episode_0025

Stalactites rise sharply from the ground and ceiling, and vines the size of your forearm tangle with them.

Tall trees growing deep underground where there is no sunlight.

In the middle, the four members of the first party stood catching their breath.

Their impressions were all stiff.

“Phew… .”

There were over a hundred Sylvia lights that appeared throughout the dungeon, where it was difficult to even see, so there was no dark place.

The corpses of red ogres were all over the rugged terrain.

The body was divided into upper and lower parts, burned by holy fire, frozen, or the eyebrows were pierced.

The manner of death was so diverse that the number of corpses was uncountable.

There were countless half-hydra corpses freely climbing over the vines.

The boss monster of this A-level dungeon that Penny couldn’t figure out was ‘Titan Viper’.

It was an enemy I had faced before, and I had heard the strategy from Ian and remembered it.

The first party dominated this A-class dungeon, which was not easy to even enter, and swept them away without any injuries.

Nevertheless, the four warriors were very unhappy now.

“Ha… .”

Aria sighed deeply.

Confusing, annoying, frustrating.

It was a breath of complex emotions.

The other three were similar.

This may be a deceptive reaction to some, but not to these four.

It wasn’t dangerous, but it almost was.

When Ian was there, those who could handle S-level dungeons without difficulty would find it dangerous to try to get past the A-level dungeons.

It was shameful just to have the possibility of being in danger.

Surprise attacks from hidden enemies, undetected magic traps, unexpected changes in terrain, and boss monsters optimized for the terrain.

Everyone was so talented that no one got hurt.

But I almost got hurt.

That alone made me realize that a lot had already changed.

-Kugugung… .

The ground split in the middle of the cavity, and a platform wrapped around a circular staircase rose.

The four of them just looked at the high red magic stone.

I didn’t feel like bringing it.

“I’ll go.”

Sylvia climbed the stairs as a representative.

The remaining three looked at their weapons without answering.

Kylie looked down at the sword and armor she had received from Ian.

Aria looked at the necklace, a sacred relic.

Beatrice played with her bow and hairpin.

Although we haven’t talked to each other, we are all feeling the same way.

‘Strange.’

It was a feeling of discomfort that I couldn’t pinpoint specifically.

They were still strong.

The proof is that he quickly cleared an A-level dungeon without any information.

But, it’s strange.

Every time you use mana or perform a miracle.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

It was similar to having a sore throat and having difficulty breathing.

The other three also felt the sense of discomfort that Sylvia had been feeling for a few days.

Sylvia climbed to the top of the stairs and grabbed a red magic stone the size of her palm.

A grade magic stone.

Some people say it is a magic stone that they can only dream about throughout their lives, while others say it is a magic stone that they are not even allowed to dream about.

Even after receiving such a valuable reward, Sylvia was not happy at all.

If you think about it, clear the dungeon and get the magic stone.

I couldn’t remember the last time I was happy after driving out the demons from the battlefield.

‘The day I passed the temporary hero test, the day I held the magic stone for the first time, I think I was happy as if I had everything in the world… .’

Right now, even though I hold a grade A magic stone, it’s just like that.

The platform began to sink, and without waiting, Sylvia jumped down and landed.

Although he is a wizard, thanks to Ian’s training, he has greater physical abilities than most knights.

“… Let’s go.”

Kylie spat out, taking the lead and clearing away vines and trees.

Sylvia, who was following behind while holding the magic stone, spoke as if she had made up her mind.

“Ian.”

At those words, everyone turned to look at her.

“I need to meet Ian.”

When Sylvia brought up Ian’s story a few days ago, everyone got annoyed.

Why do you bring up that name?

But now, Sylvia had no Toda people.

“… Yes.”

Kylie quietly agreed.

“Me too.”

Aria suddenly intervened.

“I’m going with you too.”

Sylvia and Aria.

The two decided to go see Ian, who they don’t know where he is.

I don’t know what to do.

What should I say?

Why should I look for him?

However, Ian is the only one who can give advice on this situation.

I felt that confident.

*

The clean, ivory colored Seonghwangcheong was bigger than the imperial palace.

It was even majestic, as if it represented a place where gods reside.

However, as if to symbolize God’s mercy and simplicity, there were few flashy decorations.

The largest library in Seonghwangcheong.

A paladin armed with platinum armor came to visit a priest with a benevolent appearance.

“Your Holiness. It is said that the second apostle has arrived.”

Holy Emperor Johannes, the patriarch of the Holy Flower Church, nodded.

He was dressed so simply that if you didn’t know his title or face, you would mistake him for just an old priest.

“Please take me there.”

Soon after, two paladins arrived with a man.

“May the guidance of fire be with you.”

Johannes stood up and greeted him politely.

“It’s been a while, Ian.”

