Chapter 80: Kill Her! She Is Heresy

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Kill Her! She Is Heresy

Mana did a lot of things in people’s bodies, it was the key that unlocked many doors.

Some did not have the talent that unlocked its many gifts, while some others like Coco were blessed, but in the wrong environment.

If Coco had awakened the gift of a Shaman, the entire tribe would have praised and celebrated her.

But instead, she had awakened as a Spiritualist.

While both communicate with the other side, how it worked was different.

Shamans communicated with the ancestors’ spirits within the bloodline, they communicated their will through dreams whether forced or not, and used their ancient powers to affect the mundane.

However, Spiritualists do not commune or follow the will of the ancestors.

That alone was Heresy.

Barbarians worshipped and reverend their ancestors far more than their own lives.

But Spiritualists don’t. Their power and essence came from the world around them. They are tuned more with the invisible power of nature than the will of past souls.

Furthermore, Elves and Barbarians have had wars many times, thousands of years ago, over this difference.

Elves believed that the dead should remain dead where they were, and the will of nature be followed.

While Barbarians believed that one’s ancestors were not dead even in death. And that they knew best. A respect for one’s elders was evalasting.

Also, they believed that listening to spirits of the world was just dumb and could lead to nothing other than destruction.

Victor paused. How the heck had he forgotten something so important?

The words hit Victor like a slap.

Spiritualist.

His stomach dropped. His fingers tightened around the axe handle.

Around them, the tribe was already moving. Barbarians drifted closer in a loose, muttering ring, hands settling on weapons. Their eyes slid from Coco to Victor, waiting.

They clearly wanted to strike, but that same respect for the ancestors kept them from disrespecting Victor and just doing it.

It was a paradox.

Foto’s eyes brightened. ’An opportunity has presented itself.’

She stepped forward, her voice rising for everyone to hear. "A Spiritualist is an abomination in a Barbarian tribe. This is... HERESY." She let it hang. "And we all know what we do with heresy."

Her gaze focused on Coco.

Some of the warriors rose to their feet. Kiki stood too, her broadsword steady in her hand.

Victor frowned. Not good.

While it was truly abominable for a Spiritualist to be in a Barbarian Tribe, was this reaction not a bit too much?

And that Foto. Victor knew she did not like him, but this was...

"Wait," he said, raising his hands. "Hold on."

He stepped aside, clearing the path to Coco.

"I won’t stop any of you from doing what you believe you must. I don’t have to." His eyes swept the crowd. "But hear me first. Since the fall of the Basalt Dragonic Lizard, and the day I became chief, you’ve all seen how the ancestors have favored me. How they’ve gifted me, and how I’ve passed those gifts to this tribe."

He paused.

"So let me ask you." His gaze focused. "Now that so many of you have unlocked mana, do you really think the ancestors didn’t know Coco would awaken as a Spiritualist?"

The question hit, and the murmuring actually stopped.

But Foto’s voice suddenly cut through the silence. "So what if they knew? They also know what we do with Spiritualists. Maybe it’s a test. Maybe they’re waiting to see if we’ll hand her back to them."

Several barbarians nodded."yes, that’s true. They know. The ancestors know all."

Victor’s jaw tightened. DamnShe’s a problem. Every word out of her mouth was fuel.

"If it’s a test," Kiki said slowly, "then we honor their word." She raised her sword again.

Shit.

Blocking the first strike had been luck on Victor’s side. Kiki was just too strong and too skilled for him to be able to defend a strike with the intention to kill.

"Or," Victor said, "they... gifted her."

Heads turned.

At this point, Victor’s tongue was just rolling with whatever bullshit he could think of.

"Why do we never consider that? Do you guys remember Jaja? I saved his life from Popo’s death blow, and nowJaja has played an important role, just as I said he would. Because of him we have the gift of mana from the Basalt Dragonic Lizard. What if Coco is meant to play one too?"

Silence again. It was true, and they all knew it. Without Jaja’s claws, no one could have cut the Lizard’s hide. And even if they could go beyond its hide, no one would even have known how to eat the meat if Victor had not taught them. It would have killed them with the Darkness’s poison. The reasoning gave them pause.

"I honor the ancestors," Victor said. "In fact, I bloody love them. And I know they never do anything without purpose."

"Then what is their purpose now?" Foto demanded, stepping forward.

"Yes," Popo said, suddenly rising beside her. "What is it? Do we throw away traditions passed down for thousands of years? A Spiritualist is an abomination."

Not you too, Popo. And I even told you that heartwarming story from the game lore. Such backstabbing.

Foto was already a challenge. Even though she was a Gatherer and should ideally not have a say in matters concerning the tribe. But the tribe was too little at the moment, giving every voice weight.

And now, Popo, the former chief was on her side.

Is he trying to use this opportunity to win her back? Victor thought.

"An abomination!" Foto screamed again.

Voices rose around her. Others took up the cry. The circle tightened.

Victor stood in the middle of it, his mouth opened, but he had nothing to say.

(Author’s Note: I really hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. Especially how the Barbarian culture is very unique. Also, please tell me would you want to be born in such a culture?)