Chapter 85
Chapter 85 - Crossroads(2)
Anyway. Surprisingly, Zenon answered my questions sincerely.
His answer was roughly this:
"There are at least 300, maybe close to 500 immortal cult members in Kern. Their individual combat power is far below mine... but even I would struggle against 10 or more of them."
"500?! What were the guards doing instead of guarding the gates! Were they watching porn?!"
"They have no set uniform or distinguishing features. Not even the usual tattoos. Unless you dissect their brains, it's impossible to identify an immortal cult member first. Yet how they identify friend from foe... that's still unknown to the public."
"This is insane...."
"That's how deeply the immortal cult has rooted itself in Paraiso's darkness. They're not an organization to be carelessly antagonized."
That was the first answer. My mind went blank around here.
Of course, the second answer was even more outrageous.
"To summon Astarte's fragment, you first need a sacrifice to become the avatar vessel. And then numerous human lives to be offered to that sacrifice. Those are the only conditions."
"Numerous? Exactly how many?"
"Only Astarte's fragment sleeping in the ring knows that. The ritual ends when she is satisfied. When blood and lives are sufficient, Astarte's fragments... rips out and devours the avatar's neck, then opens her eyes."
"......"
"When the summoning ritual activates, first a massive explosion centered on the ring sweeps the area. If no life is sacrificed to satisfy Astarte there... that's when the immortal cult members start moving."
"I... see."
"I don't know what happens after that. That was the extent of my mission. However, one thing is certain... if that plan succeeded, Kern was meant to disappear from the map."
"Right. I understand... I understand very well."
With that answer, I mostly understood the tragedy of my past life.
The citizens mercilessly killed even after the explosion. And Seolbaek's corpse lying around without a head.
Everything made sense. And in return, I had to struggle with all my might to hold back my nausea.
"About... Park Jeong-yong. Regarding who would win if you and I fought...."
And the grand finale third question.
The answer to my third question, which was absolutely not self-serving and demonstrated a forward-looking attitude with deep respect for learning from the past, was this:
"First, I win with high probability. No, I would crush someone like you with absolute certainty."
"You sure have a way with words. Why! WHY! For what reason! You're even lower level than me!"
"I'm not sure about that but... Park Jeong-yong. Have you done your job advancement?"
"...Job advancement?"
"See? You don't even know what job advancement is. Such a basic thing. I'm more amazed at how you've survived this long without job advancement."
"......"
Among the summoned heroes, those who pass the hero test can apparently do 'job advancement'. Yes.
From what I roughly gathered about this 'job advancement', it's the same job advancement that often appears in games.
When you do job advancement and confirm your class, you gain additional stats or skills. You can also get special techniques or special stats according to class characteristics.
Then why was I the only one who didn't know about this wonderful thing? The answer is simple.
"How is it even possible to not do job advancement? After passing the test, the Ashin at the testing grounds would take you to the temple for job advancement. Didn't you say you passed the test?"
"...Ashin? There were only zombies and Sans where I was... heh heh shit...." [TL/N: Sans from Undertale]
That's right. Let me say it again. Halcenberg was a closed testing ground.
I thought my treatment had been quite neglectful from the beginning. That snowball has now rolled unto me.
However, Zenon's criticism didn't end there.
"That's not the only problem. Look at what you're wearing."
"...If you're suddenly going to criticize my fa-fashion, I'd rather pass...."
"What nonsense. I'm talking about equipment."
"Equipment...?"
Only then did I thoroughly examine what I was wearing.
A tattered and patched shirt. Leather pants and a belt underneath. A faded backpack on my back, and a small pouch and black and white twin swords at my waist.
For reference, except for the twin swords... nothing has changed since I first fell into this world. They are soulmates that have gone through this isekai life with me.
Zenon pointed at my consistent fashion decisively and declared:
"How long are you planning to use beginner hero equipment meant for level 1? At this point, your equipment is begging to be put out of its misery."
"......"
"Lack of job advancement. And pathetically inferior starter supply equipment. You expect to beat me with this? You just have no shame."
Only then did I realize.
Without even knowing it, I had been doing a veteran player challenge with just underwear and no job advancement.
'...Then maybe...'
With a hopeful heart, I examined Zenon's waist. The dagger that had pierced my chin and body in my past life slightly peeked through the rags.
It looks like an old and shabby ordinary dagger on the outside. But... What about its true nature?
