Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Mythic Quest (2)
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The knights and merchants, who awoke after about half a day, wept openly as they repeatedly expressed their gratitude upon learning that I had lifted their curses and healed them as well.
It was only natural—they saw me as their lifesaver. Judging by their reactions, they seemed ready to hand over their livers, gallbladders, everything.
That day, we grilled some of the high-quality meat the merchants had bought for sale and held a modest celebration for our survival(?). Then, after pushing on for another full two days, we finally reached the Holy Kingdom.
A massive, imposing city wall came into view.
'That's the Holy Kingdom.'
Among the countless kingdoms in Stage-1, it was one of the most powerful, easily counting on one hand. It was a kingdom built around the unshakeable pillar of religion, boasting tremendous influence.
'It has ties to the Saintess on Earth, too.'
Saintess Hani Minchorong came to mind. Her fate had changed. For some reason, she—who should have died—had survived unscathed and even made it to France for the Saintess Selection.
I'd heard that now, only she and the current Saintess's disciple—who would become the next Saintess—remained for the final competition.
'Come to think of it, I might run into her.'
The final selection was being held in the Holy Kingdom. The reason was obvious: the Pope of the Holy Kingdom was the one bestowing the title and class of Saintess. There was still about a week until the last event, but I'd arrive before then, so it seemed possible.
'It was already bothering me anyway. Guess I'll have to keep an eye on things from nearby.'
The world's greatest shield—my legion—had been selected as her dedicated escort, and they'd even hired an S-rank Hunter as a mercenary.
Originally, the security was planned to be lower-tier, but I'd strongly advised Guild Master Ki So-young against it, telling her I'd cover the costs if needed and to upgrade the protection quality.
In the end, it had worked out—Minchorong was alive. But it wasn't over yet. I didn't know why she was supposed to die or what had necessitated it, but one thing was clear: it was tied to the Saintess Selection.
"The Saintess Selection..."
My muttered words seemed to hit the mark, as the merchant's mouth revved up like an engine.
"Looks like you're interested in the Saintess Selection too, Player! It's one of the biggest events at this Holy Spirit Festival. The kingdom hasn't held one in decades, so the whole place is in festival mode right now! Everyone's busy with preparations. Oh! Player, you should get your citizenship quick to get system recognition—that way you can roam freely during the festivities! Without ID, it'll be a real hassle."
I chuckled and nodded. Citizenship was no issue. I had a recommendation letter, after all. It was a free pass.
The carriage soon pulled up to the main gate. Listening to the merchant grumble about tightened inspections due to the festival prep, I stepped down.
"Player Shin Juha! I'll never forget this favor. If you ever run into trouble or need anything, come find the Marcus Merchant Group!"
"Yes, sir! Player. I'll repay this lifesaving grace in the name of the gods! Just call on me anytime! Though with your skills, you probably won't need it—but if there's any issue with citizenship, come to me, and I'll help! Farewell!"
The group dispersed. The knights hauled the demon corpses back to their order for reporting. The merchant waited in line with the carriage for inspection, while the others got their IDs checked and headed inside first to prepare.
I strode confidently toward the Holy Kingdom's main gate... only to veer off toward the side entrance. It was sizable—about half the main gate's width—but this was where Players had to go for ID issuance, I'd heard.
"Halt. Are you a Player?"
"Yes. I'm here to get my ID."
The guards exchanged glances at my words, then turned back to me.
"Sorry, but starting today, new Players can't get kingdom IDs temporarily. With all sorts coming for the once-in-decades festival, it was decided that way. Apologies, but please bear with us until it ends."
I scowled. The guards didn't seem to be lying. Sure enough, some Players who'd already been rejected were cursing them out from afar.
But I was the exception. Or rather, I had to be.
"I have a recommendation letter."
My words snapped the guards—who'd started slumping back into boredom—straight upright, eyes gleaming.
"Ho... May we ask whose recommendation it is? Not that we're doubting you! It's just that no one's issued any lately."
I recited the name on the letter.
"Cardinal Bartroy's recommendation, huh. Probably one you got quite a while back."
The two soldiers immediately pulled up the system to check recommendation statuses. Their already wide eyes bulged further as they placed hands over their hearts and bowed.
"May the holy blessing grace you."
