Chapter 66: Bulgarutu (1)
“‘A High Elf had to realize their na in order to beco an adult.’”
“‘Na?’”
Leon replied with an expression of curiosity.
“‘Your na is Rahan, isn’t it?’”
“‘Strictly speaking, that was the na my father gave . High Elves have a na engraved in their soul. Only when we beco aware of that na can we be reborn as true High Elves.’”
“‘A na engraved in the soul….’”
It was an unfamiliar concept to . Weren’t nas supposed to be given by soone?
It was difficult to understand with common sense.
“‘My father was originally called “Leona”. After he realized his na, he started calling himself Riolfolt.’”
“‘Hoo….’”
“‘And that’s not all. Once you are reborn as a true High Elf, your power grows to an unbelievable extent. It varies depending on one’s vessel, of course, but there is a record of the strongest High Elf having crossed blades with a Dragon.’”
Leon widened his eyes.
A being called a demigod—crossing blades with a Dragon. I couldn’t help but be amazed.
“‘A journey to realize your true na… Then is Lenel coming with you?’”
“‘No, Lenel is different from . She still has many things to learn from Father.’”
Indeed, Lenel had to learn both swordsmanship and magic. It would be difficult for her to train properly during a journey.
And Lenel was still young. Her potential was endless. With her growth standing out so brightly right now, wasting ti was unacceptable.
Thus, Rahan joined the Black Dragon.
No one stopped him. It was because Garan had granted permission.
In a rcenary corps, the captain’s words were absolute law.
The Black Dragon welcod the new recruit.
“‘So this is Garan’s new rcenary corps.’”
Garan’s acquaintance—the high priest who had treated Riolfolt—spoke.
“‘It is an honor to et you. I am Frey, unworthy as I am, who calls himself a servant of God.’”
Frey had a face befitting a priest. His lips curled gently and his eyes carried a kind, soft light.
If warmth itself took human form, wouldn’t it look like this?
‘He’s entirely different from what Father and Reinhardt told .’
Zeke had described the priests of the Holy Kingdom as hypocrites. Reinhardt had partially agreed.
So I naturally held at least a small amount of wariness…
“Haha, Garan. Thank goodness you returned safely. Now the Black Dragon has all but fully revived.”
That wariness disappeared completely.
Leon had t countless kinds of people in his previous life. So he could say with confidence:
Frey was a good man.
‘It doesn’t feel like an act. His smile is warm. His expression alone radiates kindness.’
Moreover, he was the priest who had once helped Garan, wasn’t he?
My guard couldn’t help but loosen.
At that mont—
“‘Hm? Brother, are you a Warrior?’”
Frey addressed Leon. His expression looked troubled. His furrowed brow revealed discomfort.
‘Now that I think about it, it wasn’t only the Empire that disliked Warriors.’
I had heard that people of the Holy Kingdom also called the Warriors of the North barbarians.
‘Considering that, he seems to get along well with Garan… Does he have other business?’
I asked,
“‘Is sothing wrong?’”
“‘Ah, my apologies if I gave you the wrong impression. It’s just… I felt the Lord’s blessing from you, Brother.’”
“‘Blessing?’”
“‘Would it be easier to understand if I called it a Blessing?’”
“‘……!!’”
Leon widened his eyes. Even Reinhardt—with his sharp senses—had barely noticed the Blessing. And this priest recognized it with a re glance.
‘Now that I think about it, even Gehenna noticed my Blessing instantly.’
Did those who served gods possess so kind of third eye?
Feeling curious, I replied,
“‘You’re right. I also possess God’s Blessing.’”
“‘I knew it! It seems the Lord cherishes you dearly, Brother. This will not do—I must show proper respect to one touched by the Lord’s grace.’”
Frey drew the holy sign. Even the simple gesture felt solemn.
Perhaps he had only been curious.
Frey’s expression softened imdiately. My fondness for him also rose.
The Holy Kingdom’s Saint was famous for having received God’s Blessing. I thought he might be displeased that a re Warrior of the North possessed the sa blessing as a Saint.
But a priest who didn’t discriminate based on birthplace—he was truly a model priest.
