Chapter 57: Al-Ahmar

(Chapter 57 Al-Ahmar)

"Brother?! Brother, wake up!"

Penance shook Tempest's body with urgency, her voice filled with alarm as if something was terribly wrong.

"Mmpf... Penance?"

Tempest mumbled groggily as he slowly opened his eyes, still half-asleep.

"Is something wrong?"

Tempest asked, his voice thick with drowsiness as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"Yes! You need to come outside quickly!"

Penance urged, her voice filled with urgency as she grabbed Tempest's arm, pulling him to his feet without waiting for him to fully wake up.

"Let's go!"

Penance exclaimed as she tried to pull Tempest along, but despite her best efforts, he remained firmly in place, unmoved by her attempts.

"Brother!"

Penance called out urgently.

"Hold on."

Tempest replied, scanning his tent for the Akasha Terminal. After a moment of searching, his eyes landed on it, resting near the side of his bed.

"Alright, let's go."

Tempest finally said, putting the Akasha Terminal into his ear. Penance wasted no time, quickly grabbing his arm and eagerly pulling him outside.

"Stand Back! We will not hesitate to shoot if you cross the line!"

Falric shouted, his voice echoing through the tense morning. Outside, Tempest's men had formed a formidable line of defense. At the front stood his knights, their expressions stern and unwavering, while behind them, his forces were ready, muskets at the ready, aimed with precision. They had constructed a barricade, using the Siege Engines as a solid shield, an imposing wall of metal and machinery. On the other side of this line were countless Eremites, their eyes filled with a mixture of caution and defiance. The situation was precarious, teetering on the edge of violence, but the bloodshed had yet to begin... For now.

"Al-Ahmar! Bring us Al-Ahmar!"

The cry echoed through the day as countless Eremites shouted in unison, their voices a chorus of desperation and demand. The intensity of their call filled the air, causing Tempest's forces to tighten their grip on their weapons.

"Augh, the natives are getting a bit restless, chief..."

Hatsume muttered, her usual eccentricity absent as she glanced nervously at the growing tension between the two groups.

Tempest gritted his teeth in frustration, his anger barely contained.

"Tsk, what a way to start the morning. What in seven hells do they want now?"

Tempest muttered, his voice tinged with irritation as he surveyed the chaotic scene unfolding before him.

"They believe you're their god, chief, Al-Ahmar, or King Deshret, to the people of Sumeru outside the desert."

"The thing is, King Deshret died a long time ago. Very very long time! Since you're a Paladin and the vessel of Ra, they've come to think that you are his resurrection. It's a mix-up, but it seems they're treating you as some sort of divine return."

Hatsume concluded her explanation, and Tempest turned his gaze back to the scene unfolding before him. The Eremites were still clamoring for Al-Ahmar, their chants growing louder and more insistent.

"May the Mighty God bless us with their voice of wisdom."

Tempest muttered under his breath, his words barely audible. Moments later, the Akasha Terminal activated.

'Young Pasha, are you there?'

Tempest inquired mentally, his thoughts focused. After a brief moment of silence, Nahida's response came through.

'Is something wrong, Tempest?'

Nahida replied.

'Yes, very wrong. I might have to take action if they don't leave any minute now...'

Tempest replied as he navigated through the chaotic scene. Nahida, through Tempest's eyes, observed the turmoil unfolding around him.

'Tempest, I implore you to exhaust all possibilities of peaceful negotiation before resorting to force. Violence should never be your first option, especially if there is a chance to resolve the issue through dialogue and understanding.'

Nahida urged through Tempest's mind, her tone serious and resolute.

'I'll try, Young Pasha.'

Tempest replied, as he passed through his forces, he gestured for them to lower their weapons, and the knights let him pass, now he stood before the Eremites.

"Al-Ahmar! We knew, you never abandoned your loyal servants!"

An Eremite declared. One by one, the Eremites knelt, extending their arms toward him in reverence. Tempest observed the scene with a growing sense of intrigue. An idea began to form in his mind, though he momentarily forgot that Nahida could read his thoughts.

'Tempest, you may have forgotten, but I am able to read your thoughts. And I must say, I am deeply concerned by the plan you are considering. Manipulating these people into believing you are the resurrection of the Scarlet King, and then using them as mere cannon fodder? I cannot condone such a sinister and immoral scheme. It is not only deceitful but also utterly heartless. Please reconsider your actions, Tempest.'

Nahida's tone was filled with disappointment and concern, her disapproval clear, though she understood she couldn't fully prevent him from following through with his decision.

'My apologies, Young Pasha. It seems my Father's influence is still affecting me more than I realized. I won't go through with that plan. I promise you, I will not use deceitful methods to manipulate them.'

Tempest assured Nahida, his resolve firm.

'Words are not enough, Tempest. I need to see it with my own eyes. Prove your dedication and commitment with your actions. I am watching you, and I will be paying close attention to your every move.'

