CHAPTER-22 The Elder’s Truth

Razor stepped forward. "We came to learn about what happened 800 years ago. They say only your tribe knows the truth behind the name… Nerahoshi."

The villagers froze in shock—including the elder.

The elder's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Why do you wish to know about that?"

Razor met his gaze. "Why do you ask? Do you not wish to answer?"

A deep sigh escaped the elder's lips. "It's not that I don't want to," he admitted. "But in all my years, no outsider has ever asked. This knowledge has remained within the village, spoken only among our own. It is simply... surprising."

Razor tilted his head, intrigued. "Why? Do people not know about the past? Or are they simply uninterested?"

The elder chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It is not that they lack interest. Over centuries of evolution and technological advancement, humanity has prioritized discovery, seeking the new rather than preserving the old. People have come to rely on science, believing that anything of importance can be explained through logic and proof.

But there are things that even the greatest inventions of man—science and technology—fail to explain. When faced with such mysteries, humans label them as myths or fantasies and cast them aside. They no longer seek to understand; they seek only explanations.

That is why the past has faded from their memory. I do not blame them, but I believe nature holds all truths, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to search."

Razor nodded solemnly. "Then, Elder... will you share the past with us?"

A kind smile spread across the elder's lips. "Please, call me Masahi. And yes, I will tell you. Follow me—we can speak in my home."

Razor nodded in agreement, stepping in line as Masahi led them to his house. As they walked, Razor turned to the elder. "Sir—no, Masahi—why does only your tribe know the truth about the past?"

Masahi's voice grew heavy. "After the Great Battle, people wished to forget the dark past where countless lives were lost. Some, however, believed that future generations had a right to remember—not only the suffering but also the one who saved us. It is the least we can do for the hero who once protected these lands."

Razor's curiosity deepened. "And who was this hero? What was the Great Battle? Is it similar to the war that took place forty years ago?"

Masahi let out a small chuckle. "Patience. All will be revealed once we are inside."

Upon arriving at the elder's house, Masahi gestured for the gang members to wait outside, inviting only Razor and his squad.

The interior was simple but warm, with handcrafted bamboo chairs and a large table at the center. He offered them water before retrieving ancient scrolls from a wooden chest. Sitting before Razor, he carefully unrolled the parchment.

"Many only remember his name, but few truly understand his deeds. Allow me to take you back 800 years into the past… Back then, there were seven kingdoms in total.

The island once called Dominera housed three of them, a testament to its vastness. However, part of it has since been lost to the sea, now known as Zephyrios Aeternal—the central island."

Masahi traced his fingers across the scrolls, showing faded maps.

"The coastal kingdom of Aurelis stood at the heart of Dominera, but it was under siege. The powerful kingdoms Valtherion and Ignishelm conspired against it, believing Aurelis would inevitably fall.

With their warriors possessing unique bloodlines granting extraordinary abilities—what you now call 'powers'—and advanced steel weaponry, they were expected to dominate. But fate had other plans. Aurelis emerged victorious, and the defeated nations were absorbed into its rule, uniting under the name Dominera."

Razor's brows furrowed. "How? By all logic, Aurelis should have lost. They were outnumbered."

Shin, arms crossed, scoffed. "Yeah, old man, no matter how you look at it, Aurelis should've been crushed. One kingdom against two? That's an obvious loss."

Masahi chuckled. "That was what everyone thought. But destiny is not always predictable. Aurelis was not saved by an army, but by a mere 400 warriors led by one man—the first prince of Aurelis, Zaeeru.

He was said to be the strongest of all, his true abilities unknown. But the people whispered of his mastery over the earth element—so unique that he was the only known wielder among the five nations. The king himself considered passing the throne to him… until power corrupted him."

Masahi's tone darkened.

"Zaeeru grew greedy. He sought to strengthen himself through cruel experiments, capturing those with abilities and subjecting them to inhumane tests.

