Awakening the Great Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Calling For Rain

Below the mountain, the thick scent of moss drifted on the wind. The Alliance Council had continued for three days, and the Mountain Rabbits had gathered at the highlands near Silant.

From the direction of the elves' settlent, occasional sounds drifted over. Weapons were drawn and inspected in various places, and warhorses that had been scattered throughout the forest gathered at their masters' call. Still quiet, yet the movents had grown busier. No one raised their voice, but the atmosphere had changed.

Indeed, since the last speech, the very weight of the air had shifted. Yet the one at the center of it all—Calix—was alone beneath the shade of a tree, steadying his breath.

Where do I stand now.

After eting Minebris, Calix was coming to feel that he had changed yet again. His core had grown, and his Divinity had increased. This was not simply a matter of expanded mana.

Flow, density, sensitivity. All of it felt unified into a single coherent system.

Yet more than the rise in ability, he placed greater importance on the movent of his heart. He had asserted his will against Viale, persuaded them, and through that had drawn out the seeds of change.

The way he handled his sword was no different.

‘Keeping it caged does not make it useful. Controlling it arbitrarily is not the answer either. Only by setting a clear direction and compressing it does a great current finally arise.’

Falling Fire was like a torrent of water. Steadying the heart, leading with conviction, driving everything toward a single point. And when that trajectory grows larger and more fierce, it becos, at so mont, a blaze that changes the world. Only when one holds a righteous will can one surpass limits and gather mana.

"That... Is the Conflagration."

Naturally, the next stage fell from his lips.

He was already pressing the tips of his toes against that threshold.

"Calix."

At that mont, a low voice approached along with footsteps.

It was Volga.

"The Council results are in."

Only then did Calix open his eyes. Behind the large man stood Vice-captain Marik and the dwarf Basim.

"So it's finally over."

"Yeah. The successors' argunts landed to so degree. The chieftains acknowledged the need to prepare for war. However, a full-scale response seems to be out of reach."

It was not an unexpected result.

There were several practical issues at play.

"Before committing their full strength, they said they need to confirm whether the enemy actually moves. Even if the forces of evil have risen, they're saying De Generitum's subordinate Legion Commanders, or whatever they're called, will co first."

"So what's the mobilization size?"

"Around 700."

A brief silence followed. He knew it was not a small number—but it was not enough either. At that, the dwarf Basim shrugged and opened his mouth.

"Hmm, that's a fair number to have pulled?"

"How is that possibly a fair number?"

"You dull creature, Viale is not a human nation. You cannot compare by headcount in the first place. Scratch everything together and they'd barely scrape past 4,000. Seven hundred out of that isn't bad."

It was Volga who received the reprimand, but the reflection belonged to Calix. As Basim said, Viale had shown considerable goodwill. He had simply judged the number of troops insufficient on his own.

Perhaps it's because I've been looking too broadly.

Co to think of it, it had been a rather bewildering experience for him as well.

After speaking with Minebris, his adversaries had changed in an instant. The Draug and the Niborian Imperial Army had vanished, replaced in their absence by De Generitum and the forces of evil. He had been exposed to a sudden upheaval before he could even prepare for it.

But the true reason lay elsewhere.

"There's that... But it's because of Lady Ella."

Volga's exhaled sigh reached the feet of the priestess. She stood still, gazing quietly at the distant sky.

No words ca, but her expression spoke for her complex state of mind.

The Elvra Holy Empire. The place where Ella had been born, grown up, and first embraced her sacred power—was crumbling.

Calix, too, could not help but feel it weigh on him.

"I'll go over."

The mont Vice-captain Marik spoke—

Right then, from the direction of the elves' settlent, a majestic sound rang out across the mountain.

Ba-aaa-ang!

It was the horn signaling the end of the Alliance Council.

* * *

The Mountain Rabbits moved their lodgings from the outskirts of Silant to the inner center. It was Viale who first extended the offer—and this was not a simple gesture of convenience, but a change in attitude.

Are they beginning to see us differently?

Calix leaned his back against a low stone wall and looked around the village. Elves who had not even spared a sidelong glance before were now turning their heads and staring openly. In place of fear, curiosity; in place of rejection, cautious approach. At tis, young elves ca over and played beside the warhorses.

A peaceful scene.

