Berserk: The Prophet

Chapter 165 The Silence of the Night

Green felt a powerful desire rising within him—a thirst for power, a yearning for freedom. He knew this was a trial of desire, and he had to pass it to truly master the method of controlling it.

A golden aura seemed to surge from the Yintang acupoint, and the calming techniques recorded in ancient books flowed rapidly through my mind.

Green closed his eyes and began to have a dialogue with his own heart. He asked himself, what is true freedom? What is true power?

The answer lies in the mind: true freedom is not about being unrestrained, but about being able to control one's desires!

True power lies not in conquering others, but in conquering yourself!

A scorching crimson aura emanated from the totem, and the entire body was steaming with that crimson aura, as if it were about to burst into flames.

When a raging fire ignites within, it's as if the soul is being swept into a quagmire and swamp called "anger," from which it cannot escape.

"Roar!!"

The eyes in the totem turned crimson, accompanied by a dragon's roar. The nascent form of a "dragon's" desire appeared on his hands and forehead, which was manifested in the prison. Several ancient books floated down from the bookshelf and swirled around Green.

With a whoosh, nine silver iron chains materialized from the ancient books around them, wrapping around the dragon-shaped totem.

As the ceremony progressed, the light within the library began to shine brightly. A powerful force was slowly flowing through his body, bringing him an unprecedented sense of clarity and peace.

"To suppress one's true nature... a foolish choice." The dragon's whisper sank lower and lower.

As the ritual reached its climax, Green felt an invisible force restraining and closing the desires and rifts within him. His resolve strengthened once more, and he knew he had successfully overcome his primal desires.

On the totem, the scarlet dorsal fin gradually returned to its original appearance, changing from a strange scarlet to gold, and its eyes closed again.

After the ceremony, Green felt an unprecedented sense of ease, as if he had gained new strength.

The scarlet dragon scales and claws clinging to his skin on his palms were already under his complete control; he could change them at any time without needing to fall into a frenzied state.

So this is... true power!

An owl hooted and landed on the counter of the huge library, and with its hooting, the ancient books automatically flew back to their original shelves.

"...owl?"

Green looked up in confusion at the owl that was tilting its head and staring at him, with its snow-white belly and brown feathers, obsidian beak and a pair of big, golden eyes.

"Gu..."

As it soared into the air, a blinding white light tore the space of the library ceiling in two, as if returning to that boundless, snow-white world, or as if gradually returning to darkness.

.........

【Fantasy Continent - Barkley】

When Green opened his eyes again, the sky was a bright blue, and his eyes didn't feel any discomfort from the sunlight. He was basking in the sun in Barkley's remote village.

A tear silently slid down the corner of her eye, perhaps because the sand and dust had gotten into her vision, or perhaps because of some deep emotion within her.

"It's time to leave, young master Ryan."

“…Here it comes.”

At the call of a heavily armored soldier named Barkley, Green rose from the boulder and ran toward his hut where he stored his equipment and luggage. Everyone in the legion was already making preparations to set off again.

Green quickly packed his bags and stepped out of the room. He saw the other soldiers inspecting weapons and equipment, their expressions serious and focused. He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air, and a sense of mission welled up inside him.

Just then, Trunks walked over and patted Green on the shoulder. "This pursuit will undoubtedly be very difficult, but I believe you can hold on. Remember, we represent Barkley's honor, and we must give it our all."

Green nodded and stood at attention. "Understood, General Trunks!"

The group set off, heading south towards Yaoyang Port. Green glanced back at the village that was gradually receding into the distance, silently praying that the villagers, who had remained strong despite their hardships, would be able to live peacefully.

Following Trunks' footsteps, they also wiped out many large and small Snake Cult strongholds along the way.

In the evening, tents stood in rows, and the troops were cooking over a fire, as the Blue Disciples checked each one.

Green walked toward Seranty and Trunks' campfire, where they seemed to still be talking about the war.

Green sighed, deciding it was best not to disturb them; the battle was more important. However, it seemed the atmosphere in the army had lessened after passing through those villages.

The night after dinner was exceptionally quiet except for the chirping of insects. Green only wanted to stay under this tranquil sky and look up at the stars, with the military tents below stretching out like a glittering river of sparks.

It should have been a feeling of melancholy and loneliness, with thoughts drifting back to one's hometown, but one doesn't know where to begin longing for...

In this long and unsettled journey of life, for Green, this life of homelessness and loneliness seemed to have become a destiny, continuing for two whole cycles.

Whether it was the cruel trick of fate or the fickle nature of destiny, even though the warm family affection he had longed for finally came to his side, it vanished in an instant, like the fleeting bloom of a night-blooming cereus, leaving only endless loneliness behind.

He was probably missing Sis and his brother, or perhaps it was the sudden slowdown in his life that caused him loneliness. Because most of the time, he simply didn't have time for sadness and loneliness, as he was busy making a living.

When the weary body can finally rest for a while, those long-suppressed emotions come rushing in like a tidal wave.

A very light footstep came from behind. Green knew that it was probably Seranty making the sound on purpose.

"...You seem to have something on your mind."

“...Hmm.” Green didn’t know how to start the conversation. Was Seranty the only person he could rely on, the only family member he could call family?

The answer seemed to be yes, but... he also seemed to be deliberately keeping his distance. Green was a little unsure what their relationship was; it seemed to lack something beyond kinship, preventing him from fully opening up.

It's more like... a simple foster relationship, an adopted son and guardian. Like Gambino, but clearly, Seranti did a better job as a guardian than Gambino.

Seranti had no idea what Green was thinking; to him, the boy always did things that surprised people.

It seems that when he was that age, he was probably still huddled alone in a cage, shivering.

"...I miss my mother too." And I miss Gus too...

Green, clutching his greatsword, leaned against a large rock, recalling the child's words from the prison, tears streaming silently down his face. He remembered that the child had died of despair and hunger; if he hadn't been captured, he would have been a rather happy child.

Seranti's pupils contracted slightly, and he choked on his words, feeling as if his heart had skipped a beat, as if someone had ripped it open. He didn't know how to answer.

Neither of them were particularly eloquent, yet they were able to share the beauty of the night view. Perhaps, silent companionship was the best comfort...