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Chapter 327

「Reusing a sacrifice that unexpectedly survived, what a fine hobby you have. Or should I call it a rational idea?」

Lenia made her snide remark without hiding her sarcasm, but Zebe didn’t seem offended. On the contrary, she smiled as if she agreed.

「That decision wasn’t mine, you know? If anything, it might be rational.」

Earthima showed clear irritation at Zebe’s words, her expression tightening with barely restrained anger.

「But that doesn’t justify disregarding Hadiya’s life and ignoring her will. Such a decision shouldn’t be easily accepted.」

「You’re quite attached for someone with the title of Great Warrior, aren’t you? My parents were quite surprised that someone of your stature would run away.」

「Even I have emotions I can’t suppress with reason. In a way, I’m the most surprised.」

When Hadiya was first sacrificed, Earthima watched silently. But the decision to sacrifice Hadiya again after she had miraculously survived was the breaking point for Earthima. Even Lenia could see that Earthima and Hadiya had shared a significant amount of time together. The relief of Hadiya’s unexpected survival made the thought of a second sacrifice unbearable.

Zebe didn’t have the authority to decide Hadiya’s fate, but she was still trying to take her back. Lenia rested her chin on her hand and narrowed her eyes at the vibrant woman before her. Though it was subtle, only Lenia and Zebe knew that Zebe’s heart nearly stopped for a moment under Lenia’s gaze.

「So, the people of this country are sending numerous pursuers to ensure these two don’t escape. A quick way out would be by sea. Air travel isn’t well-developed here.」

「I’m relieved that we managed to contact them before they boarded a ship. Though I didn’t expect someone like you, Lenia, to be by their side. I would appreciate it if you didn’t interfere with taking Earthima and Hadiya back.」

「Sorry, but that won’t happen. These two seem to have potential. I plan to negotiate with them personally. It would be inconvenient if they were taken back by you.」

「Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re helping them, which makes it difficult for us to negotiate. Could you explain why you’re assisting them and what you intend to negotiate?」

Zebe’s question also piqued Earthima and Hadiya’s curiosity. They couldn’t believe Lenia was helping them out of pure goodwill. There was something ominous about her demeanor that made it hard to believe she was driven by benevolence alone.

「My motives aren’t significant, just typical. It’s simple recruitment. I’m personally seeking talented and innovative individuals. Seeing these two fleeing from pursuers, I judged them worth recruiting and decided to help.」

「So, it’s recruitment. If that’s true, I can assume you’re not aiding them to uncover this country’s secrets?」

「Interpret my words as you like. What’s important to me is that Earthima and Hadiya trust me.」

「So, you value Earthima’s skills as a warrior, Lenia.」

Hadiya, trusting Earthima, seemed convinced by Lenia’s explanation. However, Lenia, slightly exasperated, nodded towards Hadiya.

「You’re also a recruitment target. Whether you realize it or not, you have a strong spirit’s blessing. You’ve undergone training as a gift, haven’t you? With specialized training, you could become a great spirit user.」

「Me too? But I’ve only practiced merging my heart with the spirits as my duty as a gift.」

「From now on, you can use the spirits’ power for yourself. Just be careful not to misuse it for personal gain, or you’ll face consequences.」

From what Lenia observed, Hadiya’s natural talent combined with her training made her a skilled spirit user. With Lenia’s training, she could improve even more, although she wouldn’t reach the exceptional levels of Doran or Merle.

Lenia had another reason for recruiting Earthima and Hadiya, beyond emulating Doran. The Arc Rest Kingdom, while cautious of the north, was focusing on integrating and governing the Romal Empire. The Empire, previously dominated by Romal nationalism, saw uprisings from conquered minorities during the succession war. Now that the succession war was over, these minorities sought revenge or expansion.

With Arc Rest Kingdom annexing the Romal Empire, potential covert operations and schemes necessitated vigilance. Arc Rest Kingdom’s focus on internal development and international relations emphasized the strategic importance of the Kalavist Tower within the Bern Territory.

The colossal tower, with an interior matching the size of Arcadia, contained relics and life forms from various ancient civilizations. Exploring this tower could yield significant benefits, attracting attention within the kingdom. Although the Bern family owned the tower, its internal ownership was ambiguous due to the presence of the true goddess, Lilierl Tier.

After much deliberation by Doran and Christina, the current arrangement allowed for land claims within the tower to be recognized, facilitating territorial expansion without the need for external conquests.

Strict regulations governed formal expeditions within the tower, including intensive screening and constant monitoring by Dragosuccubus. Official military personnel permitted within the tower were limited to around a hundred, emphasizing quality over quantity.

This situation turned the Kalavist Tower into a platform to showcase elite talents. Some of these elites were affiliated with Lenia’s family, which prioritized development and security over tower exploration. Hence, Lenia saw an opportunity to train and dispatch her elite recruits to gain fame and recognition.

Lenia’s ultimate goal was to enhance her family’s reputation, earning praise from her current parents and Doran, a prospect she found highly rewarding.

「I don’t want these two to return to your clan and waste their lives. If they wish to go back, I might consider it, but they clearly don’t. Therefore, I’ll prioritize Earthima and Hadiya’s wishes, even if it means opposing all of Chandra.」

Earthima and Hadiya were visibly shocked by Lenia’s confident declaration. Her sincerity was undeniable. Zebe, surprised by Lenia’s boldness, interpreted it as ignorance of Chandra’s power. However, she sensed something more, indicating her sharp instincts.

