Into the Final Onslaught. (Prologue)

"Hehehe... Look at this, Gwishin nim!"

*clang* *clang*

"Muuu... Muuu...? (When will the morning walk begin? It's almost noon now).

*munch* *Munch*

The morning has arrived, yet the sun still refuses to shine. Dark clouds fill the skies, and this dimly lit day is filled with a gentle breeze... Certainly a fitting time for such a majestic beast to graze upon the lands. As we wait for our meal to cook upon the hearthy stove, Heon proudly rides the beast saying:

"Huhuhu~ a pretty warrior given me a tribute this morning! Look at its golden horns!"

*Rub* *Rub*

Heon gleefully pat at its sheemring golden horn and scracth its massive head to show the sheer size of it.

"This mighty beast shall be our steed for the conquest of the other fams. You traitors better be prepared for Pagoja!"

(He already named it!)

Perched atop the back of a magnificent beast, Heon steadies himself by gripping its long horns, striking a confident pose with his sling. A radiant smile graces his face, outshining even the sun by thisbpoint, and his excitement becomes quite contagious.

"Do you think they will sculpt me together with our Pagoja? Well, even if they don't I'll just force them to- Oh, oh, I can have all the fam ride atop the beast too."

"Um, right..."

(What am I supposed to say!? And talking about pets, I still miss lil furball... I still hate you for what you did, Nicole! Hold on, since furball loves desolate places I wonder if I can find one in the drowned city?)

As my head fills with ideas and future plans, I look at Pagoja at all his glory. Adorned with a bell hanging from its neck, this majestic beast stands as a titan among any monsters I've seen (not counting Jacky). The sheer size of its head surpasses that of Heon, while its densely muscled body exudes power and strength. Draped in blue fur seemingly impervious to both weapons and the elements, it resembles a creature from another realm—a beast one might expect a hero to confront at the climax of their journey, were it not for its docility and the choker adorning its neck, lending it the appearance of domestic cattle.

"So Harun what is this monster suppose to be?"

Seeing Heon lazing around atop the beast, I cautiously extend my hand, feeling the rough texture of its fur as I scratch its neck gently. Harun mirrors my action at the opposite end of the beast and beams with delight as she exclaims,

"It's so soft~!"

(It is!? I mean is this their standard for softness? I'm sure their beds are softer or... Is this the soft standard for this beast?)

"Ahem..."

Harun seems to catch the glance I give her way, swiftly retracting her hands and returning to her usual stance. With a practiced ease, she resumes her composed demeanor, as if nothing had transpired before finally replying:

"It is known as the Bonguri Jeosa, a sacred cattle dwelling solely at the summit of Wenju Mountain. Legend has it that the higher the peak it roams, the mightier the Monster becomes. Observing its blue fur and its domesticated demeanor, I believe this creature hails from the western mountain and has been trained since its a young calf."

"So is it a cattle or a powerful monster?"

Harun gazes upon the grazing monster once before replying:

"Both, a wild Bonguri presents a trial that any warrior aspiring to become High Lord can undertake. Upon defeating it, you may bring its offspring back to the tribe as a trophy. The offspring then becomes a symbol of prestige for your tribe and family, offering the opportunity to domesticate or transform it into prized, high-grade luxury beef."

"Beef!?"

Heon who's resting on its neck climbs back up hearing that word. He pokes his head out from his rest spot atop Pagoja's head and leans over asking:

"W-What's this about beef?"

Harun closes her eyes and holds her chin to reminisce, it seems to be a happy memory as she smiles and slowly open her eyes saying:

"It is one of the most expensive beef you could acquire at this peninsula as for as I know. The taste is simply divine."

Heon looks down at Pagoja with a huge gulp begore he then asks:

"D-Divine? How does that even taste? And, H-How much does it cost? Or how much can it sell?"

Heon asks and Harun simply answers:

"From what I remember it has no price since no one can supply it at a constant rate. So much so that the only viable way is for gourments to hire experience hunters, adventurers, mercenary, or willing warriors to hunt it. And hopefully they don't die challenging it."

(That's a lot of factors to consider).

Harun expression brightens as she gets an idea, she takes out a wooden scroll from inside the folds of her robe and begins counting,

"I suppose you could calculate the expense you will cash out. From hiring personnel, buying needed gears, suplies, and equipments, there's the cost of acquiring permits and licences, the cost for transportating all the goods before and after, and let's not forget insurance..."

(There's that much stuff to worry about?! I thought you only need a weapon and a licence to hunt. What's this about permits and insurance!? You never told me about this, Sis Rubeca!)

