Chapter 218: The Nephilim Shrine (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 218: The Nephilim Shrine (1)
When day broke, we immediately set off for the shrine.
The party for this journey consisted of four: myself, Hon, the Dark Elf Elder serving as our guide, and the male hero who had almost beheaded the Dark Elf.
The man was a Warrior-rank hero belonging to the Association, named Edward. His epithet was the Black Bear.
For the record, Edward joined us in place of the Sword Emperor and Director Seong. They had to manage the remaining Dark Elf remnants, and besides, our destination was a shrine. The Nephilim Shrine was a sanctuary where armed conflict simply did not occur.
Even the demons, who seemed completely disconnected from faith, reportedly kept quiet there. The Sword Emperor had mentioned this yesterday, and our guide, the Dark Elf Elder, had affirmed it as well.
Both humanity and Majin spoke with one voice on this. It was safe to say there would be no conflict inside the shrine. Outside might be a different story, but with a Warrior-rank hero like Edward accompanying us, most ambushes could be handled by him alone.
And so, a strange fifty-fifty composition of two humans and two Majin was formed.
Step, step.
We traveled to the Nephilim Shrine on foot, as Hon said she couldn't transform into a dragon after exhausting most of her magic power in yesterday's battle. However, it was actually a blessing in disguise.
A dragon flying overhead would draw far too much attention, and I didn't want to cause an unnecessary stir.
Quietly following the Dark Elf Elder's guidance was much better.
“Walk about two hundred more paces from here and turn right. You will see a giant conifer, and from there, go straight...”
The Dark Elf Elder raised his bound hands to explain. At this, Edward wore a baffled expression and whispered to me.
“Heavenly Sword, why is that point-ear so submissive? He won't try to run away, will he? Or could he be leading us somewhere other than the shrine?”
“That's probably—”
A voice interrupted from ahead. The Dark Elf Elder spoke, staring straight forward.
“There is no need to worry about such things.”
“What the—you heard that?”
Edward flinched in surprise. The Dark Elf Elder said in a nonchalant voice,
“Don't you humans call us pointy-ears all the time? We are simply living up to the name.”
“...”
“Think about it. If I run away, the surviving members of my tribe will lose their heads. Would I be crazy enough to do that? As an elder, I could never allow that. I would rather take my own life.”
Edward shot back.
“Even if you don't run, you could still lead us to some strange place.”
“If you fail to check in before sunset, the humans at the main force will take action accordingly. That would put the Dark Elves in jeopardy again. Did you think I wouldn't know that?”
I marveled internally at the elder's words. He was completely right.
He's not an elder in name only—his insight is quite sharp.
The Dark Elf Elder let out a sigh laden with grief.
“You are free to doubt me, but surely you realize I have no choice. So focus on finishing this task quickly and returning. Being around the humans who slaughtered my kin makes my stomach churn as well.”
The elder continued walking. Edward stroked his beard as he muttered,
“For a Majin, he sure speaks human tongue fluently. Man, I really can't tell what goes on inside their heads. Don't you agree, Heavenly Sword?”
“Well, it's clear he has no intention of stabbing us in the back. Still, you never know, so please keep a close eye on him.”
“As expected... You are prudent in every situation, Heavenly Sword. I shall learn from your example.”
Respect shone in Edward's eyes. He gave me a sharp salute.
“Understood!”
Edward stuck close to the elder, keeping him under constant watch. The elder looked uncomfortable, but continued walking without saying a word.
That guy Edward was starting to show his true colors. He was a passionate, macho type overflowing with justice and enthusiasm. Given his weapon was a massive greatsword, it fit him well.
Seeing how he doubted the elder, I guess he isn't a total musclehead after all.
I shifted my gaze to the side. Hon was looking around, keeping watch in all directions. When her eyes met mine, she tilted her head.
“Is something wrong, Lord Geomma?”
“No, I was just thinking I'm grateful. I asked you to come along out of the blue, but you followed without complaining.”
“Come on, don't say such distant things between us.”
...Between us.
'Humans and Majin are capable of breeding.'
Why did the Sword Emperor's words suddenly pop into my head?
When I stayed silent, Hon tilted her head the other way. Her side hair cascaded over her shoulder. Having disguised her ears with magic, her appearance was unmistakably human. On top of that, reflecting her recent good nutrition, her hair was soft and silky, and her skin smooth.
I hadn't noticed back when she was skin and bones, but looking at her now, Hon was an absolute beauty. Even in this game world where beautiful women were as common as pebbles, her looks were rare. She didn't fall short even when compared to Abel, the benchmark for beauty. I could already picture male cadets lining up once she officially started attending the Academy.
To think I slept in the same tent with a girl like this.
Awkwardly, I scratched my temple. Seeing this, Hon tilted her head to the other side and suddenly leaned her face right up to mine.
“Lord Geomma, your face is red. Are you feeling unwell?”
“U-uh, you know, the Hawaii weather is a bit hot.”
“It's early winter, so it's actually quite chilly... Ah! Lord Geomma, unlike us dragons, you're human, so your body temperature must be higher! If you're okay with it, would you like to exchange body warmth?”
“I'm fine.”
Whatever "exchanging body warmth" meant, I declined immediately. It sounded way too suggestive.
Hon blinked her wide, round eyes, then turned back to guard our rear.
After walking for about two hours, we came across a quiet clearing. I spoke up.
“Let's rest here for a bit. We skipped breakfast, so let's have lunch before moving on.”
“Understood! In that case, I will prepare the meal!”
