Path of the Berserker 5 - Chapter 10

I felt sick to my stomach and pissed off all at the same time.

As I watched the stadium staff cart the Warden’s body away, I couldn’t help but feel like she had cursed me with hidden knowledge with her dying breath. And just like the cursed knowledge of the divine world, this cursed knowledge was having a major effect on my psyche.

Damn her, I thought. Acting like some evil fairy godmother, blessing me with shit I don’t want.

Looking back now, though, there was no denying what she’d said. The princess had been coming on to me in all kinds of ways and while I didn’t fully understand her reasoning why, her infatuation with me gave her plenty motivations to try and murder Fia.

Crazy old bitch…what the hell?

The idea was so perplexing that I couldn’t even focus my anger on it properly. I was more confused than anything else. And while I had no love for the warden, there was no reason to believe she was lying about anything.

In fact, I probably did owe her in more ways than one.

My very existence as the sole savior of planet Earth included.

More than that, I had to respect her for her final battle.

She was indeed better than me in a technical sense.

She even knew she’d probably lose due to my strength but still didn’t pussy out of the fight like her chicken shit nieces would have.

She deserved my respect for that.

And she was likely trying to help me too by suggesting I marry the Princess, but that thought still made me want to vomit. The nausea stuck with me as the crowd continued to cheer and chant my new moniker, branding me forever with the upgraded title.

The Iron Marshal…the new Warden of Jurin Province.

Master Lein Cho ushered me to a waiting skiff that had touched down in the center of the arena and I was carried up to the dais where the High Magistrate and Princess herself were waiting. Normally, I would present a cool [Indifference] towards the Princess, but knowing what I did now, I had to suppress both my ire and disgust for the woman by using the technique with an extra dose of Frenzy.

“This battle is now complete,” the magistrate announced over the roar of the crowd. “The Iron Marshal has proven his prowess in martial skill and power, defeating the Lady Silver Tear. I hereby declare the Fire Bird Clan victorious over the Silver Leaf Clan. I now leave the official installation of the new Warden, to her Majesty, Third Princess Lunalah.”

Fire Bird Clan?

I then remembered that that was still my official martial clan. It felt like something I had long since outgrown now, but the Furious Lightning Sect was indeed a subsect of the Fire Bird Clan and this had been a dispute about martial rule after all.

Still, the name just rubbed me the wrong way.

I hated those evil I’xol’ukz worshiping pricks and wanted nothing to do with them.

The magistrate bowed and the Princess floated off the dais and into the center of the arena before turning about to face the dais again. Her golden eyes then fixed on me and then she waved her hand in a ‘come hither’ motion that made my stomach sick.

“Step forward, Iron Bull,” she said, her voice reverberating with power. “Pardon me. Iron Marshal is it now? I suppose you have well-earned your new title, but I will always relish you as the ravaging bull that you are.”

She laughed at her own joke, a hideous cackle that people awkwardly laughed along with. For me the inuendo was far too obvious now, dripping with lemonade. And the cringe it induced was so strong I nearly had to activate my [Sacred Soul Shield] to endure it.

I kept my demeanor neutral with [Indifference] as I stepped forward to receive my accolades. Princess Lunalah then held her massive spectral hand aloft as if casting some kind of Qi spell.

“As rightfully determined in the court of martial law, I respect the outcome as proclaimed by the High Magistrate and envoke my powers as ruler of this domain, to transfer the stewardship of this province from the Silver Leaf Clan to the Fire Bird Cla--”

“It’s the Furious Lightning Sect, your majesty,” I said interrupting her.

She blinked at me surprised as a murmur went throughout the stadium.

I was likely pushing my luck here, correcting her, but I at least had to try to not be associated with those damn Fire Birds if I could avoid it. I sensed a spike of irritation come from the princes and then, like magic it converted instantly to lemonade within her soul.

“Is that right?” she said with a smile.

Holy crap, did I convince her just like that?

I wasted no time in pushing the advantage. If she truly was infatuated with me, like the Warden had said, then perhaps I could push this even further.

“It is my true martial clan name, your majesty,” I said. “And one that befits my fighting style. The Furious Lightning Clan, the sole warden of the Terran Sect. But in all truth, my true representation is that of the Terran Sect.”

More murmurs went throughout the crowd.

I didn’t know how far I was pushing it with that one, but what the hell.

I’d just won this bout as a damn Imperial Marshal.

That had to count for something.

The princess looked towards the magistrate as if for guidance.

Eventually the old woman nodded. “He is correct with that clarification of his martial sect, your majesty. Although it is a sub sect of the greater Fire Bird Clan, the use of either would not be incorrect. However, his clan, the Terran Sect is not a martial sect and it was not the sect that challenged the former Warden for rulership.”

“But is it allowable under law?” Lunalah asked.

The magistrate glanced sideward for a moment in thought. “It would not be… traditional to make such a substitution, but it is within your majesty’s powers to appoint whatever clan she wishes.”