*

Johannes still can’t forget the day Ian first came to see him.

It was truly shocking.

When I brought back the three lost relics, I was so moved that I trembled.

He trembled with fear when he revealed that he knew the secret of Seonghwagyo.

It was shocking to see him ask for help with his future work with words that I couldn’t tell if he was threatening or persuading.

But I couldn’t go against his will.

One type of hidden piece is an ‘artifact’ and the other is a ‘relic’, and the three he brought to Seonghwagyo are as follows.

Holy crown.

Holy Ark.

Holy fire statue.

Holy crown and box.

And an icon symbolizing fire.

It was a holy relic that the Holy Church had searched for for a very long time but could never find, and it was also one of the most important things in the Bible.

Ian brought those three holy relics like stones he picked up on the side of the road somewhere.

Even though I didn’t want to believe that he knew the future, I had no choice but to believe it.

As he conveyed to the imperial family, he provided various information, predicted what Seonghwagyo should do in the future, and also left a prediction about war.

The imperial family called him a ‘prophet,’ but Seonghwagyo could not do that.

This is because, to them, prophet is a title that is only allowed to the Holy Emperor.

In reality, Seonghwang does not see the future.

It is called so in a religious sense.

Therefore, the emperor calling Ian a prophet also had a political intention to keep the Seonghwa Church in check.

Instead, the Seonghwa Church gave Ian the name of ‘Apostle’.

Also, the title of ‘second apostle’, which appears in the Bible, refers to someone who was an atheist but eventually became a naturalized person to God.

Sado’s gold coins were also given.

No matter where you go, if there is a facility related to Seonghwagyo, it is an authoritative object that can make you kneel first.

Ian still doesn’t believe in God, but he knows the future and helps Seonghwagyo.

It is no wonder that many believers regard him as an apostle who received revelations and oracles.

“Ian. How are you?”

Unlike the emperor, he is not someone you have to kneel down to have an audience with.

Ian also sat back and responded.

“Because I don’t do things that require effort. That’s okay.”

“I heard that you were expelled from your organization.”

“Well, that’s how it happened.”

“No way, Sister Aria… .”

Ian shrugged his shoulders instead of answering.

“Ah… .”

Seonghwang folded his hands and sighed.

What is most enforced in their doctrines is ‘repayment’ and ‘self-sacrifice’.

In any situation, you should not be negligent in returning the favor.

In particular, those who have sacrificed for themselves must be repaid with even greater sacrifices.

But Aria betrayed Ian.

“If you had let us know earlier, we could have provided you with appropriate support.”

“I’m already getting enough. And I was busy organizing another party.”

Seonghwang calmly nodded.

“Ian was always under pressure from work. So, I understand that you didn’t tell me in advance.”

A friendly tone.

But hidden inside is a small needle.

It contains a mild criticism for not providing information in advance and a regret that it was later than the imperial family.

“I will pay more attention next time. Although it shouldn’t happen if there is a next time.”

Seonghwang just laughed at Ian’s sly joke.

“It is fitting that understanding is my responsibility. I know Ian didn’t do it on purpose either.”

Seonghwang had no choice but to be generous.

The warrior system itself belonged to the empire.

No matter how much Ian receives the support of the Holy Emperor, there is no more justification for interfering than with the Emperor.

“What plan will you tell us today?”

Even though Ian’s advice led to the establishment of a system called the warrior party, the empire grew to a level comparable to that of the Seonghwa Church.

Ian was also an important figure to Seonghwang.

Although he was not given the name prophet, the fact that he could see and tell the future did not change.

That is a rare ability that cannot be obtained through any power.

After all, Ian was worthy of being treated just for recovering the three relics.

It is natural that Seonghwang is keeping a close eye on Ian’s actions.

“Nothing special. The only thing is that I am currently gathering new warriors.”

“New hero… .”

“I have already rescued one person, and I have passed the temporary warrior test.”

Seonghwang nodded his head slowly, his eyes shining.

“Have you already found your siblings?”

“No. I am a wizard.”

“Then, have you heard of MacDerlin Abbey?”

When that name came up, Ian knew immediately.

The public examination held there was, of course, a battle of interests between the imperial family and the Holy Imperial Office.

“I heard that they were holding a public exam to select priests who would become warriors, only for nuns.”

“That’s correct. Since it was my first time doing this, I put a lot of effort into it. I can’t guarantee the same level of grace as Sister Aria, but there will be a child who will live up to your expectations.”

The Holy Emperor hinted and urged him to go to MacDerlin Monastery.

Ian was planning to go there anyway, but he reacted as if he was going because of Seonghwang’s words.

It was to show off.

“Since His Holiness said so much, it would be a good idea to stop by.”

Seonghwang smiled with satisfaction.

