Berserk: The Prophet

After more than a month of training, Green was almost indistinguishable from the local Grant children. His face gradually regained its luster. Although he still looked thin and small, at least his muscles didn't look so shriveled, and he even grew 5cm taller.

Grant is damp and chilly as winter approaches, and it even snowed a few days ago.

“You are now a true Grant, Green.” Hohenheim sat on the table and brewed two cups of hot tea, steaming gently. This type of black tea had been introduced from the Kusha in the East.

Green held the teacup, gently blew away the steam, and carefully took a sip.

"How are you feeling?" Hohenheim asked with a smile.

"Mmm...it's sweet, and has a hint of floral scent," Green said, blinking.

Hohenheim laughed heartily: "This is Kusha's black tea, perfect for drinking in the cold winter."

Green nodded his gratitude and looked out the window at the pine trees covered with a layer of silver, their needles still lush and green under the thin snow.

For the past month, Hohenheim has been like a safe haven from the snowstorm for Grant.

Green has mastered Grant's culture and customs, and he has also learned how to make some simple traditional handicrafts, play some of Grant's unique instruments, and how to preserve food in the cold winter.

Green knew that his real mission in Grant was about to begin.

"Yes, Kadi has already written to me. In a few days, Madwood will take you away from here. I hope that as partners in the Juda intelligence organization, we will serve our country well in the future."

"I will."

To appease these people and their dirty dealings, Green had to adopt a firm tone.

.........

A few days later.

Madwood arrived at the cabin in Hohenheim, and Green carried a simple bag containing only food, bidding farewell to Hohenheim and Ellen.

"Goodbye, Green." Hohenheim patted Green on the shoulder.

"Goodbye, Lord Hohenheim."

"Bon Voyage."

Green nodded to Elaine and followed Madwood on a new journey.

They crossed several snow-covered mountain peaks and traversed icy streams that had not yet frozen. When thirsty, they drank from mountain springs, and when hungry, they ate the dry rations from their packs.

They walked from dawn until dusk, when some people dressed in thick furs and wearing hoods came to meet them.

“This is the child. My mission is complete.” Madwood pushed Green out, and the people who came to meet him had obvious Judas features.

"Hmm, it's Green, right? We'll take good care of you." One of the leaders walked over with a distinct Juda accent and tied Green's hands tightly with rope.

"Let's go." It was almost a command to a prisoner.

This made Green frown; it was an unpleasant part.

They were roughly dragged along like this, passing through some hidden, narrow tunnels that could only accommodate one person at a time. It took them about two days and one night to reach their destination.

Green was taken to a simple camp surrounded by wooden walls and towering mountains. He was ushered into a wooden hut that was filled with dust and musty smells.

"Wait here, someone will come looking for you." The leader left these words and locked the door.

Green sat in a worn-out chair, waiting. The details of how to infiltrate the "Dragon's Nest" seemed to be quite clear.

Soon, the door opened, and a mysterious yet familiar figure walked in.

...As expected, it was indeed Cardi.

“I heard about your performance, very good.” Cardi took off his hood, revealing a pair of blue eyes that were still so dark they sent chills down one’s spine. Green didn’t like being stared at like that.

His eye sockets were even more sunken than before, and he even had a lot more gray hair.

"Hmm, what do you want me to do next?"

Green, on the other hand, seemed calm and used to it; his personality had changed somewhat since what happened in the dungeon.

“I heard that there was a boy named Hanks in the previous prison. He was a child of the Senolobos family. His parents and grandparents died early, and he was the son of a fallen noble family.”

Green seemed a little dazed when he heard Hanks' name, while Cardi was still sorting out his thoughts.

"No one in his family recognizes him anymore, because he is the last bloodline of the Senolobos family."

"The best identity to infiltrate the dragon's lair is to take his name. From now on, you will be called Hanks in the concentration camp. This name will also be your identity for this mission."

Just as Cardi and Green were talking, the door opened again, and a Juda spy pushed in a rather sturdy-looking boy.

"Sir, this child is here too."

"Oh, I see."

With Kadi's response, the spy closed the door again. The child who came in looked familiar; was it Baziso?

Baziso stumbled and nearly fell, but managed to steady himself, though he was exhausted from hunger.

"...Bazso?"

How did he lose so much weight? Green almost didn't recognize the burly young man in front of him. Sure enough, fat people are potential stars. He seems to have become much more energetic after losing weight.

"...Green? Boss!"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Bazzo immediately perked up, and Green also stood up.

The two brothers, who were in the same boat, immediately hugged each other, and Green almost called him "little brother."

Green really wanted to pat Bazzo on the back, but his hands were still tied, so he could only examine him carefully.

"How did you end up like this?" Green frowned slightly.

Bazis said, "It's a long story, boss. After I was arrested and put in jail, I was never well-fed or clothed, and I was often abused. If it weren't for the thought that I would see you again someday, I probably wouldn't have been able to hold on."

Green felt a pang of sorrow; he knew that Bazzo must have suffered a lot in prison.

"...Alright, I haven't finished speaking yet. You two will have your turn to catch up later." Kadi cleared his throat, interrupting the two brothers' friendly chatter.

“I’ve assigned Green to impersonate Hanks, the son of a fallen nobleman, and infiltrate the ‘Dragon’s Nest.’ Remember to change your story and don’t let it slip, or it won’t just be a matter of not having enough to eat or wear.” Kadi’s threatening tone remained the same as before.

“But we know nothing about his family, which could easily expose our weaknesses,” Green raised his question.

“You don’t need to worry about that. Few nobles have dealings with the Senolobos family. Besides being brave and skilled in battle, their family is best known for playing the Grant organ. According to reliable sources, Hanks’ father once served as a court musician in the Grant’s capital, Naurudkahuatti.”