Chapter 6: Barbarians who settle in crowd
Bulkesso didn't think people from different worlds would understand the way information was obtained in his world, so he took the time to remind them.
However, his gruff tone made his words seem especially rude.
Though Bulkesso was a barbarian, his integrity was well-known and respected in his world. But when the final battle came, apart from a few comrades scattered across the land, only Tyrael remained by his side.
Most of his other friends had long been lost in the endless battles, leaving behind only memories amidst the smoke and carnage.
Following the method Bulkesso mentioned, the ancient master projected her spirit into the glowing red gem. In that instant, she witnessed an existence she had never encountered in her long life.
The Skeleton King rose from his throne, clutching a savage scepter, exuding the cold aura of the dead and embodying the madness of a tyrant king.
She saw Belial, the King of Lies, shed his humble human guise in the palace, revealing his demonic, apocalyptic form. Belial dragged the palace into his hellish domain, fighting amidst poisonous mists and his monstrous, towering body.
She saw the Wizarding Society created by Maghda, the deranged humans, and Azmodan's endless infernal army.
In the High Heavens, the Archangel of Valor was gravely wounded by Prius under the power of the Prime Evil. Diablo shattered the Crystal Arch with his earth-shattering might.
She also saw Bulkesso, under the power of the Angel of Death, wielding his whirlwind, a force that seemed to destroy everything.
Fragments of Bulkesso's battle experience flashed before the Supreme Mage's eyes. At that moment, she understood what Bulkesso truly represented.
Bulkesso was a savior of humanity, a guardian of justice and kindness, and a master of boundless rage.
His ruggedness, integrity, directness, and immense strength left a profound impression on the Supreme Mage.
These memories quickly flowed through the mind of the Ancient One. Within a short time, she had thoroughly absorbed them.
"I must admit, those battles terrified me. The sights of blood and flesh left me unsettled more times than I can count," the Ancient One muttered.
She could discern whether these images were illusions or reality. Though she doubted her ability to best Bulkesso in direct combat, she was confident the visions were genuine.
Having recently experienced the anger and killing intent within Bulkesso's memories, she confirmed that all of it was real.
From those memories, she could even sense Bulkesso's power growing ever stronger, surpassing anything she had encountered before.
Despite being from an unfamiliar world, the Ancient One was convinced that Bulkesso posed no threat to hers.
Adjusting her surprised expression, she gave Bulkesso a slight bow.
"Respected Barbarian King, Mr. Bulkesso, is there anything I can assist you with?"
"You trust me so easily? Your straightforwardness leaves a favorable impression," Bulkesso replied, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected immediate trust from a stranger in a foreign world.
"Power as immense as yours is the greatest persuasion. Someone like you doesn't need lies to achieve trivial goals," the Ancient One stated calmly. Though it sounded like flattery, it was her genuine assessment of Bulkesso.
Having seen his strength firsthand, she could discern the information she needed. Bulkesso was straightforward—a warrior shaped by fire, spirits, battle, and survival.
In the despair-ridden world of Sanctuary, survival itself was a monumental achievement.
"And what are your plans now?" the Ancient One asked.
Bulkesso hesitated.
After leaving Sanctuary, he had lost the battlefield that gave him purpose. Now, only the snowy Holy Mountain remained to keep him company.
With no compatriots or friends left, the only solace came from the fiery burn of the spirits in his hand.
"Perhaps I'll explore this world," Bulkesso said, biting his tongue before downing his fiery drink.
The mention of the future brought a wave of melancholy, amplified by the burn of the spirits.
"Earth... I wonder if this is my home?" Bulkesso murmured.
The Ancient One misunderstood his words, assuming he sought a new home. To her, "Earth" was just another name, like "Midgard."
But for Bulkesso, "home" was an elusive concept, tied to either Sanctuary's cries of despair or a warm, fading memory of a distant nest.
"My world isn't as perilous as yours. Most here don't need to fight for mere survival. Would you consider staying?" the Ancient One invited.
She had seen the power of Bulkesso and his companions in his memories and hoped for his aid.
Time was ever-changing, and the Ancient One had long prepared herself for death. Yet if she could mitigate future disasters, she wouldn't pass up the chance.
Bulkesso gazed at her face, noting her bald head—a rarity even among women warriors like the monk companions of Karashim.
The Ancient One had a unique beauty, unrelated to gender, but purely human in nature.
"Then, Mage, help me open a blacksmith shop among the people. Fighting and forging are all I know," Bulkesso said in a low but gentler voice.
Though his tone remained deep and powerful, it was no longer harsh.