Chapter 99
Chapter 99
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 99
>Chapter Title: Destroyer Geymon
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That name had appeared about ten minutes ago, and the meeting—which could only be described as a cauldron of shock—finally came to an end.
But no one rose from their seats easily.
They had been utterly stunned for quite a while, and it was only after roughly ten minutes that they began to stand up one by one.
“The Destroyer has reappeared... Why? We surely took measures to ensure he could never return.”
“...The timing is suspicious too. I can't help but wonder if he's taking advantage of Sir Rebed's absence.”
“How could that bastard possibly know?”
“Ha... This is a disaster.”
“Let's get up first.”
Even as they left, they voiced their concerns one after another.
Do-hyun was dying of curiosity at the sight of these high-ranking priests—representatives of Brion and above—acting this way.
‘Just what the hell is Geymon?’
With that grandiose title of Destroyer attached to him, he seemed like a big deal...
But they kept chattering among themselves without explaining anything, which was frustrating.
Still, he had been concentrating in hopes of picking up even a scrap of information from their conversation, but now even that seemed impossible.
“This isn't the time for this. This is exactly when we need to implement the countermeasures we've prepared.”
“...You're right, High Priest Gildetti.”
“Of course. This isn't the time. We've been careless.”
“Please hurry, everyone. I ask for your understanding as well. We must prevent any chaos at all costs. And could our elders inform the priests of this news?”
Suddenly, as if they had never been trembling in fear, they united in purpose and began hurrying out of their seats.
From high priests to elders and high priests from other temples.
As they all left burning with determination, an elder under High Priest Lair cautiously asked.
“Shouldn't we call Sir Rebed, High Priest?”
“...The Lair Holy Knights are still on their mission, so it will take time for them to return. We must devise our own countermeasures. We can't rely solely on Sir Rebed.”
“A wise decision.”
“We haven't just been sitting idle all this time. Let's use this opportunity to cut it off at the root.”
“...We'll take our leave first. Please don't worry too much, High Priest.”
With those words, they bowed their heads and soon exited through the door.
Left standing awkwardly in the center without knowing what was going on, Do-hyun scratched his head when Gildetti, who had been bustling about, paused and spoke.
“Ah, sorry about the suddenness. Given the gravity of the situation, I can't act rashly. Is it alright if I formulate some countermeasures and contact you later?”
“...Understood.”
Do-hyun had no choice but to nod.
*Ring-.*
[The linked quest 'Emergency Meeting' is in progress.]
[Emergency Meeting]
-Rank: Rare+
-Description: A fallen priest who broke taboos and made a pact with the Abyss.
He has reappeared in Brion.
With the maximum forces—the Lair Holy Knights and Sir Rebed—absent, if the Destroyer Geymon attacks the city, it will be a catastrophe.
Wait while Brion's priests devise countermeasures.
-Remaining Time: 02:00:00
-Quest Success: Linked quest '???' generated.
-Quest Failure: Unknown consequences.
[The current linked quest is in progress. All quests will be forcibly linked until completion.]
No need for explanations—it was a quest telling him to wait.
It was disappointing, but what could he do?
With a quest popped up, he had no choice but to endure.
Moreover, that line about unknown consequences was deeply unsettling. If the text phrased it that way, who knew what bizarre failure penalty might trigger.
‘Still, two hours isn't bad.’
Wasting two hours was regrettable, but it could be worse.
In Delmrock, there were quests that made you wait a full day.
‘Gamillion left just before the meeting ended, right?’
He must be outside.
With plenty to talk about, this worked out perfectly.
Thinking positively, Do-hyun headed for the door.
That was when, after shaking off his lingering thoughts and stepping out—
Swoosh.
As expected, he sensed a presence.
However, the person standing in the corridor wasn't who Do-hyun had expected.
“You're here.”
“Hm?”
Now a familiar voice, sharp and cold.
It was Jerick.
‘...What is this? Déjà vu?’
Jerick waiting in the corridor right after the meeting felt strangely familiar.
Wondering if something else had come up, Do-hyun stared silently, and Jerick met his eyes.
Was another pointless staring contest about to start? But this time, Jerick spoke first.
“...Sorry.”
“?”
But he mumbled so faintly that it was hard to hear.
Do-hyun tilted his head, and Jerick frowned, cleared his throat, and repeated himself.
“...I'm sorry.”
“Huh?”
...Had he heard that wrong?
It was baffling enough for an abrupt apology, but from this obnoxious guy? Even more so.
“I mean for rashly suspecting you as an outsider.”
Perhaps it showed on his face, as Jerick added an explanation.
“Even up to the final measurement, I harbored some suspicion toward you. It was that important to me, so I needed certainty.”
“Ah.”
“...But that doesn't justify suspecting you carelessly. I sincerely apologize to you—and to your companions.”
