Chapter 510

Chapter 510: Oath of Blood and Fire

The results of the Flame Assembly’s duel were announced. After Niya’s victory, Clancia emerged victorious with a score of 4-3.

The beasts within the arena gradually accepted this reality after their initial shock, sighs, disappointment, hesitation, anticipation, and contemplation.

They were not devoid of intellect; they simply found it hard to accept the emotions of the past.

Under the night sky, the two sides stood in formation around the square, forming a massive circle with a large bronze cauldron at its center filled with clear, fragrant wine.

Around them, burning firepits illuminated the square without shadows. Beyond the perimeter of the venue, layers upon layers of beasts stretched out like an ocean, their multicolored eyes reflecting the flames, watching everything within the square.

Led by Uunul, several shamans stepped forward, approaching the central cauldron. They raised their wooden staves, chanting the ancient incantations in unison.

The mournful tune echoed through the quiet crackling of the flames, audible to all the beasts within the square. As the tune spread, the assembly hall grew increasingly silent. Everyone ceased speaking, waiting quietly.

“Source of all fires, flame of the multitude.”

“We, the descendants of Kedaren, call upon you.”

“You are the first spark that descended to the mortal world, the first light and warmth.”

“Please witness this moment.”

Bang—

The shamans slammed their staffs onto the ground, and a straight beam of brilliant light rose from the earth, piercing the heavens. Even tribes hundreds of miles away could see this pillar of light in the night sky.

Across countless tribes, horns blared and shouts resounded. Elders, children, men, and women emerged from their tents, standing under the night breeze, gazing at the distant sky.

As the central light column rose above the giant cauldron, ripples spread outwards from beneath it, like an invisible strong wind passing through countless bodies, expanding far and wide.

These ripples, one after another, swept over every human or beast, clearing their minds. It was as if a heavy metallic resonance had washed over their souls, dispelling numerous thoughts, leaving only the distinct sound of the cauldron’s vibration.

Zzz—

A small knife cut through the palm, and crimson blood flowed down, dripping into the cauldron below. The blood swirled like smoke, slowly spreading.

Then, those around the cauldron also stepped forward, taking the small knife to cut open their palms, letting the blood flow down their fingertips from each representative.

The transparent liquid in the cauldron turned red, gradually changing color under the reflection of the flames, casting a dazzling, flickering crimson glow.

A flame fell from the light column, spreading with a bang across the entire surface of the liquid within the cauldron. The clear, light-red flame ignited.

The intense heat billowed out from the cauldron, slightly lifting the clothes and hair of those around it. Each person, tall or short, fat or thin, human or beast, their faces glowed brightly under the flames, as if bathed in a faint golden hue.

[Under the never-fading, splendid flame—]

People placed their hands on the edge of the cauldron, feeling the warm, trembling metal. With their synchronized oath, this sound echoed in the minds of every beast present through the ripples emanating from the base of the cauldron.

[We hereby make an oath never to betray, to form an eternal alliance, until the end of all life.]

Each word and sentence was clear and powerful, etched deeply into everyone’s hearts like steel stamps.

Under the reflected sky of flames, nearly a million beings stood silently, solemnly listening to the voice and belief conveyed through the light column.

Bronze cups dipped into the cauldron shrouded in flames, drawing cups of fiery red, burning liquor.

[Canines and Morning Stars, Beastmen and Humans, Gufia and Clancia—until now—

Blood and fire share the same origin!!]

The burning liquor scorched their throats and voices, descending into their stomachs.

Empty cups were placed back on the edge of the cauldron, their sounds resonating like clanging metal, echoing in all directions.

“Gufia!”

“Clancia!”

“Gufia!”

“Clancia!”

A thunderous roar erupted on the silent grassland, echoing endlessly, reverberating throughout the sky, spanning the entire prairie. It declared the establishment of a great alliance.

—

A few weeks later, on the Gufia grassland.

Lolan Hill and Niya walked under the sunny sky.

Lolan Hill wore a white dress with red ribbons, her head adorned with a light beige sun hat, which also featured a red ribbon bow that swayed gently with the breeze.

As the wind swept across the grassland, the pasture undulated like waves, reflecting varying shades of light and shadow under the sun’s rays.

The air carried the scent of fresh grass, wafting through the gentle breeze, sometimes tickling the nose.

Lolan Hill held Niya’s hand, walking through the rolling sea of grass, sometimes submerging her ankles, sometimes revealing them.

“Since you went to Bridgehead Academy, it’s been a long time since we’ve taken a walk like this,” said the silver-haired girl.

“Mm.” Niya nodded, looking at the silhouette ahead.

She had once speculated about Lolan Hill’s identity, thinking she might be from a noble family or even a princess from the East. Only recently did she learn that Lolan Hill was the great sage of Clancia, a witch who wielded the power of stars.

Lolan Hill led them to a picturesque hillside, where they sat down.

“How have things been lately? I haven’t been to school in a while.”

“Everyone is doing well. Kafra joined the student council, Night Spirit and her new friends dominate the High Tower Academy, Letis and Alena sometimes bicker but still often dine together.”

“Bumansa is now the leader of the Fortress Academy, and Lily remains as lazy as ever.”

Niya recounted the current status of her fellow students. She had met up with everyone before the break, so she was aware of the situation.

This holiday, she coincidentally encountered the Flame Assembly again and was invited by Lolan Hill to participate in the duel.

In fact, Clancia wasn’t lacking in experts. For example, Commander Canda of the Steel Sun Knights and Pulman, one of the founders of the nation, had their own duties. Additionally, Lolan Hill wanted to hone the talents of this generation, giving them more practical experience and opportunities to shine.

The final match was carefully estimated by Lolan Hill before sending Niya to compete. This way, the Beastmen losing to a Beastman would not hurt their pride too much. Historically, it would be seen as a choice made by the Beastmen themselves rather than being coerced by humans.

Her goal wasn’t to suppress the Beastmen but to help them join Clancia in a peaceful and dignified manner, thus avoiding any lingering issues and reducing resistance. Clancia wasn’t just a human nation; it was a symbol of belief or dreams.

Sitting on the grassy slope, Lolan Hill and Niya enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the afternoon, reminiscing about old times until the purple-red evening clouds gradually appeared in the sky.

The indigo twilight, verdant earth, evening breeze, and low-flying dragonflies created a serene and peaceful world.

(End of Chapter)