the sides, there are relatively large spaces. Blood stains the place, leaving a strong stench. Skarla feels demonic energy, but now that he's paid more attention, it's different.
It is what she is used to calling “Demonic Energy”. It has properties that, in the eyes of the world, including herself, are considered evil and unhealthy. But even within “Demonic Energy” there are ramifications.
Here we have one of them, and finally Makaulu explained it.
“We lay an orc warrior accepted by the ancestors in the center. Then we spill the blood of the hunted forest animals into the spaces. The blood flows and activates the Ancestral Runes, enchanting the blood with the help of the shamans. After that, the spilled blood covers the warrior and joins him. An ancestor manifests and marks the warrior's body with a mark that allows him to activate Berserker.” - Makaulu said calmly.
“This brand, how does it work?” - She looked at the environment.
"I don't know. Our ancestor marks the chosen warrior, and he becomes capable of using the skill.”
“Are there no other brands?” - Skarla asked curiously.
"Yes. But it is specific to each breed. Of our ancestors, only the orc ancestors give the marks, and rarely does a human ancestor manifest.” - Makaulu said, frowning.
“Is that why you allowed such a massive increase among mestizos? Did you expect more human ancestors to leave their mark?” - Skarla smiled when she understood something.
"Yes. Different from the marks given by the ancestors of my race, which makes warriors lose control and greatly harms the warrior's life. The mark of the human ancestor allows the warrior to fight longer, it is weaker, but he maintains control and can apparently evolve.” - Makaulu didn't look happy.
Skarla nodded slightly. It is better to have powerful warriors who can control themselves and grow than pure warriors, who can do nothing but fight and die.
One is reusable, and the other is disposable. It is obvious that Makaulu is jealous.
“Can you become a Red Orc?” - Skarla asked, scratching her chin.
"No. I didn't accept it. The damage is too heavy, and I'm already old. If I accepted the mark, I would lose life force. The ancestors said that you acquire more as you level up, but… I'm already old and at a high level; leveling up beyond that is unlikely to happen.” - Makaulu said calmly.
'I.e., he was afraid of dying early.' - Skarla scoffed internally and nodded.
As for her analysis of Demonic Energy, she will find that out now.
…
Heading to the temple, she climbed the long staircase to the top and passed through the stone entrance. She found a staircase that leads down and exposes the spacious interior of the temple, where the energy density is much greater than that of Verdant Vale itself.
As soon as she got down the first step, Skarla felt countless eyes on her, coming from everywhere, but except for her, Makaulu, and Gakai, there was no one else here.
As she reached the top of the stairs, Skarla noticed the pillars made of an unfamiliar rock. They seem very resistant and ancient; they naturally absorb large amounts of ambient energy.
“This is where the souls of our ancestors rest and watch us. This is the heart of the mountains.” - Makaulu said, full of respect and admiration. He looked at Skarla and noticed something: she had her arms crossed and her eyes closed.
“Skarla?” - Gakai asked, but she remained unconscious.
“The ancestors are speaking to her.” - Makaulu said that envy was evident in her tone.
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PART 2 – Ancestors!
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Skarla opens her eyes, and the world expands. She found herself in a majestic world rich in energy, lush green grass, and massive pillars that exceeded the clouds. The sun was intense and warm, and countless people and animals were magnificently present.
Observing the surroundings calmly, she noticed many people: Orcs, Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Goliaths and more.
“So more races lived in the mountains than anyone imagined?” - Skarla scratched her chin, since if they are in this spiritual place, it indicates that they are the ancestors of the mountains.
“Hello child.” - A calm voice resounded, attracting her attention. A tall woman with tanned skin approached. The woman had a tall, athletic physique, characterized by large breasts, a thin waist, and wide hips. A human with long, blonde hair.
Skarla assessed her, feeling her power. Certainly, when she was alive, she was someone formidably powerful; her presence exudes that.
“Really impressive. An incredible power.” - She said, evaluating Skarla from head to toe.
"You would be?" - Skarla asked.
