Chapter 157: Chapter 157. The Ruler of the North (3)

This was a story that didn’t exist in this world.

But the story still survived in a certain someone’s memory.

It was ten years after the Shadow Labyrinth had appeared.

“Our people were bound by the oaths our forefathers made and could not leave that land.” Ahead of the final battle at Praynople, Donape Aslan, the Barbarian king also known as the Ruler of the North, began to tell his story.

No one complained or questioned it.

It wasn’t strange. Everyone did this. When you thought you could die, you told someone else your story. It didn’t mean that he was afraid of death. He just wanted someone to remember him.

Everyone shared this sentiment, so they willingly listened to each other in times like this. “Are you saying that you have kept the oaths that your ancestors made up until now? It’s hard for me to understand why you would do this… … … ”

“It’s something that we can’t disobey. Words can’t convey the importance oaths hold in the tribe…”

Donape stroked his earring. It was an earring with a red ruby.

“In the past, there was a man who made our people’s life shine brighter than ever before.” Donape’s voice was filled with more self-esteem and pride than usual, as he referred to that man.

"Melger Khan. He unified a great number of tribes under his banner to drive out the enemies of the Gilgarus Mountains, and founded our homeland, Harrowind."

The story of Melger Khan, praised as a hero and still talked about to this day, was famous not only for his wildness but also for being able to bring his people to glory.

“But there was a man who helped him.”

Somehow or another, the story of the man who helped Melger Khan was never handed down. The man appeared in other legends as well, but no specific stories about him existed. Historians used to consider the man to just be an amalgamation of supporting characters used to simplify the narrative.

But Donape didn’t seem to think so.

“This man was a great person; the foundation he created for Harrowind is a massive factor in why it still stands today. In return, he asked Melger Khan for a favor.”

From this point on, this story was only passed down to and retold by barbarians.

“The man handed a sword to Melger Khan, saying it would save the world from disaster one day. He left Harrowind, asking him to take care of the sword until someone who could handle it correctly appeared.”

“So the request was… ”

After hearing the story, Desir was able to gain a shallow understanding of the oath that Donape had mentioned.

“Yes, there is a sword left by that man of legend in Harrowind, our hometown. We call the area where the sword is located in ‘The Chamber of Extreme Ice’.”

Donape continued to talk.

“We waited in Harrowind for a long time, for the true owner of the sword to appear, to fulfill the oath made between that man and Melger Khan. Of course, we also tried to wield that sword ourselves… But in the end, no one ever managed to pull it out.”

“Well, there must be some kind of requirement, right? Is there a powerful spell placed on it? Or is it guarded by an outstanding guardian?”

“If there was just a guardian, the sword would have been pulled long ago. ‘The Chamber of Extreme Ice’ emmenates a tremendous chill, and does not allow anyone to even approach it casually. Many great barbarians have coveted the sword’s ability, some even making countless attempts to wield it, but all who have taken the challenge have failed.”

The barbarian recounted the story of a man who had entrusted the sword to Melger Khan, and the tribe that lived their lives in Harrowind to keep the oath.

However, they had no choice but to abandon their oath in the face of a disaster that threatened the entire human race. The Shadow Labyrinth had appeared.

“Now that I think about it, I might have to find them myself. I shouldn’t just wait for the owner of the sword to appear.”

Donape’s gaze, sighing at the end of the story, focused on a particular place. Permanently cold eyes.

Fluttering platinum-colored hair.

Even after a fierce and protracted battle, this woman still remained lofty and beautiful to the end.

This is where his gaze lay.

“If I had met you a little earlier, maybe we would have found ourselves in a different future … … ”

* * *

Adjest, Romantica, and Pram, who were sure that the barbarians would accept the alliance based on the flow of the conversation, were left obviously embarrassed. But Desir, who knew Donape would give such an answer, seemed calm in comparison.

“We can’t leave here for any reason. So… ”

“Would you accept the alliance if I fulfilled Melger Khan’s oath?”

Those who had been quietly watching the conversation until now began to chatter. Desir didn’t miss the moment when Donape’s expression changed. And through that reaction, he was convinced that he had got it right.

‘The history of the barbarians remains the same as it was in my previous life.’

Desir was aware of the circumstances in which the barbarians rejected the Empire’s offer of cooperation. Desir had not forgotten what Donape had shared about his tribe, during that very short moment in his previous life.

