Chapter 18: Where Shards of your Blazing Dream Once Gleamed, Lie Ashes of Echoes, by an Old Star Deemed (3).
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Shield Wolf Ghoul Village.
Seated upon his throne, the chieftain of the Shield Wolf Ghoul Tribe was immersed in deep thought.
The tribal chieftain, Glaimore, was a tall man, 2.5 meters in height, his body red in color, the right half of his mid-torso covered in black metal armor.
His fangs were as long as an adult's finger, his scarred body imposing, the wolf pelt he wore making his aura overwhelming.
He muttered to himself, his voice deep and rough: "...With the diminishing output of our mine, we have a severe shortage of Ego stones. Due to their young masters' succession struggle, the Flame Beast Ghouls have no intention of helping anytime soon, and I cannot inform them, or they would swallow our tribe as well..."
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
His expression was grim, his red aura rising, the flame dormant in his body emerged, and the room's temperature increased.
He didn't move from his place, yet the environment shook.
Bam!
The table before him flew and hit the wall before burning to ash.
The kneeling servants were terrified and remained silent.
The issue of the tribe's mine was dire, solely due to the shortage of stones vital to any place.
Ego stones—the cause of life, the cause of annihilation.
Whether in a warrior's path of development, in trade, or in building nations, these stones were an utmost necessity.
Places where these stones, saturated with core energy, are generated are called Life Mines.
They are stones formed when energy concentrates in a certain area for a long time, then the environment of that place changes.
When the environment changes, the earth rises to become a cave, perhaps coral in water, clouds strangely close to the ground, hardened sand dunes, a lake, a river, a swamp, a sinkhole, a snowy hill, grassy plains.
In that transformation, energy becomes tangible, and blue-white stones grow, their bright light crystalline, radiating coolness covering them in summer, radiating a warming embrace in winter.
These stones hold importance matching their captivating beauty.
The mine of the Shield Wolf Ghoul Village was a hot lake, beneath which the stones formed.
Named after the title given by the first extraordinary human on the warriors' path, they were called Ego stones.
Ego stones are what one uses to recharge their energy when depleted, to feed their weapons when damaged, to aid them when becoming stronger, to possess when trading.
For example, for one to be qualified to perform the Awakening Ceremony, they need to possess ten Ego stones, because activating the core heart requires pure energy.
Across the world, the unified currency for trade and exchange, for industry and import, was the dominance of Ego stones.
Therefore, they were, naturally, valuable.
"If we calculate the value of 10 stones, one can book a medium room for a month for 4 Ego stones, with 6 remaining. 2 are enough for provisions for 15 days. What remains can be spent on simple matters. And that is for one person alone."
Being a tribal chieftain, Glaimore was fully aware of resource flow and comprehensive statistics of his people's expenses.
In a world where the common folk are not protected by law, where monsters are the terror, poverty is but a daily reality.
For an ordinary person, 10 Ego stones equal a moderate fortune, and they would not normally risk their lives just to become an Ego warrior as long as they live safely.
The biggest reason is not only poverty, but the success rate.
Out of every 10 people, no more than 3 succeed, and usually more than half die.
Even if they succeed, without support or wealth, their fate is to live in poverty, because one's need for Ego stones when they become a warrior is at its peak.
The quantity a Gray Moon warrior typically needs ranges from 10 to 100 Ego stones per month, and as they advance in rank, consumption increases.
The reason?
Glaimore sighed with pity: "To increase their energy recovery and break through their level walls, one must absorb Ego stones, not to mention needing them also to develop their talent. And most importantly, the Ego itself needs stones—when developing an Ego, when needing to build a formation, when refining a particular Ego as well. The warrior's journey is difficult, so very difficult!"
This shows the gravity of the matter.
The depletion of a Life Mine in any community means annihilation!
Life Mines do not last forever; they have a lifespan.
A small mine lasts 50 years, a medium mine lasts 110 years, a large mine lasts 300 years.
The larger the mine, the higher the purity of the Ego stones, the greater their quantity and effect, and thus their lifespan.
When a mine's lifespan ends, a new mine is born from its remnants, and during its growth period, it must be supplied with energy for 6 months.
Whether the required quantity is manageable depends on circumstances.
Of course, these calculations are based on the absence of incidents.
6 years ago, a massive polar bear attacked the Red Night Forest, and it was so powerful that all tribes gathered to fight it.
With a full pack of bears and its power at the Third Fang, that bear nearly annihilated all the Ghouls.
Fortunately, the Flame Beast Ghoul chieftain, having reached the Third Moon at the right time, and with the cooperation of other chieftains, they destroyed it.
