The Guardian gods
Chapter 349

Chapter 349: 349

Ezinne nodded slowly. "The branch, filled with vibrant energy, is exactly what shamans like myself need. The journey to the underworld is not a simple task, especially for someone like me who already has one foot in the grave."

She paused, her eyes intense. "Having this branch nearby during my breakthrough will increase my chances significantly. My occasional conversations with ancestral souls reveal that the underworld is changing. I strongly believe my shamanic path could help advance this transformation."

"The ancestors have mentioned that the goddess finds joy in seeing the changes the souls bring to the underworld," Ezinne continued, her voice now softer. "This is a dangerous and daring thought, but what if we shamans break through with the help of this branch and hope that our breakthrough brings a significant change to the underworld?"

She looked directly at Nwadiebube. "If it works, I believe we could earn the grace of the goddess Keles, who might intercede to offset Ikenga’s wrath."

Nwadiebube’s mind raced as he absorbed Ezinne’s words. She was proposing an audacious plan, one that sounded as much like a gamble as a solution. Yet, her logic was compelling. If the shamans, guided by the ancestral spirits and empowered by the branch, could make a breakthrough that impacted the underworld itself, it might indeed catch the attention—and possibly the favor—of the goddess Keles. Her influence might be enough to shield them, or at least temper Ikenga’s inevitable wrath.

The princess stepped forward, watching the exchange closely. "Brother, Ezinne’s suggestion may be our only hope. The branch is powerful, perhaps powerful enough to do what she suggests. But... can we be certain Keles will listen?"

Ezinne turned to the princess, her voice solemn. "Keles is known as the goddess of death and darkness. Her joy in the changes happening in the underworld is no secret. If we can show that this breakthrough will add to the beauty and strength of her domain, she may lend her grace to offset Ikenga’s fury. But you must understand, child," she added, looking back to the king, "there are no guarantees. We may succeed, and Keles may grant her grace—or we may awaken her ire as well."

Nwadiebube let out a long sigh, running his hand over the branch as if seeking answers from its ancient, pulsing bark. "Then we proceed with the ritual for your shamanic breakthrough. But Ezinne," he warned, "we must prepare for any outcome. This ritual must be executed with precision; no detail can be overlooked."

Ezinne nodded, her eyes flickering with both excitement and apprehension. "I will prepare the sacred grounds and consult with the ancestors one last time."

Handing the branch hastily to Ezinne, Nwadiebube felt its vibrant energy like fire in his palm, suddenly wary of the power it held.

Just then, his hand began to pulse. He looked down to see a red mark forming. "The people of Björn are contacting me," he muttered, frowning. "It seems the news of their priest’s death has already reached them."

The princess and Ezinne nodded solemnly as Nwadiebube left the underground chambers, his hands clenched. He was troubled by their call, realizing there were unseen eyes from Björn’s people observing the events within his kingdom. His plans to take his time in contacting them were now disrupted.

Ignoring his pulsing hand for a moment, he took a calming sip from a drink in his office drawer. Straightening his clothes and composing himself, he sent mana into his hand, activating the connection. A red hologram appeared before him, displaying a woman dressed in southern attire, her face half-covered by a fan as she gave him a calculating smile.

"King Nwadiebube, I believe this is our first time meeting," she said smoothly.

The king took another sip, replying with calm composure. "It wouldn’t have been the first if your priest had allowed me a direct contact with you sooner."

The woman laughed, opening her fan to cover her lower face, her eyes twinkling with intrigue as she assessed the king, who was equally scrutinizing her.

"I believed it was best for the priest to act as a medium before we could truly trust each other," the woman said, staring at the king.

Nwadiebube looked at the woman before asking, "What should I call you?"

"Oh, I’ve forgotten my manners. I go by the name Yuki," she replied, smiling at the king.

Before he could respond, she added, "We can get familiar with each other later. Right now, I have something important I’d like to know."

