Chapter 18: Tengen vs His Pillars

The council room was quiet except for the sound of parchment being shuffled.

We were gathered again — me at the head of the table, Lireath at my right, Dravel straight-backed as always, Yoruha slouched with her feet practically on the table, Zeril looking half bored and half murderous, and Shirina with her nose buried in another map.

“We leave for war in a few days,” I said, drumming my fingers against the wood. “Ren is handling preparations on the construction side. What we need to finalize now is supply lines, emergency fallback points, and—”

A loud commotion broke out outside. Shouts. The sound of running feet.

Everyone froze.

Yoruha’s face lit up like a child handed candy. “Finally! Is it time to fight?!” She jumped up and started warming up her shoulders like she was about to hit the gym.

Dravel groaned. “Honestly, could you not look so happy at the prospect of violence? It’s disgraceful.”

Yoruha immediately rounded on him, smile twisting into something terrifying. “What was that, Dravel? You want me to use you as a warm-up?”

Dravel stiffened, color draining from his face. “…M-my apologies. Carry on.”

I sighed. “You two…”

Before it escalated further, I stood and headed toward the door. “Let’s go see what’s going on.”

Outside, chaos reigned. Guards were running toward the gate, weapons drawn, sweat dripping from their foreheads. A crowd of villagers had gathered, murmuring nervously.

I walked up to one of the villagers — a young elf woman who looked ready to faint. “Hey. What’s going on out there?”

The moment she saw me, her whole expression changed. The fear in her eyes melted into relief as she straightened, her voice trembling. “Tengen-sama… it’s Forest Tigers. A whole pack of them. Right outside the gate!”

Gasps spread around us.

Yoruha’s grin stretched wider. “Ohhh, Forest Tigers? Now that sounds like fun.” She licked her lips like a predator.

Meanwhile, Lireath, Dravel, Zeril, and Shirina all tensed. They weren’t smiling.

“Forest Tigers aren’t to be taken lightly,” Lireath said quickly. “Even with our Naming boost, they’re incredibly dangerous. But… why would they come here?”

“That’s the question,” I muttered. Then louder: “Let’s check it out.”

By the time we reached the gate, the guards were already arguing with the massive beasts. The Forest Tigers were even larger up close — sleek fur, rippling muscle, and eyes that gleamed with primal power.

“Back off!” one guard shouted nervously. “If you’re not here to fight, then leave!”

The largest of the tigers stepped forward, his fur striped with silver. My heart jumped — I recognized him instantly.

“I will not leave,” the tiger rumbled in a deep voice that shook the air. “Not until I meet Tengen-sama.”

Gasps echoed again. The guards exchanged glances, unsure what to do.

And then I stepped forward. “Wait. You—” I pointed at the big one, my voice rising in disbelief. “You’re that tiger! From that day!”

His golden eyes locked on mine. “Yes. The one whose life you saved. I have come to repay that debt. I, and my pack, wish to serve you, Tengen-sama.”

Lireath’s eyes widened. “You… you know the Pack Leader?”

Before I could explain, Dravel stepped forward, voice booming with pride. “Unbelievable! The Forest Tigers, renowned for their pride and independence, offering themselves as vassals? This proves it! Our lord Tengen-sama truly is destined for greatness!”

“Stop hyping me up!” I snapped, waving my hands.

Inside, I was already spiraling. Great. Just great. First the Dark Elves. Then the construction projects. Then the Dryad. Now giant tigers. Why do I keep attracting responsibilities like some kind of cursed magnet?

I raised my hands at the pack. “Look, I saved you out of goodwill, okay? You don’t need to devote yourselves to me. Just… go back to the forest and live free.”

But the tigers all dropped to their knees, bowing their massive heads in unison.

“No,” the Pack Leader said firmly. “From this day forward, we will serve you. Please, Tengen-sama. Look after us.”

I rubbed my face with both hands, groaning. “Why… why is this happening…”

Lireath stepped forward with a triumphant smile. “Of course, this is only natural. Our lord is the rightful master of this forest. Even the proud Forest Tigers acknowledge it.”

