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Chapter Fourteen: The White Legend
The people of this region, which is part of Siberia, call themselves Yupik, meaning "human" or "true human."
They have their own unique culture, art, and language. They feel offended when the word "Eskimo" is used to describe them by Westerners, thinking it reflects the era of Western colonialism.
They didn't pay much attention to William's arrival, nor to the wolf pup in his hands. They assumed this was normal behavior for southern people, who tend to collect things they like. What did catch their attention, however, was William's hair on his head and face, which surprised them.
They didn't get too close to William, but neither did they avoid him.
A middle-aged man, who knew some Mongolian Russian, approached William and spoke to him. Over the years, while training with the secret organization of the Men of the King, William had learned many languages. According to Merlin and Harry, learning languages is as important for a secret agent as learning to shoot in combat. He knew French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and several other European languages, and in Asia, Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and a few less important languages, including Mongolian, although he was not fully fluent—just enough to understand the broken speech of the middle-aged man.
The Yupik man invited him into a tent. When they sat, William noticed fresh meat being prepared for drying and winter consumption. The man offered him a piece, which he chewed, frowning—it was very salty.
"Southerner, why have you come to us?" he asked.
"I need some milk for this wolf pup."
"You know you shouldn't keep wild animals in human settlements, especially this wolf, who has always sought freedom."
"I know, but Beta has no one but me, and I promised to protect him."
"...Alright."
"Thank you."
The middle-aged man looked outside for a few minutes, then nodded several times.
"Our ancestors always lived in this harsh and wild land without war. They gave this land love and faith, and so do we.
In this land, there is a legend of a terrifying creature. That creature was so powerful that it killed many gods. This is the battlefield of the gods and that terrible being."
William listened to the old man's story. Some words were difficult to understand, but he could grasp the meaning. The tale described a mighty creature that defeated and killed many gods. Beneath these icy lands was a magnificent realm, destroyed in the fierce war along with its people.
The man and his ancestors had survived this disaster and remained to honor the memory of their ancestors and their home. According to the middle-aged man, this chaotic creature had been sealed here by the gods of water and ice. This frozen land contains powerful chains to hold the cruel and mighty being, and the color white symbolizes the sealing of darkness.
The man looked at William and said nothing more. William smiled in understanding.
The man gave him a bowl of milk made from female reindeer, both nutritious and fresh. William gave them some money in dollars and continued his journey with his small companion, Miss Beta.
He thought about the Yupik man's words. Personally, William didn't believe strongly in gods. There are many religions on Earth, worshipping many gods with different names. But if a god exists, it is only more powerful humans with different abilities. Mutants also have strange and powerful abilities—are they gods? Of course not. Are Professor X and Magneto gods? No, they are just leaders fighting for their beliefs. Ordinary people suffer, and innocent mutants fall into the abyss of jealousy and anger from humans and extremist mutants.
William's hair color being a sign of divine power was scientifically impossible. It was due to genetic traits in his body, designed to channel life force into his muscles. Years of such secret activities and extreme experiences could shorten his life. Both William and the organization knew this, so he had prepared for farewell to such missions years in advance.
Legends always remain legends.
William spent two more days in this desolate place seeking peace and returned to base on the seventh day. He went to the hospital for medical checkups, including Beta, the small companion who was gradually growing. They confirmed the pup was healthy in all aspects.
William walked through the hallways with a happy expression. Beta accompanied him, curiously observing everything and everyone. He had become the newest and youngest member of the Men of the King secret agent family.
William entered the conference room, holding Beta in his arms, and sat down. He put on rubber glasses to see the virtual faces of Arthur, Harry, and Merlin.
Arthur had his kind, fatherly smile. Harry smiled and nodded. Merlin looked at Beta with a gaze eager to stroke the soft fur, and Beta shivered in response, seeking refuge in William's arms.
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