Chapter 118: The Lord of Nightmares’ Weakness
Initially, Abyss’s three followers had opposed Givia’s decision to perform Blood Atonement.
Givia’s safety was precisely what Cassandra had sacrificed so much for, and now Givia was planning to burn herself, to endure pain, to reclaim her honor. It seemed counterproductive.
And it was a pointless gesture. Blood Atonement was meant to demonstrate courage and a willingness to atone for one’s mistakes. Givia possessed both qualities. Harming herself further seemed unnecessary. Abyss’s followers, two from the Western Empire and one from the Eastern Empire, had all received elite educations, their civilized sensibilities instinctively rejecting such a barbaric practice. They tried to dissuade her.
But after Haina and Cassandra left, Givia, given the opportunity to explain her reasoning, had convinced them.
She understood that Blood Atonement wasn’t a solution to her personal guilt. It was a drastic measure, but a necessary one to regain the trust of the Ossi people, who had learned about her past transgression, a betrayal of their most cherished values. It wouldn’t solve the issue between her and Cassandra, but it would address the issue between her, as their princess, and the entire Ossi population.
Givia’s position was unique. She wasn’t just a princess, the leader of the Restoration Army. She was a symbol of hope, representing the honor and the values that the Ossi people held dear. If she were the leader of any other organization, a simple apology might have sufficed, but this situation was different. The princess, the embodiment of Ossi honor, had committed a dishonorable act. It was akin to a vegetarian noble being caught eating meat or an anti-smoking advocate secretly indulging in tobacco. The consequences would be devastating.
It was an extreme situation, requiring an extreme solution. And that solution was Blood Atonement, a ritual recognized by all Ossi people, a tradition passed down from their ancient ancestors.
The others had wanted to argue further, but Rebecca had been the first to agree, confident in her ability to heal Givia’s injuries and prevent any permanent damage. With Givia’s continued persuasion, Leona and Flora had reluctantly agreed. Abyss hadn’t objected at all. He knew Givia was acting rationally. As her friend, his duty was to support her decisions, to provide her with the reassurance she needed. And he believed she had a deeper purpose.
Indeed, after they had reluctantly agreed, Givia revealed her true intentions.
Blood Atonement, in Ossi culture, was an act of courage. Givia would perform the ritual without any tricks, enduring the full extent of the pain. This would inspire faith in her people. And this faith, she believed, could be used against the Lord of Nightmares.
Why was Kevin, a puppet of the Lord of Nightmares, not interested in ruling for long, but so focused on undermining the people’s support for Givia? Why hadn’t the Lord of Nightmares sent Shadowlings to attack Shodo Town, Givia’s base? Why had he chosen to target the Ossi Kingdom, specifically during a time of turmoil and unrest, after the Western Empire’s invasion?
It meant that the Lord of Nightmares feared something—the people’s faith.
When the people’s faith was strong, the Lord of Nightmares’ power was limited. This was why he couldn’t directly influence Shodo Town. If Abyss could broadcast Givia’s Blood Atonement to the entire Ossi population, their faith in her would be strengthened, their courage would overcome their fear, reducing the number of nightmares, starving the fear-devouring Outer God.
This was Givia’s first act of defiance, a challenge to a being far more powerful than any mortal, driven by her own will.
“For the survival of my kingdom, for the happiness of my people, to rid Hai-Teweru of this parasite, the Lord of Nightmares, I’m willing to do anything. The brave soldiers of the Restoration Army are risking their lives for our cause. Why can’t I sacrifice an arm? What’s a little pain compared to that?” Givia said, her voice firm, her eyes clear and unwavering.
Abyss sensed no fear in her soul. He felt her resolve, the determination of a leader who carried the weight of her nation’s fate on her shoulders.
It was a foolish, audacious battle, just like his own challenge against the gods.
He was determined to help her succeed. And as repayment for her sacrifice, he would make the Lord of Nightmares suffer.
Once he found his weakness, his counterattack would begin.
…
The people, singing ancient songs of praise for their courageous leader, escorted Givia back to her headquarters in Shodo Town, where Rebecca would treat her injuries. Despite the waves of pain from her burned arm, she remained conscious, her willpower unwavering.
Her clothes were soaked with sweat, but the pain-induced perspiration continued to flow. Alva had given her water three times, but she remained on the stretcher, her eyes open, encouraging the soldiers and civilians around her, her voice hoarse but strong.
“Thank you for forgiving me! The Restoration Army will prevail! We will reclaim our kingdom! Victory is within our grasp!”
Her arm, where the flesh had been charred by the intense heat, was dissolving under the effects of Rebecca’s potion, revealing the bone beneath. A network of pink, root-like tendrils spread from her shoulder, clinging to the bone, blossoming into pink “flowers” that expanded, their color gradually deepening to crimson…
Rebecca walked beside her, her expression calm and confident, everything proceeding according to plan.
Leona, watching her friend recover, smiled, relieved.
Haina, Cassandra, Alva, and many other prominent figures of the Restoration Army followed the procession, needing to witness the princess’s recovery before they could find peace.
Abyss and Flora, however, were absent—they had other, more urgent matters to attend to.
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