“Don’t ‘rightful master’ me!” I shot back, but she ignored me entirely.

Yoruha stomped her foot, crossing her arms with a pout. “So… no fight, then?”

“Absolutely not,” Lireath said flatly.

“Boooring,” Yoruha muttered.

No one paid her any attention.

“Open the gates,” Lireath ordered proudly. “Invite our new allies inside.”

The massive gates creaked open. One by one, the enormous tigers padded inside, their sheer size making the villagers gasp and step back in awe.

And me?

I stood there with my head in my hands, muttering, “I didn’t sign up for this…”

The entire Tiger pack crouched in the open hall of the village center, their massive forms practically filling the space. Villagers gathered around the edges, peeking from behind pillars and balconies.

And me? I stood in front of the Forest Tigers with my arms crossed, putting on my best “serious leader” face.

“Alright,” I began, voice steady. “Since you’ve decided to serve me, there are rules. Listen well. First — you are to treat every villager here with kindness. No unnecessary growling, no scaring the kids, no trying to eat anybody’s chickens.”

A few of the tigers blinked slowly, tails flicking.

“Second — no fighting amongst yourselves. You fight, you do it outside. I don’t want fur all over the council steps.”

One of the smaller Tigers gave a soft huff, like it wanted to argue, but the Pack Leader’s glare shut it down instantly.

“Third,” I went on, “never start unnecessary fights with outsiders. If someone provokes you, fine — but you don’t go looking for trouble. Got it?”

Their heads lowered in unison.

“And lastly… if the time ever comes, you protect this village like it’s your own.”

The Pack Leader’s golden eyes gleamed. He dipped his head deeply. “We accept. We shall follow all of Tengen-sama’s orders to the letter.”

I nodded, puffing my chest. “Umu. Good. Now… I must give you names.”

Shock and Awe

The hall erupted.

Lireath nearly dropped her staff, her eyes bulging so hard I thought they might actually pop out. “Wh—what?!”

Yoruha instantly doubled over laughing. “Pfft—ahahaha! He’s actually doing it again! This guy never learns!”

Dravel pinched the bridge of his nose but couldn’t hide his smirk. “Unbelievable…”

Zeril’s face, however, was pure awe. His fists clenched at his side as he muttered, “What a wonderful lord we follow. To not even hesitate at naming such mana-dense beings… he’s truly unmatched.”

Even Shirina, who usually kept her composure, took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. If I want to stay by his side, I have to get used to things like this, she thought, her eyes narrowed with determination.

Meanwhile, the Pack Leader was completely frozen. “Name… us?”

“Of course.” I smiled. “Come, come. I’ve got the perfect names in mind.”

The Tiger’s fur bristled. “Tengen-sama, wait! Naming us… it’s not easy. It’s dangerous. You could—”

I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “It’s fine. Trust me.”

The Pack Leader looked around desperately for support — Lireath, Dravel, anyone. But every single elf had the same resigned expression, like we’ve been here before, there’s no stopping him.

The Leader thought back to the day I saved him. He remembered the aura I radiated even then, the kind of overwhelming force that had made him certain that even if he’d been at full health, he wouldn’t have stood a chance. Even with his entire pack, victory would have been slim. And instead of finishing him off… I’d healed him.

From that day, he had decided to serve me. And now, faced with my boyish grin and bright, eager eyes, he knew there was no turning back.

“…Very well.” He sighed and stepped forward.

I grinned wide. “Alright, first up — you.” I pointed at the Pack Leader. “I’ll name you… Momo.”

“…Momo?” he repeated, stunned.

“Yeah. After my cat back home. Cute, right?”

Before he could argue, a radiant glow enveloped him. His fur shimmered, stripes sharpening, body swelling with new strength. When the light faded, he was visibly larger, mane fuller, his aura sharp as a blade.

Gasps spread through the room.