Ian’s insight and skills have already been proven.

If the priest selected there grows under him and makes a name for himself, Seonghwa Church will be able to raise and operate priests on its own.

***

There wasn’t much to tell Seonghwang.

All priests who do not become warriors act as priests of the Seonghwa Church.

This group has an overwhelmingly higher percentage of superhumans than other groups.

Therefore, they just need to refine their faith and practice healing and protection miracles, as they have done so far.

I kept quiet about the warp portal.

If they intercept or sabotage that innovative invention, we don’t know how the future will change.

Instead, he told me about the sea dragon that appears in the western trade port.

This is because if you catch that sea dragon, you can get a hidden piece.

I don’t know if it’s an artifact or a relic.

I didn’t see the sea dragon in person during the second session, I only heard about it through rumors.

Anyway, it was enough bait for Seonghwang to take notice.

I hope that my future party members, including Vivian, will get it if possible, but I can’t guarantee that.

After the portal was created, the Empire had an overwhelming advantage, but when the war began, it would regain some semblance of balance.

As I said, the number of superhuman priests of the Seonghwa Church is very large.

These priests will be deployed countless times to heal the casualties that occur after the war and comfort their minds and bodies.

After that, both parties will find a suitable compromise based on the empire’s comparative advantage.

Let’s see… The emperor and the king answered their questions.

I gave them a rough idea of what they had to do in the future.

I’ve seen everything I need to see right now.

From now on, if you report regularly and do a good job, there will be no complaints.

If there’s something I need to tell you, I’ll let you know or go find it.

As for the first party, the imperial family will take care of my name.

As I was walking through the dark Sawin Forest, Kati sent me a telepathic message.

[master.]

‘why.’

[When are you coming?]

‘I’m not going because it’s hard.’

[…] … .]

‘Come pick me up.’

[yes. Right now… .]

‘Hey, no. don’t I’m kidding, really don’t come.’

[…] … .]

I can’t tell any jokes because I’m afraid they’ll come right away.

However, I expected Katy to react like this.

Even though I know that, I wonder if I’m even worse at constantly making jokes… .

‘I just came out after meeting Seonghwang. ‘It should arrive tomorrow.’

[tomorrow… .]

The telepath muttered something like noise.

Since this is a way of conveying the idea almost exactly, it can sometimes become unintelligible.

I asked another question to keep him quiet.

‘Have you eaten?’

[yes. Did you do it, master?]

‘I haven’t yet. Let’s go and eat. ‘But when are you going to stop calling me master?’

[…] … .]

‘You’re ignoring me?’

[…] I think it’s time for you to adapt.]

‘what? What… . Huh, I am indeed.’

Sometimes it’s incredibly shameless like this, and it’s so shocking that it makes me laugh.

‘Honestly, I have nothing to say because it seems like the right thing to say… . ‘It’s been like this for several years.’

[Are you accepting it now?]

‘I don’t know how long it’s been since you responded so quickly.’

While chatting with Katy about trivial things, she didn’t seem to be doing well like yesterday, so I had to order her to go to sleep.

*

I returned to Superbia around noon the next day.

On the way to the monastery, I saw a bulletin board in the distance.

It was the bulletin board where the names of those who passed the provisional exam were posted.

I was looking through the list of successful candidates from the last exam just in case, and my eyes stopped at the very top.

When I saw the name and additional explanation posted there, I couldn’t help but smile.

‘Vivian will like it.’

I soon saw the main gate of Agnes Monastery in the distance.

Kati was seen beyond the iron bar door.

He must have been waiting, but as soon as he saw me, he opened the door and waited.

“Why are you here? You can stay inside.”

“… … .”

“Okay, thank you for coming to meet me.”

“Yes.”

“You’re wearing the ring calmly on your index finger? In the past, I secretly moved it to my ring finger.”

“… Of course.”

I went inside with Kati, and Mercy and Vivian also came out.

“Oh! You’re here!”

“Ian!”

Their expressions are bright, as if they are having a good time with the children.

Mercy seems to have become friends with the kids, holding them one by one on her arms and legs.

“Did you do a good job?”

“Well, that’s right. There was no problem. But more than that… .”

I was going to tell Vivian what I saw on the way… , that won’t work.

“Let me get some sleep.”

***

A bulletin board placed on a street where many people come and go.

The names of those who passed the last temporary hero promotion test are written on it.

A boy passed by that street and looked up at the bulletin board without thinking, and his eyes were fixed on the name written at the top.

It was a name that was familiar, yet puzzling as to how it came to be here.

‘… Vivian?’

The girls in the boy’s group also confirmed Vivian’s name and muttered it absentmindedly.

“Vivian… ?”

Besides those two, everyone who snooped around the bulletin board remembered Vivian’s name.