The seeds we plant

Keir's POV:

"You're really trying hard this time."

A small crimson red spirit looks at me from my shoulder as she says that. Ever since I returned to Irshel, I've been going through any text I could find about the legendary Witch of Deception. Although in the Holy Kingdom of Apella I was able to obtain some books on the subject, they were nothing more than meaningless legends that often had no connection to each other. From those books I took the parts that were similar to each other. Although I'm not entirely sure if this research will be effective or not, I can't be too careful in a confrontation against a Witch of Legends. The data I've obtained after reading hundreds of different versions can be summarized into 3 main points.

• The legendary Witch of Deception became famous for causing the fall of the Kingdom of Rishon. It was once a prosperous country that spanned the entire continent where the 8 kingdoms that currently rule are settled: The Holy Kingdom of Apella, Irshel, Sahara, Mihm, Hasha, Chushec, Adma and Granest.

• Her powers are greatly exaggerated in each story that is told, in some it is mentioned that she could split the earth in two, create craters with her fists and even create a tornado and change the weather at will. Most of them seem like an exaggeration, but there is one that never changes. Her ability to transform into another person. I should assume that she can change her appearance freely.

• As a last point, all the stories agree that she participated in the first holy war and was not only one of the few witches who survived the conflict, but she was the one who massacred the 5 heroes chosen at that time: the heroes of lightning, storm, earth, water and fire in a simultaneous battle that lasted for days. It really is hard to believe, but if all the historical accounts agree on this point, then it is hard to believe otherwise. Although there are versions where the Hero of Darkness is also added among the heroes who died because of her, there is no indication that she has ever faced the Hero of Blood, which can be beneficial in its own way. I can go on to think that she really doesn't know the Hero of Blood's powers, so I can have the element of surprise on my side.

"Can you really win this Keir?"

A clear tone of worry escaped Shi's tone. Although I suppose that is normal considering the wild stories told about her. Frankly even I am getting discouraged by this point. But I can't let that show on my expression. No matter what happens, I have to regain Irshel's honor.

- Don't worry Shi. After investigating that witch for 2 months, I can confidently say that she doesn't know the Hero of Blood's powers, that is a decisive advantage for us."I guess my decision back then wasn't all that bad after all."

At Shi's comment, I can't help but lower my head in a dejected manner. "The coward of blood" is the taboo that has always struck the hero of blood for not having faced the legendary witch of deception during the final battle. When I was able to summon Shi, the first thing I did was ask her about the reason why the hero of blood didn't participate in that fight. Apparently she can only remember fragments about that time. But what she did make clear to me was the palpable feeling of terror that time produced in her. With a small gesture, I gently caress where Shi's head should be. Although I can't touch her, Shi seems to understand my intention and remains motionless for a while.

"Hey Keir… do you think the powers of blood will work on her?"

- Of course it will, as long as the opponent in front of us has blood running through their body, there's no way we'll lose.

"I understand…"

As I tried to cheer Shi up, the door to the room was suddenly slammed. The sound was so distinctive that I didn't even need to look at it to know who had entered.

- What's wrong, Captain?

- Sir, the selection process for the suppression forces for the legendary Witch of Deception has ended.

- …I understand, Captain, good job. But first I have to confirm one thing. Are they fully aware of what it means to accept the position?

- …Of course, Sir, they have all decided to put their lives and faith in you.

A deep bow showed the respect and trust placed in me. I couldn't help but put on a bitter smile at that determination, but I couldn't back out now. Both they and I knew perfectly well that this country is doomed to fall if we don't do something about the sin of the cowardly hero. If we don't assert our courage in this mission, the neighboring countries will easily wipe us off the map. That is something that, as a hero of blood, I couldn't allow at any cost.

- Okay captain. Take me to them.

- Sure your excellency, this way.

With Shi still on my shoulder, I followed the captain down the long hallway that led to my office. Although somewhat dilapidated, the castle we are in is the symbol of the force that controls everything that remains of the country of Irshel.

We headed towards the training grounds, there I could find 15 young adults fighting each other brutally. Although there were no real injuries, the blows that sounded whistled in the wind until they hit with a roar similar to an explosion.

Everyone seemed to have entered a frenzy among themselves without paying much attention to the world around them until the captain raised his hand and firmly raised his voice.