Both Heon and I wait with bated breath for her answer. She then raises her thumb, index, and middle fingers, signaling her response.

"Rounding it up, it would be around 80,000 Wu for the chance to send someone there bare minimum."

"Ack!"

"W-What!?"

(Eighty... Eighty thousand?! What the fudge are we buying to do that hunt? I mean its not even the meat yet but just the preparation for it! If I remember correctly, Jin-Yeon said that 1000 Wu is enought to feed a family for a month so what cost that much!? Wait, didn't Jin-Yeon also said that it cost around 300,000 Wu to venture out of the map? Adventuring buseniss truly is expensive).

Heon's eyes widen in disbelief, nearly popping out of his head as he tumbles from Pagoja. After steadying himself, as if recovering from a sudden heart attack, he slowly climbs back atop the creature's head, gripping its horns tightly before shouting:

"Eighty... Cough! Eighty Thousand... H-H-How, W-W-W-What kind of price is that!? You could buy real premium beef from the city with only 12 Wu if you're a proper citizen. And here, a single beef- not even the beef costs, 80,000!? How in Harihwata's peeling yellow nails does that even makes sense!?"

Harun seems genuinly daze by Heon's reaction as she then turn her note towards him replying:

"I say that's already quite cheap, considering the cost of hiring experienced people which means either mid rank hunter, a adventurer, a blue plated mercenary, or a Veteran Warrior from the heights, at minimal that would cost around 10,000 Wu to-"

"Aaaah! Yapa apa dapa, enough of the money talks! You sound no different than those flower nobles! What bout you? How did you taste it servant girl!?"

(Ah right, Heon doesn't know she's a princess... I guess royalty does have deep pockets).

Harun smiles again from that question as she reminisce once again and answers:

"My Oppa brought one back home to propose to his now current wife around 11 years ago. I still remember the taste to this day. And my second Oppa is also planning to hunt one as well before proposing to his fiance."

(Never mind, who needs moeny when you can acquire it yourself- Ooh... Wait...)

"Since someone gave Heon that cattle, does that mean they expect marriege now?"

*jolt*

Heon freezes at my question and it seem Harun realize where my question is coming from and shakes her head replying:

"While that is true, let's not forget that brat is asking who can give a better tribute. Until all the Major Tribes who wishes to submit their dowry is finished, we can simply ignore it until we get there. How lucky of you, not any royalty throughout our history gets to choose their partner like this. You will truly be the subject of envy for centuries to come."

As Harun turns her face away, a malicious smile creeps onto her face, her lips clearly curl to a grin despite her attempt to conceal it. Feeling a bit hurt, I can't help but ask:

"But... I mean... Kicking the problem down the line won't solve it. And doesn't this involve you?"

"Who said so? That brat proposes your hand in marriage, not mine. Why should I be bothered?"

"Harun... You can't leave me like this...!"

*phiiiit*

"Oh, the food is done, let us quickly finish our meal so we can continue our final push towards the inner city. I heard we got reinforcements from the west coming as well."

"Harun...!"

I grab her by her hems with teary eyes, hoping for her to respond differently but she simply kick me away replying:

"If you're that worried just ask for my father for help."

"And we know how that turned out last night. Instead of stopping everyone, he invited the High Chiefs instead- Wait, can't we just return the gifts?"

I look back at Heon who seem to realize my intentions and hug its horn with all his body shouting:

"No! I'm not going to return my sweet Pagoja!"

Harun who prepares bowls for the three of us agrees as well as she nods her head replying:

"If it was any normal dowry, that wouldn't be a problem. But here you have a fully trained legendary monster being gifted as dowry, can you imagine the shame they will feel and arrogance you have to do such an act. You would turn that tribe and their subjects against you for such an insult."

"What am I suppose to do then!?"

"Hmm... Since it is a blue Bonguri Jeosa from the eastern tribe, I only know of one warrior who accomplish that feat. It would be the eldest son of great Chief Won-Mo nim challenging it around 15 years ago. Heon Ssi, is the warrior that give you the beast have a scar from his from his eyebrow up to his scalp like a lightning bolt? Also, he has long brown hair too."

Heon hearing this seems to click as hit his palm shouting:

"Oh yeah! He does! That is a pretty cool scar~ I wonder if I could get a cool one like that? Pagoja, lower your head!"

"Muuu... (Yes, small master)."

Heon sways back and forth with his legs crossed, extending his hand expectantly for the food. Harun takes a few scoops of the colourful meal to fill his bowl, and Pagoja lowers its head so she can hand it to him. Then, she finally answers,

"Well then, I suggest learning how to make some mead then. I heard he loves sweet drinks and likes it more when beautiful women pours his drinks for him."