“Your disrespect is as powerful as your strength.” - An annoyed voice sounded, and a hunchbacked old man approached. He was human and seemed angry.
“I'm not insulting you; I believe it's enough respect on my part. As for kneeling or bowing my head. My legs and neck were not made to bend.” - Said Skarla with arrogance and pride.
“Hahahaha! I liked her!" - The woman laughed in joy. Other laughs came.
“Then why did you kneel before that emperor? Do you think no one saw it?” - A tall, slender figure approached with long, sharp ears. She approached her from behind Skarla, but she noticed her.
"Convenience. If I didn't kneel down, it would give me reasons to be harmed. Call me a hypocrite or whatever you want, I don’t care.” - Skarla shrugged, and the elf just snorted.
"Good. I’m a busy person.” - Skarla smiled slightly, but soon became serious. - “If they called me here, it means there is a reason. Which would it be?"
"Normally, whoever is called wants to meet the greatest warriors in history.” - Said an orc that easily exceeded 3 meters, the environment around him distorted, showing the disparity in strength between him and the others.
“I have no such interest. I'd rather let the dead rest while I live my life. Not to mention that, taking several points into consideration, I am the strongest warrior in the history of the mountains.” - Skarla said, laughing arrogantly as she touched her chest with her thumb.
“Haha!” - The orc laughed and went ahead. A lot of laughter exploded, and different presences manifested themselves.
Little by little, the ancestors, who had been hiding and watching, finally decided to approach. Skarla's words provoked them.
And Skarla felt some pressure. Throughout history, numerous legendary beings have existed. We are not talking about a few people, but hundreds. Mountains have a longer history than one might imagine.
Throughout this history, in wild and brutal times, several heroes and leaders emerged, along with champions who left their mark on history. But that same story erased them.
It's likely that they built the temple to house these spirits and preserve their history. Maybe they have other reasons. Skarla doesn't care.
She smiled; even though the pressure was a little uncomfortable, it was nothing she wasn't capable of handling.
“The strongest in history? Really funny, but I like you.” - Said a tall, muscular black man. - “I am Tabel, the ancestor of the Vulture Tribe. My blood runs through your veins.”
Skarla looked at him and said. - "Pleasure to meet you. But I don’t understand grace.” - Skarla laughed as she looked at everyone present here. - “Mountains have a truly long and majestic history, having created many legendary heroes. But in the end, it was just that—legendary!”
Skarla quickly released the restrained power with her words. A heavy aura appeared, and the entire environment distorted, trembling at its presence.
Skarla has surpassed the abilities of a legendary being. Your modifiers have already reached +17. What are the chances that some of them have overcome or reached this point?
Not to mention that the Cultivation of Internal Energy comes with spiritual advantages. In other words, in a spiritual environment, she can shine more.
His brief display of power not only shocked everyone but also brought them joy. - “HAHAHAHA! WORTHY OF PROCLAIMING HERSELF THE STRONGEST IN HISTORY!!!” - A thunderous roar shook the entire environment, and an even more powerful presence approached.
Skarla watched and was soon amazed at what she was seeing. It was the first time she had seen something like this. The creature towered over two meters tall, bearing a long, dark, and feathered boat. The creature, covered in white feathers, is huge and muscular.
A cock Beastkin. An imposing presence that shakes anyone. It is also somewhat comical; however, no one would wish to laugh in the presence of this individual.
“Hello child, I am Galius, the first King of the Krugar Mountains!” - The Beastkin advanced proudly.
Skarla gave a nod. - "Hello. You must be really ancient; I’ve never heard of your kind before.”
“Unfortunately, after my death, my people were unable to create someone as majestic as me. All died for the enemies of my reign. My incompetent children couldn’t even last 2 years after my death.” -The disdain in his tone was obvious.
“A shame, but I doubt this failure was because of you.” - Said Skarla, which were sincere words.
Someone so formidable and imposing must certainly have done his best to strengthen his descendants and prepare them to inherit his throne. If they fell, it means that other situations were occurring.
