Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Episode 20.
A room shrouded in deep darkness.
Even in the stillness of the room, the candle flickered incessantly, casting the priest's large shadow on the walls and floor.
A quiet prayer continued.
"Thank you for allowing this holy offering... I will not let the intentions entrusted to me by the order go in vain."The church sometimes granted priests, who were responsible for securing and transporting offerings, the right to preemptively claim a portion of the offerings as a way to acknowledge their contributions.
It was truly a valuable reward.
Usually, lower-ranking priests or paladins had considerable difficulty in preparing the price demanded by the deity they contracted with.
However, human sacrifice was the easiest way to instantly fill all of that.
With a single ritual, the thirst of the gods is greatly satisfied, and the price that an individual must pay is significantly reduced.
Preparation is perfect.The thick hands of the priest gently caressed the tools that would be used in the ceremony.
A dark red ceremonial dagger.
A scripture engraved with the divine name.
A vessel to receive the blood of the victim.
The ceremonial patterns of the rich sect drawn in ink filled the walls and floors, and at the center was the figure of 'the seventh, Jan Daet'.
He was the most revered among the many gods served by the Prosperity Church.
"Shall we get started?"The priest rubbed his palms together and looked down at the offerings curled up on the floor.
"Mmm-!""Ugh."They were precious items that had been gathered with great difficulty from various places in the border city.
Not a mere prisoner or vagabond, but a superior offering worthy of being dedicated to God.
However, there was one item that I was most looking forward to.
The priest picked up a dagger and a bowl and moved to a corner of the room.
"Mmm-!"There was a silhouette trembling with a robe draped over it.
The mana restraint on the ankle clicked continuously with a sharp sound due to the intense struggle.
The ultimate offering obtained with the utmost effort.
The greatest gift that would never have come into his hands without an incredible coincidence and divine care!
Whip-
The eyes of the priest, stripped of his robe, gleamed with awe and greed.
"Ah, it is the will of God.""Pale skin, hair that seems to be shaped from pure silver, and golden eyes that contrast with it."
A being that seems to stand on the boundary between divinity and heresy... mysterious and unsettling.
The priest's hand, which had stroked the long and large ear, tightly gripped the dagger.
‘…….'...the moment when a very small hesitation came was then.
In fact, it was a principle to report and dedicate such special offerings to the higher authorities.
But he did not do that.
"Isn't it time I received some recognition for my contributions?"Prayer, offerings, devotion, everything.
He sacrificed much more than other priests who live comfortably in their home country.
I have rolled around more roughly than anyone else in this dog of a city filled with these heretics.
So God will understand as well.
After all, the blessings and rewards he will gain from this offering will also be used for the gods.
To the god he serves and his followers.
Crack-
The hand gripping the dagger tightens again.
He could already feel it.
The joy of great beings.
"Oh, this wretched yet beautiful thing, I am grateful that it can be dedicated to a sacred purpose—"
Thud, thud—
The priest's words were interrupted by a sudden noise.
The sound of knocking echoes in the room.
The priest turned to look at the door with a terrifyingly stiff expression.
"...these trash-like gangsters." I clearly said not to disturb me."If it's a trivial matter, it would be better to offer that guy as a sacrifice."
The priest made that resolution and approached the door.
He also did not forget to turn his robe inside out to cover his priestly attire.
No one knows his identity except for the boss of the organization.
The annoying stomach upset made the priest's irritation even stronger.
"What's going on? The departure shouldn't be for a while yet."Beyond the thick door.
A voice filled with fear could be heard.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." There was one more item that met the conditions, but I, I forgot about it and just... brought it right away!"...Did I forget?"The priest's left hand gripped the dagger a little more tightly.
At the same time, the right hand roughly pulls the door.
The heavy door slowly opened with an unpleasant noise, and
"...?""Whoosh-!"
A flashing blade pierced through the darkness and flew in.
"No, nooooo.""First, it pierced the lung."
Holding your breath will stop both the spells and the screams.
Indeed, the creature's moan sank deep into its throat and faded away emptily like a deflated grass whistle.
I added more strength to my grip.
‘...it's over.The priest pierced by the sword struggles.
Eyes that cannot be trusted.
Yeah, I admit it.
If he hadn't let his guard down, this fight wouldn't have ended so easily.
The sacred magic of the Prosperity Church was of a type that was difficult for melee characters to deal with.
First, he believed that this secret room was completely his own sanctuary and let his guard down.
On the other hand, I was calculating everything.
[Snake's Nest Lv.1 is activated]
From the moment the door opens, how the guy will react.
Whether to tilt the head, to strike with a dagger, or to step back.
I have read it all.
So he didn't even have a moment to lift a finger.
It was a perfect hunt.
The pillar of the red street smiles contentedly, saying it is a great use.
I kicked the priest's soft heart and stepped into the inner room.
With that recoil, the sword is drawn, and the priest's breath is cut off in an instant.
