Chapter 115:

Chapter 115:

Chapter 115

A vague sentence that sounded plausible but had no substance.

That was what Ruon thought of the prophecy.

He had once had his future divined by the master of the magic tower, but that was only based on his past actions and showed the most likely possibility. It was not something worthy of being called a prophecy.

But what about the woman called the Great Mother?

As Ruon muttered to himself, Hengel opened his mouth. His face was pale from spitting blood several times.

The Great Mother added that the person in the prophecy would pass through our territory in a few days. Naturally, we strengthened our patrols and found you in the process.

He did not say anything more, but the party could guess why Hengel had challenged them so abruptly.

He must have wanted to check if Ruon, who had detected them with his magic while they were hiding their bodies, was the person in the prophecy. There was no better way than to face him directly.

Hengel spoke to Ruon.

I have no talent for reading the stars, so I dont know if you are the one who has engraved your name in the sky or not. But I can clearly see that you are a warrior with an amazing skill.

He gently pushed away the woman who was supporting his body under his armpit. Then he added.

If you are serious about killing the Great Chief, come with us. There are others who share the same intention.

His bold words that revealed his inner thoughts made the eyes of the warriors behind Hengel shake slightly.

They were not the only ones who were surprised.

The party was taken aback by the unexpected proposal and looked at each other with blank expressions.

Kyle whispered softly.

Do you think hes planning to start a rebellion?

Colin scratched his backside and answered.

I dont feel like helping the barbarians.

Amela calmly intervened with a small grumble.

I know how you feel. But not all the northerners agree with the Great Chiefs will. It might be good to look at them with a little more generosity.

She moved her gaze to Ruon and said.

Besides, were not the ones who got the offer.

Under the naturally focused gaze, Ruon nodded slightly.

Lets do that.

Hengels expression brightened with the positive answer.

Then, can we move right away? Theres a village not far from here.

The party who agreed to the proposal started to clean up their place. Ruon rubbed out the remaining embers with his heel and slung his backpack over his shoulder. He looked up at the sky.

He still found it hard to believe that his name was engraved among the brilliant stars. But even the nameless barbarian had noticed that fact, and he couldnt ignore it forever.

He hoped to find a clue for his journey ahead and followed Hengel. The party followed him in step.

The barren land of the north. And the barbarians.

Were they captivated by the prejudice that the two words created without knowing it?

The party was amazed by the much cleaner view of the village than they expected.

The log houses that were stacked in the shape of a well pavilion looked sturdy, and the roads that broke the frozen ground were neat.

Hengels younger sister snapped at them, noticing the change in their expressions.

Whats wrong? Did you think the barbarians lived in caves and ate meat while prolonging their lives? Are you disappointed that its not?

Colin flinched at the aggressive words, but that was it. There was nothing good about causing unnecessary conflict when they came to the others village.

At that moment, Hengel, who was leading the party, stopped. In front of him was a small log house, and the faint pink light was leaking out of the window, indicating that the owner had not fallen asleep yet.

This is the Great Mothers house. She seems to be still awake, so we can talk to her. The rest of you can go back. Rest well.

He dismissed the warriors who had moved with him with a word that he had worked hard. They all scattered without a word, but one person raised his voice.

Why me? Im the only shaman of the tribe! I have more than enough qualifications to listen. And even if this guy is the person the Great Mother talked about, hes still an outsider. I wont let him stupidly spill everything to him.

Then Hengel spoke,

My sister wishes for me to take the chieftains seat at the cost of the blood we will shed. Shes been anxious for days that the prophesied one might take it from me. Shes just immature; dont hold it against her.

What chieftain.

Ruon replied with an incredulous expression,

Killing the chieftain is just a step in the process. I have no intention of snatching that position, so theres no need to worry.

Hengel nodded as if he knew,

Thank you for saying that.

Amela, who had been silently listening, addressed Hengel,

The chieftain has forcefully subdued many tribes and families. Are you truly prepared to face them?

Her pointed question made the chieftain nod again,

Of course. I didnt just sit idly by, waiting, even though I believe in the Great Mothers words.

He looked out the window,

Tribes that have promised to join us are gathering here. Some have already arrived. Everyone will be here in two days at the latest. Thats when the action starts.

Kyle sniffled,

If the chieftain isnt a fool, he wont be unaware of such movements.

Hengel said,

The moment we refused the chieftains summons to attack the kingdoms army, it was a well-known fact that we would rebel. Weve long crossed the point of no return.

Colin swallowed dryly,

So its another full-scale war.

He turned to the Great Mother,

Elder, did the brilliant stars really say that with Ruon joining, we would win?

The Great Mother replied softly,

He may be a catalyst for change, but whether that means victory is uncertain.

So its a fifty-fifty chance, then.

I used one of my internal tools to translate your text from Korean to English. Here is the result:

Meanwhile, Hengel said.

Its too late. At this rate, it wouldnt be strange if the sun rises, so lets stop talking here. Ill order my men to vacate a house for you. Spend a day there. Elder, Ill go ahead.

He finished his words and opened the door first, as he did when he came in. Then his companions started to follow him one by one.

The moment Ruon turned his back. The elder spoke to his back.

If Im right, you dont seem to like the idea of ascending to heaven.

Ruon stopped walking and turned his head. The old man who had been looking at his calm eyes continued.

Isnt it a glorious path that a warrior would want to walk even in his dreams? Why are you making such a sour face? Can I ask you?

Ruon smiled faintly.

I dont want to go to heaven.

Then?

You wouldnt understand even if I told you.

Ruon thought it would be fun to see the elder who only picked up puzzling words pondering over his words, and he slipped out.

He moved to the house that Hengel had prepared with his companions who had been waiting for him. They didnt say much while preparing for bed. They didnt show it on the surface, but they all seemed to have complicated thoughts.

Colin, who volunteered to stand guard because he still couldnt trust the barbarians, was the first to nod off. Soon after, Kyle and Amela also fell asleep.

Ruon, who had his clasped hands behind his head, looked up at the dark ceiling and wondered what would happen if he became a god and couldnt find a way out of this world.

It was a question that had no answer, so he entrusted himself to his gradually drowsy eyelids.

In his dream that day, he had plenty of Pride Chicken and draft beer from a famous brand. The food that the 26-year-old job seeker liked the most never ran out.