Chapter 171: Another TUNA coming up
Eren stepped out of the chamber, his mind clouded with exhaustion and the weight of what had just transpired. The cool stone corridor felt like a shock to his system after the intensity of the ritual. He paused momentarily, steadying himself against the doorframe, trying to center his thoughts and prepare for whatever awaited him next.
The same two guards from before stood at attention outside the chamber. As soon as they saw him emerge, their faces lit up with the same mixture of respect and admiration he’d seen earlier. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming even more formal than before.
"Veilwalker!" the taller guard exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "Another successful completion! Word has already reached us about your incredible performance. The entire fortress is buzzing with talk of your extraordinary abilities."
The shorter guard nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with something approaching reverence. "We’ve never seen anything like it, Veilwalker. The way you handle these rituals... it’s legendary. The Master will be so pleased with your continued success."
Eren’s brow furrowed slightly. The guards’ enthusiasm felt almost overwhelming, their praise ringing in his ears like a constant reminder of his situation. ’They act like I’m some kind of champion,’ he thought, ’but I’m still essentially a prisoner here, performing these rituals to keep my family safe.’
"The Master requests your immediate presence," the taller guard continued, gesturing down the corridor. "She’s waiting for you in her chamber, along with your honored guests. They’re all eager to hear about your latest achievement."
As they began walking, the shorter guard fell into step beside him. "If I may say so, Veilwalker, the transformation in the participants after your rituals is remarkable. They speak of you with such gratitude and admiration. It’s clear that what you’re doing here has profound meaning."
They moved through the same winding corridors as before, past the ornate pillars and tapestries depicting ancient victories. The torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere as they walked.
"The Master has been in excellent spirits since your arrival," the taller guard mentioned as they turned a corner. "She’s been telling everyone about your incredible potential and how fortunate we are to have someone of your caliber here. Your family should be very proud."
Eren walked in relative silence, processing the guards’ words. Their genuine admiration was unsettling in its sincerity. These weren’t people putting on an act – they truly believed in whatever purpose Kiada had convinced them he was serving.
"Your reputation continues to grow with each successful ritual," the shorter guard added. "The other warriors in the fortress speak of you with such respect. They say you possess a rare gift, something that could change the very nature of what we’re capable of achieving here."