Chapter 201

Chapter 201
## Chapter 201

The Second Continental Summit (2)

“To speak plainly, I wish to assign you a confidential task. You operate as a soldier of fortune, correct?”

High Shaman Morna escorted Harley into her private quarters and offered him a beverage before cutting straight to the core of the matter.

“Well, I am always eager to accept a contract if the compensation matches the risk! However, there is a particular matter that has been puzzling me. May I inquire about it first?”

“Hehehe— Naturally, feel free to ask.”

His attention shifted toward the young woman seated in the far corner of the room, who was staring into space with a blank expression.

The immense physical presence and sheer muscle mass radiating from Harley did not seem to startle her, though her eyes subtly drifted away from his frame.

“…What exactly is that lady’s purpose over there? Is she tracking spirits or something similar due to her calling as a shaman?”

“Ah— She serves as my pupil, and she is merely lost in her own thoughts, contemplating the occurrences of yesterday. Pay her no mind. Hehehehehe!”

“You certainly are an eccentric person. Setting that aside, what is the reason behind offering me a confidential contract so suddenly after all this time? You are well aware that I was put forward for the upcoming expedition and that I understand the current state of affairs in the southern territories.”

He posed the question with complete directness.

He was already fully aware that she had backed his involvement in the expedition and that she possessed knowledge regarding the events unfolding down south, making this abrupt proposition appear highly suspicious.

“Hmm… A shaman, in contrast to a sorcerer who relies strictly on rationality, is incredibly attuned to the realm of sentiments.”

“And your point is?”

“To put it plainly, an elder shaman such as myself can perceive elements that remain hidden to ordinary people. The various imprints left upon your physical form, your ties to others, your ultimate path, and even conceptual notions of that nature.”

Harley offered no verbal response when she referenced his physical form.

The public was already well acquainted with his background owing to the chronicles of ‘Harley’s Great Adventure’, and his recent high-profile deeds meant there was absolutely no reason to conceal his past any longer.

“As you have likely deduced by now, I put your name forward for the expedition solely to secure a face-to-face encounter. It would not have altered my plans even if you had chosen to turn down the invitation, would it?”

“Why go through such elaborate measures just to secure a meeting with me? You did nothing but observe from a distance throughout the initial gathering.”

“…Hehehe, matters were far more complicated than that…”

Morna’s countenance instantly grew somber, and a bitter chuckle escaped her lips.

“That is precisely why I sought an audience with you. Upon receiving word of your incredible deeds within the Tulk Kingdom, a sensation washed over me. A premonition that you are the sole individual capable of untangling the crisis currently gripping Calcos!”

It was, in essence, nothing more than a ‘shaman’s premonition’.

Yet the moment she encountered him face-to-face, that vague premonition transformed into absolute certainty, prompting her to bide her time until an appropriate moment arrived to establish contact.

‘The crisis gripping Calcos must refer to the internal rebellion, right? It appears this elderly woman stands in opposition to the usurpers.’

Just as he suspected, the objective of the assignment was to untangle the conspiracies quietly developing across the southern continent and eliminate the figure pulling the strings.

In exchange for his success, she intended to provide him with esoteric shamanistic insights along with additional backing.

“I brought up the ‘Tattoo of the Fighting King’ previously to catch your attention, though I do not truly advise pursuing it. You are familiar with the prerequisites required to endure such an inscription, correct?”

“You are referring to the monumental achievements! The prerequisite for earning the title of a legendary combatant involved bringing down an Ogre entirely on one’s own, did it not?”

“Hehehe… A mere Ogre is considered the absolute bare minimum. Naturally, your current capabilities far exceed such a feat, however…”

Morna let out a quiet giggle before her expression shifted into one of intense gravity.

“Your internal vitality is more than sufficient to sustain the power of the ‘Tattoo of the Fighting King’. In truth, it strains belief even when accounting for your heritage as a Dragonborn… You have transformed into something far more formidable since our paths last crossed. What exactly have you been sustaining yourself on?”

She possessed extensive data regarding the Dragonborn bloodline within the historical manuscripts accessible to her in her position as a High Shaman.

According to those records, such beings were undeniably superior to common mortals, yet their prowess originated from an inherent aptitude for sorcery rather than the terrifying, unnatural vitality that Harley displayed.

“…Even if one chooses to overlook that factor, the physical agony inflicted upon the bearer is beyond comprehension. It is documented to be a hundredfold more excruciating than enduring the ‘Great Warrior’s Tattoo’. The individual who last bore the title of ‘Fighting King’ centuries ago recorded this firsthand, meaning the account is entirely authentic. Hehehe.”

However, observing Harley’s completely unbothered demeanor, she cleared her throat to break the awkward silence.