During that era, another race existed—the Crimora, also known as the 'Pure Bloods.' It was believed that powers originated from them. Strangely, abilities only manifested if the mother was Crimora and the father was human or beastman."

Reena leaned forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Why only through the mother?"

Masahi sighed. "That, too, remains a mystery. But as Zaeeru's atrocities spread, a savior emerged. Some say it was divine intervention—a mercy from the gods.

A man arrived, joining forces with the Queen of the Beast Kingdom and the human rebels to put an end to Zaeeru's reign of terror. His name was Naraka. After Zaeeru's defeat, it is said that Zaeeru took his kingdom with him into the depths of the sea.

That is why the central island appears severed, some believe it is the curse of Zaeeru, his kingdom swallowed by the ocean."

Razor's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "How did he defeat Zaeeru?" His voice carried a weight of skepticism. "You said he was the most powerful person across all five nations. So how was he brought down?"

Shin and Reena leaned in slightly, their anticipation growing as they awaited Masahi's response.

The elder exhaled, his gaze distant as if recalling a legend long buried by time. "People say he fought with his fists engulfed in golden flames," Masahi began, his tone reverent. "His strikes burned brighter than the sun itself, searing through the darkness of war. After that battle, people called him 'The Warrior of Golden Flames.' But once the battle was won… the hero vanished. No one knows where he went. People even built a statue of The Warrior of Golden Flames somewhere in one of the 5 nations" 

Reena's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ooooh, old man, old man! That's a really interesting story!" She clasped her hands together, grinning. "But is it really true? It's hard to believe that one person had the power to bring down all five nations, and—"

"Oi, Reena, stop talking." Razor cut her off, his tone firm. Then, turning back to Masahi, he inclined his head slightly. "Sorry about that, Masahi."

Masahi chuckled, his weathered face softening with amusement. "No, no, it's quite alright," he assured. "Many people think it's just a story… something fabricated over time. But I choose to believe otherwise."

Masahi paused, his gaze meeting Razor's. "As for the name you asked about—"

"Wait!" Razor suddenly interrupted, his expression tense. "Sir Elder, please stop."

Masahi frowned. "Why? What is wrong, young man?"

Razor turned to his squad. "Reena, Shin, can you both step outside for a moment? This matter is confidential."

Reena pouted. "What? Why? I want to hear the rest!"

"You've heard enough. Sir Genta said this is classified," Razor insisted. "Shin, take her with you."

"Understood," Shin said, grabbing Reena's hand.

Reena huffed, pulling away. "I can walk on my own, idiot!"

Shin ignored her, effortlessly hoisting her over his shoulder like a sack of rice. She kicked and flailed. "Put me down, you jerk! I can walk! I swear—put me down!"

As the commotion faded outside, Razor exhaled heavily and turned back to Masahi. "Now, Mr. Masahi… please, tell me the truth behind the name."

Meanwhile, outside, Reena sat cross-armed, pouting. "Oye, Shin! I'm bored! Wanna play a game?"

Shin barely glanced at her. "No."

"Aww, why not? If you don't, I'll be sad! Do you really want to make me sad, Shin?"

"I don't care."

Reena gasped dramatically. "So cruel! I thought you'd be a good little brother and play with me."

Shin sighed. "Can you leave me alone? It's a pain."

With a mischievous grin, Reena grabbed his cheeks, squeezing. "Oye, come on! Just one game!"

Shin's eye twitched. "Oye, stop it. You're annoying me, Reena."

Reena giggled. "Oooh, scary."

Nearby, one of the gang members muttered, "Oye… what are they even doing?"

Another groaned. "Don't ask. Since morning, it's been chaos. Just give me a break."

Then, Razor stepped out, his expression unreadable. Reena called out to him, but he ignored her, walking straight to a water barrel. He splashed his face, droplets falling as he muttered under his breath.

"The name… the name… I don't understand anything… What the hell is going on?"