Unfortunately, its final desperate attacks harmed the Shield Wolf Tribe, damaging their mine and turning the lake icy.
Glaimore's father was injured at that time and saw no hope for survival.
He made a gamble, sacrificing his life force to activate an Ego formation called Life Exchange.
The effect of the Life Exchange formation was simple: in exchange for one's life force and a large quantity of Ego stones, the effect of one's Ego and abilities could be amplified to the maximum extent their body allowed, but they would die immediately afterward.
With his life and rank as compensation, he dispersed the ice energy that damaged the lake, thereby restoring their mine.
Glaimore assumed the position after his father, and after countless struggles, officially took it, and here we are today.
Who would have expected?
The Life Exchange formation didn't succeed completely; energy was hiding and accumulating for 6 years!
This time, the Life Exchange formation would not succeed, because the cold energy had taken deep root in the lake.
At most, the mine would last another year.
And because it hadn't reached its expected lifespan, a new mine would not be born.
"Damn it!"
Glaimore's anger was at its peak.
Without sustainable supply, how could they trade?
Leaving that aside, how could they fight over resources and defend themselves?
A warrior has natural energy recovery, but it takes time, and the weaker the talent, the greater the need for time.
The talented are not many, let alone geniuses, and developing them requires much time and resources.
Therefore, any organization relies on Ego stones as a source of income or combat.
The specialty of the Shield Wolf Tribe was raising and taming monsters.
Raising monsters requires food, taming them requires resources, and the expenses are higher than for an ordinary Ego warrior.
It can be said that a monster tamer's resource consumption is much higher than that of a swordsman or mage!
Not to mention the difficulty; the monster tamer themselves needs resources to strengthen themselves before feeding their monsters.
If enemies knew this and the matter turned into a war of attrition, how could they resist?
They would simply be annihilated!
That's why he didn't tell the Flame Beast Ghouls about his problem.
They would use any pretext to swallow his tribe and make them slaves.
Forget the Rising Night Ghouls—those madmen are waiting for any opportunity to pounce on them, and with their deep conflict with the Red Frost Sect, they cannot help even if they wanted.
Glaimore sent a message to the Flame Beast Ghouls, hiding his intentions deeply.
He complained that times were hard, reminding them of their deep relationship and friendship, and that he would certainly support them with his forces when they begin conflict with the neighboring sects, and they would eliminate those corrupt ones, and with them, justice would prevail!
But!
He needs small support now, using the pretext of seeking protection against the Hollow Moon Night, and there is the old conflict with Black Sand Village, promising to repay the debt later without fail...
Unfortunately, the internal conflict occurred when he made that request!
The Flame Beast Ghoul chieftain sent him a message saying they were happy with his words, and greatly thank him for his support, but life is fickle and calamities come suddenly.
As long as he offers his support to one of his sons to balance matters in the succession war, he would be a hero supporting the good, and after this, he would certainly support him, and not forget his goodness.
The message's meaning was simple: everyone has their difficult circumstances:
Do you think you're alone? Stop this nonsense and solve your problems yourself!
"The damned scoundrels! After all our tribe has done for them, they can't even lend us some stones? Those corrupt ones! Damn 20 generations of your ancestors, I hope your lineage suffers from diarrhea!"
If the ancestors of the Flame Beast Ghouls heard his words, they would feel wronged; we don't even know you, why drag us into this?
Glaimore's luck was very bad.
Who would have expected the internal conflict to happen at the same time he needed support?
But what can be done? Such is life.
Glaimore was desperate.
As the saying goes: desperate times call for desperate measures.
He needed support not only for survival, but also to engage in conflict with Black Sand Village.
Glaimore's eyes gleamed darkly.
"...If our mine is depleted, must we not monopolize another mine? Hehehe, we are already enemies, but as long as we reach an 'agreement,' wouldn't that be better?"
As long as they could make things difficult for Black Sand Village and conflict with them, they would become weaker before White Lake and the other powers!
If he then offered them 'compensation' and made a secret cooperation agreement, he could temporarily solve the stone problem while keeping his issue in the dark.
The biggest reason for his belief in this success was the Forgotten Flame Sect!
That sect had been making things difficult for Black Sand Village lately, and their goal was clear: to subjugate it.
"But I am aware of Lucas's nature. He is someone who repays grudges doubly, and does not hesitate to devise complex solutions to his problems. He will not easily submit!"
And the issue of lacking young talent troubled him. So, if we ally after fighting, wouldn't that give others the impression of a conspiracy?
This would focus their attention on Lucas's village, giving the Shield Wolf Tribe room to prepare.