“More crucially, the primary obstacle remains the corresponding monumental achievements. The ‘Tattoo of the Fighting King’ does not merely result in severe physical backlash should the prerequisites remain unfulfilled. It will claim your life instantly on the spot.”

“You have been talking in circles for long enough, cut straight to the point! I have already informed you that my time is limited!”

“Hmph, you truly enjoy stripping away an elderly woman’s simple pleasures.”

Morna gave in and spoke up after receiving a stern look from Harley.

Predictably, the prerequisite she proceeded to outline amounted to an almost insurmountable challenge.

“…The requirement is to successfully hunt an adult dragon! Furthermore, this cannot simply be an encounter alongside a group of combatants. You must strike the decisive blow and claim its life entirely with your own hands for the achievement to register!”

—Under conventional circumstances, at least.

“Naturally, taking into account that you carry the blood of a Dragonborn and actual dragons are exceedingly scarce in this age, any adversary occupying an equivalent tier of power would be deemed acceptable…”

“Ah, pay no mind to those details! The bottom line is, you possess the ability to perform the ritual, correct?”

“…Pardon? Well, yes… However, as I previously explained, should you fail to meet the strict prerequisites…”

Morna prepared to elaborate, tilting her head in confusion at Harley’s absolute self-assurance, when she abruptly froze.

She locked her gaze onto him with an expression filled with an odd sense of dread…

“No, hold on a moment. What exactly am I looking at?”

Her voice betrayed complete utter bewilderment.

“I operated under the assumption that he was merely a Dragonborn, which would make carrying dragon karma understandable, but this… this is the distinct karma of a dragon slayer!”

“Oh? You can actually perceive that?”

She truly earned her title as a High Shaman.

The practitioner who had originally inscribed his tattoos had shown hesitation even after being presented with the physical remains of the Ogre, whereas Morna appeared capable of confirming his qualifications through mere observation.

“A Dragonborn has successfully brought down a dragon? And judging by the sheer intensity of this karma, it was no ordinary dragon, was it? He delivered the mortal wound and personally ended its life… What manner of being are you?”

Even the typically unflappable High Shaman found herself completely thrown off balance, blinking rapidly with a thoroughly stunned expression.

‘It seems that particular event proved beneficial after all.’

Harley had forced his way inside the ribcage of the Mad Dragon Heratos and consumed its vital organs, including the Dragon Heart, during the climax of their confrontation.

It was only a matter of course that the prerequisites had been thoroughly satisfied.

“Hahaha! Well, that works out perfectly, does it not? At any rate, now that our respective desires are clear, let us delve deeper into the specifics! I already intended to journey to the southern region in the near future regardless!”

He had been pondering methods to insert himself into the ongoing southern conflict ever since a detailed intelligence report had reached him.

His strategy had already involved traveling to those lands shortly, given that he was currently maintaining a false identity as a southern combatant.

Consequently, it was highly advantageous to capitalize on this turn of events to extract intelligence from Morna, given her high status within Calcos, and forge a steady pipeline for Karma within the southern territories.

“Oh, and respected Elder, you are well aware that the initial retainer fee is handled entirely separately, correct?”

Naturally, he intended to ensure all financial transactions were properly squared away.

—

High Shaman Morna had been forced to employ such a covert, indirect method of communication because her personal freedom of movement was severely restricted.

She lived under a state of perpetual observation and regulation, rendered incapable of executing any independent actions beyond the confines of the holy sanctuary.

‘The former High Chieftain, who was previously deposed due to his tyrannical rule, is attempting to seize total authority over the Tribal Federation? And he is employing any ruthless strategy available to achieve this?’

Based on the narrative she shared, the crisis was remarkably advanced.

The mastermind had secured captives and systematically targeted the individual vulnerabilities of the leaders representing each distinct tribe, going so far as to implement absolute psychological manipulation…

‘It is rather remarkable that he managed to contain the flow of intelligence so flawlessly, despite focusing his efforts strictly on the tribal leaders and equivalent high-ranking figures.’

Even a figure as prominent as Morna, the High Shaman, found her hands completely tied because her immediate relatives and her primary pupil were being held captive as leverage.

She had only managed to attend the gathering as a authorized voice for the Tribal Federation because she displayed the highest level of compliance among the elite leaders who had evaded the psychological manipulation.

‘Though she is accompanied by an assistant who functions entirely as an overseer. Regardless, for an individual to take measures this extreme, there must be a significant secret he is attempting to protect, correct?’

The designated assembly grounds were situated at the very core of the sacred territory, the grand sanctuary where both the Saint and Saintess maintained their residence.

Furthermore, the roster of attendees comprised numerous figures of immense authority, including venerable Grand Mages.

It represented precisely the sort of environment an individual would actively avoid if they harbored illicit secrets.

