Genesis (Erityian Tribes Novella, #7)

07 : ҁѫҩ•ҩѯǂҁ⊱ǂͽᵻϫ

07: The Erityians

Humans, as creatures of comfort and habits, had long feared change. However, whether they like it or not, everything was bound to change—whether it would be a progress or a regress.

During the 16th century, humans had undergone a substantial shift through speciation, thereby creating a new and distinct race of people. Eruptive may it seem, this change was gradual and undetected for the last couple of centuries, ascribable to what the modern day would refer to genetic drift. This evolution was characterized by their physiological and developmental changes, such as rare eye colors and inhuman abilities.

The new race of people was further diversified through their physical and cultural differences, and upon the discovery of each other's existence, these disparities would drive the groups even more apart. Unbeknownst to the ordinary, the rifts among these groups would be the cause of every great war and all those that would happen in the far future.

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Shinji's clan had been traveling the world for years in search of new knowledge and members. They roamed the coldest cities and seemingly infinite deserts of the Rusnia, bartered with the nomadic tribes in the steppes, and even fought against some of them. They had learned each country and empire's culture—from arts, language, to military strength—as more people like them joined the group. Although there were mishaps along the way, he was contented with their journey. That contentment and safety immediately vanished upon stepping into the Holy Roman Empire's territories, facing adversity after adversity. Without any awareness about the ongoing dispute within the great empire, they were caught in the middle of some full-scale conflicts.

With forty people under his care, it was hard to protect and feed them amid a warring land. Every day, they had to risk their lives to put food in their mouth as military men and soldiers would roam around territories. Shinji tried to delve into the origins of the war and learned that religion was a crucial factor.

"From what I have gathered, there are three prominent religious factions in the land: Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists," Frida Heren, whom Shinji had given a new name, Kiku, reported. "The Empire lacks central authority; hence these factions sought to destabilize it and expand their own territories."

Ishida, his righthand man, acknowledged the report. Wanting to leave the nation sooner, Shinji ordered Ishida to accompany Kiku to gather more information while he and Natsue planned for their escape route.

"Lord Shinji," Ishida called once the counselors left. He had told Ishida to address him as Shinji, but the kid was stubborn.

Shinji liked to think of him as a kid even though he had grown so much for the past few years. Ishida had a lean, muscular body that could rival that of a military commander, especially with the sharp blade hanging on his waist. The wild look in his eyes before turned calculating. Shinji told him that strength does not always win, hence he needs to hone his mind, too. The kid started respecting him after saving his life twice that he swore his loyalty, which honestly made Shinji uncomfortable and gave him a lot of pressure. Worse, the kid started calling him lord when they had amassed several people who wanted to join their adventure, and everyone followed what he did.

"What is it, Ishida?"

"May I ask you to entrust my job to Kiku?" he said. "She's competent enough and I can trust her judgment."

Shinji looked at him curiously. His eyes glinted ardently, reflecting the embers of fire beside them. Ishida had never given up on an order, especially one given by him, unless there was something bigger and more important to take care of.