Berserk: The Prophet

"It is said that the nobleman, who was also a diplomat, was almost captured by Juda at sea. The nobleman hurriedly returned to the island and is currently hiding near the port within Juda's territory."

"I've heard that nobleman is on a very important mission to travel to the continent to propose an alliance with Midland. He's a very important figure," Hikel reported methodically to Gurunberdo.

“Understood…” Gurenberu stammered for a while. Although he had a mission to complete, he was still worried about Benedict.

"Hickel, I have a favor to ask of you. During this mission, could you serve as Benedict's bodyguard?"

“…!” Hickel was slightly taken aback, then looked lost and dejected.

“Benedict was just ambushed, and things might not be over yet.” The worry on Gurunberdo’s face was so obvious, an expression rarely seen on his face.

Hickel was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Gurenberudo, you know what this means. We don't have enough people to take with us, and this mission is in Juda's territory, which is likely to be extremely dangerous. Without my assistance, you may be in danger."

Gulenberudo smiled wryly and said, "I understand, but Benedict is also incredibly important to me. I can't find anyone more trustworthy to protect her than you. You are agile and meticulous; only you can ensure her safety."

Hickel clenched his fists, a flicker of struggle in his eyes: "But I..."

“The real culprit hasn’t been found yet, and the enemy may very well launch another operation while I’m away!” Gulenberudo’s tone gradually became harsh.

But I want to fight alongside you on the battlefield.

Hickel swallowed the words she almost uttered, and her clenched fist relaxed. Yes, what identity and reason should she use now...?

It's just that... this might be her last time on the battlefield; the last time... she'd fight alongside Gurunberdo on the battlefield; that's all.

“If the anxiety about the possibility of something happening to Benedict keeps bothering me, I might lose myself on the battlefield…” Gurenberudo’s face was full of worry, as if he wouldn’t carry out the mission unless Hikel agreed.

That man, Gurenbelud... who had never been afraid even when facing a thousand troops, was now wavering. He paid no heed to the gazes of others, revealing his anxiety and fear.

Hickel sighed deeply, looked up at Gurunberdo, and said firmly, "I understand. I will protect her."

"After all, if a fire dragon bites its own tail, it's no joke."

Gurunberdo patted her on the shoulder gratefully. "Thank you, Hickel, please."

Exhausted from her psychic abilities, Benedict listened to their conversation, raised her upper body, and weakly took Heike's hand.

"...No, you have to stay with your brother...I'll be fine..." Benedict squeezed out a voice with a pained expression.

Hickel gently enveloped Benedict's hands in his own. "With your safety guaranteed, Gurenbelud can concentrate on the battle. My staying here to protect you is equivalent to supporting him on the battlefield."

“Hickel…but…” Benedict’s eyes were filled with tears. She knew that what Hickel said made sense, but her heart was full of concern for Gurenberudo.

“Protecting Benedict is, for me, the same as fighting alongside Gurunberudo.” Hickel’s voice was both gentle and firm.

In Benedict's eyes, the 'Hickel' outlined by silver-white lines had a burning orange flame representing a strong will burning within her heart.

"...Then I'll leave it to you." She understood that Hickel had made up his mind, and hoped that Gurenberudo would return safely.

After handing Benedict over to Heikell and several of his men, Gullenberudo boarded his familiar chariot.

“Hickel…” As the chariot was about to set off, Gurunberdo turned to look at Hickel.

"Regarding your marriage, if the other party is not good enough for you, even if he is a nobleman or royalty, I will personally crush him." After feeling relieved, Gurenberudo finally remembered what Hickel had said last night, words that seemed to be left unsaid.

"...If you really do that, you will be expelled from the duchy." Hikel smiled, as if listening to her younger brother's words of advice to his older sister.

"Edward will figure out how to clean up the mess anyway." Gurenberudo smiled easily, like a child who knew his parents would come to clean up his mess after the fight.

...Anyway, he's not good at things that require thinking.

"You really are..." Hickel smiled, tears welling in her eyes. In short, she was touched.

Benedict could see that her complexion had a slight blush of light red. But unlike last time, this faint blush seemed to be just a fleeting moment.

In an instant, it was replaced by green, representing friendship, and yellow, symbolizing kindness and warmth. The two colors blended and intertwined, like the dappled light and shadow cast by the morning sun through dense leaves, soft and harmonious.

"You must come back safely, otherwise neither Benedict nor I will forgive you." Her concern was evident in her words.

"Don't worry, this little thing is no problem for me. I'll be right back!" With that, Gurenberudo set off for the "Dragon's Nest".

Hikel stood there watching Gurenberudo's departing figure, silently vowing to protect Benedict Cuth.

The mastermind behind the last incident has not yet been identified. If they dare to come again this time, we must leave a few survivors.

......

When Edward went to the hotel where Hickel and Benedict were staying, he did not find Hickel.

When he checked the hotel and found no trace of them, he felt a vague unease. He asked the hotel owner and learned that they had left one after another early that morning.

I heard that Hickel was suddenly summoned back to the Eugensons' house earlier, while Benedict Cuth had just left with Guren Belluddo about an hour ago.

Edward frowned, knowing full well that there must be a reason why Hecker had been summoned back to the Eugensons. Benedict Cuth and Glenn Belludeau were traveling by carriage, and judging by the time, they shouldn't have gone far.

But... Edward had some selfish motives; he wanted to find Hecker first. For some reason, ever since leaving Hecker this morning, he had a very bad feeling.

Edward mounted his horse and galloped towards the Eugenson house. All the way, he urged his horse onward, his mind filled with the urgent desire to see Hecker.

The wind whistled past his ears, but his heart grew increasingly anxious.

However... fate always seems to enjoy playing tricks on people. Just as he found out where Hekel was at a secluded inn, Hekel had already led his men out of the gates of Nordkahuatti to catch up with Gurenberudo and the others.

When he arrived at the Eugenson's house, the door was locked. Edward dismounted and knocked hard, and it took a long time before a servant came to open it.

“I need to see Hecker,” Edward said urgently. The servant gave him a meaningful look and led him into the house, but after searching every room, they could not find Hecker.

Edward's heart grew heavier, and he anxiously asked his servant, "Where has Hickel gone?"

The servant shook his head helplessly and said, "I don't know the specifics, I only know that Miss left in a hurry after receiving the order."

Edward frowned, pacing back and forth in the room, pondering his next move.

“However…Miss left you a letter.” The servant handed Edward a letter from Hickel’s desk.

He took the envelope, opened it, and read: "Edward, don't wait for me. I have urgent business to attend to. Wait for me to return. If you see this letter, there should still be time. Please proceed to the Dragon's Nest as soon as possible to temporarily assume command. —Hickel"

Edward clutched the letter tightly, his heart filled with worry and helplessness. But he knew that it was precisely in times like these that he couldn't panic; he had to stay calm. It seemed that the first thing he needed to do was to head to the "Dragon's Nest" immediately.