C145, 146, 147
Chapter 145: A Great Legacy (2)
Karui, the ancient evil god.
Unlike the three gods who remain in the world, he demands an infinite price from his followers.
He doesn't give everything away freely.
He just grants wishes.
Regardless of good or evil.
As long as the price is sufficient.
Nothing more, nothing less.
[I grant your wish.]
The moment he hears the long-awaited answer…
…a monstrous arm appears, tearing through space and taking Ludwig's arm.
However, when he regains consciousness, he's standing in the same spot where he was just watching.
It's truly a demonic power and authority.
Especially in the sense that there's always a price to pay.
“I’m, comi… ng!”
Even as he's making up his mind, the desperate battle is nearing its end.
Ludwig hurriedly reaches out.
And…
[I will take it.]
…that's enough.
There's no need to explain to the evil god what he's offering and what he desires.
“Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing!!”
The Dragonslayer's body is thrown back as if hit by an invisible force as he was about to stab the barbarian warrior with his sword.
But in return…
Rip!
…both of his ears are torn off.
A permanent injury that can't be healed by any divine power or potion, offered as a sacrifice to the evil god.
Pain that's incomparable to being burned alive erupts.
But Ludwig only thinks about one thing.
Right, they were fighting in this kind of pain.
“You, you… heal me!”
The Dragonslayer orders with black eyes.
His body moves involuntarily, regardless of his will.
It's not just because of his grandson, whose soul is completely under his control, but also because of one of his abilities, [Subjugation].
As long as he's bound by that cursed ability, he can't disobey his orders.
But…
[I’ll count to ten.]
…the moment a giant monstrous claw tears off his remaining arm, his body, which was moving involuntarily, stops.
But it's still not enough.
He still desires much…
…and he still has much to offer.
His legs, eyes, heart, lungs…
Anything is fine.
He’ll offer his entire, insignificant body.
If he can be of help to the young heroes’ path with his twilight body.
He’ll even give up his desire to end his weary life and rest in her embrace.
So…
“Give me the strength to kill him.”
Ludwig speaks, and the evil god answers.
[Impossible.]
Not rejection, but impossible.
Even though he values ‘voluntary’ sacrifice the most…
…it means that this much isn’t enough of a price.
However, Ludwig lets go of all his lingering thoughts.
It’s different from the resignation he’s been practicing every day.
He already decided to abandon the hope he can’t achieve and do what he can.
The freedom the evil god granted him is only 10 seconds.
There’s no time to waste on despair.
“Then let me protect them.”
Ludwig speaks again, and the evil god laughs.
And…
[I grant your wish.]
…a monstrous arm emerges from the darkness, tearing his body apart and devouring it.
_____________________
The moment of relief from narrowly escaping death is short-lived.
A question arises.
How did the priest of Karui break through the 4-hour distance and arrive here, and why is he doing something that would harm the Dragonslayer?
Does he have another plan?
“Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing! Get over here and he, heal me…!”
Judging by the Dragonslayer’s expression, that doesn’t seem to be the case. In short, it means that even he didn’t expect this situation.
But it’s hard to see it as a positive variable.
“You, you… heal me!”
Black light emanates from the bastard’s eyes as he collapses, having even dropped his sword.
It’s obvious what it is without even looking.
[Subjugation].
It’s the ability of his 3rd-grade essence.
If you use it on the dead, you absorb their soul and your stats increase. And although there are some conditions for using it, if you use it on the living, you can control them like a slave. It’s an OP skill.
Thud.
The priest takes a step forward as if possessed.
However, just as we think it’s all over…
Crack.
…the priest’s remaining arm is torn off.
As if offering a sacrifice to the evil god hidden in the darkness.
Thud.
The priest, who was moving forward as if possessed, stops.
His appearance is beyond grotesque.
Both of his ears and arms are torn off as if bitten by a beast.
But in that state, the priest speaks,
“Give me the strength to kill him.”
Only then do I fully understand the situation.
Who this nameless priest is talking to.
And what kind of deal he made.
If all my predictions are correct, there’s a way to survive—
[Impossible.]
