𝐄𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

Deep within the village of the Kranken clan, there is a prison that utilizes a natural wind hole formed at the base of a cliff.

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It is used to confine those who have broken the clan’s laws and enemies, with branching paths inside serving as cells.

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And that’s where Kiel was confined.

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“Damn it! They’ve locked me up in a place like this! Let me out right now!”

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Kiel’s shouting echoes through the wind hole.

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She had been locked up here for almost three days.

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“Kiel, I’m sorry, but I can’t let you out.”

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A figure appeared in front of the iron bars.

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“Errant! What’s the meaning of this!”

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Kiel tried to attack Errant, who had appeared in front of her, but the iron bars blocked her way.

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“I really don’t want to do this either.”

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Errant shook his head sadly.

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“Don’t mess with me! If that’s the case, let me out right now! Chief Daryl, please tell him too! This can’t be allowed!”

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“It can’t be helped, Kiel. This is already decided.”

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A chubby middle-aged man, who had been standing behind Errant, answered while wiping his sweat.

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He is the chief of the Kranken clan, Daryl Dagmail Kranken.

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“Kiel, it’s too late. The Rivasura clan has obtained a powerful force with the help of the demons. If we do nothing, we Kranken clan will become their slaves. You should understand that such a thing cannot be allowed.”

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“But. . . I can’t accept that! Such. . . such a thing. . .”

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Kiel shuddered as if it was disgusting to even say it.

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“. . .To unseal the divine beast!”

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When Kiel returned to the island, the situation had already reached a point of no return.

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The Rivasura clan had demanded the merger of the two clans.

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Although it was called a merger, it was a one-sided and unfair one, requiring the Kranken clan to hand over the management rights of the island’s magic stone mine to the Rivasura clan and to trade with the Rivasura clan’s designated partners.

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Of course, the Kranken clan could not accept such a demand, but the Rivasura clan forced them to submit with overwhelming military power.

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After several skirmishes, the Kranken clan had no choice but to surrender completely.

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And when Kiel returned, she was begged to revive the divine beast with the power of the shrine maiden in order to break the current situation.

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“I really don’t want to do this either. But there’s nothing we can do. To counter them, we need to obtain a greater power.”

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“There’s no way we can do that! You should know, Chief, what they say will happen if the seal of the divine beast is broken.”

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“That’s. . . that’s true. . . but. . . if we leave things as they are, our lives are in danger. . .”

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Daryl wiped his sweat in a troubled manner.

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“The saying goes, ‘When one divine beast awakens, the other one also awakens.'”

Errant continued the conversation while looking at Kiel.

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“If that’s the case, it’s fine. Even if you say wake up, it doesn’t have to be perfect. If it’s Kiel who has the power of a shrine maiden, it should be possible to semi-awaken the divine beast. Anyway, it’s enough to let the Rivasura clan know that we have a trump card called the divine beast. There’s nothing dangerous about it.”

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“Anyway, I hate what I hate!”

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Kiel’s will was firm.

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“How can I say yes obediently when I’m locked up in a place like this and forced to do it!”

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“Kiel, can’t you stop being selfish? Aren’t you a member of the Kranken clan? If you think about the clan, I think it’s okay to bend your policy a little.”

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“That’s a different story. If you really care about the clan, why are you fighting with the Rivasura clan? The first problem is that you started talking about whether to side with the demons or the humans. . .”

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“Enough!”

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Errant slammed his fist against the iron bars.

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“Kiel, you don’t understand anything! Do you know how much trouble I’ve had in negotiating with them! Listen, if you don’t cooperate, all that trouble will be in vain! You’re trying to take away the future of the clan because of your petty pride!”

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He glared at Kiel, his face so close to the iron bars that it was touching them.

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After a moment of silence, Kiel sighed softly.

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“. . .Errant, you were told that by someone, weren’t you.”

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At Kiel’s words, Errant and Daryl widened their eyes in surprise.

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“W, What are you talking about?! I wasn’t instigated by anyone.”

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“You don’t have to hide it. It’s a well-known fact that you’re in contact with the humans. You were probably told by them. If you persuade the little girl named Kiel, this island will belong to the Kranken clan.”

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“No, it’s not! This is a choice I made thinking about this island!”

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“Errant, then look me in the eye and say it. This is a decision made purely for the sake of this island, without any personal greed or human involvement.”

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Kiel stared at Errant.

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Errant averted his eyes from her straightforward gaze.

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“An. . .anyway, the only way for us, the Kranken clan, to survive is this. There’s not much time left, I want you to think about it again. I’ll, I’ll come back.”

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He said awkwardly, turned on his heel, and left the cave.

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Daryl followed him.

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“Hey! How long are you going to keep me locked up in here! Let me out now!”

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Kiel’s shouting echoed in the deserted wind hole.