Chapter 134
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: Taranis - 1
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After hearing my introduction, Camilla looked startled and asked,
"Hero, wasn't the original title supposed to be earl?"
"It was originally earl, but His Holiness the Pope changed it all of a sudden."
"All of a sudden?"
"Looks like he got anxious about the emperor snatching me away."
The emperor had said that if I wanted, he'd make me a vice-king.
From the Pope's perspective, there was now a real chance I'd be taken, so he'd gone all out to make me a duke instead.
'It must include capturing Andrew, Hardon's main force, and saving the second apostle Helen.'
And so, a duke appeared in the Holy Kingdom's history for the very first time.
Wow, becoming a duke sure is easy, huh.
"You're probably the only one who's ever risen to duke so simply, Hero."
"Don't even say it. I still feel like it's all a dream."
Becoming a duke wasn't all good, though.
The system of the four great dukes, who had firmly maintained their power in their regions, was on the verge of collapse because of me alone.
'They can't attack openly because of the emperor, but they'll definitely try to check me.'
My back itched just thinking about the emperor and the Pope.
I would've been happy just being an earl.
"Pleased to meet you, Hero. I am Iris, the third apostle who serves Athena, goddess of war and wisdom."
The white-haired woman, Iris, greeted me gracefully upon seeing my family crest. Every one of her movements exuded dignity.
"I've heard all about your exploits, Hero."
"I'm embarrassed. They weren't that impressive."
Was it her inherent dignity? I found myself treating her with extra care.
Like Helen and the Pope, Iris was probably one of those nymphs who had lived for ages, so it was only right to show respect.
I was thinking that when Iris suddenly pulled out a pen and paper from her bosom.
"Hero, if it's not too much trouble, could you tell me about your battle with Sir Andrew?"
"Huh?"
"This great record must be preserved for posterity, so the more details, the better."
Stunned by Iris's words, I glanced at Camilla and Ellie, asking with my eyes,
What's up with her?
The answer came right away.
"As befits an apostle of Athena, the goddess of war, Lady Iris studies methods for victory in all kinds of battles. She's probably curious how you beat Sir Andrew despite the clear difference in skill."
"Think of her as a battle records otaku."
After hearing their explanations, I sighed and slowly recounted the battle from that day to Iris, whose eyes were sparkling.
"Haah... Where should I even start?"
.
.
.
.
.
"And that's how I barely won."
"A strategy that blocked the enemy's forces and made perfect use of the terrain—brilliant!"
Iris was busy scribbling notes, full of admiration for my tactics.
She was recording every single thing I said, like some Joseon-era historian obsessed with chronicles.
This was getting a little creepy.
"I could've guessed you'd steal equipment with <Inventory>, but storing air for a dust explosion? Even I, the creator, never thought of that."
Ellie focused on how I'd used <Inventory> in combat.
"It wasn't that clever an idea."
"It's not hard in theory. But in a life-or-death battle, it's tough to think of preparing for a dust explosion like you did, Sian. Thanks—it's given me some great inspiration."
"Really?"
Seemed like she'd gained a lot as a developer.
Meanwhile, Camilla...
"Divinity Slash..."
She looked shocked by Sir Andrew's power.
Apparently, the gap between her and a second-rank knight was bigger than she'd imagined.
"Enough chit-chat. Let's talk about the divine relic."
"Oh, could you tell me about the northern expedition this time?"
"That... I'll do next time."
"Thank you."
As Ellie said, Iris was an otaku obsessed with records.
"Then, allow me to explain the divine relic we captured this time."
Switching to business mode, Iris began her briefing like a capable office worker.
"As you all know, it's the relic of Taranis, god of thunder and retribution. And due to its unique nature, we're having issues with the seal."
"What's the problem?"
In response to my question, Iris displayed a magical projection, just like Helen had shown me before.
"Unlike other dead gods, Taranis hasn't fully accepted his death. We succeeded in subduing him with Sir Perediel's help, but he's continuously resisting."
"It's his deathbed struggle. We're holding him down for now, but he's like a bomb that could go off any second."
Camilla recalled Taranis's secret atrocities at Ellie's added explanation.
"Filthy bastard. If his time was up, he should've died quietly."
"The seal isn't progressing because of Taranis's resistance, but fortunately, we have you, Hero."
