Path of the Berserker

Book 5: Chapter 14

I filled Kelsey and Fia in on the details as we made our way back to the village center.

Fia knew about our secret path, but I had to be careful not to share too many details of my encounter as to spare her sanity. Regardless of her being a Core Realm cultivator, these were still glimpses into the unknown.

The last thing I wanted to do was drive my wife-to-be even more insane than I normally did with my -like antics. I roughly explained who and what the Chainmaiden was, without revealing her true name, and then how she was connected to I’xol’ukz and how it was through her powers that the Dark god had marked our son.

“Why did she do it?” Fia asked. “And how did she even know I was pregnant?”

“It wasn’t ,” I said. “She just follows orders. But the Dark god’s influence is everywhere. My best guess is that when it was controlling that demon in the stadium, it sensed the connection between the two of us and took the opportunity.”

I then described the conversation I’d had with the Chainmaiden, down in that crystal chamber and what I had seen when I [Spectrally Projected] to its location in the real world. I kept the details light, describing the gloom and decay and the animated skeletons, leaving out the shrieks I’d heard from that weird white slug.

“Are there normally undead creatures on cultivation worlds?” I asked Fia. “First time I’ve seen anything like that, even after being on a Hell World.”

“Undead?” she asked.

“Like when corpses come back to life,” I said.

Fia shook her head. “Normally that’s associated with demonic possession, but the empire is large. Who knows what may exists on native lands.”

“So what does all that tell us?” Kelsey asked. “You think I’xol’ukz is where you were?”

“I sensed a strong presence of him and then ! I was ejected back into the spiritual realm. I didn’t get to see much, but wherever that place was, I’xol’ukz had to be there as well. It’s the strongest presence I’ve ever felt of him.”

“So do you think you know where that place is?” Fia asked.

“I may have a clue.” I thought back to when I was first trying to re

I glanced back at Master Hei Dong as he kept trying to mouth the next word for me.

The silence got worse.

, I thought. If I was going to look like a damn I might as well go all the way.

“Alright, look,” I said in plain Yee. “I’m not gonna lie. That was a damn elegant speech, but it won’t be read by the likes of me. I’m not here because I’m a scholar that went to some fancy school. I’m here because I faced the fires of the Hell Worlds and came back alive to talk about it.”

Shockingly that got a round of hoots and hollers and a shit load of lemonade.

My fear evaporated instantly and suddenly I felt back at home, riling up the crowd again like I was back in the ring. “And I’m not here to impress you with any of that either. What I’m here to do is set the province back in order and get common folk living decently again.”

That got more measured applause this time.

“Someone once said, those with strength rule, but those with wisdom are chosen to lead. Now the man who wrote the speech for me, is the wisest man I know. And for that reason, I believe it only fitting that he, Master Hei Dong, who served this province as Vice Warden for many years, be restored to his rightful post.”

I started the claps with that one and then ushered my future father-in-law forward.

Master Hei Dong joined me and then bowed graciously. “I live to serve thee and your people, honorable Marshal Warden. May your years of rule be long and endless.”

He spoke with his formal tones, and I couldn’t help but laugh inside as he grinned at me like a private joke. He then deferred to me again and I tried to think of what else I could say. More silent moments passed. I stopped thinking then and looking out at the people, sensed [Everyone’s Pain].

This wasn’t just a pep rally.

These people needed real hope.

They needed to know that this wasn’t just another changing of the guard.

I would fight to save these people with the same determination as I would to save my own son.

My Flame then flared with the strengthening of my Twin Dao.

“I know you’ve been through a lot recently,” I said with [Struggler’s Resolve]. “And fancy words and promises won’t do a lot to change things right away, I know. Still, I hope you’ll put your trust in me that I will do right by all members of this community, Yee and native born alike. We will rebuild and grow, and we will do so together. And know that I will fight as hard for all of you as I fought on the Hell Worlds of the Cursed Stars. We’re all going to make it happen. We’re all going to thrive!”

The crowd surged with thunderous applause, and I could feel it both physically and spiritually this time. I began to get a bit choked up myself from all the lemonade that flowed. I finally pulled things to a close and fireworks went off from somewhere.

After another few minutes we departed and went back to the imperial residence.

“So…” I said. “How was it?”

Master Hei Dong chortled. “Interesting.”

“So… good, not good?”

“I measure by different means, but I would say overall… effective.”

“Yeah,” Hein said. “The people love you. and all.”

All my companions laughed at that.

“Now,” Master Hei Dong said. “Time for the real work to start. The people are ripe for change, and you need to provide it. What is it you wish to be done?”

I furrowed my brow. “Wait… I thought you said you were going to handle everything.”

“Administratively yes,” he said. “I’m here to you, not think for you, Max.”

Master Hei Dong then sat behind a desk and pulled out a quill.

“So, what is it you wish to do with your province, Marshall Warden?” He then smiled at me. “This humble public servant awaits receipt of your first decree.”