Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 323: The Mountain Tribes (3) The Tribal Mage

Chapter 323: The Mountain Tribes (3) The Tribal Mage

Lyan stood tall in the center of the gathering, the mountain tribe members encircling him. The air buzzed with anticipation, a mix of curiosity and tension. The final match had just concluded, and Lyan had proven himself in combat against Krog, one of the tribe’s strongest warriors. The elder had declared him the new chief, but the atmosphere shifted abruptly when a voice cut through the murmurs.

"I do not agree!" The voice was sharp, authoritative. "You not fit to be chief!"

All eyes turned toward the speaker, a tall, gaunt man with piercing eyes and long, braided hair streaked with gray. He wore a cloak of animal fur and feathers, adorned with talismans and beads. The man stepped forward, his presence commanding respect. This was the tribal mage, known simply as Togar. He was one of the tribe’s elders and advisors, revered for his mastery of lightning magic.

Lyan raised an eyebrow, studying Togar. He had heard of the mage’s prowess and his influence within the tribe, but he hadn’t expected an open challenge.

Togar’s eyes narrowed as he looked Lyan over. "Outsider cannot be chief," he stated, his voice laced with disdain. "You not of our blood, not of our ways. Strength not enough."

Lara and Tara, standing beside Lyan, exchanged uneasy glances. Tara stepped forward, her voice firm but respectful. "Togar, Lyan strong. He prove it. He fight fair, win fair."

Lara nodded in agreement. "He fight like us, respect our ways. He win Krog, strongest in tribe."

Togar shook his head, his expression unmoved. "Strength in fight not same as strength in spirit. Chief must be more than warrior. Must know our ways, protect our traditions. Outsider not understand."

Lyan stepped forward, meeting Togar’s gaze evenly. "I understand your concerns, Togar," he said, his tone calm. "But I’m here to learn and respect your traditions. I’ve proven my strength and willingness to be a part of this tribe. Give me the chance to prove myself as chief."

Togar snorted, crossing his arms. "Words easy. Actions matter. I challenge you, outsider. You prove strength, now prove wisdom."

Lyan’s eyes narrowed slightly. "And how do you propose I do that?"

Togar pointed at the sky, where dark clouds were gathering. "Lightning duel. You use weapon, I use magic. We see who stronger, who wiser. If you win, you chief. If not, you leave, and never return."

A murmur spread through the crowd. The tribe’s members exchanged glances, some excited, others apprehensive. Lightning duels were rare and dangerous, a test of both skill and courage. They were a way to resolve disputes and establish dominance, but they were also fraught with risks.

Lyan glanced at his companions. Belle and Alina looked concerned, while Xena seemed intrigued. Surena gave him a nod of encouragement, her eyes steady. Lara and Tara, though worried, looked at him with trust.

Lyan turned back to Togar, his expression resolute. "I accept your challenge," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "But know this: I do not seek to destroy your traditions. I want to learn and grow with this tribe."

Togar’s lips curled into a thin smile. "We see," he said simply.

The tribe quickly made preparations for the duel. The sky darkened further, the air crackling with anticipation. The arena, now cleared of spectators, was set up for the duel. At one end stood Togar, his hands crackling with arcs of electricity. At the other stood Lyan, his magic glaive glowing faintly in his hands.

The elder who had officiated the tournament stepped forward, raising her hands for silence. "The terms are set," she announced. "This is a duel of strength and wisdom. No one shall intervene. The winner will be decided when one party concedes or is incapacitated. Let the duel begin!"

With a crack of lightning, Togar launched the first attack. A bolt of electricity shot towards Lyan, who swiftly raised his glaive. The weapon hummed as it absorbed the energy, dispersing it harmlessly. The crowd gasped, a mix of surprise and awe at the sight.

Lyan smirked, twirling his glaive with ease. "Is that the best you can do?" he taunted lightly.

Togar’s eyes blazed with fury. "You mock me?!" He thrust his hands forward, unleashing a barrage of lightning bolts. The air hummed with energy as the bolts crackled toward Lyan, but once again, his glaive absorbed the attacks. The weapon seemed to glow brighter with each strike, reflecting the energy back into the sky.

Lara and Tara giggled, their eyes wide with amazement. "Togar’s magic like child’s play to him!" Lara whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

Tara nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "He so strong! Togar no chance!"

The crowd murmured, their initial excitement turning to unease as they witnessed Lyan’s effortless deflection of Togar’s attacks. The tribal mage, for all his power, seemed unable to penetrate Lyan’s defenses.

Togar, his face twisted with frustration, drew a deep breath. "You think you clever," he snarled. "But can you handle this?" He raised his arms high, summoning a massive bolt of lightning from the dark clouds above. The bolt struck the ground between them, sending a shockwave through the arena. The earth trembled, and sparks flew as the air filled with the acrid scent of ozone.

Lyan braced himself, his eyes locked on Togar. The mage’s face was a mask of concentration, his hands crackling with energy. The air around them buzzed with tension, the tribe holding its collective breath.

With a shout, Togar hurled the bolt directly at Lyan. The force of the attack was immense, a searing column of white-hot energy that seemed to tear through the very fabric of the world. The crowd gasped, some crying out in fear.

But Lyan stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. As the bolt neared him, he swung his glaive in a wide arc. The weapon met the lightning with a deafening clash, absorbing the energy and dispersing it into the ground. The ground beneath him glowed with the residual energy, but Lyan remained unharmed.

Togar staggered back, panting heavily. His eyes were wide with disbelief and fear. "No... impossible..." he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Lyan lowered his glaive, his expression calm but firm. "It’s over, Togar," he said quietly. "You’ve proven your strength, but now it’s time to accept that the tribe needs more than just power. They need wisdom and unity."

Togar fell to his knees, the energy around him dissipating. The crowd watched in stunned silence as the elder approached, her expression grave.

"Togar has been defeated," she declared. "Lyan is the new chief."

The tribe erupted into cheers, the sound echoing through the mountains. The tension melted away, replaced by excitement and relief. Lyan’s companions rushed forward, their faces alight with joy and pride. Lara and Tara were the first to reach him, their eyes shining with admiration.

"You did it!" Lara exclaimed, throwing her arms around Lyan. "You strong, wise chief!"

Tara nodded, hugging him from the other side. "We knew you win! You make us proud!"

Lyan smiled, hugging them back. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I couldn’t have done it without your support."

The tribe quickly set about preparing for the coronation ceremony. The village was transformed with decorations, and a large bonfire was built in the center of the gathering area. The air was filled with the scent of roasting meat and the sound of drums, creating a festive atmosphere. The tribe’s members donned their finest clothing, a mix of furs, feathers, and beads, each piece telling a story of their history and identity.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the valley, the tribe gathered around the bonfire. The elder stood at the center, holding a ceremonial headdress made of feathers and animal bones. Lyan stood before her, flanked by his companions and the tribe’s warriors. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, a blend of tradition and new beginnings.

The elder raised her hands for silence, her voice resonant and clear. "Today, we welcome a new chief. He has proven his strength in combat, his wisdom in leadership, and his respect for our traditions. Let us honor him as our leader, our protector, and our guide."

She placed the headdress on Lyan’s head, the feathers brushing against his face. The weight of it felt both significant and comforting, a tangible symbol of his new role. The tribe cheered, the sound echoing through the mountains like a powerful wave.

Lyan looked around at the faces of the tribe, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and humility. He saw trust and hope in their eyes, a belief in him that went beyond mere strength. He raised his hand, calling for silence.

"Thank you," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I am honored to be your chief. I promise to lead with strength, wisdom, and respect for our traditions. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and build a future of unity and prosperity."