The Trials of a Fellow Slave
"Who the hell is that?!" Cain barked, his face flushing. It cut him to the quick to hear the Beijing Fighters players whispering right next to him.
"Did they just say 'slave'?"
"I must have misheard. There's no way that's a class..."
"Who on earth would choose a class like that? Hahaha."
"..."
The ones who had called out to Cain were a newly arrived group of tribal warriors. The Akisus Tribe warriors!
Wait. That tribe's name sounds incredibly ominous, Cain realized, a cold sweat breaking out.
"For luck! Long live Lord Archisus!"
"For luck!"
The Akisus Tribe warriors are using Blessing of Akisus!
The Akisus Tribe warriors are using Protection of Akisus!
Cain's eyes went wide. These guys are actually using class skills!
At that moment, a quest window popped up before him.
The Slaves of the Desert
Though the Archisus Church has long since vanished, it did not disappear without a trace. You have discovered the remnants left behind by Archisus in the Asbian Empire. Meet the Akisus Tribe, who follow Archisus and consider it an honor to be his slaves! Assist them and learn from them.
📍 Location: Asbian Empire
🎁 Reward: Class Skill
"..."
Rarely had there been a quest he wanted to do less. Senior slaves!
Ugh... but since it's a class quest, I can't just ignore it...
Memories of his first encounter with Galakpad flashed through his mind. Back then, Galakpad would constantly badger him, shouting, "Slave! Come and help!" Cain had been forced to experience the life of a lowly servant. Surely he wouldn't have to go through that again...
"I'm coming! I'm coming!"
He couldn't afford to skip it. Grumbling under his breath, Cain charged forward.
You are fighting alongside fellow Slaves of Archisus!
You receive a bonus to all stats.
Reputation increases!
The Blessing of Archisus has been bestowed upon you!
"Archisus! For Archisus!"
"Try and hit me! Your attacks will miss!"
Why is this buff so ridiculously good?!
With Cain's arrival, the Akisus Tribe warriors went into a complete frenzy. Ultimately, the rival Azit Tribe warriors turned tail and fled.
"You crazy bastards worshipping a minor god!"
"Just you wait, you lunatics!"
Of all the insults hurled, the word "crazy" particularly bothered Cain... but for now, he kept swinging his weapons.
"Well done, fellow Slave of Archisus!"
"Welcome, comrade slave!"
"Ah, no. I'm not actually a slave..."
"What?"
In an instant, the eyes of the Akisus Tribe warriors rolled back, flashing dangerously. Cain flinched.
The Akisus Tribe warriors do not look kindly upon those unrelated to Archisus.
If you continue to deny your status, you may be attacked!
"...What I meant was, the title of 'Slave of Archisus' is far too noble for someone as unworthy as me..."
"Ah! So that's what it was!"
"Haha! There's no need for such modesty between fellow slaves serving Lord Archisus. Comrade slave!"
"Comrade slave! Comrade slave!"
The Akisus Tribe warriors hoisted Cain into the air and began tossing him up in celebration.
You have received the warm welcome of the Akisus Tribe.
Luck temporarily increases significantly!
"Excellent! We shall guide you to our village. But who are those fellows behind you? They are not slaves of Lord Archisus, yet I sense his presence lingering on them. Except for those guys over there."
The Akisus Tribe warriors glared at the Beijing Fighters players. Instantly, a system message popped up before the pro gamers.
The Akisus Tribe warriors are highly hostile toward those who do not believe in Archisus...
"I-I was actually thinking about converting..."
"Me too, I've been considering it lately."
"Then believe!"
"Why hesitate? There is absolutely nothing to ponder! Believe right this instant!"
"W-Well, you see, we already have our own religions that we originally followed..."
"I said, believe! Will you believe, or will you take a dip in that lava?"
The Akisus Tribe warriors brandished their massive weapons and growled. Had Galakpad witnessed this, he would have gasped in sheer admiration: Ah, now that is how you evangelize!
The players hesitated. Should they fight? The Akisus Tribe warriors were by no means weak. Living in the harsh environment of the Three Skulls' Mine, they boasted formidable levels. Moreover, everyone else seemed to align with Archisus, and Cain was clearly in the middle of a quest. Would it be wise to disrupt that?
