Fierce blue eyes, sharp fangs, striped hairs, and a tail covered in white hair. A white tiger sat in the highest seat of the great hall, overbooking everyoh his might and authority. Not a single noise echoed as his gaze streaked to those in front of him.

  Wolves, bears, ras, rabbits, and a lot of furry beasts gathered around the white tiger, eyes just as fierd observant as the tter. The tension only rose with the passing of time, awkward silening over the Great Hall.

  "Sakar... What's the meaning of this?" ［Great Chief］

  The white tiger's words echoed in the Great Hall, full of authority and intimidation. The Elders didn't voice out their thoughts, their eyes simply swimming towards Sakar who just ehe Great Hall along with a pair of unfamiliar figures.

  Of course, those two figures were her than Grey and Yuna who are on their way to have a little chat with the Chiefdom's Great Chief. And well... with such a "warm" reception... there isn't really much to say.

  "I greet the Great Chief." ［Sakar］

  """We greet the Great Chief!"""

  Sakar didn't ahe question immediately, first greeting the Chief as he k down on the ground. The other warriors followed suit and k before the Great Chief as well. Only two figures not doing the same.

  Grey and Yuna remaianding, not faltering from the Great Chief's intimidating gre and not letting their knees bend even a little. her their eyes nor hearts wavered as they stood their ground against the tension.

  With their fmboyant as, everyone's eyes gathered towards them, all astounded by their unfounded ce and needless fidehough some were simply baffled by them, some... Well...

  "How disrespectful! Kneel before the Great Chief!" ［???］

  ... Some had more extreme reas. One of the elders made an outburst as he smmed his hands on the armrests of his seat. Irked veins showed up on his forehead as he uttered such words, obviously driven by anger.

  But Grey and Yuna remaianding. After all, if they were to have a talk with the Great Chief, it was better to establish the power bance as early as they could. They aren't uhem, rather, they were equals. They won't stand for any less.

  "Why... You...!" ［???］

  Of course, their persistend silenly served to fuel the elder. His face turned red as he gred intensely, his hands grabbing the armrest even more, iing as much force as he trembled in anger. He was fuming, almost snapping.

  "Warriors, seize these disrespeー" ［???］

  "Head Elder, stop." ［Great Chief］

  "Bur Great Chief! This is uableー" ［Head Elder］

  BAAANNNNGGGGG

  The Head Elder tried tue, but he wasn't even given the ce to finish his words. As the Great Chief smmed one of his hands to his armrest, a loud boom echoed in the air forcefully cutting the Head Elder's words.

  "Head Elder, don't make me repeat myself." ［Great Chief］

  "N-No... I apologize, Great Chief." ［Head Elder］

  One gre from the Great Chief and the Head Elder could feel himself under a lot of pressure. It ressure enough to make it hard for him to breathe. It wasn't only the Head Elder, the only elders and warriors also felt the same pressure, uo talk back even a single word.

  There was no other choice left for the Head Elder but to submit and close his mouth. Though he didn't want the Chiefdom to associate with outsiders, he couldn't even open his mouth even if he wao. The pressure was simply too much.

  Soon, sileuro the Great Hall. With the Head Elder shut up, the other elders also suppressed their voices. Their eyes once again warey and Yuna's dire, ag as if nothing happened.

  "Sorry about that just now. We're just in a bit of a prickly situatiht now. I hope you uand." ［Great Chief］

  "No, it's alright. We don't really mind." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. That's good to hear." ［Great Chief］

  The versation soon tinued, but it was one as dry as a dessert. Rather thaing each other warmly, they simply measured one another, wearing fake smiles on their faces as they appraised the other party,

  Of course, with Grey's abilities, he was quickly able to get a quick grasp on things. Be it the Chiefdom's yout, structure, hierarchy, and battle capabilities. Grey was able to get a solid uanding the vilge as a whole, sharing what he learned with Yuna through telepathy.

  And throughout the whole Chiefdom, Sakar was the oh the highest bat power, followed by the Great Chief and a number of elite warriors. The number of Mid-Rankers only totaled to a couple dozen, not even half of Galderia's.

  Grey has already expected them to be quite far behind in teology and culture, but he didn't think even their military power is so vulnerable. While it was uandable with their low popution, it was still a little uling.

  To be frank, Grey was a little disappointed, and so was Yuna. It was a mystery how such a civilization tio exist when a single enemy, at k or above, could wipe them out. There was more to the isnd than it seems.

