Defying the Divine Whisper
In the dark fantasy world, ordinary people didn't pray to hear the voice of a god. Instead, they prayed for silence. Being chosen by a god meant trials and tribulations ahead. No matter how much a god loved humanity, they weren't idle enough to whisper to some random nobody. Thus, divine selection implied the god had a purpose—and you became their pawn. A chess piece to be used and discarded for the whims of lofty celestial beings. Even the relatively benevolent Esperanna's voice often demanded sacrifices for the greater good, so it was no wonder no one wished for it. And if the voice belonged to an evil god like Delitoph, madness or suicide often followed.
Yet Yenika neither went mad nor cursed her fate. She simply refused the overwhelming presence with calm resolve.
Did I hear that wrong?
"No, sir. To be clear, I have no intention of betraying Lord Vermin. And I certainly won't lay a hand on him. So please, leave."
Why? Vermin betrayed you.
The voice in her head mocked her. Expert in betrayal, division, and intrigue, it skillfully prodded at Yenika's vulnerabilities.
Has Vermin ever once looked back at you? No. He just exploits your feelings. Your administrative skills and exquisite aesthetic sense are rotting away under him.
"…"
Do you think trying harder will make him notice you? No. You'll be exploited like a slave forever. So why not get revenge on Vermin first…
"I know Lord Vermin won't look at me."
Yenika's words silenced the echo once more. In the brief quiet, she pondered, then closed her eyes slightly and explained to the presence in her mind.
"I don't aspire to be with Lord Vermin. He's far too great for someone like me."
Then why bother trying?
"Because I want to help him, even a little. The more I strive, the more at ease he'll be."
Is that truly enough for you?
"Yes."
Yenika answered without hesitation. Then, as if realizing something crucial, she continued faster than the voice could respond.
"In fact, my petty jealousy nearly ruined Lord Vermin's affairs. Even if he takes a woman and enjoys himself, I have no right to complain."
Even if that beastkin slave takes your place? Aren't you curious what he's doing with her in the bedroom? Don't you think it should have been you?
"That's Lord Vermin's choice, so I can't resent it. I simply serve him loyally—for his goal of the world's destruction."
Silence fell again as Yenika finished. But in that moment, she sensed this conversation wouldn't end well. No god ever took kindly to a pawn's refusal.
Still, Yenika maintained her composure. The voice rang out one last time, signaling the end.
Why such unwavering loyalty to Vermin?
"Because he saved me."
On the day Yenika ascended the pyre, bound and leered at by filthy gazes, she'd already given up on life. But Vermin had pulled her from hell by the hand, even when she was as good as dead. So she believed her life belonged to him, not herself.
Impressive loyalty.
The mental voice chuckled. The laugh turned to scorn, then to the rage of the insulted.
I can't use you to enlighten Vermin, it seems. But… have you forgotten you're just a mere mortal?
Yenika instinctively squeezed her eyes shut. Agony exploded through her body, like thousands of needles piercing every inch. She groaned.
"Guh…!"
Failed to make him suffer betrayal from a trusted ally. But watching that trusted one die in agony? That's fine too.
With each word, her pain intensified. No matter how she steeled herself, a mere human body couldn't endure it.
I like Vermin's goal of world destruction. But he still needs a bigger push. I can't stomach his filthy good deeds forever.
"That means…"
Barely clinging to consciousness, Yenika forced her head up. Relief escaped her lips.
"Lord Vermin… didn't do anything indecent in the bedroom…"
The voice fell silent. Only the bone-crushing pain remained, worsening by the second. Resisting a celestial being was impossible for a mortal. Yenika could only suffer.
"Ugh… Hah… Ahhh…"
Screams tore from her throat. Blood filled her mouth, her eyes rolled back.
How dare a pathetic mortal provoke me? Even if we avoid direct intervention, killing a wench like you goes unnoticed.
Yenika couldn't respond. Pain consumed her voice. Death loomed—she'd surely angered a great being.
"Lord Vermin…"
In fading awareness, she whispered his name. The pain surged, but it didn't matter. Staying conscious was already a miracle.
Lips trembling, she murmured inwardly: Lord Vermin. I think I'm dying. I'm sorry to waste the life you saved so pointlessly. But I couldn't betray you. Please forgive me. And if I can be reborn to meet you again… hold me with open arms.
Darkness claimed her vision. Her legs buckled, body plummeting to the floor.
Just before impact—
"Yenika!"
A familiar voice yanked her back. Instead of cold stone, warm arms enveloped her. Yenika whispered inwardly once more.
Saving me again like this… You truly are my savior.
I had no clue what the hell was going on. Why was Yenika suddenly collapsing? And why did Yaslin warn me about it?
About five minutes ago, as I led Karyl out, a message popped up.
[!] Yaslin is screaming that you must return to the mansion right now!
I ignored it at first. Yaslin wasn't the most reliable source, and it was probably just her usual delusions. But she kept spamming me.
[!] Yaslin is screaming: Right! Now! Return! To! The! Mansion!!!
She was this insistent, so I had to check. Yaslin was a transcendent being on par with the other authorities, after all.
Half-doubting, I returned to the mansion—and saw Yenika stumbling, about to collapse.
I rushed over, wrapping my arm around her waist to steady her. Her condition was dire: bloody tears streamed from her eyes, muscles twitching in agony.
"What happened, Yenika?"
She looked too weak to answer. I wanted details, but no choice—off to the bedroom for rest.
I scooped her up princess-style and headed down the hall.
[!] Yaslin anticipates a passionate kiss between you two!
So that was the goal? Sorry, not the time.
As I carried her carefully, Yenika barely opened her eyes to gaze at me.
"Lord Vermin…"
"Don't strain yourself. Rest first."
"You… I… you…"
Her lips moved, then she passed out in my arms.
I carried her to her room, laid her in bed, and tucked her in.
"Sleep well."
Stroking her hair like I did Karyl's, her furrowed brow relaxed as she drifted off peacefully.
Outside, sighing, Karyl—trailing me due to the Chain Collar—asked,
"You gonna fuck that bitch?"
"Crazy talk."
"Then why treat her so nice?"
"It's a human thing you beasts wouldn't get."
I did like Yenika. Beautiful, devoted to me—who wouldn't? But that didn't mean I wanted to sleep with her. Good is good. Kindness is kindness.
"Hmmm…"
Karyl wagged her tail, sniffing me.
"Smells like lies."
"You're the liar. Since when can beastkin smell lies?"
"Just a figure of speech."
Karyl grinned at me for the first time.
"My instincts say… you might not be total shit."
Too bad that thought didn't last. After tucking Yenika in, I took Karyl to the Beastkin Training Facility.
A place for specially breaking beastkin slaves.
"Hah…"
Karyl narrowed her eyes in disgust, itching to slaughter every human around.
I ignored her, fastening the collar around her neck.
"You're a one-of-a-kind piece of trash after all."
She growled sharply, clawing at the collar.
My gaze fixed on the facility. A mid-game random spot in the main story? The protagonist probably never saw it.
Blood would soon rain here.