About two weeks were needed before departure. Each tribe had to muster their forces and prepare supplies. Thanks to that, the Mountain Rabbits had room to breathe as well.

"Bring it all at once! Leave behind anything you missed. If you can't even look after your own life, you might as well die. That's right, that's exactly right."

While the weary tended to their stamina, the dwarf Basim was wholly absorbed in maintaining weapons and equipnt. Given proper tools, he seed to be in quite high spirits.

In the midst of all this, a summons arrived from the hidden court. The leader of Silant, Luen Silius, had called for Royce and Calix.

"You summoned us."

"Everyone, sit comfortably."

At one side of the garden, the two Mountain Rabbits looked around a space devoid of even a single presence. As they took their seats across from him, the scent of tea leaves drifted through the air.

"That day's speech—I heard it with great admiration."

"Thank you."

"Viale is finally beginning to change. Even those of us who have lived as long as I have could not deny the need for transformation. All of it is thanks to you."

He spoke the praise in a composed voice, then suddenly shifted course to address reality.

"But clearly, we could not give you what you wanted in full."

"......"

"Are you not disappointed?"

Royce gestured with his eyes, and Calix answered honestly. It would be a lie to say he was not disappointed—but that was his own greed.

"I believe what matters more than numbers is aning and direction. Yesterday's fifty has beco today's seven hundred. Before long we will join with Kalahim's forces, and there will be a next step after that."

At those words, Luen Silius closed his eyes and smiled quietly.

Indeed, he had proven himself worthy.

"But there's no harm in having more, is there?"

"What do you an...?"

"Wait and see. The mountain may yet tremble."

With that enigmatic remark, the leader of Silant turned his gaze toward Royce. What followed was a conversation between leaders.

"But before that, there is sothing that must be resolved. An army that moves without purpose does not exist—and you are no different."

"That is so."

"On behalf of the Viale Alliance, I make a formal request to the captain of the Mountain Rabbits. Please lead the vanguard of the allied forces."

It was largely as expected—but he did not accept at once.

There were still a few things that needed to be weighed.

"Please tell us the final destination and the objective of the commission."

"Kalahim's cavalry is set to march north, so you will need to join with them and advance together. The destination is the central region of Astria—sowhere you know better than anyone."

"What is the objective?"

"...... If a Legion Commander reveals himself, that would be our grounds to step forward fully. Until then, you must be the ones to take the first step. We need ti to properly raise an army. If possible, we ask that the Mountain Rabbits buy us that ti."

Royce furrowed his brow and asked again.

"Understood. But when you say Legion Commander......"

"I speak of the evil Legion Commanders under De Generitum. Marcaron 'who twists the natural order', Verhas 'the battering wall', Urelta 'the doubting one', Gromchi 'the imnse', and others. A total of nine subordinates in all. If the Corrupted Lord sets his sights upon the continent, he will surely send them ahead."

Even hearing the nas alone conveyed their danger.

"...... Standing at the vanguard is an honor—but as captain, I cannot help but be concerned for my mbers' safety."

"Of course. But if there are those who can bear that danger, it is precisely you. We are not thrusting you forward blindly. We have already resolved to stake the fate of the Alliance. And Astria is your holand. There will be many elents you can make use of—experience on the ground, intelligence networks from your rcenary days, and more. Is that not so?"

He drew a short breath. It was a proposal with clear trade-offs. The danger was evident, but so were the accompanying advantages. If they accepted, the Mountain Rabbits would hold diplomatic symbolic weight.

To represent the allied forces.

That fact alone carried limitless advantages to be gained. As if to sweep away any remaining hesitation, Luen Silius added,

"Naturally, a suitable price must be paid. Not rely jewels and gold coins, but weapons, warhorses, and Sacred Leaves as well."

"Sacred Leaves, you say?"

"A sacred object that stabilizes the body and helps the natural force flow smoothly. In the terms humans use...... It would be a matter of strengthening the 'Neural Network Mana Circuit'. I will assign the finest craftsn our tribe has to offer. There will be no need to set aside separate ti for recovery, either."

To think even the output of the Neural Accelerator could be increased.

At this point, not accepting would be the stranger choice.

"...... There are forty-seven of us."

"That is entirely manageable."

"A fine proposal."

Yet Royce did not overlook the final point of uncertainty.

