episode_0040

“Crisis, huh?”

The sudden ‘reawakening’ of the saint a while ago was surprisingly refreshing, but even Glenn, who didn’t know much about the Airgrants Church, knew deep down that it was a huge event that would have various effects on the entire world.

But, a global crisis? And something so big that it has to be presented as a ‘pilgrimage’?

Glenn waited patiently. He had a feeling that this was a topic that needed to be taken time and slowly heard. After a brief pause, the saintess continued her story.

“Originally, the warrior and the saint were beings who were given the power of a god, given to humans to fight against the Demon King and the Demon Race. It is natural for the world, or rather, good life, to unite around these two people, defeat the powerful Demon Race, and achieve peace. According to the history recorded over the past several hundred years, the warrior and the saint always brought peace to the world by defeating the Demon King’s power. However, it has been rare for the Demon King to be completely destroyed from the world like recently.”

Yeah, Glenn knew that story too.

I heard that the current identity of the warrior is not the descendant of a great warrior or anything, but an unidentified man who was originally summoned from a world other than ours to defeat the Demon King. And I heard that the saintess of our world goes through a kind of cycle and then a new person appears.

But this time, it was seriously different.

“However, since the Demon King has disappeared, even if you don’t know, the power of the saint should no longer remain in the world. In fact, during the last duel… I should have completely lost the power of the saint. However, as you know, God gave me the power again, and I was able to overcome that crisis. I am grateful. ”

It was clearly a miraculous story. In a desperate situation, he regained his strength, overcame a huge crisis, and turned things around.

However, even when I think about it again, the awakening in such a situation is so exquisite that it is strange. Above all, why did someone who had once lost his strength suddenly regain it?

It was a question that occurred to Glenn long after the duel was over.

“However, with all power comes responsibility. There was a reason why God gave me power again. I vaguely realized that as a saint, I had a duty to fulfill again.”

“Responsibility, Rani. Is this something worth packaging as a pilgrimage?”

“Let me explain that a bit more.”

The guild master, who had been drinking tea while listening silently, opened his mouth. Ah, you’re really trying to sneak in. Glenn had vaguely anticipated the guild master’s intrusion, as he remembered the guild master’s suspicious behavior since morning.

“Glen. I know this is going to hurt you, but…”

Huh? Hurt? I tilted my head.

The guildmaster’s expression was not good. Even Milicia’s expression was stiff. What, what is it? All of a sudden. Why are you making such a guilty expression toward me?

Glenn was overcome with an inexplicable sense of unease.

And when the guild master opened his mouth again, I could painfully understand the reason.

“17 months ago, the ‘Haesin’ Island’ incident.”

“Ah.”

Why? Suddenly, talking about that incident?

“That incident was by no means a coincidence. It was one of the unfortunate signs that announced the birth of a new Demon King.”

That, that terrible incident?

Glenn felt himself breaking out in a cold sweat. No, he was still able to maintain his composure. Rather, his heart was gradually sinking.

I had almost achieved revenge for the tragedy, and had somewhat shaken off the trauma from it, but in fact, questions about the tragedy itself had been growing deep in my heart. I wondered why such a huge monster suddenly emerged from a previously normal island.

Until then, I didn’t even want to think about it because of the terrible tragedy that incident caused.

“Over the course of four months, strange phenomena occurred across the continent. In the eastern part of the continent, a mass death of migratory birds occurred in the Silent Forest, and adventurers reported discovering relics. Also, large-scale low tides and underwater caves were observed along the northern coast of the continent. A huge cave that could be inferred to be a ‘Dragon’s Lair’ appeared in the western mountain range of the continent. And… near the old Demon King’s Castle in the central part of the continent, a huge pit with no end was discovered. ”

“Are you near the old Demon King’s Castle?”

“Yes, Glenn.”

The saintess continued speaking after receiving the guild master’s words.

“That place definitely didn’t exist when I was a member of the Heroes’ Party and defeated the Demon King. At that time, after defeating the Demon King and escaping the collapsed Demon King’s Castle, we were able to see the ruins until the end. However, according to the information recently sent by adventurers… an unbelievably large black pit appeared. And, including this, all the phenomena… are actually almost exactly what someone predicted. ”

“Glen, have you ever heard of ‘The Prophecy of the First Saint’? No, have you ever read it?”