In the end, they absurdly abandoned their original religions.
"We... we will believe!"
At that, the Akisus Tribe warriors burst into boisterous laughter.
"That's more like it!"
"Indeed! Archisus is infinitely superior to whatever trash god you were worshipping before!"
"..."
"..."
"Now, before you officially accept Archisus, shout: 'My old god is a son of a bitch!'"
"Excuse me?"
"That is the only way Lord Archisus will be pleased!"
Why am I the one feeling embarrassed here? Cain thought, cringing inwardly.
Meanwhile, the tribal warriors inspected the rest of the party.
"Gasp!"
One of the warriors leaped back in shock upon spotting Jeong Su-hyeok.
"You are a Mage of Archisus!"
"Pardon? Oh, yes. That is correct."
"Everyone! We have an esteemed guest!"
The warriors suddenly produced a palanquin out of nowhere and began hoisting Jeong Su-hyeok onto it.
"N-No, really, this isn't necessary."
"Nonsense! We cannot possibly let you walk!"
"Excuse me... I'm technically one of the closest confidants of the Archisus Church too..." Cain muttered.
"But you are our comrade!"
"Exactly. Come on, grab a handle and help us carry the palanquin."
"..."
Cain's shoulders slumped. What kind of ridiculous class was this?
Wait. Come to think of it, Lee Da-bi is neither a Slave of Archisus nor a Mage. Surely her standing is lower than mine? Cain thought petty, hopeful thoughts.
But his expectations were shattered once again.
"GAAAAASP!"
The warriors leaped even higher upon seeing Lee Da-bi.
"T-That is the armor of Lord Archisus!"
"To think someone would wear such a sacred relic!"
"Everyone! An even more esteemed guest has arrived!"
The warriors brought out an even grander palanquin than before. Lee Da-bi climbed aboard, looking utterly bewildered.
"Ah, whispers don't work here."
Tae-hyun smacked his lips. The Adamantium Golem's hideout was completely cut off from private messages.
Well, they'll be fine.
The party outside wasn't stupid. They had Lee Da-bi, the Beijing Fighters players, the dwarves, and Cain...
Hmm. Actually, listing them out like that suddenly makes me anxious...
"Carbanog relays that the Golem wants you to focus."
"Ah, sorry."
Tae-hyun swung his hammer once more. He couldn't leave just yet. He had to craft the absolute best gear possible before heading out!
The Adamantium Golem personally grabbed the raw adamantium ore, plunged it deep into the lava to soften it, and then used its body's intense heat to melt it down. Without this assistance, it would have been nearly impossible for Tae-hyun to work with the metal. A dedicated blacksmith player might have managed with specialized class skills, but Tae-hyun wasn't even a blacksmith!
• Blacksmithing Skill proficiency has increased significantly!
• Blacksmithing Skill proficiency has increased exponentially!
• Engineering proficiency has increased!
• Sadiq's Flame skill power has increased!
Adamantium was truly a dream metal. Every time he touched and melted it, his skill levels shot up at a terrifying pace. This was the paradise every blacksmith player dreamed of!
"But why are you helping me just because you heard Archisus's name?"
Flinch!
The golem stiffened.
"Kuooh."
"Carbanog says it claims it is just helping out of the goodness of its heart."
"Cut the crap."
Naturally, a veteran like Tae-hyun wasn't about to fall for such a clumsy lie.
"Kuooh..."
"Carbanog says it once owed a debt of gratitude to Archisus."
Back when the Adamantium Golem was newly born, small, and weak, Archisus had helped it out.
Is the divine Authority slumbering in the Asbian Empire because Archisus passed through here? Tae-hyun speculated.
But why did Archisus help the golem?
Wait... since it was small back then, did he nurture it just so he could harvest its adamantium later...?
"Carbanog asks if a god would really do something so petty."
No, it's highly likely.
This was the cold, objective judgment of an Incarnation!
Oblivious to this, the Adamantium Golem was speaking highly of Archisus, even going so far as to help Tae-hyun to repay its debt.
Hmm. I'd better keep my mouth shut.
