Chapter 67 - 67: "Balak’s Legend"

Chapter 67: Chapter 67: "Balak's Legend"

Vikir became a legend among the Balak that day.

He discovered that the plague afflicting Balak's champions was actually a simple opiate subtly distributed by unfamiliar vendors, giving them a significant advantage in trade, which they had been losing.

Additionally, he extended the range of his blazing bolts and developed an oil barrel bolt system, instantly earning him legendary status.

His popularity was bolstered by his previous efforts to address the clan's food shortage by hunting down an oxbear that only the bravest warriors could hunt.

"I will allow you to bathe in the Wellspring of Courage," Chief Aquila gladly granted Vikir's request.

However, she wondered how she could deny her daughter's request when she was so determined.

With such a noble cause, how could anyone refuse?

Even the initially skeptical elders were now looking at Vikir with approving faces.

However, one of them, the shaman Ahheman, stroked his beard in dissatisfaction.

The shaman had a history of misdiagnosing drug-afflicted heroes as "cursed".

While Vikir's actions had made the Balak clan brighter and more vibrant, it had also made things very difficult for Ahheman.

His position was much diminished, and his voice much weaker than before.

For this reason, he couldn't oppose Vikir's decision to enter the Wellspring of Courage.

Aiyen leaned in with a wide smile and whispered in Vikir's ear.

And then she fell silent.

Vikir frowned and turned his head.

"Do you have something to say?"

"Nothing."

"Why did you put your mouth in someone else's ear?"

"Just... I wanted to."

Aiyen still grinned inadvertently.

She opened her mouth again.

"Well, in the meantime, why don't you say a few words?" Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

"Why?"

"I have a feeling that guy over there seems like a fraud."

"Why?"

"...I just suspect."

Vikir agreed with Aiyen.

The only difference was that he was able to use his rationale, along with his instincts, to sense something off-putting about Ahheman.

He had described the drugs the vendors distributed as a plague, a curse that could only be cured by shamanic rituals.

In this way, he asserted his authority as a shaman and bolstered his position.

This was despite the fact that his granddaughter, Ahul, was suffering from complications from drugs.

Additionally, Vikir still remembered what the vendors had said so casually the last time.

"You don't know what you're doing! This is a sacred trade!"

"This is a sacred trade, sworn to by the Lord of the Wilderness!"

'Even the Shaman of Balak favors us for the Lord of the Wilderness...!"

The last one cut off mid-sentence, but the sharp-eyed Vikir had already sensed what was going on.

Vikir translated the vendors' words into the local language, and Aiyen's eyebrows shot up in unison.

"We can't let this charlatan get away with this! I treated him like a blessing, and now he's stuck with an alien power...!"

"Calm down. You're still angry. You have no hard evidence."

"Then you're just going to sit back and watch!"

Aiyen's heart raced, and Vikir shouted after a moment of silence.

Vikir spoke in a soft tone, and Aiyen's eyes narrowed as she listened.

"...Do you think I should do that?"

"Yes. If we wait a little longer, it will reveal its own tail."

"Hmm. That doesn't sound like a bad plan."

Aiyen thought for a moment.

But, she wasn't in the mood to think for too long.

"I see. I guess nothing is lost by doing as you say. Let's just focus on what's important right now."

Vikir nodded at Aiyen's words.

As she said, getting his body back in shape was the most important thing right now.

'He's cleaned up, his reputation in the village is good, he's not bad for a husband, and he'll stay here today and heal his body so that he's good enough for his family, and then the rest will take care of itself.'

Her mother, Aquila, had given her similar advice.

So Aiyen had gone all in and brought her favorite drink to bathe near Vikir.

But.

"But, doesn't your presence diminish the magical effects of the hot springs? Why did you come in? Surely the chief said only I should come in?"

Vikir is now standing there arguing over this.

Aiyen exclaimed in dismay.

" ... Does it matter now? A true Balak doesn't argue over such trivial matters."

"It doesn't matter, but I'm just asking, not arguing, but surely. If you don't want to answer, you don't have to."

Vikir replied with a casual expression, and when he turned away again, Aiyen's forehead furrowed.

" ... Show me what it is then?"

A moment.

...Boom!

There was a splash.

Aiyen jumped to her feet and stormed at Vikir.

Vikir's demeanor was still casual, but his pupils were widened with a hint of surprise.

Seeing that, Aiyen smiled mischievously and jumped on top of Vikir's body.

"You will stay still, slave."

"..."

"This master will take care of ..."

At that exact moment.

A snap, a crackle, a pop!

A group of splashes erupted from beyond the spring.

A few shadows began to creep through the steam.

"Wow-it's the Master!"

"Brother Vikir!"

A group of children started to rush in from nowhere.

"????"

Aiyen looked up, bewildered.

Vikir, pinned underneath her, turned his head as well.

Balak's children had been gathering into the hot springs for some reason.

Each of them was sick from the side effects of the drugs the vendors were selling.

Naked, the children ran towards Aiyen and Vikir.

"Master, let's play!"

Aiyen cried out.

"Hey, you two, you're splitting the magical effects of the hot springs! Who told you to come in here!"

"th...the chief-oh!"

When the children replied in a stuttering voice, Aiyen slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand.

She had been played by her mother.

Even by her mother.

"You're talking differently. You said earlier that a true Balak doesn't argue over such trivial matters... "

Vikir pointed out with a serious face.

Aiyen sighed deeply.

The children were already playing with the rabbits, hedgehogs, and squirrels that had come in earlier.

Vikir was soaking in the hot springs, just trying to heal.

Aiyen, having given up on everything, opened her arms to Vikir.

"Welcome to officially join the Balak."

She didn't know what else to say.

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