  "Ah, how fetful of me... This may be long overdue, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Manelo, Great Chief of Ti." ［Manelo］

  "Grey of Aster, a pleasure to meet you." ［Grey］

  "And I'm Yuna, also of Aster. o meet you, Great Chief Manelo." ［Yuna］

  The three key figures introduced themselves to one another with weling smiles yet no matter how much they smiled, the tension in the air didn't disappear. Rather, ead everyone of Grey and Yuna's movements were scrutinized by the Great Chief and elders.

  Though the Head Warriors and the warriors were already on Grey and Yuna's side, the same couldn't be said for the others. The Great Chief could only wonder why a man like Sakar was subservient to the guests before him.

  "Aster... I 't say I'm familiar with such a nd..." ［Manelo］

  "That's because it isn't a pce, it's the name of our party. If you're asking where we're from then it would be from the Kingdom of Alfrione." ［Grey］

  "Alfrione, huh... An iing name indeed." ［Manelo］

  There was o hide such details from the Great Chief. If they want to have a smooth versation, they must first prove they were trustworthy. Of course, private and personal information was out of the question, only trivial ones.

  "Hahaha. Well, it's not just the 's also a wonderful pce. The food is great and the people are also hospitable." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. That sounds like a really wonderful pdeed. But I wonder... Where is this Alfrione you're talking about? This is the first I've heard of it." ［Manelo］

  "Oh, it's nothing too far. Maybe a couple dozen kilometers from here? You just o ght over there." ［Grey］

  Answered Grey, ending his statement as he pointed east, over the seas where only a thick fog of white could be seen. At his gesture, the Great Chief's eyes widened in shock as his hands trembled ever so slightly.

  "T-The sea of fog?! They came from the sea of fog?!"

  "That's impossible! That should be where the world ends!"

  "This settles it! Aren't they just lying at this point?!"

  Well, it wasn't only the Grreat Chief who was shocked. The elders and warriors in the Great Hall quickly desded into chaos as such a reveti in their ears. Not a single one was able to accept Grey's words as the truth.

  It was only natural. After all, with such a powerful spell c the archipego and having been isoted for a very long time, the inhabitants of the isnd had thought that the isnds are all there is in the world, the sea of fog being the end of it.

  Some have tried to venture away, but their minds are always clouded the moment they get ihe fog, losing their dire and somehow returning to the isnd the moment they regain their senses. Both curse magid array is also used on top of barrier and illusion magic.

  The Great Hall was thrusted further into chaos and the elders, loud as they could be, expressed their disbeliefs as they exged opinions with one another. Only one person remained calm, nailing down his nerves as he posed himself.

  "Silence!" ［Manelo］

  A single word from the Great Chief and everyone's voices were quelled in an instant. Though he was also in disbelief from Grey's cims, he didn't let his beliefs cloud his judgement. He was intrigued, if anything.

  "Grey, was it?... You say that there lies nds beyond the sea of fog?" ［Manelo］

  "Yes. That is correct." ［Grey］

  Grey's eyes didn't waver a little as he answered. And the Great Chief, seeing those eyes, could only sigh in resignation. With such a strong and fident look, he could only believe the young man before him, yet still uo grasp his words.

  "Alright, let's say that is true. Then, I want to ask you a couple more questions. Would that be alright with you?" ［Manelo］

  "Of course, that's more than fine. But... In exge, we'll also be askingー" ［Grey］

  "How imperti! How demand such things fromー" ［Head Elder］

  "Head Elder! That's enough!" ［Manelo］

  The Head Elder started barking once again, but a single warning from the Head Elder and he was forced to close his mouth once again. Now, the Great Chief's gre was even more intehan before, like a predator about to devour his prey.

  "But Great Chief! This impertineneeds to be punished!" ［Head Elder］

  "And who would dare punish them? Is this how we show hospitality tuests?! You're the one bringing embarrassment ti!!" ［Manelo］

  "Great Chief! I'm only doing this for the sake of Ti! Please do not be fooled by their appearances, I'm sureー" ［Head Elder］

  "Head Elder, this is my st warning! Don't test my patience if you don't want to be kicked out of the Great Hall!" ［Manelo］

  The Head Elder argued fiercely, but the Great Chief was even fiercer. Though the former stood his ground quiet firmly, in the end, it was futile. With the Great Chief as his enemy. He could only tremble with frustration as he gred at Grey and Yuna.

  Hesitant as he may be, the Head Elder soon took his seat, and soon, sileuro the Great Hall. The Great Chief then g the other elders, trying to see if there was anyone who dared to say something. But silence remained, not a single one brave enough to meet his eyes.