"I liked her. Congratulations brat! Your tribe has conceived an incredible child. I'm even jealous.” - Galius laughed, melancholy in his tone.
“Thank you for your attention. But how about you tell me what's going on? Or did I just misunderstand and wasn’t supposed to come here?” - Skarla calmly looked around.
“Child, it is unlikely that others will take the mountains from you, so you will rule for a long time. So what will you do? Will you give the mountains to the people of the empire? Will it destroy our legacy?” - The hunchbacked old man asked, and others wanted to know that.
“And what legacy would that be?” - Skarla asked calmly, and he frowned.
“I may not be the one who knows the most about the history of the mountains. But at most, I know of the existence of three legends, so it is difficult to say the real level of strength. Each tribe has its own legends about you, but that's it. I don't think 20 of you are remembered by your descendants. Most may not even have any more threads of lineage passed on to the current generation due to the continuous senseless wars between the tribes.”
"At the end, What legacy did they leave behind? Only small fights between tribes prevented the evolution of the mountain people; meanwhile, the people in the center of the continent were constantly evolving. Even the people of the north, who live in one of the hardest regions to live in, are much more advanced.” - Skarla laughed with obvious disdain.
"But not. I have no plans to hand over the mountains to the empire. I will be the one to rule these lands and change them.” - Skarla crossed her arms.
“Regarding us. Do you have plans to honor us?” - Asked another old man, probably another shaman.
“I understand that spiritualism is something that societies need. But it will be optional. Whoever wishes to honor their ancestors, so be it. Those who are not interested, as is my case, will have no obligation.”
“Did you have a problem with us? Did your anger at the orcs murdering your family and persecuting you make you hate us?” - Asked one of the orc ancestors, who had a strangely gentle face.
“I have no hatred for orcs. I just don't see any reason to carry out the old customs or cling to the old culture. The world changes every day; civilizations decline and others rise to new heights. Being stuck with old and outdated rules is asking to be forgotten by the world.”
“Another thing is that I see it as a type of religion. I don't see religion as something that must be blindly followed, or we become slaves to it. Prejudices arise easily. As I said, the world is constantly changing, and customs are changing and adapting. Religion, which is something difficult to change, often tends to be a wall for many people, creating prejudice and unnecessary disagreements due to beliefs.”
“I think a lot of people don’t understand. But in simple terms, this will not cause problems now, but in the future, as it becomes better known, it may come into conflict with churches that follow gods. Useless conflicts can arise because of this, and I don’t want to get involved with useless and unnecessary things.”
“I also prefer to leave the past in the past. Not forget it, but learn from it and focus on the future.”
Silence surrounded the place, as Galius said. - “I don’t care about these things. I only live here because it's interesting, and I have nowhere else to go. We can observe the living from here.”
“I refuse! You were born in these lands; you must follow the customs and strengthen our people. You have the power to do so. Next, conquer the empire. Don’t be someone weak; you are still very strong and young; you will be able to conquer this world in the future.” - An old human shaman said.
"That's right! You have the greatest strength ever seen in the mountains and carry a lot of wisdom. He even has access to the knowledge of an Ancient Demon. You are destined to rule this continent and, in the future, the world!” - Another shaman said.
“Child, accept our help. Together, we can conquer everything!” - An orc shaman said.
“Hey old men, enough of this.” - Galius shouted, but they didn't listen to him.
More shamans continued to call for conquest and glory. Several warriors yearn for it. They yearn to see the world beneath the feet of the mountain tribes.
Skarla gazed upon these ancient ancestors, obliterated from history. Their achievements were overshadowed or erased, and their families and tribes were extinct.
What was left for them? They gained knowledge both during their lifetime and after their passing. His many secrets during his life, among other things.
They have their value. They possess shamanic techniques, unique skills, and simple methods for learning, among other things.
“Child, inherit our will, and you can become even stronger. No legend will be your match; not even demigods will be able to take you lightly.” - An elf said as he extended his hand to Skarla.
Ultimately, the ancestors split into factions, with some advocating for Skarla to rule beyond the mountains, adhere to ancient customs, and, naturally, disseminate their names globally. While there were neutrals who decided to abstain and didn't care about the result.