“I’ll fulfill that oath.” “Hahahahaha.”

As soon as he said it, laughter burst out. It came from one of the chiefs of a barbarian tribe. He then angrily shouted as the smile fell from his face.

“I don’t know how you know about it, but this is the legacy that the great Khan left us. How dare a mainlander like you make a reckless remark about it?”

Donape silently raised his hand to restrain him.

As soon as it became quiet, Donape spoke solemnly to Desir. There were deep traces of doubt evident in his voice.

“Before you mention the proposal, answer how you know about the oath.”

“We have met a direct descendant of Melger Khan in a Shadow World. I heard about the oath from him.”

“I see.”

Desir had shared this story with his party. No one doubted it then, and Donape couldn’t find any reason to distrust them.

In the Shadow Worlds, historical facts that were hidden or covered up by others and concealed from the accepted historical record, were revealed from time to time.

By using Shadow Worlds as a cover-up for his knowledge from his past life, most people would be unable to raise any further doubts.

Donape nodded, as if convinced, and soon smiled. “Interesting.”

As he seemed likely to accept Desir’s offer, embarrassment covered the faces of each tribal chief who was watching.

“They’re from the mainland!”

“For many years none of us has managed to make it. It’ll be okay for these guys to try.” Donape didn’t appear to give the slightest damn for their cries.

“However… ”

“Are you afraid they’ll do what we haven't done?” “… … … … ”

The tribal chiefs could not speak any more due to their pride.

“I’ve been restrained by the oath and itching to fight for a long time. If we’re freed of the oath, there’s nothing to stop us from cooperating with the Empire. But not everyone can challenge the oath. You must be qualified.”

Desir had never heard of any qualifications. Concealing his surprise at this obvious turn of events, he steeled his resolve. He couldn’t afford to back down anyway.

Donape continued to talk.

“And I will test their qualifications myself.”

Desir quickly understood what Donape meant. To test one’s qualifications as a barbarian meant to win a duel. “Who will challenge me?”

Desir looked back. He had already decided who would come forward. “Adjest, please.”

Adjest nodded unhesitatingly at Desir’s call. She walked one step forward and boldly confronted Donape.

“I’ll challenge you.” “Good. Follow me.”

As Donape headed outside, leaving behind the tribal chiefs whose eyes betrayed their insecurity, the now chipper party followed.

* * *

It was in the middle of a huge snowfield that the now lively party followed the barbarians to. While the ground could not be called slippery as a result of the thick snow coating it, it was definitely going to be difficult to perform normal movements due to the restriction snow placed on footwork.

The place that they found themselves in was used as a training ground for the barbarians, and quite a few barbarian fighters happened to be present, training with informal spars.

When Donape appeared, they ceased training and bowed their heads towards him in a show of respect. Desir could feel an unusual fervor leaking out from each of them.

Desir realized that, amongst the trainees, there were many barbarians who would later be active in the Shadow Labyrinth.

Yuria chose a swathe of land and cleared it of trainees, designating that area for the duel.

The people already present soon gathered around the dueling area one by one. Before too long, the area was filled up. They had gathered to watch the martial arts of Donape, the Ruler of the North and their king.

Of course, Desir, Romantica, and Pram were also in the crowd watching Donape and Adjest. The two combatants did not say a single word to the countless people in the audience. Instead, they only had eyes for each other.

*Shing*

Adjest drew her sword and Donape hefted the huge axe onto his shoulder.

The silence lasted for several minutes.

It was the Donape who broke the tense silence first. When he kicked against the ground, the snow around him exploded.

In a mere moment, Donape, who had narrowed the distance with the Adjest, swung his axe horizontally.

Adjest read the trajectory and turned to the side to dodge the attack.

The axe seemed to tear through the air in a show of unrestrained violence. Seeing it wouldn’t connect, Donape rotated his body in an agile fashion that completely betrayed the expectation one would have of a giant physique like his. A giant fist flew right at Adjest’s face.

She raised her sword reflexively. *Kagaang*

In the midst of a single exchange of attack and defense, a flood of thoughts passed through Adjest’s head. She felt a splitting pain in her wrists holding the sword and almost dropped it. Donape, on the other hand, seemed to be okay after the collision of sword and fist, and swung his giant axe at Adjest again.

After defending against the ensuing attack, Adjest took advantage of the force of it and bounced back to increase the distance between her and Donape.