Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Alliance
After a long day of hard work, Yu returned home—to that colossal tree—and was greeted by an unusual sight: several small, dark figures armed with swords and spears, their shoulders burdened with wooden staffs.
Each of these small figures looked fierce, their faces adorned with menacing expressions, and they all wore a strip of white cloth atop their heads. One of them even had a dog's head resting on the cloth.
"What the—? Are they under attack?"
As Yu drew closer, laughter echoed from the palace of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
At that moment, three figures whose fates were intricately intertwined gathered in one place: the Scarlet King, the Goddess of Flowers, and the Dendro Archon. Their conversation flowed naturally, and they were forming a deep bond of friendship when an unexpected voice interrupted.
"Hey, buddy, why is the priest carrying a dog head?"
"…That's a jackal."
*(TL/N - I erased some dialogues because it's racism. I will do this until the end so bear with the missing parts.)
At that moment, Alhaitham suddenly appeared. "Prince, do you want me to record this part?"
"No need."
…
The Dendro Archon turned to a dignified-looking man, her expression slightly awkward.
"Ahmar, my child has returned. I wanted him to meet you and Nabu."
…
"Hahaha!" The Goddess of Flowers Nabu doubled over in laughter, her delicate skin trembling with each melodious peal.
Ahmar, who had initially been frustrated by the bird-headed comment, found his mood inexplicably lightened upon seeing the Goddess of Flowers joy.
She's laughing! She's laughing! I'm so happy! Instantly, the Scarlet King began to see Yu in a new light.
As expected of the child of the Lord of Wisdom, he's truly clever.
"Yu! Mind your manners. He is my friend, Ahmar, ruler of the desert."
Hearing his mother's reprimand, Yu immediately quieted down, no longer daring to speak recklessly.
"What a lively child," remarked Buna after calming down, clearly amused by the boy who had made her laugh so hard.
Yu inwardly rolled his eyes. Lively? Who wakes up in the morning to slay gods, hunts giant beasts by noon, and cultivates the land before bed?
"Indeed, very cheerful," added Ahmar, though his gaze occasionally drifted towards the Goddess of Flowers, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Yu sensed something familiar in the air. His mind raced as if trying to piece together a puzzle.
After a long conversation, the guests were finally sent on their way. Before the Scarlet King left, Yu handed him a black ram.
…
"Mother, have you formed an alliance with them?"
"Yes, we've agreed to build a better homeland together. This way, you won't have to fight gods every day. Ahmar's reputation is widespread—once word gets out, all the gods will migrate."
Yu panicked upon hearing this.
His food supply was escaping!
For Yu, battles had long since ceased being mere conflicts. He viewed them as hunts, each defeated god strengthening his body and increasing his elemental capacity. Now, with his prey fleeing, how could he stay calm?
"Where will they go?"
"The west is all desert. They can only head east—towards Morax's territory."
At that moment, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's expression turned serious.
"Yu, tell me honestly—do you enjoy the feeling of battle?" Her tone was stern, and for the first time, Yu heard his mother speak to him like this.
After a moment of reflection, Yu replied, "I suppose so. I grow stronger with every battle. I like that feeling."
Upon hearing his response, the Dendro Archon closed her eyes and said, "Some gods are inherently drawn to combat. I don't blame you for that. But Yu, remember this: the most glorious victory will never surpass even the most mundane peace."
For the people, even the most glorious victory is nothing compared to the simplest peace.
Yu's mind kept replaying those words.
"I understand."