Chapter 55: The Mythic Trial

The "Circle of Harvest" is, in fact, a commune founded by a group of like-minded individuals. All members of the commune regard one another as brothers and sisters, practicing together, working together, and living a secluded life far from the mundane world. In some respects, it resembles a monastic order, though its doctrines are far less stringent; members are free to leave at any time and establish new communities elsewhere that better suit their own aspirations. This branching phenomenon has occurred frequently throughout the history of the Circle of Harvest, expanding its influence from a remote corner of the Old Continent's far east to the New Continent.

Both Guillaume Tell and Viktor Kalinin trained at the Circle of Harvest headquarters in the far east, and both left their order for different reasons. Guillaume Tell never spoke of his reasons for departing, but judging from his thirty-odd years as a wandering adventurer, Joan surmised that her grandfather had grown weary of the monotonous pastoral life and yearned for excitement and adventure. Yet, in his old age, burdened by injury, Tell returned to the countryside, resuming a secluded existence reminiscent of his life thirty years earlier. Perhaps this is what people mean by "returning to simplicity."

Viktor Kalinin, much younger than his senior Tell, harbored greater ambitions. Eighteen years ago, he left the order for the New Continent, determined to spread the legacy of the "Green Wild Druids" across these fertile lands. After more than a decade of toil and hardship, Kalinin's missionary work achieved remarkable success; he became the acknowledged leader of the Circle of Harvest in the New Continent. He also found love, marrying Matoka Powhatan, the contemporary chief of the Powhatan tribe, and their children have since grown to adulthood.

Compared to this happy couple, the old Tell—dragging a crippled leg and raising his grandson alone—appeared particularly downcast. Yet, in Kalinin’s memories, he was nothing of the sort; eager to learn what trials had transformed his once spirited senior into a reclusive, unknown cripple in a quiet town after so many years apart.

“Senior, it’s been so long. How are Simon and Joan?” Kalinin asked Tell.

“Joan? Which Joan? You mean my daughter? She passed away thirteen years ago. Simon left even earlier. Only their child remains with me, but he too will soon depart.” The old man spoke with indifference, gesturing to his grandson beside him. “His name is also Joan.”

Kalinin and Matoka exchanged troubled looks; the couple shared a glance before Matoka spoke up.

“Senior, fourteen years ago when we last met, Simon and Joan said they were going to Darningburg and invited us to join them. I was pregnant with Conti at the time, and Viktor had to stay behind to care for me, so we couldn’t go. What happened afterward? How did Simon and Joan pass away so suddenly?”

“It’s all old history—I’ve long since forgotten!” Tell abruptly cut her off, his tone cold. “Looking back, it was wise you two didn’t go. Anyway… don’t bring up such tedious matters in front of my grandson.”

Matoka nodded in understanding and cast a glance filled with sympathy and pity toward the orphan.

“Joan, hearing your name reminds me of your mother. She was my dearest friend. You and Conti must become good friends as well,” Matoka said, gently stroking Joan’s hair, her demeanor exceedingly tender.

The chieftain's gentle admonition warmed Joan, who had grown up without a mother, and he nodded solemnly, silently vowing to look after Conti to the best of his ability.

Matoka smiled kindly at Joan and then turned to Tell. “Conti loves spending time with you and Joan. Why don’t you two move to Powhatan Village? Viktor and I could look after you more easily.”

The old man scoffed, “I have my own hands and feet; why would I need your care?”

Joan frowned at this, even with his solitary nature finding his grandfather’s words a bit much—if he didn’t want to go, he could simply refuse without dismissing their kindness so coldly.

Sensing his grandson’s disquiet, Tell’s attitude softened somewhat.

“At my age, I don’t wish to travel far anymore. Joan, on the other hand, could visit Powhatan Village. Young people ought to see the world.”

Joan was surprised by his grandfather’s suggestion. He had intended to politely decline Matoka’s invitation, but suddenly remembered something and asked, “Is there, um… a mythical creature near Powhatan Village?”

“Mythical creature?” Matoka raised her brows in surprise, pondering for a while before replying uncertainly, “I’ve heard the elders mention a band of ogres deep in the forest. Their leader supposedly has mythic blood, possessing strength and wisdom far beyond that of ordinary ogres.”

“That ogre chief is named Shrek, and he even styles himself ‘the Clever King,’” Viktor Kalinin added, turning to Joan with a puzzled look. “Why are you asking about this?”

“It’s nothing, I’m just curious about the mythical creatures described in books,” Joan replied evasively. Since there was indeed a “mythical creature” near Powhatan Village, he felt it necessary to pay a visit.

Joan knew well that he was not yet strong enough to hunt a “mythical ogre,” but he could use the “Tear of the Gods” to remotely scout its strengths and discern its mythic rank, so as to be prepared. Once he grew powerful enough, he would hunt down the mythic ogre band and thus complete the first stage of his “mythic trial,” gaining even greater strength from the Tear.

While Joan was pondering these thoughts, the cheerful laughter of a girl rang out nearby. Conti ran over, dragging her little velociraptor, eagerly introducing her animal companion to Joan and earnestly informing Minnie that Joan was her best friend.

Minnie blinked her large, watery dark-brown eyes, leaned in to sniff Joan, as if to memorize his scent, then extended her short forelimbs toward him.

Joan stood there, unsure what to do. Only when Minnie repeatedly waved her forelimbs did he realize the clever velociraptor was greeting him, so he quickly raised his hands and shook Minnie’s forepaws.

“Minnie, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Roar~” Minnie gave a satisfied growl. Joan guessed she was saying something like, “Please take care of me.”

“Joan, there are so many fun places near Powhatan Village! Treat it like a holiday—come home with us for a few days, won’t you?” Conti pleaded, tugging his hand, her manner somewhere between coaxing and supplication.

Joan nodded, but then remembered something and hurriedly added, “I can’t stay too long at your house; I have to register at Leiden Port Academy before April first.”