CH178 The Debt of Blood
***
Alex wasnât the only one who noticed the Wendigoes when he arrived.
The Wendigoes noticed him too.
How could they not? The aura of one of their own radiated from him.
In an instant, the Wendigoesâsave for the largest and strongest among themâsurrounded Alex and his group, circling them with intense stares. It was as though he were a strange beast on display in a zoo.
None of them would have believed that a human could earn the acknowledgement of one of their kindâif they werenât witnessing it firsthand.
Even among Wendigoes, the notion that an outsiderâmuch less a humanâcould be recognised by an elder was little more than folklore.
Shree...
Alexâs party stiffened as the largest Wendigo, easily the strongest of the five present, let out a low, reverberating shriek.
Immediately, the other four backed away, giving the larger one space.
It stepped forward and curled its massive, lanky but muscular form in an intricate, flowing motion. According to the Enclaveâs library records on Wendigo customs, this was their equivalent of a nobleâs bow.
Attempting to mimic the gesture with a human body would be impossibleâpossibly offensive if done poorly. So, Alex returned the courtesy with a proper human nobleâs bow instead.
Afterward, both sides released their Spiritual Force, establishing a link of thought and intent to communicate mentally.
"Greetings, Dragon-Human."
"Greetings to you as well."
"I am aware of what you did for my kin. You have my gratitude."
"And I am grateful to your kin for helping mine purge this forest of the vermin that infect it."
Each wanted to downplay their thanks, for neither had acted out of selflessness or altruism. Yet, as their thoughts intertwined, sincerity became clear. Words werenât needed when truth was felt directly.
Alexâs gaze swept over the goblin villageâbrazenly built in an open clearing carved out of the forest by the goblins themselves, with hardly any cover or meaningful defences.
"Whatâs going on in this village?" he asked.
"They have earned the protection of the Earth Drake overseeing this region of the forest," the Wendigo responded. "Though the forest guardian is not strong, it bears dragon blood and represents the will of those who rule the forestâs depths. I cannot allow my kin to attack it while it remains under such protection."
Alex gave a solemn nod.
His Spirit Sight confirmed itâthis Wendigo was at least Late Elite-rank, clearly a native of the inner forest. It had no business being in the periphery where such power was excessive.
Which meant its decision not to attack wasnât born of fear or weakness.
Even more than Wendigoes, dragons were fiercely vindictive against the slaying of one of their own. Anyone who kills a beast with dragon heritage, risks provoking the wrath of the greater Dragon Race. Especially if the beast had established clear ties to the planeâs dragonkind community, retribution would surely followâoften swift and merciless.
This held true across most planes where dragons held sway.
That said, those with backing or enough power could settle such mattersâat a price.
The Wendigoes had neither.
Alex, on the other hand, did.
"The forest protector has failed in its duty by letting these pests flourish under its wing," he said via the mental link. "Leave the protector to me. Once itâs handled, can I count on you to raze the goblin village?"
The Wendigoâs eyes gleamed with murderous resolve.
"As long as the protector does not interfere, this village will fall. The debt of blood must be paid!"
The agreement was sealed.
The Wendigo went on to transmit everything it knew about the Earth Drake, and to Alexâs delight, the information was quite detailed.
After receiving the dragonâs description, a smile subconsciously crept across Alexâs lips.
He had an idea.
One that would solve the problem of the goblin villageâs protection, minimise the chances of interference from the dragon race, and earn him the most benefit.
"What?! Youâre going to face the dragon alone? Absolutely not!" Udara cried out, horrified after Alex explained his plan to her and Fen. "We are your protectors. Please, let us do our duty!"
"Calm down, Udara. I understand your concernâand Iâm not denying your strength. However, I have to be the oneâthe only oneâto face the dragon. If we want to handle the aftermath cleanly, it has to be me. No one else."
He paused, his voice turning firm.
"Besides, I need you for something just as important. Maybe even more important."
Udara stiffened as Alex continued.
"I need you and Fen to back up the Wendigoes when they attack the goblin village. Make sure the Village Chief is captured. He must not escape... and he must not be killed."
Alexâs tone was calm, yet commanding.
"If the Wendigoes insist on executing him, tell their leader I want his memories scoured. Itâs a painful way to die, so theyâll likely agree to it."
He turned his eyes on Udara.
"Remember, Udara. This is absolutely crucial for my plans."
Udara bit her lip.
Things werenât going how she imagined when she first learned sheâd been assigned as Alexâs Shadow Guard.
Since he was a mage, she had assumed sheâd be responsible for protecting him should enemies get too close.
But reality proved far different.
Not only was Alex not vulnerable in close quarters, he actively sought close-range engagements.
And then... there was this odd trait of hisâhe didnât want anyone putting their life on the line for him.
For someone who could inspire people to fight for him, follow his beliefs, and execute his plans, he was strangely unwilling to let anyone protect him. He would rather protect othersâand himself.
That was the opposite of what nobles usually were.
Most nobles would gladly sacrifice their followers before letting even a drop of their own precious highborn blood spill.
Alex, on the other hand, sounded like the ideal noble scion... yet acted in ways so different from the norm that it unsettled those around him.
Since swearing her oath, Udara couldnât say sheâd been fulfilling her role as Shadow Guardânot in the way she was trained to.
âHeâs different from anyone youâve ever met. If you want to stay by his side, you must accept that realityâand adapt.â
The words of a certain blue-haired lady echoed in her mind.
A soft sigh escaped her lipsâa mix of grievance, resignation, and quiet understanding.
"By your wish, Master."
Alex grinned and patted her shoulder.
"As expected. Youâve always got my back."
He ruffled Fenâs head affectionately and turned, striding off without further delay.
He was heading towards the location of the Earth Drakeâs denâunsurprisingly, the same location the golden energy signature had been pointing to.
It didnât take long before Alex arrived at a natural vantage point overlooking the dragonkinâs lair.
The easy grin had long since vanished from his face. Now, his expression was solemn. Grim even.
"Alright then," he muttered to himself. "Letâs see if I can slay an Elite-ranked dragonkin in its own territory."
***