The answer to the priest’s request is rejection.
A voice that echoes throughout the passage as if speaking to everyone here. The Dragonslayer’s eyes briefly flicker with mixed emotions at this.
That’s when…
“Then let me protect them.”
…the man makes another request without a moment’s hesitation.
And I hear laughter from somewhere.
And…
[I grant your wish.]
…the priest collapses to the ground.
It’s only natural.
Both of his legs, which were supporting his body, have been torn off.
However, the evil god is a contradictory being who gives both hope and despair.
Whoosh!
In return for that sacrifice, a portal opens.
A portal that appears in the center of the passage, swirling with black light.
Although the color is different, it’s a dimensional gate.
A high-level magic spell that can open a gate from the labyrinth to the city.
Whoosh!
The dimensional gate, which was emanating a powerful magical energy, reveals what’s beyond.
It’s not the familiar gray city of Lafdonia.
It’s a dark and gloomy underground fortress.
“Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing! Get over here and—!”
The Dragonslayer’s body is slowly pushed back as if by an invisible gust of wind.
Towards the portal.
“How dare you do this to my gr—”
“It’s something I should have done a long time ago.”
The priest answers firmly, even though the Dragonslayer is shouting in anger.
“Damn iiiit!!!”
The bastard, as if finally accepting that there’s no way to stop the priest’s resolve, roars and looks at me, then shifts his gaze and stares at one spot.
And he reaches out his hand.
Swoosh.
The Akro longsword, which was lying on the ground without an owner, scrapes against the floor. The silver sword moves towards him as if drawn by magnetism.
It’s obvious what he’s trying to do.
He’s going to take this with him even if he has to leave.
‘Damn sword-obsessed bastard.’
I force my trembling legs and throw myself forward.
Not towards the shameless Dragonslayer…
Thud.
…but towards the sword. My head spins from the impact of my battered body hitting the ground, but I reach out and grab the sword.
Crackle!
As soon as my hand touches it, the sword emits a scorching heat, as if it has an owner’s mark.
Thanks to Pain Resistance, the pain is manageable.
But I can feel my hand going numb in real time.
If I hold onto it for a few more minutes, I might not be able to use this arm anymore.
‘…Did he use the sword in this state all this time?’
I immediately dismiss the unnecessary question that crossed my mind.
That’s not what I should be thinking about right now.
“You bas—!!”
I endure.
Even if I have to dig my teeth into the ground and use my weight.
So that the blade that will eventually be aimed at me won’t be in his hand again.
So that he can’t harm my companions.
Clang!
The pulling force suddenly intensifies.
My body starts sliding as if it’s lost friction. At this rate, I might be sucked into the portal along with the sword.
Damn it, should I let go now?
Just as that thought is about to surface…
“Keu, keuheok!”
…he coughs up blood, and the resistance disappears.
Right, you’ve reached your limit too.
“Barba… rian.”
He calls out to me and mutters briefly,
“We’ll… meet again.”
He says we’ll meet again.
It’s a line that a third-rate villain would say as he’s running away, with his pronunciation so bad that even Misha would be embarrassed.
And he doesn’t even say what he’ll do next time.
But…
Thump!
…my heart pounds at that single sentence.
“…….”
The spear embedded in my shoulder.
My half-crushed jaw.
The killing intent that makes my skin tingle.
And his right arm, burning black and emitting smoke…
…they’re all telling me…
…that there won’t be any lucky breaks like today if that day comes.
They’re conveying it to me more clearly than hundreds of curses.
But so what?
Clench.
A member of Orculus?
A 9th-floor explorer with the title of Dragonslayer?
That there won’t be a ‘Guardian of Balance’ next time?
I know all that.
Right, I can’t defeat him now.
If he tries something, I’ll have to struggle desperately like today.
But…
Swaaaaaaaaa!
…I’ll survive.
Because that’s what I’m best at.
That’s what I’ve been doing.
That’s what I have to keep doing.
I’ll survive and become stronger.
And someday, when I no longer need lucky breaks…
“We’ll meet again, Dragonkin.”