- Stop! Listen to the words of your excellency.

They all stopped in unison and stood in front of me and the captain in a perfect row. They all stood perfectly straight as they looked at me expectantly at my words. For someone like me, who has only trained his strength, this situation was far from pleasant. I could do nothing but form some incoherent mutterings. This discomfort made me dizzy as I decided what to say until another loud bang rang out in the room. I had to take a step forward to avoid falling. Totally surprised, I turned to see the face of the captain who was smiling mischievously at me like a child who had just committed a misdeed.

- Come on, your Excellency, you have to properly salute your men. I would like you not to forget that these men in front of you are your weapons that you will use against the legendary witch of deception.

- I agree that they are the men I will take with me, but calling them weapons seems a bit…

- Ohh? Do you have a problem with that, your Excellency?

After another mischievous look, the captain showed me a confident smile as he asked me to express my feelings in front of the soldiers.

- You're taking advantage of the fact that I'm not good at public speaking…

A loud laugh rang out throughout the room. In fact, a barrage of laughter would be more appropriate. I raised my head in panic as I watched the soldiers laughing at full volume. Embarrassment hit me hard and I couldn't help but want to bury myself in a hole for the next 3 years. When I was about to run away, the captain's voice broke the atmosphere.

- At attention!

All of them, without exception, stopped laughing and stood firm in their position again. I was perplexed by this situation.

- Well, men, have your doubts been answered?

- Yes sir!

- Doubts?

I couldn't help but squeeze out that question as I looked at the captain in amazement.

- You see, these men are the only elite soldiers who answered your call. As you can see, thanks to that strange gloomy aura of yours, people among the army don't look kindly on you. You are often misunderstood as some kind of maniac who likes torturing people.

- ….. Huh?

- Oh? You didn't know that?

- No….

An awkward silence spread throughout the room. Even the soldiers seemed impressed. Clearing his throat, the captain continued.

- Well, anyway, thanks to that reputation of yours, only these 15 joined the effort to protect their country. But despite their loyalty, they didn't have much confidence in you. So I proposed to them to arrange a meeting with you so they could examine whether or not you were worthy of their trust.

I turned to look at the soldiers who were looking at me with some respect. One of them who was on the right side raised his hand and began to speak.

- I have always admired you, your Excellency. Despite your fame, the large number of feats they tell of you have already made you a legend among us.

- Certainly, if someone so strong didn't have the screws in his head well adjusted, it would be quite a problem for us.

- Exactly.

A brief, animated chatter arose among the soldiers. The captain raised his hands and with a single clap he made everyone fall silent in an instant. Then he began to speak.

- And that is why I wanted them to meet you and for you to give them some words of encouragement. From today on, they will become your weapons that you wield in the next mission, so I need you to train together to improve your confidence.

I looked at the captain with some hostility at that plan that was so annoying to me. Frankly, I expected a casual introduction to the members and nothing more, but now they had thrown me a speech out of nowhere that I have no idea how to do. When I tried to refuse, I realized that the expectant gaze of all the soldiers fell on me. That pressure made it impossible to refuse. I gave one last angry look to the captain who gave me a smug smile. I sighed and faced everyone, before letting out an incomprehensible groan. After that, silence reigned for a moment before I gathered my courage and spoke again.

- L-listen to me, Va-valiant knights of Irshel. The m-mission we're on is not even close to easy. I-in fact, it's very likely that none of you will return alive from it. So, le-let me ask you again. Are you willing to give your lives for me?

As I looked at their faces for any kind of doubt, a knight standing in the center of the formation raised his hand. After looking at the captain for a few moments he began to speak.

-Not to be disrespectful, but... Isn't it obvious that everyone here made that decision?

-Huh?

-I think I say this on behalf of everyone present, but no one who has ever set foot in this room is going to back down. Now that even our doubts about you have been cleared, we have nothing left but to ask you to give our lives the greatest use you can so that our country can see a better tomorrow.

With those words, all the soldiers bowed in unison, showing all their confidence and determination. At this spectacle I could only look at them with some sadness and joy filled my heart as a strong determination built up within it.

- Shi… I need you to prepare the blood ritual.

"Of course."

With that, the preparations for the big day were going full steam ahead.