152 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Episode 152 “Rami...?” Ashies widened her eyes in surprise. The last time Ashies had seen Karami was on the cliff. Yet the place Karami emerged from was the castle’s inner gate where Valkrash had appeared. From Ashies' perspective, it was literal teleportation. Of course, it wasn't teleportation. Karami had sneaked in honestly through the underground passage. Describing Karami’s infiltration as honest seemed contradictory at first glance, but considering Karami's prowess, it was indeed the right word. If one had any sense left, no one would think of sneaking into an orc fortress. Nonetheless, this time, too, Karami was in her right mind. "What are you?" “You don’t need to know. I'm tired of explaining everything.” Valkrash’s brow furrowed with throbbing veins. A scrawny human child daring to speak like this to one known as the tyrant of the North? Even though Valkrash emitted a dreadful killing intent as if he would tear him apart at any moment, the martial arts-illiterate Karami didn’t perceive such an aura. With hands tucked behind his back, Karami approached Ashies with relaxed steps, saying with a bright smile, “Now, since the work is done, let’s go back.” “...Huh?” “I've found everything we need. I’ll make sure to retrieve the music box too, so look forward to it. Let’s get out of here; this place stinks.” With countless eyes, including the orcs, fixating on him, Karami feigned leaving the fortress, glancing back at Ashies. “Aren’t you coming?” “But...” Ashies nervously looked over at the slaves surrounded by orcs. The orcs were still attempting to break the ice encasing them. The ice barrier surrounding the slaves had noticeably thinned. The orcs freeing and killing the slaves was just a matter of time. “Rami... those people...” “Oh, you mean the slaves? They’re beyond saving at this point. If we try to save them, we risk endangering ourselves. Let's just ignore them, unfortunately.” “Huh?” “What’s the problem?” Karami tilted his head with a nonchalant expression. “They’re strangers. They hold no concern for you, Miss Ashies.” That seemed like a valid statement. At least in Ashies' experience, it was. To Ashies, Karami was always a prophet uttering the right words. If she followed his words, things seamlessly sorted out, and all troubles disappeared. Hence, leaving the slaves behind as Karami suggested must be the right choice this time as well. Yet, for some reason, Ashies found herself unable to move. A inexplicable frustration. There was a reason, yet she couldn’t pinpoint it. “Is there something you wish to say?” “Well...” “If you don’t speak, how will anyone know? If you desire something, speak up. No one will coddle you forever.” Ashies flinched. The tone was devoid of any warmth, noticeably different from usual, the scrutiny was terse enough for Ashies to feel a tangible shift in demeanor. Yet, Ashies didn’t avert her gaze. There was something she needed to say. Something she wanted to say. “I... want to save them.” “Who?” “Those... people.” “Why?” Ashies hesitated momentarily. But again, she opened her mouth. “I don’t really know. But... they’re crying. Asking to be saved…” “And?” Legs that wouldn’t move. With a broken sword, her will, too, once shattered. “Please... save them.” But just like snowflakes forming in the palm. She gathered her dispersed will back on a single point. Ashies steadied her trembling legs and stood up. Immersed in helplessness. Crushed under inferiority. Yet, at the end, sprouting ambition. Like a small sprout taking root in the snow. A will rooting in the frozen ground, striving to bloom. A beautiful, poignant resolve to stand once more at the place she had fallen. A first-time emotion. A small spark thawing her frozen heart. No clear path was in sight. Even standing again didn’t alter the conclusion. But Ashies knew this much. The one who would assist her. The master who always stood by her side. “I need... help.” Contained within Ashies’ utterance was steadfast resolve unwavering amidst the blizzard, bringing a smile to Karami's lips. As if this was precisely what he had anticipated. Yet, Karami feigned indifference. “Hm, I’m not too inclined. There’s little to gain…” “...” “But what can one do? A master ought to help when a slave seeks assistance.” Feigning ignorance, Karami poured some water into a chalice. The transparent water turned a purple hue. He set the goblet on the ground and stepped back. "Drink it." "...?" "Once you do, what Miss Ashies desires will be granted.” This was the