Chapter 88
Back when Erich was being chased by the dead and found himself in a life-or-death crisis, it was a golden pillar that guided him.
That golden pillar not only led Erich to a place where he could survive, but also granted him strength.
'Incensus.'
Once again, the golden pillar was calling out to Erich. What could that mean this time?
'... Just what does it want from me?'
From the circumstances, it was regression first, then power. These were miracles Erich had received through Incensus's arrangements. Whatever may come of it, if he goes to that place, something else orchestrated by Incensus will be waiting.
The fact that in the cavern the Barbarians called the 'sacred ground', they showed him a vision—it all seemed to indicate Incensus wanted Erich to realize something.
One certainty was that the history Erich knew and the contents of the vision from the past differed. Perhaps that difference was even intentional on Incensus's part.
Still, whatever the case.
'In any event, I would have had to go there even if the pillar didn't appear.'
The current Erich had to reach the Wolf Tribe.
Mikhail murmured quietly.
"I feel an unpleasant gaze. They, too, seem unsure whether we are friend or foe."
"I agree. No matter how much they hate us, they wouldn't recklessly charge at an army of over a thousand."
"... What if we caught them ourselves, instead?"
"That could create an unnecessarily negative impression."
"On the other hand, perhaps they are gathering to intercept us right now."
Erich nodded slowly. Mikhail wasn't wrong.
When Barbarians saw a large force of the Watch, they would often spread rumors among the tribes and form an alliance.
And when they gathered enough warriors to oppose such a large force, that's when they would attempt an ambush.
The risk was there, but Erich thought differently.
"In fact, if we caught one of them, it might cause a misunderstanding. For example, that the Watch has come to massacre the Barbarians."
"That's not entirely untrue. The main force that's come this far north has fought off countless Barbarians on the way up."
That could be why those here were even more wary.
The main force of the Watch had come north from the south, defeating every Barbarian that attacked.
In that process, barbarians who fled north may have spread hostile rumors.
That made it all the more important for Erich to meet with the Wolf Tribe quickly.
If there was a misunderstanding, only they could clear it up.
Moreover, it was critical to know whose side Hrung-ga's Wolf Tribe was on.
He couldn't yet tell the identity of the two forces clashing, but what if Ungrim had reached all the way here?
And if that was the reason for the two forces fighting, Erich's path was clear.
He had to join not as a third force, but on the side opposing Ungrim.
'Ungrim is not someone you can persuade.'
Ungrim, a Barbarian filled with boundless hatred toward humans.
Even recalling the time he rose as Mountain King and led a million Barbarians to invade the Great Wall made Erich dizzy.
Ungrim hadn't even left room for a ceasefire. The only thing driving him was the goal of 'destroying the Watch'.
If Ungrim's forces were present, it was best to defeat them in advance.
After all, the objective of the current expedition was to beat Ungrim.
Just then, Erich's steps halted. At the same moment, sensing something amiss, Frederick raised a hand and stopped the main body's march.
"... Boss, you feel something?"
"I do. There's a skirmish happening just ahead."
Erich's eyes burned crimson. His gaze pierced through trees and thickets toward a distant battlefield.
"There's about a hundred of them. Sir Mikhail, what do you think?"
"It's worth checking out. Surely at least one of them knows the way to the Wolf Tribe?"
Erich thought the same. Leaving Frederick behind to lead the main body, he proceeded forward with only Barnes's security squad and Mikhail.
There, as expected, barbarians were locked in a chaotic melee.
[Defilers! Die!]
[Don't leave a single one alive!]
To Erich's eyes, one was much like the other—he couldn't tell who was on which side, only that both fought furiously.
But as he watched, Erich's eyes narrowed. It was a curious scene.
'... The same tattoos?'
The Barbarians fighting each other bore the same tattoos indicating their tribe—a wolf.
It was what Erich had longed to find, but this situation was entirely unexpected.
There were some Barbarians with other wild beast tattoos, but seeing those of the same Wolf Tribe battling amongst themselves—what in the world had happened?
--Shhhrrraaaa!
Erich slid down the slope before anyone else. Some Barbarians reflexively aimed their weapons, then stopped to stare at Erich.
[... A-a crow! The crows have appeared!]
[Watch the flanks!]
Hearing the shouts, barbarians on both sides retreated, carefully watching Erich's actions.
Now, with a three-way standoff, Erich rested his hand on his sword and advanced, but none of the Barbarians rushed him.
'Whoever strikes first loses.'
When there are three forces, the one to attack first is at a grave disadvantage.
These Barbarians knew that well.
Unprotected, Erich boldly advanced and addressed them.
[I am Erich, son of Heidrich. I have come at the Wolf Tribe's invitation.]
The Barbarians blinked in disbelief. An imperial suddenly appearing, claiming he was invited by the Wolf Tribe?
What nonsense was this supposed to be?
But then the artifact produced from Erich's robe drew everyone's attention.
[... That's the Wolf Tribe's divine relic!]
[Why do you have that?]
As the Barbarians buzzed, one on the left stepped forward to speak to Erich.
[I was invited by Hrung-ga of the Wolf Tribe. I was told that showing this would ensure I was guided to him.]
The Barbarians on the left nodded.