The Pack Leader—no, Momo—stared down at his paws, then at me with reverence blazing in his eyes. He actually did it… This man… I will serve him until death. No. Beyond death, if need be.

“Next!” I called cheerfully, pointing at another tiger. “You look like a Garfield.”

The hall exploded in laughter as the massive beast glowed, evolving just like Momo.

Another tiger padded forward. “And you’re Socks. Those white paws? Obvious choice.”

One by one, I handed out names. Shadow, Mittens, Stripey, Neko. The majestic Forest Tiger pack—terror of the woods, undefeated hunters—were now evolving while carrying names that sounded like household pets.

By the time the last glow faded, the entire pack was transformed. Stronger, larger, eyes shining with newfound power.

And me? I was still standing tall, not even fainting this time. After the naming ceremony with the Dark Elves, this felt… almost natural.

Lireath, though still shocked, finally relaxed and smiled. “Incredible. Truly incredible.”

Zeril bowed deeply. “This is the kind of lord we chose. How could we not follow such a man?”

Dravel clapped once, sharp and proud. Yoruha just cackled, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “Pfft—Garfield! Socks! This is too good!”

I ignored her and raised my voice. “Alright, naming’s done. That means only one thing left to do.”

The villagers all leaned in.

I threw my hand into the air. “Party time!”

The elves and tigers roared in unison, the entire hall erupting into cheers. Food and drinks were already being prepared, and soon enough the village center was alive with music, laughter, and celebration.

I plopped down with a grin, surrounded by elves and oversized cats that were now my responsibility.

The night was quiet.

Too quiet.

The village slept peacefully under the silver moon, but I couldn’t. Not when the war loomed this close.

I tightened the straps on my sword, then slipped silently out of my hut. My heart beat heavier with each step, but my mind was made up.

If I went alone, if I handled this myself… then no one else would get hurt.

I glanced toward the great shadow curled up near the gate — Momo, the pack leader of the Forest Tigers. His chest rose and fell steadily, fur shimmering faintly under the moonlight.

I approached, crouched down, and nudged him gently. “Momo. Wake up.”

The Tiger’s golden eyes snapped open instantly, his body rising like a coiled spring. When he saw me, he relaxed, dipping his massive head.

“Tengen-sama?”

“I need you to come with me.” My voice was low, firm. “I can’t navigate the forest terrain on my own. If I tried, I’d be lost in minutes. But with you, we can move fast. Quiet.”

Momo didn’t even ask why. To him, my words were law — right or wrong. He lowered his body, muscles rippling like coiled ropes.

“Climb on,” he rumbled.

I swung myself onto his back, settling against his warm fur. With a steady kick, we moved out. The gates of the village fell behind us, swallowed by the dark trees.

Or so I thought.

From the branches above, Yoruha squatted like some oversized crow, eyes gleaming in the moonlight. A wide grin stretched across her face.

“Knew it,” she whispered to herself. “I knew he’d try something stupid like this.”

She dropped down soundlessly and darted off toward the others’ huts.

“Oi! Get up, get up!” Yoruha kicked the door open to Shirina’s hut, then Dravel’s, then Zeril’s.

“What now?” Shirina hissed, hair sticking up as she fumbled for her cloak.

“Tengen’s ditching us,” Yoruha announced proudly, like she’d caught me stealing cookies from a jar. “He’s sneaking off to the battlefield on his own. Saw him ride out with Momo just now.”

Dravel blinked, then chuckled softly. “Hah. That’s so like Tengen-sama. To shoulder everything alone.”

Shirina’s face twisted, eyes narrowing. “Unbelievable. During strategy meetings he looked so damn attentive, like he was listening to every detail—” She clenched her fists. “And now this?!”

From the corner, Zeril was slumped against the wall, still half-asleep. “…Wait… what’s happening? Why are we awake?”

“Idiot!” Yoruha barked, grabbing him by the arm and yanking him upright. “We’re going after him before he does something dumb.”

Zeril blinked, rubbed his eyes, and groaned. “…Fine. But if I fall asleep on the way, don’t blame me.”

