Chapter 219
Chapter 219
-----------------------------------------------------------------
>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 219
>Chapter Title: Gamillion Adran
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 219
>219.
>Gamillion Adran.
>The hidden NPC I met through Kashyar's forced teleportation, and the successor's ally.
>Our meeting had only lasted a few days, but it had left an incredibly intense impression.
>'It had to be that dynamic.'
>From nearly dying at the hands of the Destroyer Geymon, to the sudden deduction game.
>And then the Eye of the Abyss opening, bringing encounters with all sorts of monsters and the abyss's champions.
>No moment had ever been as tense as that one.
>It was an absurd scale for something happening in the second city of the early game.
>And even setting that aside, Gamillion himself was impressive in many ways.
>He had all sorts of fascinating skills...
>'After Gamillion, the only NPC who could be called an ally was Luriel.'
>But even Luriel had just administered a trial as the ancient demon king's familiar.
>She hadn't provided proper information or acted as a true ally.
>Who knew what would happen once I reached the Empire, but based on everything so far, it was fair to say he was the only true ally for the 'Kashyar's Successor' class.
>That's why I was both glad and baffled to see him.
>Right before Do-hyun received the Sign of the Holy King and headed to Sargis.
>He had parted ways, saying he'd look into what connection it had to the ancient kings on his own.
>'...Why are you here?'
>Why was he running a shop in the Empire, of all places?
>It was a truly bewildering situation.
>Gamillion didn't seem much different; his eyes widened, but only for a moment.
>Soon, he let out a hearty, carefree laugh and spoke calmly.
"I never expected to see you here, Successor."
"...Yeah. So why are you here?"
Do-hyun glanced around suspiciously, his face full of confusion.
It was only natural.
This was a general store. It didn't suit Gamillion, who had been a high priest, at all.
"Ha ha, this is my second identity in the Empire. A shabby old general store merchant is perfect—no one suspects them when it comes to gathering discreet information."
"Ah."
Do-hyun immediately understood.
In Brion, he had to act as high priest to gather information, but here, doing the same would be pointless.
People would just treat him with respect or be extra careful about leaks.
'As a general store merchant, it'd be the best for gathering info.'
Still, he wondered if no one would recognize his face.
"People surprisingly don't pay much attention to others. With a simple perception interference ring, they just see me as some ragged old man and move on."
"Aha."
"And I'm not exactly a famous high priest."
Once Do-hyun's doubts were cleared and he nodded in understanding, Gamillion changed the subject.
"Anyway... I heard the news. A power struggle among the apostles. I never imagined you'd be at the center of it. I was so shocked when I first heard..."
"...It just kinda happened."
"Those puppets of vile gods don't matter, but... I didn't expect you'd clear the continental trials and reach here so quickly."
Gamillion looked genuinely surprised as he said it.
It had been less than two months since we'd parted, and he'd already made it to the Empire.
It was insane speed, plain and simple.
-Hmm! Perfectly natural for my lord.
Charlie crossed his arms contentedly and nodded at Gamillion's admiration.
And Gamillion didn't hesitate to pile on even more.
"Indeed... His judgment was spot on. As your vassal, I'm deeply moved. I'll assist you splendidly from the side, Successor."
-Hmm, excellent attitude. I'm sure my lord will praise your merits.
'...Enough, you two.'
As Do-hyun shook his head at the perfectly synced pair, Gamillion's eyes met his.
He suddenly exclaimed as if remembering something and changed the topic.
"But your presence here means you've found both Sargis and Pratel's pieces of fate, right?"
"Yes."
"Hoo... Sargis's lord wouldn't have handed it over easily."
"It was a pain."
Seeing Gamillion smirk, Do-hyun thought he really had a twisted sense of humor.
He remembered how Gamillion knew Sargis's piece of fate was a massive bell but hadn't told him.
"Ha ha, sorry. Kashyar's policy was that the successor had to figure it out themselves. And knowing doesn't mean you can obtain it."
"...Well, true."
"But I really had no idea about Pratel. I couldn't even guess. So I was shocked."
"I bet."
"Ahem, seems I've upset you, old man that I am. How about this instead?"
Gamillion stepped closer and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"A clue about the piece of fate in the Empire."
"......!"
"I knew it'd pique your interest."
Gamillion smiled proudly, as if he'd expected it, watching Do-hyun's eyes widen.
Do-hyun felt a bit annoyed, but he decided to listen obediently.
'At least he saved me a week of grinding? Can't pass that up.'
He'd been at a loss on how to find clues for this piece of fate, so forgiving a little teasing was easy.
Even that wrinkled face seemed... well, not handsome, but likable.
"First, you know the pieces of fate aren't just Kashyar's origin—they're mixed with the ancient kings' as well."
"Yes."
Seeing Do-hyun listening intently, Gamillion grew serious and began.
"The prophecy handed down in my family states that on the day the millennium pact ends, Kashyar's successor, the prophesied one inheriting his will, will appear. No mention of ancient kings."
"......"
"I investigated why it differs from the prophecy... but sadly, no answers yet. We suspect it's a smokescreen to fool the gods. Ah, one moment please."
*Snap-*
[Hidden NPC Gamillion Adran deploys a Silence Room.]
