The Butcher of Sargon (Renekton, The Butcher of The Sand in Arknight)

“No, I didn’t mean to blame you,” Kal’tsit denied Garde’s claim.

“This land isn’t kind. I’ve been to Acahualla and know that the medical conditions there are far from ideal. The people of the rainforest lack understanding of Oripathy. Your decision to leave Acahualla to seek treatment for your mother’s illness wasn’t wrong.”

“On the contrary, forcing a fourteen-year-old child to leave home and step into dangerous forbidden lands just to seek a cure for his mother’s Oripathy—this is our failure as elders.”

Kal’tsit’s words were not as harsh as Garde had imagined. Her initial tone sounded like a reprimand, but now her words gave Garde an illusion.

Was Kal’tsit… comforting him? This old woman could actually comfort someone?

Garde felt a bit unreal.

Could it be that since Theresea wasn’t dead yet, Kal’tsit’s temper hadn’t gotten as bad as it would later?

Garde thought he’d uncovered the truth.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” Kal’tsit asked, noticing that Garde had been staring at her.

Her decision to approach him had been carefully thought out.

First, from the known information, Garde didn’t seem to have a bad character.

On the contrary, he was kind, especially to those around him.

Secondly, Garde was still very young.

At eighteen, he could be considered an adult in Terra, but in her eyes, he was still a child.

The crises in the Hotlands couldn’t be ignored.

Whether it was the demons from the north or the sea creatures from the south, they all had their enemies.

The nations of Terra were aware of their existence, which is why they had always fought them with all their might.

However, these Hotlands, where no one could tread, were a mystery to the nations of Terra.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have immediately organized an expedition when they heard that Adakrys had ventured into the Hotlands.

In truth, Columbia’s history wasn’t long enough to give them insight into the world  beyond their great walls.

Fortunately, they weren’t entirely ignorant.

Before entering, they had the sense to invite a crocodile man who had been to the Hotlands.

As she thought about this, Kal’tsit’s gaze swept over Garde’s strong physique. When Garde was angry, Kal’tsit even thought she was facing a Sarkaz royal.

He was still so young.

As Kal’tsit pondered Garde’s age, Garde was also thinking about Kal’tsit’s.

Beneath the gray cloak, Kal’tsit’s appearance was stunning: white short hair, emerald-green eyes, and skin as pale as a pearl, even under the sun of the Hotlands.

Especially the pair of cat ears poking from her hood, which made Garde want to reach out and pet them.

Could this woman really be thousands of years old?

The only regret was that her face always remained calm, showing no emotion, as if nothing could shake her will.

“Mr. Garde, I wonder where you heard my name. I don’t think I’m famous enough for everyone to know me.”

“I just happened to hear it,” Garde replied.

A thousand years ago, the Nightzmora Army had dominated Terra, undefeated in every battle. Yet at the height of their glory, they chose to enter the Hotlands.

All because of the words of an immortal.

“Kal’tsit, I’ve seen you before!”

“I see,” Kal’tsit said, unsurprised. She had left too many footprints on this land, and perhaps there were many people in this world with the same name. Ordinary people wouldn’t believe that a Feline’s lifespan could span the entire history of Terra.

But in the Hotlands, in the dreams of the Nightzmoras, and in the domains of the Empire of Consciousness, perhaps her image would indeed appear.

This was the only explanation Kal’tsit could think of, as Sargon and Kazdel were too far apart, requiring even the best messenger months to travel between.

How could a person living in the rainforest of Adakrys have known her name?

Unless…

Suppressing her thoughts, Kal’tsit prevented her mind from spiraling out of control.

No matter whether the man before her was truly an Adakrys, he was a force she needed to win over. They were both passengers on the same ship, and if the ship sank, it would be bad for everyone.

After a moment of mutual scrutiny, they finally moved past the dull probing phase and got to the point.

Kal’tsit spoke, “Garde, I’m here to assist you in fighting the disaster from deep within the Hotlands. I know we can’t fully trust each other yet, but I ask you to believe that everything I do is not for personal gain.”

She should have come here earlier, but the events in Kazdel had distracted her, forcing her to delay her journey repeatedly.

As a result, by the time she arrived, it was already too late.

The giant she had persuaded to venture into the Hotlands had already lost contact.

Though Surtr was still alive, Kal’tsit knew she couldn’t bear another confrontation with the will of the giant anytime soon.

After Surtr’s failure, Kal’tsit began planning to earn the trust of the Lizardman of the Hotlands. But plans couldn’t keep up with change, and Garde’s miracle had caused all the Lizardman to revere him as a divine envoy.

Most importantly, Garde knew about the changes deep within the Hotlands and chose to march forward.

With this, her options were limited.

Even though she had some backup plans, Garde’s plan had the highest probability of success.

That’s why she had come.

People often tend to be self-righteous, thinking they understand everything about others and the world after just a glance.

She didn’t expect to earn Garde’s trust, but she at least hoped to make him take her words seriously and consider the potential dangers in the Hotlands…

“So, what do you think we should do?”

“Hmm?”

“You’re here to help us, right? So, tell us your plan, and we’ll see how we can cooperate with you.”

“You… are willing to trust me?”

“As long as you don’t lead us into a trap. Honestly, I’m not good at strategy. If I were in charge, I’d just have a bunch of Lizardman charge with me. If you have a better plan, why wouldn’t I listen to you?”

Of course, the old lady might not be perfect, but she’s a master tactician.

And him? Just ordinary.

As for why Garde was willing to trust Kal’tsit?

Because he knew her weakness and had enough leverage to turn the tables if she betrayed them.

Most importantly, Kal’tsit was a good person.