Chapter 85: Determination

Chapter 85: Determination

Twofold Mountain—located directly beneath the forked road, splitting the adjacent Heartbreak Woods of the Northlands. Dragon Riders currently traveled along the path below the mountain. A few Wyverns circled overhead, instantly relaying any anomalies on the ground to their masters.

Twofold Mountain concealed numerous mountain folk and criminals. Living conditions were harsh, so people here had short lives. The hostile environment made them indifferent to life and death. Every time the Dragon Riders passed through, they encountered frustrating annoyances. The dwellers would always swarm out chaotically, then scatter and flee in disarray.

This time was the same. These foolish bandits jumped out again. Wielding crudely made weapons, dressed in rags, surrounded by swarming insects, they charged out shouting wildly. The prepared Dragon Riders easily cut down those rushing them. The Dragon Riders knew that slaughtering the first wave would make the rest turn and run.

Aiman acted strangely. He silently pursued and killed every target within his sight. Dragon Rider Father sighed and stopped his son’s next move. Overindulging emotions and venting through killing only made one lose oneself. Dragon Riders didn’t refuse bloodshed, but shouldn’t lose reason because of it. He patted his son’s shoulder, wanting to say something, but finding no words, he could only sigh again.

Eileen was holding a Crystal Ball up to the sunlight, uninterested in the nearby fight. She seemed unaware her action was part of what provoked the mountain folk into emerging.

Aiman turned his mount and followed beside his sister. He gently twisted the ring on his finger. He knew Bran had given it to him, unrelated to Lily. Though it looked simple, its aura didn’t lie – that unique feeling always around Bran, a feeling he hadn’t understood at first: loss and loneliness. He knew he would feel lonely from now on. Suddenly, he didn’t want to talk to anyone, wishing only to be alone quietly, just for a while…

He knew he wasn’t good enough for Lily. That day, he saw the spar between Lily and his brother. Though her skill deepened his infatuation, he knew he had no hope. He could only cheer loudly for the girl in his heart while feeling bitter and sour inside.

Eileen put away her Crystal Ball and looked at her brother. “Do you know what I learned from Bran?”

“What did you learn?”

“Some things, you do them first, then talk.”

Aiman sneered. “What did he do? I felt he did nothing. I just saw him swaying on a rocking chair.”

“He did many things. When he wanted someone killed, he used us to spread false news and lure them into his manor. When he wanted Wizards, he made all the Wizards from a Caravan disappear. He did many things, then sat there waiting for whatever punishment might come. But once it was done, who could change anything? So, for many things, you must do first, then speak.”

Aiman was startled, almost not recognizing his sister. “What do you want to do? You can’t seriously have set your sights on Bran?”

Eileen laughed. “I haven’t set my sights on Bran. But I have set my sights on his manor. I love everything in that manor. I want to know what hides on the third floor. I want to replace Danny’s Statue in the manor with mine. You know, I’ve always loved exquisite things since childhood. So, the first time I saw Bran Manor, I fell for it. Elders call Northlanders barbaric and crude. I found that false. I’ve never seen such a magnificent manor. Who knew Northlanders could be so refined?”

Aiman felt his sister had lost her mind. He wanted to persuade her back: “You must tell Father or Mother.”

“No. This time I won’t. If I told them, they’d only stop me. But once it’s done, who can change it? Even if they want to punish me, it’s already done! What can they do? I must fight for it.”

“You won’t get it.”

“By Northern custom, men or women can be snatched back. After we return this time, I will take my heritage Trial. As Bran said, I’m a Dragon Rider, he’s a Northlander. We don’t need to be timid.”

Aiman stayed silent for a moment, then regarded Eileen seriously. He took the ring off his hand and handed it to her.

“What does this mean? Lily gave you this,” Eileen asked, puzzled.

“No. Bran gave it to me. He was just mocking me. Some things… you must fight for.”

Aiman’s spirits visibly lifted. He decided he would undertake his heritage Trial as soon as they returned.

…

The Dragon Riders’ destination today was Sandstone City, once a crucial military stronghold for defending against the Northlands. Over generations, the city had lost its old appearance and its purpose gradually changed.

This site was chosen for building the city ages ago because two massacres committed by Northlanders terrified everyone. It offered a relatively safe distance and position. Yet no one expected the Northlanders showed no interest in the outside world, guarding their homeland instead.

Most residents were descendants of criminals, soldiers, and Knights who once garrisoned here. Thus, Sandstone City fostered an intense martial spirit. True heroes were worshipped here, yet swindlers and thieves existed too. To establish oneself here, excellent fighting skills were essential.

A popular saying here was: “Barring Northlanders, we bow to no one.”

As one generation aged, the youth had to prove their strength by challenging mighty opponents. Initial attempts showed people from Sandstone City that challenging Northlanders openly at the Everspring Riverbank posed little risk. If you came empty-handed, Northlanders disdained using weapons. If you used a staff, they wouldn’t slash you with blades. Usually, knocked down twice, they’d walk away. Northlanders possessed overwhelmingly strong physiques. To counter this, Sandstone City, over generations, perfected an evasive fighting technique meant to endure more blows. While useless against Northlanders, it proved highly effective against fellow townspeople.

Perhaps fondness grew fighting Northlanders. Though they rarely showed up near Sandstone City, their reputation remained high through word-of-mouth. So, bizarre phenomena occurred; many considered themselves half Northlander.

Compared to Northlanders, Dragon Riders had a poor reputation here. Their retreat without a fight back then was considered betrayal by many. Though the Dragon Riders made the right decision, sometimes correctness doesn’t win hearts. Failure needed reasons; someone had to shoulder the unjust blame. To lessen their own sins, some knowingly exaggerated details. Though years passed, this sentiment lingered.