Ch.63Chapter 63. The Paladin Training Plan (2)

Chapter 63. Surviving as Paladin (2)

The reason Lakye and I searched this place was because we hadn’t been here before.

Although the Blue Moss tribe lived on this mountain, they only traveled on established paths to avoid the demons’ sight, so they hadn’t explored the entire mountain.

A place never checked before. We stopped by thinking there might be a tunnel.

But instead of a tunnel, there’s a rookie Paladin.

Ah, it’s not confirmed that they’re a Paladin yet.

Let’s verify now.

– Can you enter the cave?

Lakye nodded and headed toward the cave entrance.

As she stepped into the entrance, white light flashed several times, but that was all.

It doesn’t cause any harm.

This must be the “demon-repelling ward” George mentioned in the community.

It’s a magic circle that only works for 72 hours to protect newbies.

This confirms that the person inside is a Paladin.

A veteran Paladin would have avoided contact. They could reveal my identity through the community.

But this friend is a fresh newbie Paladin.

Without help, they likely won’t survive in this harsh world.

…If I talk well, I might be able to make them an ally.

Yes, as a Paladin of the Tribal Alliance.

I don’t mind not being able to give experience points.

All Paladins are superhumans. Even at level 4, they can defeat lesser demons alone.

It would be reassuring just to have them fighting alongside us.

– The person inside must be a Paladin. They’re an important asset, so let’s get them to join the Tribal Alliance.

“Understood.”

I stopped Lakye as she was about to draw her curved sword.

She’s a woman who loves violence more than conversation, so I need to caution her occasionally.

While watching Lakye move stealthily inside the cave, I checked the community.

[PetitNoa: I woke up in a dark underground place ( ; ω ; )]

[PetitNoa: I can hear monsters howling outside (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )]

[PetitNoa: The monsters just screamed and died 。゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜。What should I do]

PetitNoa… someone who likes strange emoticons.

The newbie was desperately sending distress signals, but no one commented.

There’s no special reason. The post was just buried among many others.

“There’s someone ahead. They’re crouching and hiding.”

Lakye’s yellow eyes shine in the dark cave.

– I’ll call out to them.

A Paladin can understand the language of barbarians, but they aren’t barbarians themselves.

Lakye’s aura and eyes might be intimidating, so they might get nervous.

It’s better for me to lead the conversation.

– Paladin. Do not fear. I know you’ve fallen into an unfamiliar place.

I spoke in the gentlest voice possible.

Even so, my voice comes out as a dignified male baritone.

– I am Malak, the Loa of the barbarians. The god of this world. I will help you.

“…A god?”

I hear something rustling in the darkness.

– Yes. I won’t harm you. I swear on my honor.

“…”

A woman with long orange hair cautiously approached, fluttering her hair.

She looks to be in her late teens or early twenties. Cute-looking.

I’m not sure if the possessed person’s age matches their physical body, but her behavior seems childish.

She might have been an elementary school student when she played the game.

If she was about 7-9 years old then… she might be a high school student now.

Why did you play this crappy game?

The Paladin looked at Lakye once, then at Totem #3, and her eyes widened.

“A-a glowing wooden statue!”

– It’s a totem. I’m using it as a medium to talk with you.

“Ah…!”

She must be seeing a talking piece of wood for the first time.

– Paladin, tell me your name.

“M-my name…”

The woman thought deeply about something, then answered with a solemn expression.

“…I am Marie Thérèse Charlotte.”

– …

Marie what?

– I know you’re a possessed person. Don’t joke around and tell me your real name.

Is it like, “Since I’m in a fantasy world, I want to live with a fantasy name”?

PetitNoa, do you want to get scolded?

This is not the time for jokes.

“S-Sasaki Noa. I’m sorry…”

So she’s Japanese.

I briefly explained her situation to Noa.

I also mentioned that I was the only god who had directly descended to save the world.

“Lord Malak drove out the demons of Symphonia, established the Tribal Alliance headquarters, and even in Blutan…”

Lakye took over introducing my achievements.

It would be embarrassing to say all this myself.

“What is going on… I was eating tanghulu in my room just hours ago.

Are you saying the game world has become reality? Or did someone who implemented this existing world as a game bring me… ah, it’s complicated.”

Noa was confused.

I couldn’t give her a clear answer.

To be honest, I don’t know if this world is real or fake either.

– I’ll tell you the details if you join the Tribal Alliance. Make your choice.

I gave her a choice. Though there’s really only one option.

“…I’ll join.”