Slowly, with the passing of days and months, Glaimore would dig his roots into Black Sand Village, then pounce on them!
If this was his plan, why weaken Lucas's village now? Wouldn't haste in such matters be foolishness?
If balance is broken, conflict will occur.
That conflict is what Glaimore seeks, because through it other powers weaken, and from it his village remains on the sidelines, preserving its strength.
What does he need his forces for, you say?
Naturally, the Young Generation Tournament!
The winner receives full support from their tribe.
And that's not all; they can also demand resources from other tribes and powers!
What is the most important thing Glaimore wants for his village now?
Resources!
For this, he needs a pretext against Black Sand Village, to prevent other powers from interfering.
Of course, there will be sacrifices and casualties.
Families' will weeping escalates, graves will be built, and dirges will recited.
For the greater cause, must one truly sacrifice?
This was not justice.
Under the gaze of the kneeling servants, the tribal chieftain rose from his place, walking towards the window.
The sky was not clear; the number of clouds increased.
Standing tall, he placed his hands behind his back.
Under the red sky, he could see his people.
Children playing, women conferring, men toiling in their work, elders sitting silently while smiling.
So, was this corruption?
He thought to himself: "So what?"
Corruption was merely a means of conflict in this world!
Wasn't corruption just a breach of agreements?
It is taking more than what the two parties agreed upon.
I have an Ego stone, you have an Ego stone, Now you are happy because we are equal.
But secretly, I took another Ego stone, Now you are angry and blame me for breaking our agreement.
That was corruption.
"The concept of corruption was merely a tool, a tool to restrain the masses and prevent them from benefiting too much. If everyone were corrupt, how could they be exploited? Hence, the virtues of law were encouraged. One who follows the law is not corrupt, and will not be 'evil,' and thus the system can extract its value."
What about justice?
Justice, depending on its use, was either corruption or equality.
What is justice? It is achieving equality and one's rights.
If corruption is evil, then justice is good.
One who believes in their justice can commit sins as a means to legislate them!
The one who first ignited the conflict with Black Sand was Glaimore's father, and he was the oppressor.
His father caused the killing of people; he is the origin of the calamity.
Perhaps his father did what he did in pursuit of his justice, and his victims sought their justice.
His father is already dead. Whom can they blame?
Because Glaimore is his son, he bears the blame, and he must atone for his father's sins.
"Hahaha."
Glaimore laughed contemptuously, his voice full of lament.
"Wasn't this also corruption?"
There is no such thing as absolute corruption nor absolute justice.
Glaimore fought for his people, Wasn't that justice?
Lucas defended his land, Isn't that also justice?
One's defense of themselves and attempt to survive is corruption and injustice for the other!
Justice is like war; they are two sides of the same coin.
The victor calls their killing "execution"; the loser calls it "crime."
The only truth is that one died and the other lived.
Solidarity, morals, corruption, hypocrisy.
Such simple concepts were tools.
Tools used by elites to control the masses and justify their authority, This is the absolute truth!
Glaimore's current problem was that he had no justification to attack Black Sand.
Time was not on his side, because he wanted to surprise them before the arrival of the Forgotten Flame Sect's delegation, and he did not want to miss his opportunity to exploit the Hollow Moon Night.
This dilemma, he thought about for several days and found no solution.
His mind raced like lightning, thinking of numerous scenarios simultaneously.
Then.
"Tribal Chieftain! An unknown enemy is attacking the Fourth Lady's residence!"
One of the senior elders entered, his expression worried, saying ominous words.
"What did you say? Explain more!"
Glaimore's expression changed, shouting with "concern."
Being a king over his people, producing heirs was of utmost importance.
To ensure the continuation of his lineage and produce the strongest successors, Glaimore did not limit himself to marrying only one woman.
Considering beauty, status, and love, he took 5 wives.
His fourth wife was responsible for internal tribal relations, and the information network passed through her.
Thus, his worry stemmed not only from his love for her, but also from her intelligence and the importance of her position.
"Yes, yes! While the Fourth Lady was preparing to meet you as you ordered, an ice explosion occurred before the main gate. An unknown person in black clothes killed the guards and is now struggling with the rest, threatening his desire to kill the Fourth Lady!"
Glaimore did not hesitate; flames rose from his body, as his cloak fluttered.
"Lead the way! Quickly, quickly!"
He did not know what happened, but his instinct told him one thing.
This was a turning point.
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The young man ran desperately, his panicked mind unable to calm down.
"Mother, oh mother, be safe!"
The flames surrounding him enhanced his speed, leaping between the rooftops.
