WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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◈ SSS-Class Revival Hunter ◈

Chapter 245: Era of the Heroes (3)

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6.

That night, I was lost in thought.

"What should I do?"

The question I would normally have muttered to myself or voiced only in my thoughts now slipped from my lips.

Back when I was a hunter, there were many things I had to think through alone. Only my Guardian Spirit served as my conversation partner and counselor. That was a hunter's karma, so I had never thought of it as loneliness.

"Complete intervention might be necessary, my family head."

But now, things were different.

Ester, looking over the plains, answered my question.

I was no longer a lone hunter, but the head of a family. Talking to myself and soliloquies were no longer necessary. Under the cold moonlight, we sat in a circle on the barren ground, discussing.

"Complete intervention?"

The Ghost-Soul Flame Demon inquired.

Ester responded to the question.

"The Celestial Martial Clan Master is using [Multiple Possession] to control several heroes at once. From the perspective of the people of this world, this is akin to arbitrarily using the power of a [God] to favor the Ghost Tribe warriors. It's unfair. And against unfairness, we must respond with unfairness."

"Hmm."

Sitting in the center, I, the Family Head, pondered, with Ester, my advisor and successor, to my right.

Uburka, the Chief Warrior, huddled his massive form to my left. Silvia Evanair stood erect, and Kim Yul, the family's strategist, sat opposite me, quietly scrutinizing his notebook.

The core leadership, surrounded by the Four Demon Lords, and beyond them, a thousand followers of the Demonic Cult encircled us. A thousand family members held their breath, eavesdropping on our 'family meeting.'

At midnight, moonlight breathed, and in the places the moon's breath did not reach, our House of Death sank into silence.

"Well, what. Just having Uburka, the Chief Warrior, intervene alone would utterly demolish the Ghost Tribe army."

Silvia Evanair remarked nonchalantly.

"Family Head, can't you purchase [Possess a Character] items? Buy just a few, no, only two, and give them to Advisor Ester and Family Shadow Kim Yul. The Advisor can fire off her bam-bam beams, and if the Family Shadow forgets something as trivial as the taste and scent of the coffee he drank last night, the Ghost Tribe will be finished in one blow."

“...Do you have a problem with me? Why the attitude?”

“A problem? That’s absurd. I, Silvia Evanair, am filled only with loyalty towards you, as vast as the cockroaches scuttling in a summer storage. My loyalty is as boundless.”

That’s some disturbingly loyal sentiment.

“Regardless of the tone, the steward’s point is invalid.”

Kim Yul spoke softly.

Silvia's eyebrows twitched.

"Why is it invalid?"

"Because our victory is not the issue. A crushing victory is simple, and even our family head knows this. That's why he asked [what to do] instead of [how to win]."

Using the moon as a lightbulb, Kim Yul slowly flipped through the notebook.

Those eyes, like newborn stars, turned toward me.

"But even that question from our family head is somewhat misplaced. Before discussing means, our family head should define his goals more clearly."

I stroked my chin.

"The goal, you mean."

"Exactly. As our family head declared to the Celestial Martial Clan Master, does he ‘wish to minimize the casualties of this war’? If so, then apart from complete intervention, no other answer suffices. Yet if he hesitates, it indicates another goal is weighing on our family head's mind, balancing between the two."

Kim Yul’s voice echoed, light and unburdened, like a star.

"Our family head views the Earth Spirit Tribe as his children. Not as his own blood, but as a parent considers what's best for their child's education, our family head too looks after the Earth Spirit Tribe with a parental heart."

"......."

"And from that perspective, our family head has so far refrained from intervening in the Earth Spirit Tribe's affairs. Only when absolutely necessary, when non-intervention meant the tribe's annihilation, did he actively step in. But this war, even if started by the Ghost Tribe warriors, seems to be something the Earth Spirit Tribe [desired]."

Kim Yul raised his head to look at Silvia, then turned to me.

