"Valiant Priestess Callista!"
A concerned voice called out to the still-unconscious Callista, echoing through the sacred ground. Matriarch Valeria turned to address the voice, her expression reflecting a mix of understanding and determination. "Matriarch Valeria, who is this man? Why did he harm Priestess Callista?" another voice questioned, brimming with displeasure.
The voices multiplied, growing louder and more impassioned as they echoed across the sacred ground. Eren, now aware of the commotion surrounding him, recognized the voices emanating from the audience. Amazonian warriors and civilians had gathered to witness the duel between Eren and Callista, and now they voiced their concerns.
A group of Amazonians stepped forward from the audience, their heads bowed in reverence to the four Matriarchs before approaching the injured Callista. Worry etched on their faces, they conveyed their deep concern for Callista's well-being. Some cast menacing glares toward Eren, making it clear that they disapproved of his heavy-handed actions.
To the gathered crowd, Eren was a stranger. Seeing Callista endure such severe injuries within the sacred ground was beyond their comprehension. It not only shook their trust in Callista but also tested their faith in the Great Mother herself.
The nature of an Evoker's power relied heavily on the strength of their faith. Devotion to the divine allowed them to ascend to greater heights even when their path to power was so divergent in nature. Thus, when someone like Eren inadvertently challenged their faith, it created unease within their hearts.
Undeterred by the intimidating gazes directed at him, Eren stood his ground firmly, retrieving his Sativa Stick from his pocket. With a flick of his fingers, he ignited the tip and took a leisurely drag, savoring the calming effects it provided. His demeanor remained unchanged, as he understood that responding to their intimidation would only fuel their unrest further.
Eren was fully aware that the demonstration of his bulk-release weapons had exceeded the necessity of proving their worth. However, he also knew that the four Matriarchs would eventually come to recognize the true value of his weapons once they reflected upon his performance in the duel. This would provide him with a favorable advantage when negotiating deals for his bulk weapons—an outcome he eagerly anticipated.
Silently, Eren exhaled a cloud of smoke, his mind focused on the upcoming discussions and negotiations that lay ahead. As the voices of concern and discontent continued to fill the air, he remained resolute, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the pursuit of his goals.
"Everyone, calm yourselves. Eren is a friend who has come here to aid us."
Valeria's voice resounded with authority, infused with her mana, as she attempted to pacify the agitated crowd. Sighing, she continued, taking a moment to compose herself before addressing the gathered audience at the sacred ground.
Valeria explained that the duel between Eren and Callista was intended as a demonstration of his weapon's capabilities. She emphasized that several Amazonian settlements were considering placing substantial orders for Eren's weapons, establishing long-term commitments. Furthermore, Valeria clarified that the intense nature of the duel was a mutual agreement between Eren and Callista.
Valeria's words gradually quelled the unrest among the audience. The atmosphere began to ease as understanding and trust took hold.
Among the group of rankers, a man stepped forward, leading the way toward Callista's motionless form. Standing at an imposing height of 6.7 inches, Galen Ironfist commanded attention with his muscular build.
His physique boasted prominent arms and robust legs akin to pillars of strength. With piercing black eyes, a crimson headband completely covering his forehead, and a well-defined jawline, Galen exuded an air of rugged masculinity. His shoulder-length black hair complemented his wheatish complexion. Across his left chest, where his heart resided, he bore a runic tattoo symbolizing the blessing of the Mother's Embrace.
Galen adorned his bare torso with arm bracers and leg bracers made of beast skin while wielding a formidable axe. Clad in a simple wrap-around beast skin cloth around his waist, he emanated a powerful and imposing aura.
Paying no heed to Eren standing at a distance, Galen halted only a meter away from the unconscious Callista. He patiently awaited Matriarch Evelina's intervention, knowing that she would dispel Eren's lingering Death mana from Callista's system. In the meantime, she would mend her injuries and stabilize her internal organs.
As a Valiant Guardian on the cusp of becoming a Matron Protector, Galen's strength ranked on par with a Solid Stage Expert Ranker, poised to make the breakthrough into the Master rank. Returning to Valeria's settlement after dealing with a horde of C-Rank mana beasts for a whole month, he had arrived just in time to witness the unfolding duel between Eren and Callista.
Like Callista, Galen had been repulsed by the manifestation of Eren's necromantic powers. Were it not for the presence of the four Matriarchs, he might have intervened in the duel between Eren and Callista, unable to tolerate the display any longer.
Galen's firm stance near Callista depicted his unwavering loyalty and concern for her well-being, as well as his readiness to take action should the need arise.
Galen held a special attachment to Callista, harboring feelings of romantic interest toward her. Despite the absence of reciprocation, he remained patient, content with their close friendship. Engaging in hunts and war games together, Galen cherished their bond and cherished every moment spent by Callista's side.
However, Galen now regretted allowing the duel between Eren and Callista to escalate to its grim conclusion. The weight of his decision bore heavily upon him, the realization of the potential harm inflicted upon Callista weighing on his conscience.
Standing behind Matriarch Valeria, Marla, and Almera opened a group communication channel with Eren, disclosing Galen's identity to him. Eren attentively listened to Marla's explanations while calmly observing the bustling activity of the Amazonians surrounding him.
Despite Valeria's efforts to clarify the situation, a lingering tension still pervaded the sacred ground. Galen's presence, coupled with his silent demeanor, contributed significantly to the strained atmosphere.
Nevertheless, Eren remained unfazed by the displeasure of a few disgruntled Amazonians. The tense ambiance failed to dampen his enjoyment as he indulged in taking drags from his Sativa Stick.