"Here it comes," the king thought to himself, taking a sip of his drink.

"It has come to my attention that one of our head priests met an untimely death. As believers in Björn, we welcome death, but I understand there hasn’t been any war or conflict in your kingdom to explain his passing?" Yuki raised an eyebrow at Nwadiebube, who nodded.

Standing up from his seat, Nwadiebube began explaining how the priest suddenly decided to enter the apeling territory, careful to leave out details about obtaining the branch after the priest’s death.

Yuki maintained her calm smile, piecing things together, already suspecting why the priest had taken such a drastic step.

The priest wasn’t wrong about fearing replacement due to his incompetence, but still, there had to be something more to push him to such a desperate edge.

"Had there been any incidents involving the priest before his death or actions against the godlings?" Yuki asked. Nwadiebube looked lost in thought for a moment before replying.

"There was a rumor he started at one point to draw in believers. He made people believe that sacrificing godlings to Björn would bring them greater blessings and power."

"The rumor was quashed by the radical actions of the apeling godlings, who massacred those involved. After that, it became difficult for the priest to spread Björn’s religion, as people feared what the apelings might do if they found out."

Yuki frowned as she listened. "It seems his death was deserved, then," she thought, but kept that to herself.

Still smiling, she asked, "And what about you, King Nwadiebube? What part did you play in the priest’s death?"

Nwadiebube, taken aback by the question, shook his head. "Excuse me? Do you think I had something to do with the priest’s death?"

"I didn’t say that," Yuki replied, still smiling. "But perhaps you led him to his death, fearing what the apelings might do to you and your people."

The king’s hand slammed down on the table beside him, breaking it apart. "Do you know how valuable your priest was to me and my army?"

Raising an eyebrow, Yuki watched as he continued, "During the priest’s time here, he introduced this religion to my army. Though they’ve faced no war, I saw a change—every soldier’s death seemed to carry meaning. There was a beauty to warfare I’d never noticed before. Even the weakest soldier met death with a smile, having wounded the one who struck them, leaving that opponent vulnerable to others."

"Your priest showed me a chance to win against Osita, who I’m sure he’s already informed you about. So, why would I want him dead before he could truly help me?"

"You’re leaving some details out, but I like the look in your eyes right now," Yuki said, her expression intrigued.

"What?" Nwadiebube muttered in confusion, taken aback by her response.

"Now that the priest is dead, I want to establish a new alliance with you. I’ll be sending a more experienced and responsible priest, one who will follow your commands."

Yuki’s words lingered, her smile unfaltering as she watched the king absorb the weight of her proposition. Nwadiebube remained silent, his brows knit in a mix of intrigue and suspicion. This woman had a way of twisting the narrative, catching him off guard. Her calm demeanor didn’t match the power behind her words, and he felt himself pulled between respect and wariness.

"And what would you ask in return for this ’responsible’ priest?" Nwadiebube finally asked, folding his arms across his chest. "I assume such a valuable asset doesn’t come without a cost."

Yuki’s smile widened. "A fair assumption, Your Majesty. You’ve seen a glimpse of Björn’s teachings and the way his blessings transform even the ordinary into fierce warriors. However, you’ve only scratched the surface. I offer you not just a priest but a bridge to Björn’s favor. If you agree to an alliance, we will deepen this bond beyond mere faith. Your army will learn to harness the strength that lies beyond life itself."

Nwadiebube’s eyes narrowed. "Strength beyond life itself? You speak of dangerous powers, ones that could threaten the very balance we’ve kept in these lands."

Yuki tilted her head, her expression softening for a brief moment. "Dangerous only to those who would stand against you, Your Majesty. The followers of Björn fear neither death nor the wrath of any godling. In time, neither will your warriors."

"Your offer is bold," he replied, his tone measured. "But Björn’s path has already led to conflict with the godlings. If I ally myself further with you, I may provoke more than Osita. Tell me, Yuki—what exactly would be expected of me in this alliance?"