Chapter 4: How About a small practice with a duel?

Is.....that so?" A grief filled voice struck the hall.

"Master, I hope you're happy there now."

Lao He had moistened eyes as he muttered some words in a bitter tone with a little wry smile.

The beasts in female forms fell on their knees to cry while they were supported by another.

Eiran looked at them in a speechless manner. He looked at the group that was so mighty and haughty looking, now crying out their sorrows with the death of Denlemore.

However, it was clear they were aware that Denlemore's death was already predestined.

When Claymore annihilated the Aphelion clan, all he felt was guilt. He couldn't help himself to think of the last time he felt emotionally pained or grief stricken after he completed the Gods' Trials.

After the Trials, he had never had an ordinary life, he was treated vastly different from the rest of his age groups and was in a sense feared and isolated.

Moreover, he was no longer the same 18 years old from the year 2023, who had transmigrated to a different timeline, when he returned from the Trials.

It wouldn't have been wrong to state he was deprived of all human attachment all these years.

Eiran watched them indifferently but unaware of it himself, his facial expressions had softened a bit compared to before.

Some time later, after the group had calmed down from their sorrow mode (according to Eiran), Elder Lao He gave the rest of the group a look with a foreboding meaning, then turned to face Eiran.

"Lao He greets the New Dead Gods Valley Lord!" He bowed with respect in cupping his fists together.

With his action, the rest of the group bowed in respect and saluted him. While everyone did so, the only person who was still a little unwilling was Lathore, the huge burly man was a second late at their joint action.

Nonetheless, he bowed down to the mysterious new Valley Lord who just appeared out of thin air. 

Eiran waved his hand signing them to stop with the formalities.

" My name is Eiran. Eiran Aphelion. The previous Valley Lord, Denlemore has entrusted the valley and it's people in my care. I shall fulfil my duties as so." 

Eiran stated as he should while being accepted by the people. It was like an untold custom of the world, the leader of a group declaring and swearing to fulfil his duties towards the group. Of course, extra conditions could be added.

The Guardians bowed once more, this time all of them declaring out loud.

"The Guardians greet the new Dead Gods' Valley Lord, Lord Aphelion!"

Eiran looked at them with indiscernible eyes as he stood tall from the raised platform around the throne area.

Lathore, Guardian of the Thunder and Lightning area, finally couldn't hold it in and spoke in a rather nonchalant tone as he raised his head.

"Lord Aphelion, I would like to request something."

His words made Eiran curious of his next action. He had a smirk on his face and asked with an interested tone.

"Hmmm....what is your request?"

"Valley Lord, you see ..... We are all your subordinates now. So, for better coordination in our work in the future, shouldn't we be aware of each others' strengths and weaknesses?"

Lathore replied with a hint of smugness in his voice.

Eiran played along with this slightly slow witted Guardian and continued to ask in an interested tone.

"So what do you suggest?"

Lathore smirked and said in a more enthusiastic voice.

"How about the Valley Lord and the Guardians here, all have a small practice with a duel?"

The rest of the Guardians looked on as if Lathore was stupid.

'Oh Lathore.....'

'This dumbass....'

' I'll freeze him out of his life!'

'How good if my lightning could hit him unbeknownst to anyone.....'

'My flames should burn his flesh!'

'I guess we're too late to stop him.....'

If Lathore could hear the thoughts of the other Guardians he would be vomiting blood.

They all thought of why this stupid guy couldn't grasp the situation! The man in front of them was someone who Denlemore waited for millennials and his power couldn't even be estimated by them. He didn't seem to have a trace of spiritual power or soul power on him YET! He had that confident look in his brows! They were beasts and their sixth sense told them the man in front of them was disastrously dangerous.

However, they were all extremely curious at the same time. They wondered if he actually was as strong as they thought him to be? Or was it just their cautious fear of the unknown?

Einar understood what he wanted. He or they wanted to test him. Test him if he was strong enough to be bossing them around? Fine. He just came to this timeline and had nothing to do anyways. He would entertain them.

"That sounds right! We should get to know each others' strengths and limitations!" He left out a subtle chuckle and told them.

[Author: Hello! I forgot to mention but there is a mix of eastern and western Mediaeval period settings! And thus the names.]