Chapter 57
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 057
Chapter Title: Welcoming Guests
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Before joining the expedition, he needed to get a read on the current situation.
That meant gathering information...
It wasn't a big issue. By holing up in Bow's office, messengers from the Church Alliance kept delivering letters right to him.
'The second expedition is about to begin.'
This meant Duke Edwin had secured solid backing from the Church Alliance.
The Church of Wisdom, devoted to the God of Wisdom, Thalos, had pledged troops. Knights and soldiers under Archbishop Conrad's influence would join the second expedition.
It was essentially a declaration of riding or dying with the duke. They planned to commit half their total forces to this push—failure would spell irreversible disaster.
'Conrad's throwing down such a bold gamble... maybe because of pressure from the Church Alliance.'
By siding with Duke Edwin, Conrad had fallen out of favor. To make amends, he'd have to shoulder more risk than anyone else.
With Conrad taking full responsibility for the troop commitment, the other churches planned token gestures—supplies and personnel offering tactical aid at best.
The Church of Struggle promised logistical support: weapons infused with holy power. Those would make short work of beasts.
The Church of Devotion committed a full order of Holy Knights and priests. Not frontline fighters, but medical support. They'd tend to the wounded at the rear.
The Church of Trials pledged five ascetic monks. Meager compared to the others, but unavoidable—they were a small elite force.
The Church of Valor... flat-out refused. Composed of barbarian warriors, they'd never gotten along with the Church of Wisdom anyway.
On the flip side, the Church of Titania, Goddess of Prosperity, promised unprecedented aid.
'They're sending their saintess.'
The Verdant Saintess.
A cleric whose renown rivaled Conrad's. Her reasons for joining remained a mystery, fueling wild speculation.
'Some backroom deal, no doubt.'
He shrugged it off.
And finally... the Church of Harmony. They pledged an elite choir of priests.
"...Word is, all seven churches are pitching in. Bigger than I expected," Woojin said as he sliced into the meat on his plate.
Cindy, who'd been listening intently, corrected him.
"Shouldn't that be six? You said the Church of Valor was out."
"Oh, right."
Spot on. Woojin nodded in agreement and popped a fresh-cut steak into his mouth. The meat was top-notch—chewy and satisfying.
Every meal at Cindy's estate hit the spot. Lavish ingredients, no skimping—it was to be expected.
Cindy pondered for a moment before speaking up again.
"You said the second expedition force is coming soon? Will the choir here join them?"
"Yeah, that's the plan."
The choir dispatched for the first expedition was still in the city.
Priests and nuns experienced in purifying rift cores. They'd join the second wave, linking up midway as the expedition headed for the third pioneer city.
"...When that happens, you'll probably join the second expedition with the choir, right, Jin?"
Cindy murmured over her juice. Woojin blinked in surprise. He'd never mentioned joining.
"How'd you know?"
"Just a guess."
...
He'd fallen for the leading question.
"You're really going?"
She pressed. Woojin nodded without hesitation. He'd planned to bring it up soon anyway.
"Figured I'd tag along for the trip. The scale's bigger than I thought—good chance to scope things out."
"Yeah... makes sense."
Cindy's face fell. Offended by the danger, no doubt.
To reassure her, he added,
"Don't worry too much. Traveling with such a massive army—nothing's gonna happen."
"...Can't you just skip it?"
"Decision's made."
His firm tone drew a faint sigh from her, as if she'd expected as much.
"If it's your call, I won't argue. Anything I can do to help?"
"If possible... I'd like some relics."
The more cards up his sleeve, the better. Artifacts with special powers would handle expedition surprises handily.
Cindy beamed triumphantly.
"Perfect timing. Come with me."
"Where to all of a sudden?"
"Something to show you. Won't take long—quick in and out."
She brushed it off and stood. Looked like she'd finish the story at the destination.
Wonder where we're headed.
Intrigued, Woojin set down his utensils and followed. Cindy led deeper into the estate, down to the basement.
