Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Chapter 41.
"Wasn't today just a day to rest?""Ryan tilted his head."
I called out the guy who was sweating profusely while training in the backyard, and it was just as I was leaving the mansion.
"Tsk, I was just about to eat.""I will make you feel full even if you don't eat.""...Huh?"Ryan's brown eyes widened and then sparkled strangely."
"Looks like you've planned something fun again.""Are you going to follow quietly?""I am always ready, Captain.""Gunter quickly took the lead, and Ryan followed with a lively step."
The way was peaceful.
On the surface.
...small changes occurred from time to time.
The surveillance magical tools throughout the streets subtly shift their gaze.
Following Gunther and Ryan, rather than the original target you were watching.
Ugh-
Just now, the lens of the security magic tool mounted on the roof slowly followed them.
Gunter nodded with a look of surprise.
"I see it now that I recognize it."But it wasn't too bothersome.
The subject of this surveillance is probably the 'helper'.
I don't know when they will actually show up, but at that level, it was more reassuring than unpleasant.
It must be an intention of protection or cooperation.
"But can you at least tell me the destination?""Günter snapped out of his thoughts and replied."
"Shrine."Ryan's expression became strange.
It was not a very welcoming place.
"...Shrine?" Did you have a god you believed in?”
“……."If that's the case, then leave me out of it." Worship is boring."It's not that kind of temple.""Huh?" Then what is it?"Seeing once is better than a hundred words."
Gunter hurried his steps in silence and was soon able to arrive at the 'temple'.
Ryan looked back and forth between him and the building in front of him with a shocked expression.
"Is this... a temple?"The building in front of me was more like a massive administrative office than a temple.
The high dome ceiling and neatly arranged entrances, beyond the translucent glass walls, dozens of counters were lined up.
Under the numerous banners hanging at the entrance, crowds bustle back and forth.
"Guide for Contract Candidates – Now, it's time to meet your God"
"The Bridge Between God and Humans – Exclusive Reception and Ritual Waiting Area for Contractors"
Gunter walked straight to one of the counters.
Ryan followed behind with a half-dazed expression.
A receptionist with a friendly expression welcomed them.
"Hello, you two." Are you the contractor?"No." I came for a new contract."Oh, I see." Is there a specific deity you wish to meet?Günter showed the 'crystal of speed' instead of answering.
The item gifted by the deity, 'The One Who Flies Before the Wind.'
The receptionist took out a holy measuring device the size of a palm and nodded shortly after.
"One person has the divine artifact, and what about the other person?""I hope for a free contract.""Understood." One person for the opening ceremony, one person for the naming ceremony. A total of 300 gold."Ryan's mouth dropped open."
As Gunther took out a pouch full of gold coins from his bosom, he hurriedly waved his hand.
"Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute."Ryan, who had asked for understanding with a glance at the receptionist, turned around and whispered to Gunther.
"What, what is all this?" What are you trying to do right now?"What else? I have money now, so I should spend it.""Ryan blinked a few times as if to reconsider the situation and then asked again."
"So... if I pay, I can make a contract with a god?" Does it make sense? The contract is made by God choosing a human that He likes."Half is right and half is wrong.""What?""Just because you pay money doesn't mean the contract is guaranteed to be successful.""Günter is inside the building."
He pointed to the corridor where the dining room is located.
People with vacant expressions were sitting on the benches there.
They were usually adventurers or mercenaries.
"Ha... I messed up." I put all the money I had to send back home."Damn it, I even sold my equipment." I have to become an adventurer without any choice."This was the last time...""Without even the strength to walk, they gaze at the ground with a dark expression, letting out deep sighs."
The money I saved through all the hardships in the city has vanished into thin air, so how heartbroken must I be?
It was a scene that immediately conveyed how difficult it is to make a contract with a god.
Lion, who was taken aback, asked back.
"No, then why that cash...""If you spend that cash, you will have the opportunity to expose yourself to multiple gods many times." You know that there are many mercenaries and adventurers who undertake tasks to become contractors. "Of course, the probability is extremely low-"
Günter gestured towards the operating room.
Just then, a young man burst out cheering, but he hesitated when he faced the angry gazes.
"Sometimes there are success stories like that.""Ryan frowned and was silent for a while before murmuring softly."
