Eren's keen senses discerned the profound significance of this space.
It was an arena of sacredness, a place hallowed by the Great Mother herself and carefully crafted by the devoted inhabitants of the settlement. This realization stirred memories within Eren's mind, reminding him of his previous encounters with sacred grounds protected by divine blessings.
He recalled a past incident in the Oni dungeon, where he had been deemed a blasphemer for slaying the Oni King and spilling his blood upon the sacred ground of the monstrous beings. That day, his hands had been stained with the blood of devout followers of a particular divine entity.
As he stepped upon this new sacred ground, Eren couldn't help but silently hope that history would not repeat itself. Aware of the consequences that bloodshed could bring, he recognized the importance of maintaining a peaceful encounter, particularly in a space of such divine significance. After all, he didn't want to drive away a potential client.
With a deep breath, Eren steadied himself, his focus shifting to the upcoming discussion that awaited him in this hallowed space. He understood that within these sacred confines, business would be conducted, alliances formed, and the fate of their interaction determined. The weight of self-imposed responsibility settled upon him, urging him to proceed with caution and respect, mindful of the sanctity that surrounded them all.
As Eren followed closely behind Callista, his mind was filled with a single thought: 'As long as I don't end up killing anyone here, this meeting will be a success.' One could say that the butcher was very confident in his oratory skills as long as things didn't escalate to violence. With his gaze fixed ahead, his attention was immediately drawn to a figure standing at the base of the Great Mother's statue. Instantly, he recognized her as Valeria Vanlor, the head of this Amazonian settlement.
Valeria appeared to be in her mid-40s by mortal standards, possessing a timeless beauty that defied her age. Her skin, smooth and supple, held a light peach hue that bore the gentle kiss of the sun. Despite having exceeded a century in age long ago, her complexion still retained the youthful glow of a child.
Eren's eyes traveled further, taking in the small and cute nose that adorned her face and the luscious light red lips that spoke of both elegance and allure. But it was her voluminous ginger hair, cascading down her pretty face like a fiery waterfall, that truly captivated him.
Her mesmerizing brown eyes, full of depth and wisdom, held an aura of authority that emanated from within. Adorning her neck was a golden necklace that gracefully covered her neckline, hinting at her status and influence. A black animal skin, crafted from the hide of an A-Ranked mana beast, draped over her back like a regal cape.
Her choice of attire included a revealing brown top that accentuated her prominent breast size, paired with a solo shoulder guard adorning her left side. Her slim waist and shapely posterior showcased her feminine allure.
Completing her ensemble were brown leather arm bracers, offering a touch of practicality and protection. Her lower body donned brown-colored cargo pants, allowing for ease of movement, and dark green leg guards that hinted at readiness for action. In her grip, she held a runic halberd, its long handle almost matching her own stature, a weapon befitting her formidable presence.
As Eren's gaze locked with Valeria's, he couldn't help but be struck by her stunningness. 'Beautiful,' he involuntarily whispered in his mind. Comparing her to Callista, whom he already found impressive, he couldn't deny that Valeria surpassed her in all aspects of beauty. The Matriarch Priestess Valeria Vanlor possessed a mature charm that demanded attention.
Valeria's countenance exuded a gentle expression, and her body language conveyed warmth and approachability. It was easy to see that she was comfortable in her own skin and carried an air of friendliness. Yet, beneath this pleasant exterior, the undeniable mana signatures she emitted revealed her status as a Grandmaster, a force to be reckoned with.
Eren couldn't help but acknowledge the unique charms of the Matriarch Priestess before him. Valeria Vanlor, with her undeniable grace and mature vibes, possessed an irresistible magnetism that couldn't be ignored. Of course, the fact that she had a Grandmaster ranked caliber also had something to do with it.
Power, in nearly any form, was attractive to almost everyone. This attraction transcended geological region, race, culture, and any other type of differentiator known to living beings.
Eren's observant eyes scanned the scene, taking in the presence of not only Valeria Vanlor but several other Matriarch Priestesses gathered in the vicinity. The realization dawned upon him that Valeria had gone above and beyond, summoning the Matriarchs from at least three other settlements scattered throughout the expansive Dark Daniera Forest who were keen on meeting Eren. Their purpose was clear—to facilitate business connections between Eren's Guild and all the Amazonian settlements in one fell swoop.
A hint of disappointment flickered within Eren as he comprehended the extent of this strategic arrangement. Although he understood the practicality of consolidating business opportunities, a part of him yearned to explore the diversity and splendor of other Amazonian settlements. The thought of encountering the unique beauties dwelling within those uncharted territories piqued his curiosity.
However, a subsequent realization tempered his initial disappointment—these settlements lacked the convenience of teleportation arrays. Therefore, reaching them would require arduous journeys on foot. The realization offered solace, as it meant that Eren's current arrangement had spared him from treading unfamiliar paths and enduring long and tiring travels.
Another revelation struck Eren with astonishment—the close proximity of numerous Grandmaster rankers among the Amazonians. The sheer concentration of high-ranking individuals within the Amazonian society was remarkable. It became evident why the Anfang Alliance displayed remarkable leniency when it came to dealings with the followers of the Great Mother. The abundance of influential and powerful entities ensured that the Amazonians held a position of strength and commanded a certain level of respect in the Alliance.
With these insights and a renewed sense of appreciation for his current circumstances, Eren prepared himself for the discussions and negotiations that lay ahead. The presence of multiple Matriarchs and the influential status they held within the Amazonian society only served to emphasize the importance and potential benefits of forging alliances with these formidable women.