“Move!”

Within minutes, they were all outside. At the edge of the village, waiting calmly like they had known all along, were Garfield, Socks, and two more Tigers — their glowing eyes fixed on the approaching elves.

“Looks like Momo left us orders,” Dravel said with a wry smile.

Zeril dragged himself up onto Garfield’s broad back, muttering, “This one’s so lazy… perfect match for me.”

The others mounted their tigers as well.

“Let’s go,” Yoruha commanded. “If we don’t catch him soon, he’ll do something reckless.”

With a roar and the pounding of paws, they took off into the night.

The ride through the forest was swift, the Tigers moving like shadows across the earth. Momo carried me with effortless speed, his stride smooth and powerful.

But then—

I tensed. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. They’re here.

I pulled on Momo’s fur, bringing him to a halt. The forest air grew still.

From the shadows ahead, figures emerged one by one.

Yoruha, grinning like a cat that had cornered its prey.

Dravel, calm but resolute.

Shirina, eyes blazing with frustration.

And Zeril… half-dozing, slouched against Garfield’s mane.

I exhaled sharply and rubbed my forehead. “…Of course. You guys just had to follow me.”

Yoruha leaned forward on her Tiger, her smile sharp. “Told you, boss. I knew you’d try something stupid.”

Dravel shook his head, expression soft but firm. “We can’t let you go alone, Tengen-sama. That’s not how this works.”

Shirina folded her arms, glaring. “After all the planning we did, all the strategy… you were really just going to throw it all away?”

Zeril yawned. “…I just wanna sleep. Can we get this over with?”

I stared at them, caught between frustration and a flicker of warmth in my chest.

They weren’t going to let me do this alone.

The forest was quiet except for the heavy breaths of Tigers and the faint rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

The silence stretched too long until Yoruha finally broke it, her voice carrying a playful edge.

“So, Tengen-sama,” she leaned forward, her grin glowing in the moonlight. “What exactly are you thinking of doing out here? Gonna fight a whole war by yourself?”

I kept quiet. My jaw tightened, but I didn’t answer.

Dravel tilted his head, eyes narrowing. “Are you just going to stand there in silence, Tengen-sama? That’s not very… leaderly of you.”

I exhaled, gaze flicking across the four of them. “…Why did you come?”

Yoruha let out a bark of laughter. “Hah! Are you serious right now? Why do you think, dumbass? To stop you from doing the dumbest thing possible!”

Before I could fire back, Shirina stepped her tiger forward, her voice sharp and furious. “Do you even understand how long it took me to set up those battle tactics you asked me for?! All those nights, all that planning—”

I cut her off with a smirk. “Oh please. You expect me to believe that took you longer than a minute? You probably thought that whole strategy up while brushing your hair. Don’t act like it cost you hours.”

Her eyes blazed. “A minute of my brain is worth ten thousand gold, you reckless idiot!”

I snorted, fighting a laugh.

Before she could keep ranting, Zeril reached over and tapped her shoulder. “Don’t bother,” he muttered. “You won’t win an argument against him. Not ever.”

That only made her glare harder, but she fell silent, crossing her arms.

I straightened and waved a hand at them. “Listen. Turn back. Go home. I’ll handle this alone.”

“Not happening,” Yoruha said immediately, leaning forward on her tiger with a glint of challenge in her eyes.

“I agree,” Dravel added, voice calm but resolute. “We’ll follow you no matter what you say.”

I sighed. “I see. So that’s how it is.”

I placed my hand on Matsuri’s hilt, the weight of the blade grounding me. “Then I guess I’ll just have to use force to send you back.”

Yoruha’s grin widened, her voice almost a purr. “Ara~. Tengen-sama, are you really saying you can take on all four of us by yourself?”

Dravel adjusted his stance, his expression unshaken. “It’s not impossible. But not in your current state. Emotion clouds judgment, and you’re still carrying guilt.”