third treasure to deliver to Darka. While Ashies was battling, cloaked with an invisibility robe, Karami had sneaked into Valkrash’s chamber and stolen it. This chalice was no mere treasure. Unlike the tiara, which was ornamental, or the music box, which was a trinket, the chalice was a usable, active item. It's not a wish-granting artifact but rather a cursed magical tool aiding in realizing the user’s desires. For example, if one earnestly wishes to become a king while drinking from the chalice, one may turn into a tyrant who removes all obstacles in his path. Or, if one wishes to be united with unrequited love, they may find their beloved crippled, unable to depend on anyone else but themselves. It aids in realizing desires without regard to means or methods. Nothing about it suggests normality. The calamity befalling this kingdom could likely be attributed to a citizen’s fervent wish for the princess to live long by asking, “Please let the princess live forever!” Thus, while the kingdom perished, the outcome was indeed fulfilled as Ashies, frozen for centuries, emerged anew – effectively, a Captain Ashies. Due to its dangerous nature, the chalice was sealed under careful watch but it was ultimately released to the outside world when the kingdom met its downfall. The being who stumbled upon the discarded chalice was an orc on the verge of freezing to death in the cold. That being was none other than the Orc King, Valkrash. “Human... How did you...?” "Just so we're clear, I don’t claim to know everything. Only what I remember." In other words, if Ashies drinks from the chalice, it will grant her wish. Valkrash sneered at this. “You must have heard some nonsense. The chalice fulfills desires only for those born with the qualities of a king. If a weak human uses it, nothing will happen.” Karami met Valkrash's sneer with a smile. “I bet there isn’t anyone who suits this chalice better than Miss Ashies.” Valkrash paid no heed to his words. He was focused on tidying up this absurd situation. Brandishing his axe, he took a stance. Ashies held the chalice. Her eyes were locked on the violet liquid within. Though uncertain of its nature, she harbored no doubt. Without hesitation, she drank from the chalice. Cold, viscous liquid slid down her throat. Meanwhile, Karami sat on the stairs, observing Ashies. The chalice ignites desire explosively. Even the most vile human desires when humanity is forsaken in pursuit of one's goal. The fate awaiting those who use the chalice is ruin. If 100 people use it, 100 will meet their end. If 1,000 people use it, 1,000 will fall. Without a single exception. But if out of 1,001 users, Ashies was that one exception, things would be different. For Ashies, devoid of emotion and desire. If the single desire she discovered was a pure sense of righteousness with no taint of corruption. The narrative shifts entirely. Thunk. The cup fell from Ashies’ hand, burying itself in the snow. A few droplets of liquid splashed from it. The pristine white snow stained a violet hue. “Ah…” A softly spilled gasp. Within the abyss, Ashies felt it. Her until now unrecognized will. Her wish to save those people. Her forgotten royal disposition. Suddenly! An azure light spread from Ashies, like the cold of winter. Simultaneously. “Whooaaaa!” In a chieftain's tent far removed from the Orc Fortress at Lake Fortress. A ray of light burst from the tiara that Darka held dear. “What is happening?” Yorn hurriedly entered the tent. Separated from Darka’s embrace, the tiara floated above, sparkling in azure brilliance before disappearing with a pop! “O, my gods!” Darka clasped her hands as if in prayer, tears of joy spilling from her eyes. Then she abruptly stood, grabbing Yorn’s hand, and began dancing with delight. Yorn, dumbfounded, couldn't fathom what was happening. “Chieftain?” “It’s come! Finally, it’s come!” “What has appeared?” “The hero!” Banished to defeat the harsh cold of Ashengard and vanquish the wicked dragon. *** The vanished tiara now adorned Ashies’ head. As if acknowledging its true master. As if returning to its rightful place. In Ashies’ left hand was an ice sword. In the empty pommel, a gem cut in the likeness of Ashies’ blue eyes, reflecting resolve, was embedded. Although Valkrash deemed Ashies a weak human, Karami knew her well. Ashies was the true heir, born with the king’s essence of Ashengard. In an unfreed timeline, Ashies bore the title: The Frost Tyrant. Oh, she's awakened! Log in required for commenting. 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