Galius decided to observe what Skarla would decide, along with many others.
“I refuse!” - Skarla said without hesitation.
“Do you even know what you are refusing? We are willing to give you the knowledge of millennia and wisdom to overcome your crises. Not to mention the support of countless formidable warriors. Never in history has anyone among the tribes achieved such unanimous support.”
“You are the one everyone here has been waiting for. Your actions and achievements can bring us eternal happiness. Why refuse such a gift when all it needs to do is allow us to be known?” - Said the elf in a doubtful tone.
Skarla sighed, looking at everyone here. - “You have already lived your lives. They saw their families and tribes rise, but they also saw them fall. This is the natural flow of the world. I will live my life the way I want. No one will tell me what to do or how to do it.”
“Your time has passed; rest or watch us. I will make my own story. And I have no plans to start useless wars, sacrificing the lives of the young people of the tribes. Your opinions are not relevant to my future decisions.” - Skarla was firm in her decision.
She is curious about the benefits she can receive from everyone, which she believes will be truly incredible. We're talking about the spirit of hundreds of legends throughout history. All these legends combined would create something truly remarkable.
But Skarla feels no greed for such benefits. She won't find attraction in such an arrangement.
And her response angered many. Skarla looked at these furious ancestors, who seemed to be trying something.
"HE ARRIVES!!!" - Galius roared, and the entire environment shook. - “She made her decision. Respect her decision!” - His gaze turned to Skarla. - “Go now, before these old men try to take your body.”
“Haha. Even if they wanted to, they couldn't. Because first they would have to destroy my will, and then they would have to fight among themselves to decide who would have my body.” - Skarla laughed, but she saw a crack where she could get out.
“It was fun and a new experience. But it will be the last time we meet.” - Skarla said calmly as she left the spiritual world.
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PART 3 – Rumors and Preparations!
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Two days later, movement began in the mountains. A large group of young people headed towards the passage that Skarla had opened. It took about 4 days for so many orcs to move.
Once there, changes had occurred. Firstly, it was the Earthly Mages who modified the terrain and made space for a ramp. Then bricks covered the floor to facilitate movement.
To facilitate the transportation of carts and carriages to the mountains, an elevator is currently under construction. Construction of an elevator is underway in the region where mountain people have faced the most conflicts.
Regarding the narrow passage in Strauss Barony, There was a slippage, and no one knows exactly how it happened. The slippage rendered safe navigation through the site impossible. As for fixing the ticket? The entire structure has sustained significant damage. Attempting to clear the path will only encourage future incidents.
……
In capital!
Lucius was training in the palace courtyard. His muscular body was covered in sweat. Swinging his sword, and magical power following him.
In the middle of the training, a secretary reported some recent information. Lucius seemed like he wasn't listening, but sometimes he said things that were relevant to the information. He issued directives regarding the transfer of funds, imposed penalties on aristocrats, carried out the execution of those who deserted, and carried out missions aimed at eliminating monsters.
It was then that calm and steady footsteps approached. Kaleria, with a cold and distant look, arrived, watching her husband train. - “Skarla came down from the mountains.” - She said that, and Lucius stopped his training.
“Apparently she was seen with dozens of orcs; among them is Makaulu. We can assume that she has started to move and that the mountains are already under her control.” - Kaleria said coldly.
“It happened faster than expected. It means we will have to give her a Grand Duchess title.” - Lucius frowned and grabbed a towel.
“Conquering the Krugar Mountains is a feat worthy of such title. But she has already shown her interest in independence. Which will insinuate future conflicts between the nobles. We know the value of mountains, and there is much that we still don't know, but we know that they exist there. If Skarla takes advantage of the mountains, she could become not only the most powerful person on the continent but also the richest. She has already become a threat.” - Kaleria had cruelty in her eyes.
“What do you suggest we do?” - Lucius gave him a slight, but intense, and serious look.
“As she has no plans to offer the mountains as territory for the empire, we have to make her give us tribute and a percentage of her commercial gains. We must also reduce the power of the Veremor family.”
