"Who Are You?"
Her voice came out rough despite herself. It was only natural to keep a stranger at arm's length when they approached.
The man hadn't even asked before dragging a chair over to Yoahim's group's table on his own.
"I told you earlier. I'm just a commoner trying to do something bad, like you guys."
"What bad thing do you think we're trying to do?"
The man let out a hearty laugh. His narrow eyes narrowed even further.
"You're defying the paladin's orders and trying to leave the village."
How much did this fucker overhear? He couldn't have heard everything from start to finish. If he had, he wouldn't be talking to Yoahim's group—he'd have slipped out quietly and snitched to Paladin Kelly.
"We have our reasons."
"Funny thing—I've got reasons too."
"What reasons?"
"What about you?"
"Don't answer a question with another question."
"Sorry. But I'm only human—I don't feel like sharing personal stories with people who don't trust me."
Yoahim stared silently at the lukewarm beer left in his mug. Water droplets trickled down its side. He let exactly that much time pass in silence before speaking again.
"I don't trust you for two reasons. First, I don't trust eavesdroppers. They're usually opportunists. Second, why should I trust someone who can't even explain his own situation properly?"
"That's a shame."
Of course, the man saying it didn't look all that regretful.
...Is this bastard a devil worshiper? Yoahim eyed the man's identity suspiciously. Normal people didn't try sneaking out of a sealed village in the dead of night. If it was truly urgent, they could just ask Kelly for permission. Besides, it wouldn't take Paladin Kelly and the soldiers long to root out any devil worshipers. A few days at most—why risk it?
If I had proof this guy was a devil worshiper, I could just hand him over to Kelly.
Yoahim scrutinized the man's face and body, but there was no sign of devil worship. Then again, if it was that obvious, Kelly would've nabbed him already.
Pretty well-trained body.
The man's outfit prioritized mobility: rough, thick cloth pants below, and a buff coat above. His sturdy build and thick hands showed years of sword work. The scabbard at his waist was plain, as was the sword hilt—pure practicality.
"It's sad you don't trust me this much. But I can't go blabbing my situation to just anyone. And doesn't the same go for you? You won't tell me your reasons either."
He was right—Yoahim couldn't share theirs either. The man smiled slyly as he asked, implying they were just as untrustworthy.
"If you won't let me join your group, I have no choice. I'll go tell the paladin about you."
Playing dirty, huh? Yoahim clicked his tongue, and the man laughed.
"I can't be the only one stuck here unfairly. So, what'll you do?"
Yoahim glanced at Leon and Sasha. The three exchanged looks without a word, then nodded. They'd let the guy tag along for now. He wasn't hauling luggage, and they could ditch him after escaping the village. A little hassle was worth it—better than him snitching and complicating things.
"What's your name?"
"Gilbert. No family name."
"Yoahim. This is Sasha and Leon."
Sasha and Leon just nodded in greeting.
"These two must be shy. Wearing hoods even indoors."
Gilbert glanced at Leon and Sasha briefly before turning back.
"When do we escape?"
"When the night sky is at its darkest."
"That's vague. I'll hang around here—come get me when it's time."
"Not sleeping in your room?"
Gilbert shrugged.
"Can't sleep when we're about to do something bad."
"...Fine, do whatever."
No dumping him quietly, then. Yoahim nodded. Gilbert leaned back in his chair, laughing, then lay diagonally with hands clasped over his stomach. In a low mutter:
"Hmm... Maybe it'd be better to just kill them all now..."
His voice was soft amid the inn's noise, hard to catch. But Yoahim picked up the sinister vibe.
"What?"
"Oh, just mumbling to myself. Bad habit. See you later."
Gilbert waved, and Yoahim stood with an uneasy feeling. Leon and Sasha followed, heading to their room.
"Apostle, that guy's sketchy as hell."
"I agree."
"Same here. He might even be a devil worshiper."
Yoahim checked his gear on the floor.
"Doesn't matter. If he's a real devil worshiper, we use him as bait. If not, all the better."
Leon and Sasha nodded. They shed cloaks and armor for simple clothes, packing bags. Watching them, Yoahim suddenly opened his inventory.
"Haven't used that skillbook yet."
The Lightning Bolt skillbook. Holding it, Yoahim tilted his head.
"Do I just... read it?"
First time using one. He opened it slowly—and a bright light burst out.
Would you like to acquire Lightning Bolt?
Of course. Yoahim confirmed acquisition.
Congratulations! You have acquired Lightning Bolt!
"Ah, so that's how it works."
Yoahim set the now-ordinary book on the table after acquisition.
"No good spot to test it."
Normally he'd head to an open area, but with Kelly and her men patrolling, practicing magic outside would scream devil worshiper.
"Can't be helped. Leon, Sasha—step back."
They did, and Yoahim gathered random items like flowerpots, bottles, and lamps on the table. Focusing, he pooled mana in his palm.
As weak as possible.
Mana amount altered effects even for the same spell. No need for full power indoors. He fine-tuned precisely, then thrust his hand at the table.
"Lightning Bolt."
Crackle!
Yellow light shot from his fingertips, chaining: pot first, then bottle and books, finally igniting the lamp.
Whoosh!
Yoahim nodded at the flames. Impressive as an AoE—bouncing between targets for chain damage.
"Ah, got it."
Satisfying spell. Leon and Sasha oohed.
"As expected of the Apostle. Impressive magic."
"Yeah, amazing. Is this talent?"
Talent? Nah, just a skill. Yoahim wasn't a mage—didn't know the principles, even if he cast like one. Praise for nothing felt embarrassing. He cleared his throat.
"Everyone, get some early rest. Gotta leave before dawn."
"Got it, Apostle."
One bed—Yoahim yielded to Sasha. Leon grumbled, ignored. Sasha protested for Yoahim, but she took it.
"Lights out."
He blew out the lamp, settled on the floor, and sleep hit fast. The two-day trek had drained him. No Kakaril tonight either.
"Hm?"
Why awake? Yoahim rubbed his eyes, sitting up. Still dark outside, time to go. Then why... Bathroom? Thirsty? Groggy, he turned.
Bang!
Crash!
Bang bang!
"What the fuck?"
The sudden blasts jolted him up. Not just him—Leon and Sasha sprang up, lit the lamp. They exchanged glances, donned armor and armed fast. Yoahim shook off sleep, equipping from inventory.
"What's going on?"
"Devil worshiper?"
Screams and clashing steel outside suggested yes. Yoahim grabbed gear, edging to the door.
"What now?"
"Check the situation first."
Yoahim nodded at Sasha, cracking the door. Inside the inn: over ten corpses strewn, one man slashing soldiers.
"Gilbert?"
Brown hair, narrow eyes, sturdy build. Definitely Gilbert fighting soldiers.
Fuck, he really is a devil worshiper?
Splat!
Crunch!
Snap!
Blood sprays, leather tearing, bones breaking—chilling sounds. Gilbert fought a dozen soldiers leisurely, smiling.
"Oh? Yoahim. Sorry for the noise while you slept. Mind helping?"
"Help? You nuts? Why would I help a devil worshiper?"
"Devil worshiper?"
Gilbert crushed a soldier's head, puzzled.
"You're mistaken. The worshiper isn't me."
He beheaded another, flicking blood off his blade, pointing.
"It's that one."
Kelly stood there: head twisted grotesquely, guts spilling from a split belly. Yet standing, moving on two legs—Paladin Kelly.
"That's the real devil worshiper."
What the hell was happening? Yoahim blinked in confusion.