  "Haah... Guests, I once again apologize for that." ［Manelo］

  "No, no it's alright. I didn't think the Chiefdom would be so lively. It's quite refreshing, actually. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un! It feels like you're so close, like a family!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! Right, a family! I'm thankful for your uanding." ［Manelo］

  Even then, even after all the ruckus, Grey and Yuna still humored the Great Chief ahings pass through. Though they were a little annoyed, it wasn't like it was the first time such things happehey couldn't afford to waste any more time.

  "Anyway, as I was saying, I would also like you to answer our questions. I believe that's only fair, no?" ［Grey］

  "No, you're right. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one asking, after all." ［Manelo］

  "I see, then... Since you already asked us a couple of questions. I go on ahead and ask our first question." ［Grey］

  "Sure, go ahead." ［Manelo］

  Thankfully, uhe stubborn and antagonizing Head Elder, the Great Chief was a rather open-minded person. It was such a relief that they didn't have to use force again. A relief for the other party, that is.

  "The me ask you... roblem is the Chiefdom fag right now?" ［Grey］

  It was still the first question, but Grey quickly struck a sore spot. Everyone present quickly fli his words, especially the Great Chief, uo hide his shock. The atmosphere's tension quickly rose in an instant.

  From the bits and pieces of Sakar's memories, the Great Chief's previous words, and the unusual tension in the air, Grey and Yuna had already expected something was going on. And seeing everyone's reas, their suspis only grew stronger.

  "It's quite a long story... Would you care listening?" ［Manelo］

  "Un, sure! We have all the time in the world." ［Yuna］

  There was no time to dilly-dally. The moment Grey and Yuna o the Great Chief's questions, the tter soon opened his mouth and started telling them a story. And the Great Chief really wasn't joking. It was a very long story.

  Acc to them, it all happened about a month ago. The Chiefdom was just normal as it usually is, when suddenly, an "Evil Beast" appeared out of nowhere, rising from the sea of fog and bringing havoc to the Chiefdom.

  It was no mere beast. It was one which spanned more than a hundred meters, with its body covered in deep blue scales like the deep o. And every time it resurfaced from the sea, it would always bst everything it saw with a bst of high pressure waters from its gigantic maw.

  The inhabitants' hearts were swallowed by terror and despair, many houses were destriyed and many lives were lost. Because of it, many vilgers moved closer innd and fishing had pletely stopped. It was a nightmare.

  Grey, isn't this... ［Yuna］

  Yeah, it seems to be the reason why beasts are suddenly appearing near Lista. And judging from the description, it seems to be a 'Leviathan'. ［Grey］

  A Leviathan... Hmm... It's that S-ra, isn't it? ［Yuna］

  Yeah, that's right. It's often called the 'Ruler of the Sea' or 'The Monster of the Deep'. To be ho, it's quite a troublesome enemy. ［Grey］

  Hmm... I see... ［Yuna］

  Grey said that it was "troublesome", but it was way far beyond such a simple word. If it wasn't for the fact that it was an aquatic beast, with the Chiefdom's military power, they would have been already destroyed. They were forturuly fortunate.

  The Great Chief's story tinued, and the two listetentively, not missing a single word. After which, they then asked each other questioing to the outside world, culture, structures, and many more topics. Both parties learned quite a lot.

  "Kingdoms, Guilds, and Cities, huh... I see... It seems like the world is far vaster than I could ever imagine." ［Manelo］

  Not just the Great Chief, but everyone was also amazed by what answers came out of Grey and Yuna's mouth. Though it retty hard to believe for them, with how sophisticatedly weaved their stories were, it was hard to deny. They could only accept.

  "Then, for my st question... What do you want from us?" ［Manelo］

  It's finally here! The question Grey and Yuna were waiting for. Though they initially were just expl, with the way things are, they couldn't just leave things be. It ity that their previous vacation time would be cut, but there was nothing they could do about it.

  Though now, it is only the trouble of Ti, with the passing of time and the beasts' sudden migration, the whole o ecosystem could be promised. Not only Lista, but all port cities would suffer, and further along, even inlements would get affected. It was a big problem.

  'Haah... Looks like His Majesty will owe us another oer this.' ［Grey］

  Though Grey as he resolved and braced himself for what's about to e. There was not much to think about. Them being the way they are, there was no way they could simply stand around when such things are happening.

  "What we want... How about you? What do you want? We have a proposal for you, but would you care listening?" ［Grey］

  "A proposal... Iing... And what might that 'proposal' be?" ［Manelo］

  The fish has bitten the bait. As soon as Grey heard such a statement, a smile quickly appeared on his face. He may not be the best iiations, but he knew full well that in order to strike a deal, one must first catch the other party's i. A success!