“I agree, but knowing Skarla as little as we do, do you believe she will comply with these demands? She has already demonstrated that she is something more than a barbarian who only knows how to fight on the front lines.” - Lucius narrowed his eyes. - “And she doesn't suggest capturing any of her children. I thought about it, but the chances of it backfiring on us are massive.”
"Yes. She has already made it clear that she has another family, and because she is a legendary warrior, she will be able to live for centuries. Losing a few kids won't be a big deal for her, she can do more. Annoying her to the point of generating hatred will be immensely harmful to us. If it allies with our enemies or even joins forces with the north, the chances of the empire surviving are low.” - Kaleria growled.
They knew that sooner or later, Skarla would conquer the mountains; she made it clear. That's why they were preparing numerous plans and contingencies. They were devising strategies to reduce the harm and disruption caused by Skarla's conquest of the mountains, with the aim of minimizing its impact on the imperial family's authority.
At the end, Skarla did it faster than expected.
“Your Majesties, may I suggest something?” - The secretary raised a hand, obviously intimidated by the empress.
"Speak!" - Kaleria, already upset, said rudely.
“There are no reports about the orcs being involved with the demons. Since Skarla has the Orc King's daughter as his wife and is now at his side, it would be an opportunity to lessen Skarla's influence among the commoners. Until rumors arise that harm commercial relations.” - She said, always with her head down.
“Hmmm… a good suggestion.” - Kaleria scratched her chin, liking this suggestion.
Lucius smiled, walked over to the secretary, said something, blushed, and then left. - “What did you say to her?”
“That I will compensate you for the good idea.” - Lucius said, smiling at his wife. Kaleria snorted. - “Do this in the office in a place where you can’t see it; I don’t want to smell it or touch it.”
Lucius laughed, hugging his wife, who easily escaped his embrace. - “You smell and are covered in sweat. Go have fun with your toy, and have energy for me later. I need to start spreading the rumors.”
Lucius was smiling, but he didn't stop slapping his wife on the bottom. Then he went to meet his secretary.
……
The next day, anger was evident in Lucius and Kaleria. The reasons? Rumors!
Kaleria was already strategizing how to diminish Skarla's power and even turn her into an adversary for numerous commoners who suffered from the demons. The mere suggestion of her association with demons could cause her significant harm.
But then, a few days ago, many rumors were already circulating, and they understood that it was Skarla's work.
The first rumors were about Skarla beginning a peaceful conquest of the Krugar Mountains. This enabled the empire to cease investing in the mountains and concentrate on safeguarding itself against the north and adjacent kingdoms.
Another rumor was that Skarla, a legendary figure, had to stoop to the level of mountain savages, taking the Orc King's daughter as his wife. Skarla, on the verge of marrying Letiphia Veremor, a woman known for their intense love, had to humiliate the influential duchess by joining forces with a savage. (Simply put: Skarla sacrificed her honor for peace.)
Another rumor suggested that the orcs possessed blood power, a power that resembled the manifestation of demonic force. However, this power originated from the mountain people's ancestors and had nothing to do with the invading demons.
Rumors arose about a potential peace with the people of the north. Strengthening trade routes, and much more.
Countless merchant groups were already moving in, eager to invest in Skarla.
However, the rumor that most infuriated me was that the emperor was willing to grant independence to the Krugar Mountains as a gesture of respect for the region's millennia of history and its inhabitants, provided they maintained friendship, thereby fostering mutual understanding. They should improve their social interactions and mutual understanding, paving the way for the future integration of the mountains into the empire.
When Kaleria heard the first rumor in favor of Skarla, she ordered her intelligence groups to collect more, discovering so many that it almost drove her mad.
Lucius, scratching his chin, smiled bitterly. - “That bitch won.” - Veins were popping out of his arms, he was holding himself back.
“Let’s send Hackel.” - Kaleria said coldly.
“What do you plan?” - Lucius asked.