Surprised, but seeing that what Erich brought out was indeed the artifact of their tribe, they accepted it.
However, the Barbarians on the right seemed even more enraged. They glared at their clansmen with loathing, and Erich did not miss this.
'So the ones on the left are related to Hrung-ga, while the ones on the right are burning with anger.'
From their perspective, Hrung-ga was the enemy—especially as he had allowed the Watch into their territory, and this only stoked their fury.
But how could you tell apart those with the same tattoos?
'How can they distinguish between each other? They're all Wolf Tribe. Maybe it's the difference in pelts?'
The ones on the left—those friendly to Erich—were either bare-chested or wore fur clothing.
The ones on the right all had wolf pelts draped over their shoulders, complete with the heads.
That seemed to be the primary way to tell them apart, although Erich had no idea what further difference there was.
Erich addressed both sets of Barbarians.
[I have no intention of getting involved in your fight. I came only to answer Hrung-ga's invitation. But if any of you step forward, I won't hesitate to cut you down.]
An icy killing intent radiated from Erich. The instinctively sensitive Barbarians recoiled at the oppressive force.
The leader among the wolf-pelted right-side Barbarians sneered and withdrew.
[... We won't forget today's cowardice, Hraka.]
[You've found a good excuse, Gahan.]
As their enemies withdrew, a satisfied smile spread across Hraka's face, and the Barbarians let out a cheer.
[The Goddess protected us!]
[Those who blaspheme the sacred will not survive!]
Erich smirked. What nonsense. Goddess or not, it was Erich's arrival that secured victory for them.
Hraka approached Erich.
[You who are favored by the Wolf Guardian's good will. I am Hraka, son of Braka. Thanks to you, we've driven them off. I offer my gratitude.]
[Erich, son of Heidrich. It wasn't my intention, but that's how it turned out.]
[... Erich? I heard of you from Hrung-ga. He called you 'Erich the fatherless'. Did I mishear?]
[... That's—]
Erich's words caught in his throat, a bitter taste filling his mouth. One misworded introduction, and suddenly his father disappeared.
But Hraka bared his fangs with a hearty laugh.
[Ha ha ha! It happens. Words get twisted along the way. And surely, with no father, how could you be that strong!]
[... Anyway, can you guide me to Hrung-ga?]
[It's not difficult, but I have duties here, so it's awkward to leave my post.]
Hraka looked troubled. Erich hadn't expected much, but honestly, he didn't need a guide that badly.
[No problem. Just show us a safe path, and we'll march on.]
[There's no safe path here. Every stretch from here to the Wolf Tribe's territory is a battlefield.]
[Is it tradition for your tribe to fight amongst yourselves like this?]
[Not at all. You'd be better off asking Hrung-ga for the full story—it all started when he became Wolf Guardian.]
Erich nodded.
Idle chatter in the middle of the woods was certainly unwise, especially with the possibility of the retreating foes nursing a grudge and pursuing them.
The risk was too high now, with the main body on standby.
Erich produced a map for Hraka.
[We were planning to travel this way. Is that all right?]
[As I said, it's dangerous everywhere. Plus, with so many Crows around, even with the Wolf's invitation, you could be attacked.]
Hraka considered briefly, then spoke to a nearby Barbarian.
[Arakan. Can you lead the warriors for me? I'll escort these guests to the tribe myself.]
[An honor, Hraka. But are you sure? The elders won't be pleased.]
[Even if they aren't, tradition must be honored. Besides, it is the invitation of the Wolf Guardian.]
[Understood. It wasn't my intention to argue. May the Goddess guard your way.]
Hraka nodded and placed a fist to his chest—a gesture that seemed peculiar to them. Judging by their conversation, Hraka intended to personally guide Erich.
'It's working out well.'
The forest is Barbarian territory. There's no easier way through the great coniferous woods than to be led by them.
With Hraka joining, Erich hurried the reunited main body onward. Hraka's eyes went wide at over a thousand members of the Watch.
[You planned to bring so many warriors through?]
[Is it dangerous?]
[Dangerous indeed. It's good I'm coming with you—if not, every warrior in the forest would have come charging at you.]
Erich raised a corner of his mouth. Well, either way, it didn't matter. The sword was always the best way to clear up misunderstandings.
Erich asked Hraka,
[But why are you fighting your own kind? Whatever the reason, you don't practice fratricide.]
[True enough. Killing your own kin is the imperial's domain. But those others have now parted ways with us.]
[Parted ways? Because Hrung-ga killed the Wolf Guardian?]
[That's part of it, but more importantly, they've been colluding with Barbarians from the east.]
[... Barbarians from the east? Is their chief Ungrim, by chance?]
[Ha ha! By the Goddess, how do you know so much, Erich? How are you so well-informed?]
Erich narrowed his eyes at Hraka's answer. Ungrim's hand had reached here as well.
That could only mean his claws were already deeply sunk in.
But Erich's concerns vanished as his eyes sparkled. If things went well, there might be no need to go east at all; he could strike Ungrim down right here.
Not only could he gain allied forces who opposed them as well, but Erich felt his steps lighten.
Now, it was time to respond to the invitation from Hrung-ga that he had received long ago.
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Time to deal with Ungrim...
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】