Chapter 227: 227

Maul, who had taken a step to walk to his throne, stopped and turned around. Putting his hand on his son’s shoulder and clenching it, Maul said with a serious tone, “You didn’t disappoint me, son.”

“Besides, Björn’s two pawns didn’t achieve their goal of drawing us out into the public eye, nor did they take over the port,” Maul said with a laugh as he turned around and walked to his throne.

A smile found its way to the corner of Wulv’s lip as he took the moment to truly take in the accomplishment of their goal in this mission.

A few weeks back, Wulv and his fellow clansmen who had been paying attention to the movements of Björn’s believers deduced that they would make a move at the port.

Wulv brought the issue to his father, who immediately ordered that they had to stop them. Further discussion with his father made Wulv realize that the attack on the port had another purpose; it could be said that this was the main reason why they were making a move at that specific port.

Björn’s believers realized that while their faith was spreading fast through the continent, there was still some hesitation as people were scared of being against the godlings. Those observant had noticed the subtle opposition of the werewolves to the teachings of Björn.

The port attack had the hands of every godling race dealing with and making business behind the scenes with most human kingdoms in the northern continent, but the humans didn’t know this. They only thought that Robin was a great trader who was able to get goods from other godling races.

Someone from Björn’s side obviously knew the truth behind the port, which was why they made the move to kill two birds with one stone. Yuki’s goal was to attack the port and force the demigods to take action to defend their interests while at the same time taking over the port, which would grant her easier access to spread the teachings of Björn to other continents.

The demigods defending their interests would, in turn, be flipped by Yuki to make them look like the victims. Yuki planned on using the demigods’ actions to push those hesitant to take the step they were scared of taking.

She planned on proudly proclaiming to those who were hesitant how the demigods were scared of the influence the religion of Björn would have on them, making the humans’ strength equal to that of the godlings.

She wants the humans to see the demigods’ resistance to their faith as something capable of challenging their status. In this way, most humans, greedy for power or unhappy with their current status, will see their religion as a way out.

But they had failed.

Maul thought about sending out a group of elite forces to intercept Björn’s believers before they could reach the port. But Wulv brought up the brilliant idea of going alone to test his theory on the red mist.

Now, as Maul sat on his throne, his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “We’ve sent a clear message to Björn and his followers,” he said, his voice echoing through the hall. “Their attempts to destabilize us will not succeed. We are stronger, smarter, and more united than they can ever imagine.”

Wulv nodded, stepping forward. “What is our next move, Father?”

Maul looked at his son. “I remember you were against the idea of us using a human kingdom as a test ground to help our people increase their immunity to Björn’s influence by experiencing the darker side of life compared to the easy way of life they have had until now. Have you changed your mind?”

Maul asked his son. Wulv looked at his father before looking down at his hands. “That was foolish of me. I disagreed because of ethical reasons, but after what I experienced, I think we should do as you said.”

“If I, with my talent, fell so easily under his influence, then I dread to think how it would be for the others,” Wulv said.

“Now, son, you know this. I want you to understand that your previous thought wasn’t wrong. The plan indeed had some ethical issues, but that is something we have to overlook in times like this.”

“If it were any other situation, then you being in disagreement with the plan is completely right. Do you understand?” Maul asked. Wulv nodded. “Understood, Father.”

“Good. As for our next move, we do nothing. News of what happened at the port will soon spread. Many human kingdoms will reveal which side they stand on during this time.”

“My guess is that Björn’s followers will attack another human port. Maybe they don’t need to attack the port; the humans will willingly let them use it to spread their teachings.”

“The strength and skill shown by the werebeast will be sought out by many human leaders. They will soon deduce on their own that the port owner won solely because of our backing. Without the demigods, the war would have been won by Björn’s followers.”

“While Björn’s followers failed in achieving their goal, they did succeed in showing the prowess of joining Björn’s religion. Now, while all this is occurring, we observe those human kingdoms that make a clear stand with Björn, and we will make our pick from one of them as our test ground for our people.”

Wulv absorbed his father’s words, understanding the gravity of the situation. They were on the brink of a larger conflict, one that required strategic thinking and sacrifice. “I will begin gathering intelligence on the human kingdoms,” he said.

Maul nodded, satisfied with his son’s resolve. “Excellent. We must be prepared for any eventuality. Keep our forces ready and our allies informed.”

Almost as if he remembered something, Maul asked, “How are things going in the Silver Kingdom? Is the new king still having problems with the nobles of his kingdom?”

Wulv paused, considering the latest reports. “Yes, Father. The new king, Ragnar, is still facing significant resistance from the nobles. They see him as too young and inexperienced. Some of them have even started to openly defy his orders, and there are whispers of rebellion.”

Maul frowned as his claws tapped his frozen throne. “That isn’t good. They are very important to us at times like this.”

“Because of the difference in race, we can’t act as we want with the humans, but with the Silver Kingdom, that limitation is gone as we can act through them.”

Looking at Wulv, Maul said, “We need to provide him some help. Maybe take out those nobles who stand against him. He may not be able to do that because of his status, but in this case, we aren’t limited like him.”

Wulv nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. “I’ll send a team of our best operatives to handle the situation discreetly. They can eliminate the rebellious nobles and ensure that Ragnar’s position is secure. We’ll make it look like accidents or internal disputes to avoid drawing attention.”

Maul’s eyes gleamed with approval. “Good. And make sure that Ragnar understands the help we are providing. He needs to know that he owes his throne—and his life—to us. This will solidify his loyalty.”

“Understood, Father. I’ll also send a message to Ragnar, offering our official support and advising him to take a firmer stance against those who oppose him. It will bolster his confidence and make our actions more effective.”

Maul leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “We must also ensure that our involvement remains hidden from Björn’s followers. If they suspect our influence in the Silver Kingdom, they might take drastic measures. Caution is crucial.”

Wulv bowed slightly. “I will see to it, Father.”

Down on the western continent, deep in the forest, roaring sounds and the noise of trees falling could be heard. A closer look revealed the source of the commotion.

A bear the size of a tree was seen ablaze with light. Opposite the bear stood another creature, matching its size and girth, but even more colossal. A closer look at this creature revealed a resemblance to a human. This was James, a mortal servant whose life had been irrevocably altered after an encounter with curses and his lord.

James, unlike his past self, no longer looked human. The curse of gluttony he bore now manifested clearly in his appearance. His mouth was no longer where it was supposed to be; his face now featured only his eyes, nose, hair, and ears. In his grotesquely obese body, his mouth grew out of his stomach, occupying the space where his stomach once was.

On his back was a tattoo of a tall tree, wrapped by the huge body of a winged snake. Facing the bear, a roar erupted from James’ stomach.

In his hand, a huge, purple, glowing butcher knife materialized. With a speed unexpected for someone of his shape, he rushed towards the bear. The bear, ready for him, roared loudly, sending a fireball from its mouth towards him. Stepping to the side, James swung his knife, which for a brief moment showed the phantom of teeth.

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