Chapter 362: Everything Is Exactly As It Seems (5)
Sometimes, conversations using the fist worked better than conversations with words. When the mercenaries came to Sefira, Keter had persuaded them through that kind of physical conversation, and it had worked well.
What was contained within the punches was not killing intent, nor the desire to win. The strong did not care about reason or logic—for the strong, power itself was reason and logic. Logical persuasion was the way of the weak or of scholars. Showing overwhelming power and making them obey was how the strong persuaded one another.
In the process, the opponent may die, but Keter firmly believed that killing was the easy way. If someone chose the easy path, they couldn’t truly be considered powerful. Being strong and being good at killing were two very different things, and Keter valued that distinction deeply.
“Guaaaagh!”
The flame dog was strangled between Keter’s legs, a flying wolf was grabbed by the hair, and a blade bird was being relentlessly hammered in the chest.
The crowman of the Soul-Stealing Crow Tribe lashed Keter repeatedly with his whip-like tail. Its edge was as sharp as a famous sword, easily tearing through even thick hide. Keter’s skin did not split, but blood splattered everywhere. Whipping was one of the most painful attacks for humans, yet Keter did not even groan as he continued fighting.
Unlike the mercenaries, who were human, these non-human races had incredible endurance and stubbornness. It was clear that this battle was not going to end easily. Plus, they were not just any other races—every single one of them was a Transcendental. This was not a fight that would end in a day or two. If they were not truly trying to kill each other, Transcendentals could fight forever.
This was an unfavorable situation for Keter since he had to protect Sefira. He intended to go to Liqueur, where answers awaited. Fighting was not the purpose of his life—it was merely a means.
Gradually, fear arose within Keter. If this fight ended halfheartedly, negotiations would become even more entrenched. However, if the fight continued, there simply wasn’t enough time.