'Mimir's Eye.'
Boom. With a familiar sound effect, the dagger's information panel blocked my view.
[Name: Sharp Silent Dragon Handler's Dagger (+6)]
[Base Stats: Strength +15, Dexterity +15, 20% Additional Damage to Dragon Race]
[Enhancement Stats: Strength +53, Dexterity +37, Intelligence +11]
[Special Stats]
[Prefix 'Sharp' ― Ignore 30% Defense]
[Prefix 'Silent' ― Spell Break Level 1 Applied]
[Details: Traditional dagger of the Dragon Handler clan who tend to lesser dragons in the Dragon Empire Kenain. Made from dragon bone, its appearance is rough but has low wear and considerable strength. Specialized for tearing dragon hide.]
[Enhancement Attempts Remaining: 1 (Enhancements Applied: 6)]
"Aaaah enhancement gambling game!!!"
I screamed at the terrifyingly impressive specs that were packed densely.
* * *
"... If you don't have anything to do right now, visit the goddess's temple first. Whether it's job advancement or item enhancement, it won't take much time. In your current state, your power will increase dramatically in a short time."
Zenon advised me while I was dumbfounded. I immediately headed straight to the temple as he said.
While he was such a hindrance when he was an enemy, now that we're on the same side, he couldn't be more reliable.
"Item enhancement is only possible at the temple, so there's no need to stop by the blacksmith separately. In the first place, it's about adding the power of the gods through the hero cultivation system, not physically strengthening it. While materials aren't needed separately... there will probably be trials waiting accordingly."
Maybe it's because Zenon is a real veteran hero who has been through hell and high water with the Immortal Cult. He had a wealth of information. Besides item enhancement and job advancement information, I got quite a lot of tips on surviving as a hero.
He's definitely different from that Halcenberg country bumpkin who rapidly grew under the high-level mage.
'If possible, I'd like to maintain this alliance.'
It became even more certain after becoming allies. Zenon was too dangerous to turn into an enemy. And he was also a valuable talent.
Of course, to do that, we'd need to solve this situation somehow and ensure everyone, including Jena, survives.
"Is this it?"
I quietly looked up at the building in front of the temple I arrived at. The Demon King, who was trailing behind me, looked up together and exclaimed.
"Oh ho. Is this that temple? The den of those filthy celestial bastards."
"According to the map Zenon gave me, this should be it."
"... Somehow it lacks a holy feel for a temple. Is it because I'm a Demon King that I feel this way?"
"No. Even I think it's more vulgar than holy."
The "Goddess's Temple" that Zenon mentioned was located somewhere between the residential and commercial districts. I thought it would be magnificently built since it's a temple, but surprisingly, the exterior was rough and the scale was small.
To be more precise, the scale was smaller than most luxury restaurants in the commercial district, the outer walls were worn out and paint was peeling in places, and broken marble pillars and statues were left neglected, making it look even more hideous.
How should I put it... The churches in Korea, which are said to be more numerous than convenience stores, seem more holy and luxurious.
'More than that, isn't this just bankrupt at this level?'
Is this really still operating? Such thoughts naturally came to mind at this level of deterioration.
While tilting my head wondering if I had been scammed by Zenon, I carefully opened the temple's door and entered inside.
"The inside is cleaner than I expected."
I always wanted to say this line when entering a creepy building. One bucket list item checked off.
Actually, the inside being cleaner than expected was true. Overall, it had a black tone, and various ritual implements stood out around the altar dedicated to the deity.
'... Is that?'
And mirrors.
Behind the altar, huge mirrors were arranged in a straight line. There seemed to be easily more than 10. Since it was an unusual sight, once my eyes were fixed on it, they wouldn't easily look away.
Then suddenly, a person wearing black priest robes popped out in front of me.
"Oh, ooh...! Oh, it's been a while since a hero visited... P-Propitia always we-welcomes the saviors of this world."
"Huh...!"
For a moment, my heart felt like it would jump out. I didn't scream. I was so surprised that my words got completely stuck.
I managed to speak while calming my startled heart.
"Uh, how long have you been there?"
"Ah, I've been praying here the whole time..."
"Ah yes..."
I guess the black priest robes had a stealth function because the surroundings were so dark. I cleared my throat a few times and examined the appearance of the priest who appeared before me.