“We cannot allow Skarla to continue playing with us like this. We need to benefit, and at the moment we can only use Hackel. I will send a letter and speak to Skarla, and she will be forced to accept it. Even one of the rewards is to ask her for something, right?”
“Rumors say yes. Apparently, Skarla will fulfill a request, as long as it is not absurd.” - Lucius said.
“Then we will help Hackel win this tournament and propose to Skarla. This may harm our image, but if we establish this connection through marriage, we will have the means to infiltrate and control the mountains. Knowing Skarla, I don't believe she will be satisfied with our continent; she will soon go to the bigger ones and there seek to ascend to the rank of Demigod.” - Kaleria's eyes shone brightly.
“Even if that is the case, it will be a long time before it starts moving to other continents. It’s likely that only our children will be able to take advantage of it when it leaves.” - Lucius frowned.
"Whatever. We can think of better actions in the future. Isolate Skarla as much as possible; use those greedy pigs. It also has churches that will want to pilgrimage to the mountains and lead the tribes to serve their gods. We just need to understand the situation as much as possible, and having Hackel there will be essential.”
"I agree. But do you believe Hackel will accept? I don’t feel comfortable doing that.”
“Hackel has a great interest in Skarla. I don't see her refusing. If you're concerned about the connections she's made with her many lovers and fiancées, you know that's irrelevant to her. Our daughter is more like me than you think.” - Kaleria showed a rare smile and hints of pride in her voice.
Lucius nodded. - “May your will be done. Open the national treasure, and let her take whatever she wants. She must win!”
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PART 4 – Banquet!
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Veremor family castle!
Letiphia personally came to meet the large, approaching convoy. Naturally, the convoy was reduced, as many of the orcs brought for socialization were transferred to an already prepared area.
Those who came to the mansion are the most important leaders; among them is Makaulu.
And for the first time, the leaders of the armies that had been facing each other for decades met face-to-face.
Even though Makaulu had never seen Letiphia, he could feel her power and recognize that she was the Witch of the Empire. She obstructed numerous endeavors to subjugate the territories beyond the mountains.
As for Letiphia. She is not surprised by the strength Makaulu exudes. - ‘I expected more.’ - Internally, she was disappointed.
"Pleasure to meet you." - Letiphia said calmly, and Makaulu, arms crossed, nodded.
…
Soon, everyone was in the party room. They have prepared a banquet to welcome Makaulu and the other orcs who will participate in the wedding tournament.
The grandeur of the castle, the city walls, and the sheer number of people residing in the duchy's capital have all impressed Makaulu since his arrival.
The most shocking aspect was discovering that there were two other territories on the same level. The imperial capital is equally impressive.
This intimidated him. He thought he was powerful, and only monsters like Skarla could confront him. But in the time he's been traveling with Skarla so far, he's encountered individuals who make his instincts go into overdrive.
Those Knights. These are individuals of great power, capable of leading the most formidable tribes. Many could even compete for the reigns against him and potentially win.
Makaulu is confident in his strength. He was the strongest in the mountains until recently. But when he saw Knights after Knights, level 12~16. He couldn't help but be fearful.
And now, at this banquet, He was able to sense dozens of individuals with the same power as him. There was even someone who threatened him a lot, and it was Arthur Cervero, Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Someone so strong serves the nation's Emperor.
With that realization, he came to understand the futility of his efforts. With so many formidable soldiers and knights, if not for luck and doubts, the empire would have long ago conquered the mountains.
Makaulu is grateful that it was Skarla who took the first step, not the empire. The likelihood of his people's annihilation is high. And since he's not an idiot, he was able to sense Letiphia's disdain for her.
“Don’t think about these things too much, dad. Even though the people of the empire are different, they still respect strength. As long as you demonstrate your power in the near future, they will respect you.” - Gakai said seriously, as she also went through this.
"You do not need to worry about me. I'm used to such looks. I just need to better understand the structure of the empire.” - Makaulu said with sharp eyes.
……
In the castle courtyard,. Toru had his arms crossed and his eyes closed. Waiting patiently.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps filled the air. Toru opened his eyes, and after so many years, he shuddered at who he saw.