 “Then he shall have his wish,” the princess said giving me one of her cringy smiles. “I transfer the right of rulership of this domain from the Silver Leaf Clan to the Terran Sect. All hail the New Warden of Jurin Province. The Iron Marshal.”

She started off the applause and inwardly I was overcome with shock and relief.

I didn’t fully expect it to work, but damn it if my little gamble hadn’t paid off in spades. And I had the Lady Silver Tear’s words to thank for it. It had been but a test but one that had proven successful.

The princess was indeed infatuated with me.

And with that, I had more control over her than I realized.

A new sense of power struck me as my mind filled with possibilities.

I gave the princess a smile as another test and the way her eyes widened with both surprise and allure, appalled and intrigued me.

“Until we meet again, my noble champion,” she said with a small head bow, and then with another cringy smile, she was gone.

                    *   

My entourage swarmed me as I touched back down in the center of the arena.

Blue Rose, Tu’lok and Mal’kira all slapped me hard on the back with congratulations, but then had to shift from celebrating with me, to protecting me as the crowd broke free from the grandstands and began bum rushing the arena. I tried to do my best to greet everyone, adjusting to the shift from ring celebrity to politician.

Or whatever the heck leaders were referred to here.

Jian Yi was already yapping in my ear about what had to be done next.

If and when I would move into the Warden’s residents. What I would do about all the Silver Leaf Clan living their now. What would be my first executive order. Honestly though, the only thing I truly wanted to do now was see Fia and my son.

“A brilliant move though, I must say,” Jian Yi shouted in my ear, while pulling on my arm to get my attention.

“What?” I said, having no idea which topic she was even referring to now.

“Getting the princess to install the Terran Sect as rulers rather than your martial clan. It has propelled us to yet another level. What made you think of that?”

“I honestly wasn’t thinking,” I said. “Just didn’t want to be associated with the Fire Birds.”

But now that it had happened, I realized, just as Jian Yi was listing off, I had a whole crap load of things to think about and do. Not least of which was the idea the Warden had tried to plant in my head.

Marrying the princess.

No way in hell, I thought, my Flame outright rejecting it. Not only was in an abhorrent idea, she had also tried to kill Fia. In fact, in her mind, she already had and was still pursuing me like some creep.

The woman was sick.

And so was the idea.

But the possibilities from it were demonstrated right in front of my eyes.

I pushed the idea away for now.

There was too much to process.

And priorities needed to be set first.

“We need to get out of here,” I told Jian Yi. “Too much chaos. I need some quiet to focus and then I need to see Fia.”

“We’ll head back to the Native Housing District first,” she said. “We can regroup there.”

After pressing through what seemed to be a near endless crowd, we finally reunited with Hein, Zu Tien and Lee and then made our way out of the stadium, retreating through the side streets to make our way home.

Lee and I caught up with easy conversation, his laidback nature instantly bringing me a sense of calm. But after a while I noticed there was a strange and uncomfortable silence between the rest of the group. I supposed there were still proper introductions yet to be made. With the whirlwind of events since the start of the match, there wasn’t much time to do any of that.

I finally just stopped us all in the middle of the street and introduced my new friends in turn, to Zu Tien, Lee and Jian Yi. It took a little while but eventually they gave each other bows and right before we were to depart, Zu Tien pointed to Hein.

“I’m sorry, master, but you have not introduced him.”

I looked back at her like she was making a joke or something and then suddenly it dawned on me. With his shaved head, Hein was barely recognizable from what he looked like before and considering he was the one who sold her to that brothel, Hein probably wasn’t relishing the reunion either.

I looked to Hein and he chuckled.

“Have I aged so badly, Zu Tien?” he said.

The voice must have made it click for her and she let out a short gasp before looking unsure of what to do. Some recessive instinct must have kicked in next and she pressed her forehead to the floor in a kowtow.

“Young Master Hein! I apologize! I did not recognize you. Forgive this one!”

Hein was suddenly on the floor himself, pressing his own head to the floor in front of her. “No. It is I who must beg your forgiveness, Zu Tien.”

She looked up from the ground in shock. “Young master!”

“I am not so young anymore, Zu Tien. That fool of a boy who did those wicked things to you is no more. Still, it was I who did them. I can not undo what I have done, but I hope I can prove to you that I am a changed man. Please forgive me for my foolishness and cruelty to you in the past.”

Zu Tien remained on her knees speechless as Hein continued to prostate himself before her.

“What did he do?” Blue Rose whispered in my ear. “He did not make her pregnant as well, did he?”

Before I could answer, Zu Tien spoke. “Master Hein. As I received the gift of mercy from Master Chun, how could I ever deny the same to you? All is forgiven.”

Jian Yi came to stand before Hein.

“Master Hein,” she said. “It is a surprise to see you in such a humble state, but a welcome surprise indeed. The past has been put aside now. Arise and walk with us in peace.”

