Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Anuma's Sword (2)

“I’ll ask again. Do you intend to become Lu Anuma’s Sword?”

For about 2 seconds after Winds disappeared, silence flowed. Hmm. Al Fahri cleared his throat with a cough.

His gaze turned back to Binsad.

“What’s with this guy saying such things?”

“He is one who walks the path of the sword and received the shaman’s prophecy. He also helped the shaman and me in the past.”

One who walks the path of the sword did not simply mean a swordsman.

To the indigenous people of the southwest, it referred to a Sword Master or someone close to that level, including disciples.

“One who walks the path of the sword?”

Al Fahri’s eyes changed. He narrowed them and looked at me. It seemed he realized I was no ordinary person.

“But you don’t look that strong?”

Ah, perhaps I misjudged. He did somewhat understand. This guy has also become a Sword Master before.

But the probability was low. He came close to being a Sword Master, but he truly broke through the wall perhaps only 5% of the way?

Still, it didn’t feel good. Despite having the Worst Condition, I had built up my realm more than others.

Even now, the difference between Binsad and me shouldn’t be too great. Unlike Denif, I couldn’t just casually wield a sword, which was regrettable.

I even had the thought of showing off my prowess when in top condition later.

Instead of my silence, Binsad continued speaking.

“He is in the process of becoming independent from his master’s shadow. He came to meet me, an old connection, and the shaman.”

“Hmm. Putting that aside, it doesn’t concern me as an outsider, but is it acceptable for your tribe to fulfill the prophecy given by the shaman in this manner?”

“In the past, the shaman also moved to meet this man. We didn’t understand the reason, but we were able to receive help.”

Interest or curiosity appeared in Al Fahri’s eyes. It was a positive signal either way.

“The prophecy made to this man also came true, apparently. Perhaps the shaman foresaw this situation.”

Binsad continued with a supplementary explanation. We didn’t promise it, but the situation was fine.

Binsad’s words would be more credible than mine, after all.

“Are you saying the shaman designated me as Anuma’s Sword?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t specify who Anuma’s Sword was.”

“Why me? Anuma’s Sword. I’m fine with it, but there’s no need for it to be me specifically. I don’t have any ties to your tribe either.”

“This man pointed you out. I also don’t know the reason.”

“You? Pointed me out? For what reason?”

“Because you’re a suitable candidate.”

“…Did the shaman say that about me in the past?”

Al Fahri asked with expectant eyes. I maintained my silence, meaning he could think as he wished.

Our eyes clashed silently.

He did not inquire further. It was an unspoken rule not to ask twice about a prophecy made to an individual.

This was because of the superstition that if one spoke of a separately received prophecy to others, the prophecy would lose its effect.

On Earth, it would be similar to the superstition that speaking of a dream’s contents diminishes its effect.

“Hmm…”

“He’s a good person. He has known of and opposed the existence of devil worshippers since the past.”

Binsad said. I did not show it, but I was quite surprised. How did those guys know they were devil worshippers back then?

I wondered, then recalled how the infamous name of “devil worshipper” that I had spread across the continent had proliferated.

Still, it was surprising. Back then, there was no clear evidence to definitively identify them as devil worshippers.

Perhaps he heard it from Ines.

“Devil worshippers? You mean those noisy fellows nowadays?”

“Yes.”

“Three prophecies accurately fulfilled by the shaman. No, including this man’s prophecy, it would be four prophecies.”

Suddenly, Al Fahri turned his gaze to me.

“What’s your name? I can’t just keep calling you ‘this man’.”

“Carlyn.”

It didn’t matter to say my name. After all, it wouldn’t be easy for Al Fahri to go somewhere and mention my name either.

The truth behind Anuma’s Sword was being revealed.

“By the way, how old are you? You look younger than me, but you use speech patterns like an old fogey.”

“Twenty-two.”

It was less than my actual age, but I inflated it. If I seemed too young, I would be more likely to be ignored.

But I couldn’t increase it too much either. This was because I had replicated a similar disguise to when I met Binsad last time.

The facade wouldn’t match.

And in fact, changing one’s apparent age through disguise takes too much effort. It’s troublesome, so I just did it reasonably.

“The speech patterns are based on my master’s. Is it uncomfortable? If so, I can speak more casually.”

Al Fahri let out a snort of laughter. There was no need for the honorifics, but it felt awkward to be too casual when first meeting.

If it was uncomfortable, then I had no choice but to use casual speech.

Binsad seemed more flustered than Al Fahri. It’s fine. Originally, Al Fahri prefers what’s comfortable.

And eventually, I’ll be in the superior position anyway. Only I can create the Sky-Traversing Steed.

“Well, do as you like.”

“Got it.”

“So what’s the plan? Shall I listen for now? Am I just going to ride the flying horse and become Anuma’s Sword?”

“Simply put, yes, but the process is important.”

I repeated the plan I had explained to Binsad. Al Fahri’s expression gradually became more serious.

He must have sensed the possibility in my plan, and by extension, the possibility of him unifying the southwest.

“It’s not bad, really not bad…”

Al Fahri trailed off.

“But before making a conclusion, I should also meet the shaman of our tribe.”

“Detailed matters cannot be conveyed.”

“You think I’m a fool? Of course. I just want to see if what lies ahead for me is auspicious or ominous.”

Al Fahri did not seem to be someone who put much stock in the shaman’s words from what I remembered of the past…

Or was he a bit different back then?

I had come here using Ines’ prophecy as bait, so I had no grounds to refuse. I nodded.

