Chapter 102: To the Godfall Land
Seeing the two kings so enthusiastic, Rhodes didn't have the heart to tell them the truth. But he had to.
"I don't have the sense of responsibility to be a king. The king of the humans will be Norne."
He brought Norne before the two kings, giving him a chance to be seen. Though it was all very sudden, Norne stood tall and straight, withstanding the scrutiny of both the Dwarven King and the Elven King. If he couldn't even handle this, how could he ever become the king of his people, how could he lead them to find a place for themselves in this world?
At the same time, his heart was filled with gratitude for Rhodes. To propose a human nation at such a critical moment... the Dwarven King and the Elven King would surely not refuse. Could it be that this was all part of his plan? Once again, he was in awe of Rhodes's foresight.
"Alright then! I'll still be there," the Dwarven King said, scratching his head in confusion. To him, Rhodes was clearly the strongest among them. He had a great talent for magic, and the will to save the world. Why wouldn't he be the king? Among his own people, the stronger you were, the more likely you were to become king. He himself had won his throne in his youth, by fighting the warriors of the other clans.
But he was old now, and his only son had died in the war. He was now considering a successor. Perhaps he would hold a tournament. The strongest dwarf would inherit his crown. But that was a story for after the war.
"I understand. I will be sure to congratulate Lord Norne," the Elven King said with a nod. Unlike the Dwarven King, he could understand Rhodes's decision. The hero who saved the world did not always have to be the king. Perhaps Lord Norne had a talent for ruling. The Elven King, unlike the more rough-and-tumble dwarves, knew what it took to be a good king.
"Thank you, both of you," Norne said.
In his plan, the founding of a human nation was a story for twenty or thirty years from now. Even with the two kings' approval, he wouldn't do it right away. "And before that, we have a more important mission to complete," he said, looking at Rhodes.
"Yes, indeed," the Elven King's gaze fell on him. "The main force of the demons has been dealt a heavy blow; they won't be able to launch an effective attack for some time. You... you're going to that legendary place, aren't you?"
He had, in recent times, learned more about the demons and the gods. He knew that the god they worshipped was in the Godfall Land. And he knew that Rhodes and his party were now on their way to slay that very god. It was an insane, unbelievable task. But for some reason, he had a feeling that this group could do it, could accomplish a feat that would be recorded in the annals of history.
"That's right," Serie said calmly, her golden eyes looking to the west, the direction of the Godfall Land. "The source of the evil has not yet been cut off. As long as the false god lives, the demons will return. We must go there and put an end to it all." And fulfill my own dream, she thought to herself, to raise my sword against a god, and to slay it.
As if sensing her thoughts, Rhodes also looked to the west. "Yes. This is the path we have chosen."
"But you can't be in such a hurry. At least stay for the victory banquet," the Dwarven King grumbled. The heroes who had just saved the allied army were leaving that very night, without even giving them a chance to thank them. The boisterous dwarf found it hard to accept.
Just then, a figure hurried over. Norne and Eirik's eyes lit up. It was Kraft. They had seen him many times over the past month, but they hadn't expected to see him now, at their departure.
"You're all leaving without telling me? It's a good thing I was keeping an eye on you," he said, walking over, a teasing but warm smile on his face.
The Elven King, realizing they had something to say to each other, stepped aside. He knew Kraft; he was a renowned and powerful elven warrior.
"We just didn't have the time," Rhodes said with a smile.
Kraft first nodded to Serie, Norne, and the others in greeting, then walked up to Rhodes and bowed deeply.
"Kraft?" Rhodes was a little surprised. They were friends; there was no need for such formality.
"I thank you, Rhodes," he said, looking up, his voice firm. "Allow me... on behalf of all our kinsmen who were lost in the fall of the Great Elven Forest, to express my deepest gratitude."
The Elven King, due to his status, could not bow to a human. All he could do was express his thanks. The other elves had not yet had a chance to do so. And so, Kraft was the first. "I will never forget this kindness," he said, bowing his head once more. "If you should ever have need of me, I, Kraft, will be at your side."
The weight of his gratitude hung heavy in the air.
After a moment's silence, Rhodes placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kraft, stand up. Until the demon's god is eliminated, this is far from over. But your thanks... I accept it."
Before, he might have tried to get him to join their adventure. But now, it was no longer necessary. As for the promise he had just made... he would think about it later.
Kraft looked up, nodded firmly, and stood. "Then I wish you all good fortune in the wars to come," he said with another bow.
"Go with courage and confidence," the Dwarven King said. "We await the day of your triumphant return."
"We will do our best to hold back the remaining demon army and keep them from interfering," the Elven King added.
"Thank you," Rhodes said with a cupped fist salute. It was a gesture from his old world, but it conveyed his meaning well enough.
Serie gave a slight nod. "Farewell."
Without any more fanfare, they turned and, under the watchful eyes of their allies, walked west.
(End of Chapter)
~~~
Get early access to 20+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
~~~
Every 150 Power Stones = 1 extra chapter