"Damn, it's just a structure that plays with gods and temples.""It's accurate." The god takes the offerings prepared by the temple. The shrine takes a profit under the name of 'ceremonial fees', while the aspirants are left with their wallets emptied in between.Ryan turned around and looked at the bustling reception area filled with people.
Colorful phrases, friendly receptionists, and faces filled with hope.
Below that, his face darkened as he realized the hidden calculations.
"So you're telling me to break through that low probability?" Make sense. Can anyone be a contractor?"Isn't Eddie the contractor?""That may be true, but... damn, 150 gold isn't even a dog's name, so be a bit more careful." Just because we sign a contract doesn't mean everything is over."It wasn't a wrong statement."
Even if the contract is successful, the possibility of its divinity being strong or useful is a separate matter.
Among the gods drawn to the opening ceremony, there are many lowly and insignificant deities.
I guess only inexperienced mercenaries wouldn't know.
They would be gods that are worse than having none for Ryan.
But Gunther simply replied calmly.
"Always saying you're ready.""Oh, no, that's...""Just trust me and go.""...What?""Even if you end up with nothing, I won't ask you to pay." "However-"
Günther continued speaking in a lowered voice.
"Choose a deity with modifiers like 'giant', 'god', 'rock', 'mountain range'.""What is that...?""They are divine beings who will not demand unreasonable prices from you, yet will grant you useful abilities.""Tap tap -
The receptionist tapped the desk with a troubled expression."
"Dear customers....""Gunter handed over a pouch filled with gold coins before he finished speaking."
I gently nudged Ryan's back.
"Then see you later.""Uh, uh...?"As soon as the receptionist rang the bell, two waiting guides rushed over and directed Gunther and Ryan in different directions.
Gunter lightly waved his hand to Ryan, who kept looking back.
‘...You won't have to worry.Ryan possesses a rare trait known as 'Giant's Blood.'
Until now, it seemed that the gods showed no interest as that talent was being wasted.
In the current state, the related deities would not turn their backs on him.
On the contrary, the probability of entering into a contract under favorable conditions is likely to be high.
The giant deities are known for providing frontline warriors with combat-specialized skills and powerful equipment, so it is worth looking forward to.
"In the future, it will also help with his scenario clear."So now, it was time to forget about Ryan and focus on his turn.
Günter followed the guide while adjusting the 'crystal of speed' in his arms.
As long as there is a sense of discomfort, at least the opportunity for conversation is guaranteed.
Of course, from then on it was up to Gunther's discretion.
[The drug-addicted saint lets out a sigh of regret as she looks at the decision.]
[She mutters that if this is used as a material for the altar, it could make a good inner altar.]
Gunter's lips curled up slightly.
It's okay, I can pull out more.’
.
.
.
Gunter entered the ceremony room alone.
The ceremony of calling the name was surprisingly simple.
On the altar set up in the middle of the room, everything is ready with the offerings placed on it.
From now on, it is under the jurisdiction of the temple.
An 'indirect summoning ritual' that attempts to connect with the corresponding deity in tune with the wavelength of the divine.
All costs incurred will be borne by the temple.
Participants may hear the voice of God during the process or temporarily see His form.
"I wonder if they are trembling by now."Günter smiled at the thought of Ryan.
Unlike Gunther, who can communicate with the gods in real time through 'messages', ordinary people find it difficult to make contact with the gods even if they live their whole lives.
For such people, how special this ceremony would feel is something that goes without saying.
There were even wealthy individuals who spent a fortune just to converse with the divine, showing no interest in contracts or such matters.
"Of course, it can only happen if they agree on that side."Right at that moment.
The crystal of the moment began to emit a subtle light.
It was the deity responding.
At the moment when the clear and calm vibration slowly spread throughout the room.
A soft breeze swirled inside, and the particles of light gathered into a single point.
Under the hair scattered to the sides, Gunther's eyes sparkled.
'Alright, it's showing the shape.It was a much better sign than just hearing a voice.
It meant that the favor of the deity was considerable.
About ten seconds had passed like that.
[Hmm...]
A woman appeared at the center of light.
A captivating figure of a woman who appears to be in her early 30s.
The white fabric fluttering like feathers spreads out in all directions.
A slender jawline, pure white eyelashes, and beneath them, sky-blue irises contained a calm yet profound energy.
Her eyes seemed to overlook everything, and a thin smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.
As they went, there was a hint of arrogance reflected somewhere.