"Light it up, please."
She handed over a candelabra. Woojin flicked his wrist casually.
Fwoosh—
The flame banished the basement shadows. Wine bottles lined wooden shelves beyond. Past them, deeper in...
A massive glass display case came into view, brimming with jewelry of all kinds. Woojin clocked it instantly.
"Don't tell me... these are all artifacts?"
"Spot on. Hobby collection—don't need 'em anymore. Take what you want."
Even all of them, if he liked.
Her generosity sparked greed... but he reined it in.
...Can't strip a kid bare.
Just grab a couple he liked.
His eyes scanned the case. Looks alone didn't reveal functions—he grilled Cindy repeatedly.
"What's this flask thing?"
"Actual flask. Called the Spring of Purification—put in tainted water, wait an hour, drink clean."
"Impressive."
Love at first sight. As Woojin eyed it hungrily, she pulled it out without a second thought.
"Looks useful—take it."
"Not expensive?"
"Don't sweat it. Anyway, back on track... this ring's a fun one. Might help on the expedition!"
She kept handing over items, more excited than he was. At some point, she stopped even asking—just shoved them his way.
...Arms full coming back.
All good for Woojin.
The appointed day arrived.
Woojin, Bow, Rolang, and the Holy Knights turned out to greet the guests.
Far off... the expedition marched toward the city. Gleaming armor. An endless silver tide crested the horizon.
A massive lizard beast, the Tarasque, lumbered alongside. Modified for cargo and combat—its tail ended in a brutal iron mace.
The second expedition force.
Total headcount: eight thousand.
Ridiculously huge. Over twice the Church Alliance's first-wave commitment. Only possible because kingdom nobles chipped in troops.
...They're setting up camp.
Soldiers halted well outside the city, pitching tents. No entering pioneer limits—smart call.
Force size dwarfed capacity; even twenty percent would've gridlocked everything.
Thus, only high-ranks entered for rest: knights and priests. Hundreds strong.
Leading them...
Five figures approached. Two familiar faces.
'Duke Edwin, Archbishop Conrad.'
Bow stepped forward with a warm smile.
"Didn't expect to see you two here. Leading personally?"
Edwin laughed heartily.
"Ha! Of course, Bow. My life's on the line this time. Can't sit idle twiddling thumbs."
"Refusing to leave fate to others—manly resolve."
Bow laid it on thick. Edwin's grin widened, pleased.
Buoyed, Edwin introduced his entourage.
"Expedition commander: Sir Cornelius. My most trusted knight."
The White Viper, Cornelius.
Elderly, even by Bow's measure. Pushing eighty, yet his eyes burned sharp as youth.
"And this is Saintess Cecilia. The expedition's very heart."
Verdant Saintess Cecilia.
Green veil obscured her face. She gripped a staff of twisted vines, flowers blooming along its length.
Her aura screamed extraordinary. As it should—a saintess wasn't just anyone.
"Finally, this young knight is Boemond the Giant. Surely you've heard."
Giant Knight Boemond.
First Woojin heard of him, but fame seemed inevitable.
...Three meters tall, easy.
Massive, muscled like stacked boulders. Thick plate armor amplified the intimidation—he menaced just standing there.
Veteran Cornelius commanding, Boemond's youthful might crushing foes.
'Solid lineup. Prepared well.'
If supplies held and strategy shone, victory wasn't impossible.
Then...
"...Jin. Been well?"
Conrad approached. Still remembered his face.
Woojin gave a bland reply.
"Long time."
"Indeed. Thought we'd meet again soon, but you flew off like an autumn migrant. Shame."
Conrad chuckled, adding,
"Now we'll miss you. Joined me then, you'd share the triumph fully. Pity."
You blew it.
With that, Conrad hurried after the group. Lingering grudge over rejecting his invite for Bow's camp.
Woojin smiled at his back.
'Should be fun watching.'
Then or now...
No regrets on that choice.