Chapter 227: Sowing Discord (1)
As they stepped on the tiny fragments of ice and arrived at the shore, the Guardians and Iriel gasped for breath.
Huff Huff
Are wehave we arrived? Heave
After traversing the treacherous sea, the sensation of stepping onto land was indescribable.
Was this what it felt like to walk in heaven?
Even just collapsing onto the sandy beach brought an involuntary smile to their faces.
The sight of them laughing like mad increased the vigilance of the guards.
With smooth movements, they drew their swords from their waists, radiating an intimidating aura, and asked,
Where do you come from? No, how did you get here?
We came by boat, then ran from up ahead.
You expect us to believe that?
Believe it or not, it didnt matter.
As Ray shrugged his shoulders, he muttered briefly,
We cant send intruders back down the mountain. Well deal with them here.
One of them said this as he brandished his aura sword, while another hesitated in the back.
The remaining guard also appeared puzzled.
Somethings off, very off.
Whats wrong now?
Look, dont they seem familiar to us?
Huh?
As they sniffed the air, a familiar scent reached their noses.
Are you saying theyre of the same kind?
It seems like it.
You should have said that earlier!
After their brief discussion, they sheathed their swords and approached Ray in a friendly manner.
I almost sliced you. Never seen your face before. Hahaha, please forgive this misunderstanding.
It doesnt matter.
Wow, what a generous guy! Lets head back to the mountains.
One of them slung an arm around Ray and guided him away, while the other drew his sword again.
His attitude towards Ray was worlds apart.
He spoke in a cold tone,
You cant pass. Dont even think about closing your eyes in the Heros Land. Your bodies will be thrown far into the sea.
What, what did you say?
Ray then addressed the man beside him.
These are friends who happened to come with us. Id prefer if we could avoid confrontation.
These worthless weaklings?
Suddenly, the two Sushinwi, known as representatives of God and protectors of the Saint and the Saintess, were deemed insignificant weaklings.
The man nodded and sheathed his sword with a lack of enthusiasm.
Its not a big deal. But if they make even a slight move there, I cant guarantee anything. As you know, I have my own duties.
Thanks.
And well hear the story of those with you in the mountains.
The other man, seemingly less sharp, awkwardly let out a laugh.
Hahaha Lets not fight among ourselves.
I was too sensitive. Sorry.
Dont worry about it.
What a magnanimous person!
The lively guard thumped his back and led them into the forest.
As the two disappeared, the remaining man fiddled with his sword.
He seemed anxious to eliminate any potential threats.
Iriel sighed as she watched his retreating figure.
Hurry back. Something seems bound to happen.
Looking around, he wanted to contemplate the idea of being of a heros lineage, but the relentless barrage of questions forced him to abandon his thoughts.
Huh, so you crossed that sea to get here?
The curiosity in their eyes was almost overwhelming.
We were originally outside. Had to do some pretty outrageous things to get in here.
For all that, you seem pretty unscathed.
As they talked, they began to see more and more large houses.
The houses, built of wood, were impeccably joined as if crafted by a skilled artisan.
It looks like a village.
The streets were clean, and there were several scenic spots nearby.
The sanitation was exceptionally well maintained.
The place had an overall well-organized feel.
After about twenty minutes of walking, they saw a wooden house on a hilltop.
It was slightly larger than the others.
The man knocked on the door.
Are you there? I need to talk to you for a moment.
Soon, a woman emerged, yawning.
Talk? At this hour? Are you asking for a beating?
Same as ever. Can we talk inside?
Who said you could come in? Lets talk outside.
At her words, the man nodded and replied,
This guy here seems like hes from the outside.
Outside?
Yes, beyond that sea.
What nonsense. Are you still half asleep?
The man braced himself against her pitying gaze.
Its true! If you dont believe me, smell him.
Ray was horrified.
Since when do people identify others by smell!
Before he could voice his objection, the woman sniffed him.
Ah, its true! A similar yet different smell!
Step back now. Ill wear out.
Your scent is different, cleaner and fresher than his grimy stench.
What did you say!
The woman, chuckling, pushed him away, her laughter echoing as she retreated.
Go back. The conversation from here on isnt for you.
But
Go. This is an order from your superior.
Unable to contest her stern tone, he hesitated, then sealed his lips and bowed his head.
