novelraw Chapter 167 : Chapter 167
Chapter 167 : Chapter 167
Chapter 167: Zakarin (5)
Fenrir’s revelation that the Empire had declared war, plunging the continent into chaos, shocked Evan.
Tarkin, that bastard, is ambitious but never reckless. He’s the type to check a stone bridge multiple times before crossing.
In the past, even with Sword Saint Robern and Weapon Master Evan himself, the Empire, boasting two of the Seven Stars, never acted rashly.
It waited endlessly for its enemies to weaken, biding its time cautiously.
If such a man had now declared war, there were only two possibilities.
Either he had grown senile and lost his judgment, or he had gained a trump card that could overwhelm everything.
But if it’s true he succeeded with the Soul-Separation Technique, it’s definitely the latter.
The Empire’s confidence to wage war against the entire continent
meant it had acquired something surpassing the formidable forces it once boasted.
Yes, with so much time passed… there’s no reason new powerhouses couldn’t have emerged.
Though momentarily thrown by the unexpected variable,
Evan quickly regained his composure.
He, too, had grown incomparably stronger than before.
Thus, he didn’t see this as a variable that would completely derail his plans.
The issue was his companions, their capabilities.
“Your comrades must also prove their worth.”
As if sharing the same thought, Fenrir declared its intent to test their abilities.
Of course, Evan wouldn’t back down even if Fenrir refused, so he readily agreed.
“Very well. I vouch for my comrades’ skills, but if you wish to see for yourself, test them as you please.”
“Zakarin Tribe, hear me!”
Fenrir’s massive voice echoed through the tribe, declaring, “Humans have entered the Black Forest to carry out our vengeance! Thus, we shall hold duels to test their worth!”
At the declaration of the wolf god and chief, the tribe roared with fervor.
“Duel!”
“Duel!”
Like the Kandahr Tribe they had encountered before, werewolves revered physical prowess.
To them, combat was a sacred ritual and the ultimate entertainment.
However, there was a key difference from the Kandahr Tribe.
There was no need for elaborate rituals or arenas; they fought on the spot to test strength and skill.
“I’ll go!”
“Step back! It’s my turn!”
The werewolves began clamoring like children eager for play.
They didn’t care that the warrior Evan had defeated lay nearby.
Even that warrior, struggling to rise, raised a thumb and laughed heartily at Evan.
“You’re really strong! I genuinely acknowledge you!”
Their pride was sky-high, but they cleanly admitted defeat to true strength, no matter the opponent.
“I thought you’d be sore about it.”
At Evan’s words, the werewolf warrior guffawed.
“Why would I? Losing to a strong opponent isn’t shameful. And don’t misunderstand. What we can’t stand is weaklings looking down on us.”
“Like vampires?”
“Exactly! Ugh… my back.”
Thus, the werewolves felt no burden in stepping up for duels.
Lose, and they lost; win, and it was great—simple as that.
But Evan’s group was in utter distress.
“You want us to fight werewolves?”
Jaina wore an aggrieved expression.
“I’m going to demand a huge bonus.”
Mei sighed deeply.
Thrown into a situation where they had to duel werewolves, every member of the group looked grim.
Moreover, they all had to win.
Amid this, Jack was the first to step up.
“If it’s the young master’s will, I’ll follow.”
Jack snapped the ropes with sheer strength and stood.
“Same here. I may not be as strong as Evan, but I won’t show weakness.”
Anton quietly cut his ropes with a dagger from his coat.
Realizing the entire group had been hiding their strength, Fenrir gave a subtle smile.
“You’ve brought fine comrades.”
“They’re necessary to achieve the vengeance I seek.”
“Indeed.”
Fenrir leisurely crossed its forepaws and sat.
Meanwhile, Jack stepped forward, ready for the duel.
“Who’s my opponent?!”
At Jack’s confident shout, a short but sturdy werewolf stepped out from the pack.
“Me, human!”
“Let’s do this!”
After a brief but intense show of respect, the two warriors dove into the duel without hesitation.
―Thud, thud!
Watching the fierce brawl, Fenrir asked Evan.
“Do you believe your comrades can defeat all our Zakarin warriors?”
“I do.”
“Oh, such confidence?”
Unlike Evan’s unwavering response, Jack’s duel wasn’t easily decided.
In fact, Jack seemed to be gradually overpowered by the werewolf.
“Human! If this is all you’ve got, you’ll lose!”
“…”
Unlike the werewolf’s bold advance, Jack said nothing, only raising his arms to block.
To an onlooker, it seemed the fight was tipping in the werewolf’s favor.
Jack, I believe in you.