Hein did so and bowed. “I thank you, Jian Yi.”

“Don’t thank me,” she said. “Your reunion with Yu Li will be perhaps ten times as painful as this.”

He let out a sigh and then laughed. “Do not remind me.”

I nudged him. “Don’t worry. I got your back, bro. Now come on, I want to sort business out so I can get to Fia as soon as possible.”

                    *

Pure nostalgia filled me as I reentered the old square, but I was shocked to see in how bad of a condition it was in. There was barely anyone there and the housing units around it were clearly ransacked recently. What few people were there however gave me a hero’s welcome, offering me deep bows of love and respect.

I returned them far more readily than I did to those in the arena.

Although I was technically the leader of all residents now, these here in the Native Housing District were my people. The ones I had grown up with. My first followers when it came to establishing the Terran Sect.

Jian Yi finally led us into the headquarters and with the lighting of a few Qi lamps we all sat down to contemplate the next move. Or perhaps it was more me contemplating with everyone else waiting for me to make a decision.

“I can assume command temporarily perhaps,” Jian Yi said. “But that would not look good. This is a huge shift in the power dynamics of the city and the people need to see you leading them.”

“Yeah, I know,” I said. “I guess I put more emphasis on the gaining leadership part rather than leading itself. I was thinking of putting Master Hei Dong back in charge as Vice Warden.”

“You would find no one more competent than my father,” Hein said.

“I agree.” Jian Yi nodded. “The people will respect such a decision, so long as you do it publicly and quickly. You could then start changing the laws and bring Fia back as well. Along with the rest of the original Terran community out in the wild. This was everything we dreamed of, Max. Let’s make it happen.”

She was right.

This was the dream.

To finally bring the old Earth citizens to the new world and have their influence protected and grow. But with the secret knowledge I had now from the Warden, everything had changed. Where before the princess was a distant obstacle that I was planning to challenge once my power consolidated, she was now a threat that was front and center. And one that was interested in me to the extreme.

Nothing I would do would go unnoticed by her.

And I still had to represent her as a proxy in eight months as well.

“We’ve got a new problem,” I said. “Before she died, the warden told me it was the princess who ordered her to kill Fia and the baby.”

Jian Yi lowered her brows skeptically. “What?”

“My response exactly,” I said. “But its true. And I’m not sure if putting Fia and the baby back in the public eye is a smart move. I’m sure she might try to kill them again.”

“Why is she trying to kill Fia?” Jian Yi asked.

I sighed. “Because the crazy bitch wants to marry me.”

“What?!”

“And the Warden didn’t think that would be a bad idea,” I said shaking my head. “Marry her and then kill her. Become a Duke or some shit.”

“You’re not actually considering that, are you?” Blue Rose said.

“Hell no! Well… not really.”

“You probably should,” Hein said.

Everyone looked at him like he was mad.

“You’re the last person I would think that would support something like that,” Jian Yi said. “Max is betrothed to your very sister!”

“He’s also been given an opportunity like none other. Marriage is different when you get to that kind of level. It’s a political tool. Has nothing to do with love.”

I grumbled inwardly. “You’re not helping my decision making here, bro.”

“Look,” Hein said. “My great aunt was many things. But a fool was not one of them. What she says its probably true. But if you truly want good advice on this, ask my father.”

“What?” I said. “I can’t do that! And what about Fia?”

Hein shook his head. “I told you. This is not about love. This is political strategy.”

My stomach sunk and began feeling sick.

“No way. I couldn’t even pretend. It goes against everything I believe in.”

Hein merely shrugged. “Did you think taking over an empire would be a field of poppies? There are prices to pay for power, Max.”

The Struggler groaned within me.

This wasn’t the kind of struggle I wanted to endure.

“In any case,” Jian Yi said. “You need to make some decisions before morning. At the very least you need to return master Hei Dong to the city and install him as Vice Warden. Then he can at least manage the city while you decide on everything else.”

She was right. One step at a time.

And maybe just seeing Fia again would help me think a bit straighter.

“Alright, time to get to the wild. Hein, you’re coming with me. Everyone else can stay here until we return with Master Hei Dong.”

“We’re going now?” Hein said. “At night?”

Blue Rose draped her arms around Hein from behind and gave him a peck on his ear. “Don’t fear, love. The rays of a Bloodmoon are nothing for the likes of Max now. He’ll see you through.”

The personal display of affection took me by surprise, but I supposed knowing where Hein was headed now, to meet with Yu Li, she was perhaps marking her territory of sorts. It was still early evening, and being able to fly would make the trip much faster. Hein couldn’t move as fast as me using [Ride the Lightning] but even with normal flight using [Lightning Walk] we could perhaps be there in just a couple of hours.

“Alright, let’s go, Hein,” I said, with a smile. “Time for us to go see each other’s sisters.”