「You’re making bold claims, but you truly intend to oppose an entire nation?」

「Yes. I defeated Hadiya’s pursuers and that crude spirit, Negajin. A thousand or ten thousand of such enemies wouldn’t change anything. I find unnecessary killing distasteful, so I’ll avoid it if possible.」

「Facing you, I can’t dismiss your words lightly. Even I can see you’re extraordinary. If I offered ten skilled fighters under your command, would you let me take Earthima and Hadiya? They would obey even if I ordered them to kill me.」

「Hmm? Haha, you’re smarter than the armed group coming up the stairs.」

Lenia sensed a group approaching without hiding their presence. Earthima, also noticing, realized the intruders were formidable spirit users or possessed powerful artifacts.

「If they’re skilled in spirit magic, it’s only natural they can counter it. Earthima, your primary skill is swordsmanship, right? Hadiya should strive to detect such intruders first.」

Lenia’s remark wasn’t intended as sarcasm, but Hadiya, already aware of her shortcomings, felt it deeply. She needed to support Earthima by detecting threats early.

「You’re right. I’m sorry, Earthima, for relying on you too much…」

「No, given the situation, it’s understandable. You’re not used to fighting.」

「It’s fine to protect Hadiya, but you mustn’t coddle her. Even outside the battlefield, strength and resilience are essential.」

「You’re right. It’s surprising to hear you say that, Lenia.」

Lenia responded calmly to Earthima’s comment, arms crossed.

「We’ve just met. We’ll understand each other over time. We have a long way to go.」

Lenia already considered their recruitment a success. Zebe sighed as new intruders forced their way into the room. Leading the group were two bald giants, followed by a tall, bejeweled young man in red.

The young man’s emerald eyes scanned Earthima, Hadiya, and Lenia before settling on Zebe.

「Well, well, Zebe. Fancy meeting you here.」

His voice was slimy and stuck to the eardrums. Zebe smiled faintly in response. Lenia exchanged a silent glance with Earthima, who shook her head, indicating no familiarity. Lenia decided to watch, intrigued by the new information source. She glanced coldly at the young man and his giant guards.

「It’s been a while, Romel Shija. You’ve brought your guards, I see.」

「You’re always so distant. I just want to get along. Anyway, Earthima and Hadiya, I’m Shija of the Romel family. Nice to meet you.」

Shija’s light tone and polite bow contrasted with his untrustworthy demeanor. Ignoring Lenia, he commanded his giants to fetch chairs and sat down, speaking casually.

「The whole country is in chaos because of your escape. My family, Romel, has been searching for you everywhere. When we heard you were here with a foreign girl, we rushed over. Zebe got here first, though.」

Earthima narrowed her eyes at Shija, showing her distrust and dislike. She had heard of Romel’s troublesome members. Lenia’s voice echoed in her mind through telepathy.

「What’s this Romel Shija like? He seems petty but confident in dealing with you.」

「Telepathy? Can it be overheard…?」

「Trust me. Speak freely.」

「Alright. Romel is one of Chandra’s great clans, like Maffa. Shija is from the main family, skilled in spirit magic and secretive battles.」

「An expert in assassination and covert operations. He enjoys tormenting his enemies. Not a good person.」

「Indeed. His actions are overlooked because of his skills and willingness to do dirty work.」

「An appropriate figure for this blood-soaked country.」

Earthima’s silence confirmed Lenia’s assessment. Shija continued his conversation with Zebe, focusing more on her than Hadiya and Earthima.

「Are Romel and Maffa friends or foes? They seem to be vying for control over these two. Zebe tried to negotiate with me, but Shija might resort to violence.」

「That’s likely.」

Earthima subtly touched Hadiya’s hair, signaling readiness to escape.

「Zebe, you’re quick, as always. But it seems your negotiation failed. Let Romel handle Earthima and Hadiya. Maffa is busy managing Dezarta and monitoring the docks. We specialize in combat and won’t let Earthima escape again.」

「Shija, I haven’t received an answer yet. It’s not your turn.」

「I decide that. I’m Romel, not Maffa. It’s first come, first served with gifts. Hadiya is valuable, having survived a sacrifice.」

Shija’s cold words angered Earthima and Hadiya, the latter usually calm but now visibly upset. Tension rose, and Zebe monitored everyone’s movements.

「Hey, Romel Shija.」

Lenia’s emotionless voice made Shija glance at her, annoyed.

「You’re not needed here, so I ignored you. Don’t spurn my goodwill.」

「Your goodwill? You see me as a hostage or a target to eliminate later. You’re good at killing but not at deception.」

「Don’t judge me from above. It’s rude.」

「I won’t bother with basic courtesy for someone who barges in, sits without permission, and yaps away. Your people want to use Hadiya for their power struggles. Neither Maffa nor Romel will get her. She’d be sacrificed again or kept as a tool.」

Lenia’s contemptuous snort infuriated Shija, who smiled menacingly.

「You’ve said enough, little girl. I’ll teach you manners.」

Shija’s hostility turned murderous, confirming Lenia’s low opinion of him. In response, the giants attacked. Earthima quickly sliced one, only to find it filled with sand. She called upon the wind to blow the sand away and shielded Hadiya.

The other giant froze, restrained by Lenia’s powerful telekinesis. Seated elegantly, Lenia mocked Shija.

「Your sand golems aren’t bad, but they’re only good for ambushes.」

「You’ll regret underestimating me.」

A stream of sand flowed toward Lenia, forming venomous snakes. Lenia’s unseen force repelled them, and the poisonous sand hit Shija’s shield.

「Good reflexes. I’ll give you a pass this time.」

Lenia’s patronizing tone enraged Shija, whose face turned murderous.

「Your imagination is lacking. I see only your defeat.」

Lenia’s clap sent shivers through Earthima, Hadiya, and even Zebe.