"This war is not about resources, but a collective duel of warriors. Our family head is pondering whether it's right to intervene here or not."

I sighed deeply.

Raviel's ancestor had precisely pinpointed a corner of my heart.

"Indeed."

The Sword Demon shrugged his shoulders.

"He's right. If we interfere in a serious fight, it would be absolutely infuriating. Wouldn't it be the same for them?"

“...Setting aside the Deputy Chief Warrior's impertinent language.”

Ester leaned on her chin.

"Apart from a warrior's pride, the question of whether our heavy intervention is the right education also arises. ‘Whenever there’s trouble, a god intervenes’. Is it good to instill such an impression in the Earth Spirit Tribe?”

Hmm.

I turned to look at Uburka.

"What do you think, Chief Warrior?"

“Ugor.”

Uburka answered without changing his expression.

"My thoughts are as our family head decides."

Is that so.

I nodded.

"We are strong. Both the Ghost Tribe warriors and the Earth Spirit Tribe. We could end this war without killing a single person."

I removed my hand from my chin.

"But when I think about it, I'm not the Tower Master."

If this war was based on mutual agreement.

And if their agreement extended even to accepting the outcome.

"It’s only right to ask the children living in this era for their opinion."

The discussion halted as my retainers awaited my command in silence.

"Chief Warrior."

“Ugor.”

"You are the only one among us granted a physical body in this world. Being a legendary figure, you can approach the Earth Spirit Tribe and strike up a conversation. Go. Ask them. Ask the current chairman of the Fire River Council, whether they want our help or not, and report back."

"Ugor.”

Uburka grinned, clenching his fist.

"I've been waiting for those words. Wait for me, my family head. I’ll ask the kids of this era and return."

Kwoong.

As Uburka rose, the ground around him shook. Naturally, not just Kim Yul, but Ester and Silvia too, were not the kind to falter at such tremors.

"Hahaha!”

Uburka, seemingly pleased, laughed heartily and thudded across the plains.

His destination was the Earth Spirit Tribe’s densely packed camp.

Boooo! Boooo!

It seemed an alarm was raised at the distant camp, signaled by the sound of horns. Understandable, given a fortress-sized warrior had suddenly invaded; the Earth Spirit Tribe would naturally be terrified.

Soon enough, sounds of chaos emanated from inside the Earth Spirit Tribe's camp.

"Is this alright?”

Ester looked worriedly towards the distant camp.

"Why?"

"Uburka, the Chief Warrior... While I haven't known him for long, he seems rather hot-tempered. I wonder if he's suitable for diplomatic envoy work in a situation like this."

“He may seem like a brute who only knows fighting, but your brother is deeper than he appears.”

Startled.

Upon hearing [Your brother], Ester hesitated momentarily.

Struggling with the unfamiliar, or rather, difficult-to-get-used-to phrase, Ester stuttered.

"My brother…?"

"You are my eldest daughter and Uburka is my second son. Naturally, you're a sister and he's a brother. Officially, we address each other as Chief Warrior, Advisor, but in private, you should get used to it quickly."

"That's absurd, Father!"

Finally, breaking the formal address, Ester called me father.

Of course, it was whispered into my ear, ensuring no one else could hear.

"How could I treat such a gigantic child as my brother! Siblings, at that. I've never experienced such a relationship! It's unimaginable!"

"It’s alright."

I gently patted Ester's shoulder.

"After this stage, more people will join our family."

Among them would be my two starting points.

The starting point inside the tower, Yoo Soo-Ha.

The starting point outside the tower, the Director.

Thinking of the one outside the tower, I spoke.

"The Director is an extraordinary person. The Director has spent a lifetime [turning children who are not family into family]. Whenever something is difficult or a troubling problem arises, ask the Director for advice and it will work itself out."

"......."

"Are you anxious?"

"Yes… I am."

Ester lowered her head.

"Destroying a continent and burning humanity to hell was hard, but not anxiety-inducing. I’ve never felt such… I'm anxious about truly being a family to others. What even is a family…."