Iris looked at me as she spoke.
"If you successfully consume Taranis's relic, we can dispose of it without any damage, and it'll heal the internal injuries you suffered from Sir Andrew."
"Yeah, that's why I brought it. I'll take responsibility and swallow it."
"However, we can't proceed right now."
"Why not?"
"It's far too dangerous."
This time, Ellie took over the explanation.
"Sian, as you know, divine relics are on a whole different level from legacies."
"True. They're the actual flesh of a god, after all."
"That's why, unlike legacies, they can think on a higher plane like humans. Right now, Helen and the other nymphs are maintaining the seal through prayer, but if we release it for you to consume, it'll bolt without a second thought."
"Then just catch it."
"If only it were that easy. There's no knight in Asgard right now who can hold Taranis. Sir Perediel went to the injured Sir Clack, and Sirs Orona, Thompson, and Harte—who are on his level—are guarding the Pope."
In other words, all of the Holy Kingdom's forces were tied up elsewhere.
'If something goes wrong, we won't be able to handle it.'
It was obviously a risky situation, and Ellie, true to her developer nature, emphasized safety.
"Considering safety, we should wait until Sir Perediel returns."
"So, how long are we waiting?"
"At least until the Pope returns to Asgard."
"Ellie, didn't you get the report? The Pope's return is indefinite."
"Oh..."
"And doesn't the imperial family not even know we brought the relic here?"
"Right..."
"So, as I said, we use the Cataclysmic Heavenly Thunderbolt to subdue Taranis."
"Absolutely not!"
Ellie vehemently opposed Iris's suggestion.
But that name sounded familiar.
"Cataclysmic Heavenly Thunderbolt? You made something weird again?"
Rubbing her cheek at my question, Ellie replied,
"It's not plagiarized—I just borrowed the name."
"So, what is this plagiarized-name knockoff?"
"It's Asgard's ultimate weapon, made for emergencies. The Tower of Wisdom's greatest creation, blending magic and miracles. Power-wise, it's about nuke-level."
"You're insane..."
Even in a fantasy world with gods and magic, a medieval-era nuke?
Seeing her obsession with firepower, she really must be from the East.
"Of course, no radiation like a real nuke, but firing something like that at current civilization would cause total chaos. It could even break the seals on the evil gods."
"Yeah, never use that dangerous thing, no matter what."
"Urk, obviously!"
"That's my girl. You firepower nut!"
"Kyaa!"
Ellie writhed in pain from my knuckle rap.
Ignoring the would-be world destroyer for now, I asked Iris,
"The most important thing right now is that we need a knight to hold Taranis, right?"
"Yes."
"Leave that to Camilla."
"Pardon?"
Camilla was the most shocked by my declaration.
Unlike usual, she even stuttered.
"H-Hero? My skills are still far below Sir Perediel's level."
"I know. As someone who's fought a second-rank knight, I get how big the gap is between second- and third-rank."
"Then why?"
"Because battles have matchups."
I brought up the underground city as an example and continued explaining.
"If the one I fought in the underground city that day had been Sir Perediel instead of Sir Andrew, would I have won?"
"No, Sir Perediel wouldn't fall for such tricks."
"Conversely, if Sir Perediel had fought in my place in the underground city, would he have won?"
"That's..."
Camilla couldn't answer my question lightly.
No matter how much stronger Sir Perediel was than me, it would've been hard for him to hold off two second-rank knights.
I'd won that day because I'd made perfect use of my abilities and the terrain.
"The outcome of a battle isn't always decided by raw strength."
"Well said."
Scribble scribble scribble—
Iris suddenly started jotting down my words like they were scripture.
This woman's not right in the head either.
"Plus, the conditions are different this time."
"Indeed. There's no need to overwhelm Taranis."
"Exactly."
Camilla didn't need to crush Taranis like Sir Perediel would.
She just had to protect everyone until I consumed it.
"And you're great at protecting people."
Camilla's aura was like a castle wall.
I'd felt more helpless against her than I had against Sir Andrew.
"So, protect us this time too, teacher."
"Haah... Calling me that here, how can I refuse?"
"Hahaha. Might as well aim for second-rank while you're at it."
Camilla looked annoyed at my words, but not unhappy.
And so, Camilla and I returned to the sealing chamber to dispose of the divine relic.