…I’ll come find him.
You’re not the only one who lost something today.
___________________
Swaaaaaaaaa!
The greedily open portal swallows his body and disappears. And at the same time, a warm light starts to seep into my body.
And not just me, but all my companions.
‘…Divine power?’
I stare blankly at my hand.
The wounds are slowly but steadily regenerating.
Unlike with potions, there’s no pain, only a sense of comfort.
Swoosh.
I finally come to my senses and check behind me.
I see the priest’s mangled body.
No, can I even call that a body anymore?
He’s missing arms and legs.
Dark red blood flows from his empty eye sockets, and his nose is cut off like a corpse on a battlefield.
And inside his abdomen, which is sliced open vertically, the things that should be there are missing.
“Why…”
I mutter involuntarily.
Why did this old man sacrifice so much?
And for us, whom he doesn’t even know.
“Letter… in my pocket…”
That’s when I faintly hear a voice.
It’s the priest.
I don’t believe it, but I quickly approach him and search his robe.
A single, wrinkled, and stained letter is found.
“Leath… las…”
“Don’t worry and rest. I’ll make sure to deliver this letter to the Leathlas Church.”
“Thank… you…”
The priest then closes his eyes.
Although his entire body is covered in blood, his wrinkled face looks so clean and peaceful.
Looking at it, it’s like he’s dreaming.
How can he even speak in this state?
I can’t hold back and ask.
Because this might be my last chance.
“…Why did you save us?”
Because it was the right thing to do?
Well, if he were that kind of person, he would have had a chance to be freed a long time ago.
So why today?
It can’t be a coincidence, and I’m so curious about the reason.
“…….”
There’s no answer.
Don’t tell me, he’s already dead?
Just as I’m getting up with that thought, the priest’s lips part slightly.
“Ma, gic…”
The sentence is incomplete.
But that’s enough.
“I see, thank you for telling me.”
I get up without hesitation.
Although I have many more questions…
…I feel like the old man has already left this place.
“…….”
I stop for a moment and listen.
An awkward, unusual silence.
I mutter inwardly, as if enjoying the aftertaste of this silence.
‘We survived.’
We survived.
The dwarf, Misha, and Rotmiller too.
No one died.
But…
‘I can’t say I kept my promise.’
I smile bitterly, looking at my companion’s corpse beyond the passage.
[Can… we win?]
[Don’t worry, I’ll save everyone and get us back.]
I confidently said that…
But it was he who protected us.
The fact that we were all able to return alive…
…that miracle, which is beyond luck, like a blessing from God…
[Ma, gic…]
…was a legacy left behind by the mage who fought until the very end.
Liol Wobu Dwarkey.
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 146: A Great Legacy (3)
Crackle.
I pick up the sword I had put down for a moment and return to where my companions are. And I put the sword in the bag I had left on the ground.
It doesn't seem like an ordinary Akro longsword, but I'll look into it later.
"I'm sorry. I failed again..."
I just pat the dwarf on the shoulder as he apologizes, looking ashamed.
What can I say to him?
It's not like we survived because of me.
"Bjorn."
Misha approaches me with a mournful gait and places her hand on my chest.
"I'm glad... you're alive. Truly..."
Something wells up inside me.
Because I know.
Who we owe our lives to, that we can feel relieved and grateful for surviving. He would have wanted to share this joyful moment with us.
"Rotmiller."
I gently push Misha's small hand away and walk towards Rotmiller, who has regained consciousness. And I tell him Dwarkey's last words, just a few sentences.
"I see. He..."
Rotmiller, after hearing everything, kneels in front of Dwarkey's body and makes the sign of the cross. And he whispers his farewell, which he couldn't convey alone.
"I remember when you first entered the labyrinth. You said you were starting to understand what it meant when the chieftain said the world is vast."
It was something that happened on the 3rd-floor Pilgrim's Path.
Rotmiller led us to a high hill, saying that exploration wasn't all about hardships and horrors.
We all saw the vast landscape bathed in silver light, and Dwarkey was so excited and happy that he couldn't sleep that night.