A beautiful, slender woman with long red hair, smooth white skin, and toned arms. Wearing a beautiful blue dress.
Toru opened his mouth, about to say “mother”, but he stopped and clenched his fists.
Ilyria, on the other hand, was confused as to why Skarla sent her here. She found this young orc standing still, and as she approached. She looked into those brown eyes. It made her shudder.
Her steady steps became fragile, and her trembling arms reached out. - “Toru?” - Ilyria asked in an emotional tone, going forward without hesitation.
Toru didn't back down while looking at his mother. Veins bulged from his jaw, and his mind was fuzzy. He had a lot to say, but when he saw her, everything went blank.
Ilyria stepped forward, and as Toru mustered the courage to speak, Ilyria's arms extended, encircling her neck and drawing him into an embrace. - "My son. Sorry your useless mother. I'm sorry I left you. My little warrior.”
Ilyria's last words hit Toru in a unique way. He was amazed to smell her; his trembling arms went up, wanting to push her away, but all he could do was hug her tightly.
He missed it. He had wanted to see his mother for the past few years. The loss of his brother, the sole family who showed concern for him, thrust him into a harsh world as the son of a fugitive.
No woman wanted to associate with him; no matter how strong he became, he was just the fugitive's son.
For a long time, he hated his mother for running away. He wanted to scream, beat her, and make her suffer for everything she had suffered. But some of Skarla's words made all this hatred subside.
At the end of the day, this vast and wonderful world can also be cruel and cold. Ilyria, his mother, is the only person in this world who loves him unconditionally.
…
Skarla distantly observed their interaction, ready to act on Toru's slightest lack of control. Ultimately, she lacks trust in the young orc who has experienced abandonment and abuse from everyone around him.
But as it turns out, Toru grew up in a simple society. His emotions are simple, and forgiveness is much easier for him because his blood ties are stronger than in more civilized societies where the presence of money adds value to interactions or even within the family.
However, Toru does not harbor any such notions. He was just a warrior who trained to fight, had sex for fun, and married a strong woman to have children. He would repeat this daily until he died in combat.
Skarla was glad that everything was going well. Ilyria cried and couldn't keep strength in her knees. Toru didn't know how to act when faced with so much emotion, as he had never seen his mother cry in his life.
Seeing his mother cry made Toru break down. Even though she didn't cry, he was happy to see her again. He hugged her in an attempt to comfort her, which also comforted him.
…
“I'm glad everything went well.” - Viper said as she looked from afar, wiping some tears from the corners of her eyes.
Skarla nodded, stroking her stomach. - “It looks like I will have another adopted child.”
“The family is growing. Soon we will have two crying babies and then one more. But as I see things, your dear disciple will have three other babies. I think Talya wants more too.” - Viper laughed.
“We need to build our house soon. What do you think of a castle so colossal that it surpasses the clouds?” - Skarla laughed as she opened her palm towards the heavens.
“Too much exaggeration. Half this size is enough.” - Viper laughed as she snuggled into his embrace.
“I'm thinking about raising some wolves and tigers. I've heard of some species that live in the far south that surpass level 10 when they mature.” - Skarla scratched her chin.
“Tigers and wolves? Do you want the Verona family to be symbolized by one of them?” - Viper asked curiously.
"No. I think it would be cool for our children to have an animal companion with them. Unfortunately, I know that I will not be able to be as frequent in your lives as I wish. Without mentioning the quantity, there will be many.”
Viper gave her a casual glance before she spoke. - "I agree. I think tigers would be better. I heard of a rare one that lives in the north, but they are rare but powerful.”
“I also heard about it, but I knew there were few; it wouldn’t be enough for my children. Without including the biome change.” - Skarla laughed.
“Then the Spotted Tigers would be the best choice. They are strong, and their numbers are relatively large. I think in 4 or 5 months, it will be their mating season.” - Viper thoughtfully scratched her chin.
“As expected from my walking encyclopedia.” - Skarla kissed her, laughing, and Viper rolled her eyes.