"Why do you sound like it has already been decided. I mean, do they even let a dark spawn like me into the family?"

Harun finally seems to realize the error in her train of thought, yet she sways her head left and right, as if trying to avoid my gaze, replying:

"I guess you're right. Your acting has been so good even I almost fell for it~ So, as long as they don't find out I'm sure it'll be fine~"

"You're still pushing for it!? What happened to me being the spawn of evil and not letting me live!?"

(And what's with all this marriege proposals I've been getting ever since I arrive at this peninsula!)

Harun scoops a bowl full of breakfast that look like if you turn the 3 coloured river to cereal and hands it to me asking:

"Don't you want their help?"

I hesitantly take the bowl from her hands replying:

"Thanks, but what do you mean?"

Harun then takes the whole pot and bring it under her before saying:

"From what that brat keeps yapping, you wish to conquer the republic do you not? If you marry the eldest son who would soon become the High Chief of the Wonjok Coalition, you would have around 300 or more High Lords under your command. That would mean around 300,000 warriors at the minimum to his beck and call to descend the mountains and assist your campaign."

Heon hearing such proposal scracthes his chimmy chin chin replying:

"That does sounds tempting. Even Hyung wouldn't be able to muster so many people in such a short time."

"Heon, don't listen to her!"

Ignoring my pleas, Harun with wide grin continue explaining:

"Given his reputation, they would undoubtedly offer their lives for him, as they are doing now. Moreover, despite being 28 years old, he's already considered one of the 6 Peaks, a title given only to the strongest warriors throughout Wen and Ju. Plus, he has quite the dashing appearance that could easily attract suitors wherever he goes.

Since you managed to capture his heart in battle, why not seize the opportunity? It's not a bad proposition... In my opinion. Or perhaps you're planning to conquer the Republic with just two people? I understand that a dark spawn like you may be equivalent to a one-man army, but I doubt a solitary force would suffice."

Heon, who never settled to listen attentively, nodded multiple times before climbing down from Pagoja shouting:

"Y-You're right, servant girl! Gwishin nim... Please? You're suppose to help me conquer the Rephblic right?"

Witnessing Heon clasping his hands and pleading with teary ruby eyes like a begging puppy, a heart-wrenching betrayal unfolded before me. Unable to contain my emotions, I blurted out:

"You too, Heon? But no means no."

"Aaaw! Hmph fine!"

Heon climbs back up Pagoja and lay down as he finsihes his meal. It didn't take long for him to fell asleep.

(I wanna say this is his fault but I'm the one who send him out and created this whole mess in the first place! Plus, what's making this even worse is how much sense Harun is making... Wait, 28 and he face the monster 15 years ago? Doesn't that mean he took on such a monster when he's still 13!? He took on that monster the same age as Heon!? Is he some legendary warrior now? Is the 6 peaks that great!?)

I look back at Harun who's still eating her breakfast asking:

"You talk like this is all fun to you. I mean, what if this is all on you instead?"

"That would certainly be a problem, IF it was me. But like I said, it has nothing to do with me so why should I feel empathy for a dark spawn like you?"

"Harun...!"

(Is she holding a personal grudge or something!? Is she mad that I force her to admit she's a princess!?)

"Fine, this conversation is just going nowhere. If worse come to worse, I'll speak to him directly and explain... Also, I'm just curious but why didn't we send this monster forward when I start the invasion? Wouldn't this beast help a lot?"

Harun who's eating a mouthful of the meal quickly swallows to answer:

"Did you forget already? That attack is suppose to be part of the second wave. The plan was suppose to be for the first wave specialists to destory the forward bases, trigger all the traps, disable the cannons, and uproot any fortifications before the second elite wave destroy the walls and stream roll everything. If we charge with the beast again like the previous invasion, they would specifically bombard our beasts with those cannons and artillery. Our elite war beasts will have slim chance of even getting close to the gates."

Mixing the pot once more Harun adds some more spices into it before she continue saying:

"Luckily, you have finish the jobs for us both and spare many high lords. I believe Bo-Minji is more than happy to gift you his prized companion even if it isn't a dowry."

"Who?"

"The previous owner of that Bonguri Jaesa."

"You're still on that! Fine, let's finish this quick and leave before the rest of the major tribes can send the dowry!"