"I wish I could have shown you a wider world..."
Rotmiller ends his words plainly.
But it seems like the others still have many things they want to say. Misha and the dwarf also kneel and pour out their hearts.
I watch them from a distance.
It's not that I don't have anything to say.
But...
"Waaaaah! It's my fault! I, I! If only I hadn't chosen that door..."
"No, it's my fault. I told you to trust me, that I would protect you no matter what, but I... couldn't keep that promise."
I wouldn't be much different from them.
No matter what I say, it would just end with self-blame. Dwarkey definitely wouldn't want to see us like this.
The place we have to live in...
...is not a kind world where we can stay down forever.
[Meeek—!]
I open my mouth as I see a Vykuntus appearing from the other side of the passage.
"Everyone, stop it."
"......"
"It's an enemy."
We have to remember, but we also have to overcome our grief and get up.
That's all we can do.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
We have no choice but to move forward.
_______________________
The battle with the Vykuntus was more difficult than expected.
The reason is simple.
Our stats have significantly decreased since there are only four of us left in this vast labyrinth, and our injuries haven't fully healed yet.
In the first place, the reason we were able to defeat 6th-grade monsters so easily was because of Dwarkey.
"Let's just take what we need and go back."
After the battle, we start cleaning up.
We gather the equipment, or rather, the remnants of equipment, scattered across the floor from the desperate fight.
And I thoroughly search the priest's body.
The only thing I find is a necklace with an unknown purpose.
I can't tell if it's an artifact or just a decoration.
Because the only one among us who could sense the magic imbued in objects was Dwarkey.
"It seems like there's nothing here either."
I also loot the middle-aged scout who died early on in the battle, but there's nothing noteworthy.
Well, most of his belongings must have been in that bastard's subspace pocket.
"...I'll deliver everything to where you wished."
A staff and the expandable backpack he was carrying. Although I could sell his boots and robe, I leave them untouched.
"I'll carry Dwarkey."
We then return to the portal through the trap room and go back to the Tower of Heaven.
And we each collapse and rest.
Some of us sit in front of Dwarkey's body, wiping away the blood, and others lean against the wall and sob.
The peaceful time that came like a lie made us realize…
…that this is reality, not a dream.
"Bjorn, is there no way to take Dwarkey back to the city?"
"...No."
"Right, I see..."
Reality is cruel.
Even though he sacrificed his life for us, we can't even take him back to the city for a proper burial.
Because he was a mage.
Corpses in the labyrinth are classified as objects, and it's impossible to take them outside without the 'Distortion' spell.
That's why barbarian hearts are special.
You can take them back to the city without magic? Even mages started researching them as magic materials because of that.
"Misha, you should rest too."
"I'll stay here a bit longer. He'll be lonely... once we leave."
"...Alright."
I leave the suffocating atmosphere and sit down in a corner.
And I check the time.
[10:31]
A day and a half left until the labyrinth closes.
I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.
'...Less than an hour has passed.'
I feel so insignificant.
We went through countless near-death experiences.
It feels like we fought that bastard for days.
But even after taking care of everything and coming back, less than an hour has passed.
'Let's just do what needs to be done...'
I take out the letter the priest left behind.
A single, wrinkled, and stained letter that he must have kept close to his heart for a long time. The letter is filled with the old man's handwriting, detailing how he ended up in this situation.
I focus on one part as I read through it.
'The underground city of Noark.'
It's the name of the place where the old man and his young grandson were kidnapped by the Dragonslayer.
[It's medicine made by an alchemist from Noark. It completely erases your memory for 1 hour after taking it.]
It's the name of a city that the psychopath bitch mentioned before, and the one I couldn't find any information about no matter how much I searched the library.
So there's something like that under the sewers.
'Could it be that she's also a member of Orculus?'
I continue reading the letter with that thought.
The letter not only mentions that the underground city of Noark and Orculus are in a cooperative relationship, but it also contains another surprising piece of information.
'...I can't believe there's a portal there too.'
The foundation that allows the city of Lafdonia to exist.
A portal connected to the labyrinth also exists underground.
