NOVPUB
Chapter 350: 350
She leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "It’s simple, the dead priest’s job was very underwhelming and undeserving. What is needed from your Majesty is to open your kingdom to Björn’s priests, allow them to establish temples and strengthen the faith among your people. In return, we will train your soldiers to embrace a strength that surpasses any mortal’s—and, if you so desire, we will stand with you against Osita. Together, we can create a power that will be remembered across ages."
If this had been earlier, Nwadiebube might have agreed. But now, having realized he may have incurred the wrath of the god of nature, he was wary of allying with someone who opposed that god.
Ezinne had just proposed a temporary solution for the situation, though it was still uncertain if it would work. But at the moment, Nwadiebube needed every advantage he could get.
In truth, while he’d made the priest’s death seem significant, it didn’t truly matter to him once he understood the trouble he was in.
He needed to gain the apelings’ favor, and this gave him an idea—a plan he would need to set in motion as soon as this conversation with Yuki ended.
Nwadiebube met Yuki’s gaze with a calculating stare, hiding the uncertainty gnawing at him. Her offer was alluring—a chance to wield a power strong enough to turn the tides against Osita, perhaps even against the godlings themselves. But after Ezinne’s warning about the god of nature’s wrath, he knew he had to tread carefully.
"Your ambitions are clear, Yuki," he said finally, his voice calm but guarded. "Björn’s influence and strength are tempting, yet I must consider my kingdom’s standing with the godlings. They are a force neither of us can ignore, and their favor can be as powerful as their wrath."
Yuki’s smile faltered ever so slightly, and Nwadiebube noted the shift. She was not used to resistance.
"I understand your caution, Your Majesty," Yuki replied smoothly. "But the godlings cannot shield you from all threats. With Björn, you would be building an army capable of withstanding any force—divine or otherwise. And should the godlings see your strength, they may think twice before opposing you."
The king nodded, feigning consideration, though his mind was elsewhere. He knew that appealing to the godlings, particularly the apelings, might offer him a different path—one that wouldn’t involve aligning himself so closely with Björn and his priests. If he could win their favor, perhaps he could stabilize his kingdom without incurring the wrath of the god of nature.
Nwadiebube put on a thoughtful expression, masking his plan. "It is a bold vision you present, Yuki. You offer power, yes, but power is only useful when wielded with wisdom. Let us say I agree to open my kingdom to Björn’s faith and allow your priests to strengthen their influence here—what assurances can you give me that my people won’t become pawns in Björn’s ambitions?"
Yuki’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she leaned forward. "Your people will not be pawns but soldiers, Your Majesty. Björn’s favor does not come lightly, but it brings strength and unity. With our guidance, your people will find purpose, something beyond mere survival. They will fight for a cause greater than themselves, with you as their leader."
Nwadiebube allowed himself a faint smile. "I will consider your offer, Yuki. I need to ensure my people’s safety and prosperity above all else. Give me time to make preparations, and then we can discuss how to proceed."
Yuki seemed to study him for a moment, sensing the shift in his tone. She nodded slowly, her smile returning but colder, as if she knew she had yet to fully convince him. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will await your answer—and may I remind you, Björn is a god who rewards loyalty and decisiveness." 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝓬ℴ𝓶
With that, Yuki took her leave, Nwadiebube immediately called for the servants to change the table. At the same time he got to him room and began writing a message which will be sent to the apelings.
In the current situation, he felt it was better if he contacted the apelings first rather than waiting for them to come over, who knows what action they may take once they arrive in his kingdom.
Most importantly, he knew it was best for him and his people if everything looked okay with the apelings on the surface.
At the Apeling capital, as the sun rose, godlings could be seen sprawled drunk on the streets, bright smiles on their sleeping faces.
A loud bell rang, followed by an announcement: the second day of the competition had begun. At the sound, the godlings scrambled to their feet and hurried home to clean up, eager to prepare for the day’s events.
Meanwhile, Zephyr held a letter in his hand sent by King Nwadiebube. He looked at it thoughtfully before it was shredded into pieces by a gust of wind.
"Inform King Nwadiebube that I will pay him a personal visit in one week," he ordered. An armored apeling briefly appeared, bowed, and vanished.
Patting down his attire, Zephyr took a deep breath, put on his usual silly smile, and walked out of the palace. As on the previous day, the stadium was filled with godlings and buzzing with excitement.
Everyone returned to their seats, as before. Ikem and Ursula were also present, though they seemed more focused on each other than on the competition.
This didn’t dampen the godlings’ anticipation for the next event. The upcoming challenge had been a longstanding debate among them, fueling discussions about which godling groups were strongest. Today, they’d finally get a taste of each group’s capabilities.
The announcer appeared once again, stylish as ever, now sporting a pair of glasses.
"Unlike the race for the flag, where every team member participated, this time each group must choose three members to compete. For example, the Harpies will select three representatives, while the Apelings will choose one from each competing cursed clan," he announced into the microphone, sparking cheers from the audience.
"For the first round, the Cursed Apeling clans will face off against the Apeling students!" The whole arena erupted with cheers.
"Next, for Match 2: Mermen vs. Harpies!" More cheers followed. "And the winner of the first match will get a thirty-minute break before facing the Werewolves."
"After these three matches, there will be a short break for each group to recuperate before the next rounds begin." The announcer raised a hand, signaling the crowd to quiet down.
"Let us welcome our first competitors." One by one, the fighters entered, each representing their clans and groups with pride. The Cursed Apeling clan stepped forward first, draped in armor representing their clan and equipped with weapons that amplified their natural strength. They stood in stark contrast to the Apeling students across from them, who appeared in more natural, wild attire. Both sides radiated anticipation, their expressions hard with rivalry.
Adjusting his glasses, the announcer grinned as he introduced the fighters. "Representing the Cursed Apelings, we have the formidable trio: Kuro of the Zephyr clan, Okon of the Ripple clan, and Garrock of the Terra clan!" The three apelings stepped forward, each exuding a fierce aura that reverberated through the arena. The crowd erupted with cheers, nearly drowning out the announcer as he continued.
"And from the Apeling students, we have Aduke, Ndidi, and Torrent!" Unlike the cursed apelings, these three had a sharp look of eagerness but lacked the hardened experience worn on the faces of their opponents. Even so, there was a glint of determination in their eyes, a quiet defiance as they prepared to prove themselves against their elder kin.
The arena quieted as a magical barrier shimmered to life around the combat zone, separating the crowd from the action. The announcer’s tone took on a solemn note, setting the stage for the intense matches. "Remember, godlings, today we witness more than just strength. Today, we see the clash of history, tradition, and the future."
"And just a reminder—if anyone forgot the rule: everything is allowed except death. Go all out; we godlings have enough healers to make sure you’re pristine for the next match."
With a gust of wind, the announcer was swept away, leaving the arena to the competitors.
Ndidi, from the Apeling students, looked nervously at the cursed apelings and muttered, "This isn’t looking good. We’ve never won when they set up this way."
His teammates nodded. The cursed apeling clan was an unbelievably strong and challenging opponent, especially when their clans were forced to work together. Their combat style transformed dramatically in these situations, making them formidable and annoying foes.
Torrent, grinning confidently, slapped his two teammates on the back. "We’ve studied their formation and their tactics. It’ll be different this time—with everything we’ve learned from the teachers. Even if it’s not enough to win, let’s make them work for it."
His words stirred up a fire in the others, and they exchanged grins before turning to the crowd, raising their fists and rallying the audience into a frenzy.