Eating the meal one spoonful at a time, I gaze once more at the devastated city from afar. Its walls, once proud and sturdy, now lie in ruins, overrun by warriors who have filled the area with tents, campfires, and gathering spots. The flags of Geom, once proudly displayed on the walls, have been torn down and replaced by the symbol of the mountains, carved into the stone. Even more peculiar is the abundance of legs impaled on stakes like kebabs, displayed by lining across the walls.

(Those warriors really meant what they said...)

Unlike yesterday where there's only regular warriors, this time the whole army seems to be here, calvary, caped warriors wearing ornaments, warriors with heavy armour that make them look like walking juggernauts, giant war beasts...

"I just realize this but is there no mages or range units here? Where's even the artillery?"

Harun who seem to have finished the whole pot by herself wipes her mouth with elegance replying:

"You're lucky I'm the one who heard that. If you're talking about mages everyone have studied magic and know how to cast enchanting spells and the advance warriors know flying spells like the wind walkers or benders like me. As for range units... For most of the mountain tribes, the greatest honour and tribute for Miayir is to engage in glorious close quarter combat. It is an unbreakable code similar to the oath of the sentinels when someone swore a pact with Selin. I say you're lucky nobody knows Heon uses a sling to fight, if they did, all hell will break loose."

Hearing her talk, my eyes rolls to the side as I remember my actions back at the first assault and gesture a throw with my spoon asking:

"Wait, but didn't I throw that shell back to the enemy? Doesn't that counts as using a range attack? But all I heard are their cheers getting louder."

"That is true, just like many things there are always exceptions. Just like fighting in glorious close combat is one of the greatest tribute to Miyair, catching a projectile coming your way with your bare hands and throwing it back is another great offering you can perform. It is a sacred act that recreates one of Miyair's greatest miracles of throwing a falling star back to the celestial realm."

"Pfff..."

(What kind of story is that!? There's no way that's true!)

Harun finishes the entire pot, wiping her mouth with a satisfied expression before saying:

"And it cannot be just something like regular arrows or spears, but huge projectiles like cannons and artillery shells like you did. Not many warriors can do what you do, and any warriors who succeed will always receive praise and recognition across all of Wenju... So much so I heard you're now being called one of the peaks. It's so distasteful, its spoiling my meal."

"I-I see?"

(I'm not going to even bother asking what that is anymore).

"But you seem to speak of Gods like Miayir, is there's perhaps more Gods here other than that Goddess of the lake? If there is can you tell me about it?"

Harun nods and eagerly starts flipping her notes before saying:

"Gladly, just like the north and south have their own worships, we have our own pantheon as well. Miayir, the God King of Bravery and Courage, Selin, the Goddess of Peace and Silence, and Faziya, the God of Justice and Prosperity. Those are the 3 major Gods of our Godora Pantheon, and we have been worshiping them since our ancestors start to settle in this mountains.

Of course, each tribe has its own minor deities they worship as well. While the majority of our tribes worship those from Godora's pantheon, it wouldn't be unusual to find those living in the southern lowlands worshiping Harihwata or those from the northern lowlands worshiping Sriva. Just so you know, the Wonjok coalition is located in the northern mountains so they pray to the champion god Aslan before battles."

"Can you please stop with that already... Still, I'm still a frog in a well after all. I thought there's only the Goddess of the lake here in the peninsula with how they speak."

(Now that's BIG news, maybe I should reconsider my mission on what Gods that need to change... Hold on now, those names sounds very familiar but I just can't put my finger on it).

While I'm still deep in thought, Harun sigh at my question replying:

"If that's so we wouldn't have the spirit church but the Temple of Harihwata instead. I suppose that is the doctrine you southern lowlanders love to teach."

"Spirit church? Temples? Wait, is there spirit churches here in the mountains?"

"Of course, but unlike the usual clerics you see we have shamans instead."

"Harun Ssi, is there perhaps a church with someone very high in position here?"

"There's the high shaman living inside Wenju's cathedral. But I don't think they will do anything you ask. There's a reason why they are welcomed everywhere despite their followers worshiping many different Deities. You can meet her after retaking the inner city but I suggest you temper your expectations."

"No, that's good enough. I'm just going there to call some friends..."

"Friends you say? Very well."

I hold my headband as I wonder if this is the right time to call upon Saya and Rana. Noticing the ring on my hand, I start to wonder if Gangyi is safe as well.

(Well, hopefully she recovered enough to fly again).

I slowly stand and feel my severed leg, and relieved that I'm able to move it around. I look at the towering inner castle of Wenju and reach my hand hand out to grasp it.

"Get ready, Big Sis, I'm going to be a bit bad and take the fortress from you!"