Divine Beast Ascension

“What? You don’t believe in your territory leader?!” Rathe questioned with a booming grin. “Just ask Ania, we’ve warded off a dragon so how come we can’t fight an early-king?!”

“But how?” Nixt spoke up, asking the question on everyone’s mind. “It’s hard to believe in what shouldn’t be possible, not without a solid explanation.”

Hurman nodded. “Master Rathe, would you mind explaining how you’ll handle your portion of the plan in more detail?”

“More detail? It’s simple, I’ll pummel the king until there’s nothing to worry about. So all of you will just have to worry about your own targets and be ready in case you get double-teamed,” stated Rathe. “Now, you’re dismissed! Go spread the orders and get things ready while there’s time!”

Bowing their heads, the chiefs had no choice but to accept the proposed plan. They couldn’t control who was targeting the territory, so at least they were glad to have a leader proud enough to personally face the greatest threat. Still, they all began to ponder what they would do if things turned for the worst.

One by one, the chiefs and Eila left the tent. Both jaguar guards dragged out the crippled lynx chief, showing him off to the entire camp as they took him to a more private place for safekeeping.

.....

“Hurman, Nixt, want to join us?”

The swordsman stopped his steps and tilted his head. “Shouldn’t I go pass on orders and help?”

“Let my clan handle the preparations. We all should rest and prepare for our own matches. Right, Vloz?” chuckled Rathe.

“I hate to admit it, but I’ll need to recuperate all the energy I can for my next opponent...” mentioned the leopard, nodding slightly.

Agreeing with a confident, unfazed grin, Rathe took out a keg of his favorite wine and slammed it down on top of the map. “Time is fleeting, so we should enjoy ourselves while we’re able!”

“Master Rathe–”

“Don’t worry, Hurman, this won’t impede me at all. This will charge me up for my epic duel!” Rathe shouted, glad the silence barrier was still active after the others had left. “Come on! At least one round!”

“Fill me up.” Nixt took out a tankard and held it under the tap. As Rathe eagerly filled the first serving of wine, Nixt asked, “I get this time, but what did you mean by the first time that swine committed treason?”

“I’m also curious about that...” added Hurman, sighing as he retrieved a tankard of his own.

But Vloz answered instead, “We were targeted by bandits one time before, and it’s likely that those bandits were linked to this army of mercenaries. They were probably hired by the same employer.”

“And that trash betrayed you back then?” Nixt asked.

Nodding, Vloz added, “We eventually received a tip about Gar’s involvement with the bandits. After some investigating, we found him secretly relaying information to outside forces again. But we couldn’t verify whether those outside forces were a threat until now. And Gar didn’t openly commit treason until his actions confessed it on the battlefield, disobeying orders and attempting to incite chaos in the army.”

“But that kitty won’t be bothering anyone again!” Rathe shouted, lifting the now empty tankard from his lips. “I gave him a pounding he’ll never recover from! And now, I’ll get to increase my legend even more!”

“Which reminds me, you mentioned your clan holding back a dragon. What’s that about?” Nixt questioned amid taking large gulps of the fine wine.

“Before taking Iron Territory, a poor dragon had the misfortune to run into us. When he tried picking on Oli, Ania’s man was forced to do something about it!” Rathe boasted loudly, not hiding the admiration in his gaze and grin. “Dioro did the impossible that day! He held off a low-king and nearly killed the rancid beast! All the coward could do was flee while blood fell to the ground like red rain!”

“Then... what happened to Dioro?” Hurman asked.

At the same time, Nixt blinked and scratched his bald head. “Dioro... Have I heard that name before?”

“...” Despite the pause in his response, Rathe’s pride only swelled further as he continued, “He cemented his legend that day. And who knows, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to do the same...”

“Rathe, you–”

“Hurman, hurry up and fill up!” Rathe shouted, not letting Vloz speak aloud with such a depressed tone. “You too, house cat! Get out your goblet!”

Sighing, Vloz retrieved his goblet and carried it with his tail. But Vloz also spoke telepathically, ‘Rathe, you don’t have to do this.’

“Good, now fill ‘er up!” Rathe laughed loudly as he responded in secret, ‘Let me do this.’

‘I can’t, in good faith, let someone weaker than me take on–‘

‘Who said I was weaker? Is your memory fading? I let you win last time, remember?’ Rathe joked while he joined Nixt in downing his next drink.

But Vloz continued before taking a sip. ‘I can–‘

Interrupting again, Rathe’s tone drastically changed. ‘Vloz. I have no choice.’

‘But you’re–‘

‘I’m stronger than you thanks to my soul arts. You’ve just started training them so you won’t stand a chance. At least I’ll be able to fight the guy. And if I lose... Then I’ll make sure he’s hurt enough for you to finish him off.’ As Rathe gasped in joy of finishing his drink, he added, ‘Besides, who else will be able to track down my old man and tell him how his good-for-nothing son did something greater than he ever achieved?’

‘Rathe...’ Vloz put the goblet to his lips but didn’t drink. He merely stared into the plum-red liquid.

As Rathe filled his next round with more laughs, he chuckled, ‘At least I’ll finally make something of myself without constantly needing your help. Just trust me. Like old times!’