But Evan’s eyes held no trace of doubt or anxiety.
“Oh?”
In that moment, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
Jack began to counterattack, and at some point, he fiercely pressed the werewolf.
It was the moment Jack unleashed his true strength—his legs.
Using his legs, Jack delivered kicks powerful enough to injure even Evan.
―Thud!
The werewolf’s body flew from the tremendous impact, crashing hard against the cave wall.
Fenrir’s eyebrow rose with interest at the sight.
Evan spoke calmly, his voice brimming with pride.
“For the record, that friend who just fought is the weakest among us.”
***
In the ensuing duels, Evan’s group defeated the werewolf warriors one by one, proving their worth.
Though not as overwhelming as Evan’s victory, they clearly demonstrated the strength to overpower werewolves with human bodies.
Fenrir watched silently, then rose its massive body and declared to all present.
“Impressive.”
The acknowledgment of the wolf god and the tribe.
It meant they had earned the right to carry out vengeance on behalf of Fenrir and the Zakarin Tribe.
“I’ll keep my promise. Though human, you are true warriors. You are fully qualified to enact vengeance for me and our tribe!”
With Fenrir’s declaration, the werewolf warriors surrounded them, roaring with joy.
“Strong humans!”
“These humans are cool!”
Simple and straightforward, yet passionate and clear—that was the werewolf tribe.
“Warriors! Treat these who will carry our vengeance with the respect of warriors!”
“Yes, Chief!”
Thus, Evan and his group received a grand welcome, treated as honored guests of the village.
A feast was prepared with wild game and fragrant liquor brewed from herbs, and they enjoyed a rare moment of rest and comfort.
“Unlike those vampires, these folks are really straightforward, aren’t they, young master?”
“Without Gaiard here, I’d say they’re a bit better.”
“Right? I’m not the only one who thinks so, am I?”
Jack laughed happily, looking at Evan.
The others, too, relaxed, focusing on the meal or tossing words at Evan.
“Well, the hospitality’s nice, but I’m still charging extra. Fighting wolves nearly dislocated my shoulder.”
Mei grumbled, emptying her glass.
“Still, it’s fun. So far, crossing that vast sea to reach the continent has been worth it. For now.”
“Come on! Let’s toast to that! My lady! Sir Knight!”
As they each savored the rare moment of ease, after finishing most of the meal, Evan took on a serious tone and spoke.
“I have something to say to everyone.”
His formal tone made them glance at him cautiously.
“What’s he going to say now?”
Mei tried to lighten the mood, but even she fell silent after that one remark.
Breaking the brief silence, Evan opened his tightly shut mouth.
“It’s not certain, but the Empire is at war.”
The group had vaguely overheard this from Evan and Fenrir’s conversation.
“As you might expect, the Empire being at war means the diplomatic envoy is likely in danger.”
If the advance party with the king’s edict had safely reached the port, they would be heading to the Empire’s capital by now.
But in wartime, the capital would surely be sealed off, and other cities might be as well.
In such circumstances, the envoy couldn’t move freely within the Empire.
“At best, they’d be expelled; at worst, the entire group could be detained.”
At Evan’s grave words, Anton cautiously asked.
“Then what’s your plan? Find the envoy and join them?”
“That’s a good option, but I plan to head to the Empire’s southern border to gauge its movements. If we’re lucky, we might meet the envoy there.”
Anton stared into Evan’s eyes and said in a low voice.
“Evan, don’t forget. We discussed vengeance with the wolf god, but our original mission is to join the envoy and deliver His Majesty’s edict.”
“I know.”
“But if that’s impossible now, our best course is to find the envoy and return safely to the kingdom…”
“No.”
Evan firmly cut Anton off.
“I won’t return to the kingdom with the envoy.”
“You really intend to pursue that vengeance?”
“Yes, I must. It’s not just for the wolf god.”
At Evan’s sudden declaration, everyone’s hands stopped, and a heavy silence settled in.
“What do you mean, Evan?”
Anton asked again, his expression stern.
“You’re from the Kaien Kingdom. Why are you so obsessed with the Empire’s affairs?”
“That’s…”
Evan paused, his deep gaze slowly sweeping over the group.
“It seems I need to tell you something first.”
His eyes finally met Jack’s.
Reading Evan’s gaze, Jack nodded quietly without hesitation.
Encouraged by this, Evan stood slowly, his expression resolute.
“Before I discuss our future plans, there’s something I must reveal to you all.”
As Evan prepared to make a declaration, the group exchanged glances.
But except for Jack, none knew what he was about to say.
“I am not, in fact, Duke Evan Lafard… or even a minor count to begin with.”