Chapter 27：Different Values (1/2)

”Ugh. Why am I sent to go with you?”

Erin complained as we rode through this desolate plain.

We were given two mounts to use as transportation. Surprisingly, the mounts used in this world are domesticated Direwolves. Well, it's bigger than a direwolf depicted on Earth and they're calling it Desolate Wolf.

Apart from its fur that is the same color as the ground we're travelling in, chocolate brown, its feature is the same as the wolf on Earth. A bigger version of course.

It is supposed to be a wild beast comparable to a 2nd Stage Mortal Realm barbarian but since they can be domesticated, they became the main mount used in here. Horses do exist here but they're dying easily so they became livestock instead.

After I went back to my tent, I prepared for the journey to that small tribe.

I don't have any luggage on me so I only went back to check on the slave. When Erin arrived there I told her to ask the Old Man to keep the slave woman there and feed her. That was the best I could do for her.

I never met Raiden again but he sent me a message through the Old Man to do what I want. He's busy preparing for that war. He's probably trying to increase his realm. Every time he is summoned, he only has a limited time to power up through Physique Cultivation. It's already a wonder he became this strong in a short 3 years. That's why his underlings are mostly afraid of him.

Ah. Like Yuko, he also retains his connection even if he's back on Earth, right? Does that mean he can also cultivate while he's there?

I don't know. It's possible.

”Ask Old Man Reol. Honestly, I'm glad I have you as a companion.”

I said to appease her, to let her feel I needed her.

”The war is coming and I am being sent to a small tribe. Now I can't collect more honor for myself.”

Erin continued complaining.

Yeah, I know. She's complaining to me for dragging her here. She determined that I'm the reason why she was picked.

”What honor can you collect?”

”Of course the heads of the enemy tribe.”

Ah. She's right. What else can a barbarian ask for honor?

They're living in this world fighting and killing since the start. If it's not wild beasts it will be fellow barbarians from another tribe.

”What's the fun in it? You know, if you let those foreign invaders grow stronger, this world will cease to exist.”

”Only you say that, you monster. And please, don't talk to me. I'm upset with you.”

She kept her way of calling me a monster. What will happen if she finds out I'm already halfway to breakthrough to the 4th Stage?

It's been half a day since we started our journey and during it, I was constantly nourishing my bones with Brute Energy.

However, concentrating while riding at the back of a big wolf is less efficient. I think I'm only getting half as much progress than last night.

After 12 hours, the percentage went up to 51%.

Progress is progress so I'm happy about it.

”Hey, Erin. How strong are you?”

”Why? Wanna fight? I'm at 4th Stage Augmented Realm”

This girl…

I thought she already warmed up to me yesterday when she even showed me her written manual but after discovering I progressed three stages in one night, she became this irritated at me.

Well, I know what she's thinking. She's feeling threatened by my progress.

But since she's the only one I know apart from Old Man Reol, I want to get along with her.

”If I fight you, you will easily slit my throat.”

”Hmph. At least you're aware of your own weakness.”

”I know. Right now, even if I went to that tribe, I don't even know if I can save them.”

And I'm not really planning to. What I wanted is to see the state of the foreign invaders that possibly correspond to the forces of the Invading World. Saving them is just a plus and if I can lay foundation there before Raiden called me back, then much better.

”Why do you even want to save them? They're just a small tribe. There are countless like them.”

”Huh? Erin. They're your subordinate tribe, are they not?”

”Well, yes.”

”Then why will you not help them when they're asking for it?”

”Huh? I don't know. That's not my job, I'm a soldier, I only follow orders. Plus look, the Chieftain declared war to the neighboring large tribe, that's much more important than a small tribe.”

I see. Their values are different than on Earth. Why do I even base my thinking about that? For them, a subordinate tribe is, after all, a subordinate. If it's during a peaceful time, they will protect them since they're giving tribute to the tribe.

Right now, with an impending war, a small tribe is the least of their worries. They can pick up more small tribes like them after the war.

”You're right. I was thinking about the values in our world.”