Edward busied himself instantly to prepare food. Swinging his greatsword with brutal strength, he chopped firewood and lit a fire. Immediately after, he rushed off somewhere and drew water from a stream.
In just a few minutes, Edward built a temporary campsite out of nowhere.
I could see why Director Seong had recommended Edward. His decisiveness and initiative were swift, precise, and adept—utterly flawless.
Soon, Edward served the completed dish. It was a stew made with jerky and root vegetables, and the aroma was surprisingly appetizing. With a confident look, he carefully dished out the stew for us.
“Please try it, Heavenly Sword.”
“Thank you.”
I took a spoonful. Though it had a slightly gamey smell, the taste was surprisingly good. It seemed to suit Hon's palate as well, as her spoon moved busily.
Edward's eyes shifted to the side. He hesitated for a moment, then ladled out a scoop of stew and offered it to the elder.
“Eat up, point-ear.”
The elder stared blankly at Edward. Then, using his bound hands, he snatched the meat stew.
“I will eat well.”
A brief note of thanks. The elder chugged the stew directly from the bowl. Edward let out a dry laugh.
“Honestly, I thought you'd refuse, but you're eating like a horse.”
“We Dark Elves appreciate fine dining.”
The elder spoke, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Edward contorted his face in disgust.
“Is that why you committed cannibalism? Just for your damn gourmet food?”
“Do humans not eat various meats? Cow, pig, chicken, lamb. For us, humans were simply added to the list.”
“We humans don't eat demons.”
“Did anyone tell you not to? If you want to eat us, feel free to hunt and consume demons or magical beasts whenever you wish.”
“Barbaric bastards. Tsk.”
Edward clicked his tongue and abruptly turned away. Regardless, the elder busily kept wolfing down the meat stew.
The meal ended. During the brief rest, I walked over to the Dark Elf Elder, who was catching his breath on a rock.
“Elder.”
The Dark Elf Elder pointedly tried to avoid my gaze. When my hand brushed against my sashimi knife, he turned his head back with a resigned face. His shoulders slumped.
“What is it...?”
“What you said yesterday—‘the creation born from the joined forces of Balor Joaquin and Lycan.’ What did that mean?”
To my question, the elder looked at me with a bewildered expression instead.
“Didn't you say your master was Balor Joaquin? Why are you asking me that?”
“I only recently found out that my master was such a grand figure. But due to circumstances, I can't meet him right now.”
The doubt in the elder's eyes deepened. Confused, he mumbled to himself as he put his thoughts together.
“Balor Joaquin hid the fact that he was the Hero of the Origin... and even hid the existence of Lycan...”
After a brief silence, the elder raised his head. He spoke with somber eyes.
“It seems this is not something I am meant to answer.”
“...?”
“Are we not heading there anyway? Once we arrive, there is someone who can give you a far more precise answer than I.”
The elder pushed off his knees with his bound hands and stood up. He meant that rather than dragging this out, I should just go and see for myself.
“Is where we are going not a shrine? Then naturally, there will be a priest who delivers divine revelations. That person will answer your questions.”
* * *
After walking for several hours, the elder leading us came to a dead stop. He tilted his neck back and spoke in a low voice.
“We have arrived.”
The elder gestured with his chin toward a dense forest blocking their view. Edward looked around. There was nothing but thick, crowded trees—nothing that remotely resembled a shrine.
Edward furrowed his brow. He shot a sharp glare at the elder.
“Where is this shrine? Or did you trick us, point-ear?”
The Dark Elf Elder sneered.
“Earlier you mocked me for being barbaric, but to my eyes, you look far more barbaric. Humans, always relying solely on sight.”
“What did you say, pal?!”
“So impatient. Just wait.”
Chuckling softly, the elder stepped closer to an old tree. Unlike the rough bark of the surrounding trees, its smooth, slick surface stood out immediately.
The elder snapped a branch off the ancient tree.
Rumbbbble.
The ground shook as if an earthquake had struck. A flurry of fluttering leaves swirled in a circle, enveloping us. Everything turned into a vortex of green.
“Ugh.”
I let out a faint groan. My vision turned platinum-white in an instant. Straining to adjust to the light, my eyes stung. Hon and Edward seemed to be in the same boat, blocking the light with their hands.
Between the gaps of my fingers, the scenery gradually unveiled itself. I focused my eyes. My half-closed eyelids snapped wide open.
“Wow.”
An exclamation slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it. A string of gasps followed behind me. Hon and Edward were also staring straight ahead with wide, stunned eyes. It was a sight that demanded nothing less.
A set of stairs soared up as if to touch the sky. At its summit, a shrine built of pure white stone floated at the height of the clouds. Had the stairs not been there, it would have looked like a holy fortress floating alone in the azure sky. It was the Nephilim Shrine.
I was nearly a year into living in a fantasy world. I had grown indifferent to most extraordinary things, but at this moment, my heart pounded. Elation surged within me.
As I looked up in awe, the crisp clack-clack of shoes echoed. I squinted and raised my gaze higher.
A figure enveloped in a halo of light—whether reflected sunlight or its own luminescence, it was hard to tell. A white shadow with its back to the sun descended the stairs. Its mere aura amplified the sacredness of the atmosphere.
“Welcome, O Defier of Heaven. I have waited seven hundred years for your arrival.”
A refined, beautiful voice echoed throughout the entire space.
“My name is Kuarne, and I serve as the priest of the Nephilim Shrine.”
The white figure wore a gentle smile.