“Huh?”

There’s no way I’ve ever read something like that. A book of prophecy written by the first saint? Of course, I know that she was a person from hundreds of years ago. However, I’ve never seen a book written by that person. Even if it were the royal library, there’s no way something like that would be placed there. The history books I’ve read did have information about the first saint’s deeds, but it was really only simple information.

“Well, that can’t be. It’s a book made by collecting journals and only a very small number of people can share it. Your Majesty, can you tell Glenn about the contents?”

“Yes, Glenn. In that book, there were two prophecies that we should remember and recall. One is a prophecy related to the current phenomenon. It was a prophecy that if the abnormal phenomenon continues on the continent, it will be a prelude to calling the Demon King. And the other is a prophecy that if a person whose name includes ‘Millie’ becomes a saint, that person will be the last saint. ”

Now, it feels like a big secret about this world has been leaked. Glenn is startled when he realizes that it’s not just his imagination.

“Now, wait a minute, Your Majesty. Then…!”

“Yes. That’s right. Glenn. I may be the last person in this era, or maybe even the world, to fulfill the role of a saint. And the numerous paranormal phenomena that have appeared so far… are likely to have occurred for one purpose. That is-”

“The Demon King’s…resurrection?”

“That’s very likely…”

It was such a heavy story. The resurrection of the Demon King.

Glenn remembered the past. In the nearly eight years since he became an adventurer, the most common requests he received and solved were monster extermination and repelling the demons. Although the Southern Kingdom was not invaded by the demons as often as the Northern Kingdom, when the demons invaded, many people trembled in fear and died.

In addition, the continent was devastated, countless lives were lost, and the land of death was only getting wider. It seemed that it had completely disappeared three years ago when the warriors’ party defeated the Demon King. Glen had believed that until just a moment ago.

However, the recent phenomenon that Glenn saw with his own eyes and the major incident that left him with trauma in the past prove that the Demon King’s fear is not over yet. It tells us that the trials that remain for humans living on this earth are not over yet.

And the saint, the saint who had descended again, decided to go on a journey to put an end to that fear once and for all.

“Glenn. An edict has been issued not only to you, but also to the other six high-level adventurers. They are scattered all over the continent, so I have sent an urgent messenger to convey the message. What I mean is, do not worry about the dangers of the journey. You are not the only one protecting the saintess.”

“And, the Church of Air Grants basically allows travelers on pilgrimage to bring two attendants from the church. The bishop was generous in allowing two of my close friends to go with me. So, Glenn, we are not alone, so it’s okay.”

Oh, it showed in their expressions. The two spoke encouragingly to Glenn, who was seriously worried.

But all of the upper-level adventurers. Ah, so that’s why the guild issued that edict a little while ago, giving you the title of ‘Escort Knight’ or something.

“I feel relieved to hear that. However, aren’t all the high-level adventurers scattered? How can I join them? I can’t wait in the Southern Kingdom until I find the saint, right? ”

“You’ve hit the nail on the head, you. Well, they’re not all dead for over a year like you, so they’re all on their own missions. Unlike you, who can join the saintess and start their journey right away, it’ll take a long time to get here. And even their current locations are probably all different. Don’t worry too much about that. In the edict that’s going to be delivered to the other high-level adventurers, I’ve created a magical device that can tell them where the saintess is going. I’ve made a special request to the Magic Tower. And the Adventurer’s Guild doesn’t plan on letting the saintess, who’s leaving right now, take you with her. ”

“Oh, that’s…”

Glenn didn’t say out loud what he had guessed. It felt like an insult to the scheming guildmaster. The guildmaster grinned.

“Yes. At least three adventurers will be dispatched to accompany the saintess on her journey. Well, I have already decided who to send, so you will know tomorrow. You should prepare thoroughly. Your inauguration ceremony will be in two days, and your departure will be in three days. ”

Oh, oh. The trip starts in just three days? And what did you just say? The inauguration ceremony?

