Chapter 5
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: EP 1. Journey's Beginning - Complete
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« The player's mental corruption level has reached its limit. »
« Memory data will be reset, returning to the branch point. »
"Ugh...?"
A sudden chill ran up my spine.
It was eerie.
It felt like I'd just woken from a terrible nightmare.
"Want me to show you some magic?"
The frivolous man in front of me grinned wickedly as he spoke.
For a moment, a vague unease flashed through my mind.
The instant he held out the crystal in front of me, I reflexively swatted it away.
"What the hell?! Do you know how much that costs?!"
The man's face twisted into a savage scowl in an instant.
All eyes in the tavern turned toward us.
I froze.
Trait: Greed
« Regardless of the reason, the fact that this action could lead to major financial loss makes you hesitate. »
"Sorry... My hand just moved on its own..."
"If it was broken, I'd make you pay for it."
The man laid down the threat like a bully, then bent over to pick up the fallen crystal.
That's when heavy footsteps approached, accompanied by an enormous lump of iron barging in.
It was a woman clad in silver-white full plate armor.
Her head and body formed a striking mismatch. Above the neck was a delicately beautiful woman's face, but below it was the form of a ferocious weapon of slaughter itself.
"Beautiful, but tainted with impure magic. Like chocolate made from filth."
She lifted the necklace with the crystal attached, examined it, and spoke.
Her voice was rough and low like a beast's growl, yet full of power.
She gripped the crystal in her gauntleted hand and crushed it outright.
The crystal shattered with a harsh cracking sound, crumbling into powder that rained down onto the floor.
"Oh my..."
I was more interested in her superhuman strength than the crystal itself.
"Wh-what the hell are you doing?! Do you know how much that was worth?!"
"This item reeked of black magic, so it's subject to disposal. If you feel wronged, we can hold a formal religious trial. I'd be the judge as the Heretic Inquisitor, but that shouldn't be a problem, right?"
The woman shot back. Her tone was utterly businesslike, yet it carried an immense pressure.
The man's gaze shifted to the cross emblem engraved on her breastplate. His expression froze, and he slowly backed away.
Then he turned tail and bolted.
"...Hmph."
As if he wasn't worth chasing, the woman snorted and turned to me.
Our eyes met, and I flinched in fear for a moment.
I wasn't exactly innocent myself, after all.
"Did you know that guy?"
"Huh? No... I just met him today."
"Good thing, then. You won't have to deal with trash like that anymore. This crystal has the power to affect the mind. It's not that strong, but still dangerous enough."
The woman tossed the shattered crystal remnants onto the floor as she spoke.
"I see... Thank you for helping me."
"Just doing my job. It's my calling."
I pointed to the emblem on her armor with my palm.
"Heretic Inquisitor, right?"
"Yeah. I was passing through the area on business."
Knowledge: Local Knowledge - Religion
« There's only one religion in the kingdom. At least within the realm acknowledged by the state. The Holy Church, which worships eight benevolent gods, is that one.
Your hometown had a small church too. You remember the ladies in black robes baking delicious cookies every summer and winter to share.
You'd go there and pray diligently each time, but you weren't really devout. To you, God was just a skilled baker who provided tasty cookies a bit stingily.
As the memories surface, you notice the emblem on the woman's armor resembles the symbol on your hometown church's roof. She's with the Holy Church, it seems. In this unfamiliar and suspicious place, she's at least someone trustworthy. »
Poison: Drug
« As tension eases, your mind grows hazy and your body heats up. »
"Ugh..."
"What's wrong? You okay?"
As I clutched my head and groaned, the woman approached, looking concerned.
"I think he slipped something into my drink..."
"What? That bastard... I shouldn't have let him go."
The woman glared viciously in the direction he'd fled, clicking her tongue.
"You alright? Can you walk?"
She placed a hand on my forehead to check my temperature.
Trait: Bisexual
« Amid the confusion, you notice her gaze subtly drifting downward. She's looking at your cleavage.
It's nothing surprising. You've always been well-endowed since childhood, and as a rare beauty, you've had countless similar experiences even in your rural hometown.
Some were even women. Is this stylish, somewhat extraordinary young lady in front of you no exception? But her gaze holds a different kind of emotion from what most women show when looking at you.
Perhaps. Yes, perhaps your devilish charm makes even a rigid religious person's heart race.
Fortunately, the Holy Church accepts all forms of love. Except incest, pedophilia, bestiality, and necrophilia. Beastkin and gnomes are exceptions, though. »
Trait: Greed
« You suddenly realize there's still one unresolved issue.
Damn! That expensive dish you haven't even touched is going cold. But even more regrettable is that the sucker who was going to pay has vanished.
If that money has to come from your wallet, it'll make life feel even more lamentable—smashing through your drug-hazed mind like a hammer.
So, suckers must always exist. It's not hard if you fully utilize your greatest talent. Open the hearts—and wallets—of those nearby. »
"Um... sorry, but could I ask a favor?"
I broached the subject with a pained, dying expression.
"What?"
