Eren's conversation with Marla and Almera became even more engrossing for the two ladies as they walked deeper into the forest.
Marla was a beautiful woman. But that didn't prevent Eren from giving equal attention to Almera's elegance.
Almera's sharp and attractive facial features drew Eren's attention, with high cheekbones that accentuated her delicate and graceful countenance. Her slim figure boasted charming feminine curves that complemented her Amazonian grace.
Adorned in traditional Amazonian attire, Almera wore a sleeveless white top, its fabric adorned with vibrant red and blue tribal patterns that intertwined, symbolizing unity and harmony within the community. The intricate designs spoke of ancient stories passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of their culture. The top showcased Almera's elegant shoulders and highlighted her alluring figure.
Her ensemble continued with a loose asymmetrical skirt that flowed gracefully with her movements, allowing freedom and comfort as she walked. The skirt boasted similar tribal patterns, blending seamlessly with the top, creating a harmonious visual feast of colors and symbols.
As a subtle adornment, Almera wore a headband adorned with a feather obtained from a powerful D-Ranked mana bird. The feather served as a symbol of her connection to the mystical creatures of the forest and the spiritual energy they embodied. Its presence added a touch of nature's majesty to her ensemble, enhancing her overall allure.
Almera chose to keep her accessories minimal, exuding elegance and simplicity. Her footwear, while sharing similarities with Marla's, featured subtle visual differences, reflecting her unique style and personality.
In Almera's presence, one couldn't help but be captivated by her understated beauty and timeless elegance. She embodied the essence of the Amazonian culture after mixing with her fellow Amazonians, embracing tradition while radiating a natural grace that resonated with the heart of the forest itself.
"You truly made my heart skip a beat with your over-the-top performance, Eren," Marla commented, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and concern. Memories of the tense atmosphere at the sacred ground and the overwhelming display of Eren's powers flooded her thoughts.
Marla couldn't help but wonder if such a display was necessary to secure victory against Galen. Almera nodded in agreement, sharing Marla's unease. Eren's dominance seemed excessive, especially when he revealed his unfamiliar necromancy abilities, summoning the colossal Goliath to intimidate Galen.
In doing so, Eren not only established his superiority over the Evokers of his generation but also unintentionally cast doubt on their faith in the Great Mother. If it weren't for the timely appearance of the goddess, his potential business relationship with the Amazonians could have been compromised before it even began.
"Yeah. About that. I am afraid I don't agree with your views."
Eren's response came swiftly, denying Marla and Almera's assumptions. His gaze focused ahead, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the silence around them, interrupted only by the chirping of crickets. Breaking the silence, Eren spoke with a nonchalant tone, seeking to offer a different perspective.
"I understand that both of you, as Amazonians by your roots, have a unique background and perspective, but I believe you may be missing the core values of Anfang," he stated, his fingers absently tucking away locks of hair that cascaded onto his face. He contemplated cutting his hair the following morning.
With a flick of his wrist, Eren conjured his Sativa Stick from thin air and lit it with effortless grace. Inhaling deeply, he exhaled a small cloud of white smoke into the air before continuing.
"I needed to assert dominance over Galen when he refused to yield. It wasn't about settling a personal score; it was a strategic move, considering the future. Cooperation may sound ideal, but where there are people, conflicts of interest are inevitable," Eren explained, his words laced with a sense of calculated foresight. He wanted Marla and Almera to understand the underlying principles that guided his actions.
Gazing at his companions, Eren spoke with conviction, the wisps of smoke lingering around him. "Remember this, Marla and Almera: true business can only be conducted from a position of strength. The weak have no authority to dictate terms. Their exchange is merely a bargain, not a flourishing and prosperous partnership."
Eren paused, allowing his words to sink in. Marla pondered for a bit before seeking clarification. "Eren, what's the difference between a business agreement and a bargain according to you?"
Eren exhaled again, a wry smile dancing on his lips. "In a bargain, one side gains significantly while the other's profits remain lackluster. If I had given in or quit the duel with Galen, our guild's association with the Amazonians would have been viewed as a mere bargain. A bargain for Amazonians I mean, more profitable for them than my guild.
I may not be good at everything. But what I am not is a lousy Guild Master. Especially when it comes to forging business deals like these."
As Marla and Almera prepared to interject, Eren pressed on, determined to express his perspective.
"Or perhaps I am mistaken? Maybe the Amazonians perceive the world differently from us faithless Rankers. Who knows? The point I'm trying to make is that individual strength is paramount in the world of Anfang. This world has taught me invaluable lessons, shaping me into the person I am today. Wherever I go, whomever I interact with, I will remain steadfast in following its teachings."
Eren's words continued, a blend of self-assurance and introspection. "I may sometimes hunt in a pack when it serves my purpose and rely on allies when it suits me. I may enjoy life's bounties when they are offered to me.
But…"
A contemplative gaze lifted to the night sky as he spoke his truth. "But ultimately, I am a Ranker through and through—a lone wolf hailing from the Land of the Faithless.
Lone wolves do not expose their vulnerabilities to both allies and enemies alike. Their survival hinges on their unyielding aggression."
In the next moment, a suffocating aura enveloped Eren as his Individuality manifested inadvertently. It appeared and vanished within a split second as if it was but a mirage.
Marla and Almera both gulped in trepidation and silently agreed to redirect the conversation, acknowledging Eren's perspective. While they couldn't wholly align with his thinking, they understood the roots from which it stemmed.
The society of Rankers embodied cruelty and ruthlessness at its core. The true Rankers were adept at both cooperative ventures and solo missions. But they honed their Individuality as their most prized possessions. Thus, it came as no surprise that someone holding the esteemed title of Grimdawn within the kingdom of Edinburgh would hold such convictions.
"Alright, follow my lead, you two. Hehe. We're nearly there," Marla chimed in, her hands clapping together with subdued enthusiasm as she recognized the forested region that surrounded them. With anticipation in her voice, she led Eren and Almera toward a cherished location from her childhood—an enchanting treehouse.