Ill take my leave.
As he trudged away down the hill, the woman mused aloud,
Saein and Eil, huh. You bear a striking resemblance to both. You must be their child.
Despite her sharp observation, Ray showed no sign of surprise.
Yes, thats right.
Lets go inside for now.
After opening the door and gesturing inside, his expression was so grave it looked as though he might attack at any moment.
Ray tensed his muscles, prepared to counterattack, and entered the house.
Could he be quite formidable?
He seemed far more capable than the guards they had previously encountered.
The subtle flow of mana around him was so refined that it tingled against the skin.
As soon as they were inside, she locked the door and swiftly reached out from behind.
Her small hands were charged with destructive mana.
It would be problematic to get caught.
Ray ducked to evade the grab, then looked up to see the stern-faced woman standing before him.
Why are you dodging?
It was natural for him to dodge when someone swung at him with the intent to crush.
She swung her hand again.
Her hands traced a mystic curve, aiming for his shoulders and hips.
He pressed down on his elbow and ducked diagonally, narrowly missing her strike once more.
Wow! You dodged that! Blood doesnt lie after all!
Why are you doing this to me?
Im just happy to see you!
Happy, my foot! Youre trying to kill me!
Their conversation continued amidst the skirmish.
It took a while before they could have a proper conversation.
Sitting at the dining table, furrowing her brow, was Hael.
She was apparently an old friend of Eil and Saein.
They used to play together, but it seemed she had been left alone at some point.
As Hael listened to Rays story, she asked, confused.
So youre the child of Eil and Saein who went outside but why did you come back here?
To take everyone outside.
What?
The world is peaceful, so theres no need for us to stay hidden. Its excessive to always wait here just because the gods said so.
He argued that it was too much for someone who had eliminated all the dangers of the continent alone.
So youre saying we should revolt against the gods?
Revolt sounds harsh. Lets just say were resisting a little.
Hahaha, thats funny. But its impossible.
She shook her head.
Impossible, you say? Let me ask. What were you planning to do by taking us out?
Her lips smiled, but her eyes were somber.
Ray smiled back and replied.
The Goddess Priyas created a lineage to birth a hero. But now, you can never become heroes, even if you spend your entire lives trying. Ive eliminated the last threat. Essentially, you no longer have any purpose for the Goddess Priyas.
So?
Her voice lost its previous strength.
So, Ill help you become heroes in a different way. The Goddess Priyass purpose is the birth of heroes and peace in the world. So as long as the result is achieved, doesnt the process matter?
.
Despite his words, Haels expression remained unchanged.
That goes against the rules of the mountains. Its not something I can decide. Simply put, we cant leave.
This is frustrating. We dont have to stay here, do we?
But we cant just leave this place either.
She spoke while stroking the table, her expression inexplicably forlorn.
Ray sighed and muttered to himself.
Ah, this is like being trapped in a cage, not even like a bird.
He spent the night at Haels house.
Starting the next day, he tried to converse and engage with those he met along the way, but he couldnt think of any effective plan.
One thing he could sense was that they lived like dogs tied to the leash of discipline.
Tsk tsk. These people are so closed-minded.
Ray, an advocate for open thinking, clicked his tongue in disapproval.
If things continued this way, he wouldnt be able to achieve his goal and would have to return.
Before the waterway closed, he had to find a way to persuade them.
Theres no place where money and fists dont talk.
Especially in a place focused on training in strength, this should be even more true.
Todays training almost drove me insane. I cant stand it without drowning in alcohol.
Its harsh because of the times were living in.
As they exchanged drinks at a village corner, a young man approached, his face covered with a suspicious mask.
His steps were unsteady as if he were drunk, making the two young men chuckle.
Looks like that guy had a tough day too. Trainings unbearable without a drink.
Hahaha. Hey, careful, or youll break your nose! Walk safely!
The masked man loudly muttered in a drunken voice.
Why was I born on this damn island! If I were born outside, Im sure things would be better! What is this, were not livestock, trapped on an island for hundreds of years! I want to go outside at least once!
Amidst the awkward silence, the two young men resumed their drinking.
So its not just me who thinks like that. Hahaha
It is that difficult, indeed. I, too, wish to see what the outside world is like, even just a glimpse.
They licked their lips and looked out at the sea.
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