"May the holy blessing grace you. We'll escort you in. Once verified, the ID's no problem. You might even get a title."
They'd been polite before, but mixed with annoyance and hassle. Now, one soldier led the way with the deference reserved for someone untouchable.
Behind me, I heard mutters like, "Discriminating now?" "Who's that bastard?" "Fucking jerks." I ignored them lightly and followed the soldier.
Our destination was the grand temple, magnificently built at the kingdom's heart. Where other kingdoms would have a throne room, this holy domain was called the Grand Cathedral.
The soldier grabbed one of the greeters at the entrance, spoke briefly, and soon the believer's eyes widened as he looked at me.
"I've brought you this far. May only good fortunes come your way."
The soldier left after that, and the believer approached to guide me.
"You have Cardinal Bartroy's recommendation?"
"Yes. Got it by chance. The previous owner took a liking to me."
"Amazing. It's been fifty years since Bartroy ascended to Cardinal, and he's only issued two letters in all that time. One to the man who repelled a demon incursion into the Holy Kingdom long ago, and one to his closest friend from knight training—who failed the exam and returned to his hometown."
I tilted my head. Closest friend? A cardinal that age—Brimun was a youngish middle-aged man, so a peer didn't fit.
'Inherited from his father?'
That seemed most likely.
"Probably a successor, then. I don't know the details either."
The believer nodded and led me one room forward.
Knock knock.
"Cardinal Bartroy. The one with your recommendation has arrived."
"Come in."
The door opened at his words, revealing the interior.
A office crammed with weapons and armor—spears, shields, swords, axes, maces, you name it. It was hard to tell if this was an armory or an office.
In the room's center, an elderly man sat at a broad desk—the largest-built person I'd ever seen—gazing at me.
"I'll take my leave now. Have a fruitful conversation."
As the believer withdrew, the old man lounged back in his massive chair and asked,
"You?"
"Yes. I brought the recommendation."
I pulled it from my inventory and placed it on his desk. As I drew near, I could tell.
'He's strong.'
As expected of a powerhouse from a fully conquered zone's great nation?
At least SS-rank—no, even compared to Dangun Cheonje, this man held the edge. It was a unique stage drawing all residents and Players, but still, a powerhouse like this.
Typically, only up to third-gen Players stayed in Stages 0-1. The rest headed to deeper stages and settled there. Entering the core meant massive penalties for anything below Stage 100, naturally.
That was why divine seats couldn't casually descend or be summoned to low stages.
'Yeah, SSS-rank. The level later rated A-rank by system standards. No way I could beat him, dead or alive.'
Did he read my gaze and thoughts?
He chuckled, rose fluidly, eyes flashing as he approached.
Then he started groping me all over.
"Wh-what are you...?"
Pervert! Was this cardinal a pervert?
"Hoo~! What a body! Perfected realm, muscles so pure without a trace of impurity, perfectly balanced and flawless!"
This guy. Just like the legion—muscle-obsessed bulk freaks!
I reflexively pulled back to dodge his hands, but no use. He'd already started kneading my arms, groping everywhere like I couldn't escape, finally stepping back satisfied.
Then he squeezed his own muscles and grimaced.
"Getting old—the muscles are softening. Tch, makes me jealous."
You crazy old geezer. If that's soft, then 99% of all dimensions' muscles are trash!
"Anyway, never thought someone would show up with my letter. The one I gave that punk wouldn't use it, so this must be the invite I gave my friend. How's Brimun doing?"
"No idea."
His eyebrow twitched, eyes narrowing.
"Did you kill someone and steal it? Not that I can judge, but my attitude toward you would change drastically."
"No. The one who gave me this was Brimun, security captain of Primordial Village. Vimun... probably his father? Never met him. Sorry."
Cardinal Bartroy's face relaxed. He burst into satisfied laughter, nodding.
"Hahaha! Of course! A guy with that perfect body and muscles wouldn't stoop to dirty tricks! Right—my friend's son is that kid. Saw him once as a little brat. Uhahaha!"
His wariness vanished in an instant.
"Good, you've come well. Nice to meet you. Allow a proper introduction. I am Bartroy, incarnation serving the great hero of infinite might, Cardinal of the Holy Kingdom, and Captain of the Heresy Inquisition."