Again, I reassured her.

“It's okay.”

I comforted Ester by holding her shoulder.

“We will certainly become precious to each other.”

“But, Father. What if I, as the eldest sister, make some mistake..."

“When that time comes, we'll discuss it together, just like now. We’ll call all the retainers, sit together, and think thoroughly about the problem and its solution.”

"......."

“Can you trust this inexperienced father?”

Ester lowered her head even more.

Then she murmured in a voice as faint as the sound of a worm crawling.

“…Yes. I trust you, Father.”

Under the cool moonlight.

We, who had just become father and daughter, sat leaning against each other.

7.

Ester's worry was half right and half wrong.

Uburka returned and shared his story with us, roughly like this:

When Uburka appeared at the Earth Spirit Tribe's camp, chaos naturally broke out. To them, it was as though a legendary general they had believed dead had suddenly popped up saying, [Nope. I was alive, actually.]

The Earth Spirit Tribe's army was in an uproar.

Amidst the pandemonium, only one person, the current chairman of the Fire River Council, met Uburka with dignity and proper attire.

-Who are you?

“I am Uburka, the 212th chairman of the Fire River Council.”

-I am Kerhsombok, the 627th chairman of the Fire River Council.

“You don't look very strong…”

-Who among this land could stand against you, if not a mere infant?

Uburka chuckled.

“I’ll help if asked. I am neither a god nor a spirit. Just someone who became a bit stronger than others in pursuit of the ultimate martial path. I am still of the Earth Spirit Tribe, a former chairman of the River Council. If you seek reinforcements, I should naturally extend my hand.”

The Earth Spirit Tribe murmured among themselves.

-Uburka! That damned ancestor is going to help us?

-Tearing mountains to thrust them into the battlefield, such strength aiding us!

-Ugor! Let's accept it! Teach those horned bastards a lesson!

-With that damned ancestor's help, conquering the continent, seizing every port and waterway, creating a unified Earth Spirit nation will be easy!

Gradually heated up, the Earth Spirit Tribe discussed, and then, the current chairman, Kerhsombok, spoke.

-Stop.

The Earth Spirit Tribe flinched. The chatter quieted, and the excitement faded.

Chairman Kerhsombok, with their icy glare, surveyed the surroundings.

-So what if we defeat the Ghost Tribe warriors. They would not be crushed before the Earth Spirit Tribe, but merely under the foot of the great spirit, Uburka.

-.......

-Let's conquer the continent with Uburka at our lead. Looking at it, would that be the Earth Spirit Tribe’s nation? Or Uburka’s nation?

-.......

-The White Lion always worried and helped us. Yet, he always asked to be called a [friend], thinking the most beautiful feeling between him and us was [friendship].

Chairman Kerhsombok was a middle-aged person with admirable muscles.

The muscles built in their youth supported their body, and their aging head upheld their wisdom. Standing between youth and old age, they spoke like a nameless priest of a forgotten temple.

-The White Lion wanted us all to feel friendship. If difficult, we help; if too difficult, many help. When someone wins, we praise them. We openly express envy and jealousy, delighting the victor. The loser devotes their life to one day reaching the champion's spot. We find such a loser’s life beautiful and feel endless friendship towards them.

-.......

The crowd grew silent.

Thousands of Earth Spirit Tribe warriors listened to the priest's speech in hushed breaths. The speech resonated in their hearts.

Their millennia-old [White Lion Faith] pulsed in their hearts, never severed.

-Earth Spirit Tribe warriors.

Chairman Kerhsombok gazed at the warriors arrayed far below.

-Are we weak?

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The warriors stomped their left foot on the ground, a stark answer of [No].

-Do we need the help of ancestor Uburka to defeat those horned weaklings?

Thump! Thump! Thump!

-Are we so feeble that now, right now, is the moment to summon the White Lion again, begging him to lead and comfort us?

Thump! Thump! Thump!