  "Nothing much, really... The 'Evil Beast', we'll take care of it for you. How does that sound?" ［Grey］

  Shod fusion. Everyone fell into such a state as soon as Grey's words rang throughout the Great Hall. Especially with Grey's fident and indifferent smile, they could only open their mouths in agape.

  After all, no one in the Chiefdom mao make a scrat the beast, and to suddenly appear and decre such a thing with fide was nothing short of preposterous in their eyes.

  BAAAANNGGGGGG

  "This is preposterous! Are you saying that you could defeat the Evil Beast when our proud warrior couldn't?! There is a limit to hant you be!" ［Head Elder］

  Of course, the Head Elder didn't just let the matter go. Though he had been warned by the Great Chief, he couldn't hold his anger any longer. He was like a dam who just broke down, hostility flooding and gushing out of his mouth.

  "Head Elder! That's more than enough! You only say that because you haven't seen Lrey and Lady Yuna's prowess! I believe in their words!" ［Sakar］

  "Hah! Are you taking their side, right now?! It seems that you've been brainwashed by these evil spirits! They really are wicked!" ［Head Elder］

  "They aren't evil spirits! They are the Emissaries of God!" ［Sakar］

  Sakar's words boomed all over the Great Hall, and everyone was quickly silenced. All eyes were on him. The man who is said to be the most stubborn in Ti, to decre such a thing, there was no way they could simply ig.

  "Sakar... Do you know the meaning of those words?" ［Manelo］

  "Yes, Great Chief..." ［Sakar］

  "Then, are you willing to take responsibility for it?" ［Manelo］

  "Of course! I am willing to bet my life on it!" ［Sakar］

  There was only a firm and serious expression on Sakar's face as he answered the Great Chief's question. And in such words, the Head Elder's boiling anger only reached its peak. He finally snapped.

  "Great Chief! He's clearly out of his mind! This is preposterous! They're clearly evil spirits! I know they are! They are the reasons for our misfortuneー" ［Head Elder］

  "Kalun! I've had enough! I've already warned you before! Yet you still ignore my words! Am I a joke to you?!" ［Manelo］

  Unfortunately for the Head Elder, the Great Chief's patience for him had also run out. His cold voice echoed in the Great Hall as he gave his final gre towards the Head Elder, foing his title and calling his name directly. It was over.

  "N-No... Great Chief... That's notー" ［Kalun］

  "Warriors! Seize the Head Elder and escort him out of the Great Hall! It seems like he isn't feelioday. Make sure he gets plenty of rest." ［Manelo］

  "Great Chief! No! Please listen to me! Great Chief!" ［Kalun］

  The Head Elder kept on yelping as he was dragged away by the warriors, but it was futile. The Great Chief didn't listen to his words and didn't even bat an eye. Before long, sileuro the Great Hall as one person was removed.

  With the Head Elder gone, everyone's eyes shifted back to Sakar, Grey, and Yuna who were still in the middle of the Great Hall. All were ied whether Sakar's words were the truth or just some made up nonsehe Chief was especially curious.

  "Then, Sakar, ba the topic... You said they were the legendary Emissaries of God, didn't you?" ［Manelo］

  "I did, Great Chief." ［Sakar］

  "I see... Then, how exactly could you prove your words?" ［Manelo］

  The Great Chief asked, bearing down heavy pressure upon Sakar. Though he was of lower threat level, he was much more intimidating, imposing his authority upon everyohout leaving a single gap open.

  But rather than answer directly, Sakar only rey and Yuna, and the two stepped forward. They have already made advance preparations beforehand for when the moment es, and now, it was finally time to execute it.

  ?? ??Holy Bell?? ??

  Two distinct voices danced in the air, carried by the gentle winds, and radiant light burst forth soon after. The golden light, like the sun rising from across the horizon, illumihe whole vilge, filling it with warmth and fort.

  It was not only for show. As soon as the light melded into one's body, all the pain and disfort they felt quickly vanished as if it was but a terrible dream. The bells rang and rang, a sweet and divine melody drifting in the air.

  'God... God has not forsaken us...' ［Manelo］

  To witness such a se unfold, the Great Chief's knees finally gave out as relief and happiness. Following him, the others also kneeled on the ground, bowing their heads as they showed their respect to the two figures before them.

  """We greet the Emissaries of God!"""

  CHAPTER 227 END