That's why the explorers in the underground were able to achieve the impossible feat of secretly mining magic stones and building a city with them.
'Noark.'
I engrave that name in my mind.
I have a strong feeling that I'll be involved with this place in the future.
'Let's investigate this place too when we get out.'
With that thought, I put the letter back in my pocket.
Judging by the content, there's no harm in delivering the letter.
There's a saying, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', right?
Anyway, I'm done with this matter for now.
"......"
I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
Although I desperately want to rest, all sorts of thoughts come and go, tormenting me.
What should I do from now on?
With such a formidable enemy, even the city isn't safe. He might try to harm me in the labyrinth with his companions.
'Damn it.'
Maybe that's why…
…I feel a bit regretful that he survived. If he had just healed me, I could have finished him off myself.
‘…What the hell am I thinking?’
I shake my head and dismiss my lingering thoughts.
He must have had no other choice.
That bastard evil god was the same even in the game.
He grants wishes in exchange for a price, but he never gives you the best possible outcome. Like a monkey's paw that grants wishes but also brings misfortune.
A being who always gives both hope and despair.
‘…Somehow, this bastard keeps getting involved with me.’
I add Karui, the evil god, to my investigation list and clear my thoughts.
It’s time for me to rest too.
This place is safer than the city, and besides, there are many things I need to do when I get out.
“…….”
I wipe my body with a wet towel, spread out my sleeping bag, and lie down inside.
It’s strange.
Although I stayed up for almost two days and had such a desperate battle…
…I can’t fall asleep for a long time.
__________________________
「The labyrinth is closed.」
「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
__________________________
Sunlight pokes at my eyelids.
I pass through the checkpoint without time to savor the afterglow and exchange the magic stones for money.
And I head towards the meeting place.
The Explorer’s Guild branch closest to the Dimensional Plaza. When I arrive, there are many people in a similar state to me.
“…….”
An unusual silence for a gathering of dozens of people.
Everyone is waiting for their companions with solemn expressions.
Well, it’s only natural.
There’s only one reason why they would come here before even washing up after returning to the city.
The death of a companion.
“Let’s go in.”
As soon as all my companions arrive, we enter the guild. And we submit a death report and leave Dwarkey’s equipment and backpack with them.
“…He had good companions.”
The employee looks at us with a strange expression.
Well, it’s not common.
They could have easily pocketed it, even if it’s not the city’s property.
Most people would just submit the death report and leave.
But…
“Liol Wobu Dwarkey, 8th-grade mage recognized by the royal family. Death report accepted.”
…we don’t feel any regret.
After all, we know the contents of the will he wrote before entering the labyrinth for the first time.
[Haha, a will. It really makes it feel like I’m an explorer now.]
[You can write whatever you want, but make sure to properly designate the inheritance. Otherwise, it will all go to the Explorer’s Guild.]
[Don’t worry about that. I’ve already decided.]
He wanted to donate his assets to an orphanage under a certain temple.
I only learned the details yesterday.
The dwarf said he lived there for a while when he was young. His assets should be used as he wished.
We’ve already received something far greater.
“It’s really over… Then let’s go.”
Anyway, the first thing we had to do after returning to the city, Dwarkey’s death report, is complete.
It was surprisingly simple.
It took 1 minute to fill out the form, 2 minutes for the employee to review it. Just 3 minutes were enough to put an end to the 25 years of life that one man carried.
‘That’s how common death is in this world.’
I push aside the bitterness and leave the guild.
And we head towards the Grand Temple of the Leathlas Church.
That’s the only way we can repay the debt we owe to the departed.
“You guys can go back and rest.”
“How can we do that? He’s our lifesaver.”
“I… I’m going too. I rested enough inside…”
Although Misha hasn’t rested properly because she’s been crying all day, I don’t say anything. She wouldn’t be able to rest properly even if she went back to the inn.
“…….”
We head towards our destination together.
Soon, a pristine white building, as if untouched by the world, appears, and we enter.
I contemplate how to answer the apprentice priest’s question of whether we’re here for treatment, and then I say that we’re here at the request of High Priest Ludwig.