"However, there is one question that remains. Viale aside—will Kalahim follow our lead without complaint? They are warriors raised in the desert. Fierce and strong-willed. The expeditionary force may fracture from within."

At those words, Luen Silius smiled quietly.

"It seems you do not yet know your own renown."

He set down his teacup and continued slowly.

"Only a few dozen raindrops may fall upon one's face—but the rain falls across the entire mountain range. The na Mountain Rabbits is very much like that."

* * *

Shortly after.

The eting drew to a close as Royce accepted the proposal, and just as they were about to return to their lodgings—

"Calix."

"......?"

"Could you spare a mont?"

Calix turned to look at the leader upon hearing Luen call his na. Royce gave a slow nod, then disappeared beyond the garden.

"Yes. What is it?"

"Elves draw a clear line between debts of enmity and debts of grace. Whether you earn hatred or receive help, a price must be paid."

A private audience.

As Calix regarded him with an uncomprehending expression, the elder suddenly produced a sword. The scabbard was wrapped in deep grayish-brown tree bark, and carved into the grip were two swirling wind patterns. Each spun from a different direction, yet both spiraled inward and t at the center.

"This is......"

"Sothing I forged myself in my younger years. I pressed the mountain's vital energy and ancient flow into the steel's core. Its na is Srna. It carries the aning of 'one who cleaves the current'"

Calix reached out instinctively.

The mont he gripped the handle, it settled into him—quiet and deep—like an ancient stream winding through a mountain range. He then slowly drew it from the scabbard, revealing a blade refined with ticulous craft.

The edge extended straight without so much as a hair's breadth of warp, and no sheen rested upon its surface. Yet depending on the angle at which the light struck it, a subtle pattern revealed itself.

Through its center, an impossibly thin line passed.

Shaaa.

Mana poured in naturally. Ripples stirred across the surface, but there was not the slightest sign of sparks flying. Even when a considerable amount was poured in, it showed no sign of strain. No—rather, it settled and refined the mana along that line, calming it.

I want it.

For the first ti in his life, a sudden—desire for a weapon rose within him.

With only this, he would be able to use Falling Fire to his heart's content. Perhaps he could even endure beyond that. But for now, it was not yet his to claim.

"A remarkable...... Sword."

"I'm glad you think well of it."

Luen Silius did not draw it out.

"It is yours now."

Bewildernt rose on Calix's face. A tangled feeling. He clearly wanted it—but he was not accustod to receiving things without offering sothing in return.

"There is no need to refuse. Consider it compensation for having moved Viale. If even that is insufficient, take it as

entrusting you with my child."

"Your child...... You an Iris?"

"Indeed. That child wishes to go out into the world. Of course, I do not ask that you protect her. Only small consideration—enough to help her find her footing—is all I need."

A fitting reason—answered in action. The masterwork sword Srna was laid across his knee. From now on, it would accompany its new owner. Luen Silius raised his teacup with a satisfied expression.

Da-gak, da-gak.

Just then, a horse approached slowly from one side of the garden.

It was Calix's warhorse.

Having grown bored wandering alone, the animal had drawn near, pressing its nose forward. It breathed against his shoulder and rubbed its head against him. An expression of affection. As it then lingered near the table, Luen gave a faint smile and gently stroked the horse's mane.

"A strong creature."

"Is that so."

"Indeed. We live alongside the life of the forest. One need not breathe in tandem to know. That gaze in particular—different from the others. Beings that hold the breath of nature within them are exceedingly rare. It carries spiritual power."

At that instant, the elven leader extended a second gift.

"Yet that power has not fully awakened."

He placed his palm upon the warhorse's head and murmured quietly.

"Allow

to stir it awake for a mont. Will you permit it?"

"...... Please, I ask it of you."

In an instant, a gentle light spread from his fingertips. The horse's mane stirred, and a subtle vibration rippled through it. Calix watched the scene directly.

Parr-rr-rr.

The body of the four-legged creature—unlike a human's—trembled and writhed. Impurities and dead blood were pushed out from its body. Tension and fatigue dissolved, and muscle and vessel received new vitality. Yet above all else, its neural network was glowing with light. What had been severed or faintly connected was restored with clarity.

At the end of it, deep in that place—a free soul that had been sleeping awakened within a soft radiance.