[The 'black intestines' writhe with a furious roar]
I laughed out loud.
"What can you do when the contractor is dead?"If the direct contractor dies, the deity receives a penalty.
By the time he can intervene in the current situation, everything will already be over.
Bang-!
I closed the door so that no sound would escape.
[Level Up!]/Lv.39]
[Strength 33 → 34]
[The proficiency of 'Snake's Nest' increases]
Investing stats in strength, I looked around.
A dark, dimly lit room where the only source of light is a flickering candle.
The offerings...There were a total of seven.
People desperately writhing on the floor, bound by restraints.
The ceremonial pattern engraved in the place where they were positioned caught my eye.
Countless tree roots extending endlessly, and a huge mouth greedily opened at the center.
'Seventh, the Jandaiet army.The three gods silently glare at the pattern.
One of the seven evil gods of the Luthien Church, a high evil god worshipped by the Cult of Abundance.
...it was also a formidable opponent that I would have to face in the distant future.
I took my eyes off the pattern and hurriedly began to remove the ropes and the bridle.
"Phew... Oh my, I'm alive." Thank you."Thank you." Thank you very much. I will not forget this grace.There was a commonality among the offerings.
Everyone is young and healthy.
There was also a girl who looked to be about Su-hyun's age.
A youthful face stained with tears looked up at me.
‘Ha... son of a bitch.It was a rage that I couldn't feel when I experienced this world beyond the monitor.
One, this is still the heart of the enemy.
I gritted my teeth and focused on untangling the remaining rope.
The people who were freed quietly began to help each other, whether they understood the situation or not.
Fortunately, there was no one causing a commotion.
However, some looked on with expressions of disbelief, alternating their gaze between the dead priest and the patterns filling the room.
"Why is the priest of Luthien...""It was understandable."
Internationally, the Luthien Kingdom was proclaimed as a 'sacred nation' that upholds righteousness.
A place that offers grace under the pretense of rescue and protection.
Although I don't know for sure, there must have been some among them who believed in the teachings of the denomination.
Not from today, but.
"Everyone may want to go out, but for the time being, this place will be the safest.""I will definitely save you once the enemies are eliminated."
Saying that, he stood in front of the last remaining offering.
The elf, holding the mana binding orb, looked up at me with large golden eyes.
[The pillar man of the red street cheers, saying that just looking into his eyes is beautiful]
‘...it's a bit strange.Was there an elf among the wizard companions that appeared in the event?
Of course, the companion event in <Forgotten God> has a very low probability, and even I couldn't collect all the companions.
However, in the community's brag posts, the elf wizard...
"Mmm-!""I first set aside my doubts and knelt down to remove her gag."
Thud -
A damp cloth fell to the floor.
The first words she uttered, with her ears slightly perked up, were - "It's dangerous.""It was right after that when the biological response approaching the snake's nest was detected."
'In front of the door!Did the members of the organization we killed on the way get discovered?
Or could it be that the time was delayed because of releasing the offerings?
As I turned and drew my sword, such questions crossed my mind.
"Damn it, I can't be caught yet!"But the door was already open.
Bang-!
"Father!""The one who burst through the door was a large man."
His round eyes glanced at the corpse on the floor and quickly scanned the room.
"What the hell is this..."There was no need to check further.
'Regan, the boss of the trafficking organization!It is a named mob in Act 1, Chapter 2.
A body covered in tattoos, with muscles trained like armor.
However, the most striking thing was the magical engineering prosthetic arm that replaced the right arm.
As soon as he discovered me, he twisted his face and raised his prosthetic arm.
Crack, crack...!
The power is rapidly amplified at the outlet of the prosthetic.
The people who had been frozen in place screamed and ran away behind me.
'Damn, they're really using a crossbow.'The overactive thoughts caused by doping accelerate regardless of will.
Evasion path, charge angle, impact point, enemy reaction speed.
In an instant, I dodged the attack and ran, envisioning the optimal way to sever the enemy's neck.
But...
The King of Knights of the Ninety-Nine Cards says to be prepared for shock!The body did not move.
If I avoid it, all the offerings will die.
Not only is it a moral issue, but it also leads to failing the exam.
But if I were to face that arrow head-on or deflect it...
'...I won't die, but injury is certain.The situation where the strongest knight is injured is soon a failure in the test.
I gritted my teeth.
'Damn it, should I give up on the no-death clear?But at that moment.
Hooeyooeyooey...
The prosthetic arm, which seemed like it would unleash destructive energy at any moment, made a hissing sound as air escaped.
The injection port that soon closes.
"What, what the hell!" What's wrong with this!"Sizzle—!"
The guy seemed flustered and waved his hand, but the light from the glove was only disappearing at a rapid pace.
...At the same time, blood flowed from the lips of the elf next to him.
“…….She was still wearing the mana binding device.
One, nevertheless... I just did something.
The eyes that momentarily blurred and then regained focus.