Do-hyun stood silently even as Gamillion cast the Silence Room mid-conversation.
He was used to it by now.
Confirming the soundproofing, Gamillion continued.
"I asked for time and have nothing to show for it. My apologies."
"It's fine."
It was something he'd learn clearing the main quest anyway, so Do-hyun brushed it off.
He was more curious about the piece of fate clue.
As if reading his mind, Gamillion got to the point.
"But fortunately, a few days ago, I obtained info on the Empire's piece of fate."
"...Where is it?"
"I don't know."
"?"
...? What kind of nonsense answer was that?
Do-hyun stared blankly at the brazen denial, and Gamillion coughed and averted his gaze.
"Ahem. I just got the lead a few days ago—didn't have time to pinpoint the location. Didn't expect you so soon..."
"......"
It was absurd, but he couldn't blame him.
The main quest had started three years ahead of schedule already.
And Do-hyun had blitzed through the trials at breakneck speed, leaving no time to spare.
"I don't know the exact spot, but I suspect who has it."
"Who? You're not gonna say you don't know again, right?"
"...Ahem. Of course not. Circumstantially, it's credible—trust me."
"So, who?"
"The princes."
Do-hyun, who had been idly picking his ear, froze.
He blinked and asked back.
"Princes? The emperor's sons?"
"Yes."
"...Which ones? First Prince? Or Second Prince?"
"That's the tricky part... Both give off an alien aura suspected to be pieces of fate."
"......?"
Did that even make sense?
Unless there were two pieces in the Empire...
'...Wait. What if there are two pieces here?'
He hadn't considered it since it never happened before, but it wasn't impossible.
Five pieces left, and he'd wondered why one was already here.
'An empire this size? Makes sense.'
Of course, pure speculation.
Credible, but likely wrong.
Even if two, it was weird both princes amicably split them.
'I heard the princes don't get along.'
Players knew the most about the Empire.
From the imperial family to the Mage Tower, Knight Citadel, etc.
Most factions and players concentrated there, so info flowed freely.
According to that, the First and Second Princes were at odds.
The tyrannical First Prince, who cut off arms for slights.
The gentle Second Prince, showing qualities of a wise ruler.
Like water and oil, they were destined to clash.
The emperor was old enough to die of old age any day, though holding on.
If he died, one would become emperor—their rivalry would explode.
'Guess I have to enter the imperial palace to find out.'
First the city lord's castle, now the imperial palace...
Nothing surprising anymore.
Whether system trolling or fate, pieces were always in such places.
He moved to act, but as always, there was an obstacle.
"You can't enter the imperial palace without permission as an apostle."
"So how do I get in?"
"Many ways, but ultimately, the emperor's approval... Usually via recommendation from the Mage Tower Lord or city lord."
"I see."
[Main Quest: 'Fifth Piece of Fate (1)' cleared.]
>[Linked Quest: 'Fifth Piece of Fate (2)' generated.]
[Fifth Piece of Fate (2)]
>-Rank: Main Quest, Class Quest
>-Description: Heard a clue about the fifth piece of fate from Gamillion Adran. Suspected in the imperial family—enter the imperial palace and investigate.
>-Quest Success: Linked Quest 'Fifth Piece of Fate (3)' generated.
>-Quest Failure: 'Fifth Piece of Fate (3)' quest vanishes.
>-Time Limit: None.
Do-hyun nodded and looked at Gamillion.
Their eyes met, and Gamillion tilted his head.
"Why are you looking at me?"
"I heard there's procedure to meet the Mage Tower Lord or city lord."
"Yes, there is."
"......"
So, like in Brion, he wanted a recommendation letter or something, but Gamillion responded calmly, as if it were no issue.
When no quest popped up, Do-hyun asked directly.
"Uh, no recommendation letter or hint or anything?"
"Ah! That's what you meant!"
Do-hyun's face brightened at Gamillion's enlightened laugh.
He must've planned to help after all!
But as the saying goes, hear Korean through to the end.
"Do you know where this is?"
"This place? ...A general store?"
"Yes. Exactly. I'm just a mere merchant. Ha ha."
"......"
Gamillion clenched his fist and declared boldly.
"The great Kashyar said his successor should claim things with their own power."
"......"
"Well, I almost never give recommendations to ordinary apostles... Especially for Mage Tower Lord or city lord letters needed for the palace—only twice ever! But so what."
"...Seems pretty important?"
Do-hyun retorted, but Gamillion's gaze was resolute.
"I believe in you, Successor. Inheriting Kashyar's will, you'll surely succeed, won't you? Right, Successor's knight?"
-Hmm! Of course. Who wouldn't acknowledge my lord's greatness after seeing it?
-......That guy's not right either. Eliza, let's hang back.
-Liza... Liza...
Do-hyun sighed, watching the united duo and the two subtly retreating.
In the end, that's what he meant.
'Figure it out yourself.'
He gave info, now get the recommendation and find the piece on your own.
Do-hyun let go of expectations from the same Gamillion who'd made him grind X-pengyi in Brion.
At least he had a direction now.
This gave Do-hyun two options.
Mage Tower or Knight Citadel.
'So, where to first.'