Chapter 521 - Fear
Chapter 521 – Fear
Among the seven heroes that were summoned one of them was Xia the eternal, this was a nickname she got as she was someone who never grew old no matter how much time had passed. She had gained overwhelming strength at a very young age and transcended her mortal body to live a longer life.
She was so overwhelmingly talented that she already defeat the strongest people in the kingdom she lived in before she became twenty years old. She then traveled her world seeking a challenge. Yet no matter where she went victory was always hers. As she was getting bored she was suddenly transported into a new place.
She thought that maybe in this new place there could be some sort of challenge waiting for her, yet she was disappointed to see the so called heroes that were summoned alongside her. A brute, a nosy fake gentleman, a lazy bum, a hypocrite, a goon, and a misguided princess, they were rather strong but in no way were they a match for her.
As she was once again feeling disappointed she was informed of the reason they had been summoned to this world. Supposedly there was a powerful human tyrant trying to conquer everything and bring the entire continent into an age of despair. He was the strongest warrior on the continent and the most feared tyrant.
When Xia heard this description she once again grew excited as she thought that maybe this person could prove to be a challenge. She wanted to storm the enemy base, but to her surprise, she found out that the knights under the Tyrant were pretty powerful, and it proved to be difficult to go on the offensive even with her capabilities.
So while she was defending her area from the enemy forces she was also trying her best to improve her strength. It has been a long time since she has gotten this excited.
…
As she returned to the allied kingdoms’ base she noticed something weird. She started looking around the base when she suddenly bumped into an unknown person. Though at first glance this person didn’t seem threatening, Xia’s instincts told her something entirely different.
As she was getting excited to face this new challenge, Xia used one of her abilities to check on the opponent’s aura. The moment she activated her ability what she saw were horrific images of endless battle. This person wasn’t like her who only seeks battle for enjoyment, this person lives and dies for battle, the beloved son of battle itself.
Yet what frightened Xia, even more, was the numerous auras hidden within that body. It was like she took a glimpse into something she shouldn’t have. She felt overwhelmed by a new emotion she has never experienced before, fear. Unable to handle it any longer Xia fainted.
…
Everyone in the allied kingdoms’ base were confused when they saw Xia’s current state. The strongest of the seven heroes whose limits were unknown to everyone was shivering in the corner of her room. Seeing her act like that was not to Artemisia’s liking.
“What happened to your usual haughtiness little girl? Did someone come and scare you until you sh*t yourself?”
Artemisia tried insulting Xia, usually just calling her little girl would have triggered her to do something, but now Xia ignored Artemisia. They had been with Xia for several weeks now and they were rather familiar with some of her quirks, and this was the first time she had no reaction whatsoever to calling her little girl. If it was before she would already have attacked in anger.
“What happened to you, lady Xia? Please tell us so we can alleviate your fears. Surely by now, we can count as your comrades. Aren’t we all in the same boat so we stand and fall together? So please lady Xia, please tell us why are you acting like this?” The gentleman asked.
Xia who had ignored all of them finally moved her head and looked at the people around her. She then spoke in a tone of pure fear.
“We need to stop, we cannot win against him…”
“Him? Who is him?”
“The one who loves battle the most, the one who smiles that vicious smile as death closes in on him.”
“Wait, was he here? Did Ren come to our base without us knowing?” One of the knights asked.
“The King of Conquest was here? Then why didn’t he finish you off?”
“He doesn’t need to, we are all ants beneath him. Even if we all go up against him all that awaits us is death. We stand no chance at all, that person is a monster.”
“Hmph, I kill monsters for food, what is there to fear?” The gigantic man Helk spoke in irritation.
“Yeah, a warrior who flees even before the start of a fight is no warrior at all.” Dzala agreed with Helk.
“You fools, if we go and fight that man, that would be no battle at all but a one-sided massacre. There is no glory to be found at the end of his blade only blood and death.” Xia answered with anger and fear heard in her voice.
“Even if we do as you say and surrender, what will become of us? I for one am no coward and will fight even if death is evident.” Dzala responded with vigor and the others nodded in agreement.
“I told you guys already there is no fight to be had against that being. Do you think I fear death? No, if I feared such a thing I would’ve never even chosen to fight any battle in the first place. What I fear is to see all my efforts be in vain. To see myself try the hardest I can but be unable to do anything, nothing at all. To become someone helpless, that’s what I fear, and that’s what will happen to us if we face him.”
“Heh, from day one you kept on saying we were the disappointing ones, but it turns out you were the most disappointing of us all. Just because of one encounter you’re not going to even try? How are you sure that we will fail without even trying it. Even the most powerful warrior could still lose to a beginner if luck is by their side. As the Golden Empress, I have always been lucky as lady luck is under my payroll.”
“I must agree with them Lady Xia, as a gentleman even if death is inevitable I must do my utmost to help those in need.” ｂ𝚎ｄｎ𝚘ｖ𝚎𝚕．𝚘𝚛𝚐
“No matter what you people say, it is truly impossible to win. If you don’t want to listen to me then you can go ahead and die a worthless death. Do not say that I have not warned you.”
“Hmph, just leave the frightened child behind.” Helk left and one by one the others did so as well. The only one who stayed behind was Artemisia.
“What is it you want? Do you wish to continue and mock me?” Artemisia didn’t respond and simply looked at Xia. After a few seconds of silence, Artemisia finally spoke.
“The moment I met you, the moment you mocked me and defied my orders, I have treated you as my equal. I thought that you and I could’ve been friends, but it would seem that I was wrong about you… To me, failure, death, being helpless, all of these things are nothing to fear. What truly frightens me is the idea that I would stop trying at all. Even if the odds are impossible, not taking that chance and regretting it later is the most frightening of all.”
After saying what she wanted to say Artemisia left, leaving behind the frightened and depressed Xia.