I habitually focused my eyes, then chuckled and relaxed them.
'Mimir's Eye... probably won't be necessary?'
The priest had a gentle impression and wore glasses, with blue eyes. Even through the thick priest robes, you could tell they were tall and skinny. They were holding what appeared to be a scripture in their hands.
They seemed to have a habit of stuttering, and their behavior was awkward. They didn't appear to be an extroverted type.
Above all, what stood out most was their snow-white hair. The bob cut that came down below the priest's hat was such a clean white color that it really caught the eye. At least it wasn't hair that had turned white with age.
"Ah... you-you're curious about this hair. Th-this is because I'm a patient with white hair disease."
The priest explained first, apparently noticing my gaze. They seemed used to receiving such looks.
I raised my eyebrows at this disease I was hearing about for the first time.
"White hair disease?"
"Yes... it's called Di-Diana's curse. It-it just turns body hair white, there are no other symptoms and it's not contagious, so you can rest assured."
"I see..."
At that moment, the priest's gaze turned to Lucy who was hiding behind me. Lucy quickly pulled their hood down deeper.
"I thought that young lady over there also had white hair disease... but I guess not?"
"Ah yes. This is, this is hereditary."
"I see. I apologize for my rudeness. I was just excited to see someone similar."
"Not at all."
The priest smiled slightly and walked into the temple first.
White hair disease, huh. Another excuse has been added regarding Lucy's unusual appearance. I exchanged glances with Lucy from the corner of my eye and immediately followed behind him.
Then the priest stopped in front of the altar and turned towards me.
"I-I am Flick Abbas. I serve Propitia, the mother of all gods."
"I'm Park Jeong-yong."
"Lusti... no, I am Lucy."
At the sudden introduction, I also revealed my name, and Lucy followed suit.
Why are you revealing yours, you useless extra.
"Oh, what brings you here today? Do you need consecration or blessing? Or perhaps a job change or equipment enhancement?"
"Ah... It's about job change and enhancement."
"I, I see. Please follow me."
The priest led us with familiar gestures to the altar. At the same time, he went behind the altar and pointed to the mirrors.
"A, actually, at our Propitia temple, we don't directly help the heroes. We merely serve as stepping stones connecting to each deity's illusory world."
"Stepping stones?"
"Yes... If, if you place your hand on this altar, it will determine which deity favors you. Then, the mirror connecting to that deity's illusory world will shine, and you can enter to meet the deity for job changes or item enhancement."
"Ah... I see."
The priest explained kindly with very familiar mannerisms. His soulless delivery of scripted lines reminded me of a theme park staff member.
I immediately moved my hand toward the altar. Just before touching it, I looked at Flick just in case.
"Do I just place my hand on it?"
"Yes. I, I will take care of the procedure."
"Alright then."
With permission granted, I promptly placed my hand on the altar.
Then thump. For a moment, I felt like my heart stopped. A tingling pain tickled my palm, and soon an intense pulling force began emanating from the altar.
I'm being sucked in. The altar is drawing something out of me!
"Ugh... W-what is this!!"
I frantically withdrew my hand and looked at Flick.
I think there must have been considerable hostility in my gaze. I even considered drawing my sword. Given the situation, I even wondered if he might be a spy from the Immortal Cult.
But seeing Flick's expression right after, my hostility vanished completely. Because he was more shocked than I was.
"N-no... T-t-this... c-can't be...."
No. This wasn't just shock. It was fear.
Flick's face turned pale blue as he stared intently at one mirror that was emanating dark energy.
"D-d-death god Unterdreth... T-t-the gate to the death god's realm that hasn't opened for th-thirty years... A-and this dense... m-magical energy... What on earth...!!"
Flick stuttered twice as much as before. Then suddenly, he turned his head toward me.
In his eyes looking at me, there was no longer any trace of the previous affection and composure.
"H-h-hero... W-who exactly... a-are you?"
At his question filled with awe and fear, I scratched my head.
I slowly approached the mirror. The mirror was emanating an unpleasant aura. It felt like someone's excessive interest from beyond the mirror could be felt here.
'However...'
Unlike the terrified Flick, I was rather feeling comfortable with that dark energy.
I unhesitatingly placed my hand on it. And with a bitter smile, I said: "Just the 164317413th hero."
As I muttered this, my vision was gently enveloped by something warm.
For a moment, I felt dizzy.