Before long, the shaman entered. Al Fahri asked with a solemn expression.

“Is their visit an auspicious sign or an ominous one?”

Usually, even if someone was a tribal chief, they would be respectful toward the shaman, but Al Fahri was not.

It was similar to how I remembered him.

From the start, his expression did not seem to believe much in the shaman. I wondered why he even called for them.

“Uh… O Lu Anuma…”

The shaman with closed eyes muttered what sounded like an incantation. For about 20 seconds, I watched this meaningless show.

And finally, the shaman opened his mouth.

“It is an ominous sign! The chief will meet death!”

“Is that so?”

“I saw a blood-soaked eagle circling above the chief’s head.”

I sighed inwardly. I wondered if this was because I was an outsider.

However, Al Fahri nodded solemnly.

“But if it’s Anuma’s Sword, couldn’t such an ominous sign be overcome?”

“Pardon?”

“Anuma’s Sword that the great shaman of the past spoke of. Wouldn’t Anuma’s Sword be able to overcome even an ominous sign like that?”

His words were too clear. Binsad looked dumbfounded. I felt the same.

The shaman did not react much. He let out a small sigh, looking used to this situation.

“You can leave now.”

Al Fahri sent the shaman away. As I thought, he was the person I remembered. He probably just wanted to listen, not actually believing it.

If the shaman said it was auspicious, he would accept it as auspicious. If ominous, he would justify it with some reason.

If this was the case, why did he even call the shaman? His initial expression was like that too.

Was it because time hadn’t passed yet? Al Fahri turned to look at me. Despite hearing it was an ominous sign, he did not look averse to it.

“Anyway, good. Let’s do it. Isn’t it a great thing for me to become Anuma’s Sword, and Anuma’s Sword to become me?”

He chuckled.

“With this as an excuse, I could even unite the divided tribes. You must have thought of this too, Binsad?”

Binsad nodded.

“Now, let’s discuss the details. If things go as planned, you will soon lead the scattered tribes.”

“That’s right. You should obviously make separate arrangements for me.”

I thought this was my chance to interject.

“Before discussing that, let’s consider the indigenous people being able to regain some land in the west first.”

“Land in the west?”

Fahri and Binsad simultaneously asked with a ‘what are you talking about’ expression.

It was something I had thought of on the way here. The chaotic west. If I united the tribes faster than in the game, we could take land in the west.

It would also fulfill the prophecies of the past. It would give Al Fahri even more power.

We may not be able to recover the entire west like in ancient times, but with Rodri’s cooperation, a certain portion would be possible.

“I have some connections in the west too. Very influential people.”

Assuming the indigenous people cooperate with Casmak, we might be able to take more of the west than I expected.

The scope would be wider than taking it alone, and as an ally, it would also benefit Casmak.

In any case, they would become my friendly forces. Their growing power would also be good for me.

I could also somewhat curb the indigenous people’s later desire to conquer the West from within.

“Is that possible?”

“Why not? It’s a land that has no strength left after three wars.”

Binsad and Al Fahri’s eyes, listening to the story, were tinged with excitement. In truth, I didn’t quite understand.

I thought, after hundreds of years, wouldn’t it be difficult to still call it their homeland?

Regardless, their expressions seemed to be dreaming of something, overlapping with the prophecies of the great shaman of the past.

Binsad also appeared to think Ines’ prophecy would truly become a reality.

As expected.

Selling hope seems to be the best business.

We, under the names of Al Fahri and Patrac, requested a Grand Tribes council.

If two or more of the ten major tribes requested it, it had to be convened with mandatory attendance.

The agenda was to determine the status regarding Ines’ prophecy.

An attack on the Arwali tribe, who had branded her a false prophet. The council would not be held immediately.

This was because all ten tribes had to gather. At this time, not only the tribal chiefs came, but also a considerable number of warriors under their command joined.

Attacks between tribes were prohibited at the Grand Tribes council, but poisonings had often occurred in the past. The atmosphere was said to be tense.

‘The Grand Tribes council wasn’t welcomed from the start.’

I heard this council was the first in 30 years. In fact, there weren’t many reasons for the tribes to meet.

This was a land with little food, and trading special products with the continent was all they did.

The council 30 years ago was also for the purpose of price-fixing those special products.

The tribes, blinded by money, secretly lowered prices bit by bit, causing the agreement to fizzle out.

The overwhelmingly powerful Arwali tribe was at the center of this, so there was no major debate.

They acted through subordinate tribes, so direct objections couldn’t be made either.

In the meantime, no one thought about what the Arwali tribe would do to Ines.

Originally, shamans held significant standing among the indigenous peoples of the southwest.

‘Their policies of keeping the populace ignorant also played a part.’

In this not-so-prosperous place, they had used religion and shamans to rule the tribespeople.

If they kill Ines now, the Arwali tribe will crumble from within. I will reenact the prophecy.

I visited the Patrac tribe along with Binsad to confirm the tribal chief’s character.

Fortunately, Binsad’s eye for people was not bad.

I thought he might view them favorably since he was family, but he wasn’t someone with a loose mouth. The chief was quite solemn.

-As you said, brother, the shaman may have foreseen everything since meeting that remarkable person.

Perhaps because they were brothers, Binsad’s way of thinking was also similar. Of course, the prophecies Ines had accurately made so far also played a role.

After that, I went to meet Al Fahri again, since I had to move together for his appearance.

Ten days later,

The Grand Tribes council involving the ten major tribes of the southwest plains was held at the very center.

Author's Thoughts

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