Morna had undoubtedly selected Harley guided by nothing other than her ‘shaman’s premonition’, just as she had asserted.

The southern territories were not an area where the Church maintained substantial leverage due to the deeply rooted presence of the shamans, making it exceedingly difficult to secure their intervention in this crisis while the wider world teetered on the brink of total annihilation.

‘She managed to select the perfect candidate for the task.’

He was already privy to the internal assistance regarding the leaked intelligence, meaning he faced no pressing anxieties.

Furthermore, though it remained a classified truth he shared with no one, dismantling the elaborate machinations of others happened to be his absolute forte!

‘The deposed High Chieftain, Baltheon. Exploiting the prevailing instability, he is utilizing every underhanded tactic imaginable to realize his personal desires. The scent of malice radiating from him is palpable.’

…Whether that resolution came about through Harley’s immediate personal involvement.

‘Now that I reflect on it, Siana mentioned that a high-ranking operative responsible for breaking open the abyss was lurking within the southern borders.’

Or as a matter of pure coincidence, or perhaps destiny— through the immediate personal involvement of the Immortal King.

‘I have found my target.’

Harley’s pointed teeth flashed with a menacing gleam as his expression twisted into a broad, predatory smirk.

—

Rustle, rustle—

The expansive assembly hall echoed with the distinct sound of shifting garments and quiet, murmured conversations as the attendees took their respective positions.

And then…

Clank—

The heavy entrance swung open once more, permitting another contingent of individuals to cross the threshold.

They appeared clad in remarkably opulent and refined garments, and guiding the contingent from the front was a strikingly beautiful woman boasting radiant, golden tresses and vibrant, blue-green eyes.

“Ah, your arrival honors us, Your Highness. A very pleasant morning to you.”

“As breathtaking as ever! The sight is absolutely radiant! Hehehe!”

The moment her figure came into view, the individuals who had been engaged in casual dialogue immediately began to gravitate toward her position.

They had spent the preceding days exchanging pleasantries, yet this particular interaction carried a different weight.

The primary objective in a setting of this nature was to project an aura of close association with the truly influential, making this behavior an entirely predictable social display.

The woman in question was Riley Carte Azeria, the primary successor to the leadership of the Azeria Empire, which stood as the most dominant realm across the entire continent.

“It is a pleasure to greet you all. I have received indications that our deliberations may extend well into the late hours, so I truly hope everyone managed to secure adequate rest.”

“Hahaha! Without question! I possess complete faith in my personal endurance.”

“How fares your well-being, Your Highness? Should fatigue begin to set in, I am entirely prepared to formally request a recess from the leadership of the Church.”

They eagerly offered subtle praises, competing fiercely to capture her attention.

Every individual present held a position of high authority within their respective homelands, yet the sheer political gravity attached to the title of ‘future sovereign’ was more than enough to compel even the most arrogant figures to adopt a humble posture.

Riley maintained an expertly balanced demeanor that was simultaneously courteous and detached, keeping her admirers at a calculated distance while still ensuring they felt included.

Navigating the whims of self-serving individuals and converting them into dependable political assets was an art form she had perfected over a span of many years.

The approach required no alterations when dealing with representatives from foreign territories.

As the grand assembly hall continued to reverberate with social chatter, every participant masking their hidden agendas behind pleasant smiles…

Clank—

The heavy entrance swung open yet again.

“Huh?”

“Who could those individuals be…?”

In stark contrast to the reaction that greeted the arrival of the imperial contingent, the entire room instantly froze and lapsed into total silence, their facial expressions turning rigidly severe.

An icy, heavy stillness settled over the space that had been vibrant with energy just a moment prior.

Thump, thump—

Piercing through that absolute quiet, the rhythmic sound of footsteps reverberated clearly as a new party made their entrance.

The entire group was clad in garments of deep, dark hues, and leading them at the vanguard was an exceptionally handsome gentleman possessing hair as black as obsidian and blood-crimson eyes that shone like polished gemstones.

He projected an incredibly dominant aura that forcefully demanded the focus of everyone in the room.

Gulp—

“………”

“Hmm, quite remarkable…”

The demeanor of the companions trailing behind his steps was equally alarming.

With every stride they completed, a subtle, freezing draft and the unmistakable metallic scent of gore seemed to permeate the surrounding atmosphere.

‘So, those are the individuals… ’

Riley, positioned at the center of the gathering crowd, silently scrutinized the newcomers with a sharp, calculating look in her eyes.

They came as the authorized voices representing the Talia Kingdom, the prominent vampires belonging to the Hybrid Alliance, who held direct responsibility for the turbulent shifts occurring of late.

The faction that had spent ages operating strictly within the dark corners of the world had finally chosen to step into the light, right at the center of the holy territory, within the very sanctuary managed by the Church.