I was thrilled.
Wait a minute... Could this be?
"Gunter!"A familiar voice suddenly struck my ear.
At the moment the head turned back to face forward, a thunderous roar followed.
Bang-!
When did it appear?
Where did you find it again?
Ryan was striking down his two-handed hammer forcefully over the boss's head.
[Party member, 'Ryan Parker' joins the battle!A slight positive adjustment will be applied to combat power!"What are you again!""\n\nClang-\n\nAs the prosthetic arm and hammer clashed, a fierce battle of strength ensued."
I gathered my senses and ran forward.
Quack-!
The guy was strong.
However, there was no business in the joint venture.
At the moment Ryan squeezed out the strength he had as a baby to press the hammer down, the creature's ribs were empty.
Twist -
Pull out.
A giant collapsing like a doll with its string cut.
Ryan spat on the corpse of the guy.
"This piece of trash." How many people have you sold out to even have a magical engineering prosthetic arm?"Then, I slowly take off the prosthetic arm."
I let out a sigh of relief and lightly tapped his shoulder.
"The timing is good...""Is it just about timing?" Here, take it!"What is it?""Equipment rental fee." These bastards are on their way back from robbing a treasure vault."Ryan threw something."
One bag filled with jewels and gold coins.
The other one is...
"Ah...."The elf let out a soft gasp from beside me.
I hurriedly found the key to the mana binding device among the bunch of keys.
Click—
The metal ring came loose, and the restraint fell from her ankle.
"Eut."A long red mark carved into pale, ash-colored skin.
The elf carefully moved her ankle, took a short breath, and stood up.
Her eyes were constantly fixed on me.
"Who... are you, exactly?" To think that I would save people in a place like this..."However, unfortunately, there was no time for introductions."
Thud thud thud thud -
The sounds of footsteps approaching quickly.
I immediately ran outside.
"It's over there!" Catch those bastards!"The intimidating members of the organization rush down the hallway, filling it completely."
It was not just them.
Thud, thud, thud!
Five massive golem guards crashing down, pressing against the floor.
Even Ryan, who was calming down the panicked people, let out a curse.
"...How much money do these bastards have?""It was crazy to rush into the warehouse and fight."
Fortunately, the Holy Knight has not appeared yet, but it's only a matter of time.
“…….But it doesn't matter.
The outcome of this fight has been decided from the beginning.
...completely unrelated to the plans I worked hard to establish.
I looked at the elf standing next to me.
She was still bare.
There was no staff, the symbol of a wizard, and not even a dagger lying on the ground to pick up.
Nevertheless.
The golden eyes shone with a cold light, as if calculating, rather than fear.
I was sure of her identity... to be precise, her profession.
‘...Such a day has come for me too.Occurrence probability 0.01%.
The hidden class that was notorious for its extremely low probability in the game.
In the city of magical engineering, a companion more dangerous than any weapon.
"Dimona."”
“……."My name is Dimona Luyen.""As the brief introduction came to an end -
Wooooo -
Invisible waves spread through the air."
The approaching golems suddenly stopped moving at the same time.
"What, what is it!"The members of the organization, who had charged in with great momentum, were flustered and panicked.
"Why did it stop?""Something strange....""However, it was before they received an answer."
Bang!!
A golem turned around and swung its massive fist.
One of the members caught in that trajectory literally turned into a bloody mess and flew into the air.
"Kuh, Kraaak!""Only then did they grasp the situation."
"Damn, it's hacking!" It's an Arcane Runner!Before that scream ended, the other golems also moved in unison and began to charge in the opposite direction.
A metal fist swinging mercilessly.
The members of the organization gathered together, flustered, but determined to somehow stop the golem.
'It's done.In the midst of that chaos.
I took out the detonator from my waist.
It was a pre-installed 'sticky bomb'.
"It's over."Once.
Click-
Kwah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gahng-!
A powerful explosion occurred in the middle of the hallway.
Flames and shockwaves swept through the corridor in an instant, with screams and smoke swirling chaotically.
Members of the organization bouncing and flying in all directions.
Even the steel bodies of the golems staggered and collapsed under the pressure.
Ding-!
[Level Up!]/Lv.40]
[Level Up!]/Lv.41]
[Mass extermination occurs! The gods governing explosion, destruction, and massacre faintly recognize you.
Agility 32 → 33
Stamina 29 → 30
Stamina has reached 30.
Biological efficiency is optimized. Even if the body is overworked, it recovers quickly and does not tire easily.
It is not over yet.
Believing in the increased stamina, I poured all the remaining doping potions into my mouth.
Deep within the body, an astonishing vitality spreads out.
'Well then.'
Beyond the thick smoke.
Heavy and steady footsteps echo.
I lifted my gaze.
'Once that is cleared away, it's done.It was time to finish Act 1, Scene 2.
.
.
.
'Huh?But why is that?
The approaching footsteps were not just one.