Nahida's tone was resolute and firm, and Tempest took a deep breath before turning his focus back to the Eremites.

"I apologize for the confusion, but you seem to be mistaken. I am not your god, I am simply a mortal."

Tempest declared to the Eremites. As he spoke, murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"No! You are clearly the resurrection of Al-Ahmar! You radiate an energy akin to the sun itself! It must be that you have lost your memories, My Lord. Come with us, and we will aid you in restoring your memories. Together, we will revive your legacy and lead us to glory, vanquishing the forest folks! Lead us, Al-Ahmar!"

One of the Eremites proclaimed, standing resolutely.

Do these people not know of Ra, Young Pasha?'

Tempest asked Nahida, his tone reflecting his confusion.

'Most likely not, Tempest. Or perhaps they perceive the Scarlet King and the God of the Sun as the same entity? It's possible they've conflated the two figures in their beliefs.'

Nahida replied, her tone thoughtful.

"Leave, I won't repeat myself. I won't repeat myself. I am not your god, nor am I this Al-Ahmar you speak of. I am merely a mortal, and I do not seek to lead or be worshipped. Return to your ways and do not mistake me for a divine being."

Tempest commanded firmly.

"Lies!"

the Eremite shouted, his voice filled with fervor.

"They must have tainted your mind! You were meant to be resurrected here in the desert. I am sorry, My Lord, but you are coming with us."

With that, the Eremite unsheathed his scimitar, and one by one, the others followed suit, brandishing their weapons. Tempest's forces, sensing the rising tension, swiftly raised their swords and muskets, forming a defensive line. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as both sides prepared for an inevitable clash.

"Enough!"

Tempest's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. His Pyro Delusion flared to life, igniting a fierce red hue in his eyes. Instantly, four giant arms made entirely of Pyro materialized and hovered menacingly above him.

"I am neither your god nor your king. The god you revere is dead and will remain so for eternity. I did not come here to be worshipped. Do you truly believe I am this Al-Ahmar? I am merely a mortal, serving my own god. You have one final chance. leave now or face the consequences."

Tempest's voice was laced with menace, his patience growing thin. He unsheathed his sword, and it blazed with Pyro energy, the flames flickering and dancing along the blade.

"We will return... to save you, Al-Ahmar. For now, we will obey your command."

The Eremite said, lowering his scimitar and signaling to the others. They mounted their Sumpter Beasts and began to slowly withdraw, the sound of their departure echoing through the desert. As they retreated, only two individuals remained behind, watching as the Eremites disappeared into the distance.

'I must commend you, Tempest. It was a wise decision to refrain from using Ra's power, as that would have only exacerbated the situation and deepened the Eremites' belief that you were the resurrection of Al-Ahmar. Your restraint and choice to avoid escalating matters to violence were truly commendable. Thank you for heeding my advice and managing the situation with such tact. I am genuinely proud of you.'

Nahida's words were filled with warmth and approval. Tempest sighed in response, acknowledging her praise with a nod before replying.

'Thanks, Mom…'

Tempest replied with a hint of sarcasm. He could hear soft chuckles echoing in his mind, a clear sign of Nahida's light-hearted amusement at his response.

Tempest took a deep breath, allowing the Pyro arms to dissipate into the air. The once-flaming sword lost its fiery aura and returned to its normal state as he sheathed it carefully.

Tempest then turned his attention to the two individuals who had remained behind after the Eremites' departure. They appeared to be affiliated with the Sumeru Akademiya, their attire and demeanor giving them away. Tempest approached them, ready to address them and uncover their intentions.

"And who might you two be?"

Tempest inquired, his voice steady as he addressed the man with white hair. The young man stood beside him, his head bowed slightly. The white-haired figure, who appeared to be a student, remained silent, adding an air of mystery to their presence.

"Ah, my apologies. We're not affiliated with the Eremites. We were initially conducting an investigation at the Dunes of Steel. However, upon spotting the large horde of Eremites, we felt compelled to follow them to understand what was unfolding. If I'm not mistaken, you must be Tempest Proudmoore?"

The middle-aged man with white hair said, his tone respectful.

"You know me?"

Tempest asked.

"Everyone at the Akademiya, and perhaps across all of Teyvat, knows your name now, especially after the sky turned to gold during your trial, three months ago."

Cyrus said, his voice tinged with admiration.

"I am Cyrus, a professor and sage of the Spantamad Darshan, one of the six Darshans of the Sumeru Akademiya. And this is my student, Cyno."

He gestured toward the young man beside him, introducing him with a nod.

"Your Grace, we're ready to depart, whenever you're ready."

Rohan called out, approaching Tempest with a sense of urgency. Tempest nodded in acknowledgment and then turned his attention back to Cyrus and Cyno.

"Do you two mind, guiding us through the desert?"