“Hi, High Priest Ludwig…?”
He probably didn’t expect us to lie in a place where God resides. The young priest’s eyes widen, and he immediately runs inside to deliver the news.
And…
“It’s been a while.”
…a familiar face comes to greet us as we wait.
Pal Krovitz, the captain of the 3rd Paladin Order.
“I heard you’re here at the request of High Priest Ludwig, who went missing a few years ago. Do you have anything that could serve as evidence?”
He asks politely.
He also says that it’s a very sensitive matter for the church and asks for our understanding.
He says there have been several incidents where people were greatly disappointed because of the bounty offered throughout the city?
“Bounty?”
“Yes. The amount is so large that some people harbor malicious intentions.”
I didn’t come here for a reward.
However, I ask involuntarily, having received a huge bounty after defeating Elisa,
“Just how much is it?”
Misha nudges my side, telling me to be careful with my words. The dwarf does the same.
“Even for you, that’s a bit much.”
Rotmiller, who’s also an explorer and a follower of Leathlas, also doesn’t seem to approve.
But Krovitz speaks without any change in expression.
And…
“The amount varies depending on the information provided and the presence of sacred relics…”
“But?”
“…but I believe the Ministry of Finance offered up to 70 million stones.”
Everyone freezes at his answer.
--------------------------------------------
Chapter 147: A Great Legacy (4)
70 million stones.
It was a huge sum, enough to make my heart pound just from hearing it.
But I tried to calm myself and continue the conversation.
It wouldn't be too late to celebrate after the money was in my hands.
"Will this letter be enough evidence?"
Krovitz received the letter and read it slowly from top to bottom, then his expression changed completely.
And he remained silent for a long time.
"...Is there something wrong?"
"Ah, I apologize. If the contents of this letter are true... it's a very serious matter for our church. I don't mean to doubt you, Mr. Yandel, but could you wait inside for a while?"
"Alright."
Pal Krovitz guided us to a reception room inside the temple and then hurriedly left. He said he needed to check the handwriting first before reporting it to his superiors.
"Don't tell me... something's going wrong?"
"Haha, there's no way. They just want to verify everything before talking to us."
"Murad is right. As you've read, the contents of the letter are quite serious."
The wait was longer than expected.
And as different speculations started to arise among us...
"I apologize. We've made you wait for a long time."
Pal Krovitz returned.
"Come this way. Everyone is waiting."
The place he led us to was a chapel on the 2nd floor.
It was a space that only those who became priests could use, not ordinary believers.
"I heard that non-church members are not allowed to enter here..."
"How could we consider you as outsiders when the Goddess has brought us together?"
I dismissed my anxiety as I saw Krovitz answering Rotmiller's question. If they had judged the letter to be fake, they wouldn't be acting like this.
Creak.
Krovitz opened the door, revealing the interior of the chapel. It was a fairly large space, but there were only seven people inside.
I froze as I confirmed their identities.
'Crazy.'
I had read several books about church positions after visiting the Count's estate, so I could tell as soon as I saw them.
The two men and women who were the only ones wearing armor. The patterns on their armor were different, but the silver thread decorating the edges signified that they were captains of the paladin orders.
Including Pal Krovitz, all three captains of the church were gathered in one place.
But that wasn't all.
Two high priests and one cardinal.
And an elderly man standing in the center, as if being supported by them.
"...Followers of the stars, we greet the Grand Archbishop."
Rotmiller knelt and made the sign of the cross as soon as he saw him.
It was understandable.
To put it in Catholic terms, we were currently facing the Pope.
'But who's that kid?'
I felt a strange sense of pressure from the impressive lineup, but I looked at the child standing in front of the Pope.
A small boy, about ten years old.
Now that I see it, it seemed like everyone was positioned as if protecting the child. Even the Pope, who was standing right behind him.
What kind of child is he?
That's when...
"May the star that rises at twilight guide us."
The Pope made the sign of the cross first, and then all the members bowed to us.
It was a very unusual occurrence.