I glanced at Garan. His smirking face seed to say,
See? I didn’t form this connection for nothing.
I nodded—an acknowledgnt.
“‘By the way, many of the mbers have changed since I last saw them. Other than Kazan and Retina, everyone seems new.’”
“‘The others retired. They’ve gotten old, and it seems they each found soone precious to them.’”
“‘Ah, if that’s the case, then it cannot be helped. Even skilled rcenaries never know when they might lose their lives. A wise decision indeed. Did you give them a proper severance paynt?’”
“‘They retired without consulting , so I didn’t give them anything. They’ll manage on their own.’”
Frey made an awkward expression. He had felt it in Garan’s voice—he hadn’t parted with the others on good terms.
“‘I don’t particularly resent them. I was unable to move for a long ti. Their decision is understandable.’”
“‘It is fortunate that you do not cling to the past, Brother.’”
Frey and Garan spoke calmly. Even though the content was sharp, their tones were peaceful. Listening to them made my mind settle naturally.
‘This reminds of the monk I once t.’
I thought of that.
During my life as Chun Gwang, I had t a monk. He wasn’t a martial artist, but he was soone with qualities worth learning as a human being.
‘A fellow religious person with a similar aura… I suppose coincidences do happen.’
It felt like a past mory resurfacing.
After their short conversation—
Soon, Leon departed for the Ancient Temple.
Step, step.
Frey did not ride the carriage.
A priest’s pilgrimage, apparently, had to be carried out solely on one’s own two feet.
The Black Dragon respected Frey’s wish, because Garan accepted it.
We didn’t know much about the ideals of religious folk. But the captain’s word was absolute law.
Besides, they were all well-trained physically. Aside from the slower pace, there was no inconvenience.
“‘And then my father said….’”
“‘Haha, truly?’”
The journey wasn’t boring at all. Rahan and Frey chattered endlessly.
Perhaps because Frey was the benefactor who had saved his parents’ lives.
Rahan acted friendly toward Frey—so friendly it almost felt burdenso. But Frey didn’t seem uncomfortable at all; rather, he welcod it.
The pure innocence unique to a child often ward the hearts of those who saw it. Moreover, Frey was a priest. He wasn’t the type of harsh man who would show discomfort toward a kind child.
As I listened to the two of them talk, night had arrived before I knew it.
“‘Let’s start preparing camp.’”
Garan said.
“‘Kazan, if there are any boars nearby, go catch one.’”
“‘At this hour? Unless they’re nocturnal, there shouldn’t be any around.’”
“‘Just catch one if you see one. Otherwise co back. You’ll get tired of chewing only jerky anyway. Just check the area in case.’”
“‘Understood.’”
“‘Ryan, weren’t you the one who knew how to cook?’”
“‘No. That’s not , that’s Brother Rhuin.’”
“‘Then Rhuin, make so soup. We got potatoes and carrots from the Elves. There’s salt too—add a little.’”
“‘Salt? Is it really okay to use sothing so precious on re soup?’”
“‘You want to serve bland soup to the priest? Stop whining and do what you’re told.’”
Garan didn’t overlook even trivial matters. He did it all for Frey’s sake. It seed Frey truly had helped him. His hospitality was extre.
“‘Ah, and Leon, you…’”
Garan trailed off. I knew why.
When it ca to daily-life skills, I had the tendencies of absolute incompetence. When I tried to cook, I would end up cutting my hand on the knife, and when I went to forage for ingredients, I’d return with poisonous mushrooms.
“‘…Just do whatever you want while you wait.’”
At those words, I imdiately began doing push-ups. I still hadn’t finished my daily push-up quota. I had to complete it before the day ended.
Frey blinked as he watched . Then he smiled softly.
“‘Huhu, Brother, you seem to enjoy moving your body.’”
“‘Not really. I simply didn’t finish today’s training, so I’m using the spare ti to complete it.’”
“‘Effort must be accompanied by passion if it is to last. Judging by how your passion burns, Brother, you must have an important goal.’”
I glanced at Frey—his eyes shone with pure curiosity.
I soon opened my mouth.