-Is that so? No!

Chairman Kerhsombok spread their arms.

-We don't need our ancestor's help! Nor the help of a god! Uburka! White Lion! We trust your friendship, so we, as your friends, will respond. Wait and see! Observe how magnificently the Earth Spirit Tribe warriors will defeat the Ghost Tribe warriors, without any danger or worry!

Woooooah!

The Earth Spirit Tribe warriors went wild, waving their weapons.

-We are warriors raised by the White Lion!

-If the White Lion feels friendship towards us, what is there to fear!

-We are one! One people! Children of one being!

-We cannot cause him worry! Do not let a wrinkle form on our White Lion's white brow!

The morale soared.

Facing the unstoppable warriors, Uburka couldn't help but smile bitterly.

“Is this it? Education too good to be a problem…”

After inciting the warriors’ spirit, Chairman Kerhsombok returned and said.

-We don't need our ancestor’s help. With respect, we don't need the White Lion either. We are strong. We want to show our ancestor and the White Lion our strength.

That was the message of the Earth Spirit Tribe living in this era.

8.

"As expected of our family head. You have raised the tribe well."

Ester smiled happily. The others reacted similarly. Uburka, feeling good, fetched a barrel of liquor to drink, and Kim Yul nodded expressionlessly.

Only Silvia seemed displeased, snorting.

"What's wrong with you, Steward?"

“Everyone's so proud, must be nice. Weak ones like me, I wonder if I can find a place to lie down. No, no, this is just a weak person's complaint. You, the mighty King of Death and powerful retainers, please enjoy to your heart’s content.”

"......."

I decided to overlook her grumbling, something she’d always done. Probably just being cranky because the world is too beautiful.

I lightly flicked her forehead.

“Ouch! What's that for, my family head!?”

“If you want to be someone the Butler wouldn't be ashamed of, then look wider. Over there.”

I pointed towards the plains, where dawn was breaking.

Both the Ghost Tribe and Earth Spirit armies had apparently finished preparing and begun to advance. Thud, thousands of footsteps rang out at once, then another thud came from thousands on the opposite side. Divided into two melodies, each army sent its own thudding war song across the plain.

-Nyahahaha! Today is the day for the pigs' funeral offerings!

The Ghost Tribe army’s front naturally included the 7 Ghost Tribe heroes. They exuded a sinister aura, leading the Ghost Tribe warriors.

Viper, the player who handled the Ghost Tribe warriors from the beginning to the end of the stage, decided to actively dive into this war.

Meanwhile.

"Is this really okay?”

Ester asked with a serious face.

“If we subtly help according to the situation, it might not be noticeable. Family head, if we help without either side knowing..."

“No.”

I raised my hand to interrupt Ester’s suggestion.

“This is the time to trust those children and wait.”

“.......”

“This is like a [coming-of-age ceremony]. The vast tribe of the Earth Spirit Tribe is attempting to overcome this rite of passage. It's free to watch from afar and cheer, to fret and pray for their fortune.”

I said.

“We mustn’t interfere.”

"......."

“Let’s trust in our children’s strength, and wait.”

“Yes."

After that, Ester offered no further objections.

We sat on a mountain peak bent by Uburka, silently waiting for the impending war.

And then.

Boooooooom-

A horn sounded from somewhere. Then another. Horns followed horns, merging together, soaking the plains’ dawn in a strange agony.

Boooooooom... Boooooooom... Boooooooom...

As the horn sounds faded.

-Attack!

Someone shouted.

-Attack! All forces, full attack!

-Crush those horned bastards so they never dare again!

-All forces, chargeeeeee!

With that roar, the Earth Spirit Tribe charged forth. The Ghost Tribe warriors, not to be outdone, screamed ferociously and rushed with their weapons drawn.

‘I believe.’

With an unwavering heart, I watched the Earth Spirit Tribe's military might.

‘You are strong enough to carve your own path, my children.’

It was the beginning of the war.

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