Calix felt a fierce sense of kinship unlike any he had known before. The connection forged through Neural Accelerator and mana had crossed over into the realm of the spiritual.

His thoughts were now the warhorse's movents.

How should he express his gratitude?

As he wore a strange expression, the other man took the lead.

"It is not rely strength it possesses. Within that creature's heart, I saw its trust in you. Each has chosen the other, and it considers you as sothing it moves forward with together."

"Yes. In truth, it has already saved my life more than once."

"Has it, indeed."

Luen narrowed his eyes with interest.

"What is the creature's na?"

"......"

Suddenly, his tongue went still. Despite the considerable ti spent together, the fact that he had not given the horse so much as a na brought color to his face.

At that, the elven leader gently reproached him with a warm smile.

"If it is a being that is special to you, should you not na it now, even at this late hour? If you are willing, I would offer a suggestion."

"I am listening."

"Lunos. It carries the aning of 'one who runs beneath the moonlight'"

Calix rolled it softly in his mouth.

Lunos.

The way it sat on the tongue was pleasant enough, but the aning held within it captured his heart. As if to lead those who had lost their way in darkness—with it by his side, it felt as though any place could be reached.

"I like it. Lunos—it suits perfectly."

"I am glad. May that creature bring you fortune."

With that exchange, the ti of private audience ca to an end. Calix passed through the garden and headed toward the center of Silant.

In any case, where the Mountain Rabbits would go—and where he himself would advance—had now been decided. The weight on his shoulders had grown, yet with each step he took, his heart seed to grow lighter.

Royce felt the sa.

"Once the full support cos in, things will get busy. Basim will be pleased."

The two nearly simultaneously broke into small smiles.

It was then.

Pwaaa-ang—

Pwaaa-ang—

The settlent of the Silant tribe stirred with commotion at the sound shaking the alpine forest. Older elves called the young children in—but not out of fear or terror.

Short, powerful horn blasts.

The forces of the Viale Alliance were ascending to the highlands.

At the head were soldiers bearing the dwarven distinctive iron armor and enormous crossbows slung over their shoulders. Behind them, sturdy rockboar cavalry shook the ground as they advanced.

From the middle onward, elves with long silver hair streaming in the breeze marched in formation. Armor etched with blue patterns glead in the sunlight, and warhorses that had been summoned from across the mountain range exuded vitality. Within the wild freedom characteristic of such creatures, there was order.

And at the last—Iris was there.

"What are...... Those?"

Royce narrowed his eyes. Calix too stared wide-eyed in disbelief at the forces drawing near.

The numbers were far too many.

The scale initially agreed upon had been 700. But counting only those who appeared behind her, it far exceeded 1,000.

They marched in a disorderly fashion, without so much as what one might call military discipline or organized movent. Without exception they were young, full of energy, and the kind who refused to be bound by rules. Young wild beasts who had never once glimpsed the world beyond were wearing the elated expressions of creatures that had only just been freed.

"It'll be at least 2,000. I have no idea how this happened."

Amid the bewildered voices, Calix t the elven woman's gaze. Iris drew near with a smile on her lips.

"Iris, this is—"

"I went around to each tribe and persuaded them. No—in truth, there was no need to persuade. I hesitated a little at first, wondering whether this was truly all right, but everyone believed my words. Their hearts were already made up. Rather than waiting for change, they declared they would step out into the world themselves."

"It looks to be well over twice the promised scale."

"Yes. To be precise, it will be just over 2,000."

For the Mountain Rabbits, a welco thing. Yet it might not have been entirely a cause for celebration.

"Did the Alliance side also grant permission?"

She shrugged, and her silver hair swayed.

"Permission is perhaps too strong a word—they gave up. They tried to stop them, but no one listened. The chieftains were angry and hesitant at first, but in the end they accepted."

Her sky-blue eyes looked at him and glead with significance.

"All of this is because of you. Because of the courage and resolve the Mountain Rabbits showed—and the possibility you voiced in your speech, Calix."

At that, Calix looked over the forces walking into the settlent. Sure enough, nurous gazes were felt. Eyes full of curiosity, eyes full of expectation, eyes that held unease but at the sa ti trust.

Luen Silius had been right.

Truly, rain was falling across the entire mountain range.