Shirina flicked her hair back, eyes burning. “Good. Because this time, I’m getting payback for my one minute.”

Zeril let out a long sigh, looking at all of us like we were insane. “Are we seriously about to fight our own lord in the middle of the forest?…” He shook his head. “Fine. But don’t blame me when this ends badly.”

The four of them tightened their grips, Tigers shifting their weight, the air growing heavy with mana and killing intent.

The moon bathed the forest clearing in silver light, glinting off steel, off sweat, off narrowed eyes full of defiance.

For a moment, silence. Only the rustle of leaves, the slow exhale of the Tigers in the shadows.

Then—

They moved.

Yoruha, Dravel, Shirina, and Zeril all lunged at me at once, four streaks of killing intent converging like lightning bolts.

My hand snapped up.

“Barrier.”

A glowing square of translucent blue light shimmered into existence before me. Dravel’s twin daggers slammed into it first, sparks dancing across the surface. Yoruha’s twin blades came a heartbeat later, clashing against another barrier that formed mid-air like I’d willed reality itself to harden.

But Shirina didn’t aim for my chest. She ducked low, sweeping in with a hard kick aimed at my ribs. I dropped another barrier just in time—her heel smacked against it with a crack that rattled the ground.

Zeril, the last of them, didn’t even bother with finesse. A wave of raw energy blasted forward from his palm, colliding with one of my squares and scattering blue shards of light into the air like broken glass.

The force sent me skidding back a few feet. My jaw tightened.

“Not bad.”

They regrouped immediately, circling, hungry for another opening.

Dravel came first this time, movements precise and knightly, his curved daggers gleaming. He struck high, low, spinning into a rapid barrage meant to overwhelm.

I blocked each strike with flashing barriers, the squares forming and vanishing at my command, like pieces of a shifting puzzle. With my free hand, I drove a hard punch forward the instant he overextended.

My fist crashed into his stomach, sending him staggering back.

Before I could press the advantage, Yoruha was there, her blades a blur of silver.

She slashed left—I blocked.

Slashed right—I blocked.

Then she twisted, flipping backward, and her heel came down toward my skull.

“Barrier!”

The square flared above me, catching her heel mid-drop. The impact cracked the barrier but held, forcing her to rebound and land in a crouch, smirking.

“Not bad, Tengen-sama,” she teased. “But I hope you know—we’re just getting started.”

Shirina’s fist caught me in the side before I could answer.

The barrier had been half-formed, too slow. Pain burst through my ribs, and I gasped as I was thrown a few steps back.

Shirina wiped sweat from her brow, eyes gleaming like wildfire. “Thought you could ignore me?” she taunted. “Let’s see how long you last in my world.”

She charged. No weapons, no magic—just raw fists.

And I met her head-on.

Our knuckles collided with a sound like thunder. The shockwave rippled through the clearing, kicking up dirt and leaves.

I grinned despite myself. “Fine. Let’s box, then.”

We exchanged blow for blow.

Her jab—I parried with my forearm.

My hook—she slipped under it, countering with a cross.

Our fists collided again, bone meeting bone, the pain sharp but intoxicating.

She pivoted, driving a knee toward my gut. I dropped a barrier between us, the impact rattling her leg and forcing her to stumble back.

But I didn’t let up. I stepped forward, slamming a kick into her midsection. She flew back, skidding across the dirt, but instead of collapsing, she rolled, popped back up, and came at me again, teeth bared in a grin.

“Finally taking me seriously, huh?!”

“You wish!” I shouted back, blocking another flurry of punches with barriers while sneaking in my own counters.

The world shrank to just us. Fist against fist. Sweat flying. Muscles burning.

Even Yoruha and Dravel paused a moment, watching the sheer intensity of it.

But it couldn’t last.

My breath was coming shorter, sharper. Not because I was losing the fight physically—but because my mind wasn’t here.

Every punch I threw, every barrier I raised, behind it lingered the thought of the village. Of the destruction I hadn’t prevented. Of the screams that echoed in my head even now.