It was enough to make even Rotmiller, who was also a believer, freeze like a statue.
"......"
Is it because the place we're currently in is a chapel?
A strangely sacred and solemn atmosphere filled the air.
After a moment of silence, the Pope spoke.
"High Priest Ludwig was a very precious person to us. Thank you for delivering the letter. May I ask how you obtained this letter?"
Honestly, it was a bit unexpected.
His words were too polite and cautious for someone who was the highest authority of one of the three major religions, especially towards a 4th-floor explorer.
'He must not always be like this. He must have been that important.'
I slowly began to speak.
And I briefly explained what happened in Larkaze's Labyrinth.
But is this what they call a clerical mindset?
"The twilight star sent you to him, who was lost and wandering. Thank you for saving his soul. Although he was captured by the evil god, his spirit will forever shine in the darkness."
It was a bit unpleasant to hear.
It wasn't a matter of right or wrong, but rather the feeling that they were fundamentally different from me.
I've never gotten along with religious people.
"...This is his belonging."
I took out the necklace that the High Priest was wearing and handed it to them.
If it were a sacred relic, it would be worth much more than the reward, but...
I didn't feel any regret, as it was the right thing to do.
I owed that High Priest a debt.
"Thank you. Although it's not what we were looking for, this will at least comfort his soul."
So it wasn't a sacred relic.
Well, if it were, that bastard would have taken it.
"Cardinal Grayond, how much is the reward for these people?"
"Although they didn't recover the sacred relic, considering the importance of the contents of the handwritten letter, his belongings, and the fact that they conveyed his last moments, it wouldn't be enough to give them the full 70 million stones designated by the Ministry of Finance."
"Then, let's do that."
I gulped involuntarily.
I thought it would be halved since there was no sacred relic, but they're giving us the full amount. I reflect on myself for finding their words unpleasant.
These people are truly devout.
But that's not what's important right now.
"I have a question."
"Go ahead."
Since the first part of the conversation is over, I immediately get to the point.
This might be more important than the reward.
"So what are you going to do now?"
"May I ask what you mean?"
"You found the culprit who kidnapped High Priest Ludwig, didn't you? I was curious if you're planning to take revenge. I'm involved in this too, after all."
I subtly hint that they're also responsible while asking the question.
But the answer I get is ambiguous.
"That's not something we can answer right now."
"I see."
Tsk, I thought they wouldn't have time to bother me if they were busy seeking revenge.
Do I really have to handle it myself?
I nod, clicking my tongue.
That's when...
"Don't worry too much, great warrior."
The little boy, whom I've been observing, suddenly speaks.
And at the same time...
Swaaaaaaaaa!
...a brilliant silver light erupts.
And when I come to my senses...
...a vine ring, intertwined with three strands, is on my thick finger.
I wonder what the hell is going on, but...
...I realize it after hearing the cardinal's exclamation.
"An oracle...! An oracle has descended...!"
It's something I've only heard about in NPC conversations in the game, never experienced firsthand.
It's an oracle.
'Damn it.'
And from what I hear, it's been a long time since the last one.
______________________
The question is finally answered.
Why was the Pope treating that young child like a sacred object?
The answer is simple.
‘Don’t tell me, he’s a saint?’
No, since he’s a boy, should I say a holy man?
Anyway, the title isn’t important.
A vessel that can hear God’s voice and sometimes wield his power.
The child with the qualities of that vessel speaks.
“The Goddess just spoke to me. She said that ring will block a strong karmic connection three times.”
“By karmic connection, do you mean Dragonslayer Regal Vagos?”
An ordinary fortune teller would have given an ambiguous answer like ‘maybe yes, maybe no’ to that question.
But oracles are different.
“Yes. She said it can only block karmic connections with him. So you need to prepare to overcome fate in case all the strands of the ring are broken.”
I feel like I’ve become a hero destined to defeat the demon king.
Honestly, I’m dumbfounded.
Even though I defeated Elisa and was involved with the High Priest, why would the Goddess give me a gift like this?
And to someone who’s called an evil spirit, at that?
‘What is this? A hidden camera prank?’