"The attacker is trying to force his way in, stop him!"
"Defend the Fourth Lady, even with your lives!"
"Do not retreat, do not retreat!"
Before his eyes, white and red mingled, shards of walls scattered, warriors' cries rose, and blood flowed.
Despite his panic, despite his worry, Grimlock could not help but be stunned.
Amidst all this, a tall man in black clothes stood, his face covered with a mask.
While the destroyed wall behind him was icy, slowly melting, his blue eyes gleamed, and his icy aura covered his surroundings.
Holding his bloodied sword in one hand, his other hand raised the corpse of a guard.
"I will kill you, I will kill your Fourth Lady, thus repaying my master's grudge. You will not catch me, and after my mission ends, whether I succeed or fail, I will kill myself."
The man's voice was cold, his voice deep, his voice sorrowful.
He leaped forward, swinging the corpse at the others, then extended his hand.
Bam!
Ice pierced the heads of two guards.
These ice arrows were so fast that the flame shields covering them did nothing against them.
They could only detonate their Egos, as that required merely a thought.
"Damn it! Retreat! He excels in infiltration and speed attacks!"
The Guard Captain grabbed his sword and leaped into the air, then struck towards the man with force!
The mysterious man did not hesitate; he attacked him as well!
Clang! Clang!
Steam rose between them from the clash of flame and ice.
The Guard Captain had the upper hand in raw strength, but this mysterious man was cunning as a fox, slippery as a snake, and fought him intelligently.
When about to be hit, he retreats; when he finds an opening, he exploits it immediately.
Not to mention his psychological tricks.
"Do you think your Fourth Lady is truly pure? Do you think her nature is kind? She is corrupt! An evil woman who betrayed my master and abandoned him. She repays good with injustice!"
"Shut your mouth! What do you know about my lady? You damned renegade! You kill my followers and claim goodness? Huh? You madman!"
"Hehehe, Guard Captain, oh hypocritical Guard Captain, do you think I don't know what your guards do to neighboring villages? Unfair tax collection, enslavement, rape, and hunting games with slaves. Renegade? Look at yourself. Who is the renegade? Hahaha!"
"Liar!"
The Guard Captain's eyes widened for a moment, his sword hesitated.
The mysterious man did not let his opportunity go to waste, attacking him fiercely.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The Guard Captain lost his initiative, able only to defend with difficulty!
The enemy used his sword cunningly, attacking his previous wounds, using the previously generated steam to confuse the Guard Captain, and was increasing his injuries!
It was clear; he would lose the fight!
[Gray Moon Ego, Fourth Star: Flame Arrows!]
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
From behind him, fiery arrows attacked the mysterious man.
"Tsk!"
His blue aura rose, and he easily avoided the sneaky attack.
"Young master!"
The Guard Captain was relieved, because moments ago he felt the shadow of death.
"Do not listen to his nonsense, Guard Captain. He is an evildoer wanting to kill my mother. He deserves death. That is justice and truth!"
The mysterious man's eyes gleamed calmly.
Naturally, this was Loki in disguise.
After his stalling, the Fourth Lady's son finally came out.
Now, to lure them.
He smiled cruelly, then raised his sword.
The gap between Gray Moon and Blue Moon cannot be easily bridged.
By showing Blue Moon power, he would force Glaimore to come out.
He ran towards the Guard Captain and Grimlock, then cut through the air.
The blue sword aura rose and struck them!
Bam!
They had no chance against this attack; the two flew through the air like worn-out puppets, then fell to the ground.
They did not die, but lost consciousness.
"Th-this, this is a Second Moon aura! He's dangerous! Retreat towards the lady's residence! Stall until the elders and the tribal chieftain arrive!"
Some retreated, some remained in a desperate attempt to retrieve the young master and Guard Captain.
Loki advanced arrogantly, but did not touch the Guard Captain or Grimlock.
"Everyone, stop."
A sweet voice entered everyone's ears.
A lady emerged from the large house.
Her red hair contrasted with her white skin, her yellow eyes gleamed intelligently.
Amidst the chaos, the lady walked lightly.
Unlike the males, the female Ghouls had ethereal, beautiful features, like Elvens
This did not apply to all of them, but it applied to this lady.
Marley, Glaimore's fourth wife, and the Lady of the Dream Cloud Voice.
She was at the peak of the First Moon, an expert in the Path of Sound.
Before the disguised Loki, she stood calmly.
"I ask you, with my sincere plea, to release my son in exchange for my life."
And with unexpected words, she said to him.
Loki smiled inwardly with amusement, immediately understanding what she was trying to do.
This lady was indeed intelligent.