Chapter 78: Higher Power

Tristan sent a total of 7 people, with 5 of them being the formidable blue-tattooed warrior. The group should be strong enough to not die easily, and looked normal enough as a group of people who managed to retreat from a losing battle. Then, how did all of them disappear within one night? 

This situation really baffled him, and at the same time, deeply concerned him. There is nothing normal about this. It's either his ability failed him or there was a higher power at play.

Thus with this new information, Tristan had to adjust, or even, completely change the strategy he planned.

Tristan quickly gathered all his companions at that moment, waking them up at dawn regardless of their opinion. After all, this matter greatly concerned everyone. They literally had no time to waste!

The moment everyone gathered, he immediately went ahead and interrogated Astrid and Scrall again. He had to know what could possibly make this situation possible.

Both of them came with the same word, Aesir.

"Who is Aesir?!" Tristan asked, clearly curious about the figure.

However, Astrid's answer threw him off guard due to its unexpectedness.

"It's not who sir. It's what."

Apparently, the Aesir were what the barbarians believed as the one chosen by the gods. Some of the tribes even considered them as the children of gods. They were the tantamount of what the barbarians called the apex. In the culture of barbarians, these Aesir were given powerful gifts by the gods, which made them very much stronger than the others, extremely so.

Upon hearing her words, Tristan's face was unchanged as he believed most of it was an exaggeration. Thinking that he would not gain anything if the topic didn't change, he proceeded to ask his most important question, one that was actually of importance.

"How strong is this Aesir?"

Astrid was silent when she heard Tristan's question. It was as if she was not sure how to answer. After a moment she finally opened her mouth despite hesitating.

"S-Sir.. They are immortal, undefeatable.."

Tristan hated a lunatic who blindly believed in god. What he needed to know now was not what she was told, but an actual measure of strength, one that he could use as comparison. 

Realizing that gaining information from Astrid was hopeless as she seemed to be a devout follower, Tristan decided to shift his attention to the tall guy, Scrall.

"How many people as strong as you are needed to defeat this Aesir? Give me in number."

Without a shred of confidence, the man said: "T-Ten?"

Tristan rolled his eyes when he heard the doubtful answer uttered by the man. Still, knowing these two influenced captains were not capable of lying to him, he would assume that Aesir was probably as strong as him.

Knowing this new information was definitely too much for Tristan's mind. It wasn't just because of the presence of this new enemy called Aesir. The swiftness of the enemy's action, capturing or killing 7 people he sent within hours, would only mean they were hungry for him.

Tristan could not even dare to imagine what kind of forces that would come for him, and he definitely would not wait to find out.

Turning his attention to everyone in the room, Tristan said, "Everyone, pack up! We are leaving now!"

Everyone, without exception, was surprised by the sudden order. Subsequently, anxiety began to appear on their faces.

"What's wrong, Tris? What's happening?" Layla asked hurriedly.

"I believe we are in grave danger, sis. So pack up quickly." Tristan looked at the others and said, "If you all want to live, I suggest all of you follow me. If not, this means farewell between us."

At this unknown time, in this kind of moment, none of them dared to say their opinion. Everyone trusted Tristan's strength and judgement after they had seen what the former could do. Even the dwarves believed his words and decided to follow him.

Tristan quickly ordered the others to bring all the prisoners out and sent them to the yard.

Moments later, Tristan already stood in front of them with an intimidating glare in his eyes.

"Listen up! You all will follow me to open up the path to the north. Then after we reach the border, I give you my promise that I will release you!"

This was his escape plan. He hoped that with these barbarians covering and opening the way for him, he could get past the encirclement that the enemy had and reach Arcadia. And to do that, he had to make these barbarian prisoners listen to his orders.

Obviously, he would not use his precious Blood Essence on all of them as that would be a complete waste of resources. Instead, he used his other talent. The classic way to raise immediate obedience: a mix of persuasion and intimidation.

These barbarian captives already felt the shock of defeat and also had seen how their friends turned against them. Hence, all of them were too afraid to raise their own voice and could only accept their poor fate lest they get backstabbed again.

To be thorough in the execution, Tristan took a few of the barbarian's clothing and began covering himself, and especially, Layla.

Looking at her brother who busily put clothes over her body, Layla said, "We are in big trouble again, aren't we brother?"

Tristan stopped his actions for a second, lifted his head up and locked gaze with his dear sister, "Unfortunately, yes, Layla. But don't worry. Just stay near me and you will be fine."

Barry, Seth, Herrera and Borin all started dressing up like the barbarians and prepared to leave the fort. 

Before Tristan and the group about to step out of the fort, Karra the female high orc and dozens of the orc grunts stopped him. The high orc was smart enough to realize what Tristan was trying to do.

"You are leaving us, chief?"

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,