“‘My goal is to beco Elphrel’s greatest Warrior.’”
“‘So that was why. Actually, while I was speaking with Rahan, I heard a bit about you.’”
“‘You were having such a conversation?’”
“‘We spoke secretly through magic. The others wouldn’t have heard.’”
Frey looked toward Rahan. Perhaps because he hadn’t grown fully yet, Rahan had already fallen asleep. I could hear his quiet snoring. The journey must have tired him.
“‘He seems to think highly of you. I heard—unintentionally—that you had absorbed the power of the World Tree, Yggdrasil.’”
“‘Is that so?’”
I replied in surprise.
To even ntion the World Tree Yggdrasil… Rahan must have really liked Frey.
‘Well, he did save his father’s life. It’s natural for him to let his guard down.’
Just then—
“‘Brother.’”
Frey spoke. His atmosphere was completely different from before. In his solemn posture, I could see the reverence of one who served God.
“‘Brother, in the East, there is a concept known as Nirvana.’”
He continued, “‘They say it is a state attained by breaking free of worldly suffering and realizing the Truth. So say one can even gain an immortal, ageless body.’”
I had heard of it as well.
‘I’m certain it was the realm the Buddha reached in my previous life… But why is he bringing this up now?’
As I sent him a puzzled look, Frey continued speaking.
“‘I do not know the deeper details, but you endured the power of the World Tree. And so I had this thought. If Nirvana truly exists… perhaps you, Brother, are precisely at that state.’”
“‘That sounds strange. From what I just heard, Nirvana seems like a realm only transcendent beings can reach. But I’m just an ordinary human. Far from immortality—my body still gets injured from weak attacks.’”
“‘Exactly. That is why I’m curious. How could soone with a normal human body endure the power of the World Tree?’”
Frey slowly stood up. He stared ahead, as if looking into impenetrable darkness.
“‘Would you walk with for a mont? This may take a while.’”
“‘…Let’s go.’”
I followed behind Frey. The atmosphere felt unusual. For now, following him seed wise.
Despite the darkness of the night, Frey walked without hesitation. He didn’t trip even once on stones or tree roots.
He avoided obstacles as if guided by spirits.
Once we were far enough from the others, Frey opened his mouth.
“‘I saw your Blessing, Brother. You possess the Blessing of Growth Suppression. A Blessing the ancient Giants once received.’”
“‘…You recognized that at a glance?’”
“‘I only saw it just now. When you were doing push-ups, your muscles were growing at an abnormal rate. But it felt as though sothing was suppressing that growth.’”
Should I be shocked that he saw my muscles grow? Or should I be shocked that he identified the Blessing suppressing that growth?
One way or another, Frey seed to possess remarkably refined perception. Otherwise, he couldn’t possibly have seen blessings and muscular growth invisible to the naked eye.
“‘To be honest, my first thought was that the Lord had cursed you. So of His blessings take forms quite similar to curses. Though the Lord’s intentions are always right, this ti I couldn’t understand.’”
“‘Then your thoughts have changed now?’”
“‘Of course not. A person’s thoughts don’t change in such a short ti. I only wish to ask a question.’”
“‘A question?’”
“‘Yes. Brother… are you perhaps the son of the Conqueror, Zeke Fritz?’”
A direct question. Frey’s face was tense. Naturally so.
The Conqueror Zeke Fritz—who was he? He was the one who treated both the Belgarion Empire and the Holy Kingdom like insects, and declared that he had reached the realm of gods.
And wasn’t he soone worthy of such a claim?
‘A man called the Absolute of this world. A man said to be the reincarnation of the Grand Warrior of ancient myth.’
If—if the person before him were truly the son of such a man…
Gulp.
Frey swallowed dryly. If he were the child of the Conqueror, it wouldn’t be strange for him to hide his identity.
He was the son of that Conqueror, after all.
So Frey had asked cautiously.
“‘Yes, I am. But why do you ask?’”
I answered lightly—as if I had never intended to hide it at all.
Instead, I looked at Frey as though he were the strange one.
My gaze seed to say:
Why ask sothing so obvious?
At that look, Frey’s face stiffened in bewildernt.
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