Chapter 230

Chapter 230

Baruna’s exceptional abilities were evident even among the Asura warriors.

However, it was surprising to think that this was due to his lineage as a chief. Of course, Baruna must have put in considerable effort himself…

‘Bloodlines cannot be ignored.’

Especially since the position of chief among the Asura was determined not by inheritance but solely by ‘strength.’ If he was the son of such a figure, he must have had certain advantages.

Yet, looking at the chief who referred to himself as his son, Baruna wore a displeased expression and said, “Haven’t we discarded such titles? Please refrain from calling me that, Chief.”

“You have quite the nerve to return and demand so much.”

“Let’s leave it at that.”

Once a fight turned into an emotional battle, it would become difficult to manage. They would forget their original purpose. Nahun intervened at this moment, separating the two.

“What brings you here? An outsider in this place? Baruna, did you bring him?”

“I never instructed him to come.”

“That’s right. I came of my own accord, and Baruna brought me here as well.”

At Nahun’s words, the chief narrowed his eyes. The momentary display of malice made Iris flinch, but Nahun stopped her.

“Wait.”

“…I sense an unpleasant presence.”

Feeling Iris’ presence and showing displeasure, the chief looked at Nahun and bowed politely.

“I understand that I shouldn’t have come here like this, but it was unavoidable. I have something to discuss.”

“We do not interact with outsiders. It is unacceptable for one to come here in such a manner…”

The chief had lived for many years and was a considerable powerhouse whose abilities had not dulled. Therefore, he could tell that Nahun was indeed powerful.

“I see your skills are remarkable. I will forgive you in the spirit of a warrior, so depart quickly.”

“That is not possible.”

“Do you wish for me to not show you respect?”

The chief exhibited a fierce demeanor. The surrounding Asura trembled at his intensity, but Nahun merely smiled.

“You’re laughing…?”

“I came here today to bring you all under the command of Her Majesty Seere von Debata.”

As Nahun smiled and spoke, the atmosphere among the chief and the entire Asura tribe turned ominous.

“…You speak boldly. Are you suggesting we would let ourselves be taken and used as fighters? Did you think we would remain silent upon hearing such words?”

“Of course…”

Nahun maintained his smile, responding simply.

“I did not think that.”

Surprised by his audacious yet completely disrespectful response, Baruna could only stare at him. The chief let out a sneer and glared at Nahun.

“You spoke knowing full well and still dared to say such things.”

From the very beginning, Nahun had no intention of resolving this through peaceful dialogue.

Baruna recalled the meaning of what Nahun had said and shook his head.

“To think you would mouth such nonsense and still expect to return alive is a great delusion!!”

The chief shouted loudly, revealing his hidden sharp teeth. At the same time, he drew his sword from his waist in an instant. The blade was intended to handle the opponent with overwhelming speed.

After all, the chief was currently recognized as the strongest warrior of the Asura tribe. However, Baruna felt no worry. Instead, he began to feel a sympathy for a race he would never normally consider.

“Impressive speed.”

With that simple evaluation, Nahun’s hand moved.

Pakaang───!!!

A strange sound echoed that was too unusual for a human stabbing. The chief’s eyes widened.

“What…!?”

Nahun had thinly wrapped his hand in magic power and deflected the chief’s blade. He spoke with a smile as he saw the chief’s astonishment.

“I believe the Asura maintain courtesy towards the strong.”

And then, an immense magical power enveloped the area. The younger members of the Asura tribe struggled to breathe, and even the chief felt an extraordinary pressure that left him bewildered.

‘My body…’

It was unable to move properly. The chief faced Nahun’s golden eyes with a look that had subtly changed from the start.

“As a part of that courtesy, I hope you will hear me out.”

No one, including the chief, could dare refute his words. Baruna internally evaluated the situation.

‘You have successfully seized the initiative.’

The chief, Nahun, and Baruna, along with Iris who had emerged behind them, headed toward the chief’s house. Iris could roam freely only because she had received permission from the chief.

‘No need to hide cunningly; treat her normally.’

The chief’s tone had changed to one that reflected a certain respect, indicating that the respect for the strong was not a lie.

“Come in.”

“Pardon my intrusion.”

Nahun greeted with courtesy and remained respectful, although the chief looked rather uncomfortable with Nahun’s manner of speaking.

As the chief guided Nahun’s party to their seats, he initiated the conversation.

“So, if you serve Her Majesty Seere von Debata… she’s the Demon King who has recently been the talk of the Demon World, isn’t she? You say she wishes to take us with her?”

The Demon King who led the Celestial War to victory. It seemed that even those living in such a remote place were aware of the reputation. Nahun nodded and responded.

“Her Majesty wishes for you all to act as one legion.”

“In the end, you mean to use us as fighters.”

“I won’t deny that. However, consideration for the entire race will be upheld. In fact, our forces have members from your bloodline.”

“Bloodline? Those traitors?”

“They’re merely a tribe that has suffered the stigma of betrayal; not all of them are actual traitors. The bloodline serves Her Majesty Seere faithfully and fulfills their duties well.”

The chief stared at Nahun for a moment, then picked up a nearby pipe and glanced at Nahun.

