Chương 197

The water was up to Rudra's waist. It was cold, but it felt refreshing after the quick workout. He waded toward the center of the reef. The juvenile Divine Orca was still trapped against the sharp coral. The heavy steel nets were cutting into its black-and-white skin. The purple paralyzing magic from the harpoons made its breathing shallow and ragged. It looked at Rudra with wide, terrified eyes. It let out a weak, clicking squeal.

"Hey. It's okay," Rudra said softly. He slung his staff onto his back and held his empty hands up.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He waded closer. He pulled a sharp hunting knife from his inventory. The calf flinched as the metal flashed in the sunlight.

"Just hold still," Rudra murmured. He carefully slipped the knife under the thick steel mesh. He cut the heavy nets one by one, pulling the heavy metal away from the Orca's fins. Then, he gently gripped the wooden shaft of the harpoon stuck in its tail.

"This is going to pinch," Rudra warned. He pulled. The harpoon slid out with a sickening squelch. The calf let out a sharp cry and thrashed weakly in the water. The physical restraint was gone, but the purple magic was still visibly pulsing through its veins, keeping it weak and shivering. Rudra didn't reach for food this time. He just raised his left hand and activated the skill from his [Rune of Analysis] that he got from defeating Pope Drevigo.

"Saint's Breath," Rudra said quietly. [2, 000 Divine Energy consumed.] A warm, brilliant golden light erupted from his palm. The divine energy swept over the shallow reef, washing completely over the young Orca. [80% of Health has been restored.] [[Bleeding] and [Paralyzed] status abnormalities has been cured!] The sickly purple glow immediately vanished from the calf's skin. The deep harpoon wound sealed itself shut.

The calf let out a long, clear breath as the paralyzing toxin was completely purged from its system. Its eyes lit up. It bumped its head playfully against Rudra's chest, letting out a happy series of clicks and whistles.

"You're welcome," Rudra smiled, scratching the smooth skin behind its blowhole. Suddenly, a deep, booming sound echoed across the water. HOOOOONK. It was a heavy war horn. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Rudra looked up from the reef. Emerging from the thick fog on the horizon was a massive local armada. Dozens of sleek, bone-carved ships cut through the red waves. But the ships weren't the most intimidating part.

Swimming at the very front of the fleet were two massive, fully grown Divine Orcas. They were easily the size of medium buildings. They wore heavy armor plating made of forged monster bones and dark steel. Riding on the back of the leading Orca was a heavily scarred, bald older man. He was missing his left arm and his right eye and he was wearing bulky leather armor and gripped a jagged, bone-crafted spear in his remaining hand. He looked furious. A name tag above his head read Chief Thalassa.

Riding on the second Orca was a serene, quiet woman in flowing blue robes. A white cloth bandage covered her eyes and she held a smooth wooden staff. The name tag above her head read High Priestess Neria. The armada sailed right up to the reef. The local warriors on the ships drew their bows and raised their spears, fully expecting to charge into a bloody battle against mainland poachers. Instead, they found the three smuggling ships completely trashed. The poachers were tied up in a neat pile on the deck.

And right in the middle of the reef, a guy in a black trench coat was casually petting the missing calf. The local warriors blinked in confusion. They slowly lowered their weapons. Chief Thalassa did not lower his spear.

"You there!" Thalassa roared. His deep voice carried over the crashing waves. He pointed his jagged spear directly at Rudra.

"Identify yourself! Are you a rival smuggler? Did you attack this crew just to steal the prize for yourself?!" Rudra stopped petting the calf. He looked at the angry Chief.

"I'm just a guy who hates poachers who beat those idiots up," Rudra said simply.

"Do not lie to me, mainlander!" Thalassa barked, his face twisting into a furious scowl.

"I know how your kind operates! You bring violence to our waters, and you seek to profit from our sacred beasts!" Before Thalassa could order his men to attack, the juvenile Orca reacted. The calf swam around Rudra's legs, letting out a series of happy, clicking chirps. It happily nudged Rudra's hand, entirely relaxed. It didn't look like a captive. And it seemed perfectly healthy despite some blood coating it The angry local warriors exchanged baffled looks.

"Chief..." one of the warriors muttered, lowering his bow completely.

"The calf... it seems to like him." Thalassa frowned, his single eye narrowing. He lowered his spear just a fraction, clearly confused by the scene.

"What is this trickery?"

"It is no trickery, Thalassa," a calm, melodic voice said. High Priestess Neria stepped forward on the back of her armored mount. Even with the white cloth covering her eyes, she turned her head directly toward Rudra. She didn't need physical sight. As the High Priestess, she used a deep, spiritual water-echolocation. The moment she focused her senses on the man standing in the reef, her breath caught in her throat. She noticed the lingering, pure trace of the Ocean God's Blessing surrounding him.

And right beside it, she could sense the aura of a "Seeker of the Drowned Truths" who has challenged and completed multiple of the Ocean God's trials. This Dignified Person was not just anyone. Neria placed a hand on Thalassa's shoulder, urging him to stand down entirely.

"Lower your weapons," Neria commanded her people. Her voice was serene but carried absolute authority. The warriors immediately sheathed their swords and lowered their bows. Neria turned back to Rudra. She slowly dropped to one knee on the back of her mount and bowed her head in quiet respect.

"The ocean whispers of your journey, traveler," Neria said softly.

"You carry the blessing of the Ocean God. And you have proven your heart by shedding blood to protect his sacred children." Thalassa stared at the Priestess in pure shock.

"Neria? You bow to a mainlander?"

"He is no mere mainlander," Neria stated. She raised her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. She spoke loud enough for the entire armada to hear.

"The 5-Year Ritual is hereby open," Neria announced.

"The Champion's Rite has been triggered. Welcome to the Archipelago, Challenger.