If I’d been there, none of it would’ve happened.

My focus slipped.

Yoruha took her chance, sliding in from behind. Her blades clashed against the barriers I hastily raised, sparks scattering into the night.

Dravel joined, his strikes precise, aiming for my blind spots.

Zeril added another wave of energy, and though I blocked it, the force drove me to one knee.

Shirina’s fist crashed into my jaw, snapping my head to the side.

I staggered, blood hot in my mouth.

They pressed harder.

I blocked. I countered. I kicked Shirina back, slammed a fist into Dravel’s guard, and nearly caught Yoruha’s blade with my barrier square.

But my vision blurred. My chest felt heavy, like the despair itself was dragging me down.

“You can’t win like this,” Dravel’s calm voice cut through, even as his dagger clashed against my arm. “Not when you’re not fighting us… but yourself.”

Yoruha spun, her blade slicing past my cheek. “You think you’re protecting us by going alone? Idiot!”

Shirina’s punch sank into my stomach, folding me in half. “That’s not leadership, Tengen—it’s cowardice!”

And finally, Zeril’s energy blast tore through my last barrier, exploding against my chest and sending me sprawling to the ground.

The world tilted.

I coughed, tasting blood, my body refusing to rise. My vision swam with the sight of four figures—my guards, my friends—standing tall above me.

Yoruha’s grin was gone, replaced with worry. Dravel’s calm eyes were full of pity. Shirina’s fists trembled, but not with rage—with frustration, with pain. Zeril just shook his head, sighing heavily.

I tried to push myself up. My arms gave way.

“…Damn it…” My voice cracked, softer than I wanted.

The night air was still, broken only by the sound of my ragged breathing. My body ached everywhere — ribs, jaw, even my pride.

Then I felt warmth. A hand pressed gently to my chest. Mana flowed like liquid fire through my veins, knitting torn flesh, soothing the ache.

Zeril’s calm voice came low and steady.

“Don’t move, Tengen-sama. I’ll patch you up.”

Light spread from his palm, washing over me, and little by little, the pain dulled. My vision cleared.

I blinked up at him, then the others, standing over me. Yoruha with her arms crossed but eyes wet, Shirina fuming like she’d just argued with the universe itself, Dravel’s knightly posture firm yet soft.

I sat up slowly, then forced a crooked smile.

“…I give up.”

The words hung in the air for a moment before I chuckled, shaking my head. “You win. I was acting stupid. Sorry.”

Yoruha’s lips trembled, then she let out a laugh — sharp but shaky. “Damn right you were! You scared the hell out of us, you idiot.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “…Yeah. I thought if I went alone, I could keep you all safe. But I just ended up hurting everyone anyway.”

Shirina crouched down, glaring at me. “Do you have any idea how frustrating it is watching you act like the world’s weight belongs to you alone?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but she jabbed a finger into my chest. “Never. Do that. Again.”

“Got it, got it,” I said quickly, raising my hands in surrender.

Dravel sighed, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Your resolve is admirable, Tengen-sama. But even the strongest warrior falls if he fights without allies.”

For a moment, none of us spoke. Just the quiet hum of the forest, the moon shining down.

Then Yoruha broke it. She dropped to a crouch beside me, leaning close with a grin that didn’t hide the crack in her voice.

“…I miss my best friend, you know.”

My chest tightened. I reached over and flicked her forehead gently, forcing a grin of my own. “Then I guess I’ll stick around. Best friends don’t ditch each other, right?”

Her smile widened through the tears. “Damn right.”

I looked at all of them then. Their faces, their loyalty, the fire in their eyes that refused to leave me alone no matter what.

“…Alright,” I said, standing at last. My legs trembled, but the resolve in my chest was solid. “Let’s go. Together. And stop Gorrak.”

Yoruha smirked.

Shirina’s eyes softened, though she tried to hide it.

Dravel placed a hand on his chest, bowing slightly.

And Zeril muttered, “Finally. Took you long enough.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Then it’s decided. Next stop… war.”