Günter was secretly impressed.
‘...It's just like the modeling in the game.Indeed, Jeong Wisin.
It was merely a glimpse of the 'avatar' rather than its true form, yet it still exuded a strong sense of intimidation.
If it weren't for the 'Divine Slayer' that increases divine resistance, it would have been difficult to observe in such detail as we do now.
Soon, 'The one who flies before the wind' spoke.
It was a cool and clear voice like the wind in the highlands.
Nice to meet you. O human who has brought shame to my long-time enemy,
Günter tilted his head and pretended not to know the circumstances.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it?""...the weaver of despair." I'm talking about the spider that was about to inhabit the body you killed. "I almost let that bastard set foot on this land again."
"Ah, it seems you have a bad connection with that guy."She slightly raised her nose tip as if mocking.
[Hmph, it's a long-standing feud]
[Back when I couldn't even spread my wings properly]
[From the time I was a tiny bird flitting through the forest, that wicked spider tried to hunt me]
[In the end, I became a being whose name is etched in the sky, refusing to succumb to its persecution]
A calm tone.
However, within it, the fear that had not yet been erased seeped out.
Even if they are both the same deity of destiny, the weaver of despair is a being above her.
The world of gods also follows the principle of the survival of the fittest.
Even if one became a god, the relationship between the prey and the predator would not have easily reversed.
But she looked at Gunther again with an arrogant smile, completely unaware that he knew all the details.
So, speaker. Why did you call me? I thought I had already shown enough kindness, but to call me in a place like this, even using the gift I gave...
"That is..."Hmph, it seems you want to make a contract with me."
Before I could even respond, her words continued.
However, I'm sorry, but I don't make contracts with just anyone. ...Hmm?The goddess's eyes narrowed.
She quietly gazed at Gunther and muttered to herself as if she found it interesting.
...that's strange. Isn't there any response at all?
It’s hard to believe that there’s no connection to the divine at all…
It was a reaction as if they had discovered a strange stone.
"As expected, you noticed."Before awakening his karma, he had encountered quite a few deities.
Although there were deities who felt curiosity and tried to make a contract with him... once they realized that a contract was impossible, they all reacted in that way.
[‘The Black Dawn’ judges you as worthless dust and leaves]
[‘The One Who Walks in Oblivion’ forgets your existence]
[‘The Merciful Judge’ finds no reason to embrace you]
Moreover, ‘The One Who Flies Before the Wind’ is known to be a deity that finds it difficult to fulfill contracts even in-game.
As a creature from a sensitive lineage, their personality is aloof, their standards are strict, and they even judge human 'attitudes'.
To finalize the contract, certain rituals or interactions were absolutely necessary.
Sure enough, she listed a series of 'disqualifying reasons'.
[Even if a contract had been possible, it would not have been granted]
[Despite having met with the official, what an arrogant attitude it is to not even bow their head]
The initial goodwill is gradually showing signs of turning into resentment.
"Is that so?""Nevertheless, Gunther answered briefly and calmly."
[...still stiff in the knees and neck]
"It seems you like cowardly people.""Ah, not only is there no divine grace, but it is also difficult to even preserve my life."
She continued speaking with sarcasm.
In many ways, I feel that my gift was excessive.
Her gaze brushed over the crystal of the speed that Gunther had brought.
The sacred objects used as intermediaries in the ritual of the deity may be left behind depending on the favor of the deity...
She seemed to intend to take that away.
‘...like a little brat.Anyway, it's about time.
The reason he was confident when he first heard about the hierarchy assessment.
As long as he has 'this', the one who should feel regret is certainly not him.
Gunter quietly raised his hand and calmly faced the sky-blue eyes directly.
The goddess's beautiful brow suddenly contorted.
[Arrogant…]
"But… did I ever say that I wanted to make a contract with you?"In a tone that showed no respect for the gods, 'the one who comes before the wind' let out a hollow laugh.
What?However, her furrowed gaze couldn't hold for even a second.
Clink-clink-
Ding-
[Placing '100' karma on the scale]
In that moment.
The goddess who used to scold in a high-handed manner and threatened to take back gifts... has completely lost her words.
The sound of coins scattering in the ear.
It was as if she had returned to the days of being a spirit, staring at Gunther with her mouth just moving.
Karma, karma, karma, karma!?Gunter smiled.
"Yeah, buddy."”