Berserk: The Prophet

Seeing this, the other henchmen stopped their evil deeds and surrounded Edwalt. "Edwalt, have you gone mad? You're actually turning against your brothers for these lowly people?" one of them said viciously.

Edvarut looked around, his eyes resolute: "I had intended to accomplish great things with you, but you have acted so recklessly. This is still my tribe, and I will not tolerate your wanton behavior here!"

"Hmph, then don't blame us for being impolite!" the crowd shouted, swarming forward. Edvard knew he was outnumbered, but he was determined not to back down. He brandished his blade and engaged in a desperate struggle with the crowd.

Seeing this, Maitreya Buddha let out another earth-shattering roar. It swooped down, its enormous form like a red lightning bolt, instantly plunging into the crowd. Its dragon claws lashed out, the powerful force sending its followers flying. Its dragon breath erupted like flames, terrifying the crowd into a hasty retreat.

How could a dragon with such excellent night vision let those roaming creatures go unpunished? It also wouldn't allow anyone to spread the news. In just a few moments, the fleeing creatures were either burned to ashes by the dragon's breath or crushed to death like ants.

After dealing with the fleeing henchmen, Seimei Buddha slowly landed beside Edwalut and Benedict. Its massive body was completely unharmed, with only specks of blood on its scales—traces of the battle just now.

Edvarut looked at Semilefodo, his heart filled with complex emotions like a surging tide. He knew all too well that if Semilefodo hadn't intervened, the disaster would have escalated to an unimaginable degree. However, witnessing the immense power displayed by the dragon, a sense of vigilance and fear also quietly began to grow within him.

In just a few short years, this rescued dragon cub has grown to this size. If another ten years pass, what could possibly stop it?

Benedict seemed to sense something was wrong with Edvard. She gently took her brother's hand and whispered, "Brother, Semirafodo is our friend. It has always been helping us."

Edvarut nodded slightly, trying to suppress the unwarranted vigilance, and said to Samuelford, "Samuelford, thanks to you this time, I..." He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

The young Semirfodo did not see through Edvard's thoughts and simply replied, "No need to say more. I just don't want to make Benedict sad and stop her from crying."

Hearing what Semirfodo said, Edvarut felt a pang of shame. "...I understand."

At this moment, the surviving members of the tribe slowly gathered around. They looked at Edvarut, Beni, and Semilefodo, their eyes filled with complex emotions—a mix of relief at surviving the catastrophe and uncertainty about the future. Edvarut looked at his people, his heart filled with self-reproach and determination. He raised his voice and said, "My people, this disaster is my doing, but I swear, I will make the tribe rise again. From now on, let's work together to rebuild our homeland..."

Despite being an illegitimate child, Edwalut's abilities had to be acknowledged. Following the ancestral traditions of the sea-hunting people, he ascended the throne as he wished, and in the days that followed, he developed the tribe into a sizable town.

The people in the tribe also learned of the existence of Semirfodo, so Beni and the dragon lived and ate with everyone. In exchange, they helped Edwalut expand his territory.

Over time, Edvarut, through his abilities and determination, transformed his former tribe into a sizable town. New houses stood side-by-side, the streets bustled with people, the market was vibrant and lively, and the town was brimming with life and energy.

The existence of Semirfodo gradually became known to everyone, moving from its initial secrecy. It integrated into the town's life along with Benedictine, often using its power to help everyone. It would use its dragon breath to provide high temperatures for the blacksmith's shop, helping to forge better weapons and tools; during droughts, it could fly high into the sky and use its control over air currents to bring rain to the town, irrigating the parched farmland.

Benny became an object of admiration for the townspeople. Kind and gentle, she often helped those in need, using her wisdom and patience to mediate conflicts among them. Under her influence, the townspeople lived in greater harmony, and mutual assistance became a prevailing social norm.

Throughout his rule over the tribe, Edvarut always kept the lessons of the past in mind. He understood that power was not meant to satisfy personal desires, but rather to be used for the development of the tribe and the well-being of its people. He implemented a series of fair and reasonable policies, encouraging commerce, emphasizing agriculture and fishing, and strengthening the defenses of towns.

With the assistance of Semirfodo, Edvarut led the town's warriors to expand their territory. In each campaign, Semirfodo intimidated the enemy with his formidable strength, giving the town's army the upper hand. Through their efforts, the town's territory grew continuously, its resources became increasingly abundant, and they became the most powerful tribe on the island.