“You may smoke.”

Nahun almost smiled inwardly. He hadn’t expected such a degree of courtesy. Never did he think he would have to ask for permission to smoke a single cigar.

The chief lit the pipe and took a puff. After a while, he exhaled a long plume of smoke and spoke.

“I apologize, but as the leader guiding my tribe, I cannot make such a decision. I know well how foolish it would be to entrust the future of my entire race to a Demon King.”

“I understand your concerns. However, I would like to assure you that such a thing won’t happen.”

“And how can you guarantee that?”

Nahun answered simply in response to the chief’s question.

“Because I will be by Her Majesty’s side.”

“…Do you think that constitutes an answer?”

Nahun chose not to respond. He understood that his question did not truly seek an answer. As Nahun remained silent, the chief chuckled lightly.

“You possess great confidence.”

“I believe it is not unfounded confidence.”

“…That isn’t wrong, yet, I still cannot decide. Our tribe is known as a ‘warrior tribe,’ but that does not mean we are eager to be utilized as soldiers simply to hone our skills.”

The chief stated, “I will not command what my tribe does not wish for.”

“Is that so? Then let me propose an alternative.”

“What do you mean?”

Nahun glanced at Baruna. Baruna read his gaze, sighed, and nodded.

“I have heard that the chief of the Asura tribe is elected solely by measuring ‘martial prowess.'”

“…Indeed.”

“And one may challenge the position of chief at any time.”

“……I’m afraid you seem to be mistaken.”

The chief appeared to grasp Nahun’s intention. He pointed his pipe at Baruna.

“That one has no right to do so. Do you think I would grant the right to a banished traitor to become chief?”

“They say he was wrongfully accused.”

“Wrongfully accused? Such foolishness. If you had seen the situation at that time, you wouldn’t speak so. It was evident to anyone that this fellow…”

The chief’s expression twisted. His voice quivered, now tinged with anger.

“He killed my mother.”

Nahun shot an astonished glance at Baruna, but he remained unfazed. Nahun continued to watch Baruna for a moment before nodding.

“Your words imply you assessed the situation purely based on evidence.”

“I had enough evidence just from the situation. What kind of physical evidence is needed for someone who was caught on the scene?”

“Oh dear, it seems there’s a divide in arguments. Baruna claims he was wrongfully accused, while the chief insists otherwise.”

“Arguments and such are not matters for those absent from the scene to decide!”

“Are you suggesting I have no place to argue? That is a mistaken statement.”

The chief looked at Nahun as if questioning what he meant.

“Baruna is a precious asset of our Debata forces and serves as the vice commander. If he was wrongfully accused, it concerns his honor and the honor of the 4th legion he leads. Moreover, it relates to the honor of our entire Debata army.”

“Wait, that seems to be too far-reaching…”

“You are not going too far. Her Majesty Seere values honor more than anyone. If a subordinate suffers an unjust accusation and their honor is tarnished, appropriate measures will simply be taken.”

“What measures?”

Nahun wore a subtle smile. However, the ominous atmosphere began to swell beneath the surface. The chief flinched, and even Baruna slightly tensed.

“Hik…!”

Iris began to tremble. Nahun, unfazed by her state, warned the chief while maintaining that ominous atmosphere.

“I will show a lesson to those who dare tarnish the honor of the Debata army with false accusations.”

The chief knew he couldn’t ignore Nahun’s warning, but he realized that if he continued to submit, he would surely be giving up everything. He swallowed hard and spoke.

“…Do you think threats like that will work? Are you telling me to forgive this fellow? I would rather d*e honorably than allow that!”

“Then, I have a proposal.”

“…A proposal?”

“I also believe it wouldn’t be good for Her Majesty to bring an army here and show an example. The vice commander Baruna himself would not want that either. So why not make it fair?”

“What do you mean?”

“The right to challenge the chief that I mentioned before.”

“!”

“And include an opportunity for Vice Commander Baruna to clear his name as well.”

The chief hesitated for a moment but found it better than the looming threat of a powerful Demon Army sweeping through and annihilating his kin. It was only natural.

“…Did you not say it was a proposal? Offer something equivalent as a price.”

“The price is that Her Majesty does not lead an army here. And… ”

Nahun didn’t finish the last part. Baruna, stepping forward with the spear he had been carrying, spoke.

“I will grant you the chance to take revenge for your dearly departed wife, Chief. Even if I d*e in this duel, the Debata army will not interfere.”

“…!”

The chief still believed Baruna was the culprit behind the incident. Thus, the chance for him to take vengeance on his wife was equivalent to snatching his own son’s life. While the chief was shaken, Baruna looked at him with cold eyes as he said.

“Step outside.”

“The chief declared a duel!”

With the shout from an Asura child, the village of the Asura began to bustle with excitement.

“The chief will duel? With whom?”

“They say it’s with Baruna, that guy!”

“What?”

The news that the chief would duel his banished son spread. As everyone rushed toward the chief’s house with excitement, one individual bore an uncomfortable expression among them.

“…What’s his scheme?”

Unlike the others going to watch with mere curiosity, this one had a different intention as they headed toward the chief’s house.

---