Chapter 7
Chapter 7
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: The Land of Adventurers, Serenia
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"…Yes. Probably?"
In truth, it had been less than a day since he arrived in this world. All he knew about the man named Kaseun was a bit of backstory, a 3D model, and 2D illustrations. That made it odd to claim confidently that he knew him. Fortunately, the man didn't press further. Seron simply looked at Judah with a pitying expression before smiling kindly.
"Alright. That person said he'd come pick you up this afternoon, so even if it's frustrating, just wait a little longer here. If you like, you can look around the temple."
Seron stood up, gathered the stacked dishes, and left the room. Leaving the door open was his way of giving permission to wander as he pleased.
'He's a considerate one.'
Judah took a deep breath and surveyed the room. Perhaps because it was a temple, the small space felt strangely beautiful. The walls and ceiling blended white and brown in perfect harmony, and the simple yet never shabby furniture was neatly arranged. It didn't feel dirty at all—must be cleaned every day.
With nothing noteworthy in the room, he stepped out through the open door without regret. He recalled his awe upon first visiting the temple that morning.
From outside, it looked like a modest temple, but inside, it was far larger than expected. He vaguely remembered setting it as one of Serenia's landmark buildings. To think even such details were realized—chuckling to himself, he slowly explored what he'd missed in his hurried arrival that morning.
No priests stopped him as he wandered the temple interior. A bow brought smiles and nods in return as they went about their business. Thanks to that, he could leisurely sightsee, and his impression was that it was a truly magnificent place.
In the central hall, pillars rose every 3-4 meters on either side, supporting the triangular roof. With nothing but open space up to the 3-4 story ceiling, it felt incredibly grand.
Perhaps it seemed that way through a child's eyes. The pillars and walls bore intricate patterns even in the smallest details.
The central hall connected to various areas, but what he liked most was the spiral staircase leading to the second floor. No restricted zones apparent—no one stopped him yet. He could explore freely, though the liberty made him wary: 'Is it really okay to roam like this?'
The temple wasn't vast from the outside, and its sections were few: worship hall, lounge, dining area, administrative office, restrooms, quarters, and such. Most surprising was the worship hall, accessible just beyond the central hall.
Long pews wide enough for six people lined both sides, ending at a goddess statue flanked by a massive organ. No service in progress, so the vast hall was empty. He walked the central aisle alone. The floor was carpeted in plush red with golden embroidery.
He stepped carefully atop it.
"…Amazing."
Approaching from afar, his eyes went first not to the goddess statue, but to the pipe organ at the hall's end. The enormous instrument filled the entire wall—the one he'd only heard of. Pipes numbering dozens, hundreds, stretched toward the ceiling, overwhelming him.
No wonder it's called the king of instruments.
Or maybe it felt more impressive since it was his first time seeing one.
Did anyone in the temple play it?
If so, he'd love to watch a performance.
But as he drew nearer, he realized the pipe organ was impressive, yet the goddess statue before it was the true masterpiece.
Four broad pairs of wings spread wide, long hair cascading to her thighs, a face anyone would call beautiful. Her slender form, arms folded, eyes closed—it was breathtaking.
If his guess was right, this exquisitely crafted statue depicted [Second Holy King - Yophiel].
Holy Kings served as gods in this world.
Like demon lords ruled the demon realm, Holy Kings led angels in the heavenly realm, wielding divine power. Though heavenly and demonic realms opposed each other conceptually, angels weren't purely good, so it was simpler to see it as racial conflict.
Humans and other races called it the gods' war and worshipped them as deities. Yophiel was one such, revered as the goddess of peace and protection.
Gazing up at the statue, a warm energy seemed to envelop him.
[You have viewed the exquisitely crafted statue of [Second Holy King - Yophiel], where countless people offer morning prayers for peace.]
[You feel the warm energy emanating from the goddess statue. This energy will soothe your mind and bring you fortune.]
[Fortune stat increases by 2.]
[Growth rate accelerates for one week, and fatigue recovery improves.]
It wasn't an illusion. A holographic message appeared in the corner of his vision, unobtrusive. Just seeing the statue boosted his Fortune stat by 2 instantly.
'This is unexpected.'
Stats could rise not just from levels or items, but other ways too. In games, rare items gave bonus stats, but he didn't recall setting this up. To gain abilities just from witnessing something precious...
This meant stats could increase without leveling—perhaps through repeated training. He'd test later, but if so, it'd be great motivation. As a 7-year-old, building stats before adventuring proper would ease the game's difficulty.
'Come to think of it, Cyan didn't assign a guide.'
Grateful for the system, but no explanation on differences from his created world or system details. No guide at all—an unfriendly game. Cyan's words rang true: a game, yet real life.
He needed to leave soon to learn the system and other info.
When would Kaseun Sabrak, aspiring guardian, arrive?
It had been over two hours touring the temple.
Lost in thought before the statue, he heard footsteps from behind.
The carpet muffled them; he only noticed when close.
"There you are."
'Speak of the devil.'
Turning, he saw Paladin Seron, not alone but with an elderly man behind him—likely the guardian, Kaseun Sabrak.
'No doubt about it.'
He knew at first sight. Kaseun Sabrak matched the game's 2D image: hair swept back exposing his forehead, thick white beard evoking a bandit chief.
…No, correction: a rugged look like Jean Valjean from Les Misérables. Seeing his created character in person was novel. Maybe that's why people collect figurines. A random thought.
Seron noticed the child eyeing the man behind him, stepped aside, and introduced.
"This gentleman is Kaseun Sabrak."
Too hale for "grandpa," Seron added with a laugh. Indeed, Kaseun was remarkably fit.
Here, "grandpa" seemed to mean robust elder, not frail senior.
The imposing figure approached lightly despite his size, squatting right before Judah. Even crouched, his bulk felt reassuring. First impression: easily passed.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kaseun Sabrak."
He offered a disarming smile and his hand.
"Judah… Arche."
Shaking hands, Kaseun beamed.
"I know. Call me Grandpa. No worries. From now on, I'll be your guardian until adulthood, handling everything. Whatever you want to do or achieve, I'll pave the way. Nothing to fear."
Trust me—it'll repay a fraction of the grace your father showed me.
He ruffled Judah's hair with a large, warm hand. For the first time in this world, Judah relaxed, smiling broadly. Ultimately, Kaseun Sabrak was kinder than expected, beyond his grizzled appearance—a caring grandpa.
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「Status Window」
[Name: Judah Arche]
[Title: None]
[Level: 4]
[Job: Black Claw _ Shadow Magic Swordsman (Hidden A)]
[Revives: 1]
[Strength: 20 (D) / Potential A]
[Vitality: 15 (F) / Potential S]
[Agility: 15 (F) / Potential SS]
[Mana: 30 (D) / Potential B]
[Magic Resistance: 50 (C) / Potential S]
[Fortune: 77 (B) / Potential A] ◀ Special
[Remaining Points: 3]
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========== Author's Note ==========
That feeling when you first meet someone~
If you're seeking that thrill~
The author hasn't taken any drugs. Hasn't, right?