Clementine didn’t know how to evaluate this situation, so she had no choice but to act as a bystander and wait for the Thunderbird to calm down on its own.
Seeing that the Thunderbird was busy interacting with that child over there, Clementine simply shifted her gaze toward the people who had been full of anticipation just a moment ago.
As expected, the people here now all wore expressions of existential doubt.
Anyone who learned that the Archon they worshipped not only failed to protect them but was also nearly provoked into anger by them wouldn’t be able to accept it calmly.
Clementine added a thought to herself: “They should all thank me.
If I weren’t here, they would have already been sent by the crazed Thunderbird to keep their sacrifices company.” Afterward, she still couldn’t help but ask: “You all started messing around here without even figuring out what the Thunderbird actually wanted.
When the other party didn’t respond to your worship, didn’t you ever think to look for problems within yourselves?” This time, no one answered her question.
The middle-aged man who had just stood up to question her was already slumped on the ground, muttering something about how the great cause, the sacrifices, were all useless and had nearly caused a catastrophe.
“Since you know you nearly caused a catastrophe, you should stand up all the more to make amends for your clansmen.” Clementine had originally wanted to poke the other person with her claw, but remembering the massive size difference at that moment, she stopped and took the opportunity to change back into her human form.
“You are indeed old, having wasted too much time, to the point where your heart has also been obscured by the mist, unable to see the cruelty and uselessness of such rituals.” “Long-term isolation has bred stubbornness and despair, making you belittle the value that life can create.
You think this is a necessary sacrifice made for a great cause and for the tribe, but in the end, it is nothing more than a futile effort, a source of disaster.” “You are nearing the end of your life, but there are many more in your tribe who are not.
They do not have to face the despair of being trapped in the mist; they still have a chance to walk out and see with their own eyes the sunshine and dew, the mountain flowers and fields that are sung about in ballads.” “You should still pull yourself together and choose a path for these hopes of the future.
Your life, and their lives, still have so much more value; you cannot remain silent and stagnant in this mist.” Having spoken at such length with a rare sense of purpose, Clementine was satisfied to see the middle-aged man shift from decadent muttering to thoughtful muttering.
I hope he can think of a result that satisfies me; that would save a lot of trouble.
Clementine nodded to herself.
The elders hesitated, filled with complex emotions like shock and doubt, while the children were instead able to ask questions more straightforwardly.
They curiously asked about where Clementine came from.
Clementine thought for a moment and replied: “I am an envoy of the Archon, coming from beyond the Sea of Fog.” Everyone present appeared somewhat shocked.
Through the children’s chattering additions, Clementine realized that the people here had long believed that the world beyond the mist had been swallowed by darkness, and that the unceasing fog was the final barrier summoned by the Thunderbird to protect them.
She wasn’t sure how this legend came about, but she was certain that this thick fog, which could block her vision, was not something an element creature like the Thunderbird could create.
Such mysterious mist must be related to the chaotic ley lines here.
Mentioning the Thunderbird, Clementine finally remembered to check on this element creature.
Perhaps due to the fact that Clementine had interrupted the ritual, indirectly saving the child she valued, the Thunderbird’s attitude toward Clementine was surprisingly good, and the two quickly exchanged names.
Kapatcir, that is, the Thunderbird, was truly a beast that loved to slack off.
While the various monsters, big and small, on the surrounding islands were locked in fierce battles, she just wandered around, not participating in the disputes at all, and even found herself a suitable place to settle down, living a happy life in advance.
No ambition to fight for territory, and not really concerned about humans either.
Thinking this way, Clementine tentatively made a suggestion.
“Since that’s the case, how about we cooperate?
Since you don’t care about the people on this island anyway, why not let me take them away?
You can continue living your life on this island, just as you did before; it won’t be any different.” “However, perhaps this child by your side would wish to see more scenery?
I don’t understand art, but I do know that having a broad perspective leads to more inspiration, which is how better songs can be sung, right?
If you are interested, why not go with this child to the place I mentioned?” Kapatcir hesitated for a moment.
First, she was worried that if she rashly went elsewhere, she would be dragged into disputes; second, she felt that although this island was filled with mist and not very clear, it was, after all, a place she had lived in for a long time, and she didn’t really want to leave.
Clementine answered the other’s concerns very easily.
“Don’t worry.
The islands already have a powerful Archon who has unified all the land.
Even if you leave here, there won’t be anything that will fight with you.
I invite you to visit the territory of Inazuma; my Archon won’t have any objections.
Rest assured and go with this child.” Clementine’s voice paused slightly, and her tone became a little less serious.
“Or, you could just come hang out with me and join Inazuma.
You can still live here, but you’ll have the convenience of being able to come and go freely, making it easier to find the person you want to find.
You don’t need to do anything; just watch over this island to ensure it isn’t disturbed by outside enemies, which is something you were going to do anyway.
At most, add one more condition: if we send people to this island to explore or something, you can just pretend you didn’t see them.
It’s not a very difficult thing.” The innocent Thunderbird hadn’t dealt with the outside world for a long time and felt that she had absolutely nothing to lose in this matter, so she quickly agreed.
It went so smoothly that Clementine had a momentary doubt about whether she was tricking an ignorant Damselette.
Having made an agreement with the Thunderbird, Clementine took the opportunity to ponder the subsequent development of this place in her mind.
The mist is a bit strange.
After I go back, I’ll call Saiguu over to take a look.
There are specialties in every trade, and she is better at this kind of thing than I am.
The people can be taken to other islands and integrated into Inazuma.
I should find someone who is relatively free recently to handle this matter.
Who would be good to find?
Just as Clementine was searching her mind for a suitable candidate for this heavy burden, the priest who held quite a bit of prestige in the area regained his senses and spoke cautiously, interrupting her train of thought.
She looked at the middle-aged man, signaling him to speak if he had something to say.
The priest seemed to have made some decision in his heart, and then spoke with some difficulty.
“…
Lord Divine Dragon, as you just said, since there is not nothingness beyond the mist, do the children of our tribe really have a chance to walk into a new world?” Thinking along the right lines, Clementine thought happily, her tone also carrying a bit of cheer.
“That is natural.
As I just said, my Archon will not mind having one more Thunderbird in the territory, and naturally, can also accept having one more group of people under their rule.
As long as one holds sincerity in their heart, they will naturally be able to receive divine grace.” Seeing that the other party was a bit at a loss, Clementine simply assigned her a task.
“How about this, listen to me.
Go and ask the people in your tribe about their wishes.
For those who are willing to leave the Sea of Fog and become followers under Narukami, I will help bring them out.
If anyone feels it is hard to leave their homeland, I will also respect all choices and will not make things difficult for them.” “You only need to give me a household registration list so I know how many people I can take away.
I will not proactively ask about other matters; you can discuss it among yourselves.
I will be here until sunset.
As for how to proceed, please go ahead.” ————————
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
“And If you’re enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!”