If the Adamantium Golem found out the truth, it probably wouldn't be very happy.
"But why did you say you'd help me right away at first?"
"Kuooh."
"Carbanog relays that there are other crazy bastards who worship Archisus around here."
"What?"
"It is the divine beast of Archisus!"
"Aaaagh! We dare not gaze upon it with our own eyes! Forgive our insolence!"
The Akisus Tribe warriors prostrated themselves, trembling in fear.
After passing Jeong Su-hyeok and Lee Da-bi, they had finally laid eyes on Yong-yong.
That part was fine. Even if it was a bit excessive, being treated with utmost reverence by NPCs wasn't a bad thing. It was certainly better than being attacked!
The problem was...
"Comrade slave! What are you doing? Bow your head!"
"What is wrong with you? Acting like an uneducated slave!"
"If outsiders see you like this, they'll mock us! They'll say we have no manners!"
They kept forcing Cain to do the same!
"Grrr... Grrrr..."
"I-I'm so sorry, Cain," Jeong Su-hyeok stammered, feeling awkward.
At that, the Akisus Tribe warriors rushed over and cried out.
"Please, do not apologize, esteemed Mage!"
"Serving and honoring you is our greatest joy!"
Then do it yourselves! Cain screamed internally. Why are you forcing me to do it too?!
Because they viewed him as a fellow slave, the Akisus Tribe warriors insisted on doing absolutely everything together with Cain.
"But that fellow over there... no matter how I look at him, he doesn't seem like a divine beast of Archisus..."
The Akisus Tribe warriors glared at Heuk-heuk with highly suspicious eyes.
"Hic!"
"He is not a divine beast of Archisus, but he is indeed a follower of Archisus!" Yong-yong declared.
"Ah. Is that so?"
With just a single word from Yong-yong, the warriors were instantly convinced.
Watching this, Lee Da-bi thought to herself, If they meet Tae-hyun, are they going to faint on the spot?
Heuk-heuk shot Yong-yong a look of profound gratitude. A beautiful friendship blooming in the face of crisis!
• Unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited. Violators will be hunted down to the ends of the earth by the Akisus Tribe.
• Luck increases!
• Reputation increases!
• Your influence within the Asbian Empire increases!
"Now, let us pray here before we enter."
"...?"
Cain was puzzled. Pray?
Is there a temple here too?
This was actually quite surprising. Even on the Central Continent, temples of the Archisus Church were rare. Did they have one here as well?
But Cain's expectations were shattered once more.
"...W-What on earth is this?"
"It is the place of prayer."
"You crazy bastards! That's a trap!" Cain shrieked in horror.
The moment he stepped onto the spot the warriors pointed to, a barrage of spears and blades began raining down from above. It was the perfect spot to commit suicide!
"Tut-tut. How dare you speak such blasphemy. Standing there makes one's faith in Lord Archisus truly genuine."
"Of course it becomes genuine!" Cain yelled. "Because you'll be praying with every fiber of your being for the attacks to miss!"
Cain struggled with all his might to avoid stepping in. However, the Strength stats of the tribal warriors were monstrous.
"Come! Go and pray!"
You have entered the Altar of Prayer!
Surviving the trial will grant a random stat increase.
Thud! Thud! Slash!
"Aaaaargh! Help!"
"Stand still and pray for them to miss!"
"No, no, that's not how you do it!"
The warriors even had the audacity to offer back-seat coaching from the sidelines!
"Pant, pant..."
Your Strength stat has increased!
"Do you want to go again?"
"Are you insane?!"
"Well, you couldn't even if you wanted to. It's a precious opportunity that can only be done once a day."
"..."
"Fufu. To think I'm sharing such secrets. I suppose I've become quite the chatterbox. I just never expected a fellow slave from the outside world to find us."
The warrior rubbed his nose sheepishly. Of course, Cain was not touched in the slightest.
"For a comrade slave who traveled all this way, we can gladly yield our daily turns!"
"Indeed! I have no objections!"
"Truly, we are brothers!"
"Can I... can I just leave?"
Cain was ready to throw away the class skill and everything else. If he actually stepped inside the village, he might genuinely lose his life!