On this island, even fairies and mermaids trade with people from tribes such as ocean hunters. The unique natural beliefs of this place have gradually merged with the tribes, and temples for worshipping the god of nature have been built one after another.

However, as the town grew, it attracted the jealousy and covetousness of some surrounding forces, and neighboring tribes had been eyeing Edvarut's tribe with hostility.

But all those schemes turned to dust under the dragon's claws; no one could rival such a powerful creature.

The island was soon unified by the sea-hunting tribes, forming a nation called Grant.

Year after year passed without war, and just when everyone thought that peace had finally arrived.

Edvard, as the king of this country, could no longer ignore the dragon that had grown to be five meters tall when it stood up.

Edvarut watched as the ever-growing Semilefodo grew increasingly worried. Although Semilefodo had always made great contributions to the development of the town, and even the nation of Grant, its ever-increasing power weighed heavily on Edvarut's heart.

Semmelford seemed oblivious to Edvard's changing feelings. It continued its usual close relationship with Benedict, frequently helping the people solve various problems. In its eyes, everything here was like its family and home, and it genuinely protected this land.

The existence of dragons seemed to be far more dazzling than King Edvard. These powerful and omnipotent intelligent beings almost became the faith of the entire Grant.

People are calling for the construction of another temple for worship and prayer for the Buddha Maitreya.

...All of this was observed by Edwalt.

No matter how much one yearns for it, humans can never become beings like dragons.

As Edvarut watched the people's fervor for Semilefodo, his unease grew stronger. He knew that in the people's hearts, Semilefodo was no longer just a powerful protector, but more like an omnipotent god. And everything he had done seemed to gradually fade into insignificance under Semilefodo's radiance.

It was Benedict who first noticed Edvard's low spirits and anxiety. She tried to comfort Edvard: "Brother, although Semirfodo is powerful and loved by the people, you are the leader who led Grant to its current prosperity. Everyone respects you just as much."

Edvard shook his head with a wry smile. "Benny, you don't understand. In the hearts of the people, Semilepho represents absolute power and hope, while I am just a mortal king. Once Semilepho has any ideas, I will be powerless to stop him, and everything in Grant could change in an instant."

Benedict frowned and said seriously, "Brother, the Maitreya Buddha wouldn't do that. After so many years together, we should know its character. It has never shown any ill intentions and has always been selflessly giving."

Edvard shook his head slightly. "Human hearts are unpredictable, and besides, it's not human. We can't use human thinking to fathom it. I can't risk Grant's future."

Meanwhile, calls for the construction of the Temple of Semmelifod were growing louder among the people. Edvarut was caught in a dilemma: if he agreed to build the temple, Semmelifod's position in the hearts of the people would be further solidified, and his own power might even be further undermined by those with ulterior motives; if he disagreed, the people's discontent might lead to social unrest.

After much agonizing deliberation, Edvarut finally agreed to the proposal to build the temple. He hoped that this would temporarily appease the people and demonstrate his "magnanimity" to Semilfodo. However, deep down, his wariness of Semilfodo grew even stronger.

...He never forgot the shock and fear that Saimi Lefo had brought him.

The construction of the temple was grand and elaborate, with the people enthusiastically participating as if it were the most important event of their lives. Edvarut watched the bustling construction scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Meanwhile, Semirfodo remained oblivious to all of this, simply believing it to be a sign of the people's affection for it, unaware of the complex human nature and power struggles behind it.

On the day the temple was completed, the whole country celebrated. Saimile Buddha stood before the magnificent temple, watching the cheering crowds, his heart filled with joy. Edvarut stood to the side, forcing a smile, watching the lively scene, yet feeling as if he were an outsider.

Just then, a nobleman with ill intentions quietly approached Edvarut and whispered, "Your Majesty, Semilefodo's prestige in the country is now threatening your rule. You see, the people only know the dragon, not the king. If this continues, I'm afraid your throne will also be in jeopardy. Your Majesty might as well make plans sooner rather than later, lest things get complicated."

Edvarut felt a chill run down his spine. Although he had always been wary of Samantabhadra, he had never considered resorting to extreme measures to resolve the issue. However, the nobleman's words were like a seed, quietly planting the roots of suspicion in his heart.