"This... That guy ordered it and said he'd pay, but he left... And I don't have any money..."
I pointed to the food on the table.
"Uh... so you want me to pay for it...?"
"Would that be okay...?"
I asked, eyes glistening with tears.
It was acting so brilliant even I was surprised.
Was this because of my high charm too?
"Ah, alright. I'll cover it. Just don't cry."
"Really? Thank you...!"
I grabbed her hand tightly as I spoke.
A shy flush rose on the woman's face.
As expected. I'd guessed right—she's definitely into me.
Despite her intimidating aura that could slice someone without blinking.
Well-seasoned, she might be even more useful than the sucker who ran off.
"And... could I ask one more favor...?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you escort me to my room? I can barely stand..."
"Of course."
She paid for the food, then came back to help me up.
With her support, I made it to my room.
"Rest easy."
As she turned to leave after seeing me to the bed, I said softly,
"Um... could you stay with me? After what happened, I'm scared..."
The woman hesitated.
She seemed torn.
"Please..."
I pleaded in a desperate voice.
It was the deciding blow.
"Jeez. You're not a kid... Fine, just this once."
She sighed and said,
"Taking off my armor might be noisy. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Wait a sec, then."
She went to a corner and removed her armor.
Without the full plate enveloping her, she transformed into an appealing young lady.
The complete opposite vibe from when armored. Pretty face, glamorous figure—she'd be popular anywhere.
The kind with high charm stats herself.
"Um... hey. Mind if I wash up? Living in armor builds up a lot of sweat inside."
She scratched her cheek, face reddening shyly.
It was utterly adorable.
"Want to wash together?"
"Together? Uh... sure? But is the tub big enough...?"
The tub was just barely big enough for two.
Turning the faucet unleashed hot water that quickly filled it.
Probably some kind of magic.
She—Lena, as she introduced herself—and I slipped into the tub, bodies pressed close.
Unlike her rough, confident demeanor against the man, Lena fidgeted nervously.
"What's wrong?"
I deliberately thrust out my chest and rubbed against her as I asked.
"H-huh? W-what?"
"You seem uncomfortable. Is it me?"
I made an exaggeratedly sad face.
Lena startled and shook her head vigorously.
"No! Not at all. Really."
"Phew, good. Hehe."
I beamed, and Lena's expression melted away.
"Haaa... You're an angel..."
"Pardon? What was that?"
I tilted my head, pretending not to hear.
"Nothing. Just mumbling."
Easy to handle. I like her a lot.
I smirked inwardly in satisfaction.
"Oh, your face is red. Do you have a fever?"
I leaned in and placed my hand on Lena's forehead.
"No fever."
"Just... from being in the hot water too long. It's nothing."
Lena mumbled, face beet red.
"I see. Glad to hear it."
"Y-yeah..."
After washing, I changed into my favorite pajamas from my travel bag.
Cute bunny-face ones.
Bunnies symbolize luck here too.
"Ta-da."
I approached Lena and wiggled the bunny ears on the hood.
"S-so... cute."
Lena fidgeted, unable to resist.
"Wanna pet it? The bunny."
I slyly offered my head.
Lena hesitated, then reached out and stroked my hair.
"How is it?"
"Adorable... the, uh, bunny."
"Right? Hehe."
I lay down on the bed.
Lena hesitantly joined me on the side.
She'd been tense the whole time.
According to my sharp unicorn senses, Lena's definitely a virgin.
Climbing to Heretic Inquisitor at a young age—though I don't know exactly how high that is, in these worlds it's a top position—she's probably lived for nothing but work.
To such a rigid virgin with zero sexual knowledge, a charm-maxed cutie like me must be an irresistible temptation and bundle of desire.
Not self-delusion.
It's all fact.
Source: my official brain agency.
"What brings you all the way here, Lena?"
With the groundwork done, I moved to the main point.
"Huh? Oh... work."
"Religious work?"
"Yeah. There's... suspicious rumors around this nearby city. I'm investigating."
Nearby city.
This reeks of a quest. A big one.
Trait: Adventurer
« This encounter might not be mere coincidence. You sense a fated inevitability and destiny in this sudden meeting. What's an adventurer's mission? To adventure, of course. »
"If it's okay... could I join you?"
"You...?"
"I was heading there anyway. Plus, I want to help you after you saved me."
"Sorry, but it's too much for you. This is dangerous."
Lena answered more firmly than expected.
"It's fine. Becoming an adventurer is my dream. I'm pretty good with a sword too. I really want to help. Please?"
I clasped her hand and begged.
"Still, dragging an unrelated person in..."
"It might be related. No one knows what path I'll take! And you might be in danger alone too."
Lena wavered.
"I promise I won't be a burden."
I gazed at her earnestly with sparkling eyes.
"...I told you, this is seriously dangerous. You sure?"
"I've been prepared since leaving home."
At my words, Lena sighed deeply, as if giving up.
"This is getting complicated. But... you're right. Two's better than one. Fine. We'll go together. But only for this job."
"Yes!"
« [Heretic Inquisitor Lena] has joined the party. »