“An inauguration ceremony? Guild Master, whose inauguration ceremony are you talking about?”

“Huh? You’re pretending not to know anything. Have you already forgotten the title you received? ‘Escort Knight’, right? ‘Escort Knight’. Since you’ve become a knight, isn’t it natural that you receive a title from His Majesty the King? The Adventurer’s Guild is preparing the necessary attire, so don’t think about going somewhere else that day and prepare to enter the palace. My Lady, please take care of Glen that day. ”

“Gasp…”

“Of course, Guildmaster. Glenn. I will be with you, so don’t worry too much.”

Although Milicia said that as if to reassure him, Glenn found it difficult to feel reassured.

An inauguration ceremony? Among the high-level adventurers, the first to be given the title of ‘Knight’? Glenn was not unaware of the weight of that title. If he had not known, he would have worked under some nobleman in the past, received some kind of official position, and solved all sorts of odd jobs. He would not have been living off of this shabby adventurer’s guild.

However, the reason he hesitated was because he was a lazy bum who had been resting on his own for over a year and three months and had not done any work, so he felt a little guilty about standing before His Majesty the King to receive the title when he had done nothing.

However, what kind of protest can he make? He should have fulfilled his responsibilities as he was given the gold badge and the great position of a senior adventurer. However, he failed to do so and neglected his responsibilities for over a year. If someone from above criticizes him, he has no choice but to criticize him.

‘Damn it. I’m in a situation where I’m the one being criticized.’

After sighing inwardly and giving up, Glenn smiled bitterly.

“Okay, I see. The inauguration ceremony is in two days, and departure is in three days. I need to thoroughly prepare for the trip.”

“Yes. And please come to the Marcelino Cathedral tomorrow. I will introduce you to the two parishioners who will be going on the journey with you. And…”

Suddenly, Milicia looked at Glenn, her words trailing off. Oh. Glenn could vaguely read the sorrow and longing in the saint’s expression.

Oh, there? Militia? Why are you suddenly looking at me like that…

However, it seemed like the guild master next to me burst into laughter.

“As I have already announced, I will be leaving first. Thank you for inviting me today, Saintess. When I visit you again tomorrow, I will definitely introduce you to a great adventurer.”

“Thank you so much for your kind words, Guildmaster Rashford. I look forward to your visit tomorrow. Have a nice day.”

“And Glenn, you go have lunch with the saintess, have some more conversation, and then come back to the guild. If you come back within an hour of me leaving, I will discipline you, so do that.”

“Oh, wait a minute. Guild Master!”

Glenn panicked for a moment and tried to grab the guildmaster. Because the most important question was not answered. Just now, didn’t both the guildmaster and the saintess intentionally completely exclude a certain person from this incident and explain it? Wasn’t that person someone who absolutely should not be excluded from this incident?

Glenn recalled the figure and exclaimed.

“What about the warrior? What about the warrior? Aren’t you currently staying in the Northern Kingdom? We’ll need your help to resolve this matter.”

Yes, warrior. Glenn knew that the person most involved in this pilgrimage was the warrior. However, for some reason, when he mentioned the warrior, he felt a stabbing sensation in a corner of his heart.

What is this? This pang of conscience? What did I do wrong to you, warrior? My heart aches when you mention it.

At Glenn’s desperate cry, the guildmaster stopped going out and simply turned his head to answer.

But, that face was very strange. It was a mixture of sorrow, sadness, anger, and ridicule. The saintess sitting across from Glenn also had a rather dark face. What, what is it?

“If you set out on a pilgrimage, you may meet them. But you will also realize that in this mission, the real troublemaker may be the ‘warrior’. So.”

Huh? What, what? Wait a minute. What the heck did you just say! A riddle? A riddle? No, I won’t ask, so don’t go for now. Guildmaster! To be honest, it’s been almost 12 days since I’ve properly met the saintess, so it’s awkward!

Whether or not he knew the scream in his heart, the guildmaster gave a brief greeting and left the mansion like the wind. And on the terrace of the mansion, only Glenn and Milicia remained.

‘Why do I feel like I’m going to be eaten?’

Glen’s keen sense seemed to foreshadow what was to come.