Noa, who had been glancing at Lakye’s expressionless, slightly chilling face, made her decision.

***

I brought Noa into the Tribal Alliance headquarters.

I thought the civilized people’s reaction would be enthusiastic, but it was rather subdued.

Are they watching my reaction?

Perhaps they think that welcoming a Paladin, a faithful servant of the goddess, might offend me, a Loa…

– This is Paladin Noa. She has decided to join the Tribal Alliance. She has chosen to serve me, so treat her without discrimination.

Saying this clearly should make things easier.

“Welcome!”

“You’re so young!”

“Big sister is pretty!”

Now the civilized people welcome Noa. They were indeed watching for cues.

“Ah… thank you?”

Not expecting such a reception, Noa waved her hand with a dumbfounded expression.

Rachel approached Noa.

“Do you perhaps… know Paladin EunuchBro?”

What is this, some kind of Dr. Hong situation?

“E-EunuchBro? No?!”

Rachel… the Paladin you admired died long ago.

He’s become MeleeSpy now…!

After showing Noa around the Tribal Alliance headquarters, I brought her to the altar.

“Um… h-hello. I’m Noa, a Pa-Paladin. Um, pleased to meet you all.”

Sounds like an elementary school transfer student’s introduction.

“You must have had a hard time, young friend. I am Harry Francis Winston, an authority on Golemancy.”

“Nice to meet you! I’m Kanto, chief of the Blue Moss tribe!”

“Muri, priest of the Brown Rock tribe.”

“I’m Paya, priest and spirit medium of the Blue Moss tribe.”

“We met briefly earlier, but let me introduce myself again. I’m Rachel, the administrator of the Tribal Alliance.”

“I am Lakye, guardian of Lord Malak. Rookie Paladin, obey without unnecessary thoughts. If you bother Lord Malak…”

– Enough.

We’re not yakuza, Lakye.

The round of introductions passed.

As the first Paladin to join the Tribal Alliance (Siwoo is ambiguous), I plan to treat her well.

Just in case, I quickly checked the community.

She hasn’t posted anything new yet. Good.

– Paladin Noa, one warning.

“Yes?”

– Do not reveal any information about this place on the community. You must not disclose any information whatsoever.

I should say this in advance.

“Y-you even know about the community?”

– I have means to see your community. You cannot deceive a god. Act prudently.

“Y-yes…”

Noa, trembling with fear, nodded repeatedly.

I didn’t go as far as saying “I’ll kill you if you reveal anything,” but she probably got the message from the atmosphere.

– Just follow that rule. You are now a member of the Tribal Alliance and a precious believer. I will protect you and help you grow. No one will be able to threaten you.

“…Thank you.”

Noa bowed to me.

Being young, she seems to have trouble following the situation.

As she kills demons and mingles with warriors, she’ll naturally come to worship me.

I contributed in many ways to the civilized people during the defense battle.

I encouraged them, fought alongside them, and protected them until the end.

The reward was their fervent support.

Even the civilized people who initially served me out of necessity now pray to the totem with sparkling eyes.

They’ve come to truly believe and follow me.

I’m certain. Noa will also come to serve me.

It’s only a matter of time.

– What level are you?

“Level 1.”

– Skills?

“I haven’t learned any yet. It says I need to use something called ‘skill points’ to acquire skills.”

So just leveling up doesn’t automatically give skills.

Just as I have points, they have skill points.

– What skills can you learn?

I’m not asking because I don’t know. I’ve seen level 1 skills on the community.

This is a trust test.

If she lies here… I’ll have to call Lakye, just as the Transcendent called EunuchBro.

“Just a moment… um…”

Noa’s eyes turned to empty space. She must be looking at her status window.

“Light Protection, Healing Touch, Divine Strike. These three.”

– I see. Don’t choose skills randomly when you get skill points. I’ll help you.

Good. She passed the test.

– I’ll rest now. If you need anything, ask those at this altar.

Let’s save skill advice for later. I’m a bit tired today.

“Understood…”

Noa bows and moves away from Totem #1.

“Hmm…”

Noa looks at the Tribal Alliance leadership seated at the round table, wondering who to approach.

“P-pretty sister. I have a question…”

Perhaps because Lakye was the first person she met, Noa chose her… but it was the worst choice.

Setting aside the language barrier, she chose a woman with human-phobia.

“Old man, what is this one babbling about? Is she challenging me to a duel?”

Lakye asked Harry without even looking at Noa.

“I’m sorryyyy!”

Pale-faced, Noa fled toward where Muri and Paya were sitting.

Will this friend be okay?