Berserk: The Prophet

Another season has passed in the blink of an eye. The Juda royal family has taken over the unclaimed lands one after another, while the territories with heirs have been seized and inherited by the nobles in a fierce competition.

This winter was far from peaceful, with the Juda nobles fighting amongst themselves, forming factions, and vying for the title of de jure lord among the weaker, newly emerged landowners.

The most intense battle was between Heron and Langdon, to the point that they practically fought to the point of exploding a dog's brain. It is said that with the help of the Purple Rhino Holy Knights, Langdon managed to turn the tide, and the feud between Heron and Langdon has only deepened.

Since the prisoner exchange between Midland and Juda ended, the King of Midland, upon hearing of Juda's defeat and loss of 20,000 troops, has regrouped and is preparing for war again, hoping to reclaim the lands that Midland has lost one after another.

But getting back to the main point, tax collector Stuwin was indeed redeemed by the newly appointed lord, though it wasn't specified whether he was redeemed physically intact. In any case, Stuwin received his due punishment: he lost an eye and was crippled in both legs.

When nearby villages jointly petitioned to expose Stuwin's crimes, even the lord could not easily take action.

Green had also prepared enough money to leave and go find Gambino and Guts.

Early in the morning, Green said goodbye to the old fisherman Charles, shouldered his luggage, and prepared to leave the village.

Just as they reached the village entrance, a familiar voice came from behind Green.

"Are you leaving already, Green?"

It was Vili who said this. Gorkas and a group of friends also gathered around. Although he didn't say anything, there was a hint of reluctance in his eyes.

"Tsk, if you leave, then I'll just have to reluctantly continue being the big brother of these kids."

Although Gorkas said this, his eyes were slightly red, and he turned his head away, not wanting anyone to see.

Willie stepped forward, took Green's hand, and said with a look of reluctance in his eyes, "Green, we don't know when you'll be back. We'll miss you."

The other children chimed in, all expressing their reluctance to part.

Looking at the children, Green felt a surge of warmth mixed with a touch of melancholy.

“I’m also reluctant to leave you, but I must go find my foster father Gambino and my brother Guts. This is very important to me.”

"Once I find them, I will definitely come back to visit you often when I have time."

Gorkas sniffed, forcing himself to calm down, and turned his head to mutter, "Hmph, who cares if you come back to see me? Don't come back with your tail between your legs if you run into some trouble on the way. I have no respect for people like that."

Even so, he knew in his heart that the village would definitely be much quieter after Green left.

Willie held Green's hand tightly, refusing to let go: "Green, I heard from my uncle, who was in the army, that the outside world is dangerous. You must take good care of yourself. If you run into any trouble, come back to us. Although we are young, we can still help!"

The other children nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with worry and concern.

Green patted each of the children on the head and comforted them with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself. You should also be good at home, help with chores, and don't be naughty all the time."

He took out a delicate little knife from his pocket and handed it to Gorcas: "Take this knife. It might come in handy if you encounter any danger in the future."

Gorkas took the knife and examined it carefully, but said defiantly, "Tch, I don't need this thing. I can protect everyone myself. But since you gave it to me, I'll reluctantly accept it."

Although his tone remained stubborn, he gripped the knife tightly in his hand, as if holding onto a precious sentiment.

At this moment, a slightly younger child asked timidly, "Green, after you find Gambino and Guts, will you bring them back to see us?"

Green was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Of course I will. Once I find them, I will definitely bring them back so you can meet them."

Smiles returned to the children's faces, as if they were filled with anticipation.

Green looked back one last time at the village where he had lived and at the group of lovely children in front of him.

"I'm leaving now, take care everyone!" Green waved goodbye to the children he had lived with for several months.

"Green, have a safe trip!" "Remember to come back soon!" The children's shouts rang out behind him. Green waved vigorously and strode forward.

...A new journey lies ahead.

—North of the Dordore Mountains—

Despite the imminent war with Midland, the various nobles within Juda are still engaged in endless internal strife.

Heron slammed his fat, massive fist on the table. "Damn Persgo, he actually dared to ruin my plans! He really is dedicated to his legal lord!!"

Heron's thick lips trembled with anger. Those lands without lords were rightfully under his title, and now that some of his vassals had died in Grant, that damned Langdon was trying to take a share of the spoils.

The strategist beside Heron spoke tremblingly: "My lord, Bosco, as the most capable knight under Landon, has brought some of the elite of the Purple Rhinoceros Holy Knights this time. I'm afraid he will be difficult to deal with."

Heron's eyes widened in fury as he glared at his strategist: "Not easy to deal with? How dare others lay a finger on my territory! Go, gather my private army, and prepare for battle!"

Meanwhile, in Langdon's castle, Persepolis knelt on one knee and reported the situation at the front to Langdon: "My lord, Heron has learned of our intervention and has begun to amass troops. It seems he is not willing to let this go."

Langdon smirked coldly: "Does he think he can stop me with that rabble? Send the order to the entire army to be on high alert. If Heron dares to make any rash moves, we'll teach him a lesson."

"Yes, sir." Persius accepted the order and left.

"Hey, Gambino, you've been in my territory for so long, don't you want to earn a little more?" Langdon asked the mercenary captain in charge of guarding the stronghold in his lord's hall.

"Sir...it's in our contract..."

Gambino frowned slightly, his gaze lingering on Langdon's face for a moment before quickly shifting away. He cautiously said, "My lord, our contract only stipulates the tasks and remuneration during our stay at the castle."

"If we rashly get involved in this conflict, I'm afraid... it will break the rules of the mercenary group."

Langdon scoffed, crossed his arms, and paced back and forth in the hall: "Rules? In this land, strength is the rule."

"Think about it, if I win this battle and take over the territories that Heron has been coveting, the reward I give you will be much more than what's in the contract."

Gambino fell into deep thought, knowing full well that Langdon's words were true. The generous reward was indeed very tempting, but if he offended such a powerful figure, his days in Juda would be difficult. He would probably only be able to avoid any unforeseen events in this country by being employed by Langdon and the royal family.

After all, this is a matter of choosing sides. Who can say that offending such powerful figures won't lead to being stabbed in the back later?