Berserk: The Prophet

Saimile Buddha nodded without hesitation, his eyes seemingly sparkling: "Of course I'm willing, Benedict! Just give the order, and I'll take you across the ocean to see every corner of this world. We can explore mysterious islands that have never been set foot on before, see the ancient ruins that are said to be full of treasures, and witness all sorts of amazing creatures and unique customs."

Benedict's enthusiasm amused her, but her eyes were also glistening with tears. "That would be wonderful, Samuelford. But I know that if it really comes to that, my brother will be heartbroken, and Grant might be in danger. I can't be so selfish as to disregard everyone's safety for my own happiness."

Sylvanas sighed softly, understanding Benny's kindness and the responsibility she bore. It nuzzled Benny gently, softly comforting her, "Benny, whatever decision you make, I will support you. If the marriage brings peace to Grant, I will silently protect you, ensuring you won't suffer in your new place. If you truly decide to rebel, I will not hesitate to take you away to pursue our freedom."

Benny tilted her head slightly, looking at the white clouds drifting across the sky, her thoughts wandering: "I have never left Grant, and I don't know what the outside world is like. I've heard that on a distant continent, there are towering mountains that reach into the clouds, with snow that never melts all year round; there are vast deserts that hide countless treasures belonging to ancient cities; and there are bustling city-states where people live rich and happy lives."

Saimile Buddha also looked up at the sky, seemingly imagining those beautiful scenes: "Yes, my sixth sense tells me that this world must be incredibly vast. If I have the chance, I really want to take you to see those wonderful places and let you witness the beauty of this world with your own eyes."

"...and my hometown."

Saimile Buddha's golden eyes seemed to be lost in some distant memory, a memory passed down from his parents. He only knew that it was a beautiful place, a paradise for dragons.

Benny turned her head curiously to look at Semirfodo, her eyes full of anticipation: "Your hometown? I don't think I've ever heard of it. What's it like?"

"...It doesn't exist in this world. It's the 'Dragon's Abode' on the continent of Pendor, a place where the dragon race gathers at specific times of the year." Semilefod described to Beni the scene he had witnessed in his inherited memories.

Just as the two were engrossed in their conversation, a shadowy figure eavesdropped on their exchange.

—Royal Palace—

...That dragon was indeed not a supernatural being belonging to this world.

As Edvarut listened to the news brought by his confidant, his face grew increasingly grim. He clenched his fists, and the fear and suspicion in his heart were amplified once again.

"Are you sure?" he asked in a deep voice.

The dark figure bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, it is absolutely true. I personally overheard the conversation between Semirfodo and Princess Beni. Its homeland is on another continent, a place called Pand, known as the 'Dragon's Abode,' which does not belong to our world."

Edvarut paced back and forth, torn between his inner turmoil. On one hand, he hesitated, thinking of the contributions Semifodo had made to Grant over the years; on the other hand, the mysterious soothsayer's words and the newfound knowledge that Semifodo truly did not belong to this world filled him with fear of the unknown.

“It seems we can’t hesitate any longer.” Edvard finally stopped, a resolute glint in his eyes. He summoned his trusted confidants and began to meticulously plan the dragon-slaying operation. “Forge the ‘Blood Grail’ as soon as possible and prepare the ritual according to the soothsayer’s instructions.”

"Furthermore, strengthen surveillance of Saimile Buddha, and report any movements to me immediately!"

His trusted aide departed, and Edvarut gazed out the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew all too well that once this step was taken, there would be no turning back.

Meanwhile, at the mountaintop, Samuelford and Beni continued their conversation into the night.

Little did they know, a tremendous crisis was quietly approaching. As the dragon-slaying plan progressed, Edvard's confidants secretly prepared various traps and weapons, waiting for Semilefodor to fall into their snare.

The two remained oblivious to this, and more than half a month passed peacefully, while rumors began to circulate in nearby villages that several livestock had gone missing.

Then, the animal skeletons were found in a secluded valley, with charred remains and marks that looked as if they had been eaten by some huge creature.

A rumor spread through the villages that a dragon had stolen their livestock, and some villagers claimed to have seen with their own eyes at night that it was Sai Maitreya Buddha who carried away the animals.

Although Benny didn't believe the rumors, she still decided to ask Samantabhadra for clarification. Samantabhadra looked bewildered and said he had never done it. Benny believed him and decided to find out the truth.

At the same time, Edvarut used this rumor to incite public discontent against Semirafodo. He publicly stated that he would investigate the matter and, if Semirafodo was indeed behind it, would not tolerate it.

Benedict investigated and discovered that a group of thieves had stolen livestock and were deliberately disguising themselves as dragons to commit the crime. Just as she was about to return to inform everyone to capture the strangely dressed thieves, Edvard's men discovered and captured her, imprisoning her.

Edvard decides to move up the dragon-slaying plan and get everything in order before Semilefort discovers the anomaly and rushes to rescue Benny.

Soon, a new wave of rumors and strange occurrences began to unfold in Grant. Rumors circulated that the fire dragon that guarded Grant had begun to prey on humans and would use them in an extremely bloody sacrifice, as it was addicted to the taste of human blood.

As more and more people mysteriously disappear and die as a result, the seed of fear has gradually sprouted in people's hearts.

On the 16th day of Benny's imprisonment, Semilefodo finally realized something. She had never been out of contact with him for so long, which made him extremely anxious.

It finally couldn't resist searching for Benny's scent throughout the jungle, asking all the animals in Grantley who were close to Benny, but they hadn't seen her either.

They said that Benny hadn't set foot in the forest for a long time, and if she came here, the fairies would sense it immediately and no wild beasts would attack her.

After questioning the feather spirits and flower fairies who were smaller than mosquitoes to the dragon, Sai Maitreya Buddha was somewhat relieved to learn that Benedict had indeed never been to the forest.

So why didn't Benny come out to look for it? Could it be that Edwalut has already planned to marry Benny off to a distant place in the next few days?

Knowing nothing about the matter, it was worried about Benny and decided to go to town.