At Jerick's demeanor, Gehard nearby blinked in surprise.
‘Master, what's with him? Did he eat something bad?’
‘...That's what I'm saying.’
He had seemed so honest in apologizing, a far cry from his usual self, which only made it more uncomfortable.
Do-hyun would have preferred him picking a fight—that felt more natural.
Unable to bear the awkwardness, Do-hyun gave a perfunctory response.
“Uh... whatever. It happens.”
“...You understand? How magnanimous.”
He had just said it to move on quickly, but it must have landed differently on Jerick.
His eyes gleaming, he let out a small sigh of admiration.
[Jerick's favorability increases.]
[Title 'Max Favorability from the Start?' effect activates. Favorability increases further.]
So even this guy could gain favorability.
Having only seen his squad leader side, the message wasn't all that surprising. Maybe Gildetti's comment about him not being bad inside was true.
As Do-hyun felt sheepish at seeing this new side of Jerick—
“You should step back here.”
“...What?”
“That one's not someone you can handle. You'll lose a great deal.”
The sudden remark. Utterly out of left field.
One moment his favorability was rising, and now this—telling him to back off because he couldn't handle it?
As Do-hyun opened his mouth to retort, Jerick cut in first.
“I know apostles are immortal. But even apostles lose something each time they die. Don't take on needless sacrifice.”
‘He's talking about death penalties.’
He didn't know exactly what was lost, but it seemed NPCs were vaguely aware of penalties.
It wasn't wrong.
Even without death penalties, quest failure risks would hit hard.
But why was he worrying about that...?
“It's the best advice I can give right now. Please don't brush it off—think it over deeply. Well, I'll be going.”
“...Huh?”
With that, Jerick left without looking back.
-Weird guy...
-Liza Liza...
“Yeah.”
Do-hyun agreed with his two guardians.
He had seemed different while apologizing, but leaving after saying his piece confirmed it was the same obnoxious jerk.
It left a bad taste, but that wasn't important now, so Do-hyun quickly cleared his mind.
Instead, he said firmly, though quietly.
“Gamillion, come out.”
An abrupt summons.
Do-hyun's voice echoed hollowly in the empty corridor.
-Master, what are you suddenly...
As Gehard started to question Do-hyun's odd behavior—
The corridor wall rippled suddenly, and an old man in worn priestly robes appeared.
It was Gamillion Adran.
“I've been waiting.”
-Eek? W-what? He was hiding?
-Liza!?
Startled, Gehard and Eliza hurriedly hid behind Do-hyun.
Regardless, Gamillion calmly bowed to Do-hyun in greeting.
He seemed somehow impressed.
“As expected of the successor. You knew from the start.”
“Well... yeah.”
He had spotted a ghostly red silhouette lurking by the wall like a ghost since earlier.
He must have come looking for Do-hyun, then hid upon seeing Jerick.
‘With skills like that, he seems strong.’
Hiding so well even Jerick hadn't noticed—impressive stealth.
...Or not?
Judging combat ability by stealth alone was nonsense.
He didn't particularly look like an assassin, so it was curious how he could use stealth, but that wasn't important now.
“We seem to have a lot to talk about.”
“Hoho, ask away.”
Gamillion smiled brightly at Do-hyun's grin.
Do-hyun took a moment to organize his thoughts.
Too many questions—needed to prioritize.
Why was he here? What was High Priest Herti? Any ties to the Abyss? Did he know about Geymon...?
‘This first, though.’
Having decided, Do-hyun spoke.
“One thousand—all caught.”
Plenty to ask, but the main quest was priority.
His curiosity about Geymon had somewhat eased from Jerick.
The rest could wait.
“Oh? Faster than expected. As expected of one who inherits his will.”
Gamillion, stroking his light goatee, was genuinely impressed.
‘He already caught that many orcs?’
He had anticipated the successor—his master's heir—would handle it smoothly.
But the successor was still, as his master said, just starting out.
He figured it'd take some effort, but this?
Beyond expectations.
‘And the esteemed guest High Priest Gildetti mentioned was the successor...’
Even more shocking: he hadn't just focused on hunting monsters.
Completing two quests simultaneously at this speed...
He had inwardly questioned Kashiar's instant recognition of him as successor, but now it made sense.
Clap.
Gamillion smiled and clapped once.
“Hm?”
“Take it.”
In his outstretched palm lay an old, worn ring.
A ring with patches red like dried blood.
[You have cleared Gamillion's trial.]
[Reward: Large amount of EXP, Gamillion's Ring acquired.]
‘Huh? Reward?’
In that instant, all stray thoughts vanished clean.
The only thing occupying Do-hyun's mind now was that ancient-looking red ring.
Plain and antique in appearance, unremarkable at first glance.
But Do-hyun already knew from experience.
Real gear was always the weathered stuff!
‘Check info.’
He quickly took the ring and examined its details.