Chapter 3
Accepted as a Warrior
1
The story of Eight Arm Kurgan was known throughout the Vollachian Empire.
To grasp his phenomenon, one must first understand the plight of the Many-Handed before Kurgan came along. Demihumans did not have it easy anywhere. In Lugnica, they had been openly discriminated against for centuries. The Holy Kingdom of Gusteko had closed itself off to outsiders. Only in Vollachia, where skill was always valued more than origin, could they forge a secure position for themselves by their own efforts.
Many talented magic users were found among the non-humans. Due to their physique, it was definitely easier for them to accumulate mana, and many races used spells on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the Great-Handed were not lucky when it came to spells. They dealt with them poorly, so it was difficult for them to defend themselves against persecution, and that happened often. They definitely stood out in a crowd. The fact of having extra limbs hurtfully stung the eyes of all xenophobes. Known for their peaceful and non-combative attitude, the Great Horned were a race of wanderers. Since losing their homeland during the war, they have never found a permanent home, fleeing persecution. It was only thanks to Eight Arm Kurgan that their fate changed.
Kurgan was unique from the day he was born. The many-armed, as the name suggests, were distinguished by having more hands than humans: they had a minimum of three, usually four or five. Kurgan was born with as many as eight. It soon became apparent that this was not the only thing that distinguished him from most of his countrymen.
The Kurgan clan settled on the estate of a Vollachian nobleman. Unfortunately, a conflict arose, and the nobleman decided to get rid of the troublesome Great-Hands, demihumans incapable of fighting who he despised like most of those around him. It was then that Kurgan found that he had the heart of a warrior and needed only the right opportunity to properly showcase his abilities.
He single-handedly defeated a squad sent by the magnate, and then gathered his countrymen and set out for his residence. The nobleman had not expected this. What surprised him even more was that Kurgan didn't come to kill. He didn't need to, he had already proven what he could do.
The aristocrat was so impressed that he immediately accepted the young man into his army. Kurgan was then twenty years old.
Time passed, and he gained 2 on the battlefields of the entire world. Soon everyone knew who Eight Arm Kurgan was. This great warrior became the embodiment of the blood and sword philosophy that had guided Vollachia since the very beginning of the Empire. He went down in history as a hero.
The powerful blade struck the shield with such force that Garfiel soared several meters backwards. He had to use all his strength to brake.
It made me shake... Good! Now I feel alive! Come on, Garfiel! You said it, you got it!
- Haaaaaaaaaa! Block!
He bent down and plucked a flat cobblestone from the ground. He raised it above him, trying to stop Kurgan's attack, but the Demon Cleaver crushed the makeshift shield. Garfiel tilted his head back and stopped the weapon, catching it with his teeth.
I need to change immediately, my jaw is too weak!
The upper half of his body instantly turned into the torso of a giant tiger. That was enough - he just wanted to shatter the legendary blade with the beast's fangs.
The broad wedge snapped and Kurgan's great body shook.
Now! Quick decision!
He gathered all the strength from Mother Nature in his feet to launch himself at the War God like a torpedo. He grabbed him with clawed paws and with a splash they fell into the canal together. The water immediately turned red.
The fight continued, Garfiel whipped blindly, fighting against the current. Suddenly, he felt a powerful fist strike him straight in the stomach. He roared in pain, losing all oxygen. Water poured into his mouth. The underwater battle was more painful than anything he had experienced before. He panicked. He was unable to surface for air. He began to lose consciousness.
I'm about to die.
Then he heard a deafening thump. He opened his eyes and saw that Kurgan had used the Demon Cleaver to punch a huge hole in the canal wall. The water immediately changed direction. The confused Garfiel was sucked into the giant hole. Moments later, he fell to the cold, hard floor. The cold stream sloshed against his back.
- Uaaaa! Khe, khe! - he coughed, desperately trying to get rid of the liquid from his lungs as quickly as possible. He raised his head to get an idea of the situation.
- Mr. Supertiger? - a quiet voice broke through the water.
Someone... is calling me?
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