I briefly suspect that they might be trying to scam me using this kid, but…
…the ring on my finger dispels that suspicion.
Their shocked expressions seem too sincere to be acting.
“May the star that rises at twilight guide us.”
“May things unfold according to fate.”
The highest-ranking religious figures in this world all make the sign of the cross while looking at me.
I check my companions’ expressions.
“Bjorn, what the hell are you?!”
“Were you… truly born with a destiny?!”
“No, that’s not the issue. How, how could a barbarian be chosen by the human god…”
No, even if you look at me like that, I don’t know either.
Only then do I realize that this isn’t something to simply be happy about and look at the child.
I have many questions.
However…
Thud.
…the child collapses as if from the aftereffects of receiving the oracle.
The Pope picks him up, and that’s the end of today’s meeting.
“Sir Krovitz, please escort them outside.”
“Wait, I still have questions…”
“Please understand. We’ll explain everything when we meet again. Until then, please keep today’s events a secret. A great disaster might befall you.”
“What, disaster?”
Although it sounds absurd, the conversation ends there.
“Sir Krovitz will explain the details.”
We’re helplessly kicked out due to the Pope’s firm attitude. And we head towards the reception room where we were waiting earlier, guided by Pal Krovitz.
“Krovitz, what the hell was that?”
“I… don’t know either. What the Goddess meant by giving an oracle to an other race.”
“…There’s no precedent for giving an oracle to an other race?”
“Yes, as far as I know, this is the third time.”
“So, what happened to them?”
“According to records, they were branded as heretics and ostracized from their tribes.”
Ha, this is troublesome.
It’s like I’ve been given another suicide button on top of being an evil spirit.
“Now I understand why they told us to keep it a secret.”
“Yes, after all, there would be more harm than good if it were to be known.”
The core of a barbarian’s growth is the Spirit Engraving.
But being ostracized from the tribe?
From that day onwards, I would become a useless character.
Barbarian shamans only exist in the sanctuary.
“But don’t worry about us. It won’t leak from our side.”
Krovitz says that and looks at my companions.
Although he doesn’t say it, his intentions are clear.
So I also look at my companions.
“Ah! I, I’ll keep my mouth shut! Really? You believe me, Bjorn?”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t hear anything today.”
Misha is needless to say, and I’m not too worried about Rotmiller either. It’s not just his personality, but he’s also a follower of Leathlas.
However, the problem is…
“He, hey! Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Do you really need to ask?”
“…I’ll quit drinking.”
I sigh as I see the dwarf hanging his head low, looking dejected.
Phew, we shouldn’t have come here together.
Are all the gods in this world like this?
It feels like they took away the biggest rock that was weighing down my heart…
…and then placed a smaller rock instead.
‘Still, he’s not that loose-lipped…’
I decide to focus on the positive aspects.
If this ring really prevents encounters with the Dragonslayer, this much risk isn’t even a risk.
It’s a definite gain if we talk about pros and cons.
We’ve bought the time we needed most.
‘It’s my first time getting a sacred relic through an oracle.’
Items bestowed by gods are called sacred relics.
Most of them have OP effects.
That’s why I don’t doubt the ring’s ability. I don’t know how long it will last, but I won’t encounter that bastard until all three strands are broken.
However…
‘The problem is when the last strand will break.’
2 years? 3 years?
It’s a brand new sacred relic, so it might even last that long…
But it’s better to be prepared, assuming the shortest possible time.
I decide to prepare, assuming it will be between six months and a year, and finish organizing my thoughts.
And the moment I get up from the sofa…
Crackle.
…one of the intertwined vines breaks.
“Uh, Bjorn? I think one of them just broke.”
“…No, that’s impossible.”
I rub the broken vine with my saliva-coated finger as if twisting a string.
But as always, reality is harsh.
“Look, it’s clearly attached.”
The moment I confidently hold out my hand with the ring…
Swaaa!
…the broken vine scatters, emitting a silver light.
I stare blankly at the sight.
「The activation condition for the Star’s Blessing has been met.」
I can’t even laugh.