6. Emperor and Seonghwang (3)
Stalactites towering sharply from the ground and ceiling, and vines the size of a forearm entangled with them.
Thick trees that grew deep underground without sunlight.
In the middle, the four members of the first party stood there catching their breath.
All of their impressions were rigid.
“Whoa… .”
There were over a hundred lights of Sylvia floating in the dungeon where even visibility was difficult, so there was no dark spot.
The rugged terrain was littered with the corpses of Red Ogres.
My body was split up and down, burned with holy fire, frozen, or my forehead pierced.
There were so many different ways of dying that the number of corpses could not be counted.
The corpses of half hydras freely climbing over the vines were countless.
The boss monster of this Class A dungeon that Penny couldn’t figure out was the ‘Titan Viper’.
It was an enemy he had faced before, and he remembered the strategy from Ian.
The 1st party monopolized this A-class dungeon, which was not easy to even step into, and wiped it out without any injuries.
Even so, your hero was very displeased now.
“ha… .”
Arya let out a deep sigh.
Confused, annoyed, frustrated.
It was a breath of complicated emotions.
The other three were similar.
It might be a deceptive response to some, but not to these four.
It wasn’t dangerous, but it was dangerous.
When Ian was present, it was almost dangerous for those who could easily digest S-class dungeons, but going through A-class dungeons.
It was shameful just that there was a possibility of being in danger.
Surprise surprises from hidden enemies, magic traps that were not detected, unexpected terrain changes and boss monsters optimized for the terrain.
Each of them had excellent skills, so they were not hurt.
But I almost got hurt.
That alone made me realize that a lot had already changed.
-Kugugung… .
The ground split in the middle of the hollow, and a platform entwined with a circular staircase rose up.
The four of them just looked at the red magic stone towering high.
I didn’t feel like bringing it.
“I’ll go.”
Sylvia climbed the stairs as a representative.
The remaining three looked at their armaments without answering.
Kylie looked down at the sword and armor Ian had given her.
Arya looked at the necklace, a holy relic.
Beatrice fiddled with her bow and hairpin.
We haven’t spoken to each other, but we all feel the same way.
‘Strange.’
It was a sense of incongruity that could not be specifically identified.
they were still strong
Clearing an A-level dungeon quickly without any information is proof of that.
But, it’s strange.
Whenever you use mana or perform a miracle.
I couldn’t shake the feeling of being stuck somewhere.
It was like having a sore throat and having difficulty breathing.
The other three felt the discomfort Sylvia had felt a few days ago.
Sylvia climbed to the top of the stairs and grabbed a red magic stone the size of her palm.
Class A magic stone.
Some are magic stones that only dream for the rest of their lives, and others are not even allowed to dream.
Even with such a valuable reward, Sylvia wasn’t happy at all.
If you think about it, clearing the dungeon and grabbing the magic stone.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been happy to drive out the demons from the battlefield.
‘The day I passed the temporary hero test, the day I first got the magic stone, I think I was happy as if I had the whole world… .’
Right now, even with A-rank magic stones, that’s just the case.
The platform began to sink, and Sylvia jumped down and landed without waiting.
Although he is a wizard, thanks to Ian’s training, he has physical abilities superior to that of most knights.
“… let’s go.”
Kylie took the lead as if spitting out, clearing vines and trees.
Sylvia, who followed behind holding the magic stone, spoke as if she had made up her mind.
“Ian.”
At that, everyone turned to her.
“I need to meet Ian.”
Everyone was annoyed when Sylvia brought up the story of Ian a few days ago.
Why did you bring that name up?
But now, Sylvia had no Toda staff.
“… okay.”
Kylie flatly agreed.
“me too.”
Arya interrupted.
“I’m coming too.”
Silvia and Arya.
The two decided to go see Ian, who was unknown where he was.
I don’t know what to do.
what to say
Why should I look for him?
However, Ian is the only one who can advise me on this situation.
I was so sure.
*
The clean, ivory-colored Seonghwangcheong was bigger than the imperial palace.
It was even grandiose, as if representing the place where God resided.
However, as if to symbolize God’s mercy and simplicity, there were few fancy decorations.
The largest library of the Seonghwangcheong.
A paladin armed with platinum-colored armor came to the benevolent priest.
“His Holiness. They say the second apostle has arrived.”
The Patriarch of the Seonghwa Church, Holy Emperor Johannes nodded.
If you don’t know his title and face, he was dressed so simple that you would mistake him for an old priest.
“Take me.”
Soon after, two paladins arrived with a man.
“May the guidance of fire be with you.”
More at noblemtl com
Johannes got up and greeted him politely.
“Long time no see, Ian.”
*
Successful Johannes still cannot forget the day Ian first came to him.
It was even shocking.
When I brought three lost relics, I was thrilled and shuddered.
He trembled in fear when he told him that he knew the secret of the Seonghwagyo.
The way he asked for help with what he was going to do with words that he couldn’t tell whether it was threats or persuasion was to the point of feeling full of spirits.
But I couldn’t go against his will.
One type of hidden piece is an ‘artifact’ and the other is a ‘relic’, and the three he brought to the Seonghwagyo are as follows.
Holy Crown.
Holy Ark.
Holy image.
Sacred Crown and Chest.
And an icon that symbolizes fire.
It was a sacred relic that the Seonghwagyo sought for a very long time but could not find, and it was also the most important thing in the Bible.
Ian had brought those three holy relics like stones he had picked up on the roadside.
Even if I didn’t want to believe that he knew the future, I had to believe it.
As he conveyed to the imperial family, he foretold what Seonghwagyo should do in the future, along with this and that information, and left a prophecy about war.
The royal family called him a ‘prophet’, but Seonghwagyo couldn’t do that.
This is because to them, the prophet is a title that is allowed only to the Holy Emperor.
In fact, success is not about looking into the future.
It is called so in a religious sense.
So, the emperor calling Ian a prophet also has a political intention to keep the Seonghwagyo in check.
Instead, Seonghwagyo gave Ian the name of ‘Apostle’.
Also, the title of ‘second apostle’, who was an atheist who appeared in the Bible and eventually became a naturalized god.
The apostle’s gold coins were also bestowed.
It is an authoritative object that you can kneel down in any facility related to Seonghwagyo.
Ian still doesn’t believe in God, but he knows the future and helps the Seonghwa Church.
No wonder many believers hold him up as an apostle who received revelations and oracles.
“Ian. How are you?”
Unlike the emperor, he is not an opponent you have to kneel down and have an audience with.
Ian also sat comfortably and responded.
“Because I’m not good at hard work. It’s okay.”
“I heard that you were expelled from your agency.”
“Well, that’s how it happened.”
“Sister Arya, too… .”
Instead of answering, Ian shrugged.
“Ahh… .”
Seonghwang put his hands together and sighed.
The most compelled in their doctrine are ‘return’ and ‘self-sacrifice’.
Under no circumstances should you be negligent in repaying the favor.
In particular, those who sacrificed for themselves must be repaid with a greater sacrifice than that.
But that aria betrayed Ian.
“If you had informed me earlier, I could have provided you with adequate support.”
“I already have enough. And I was busy organizing another party.”
Seonghwang calmly nodded.
“Ian was always under heavy workload. So, it is understandable that you did not tell me in advance.”
friendly tone.
But a small needle hidden inside.
It contains weak criticism for not giving information in advance and regret that it was later than the imperial family.
“I will pay more attention next time. It wouldn’t be possible if there was a next time.”
At Ian’s smirk, Seonghwang simply laughed.
“It suits me to understand. I know Ian didn’t do it on purpose.”
Seonghwang had no choice but to be generous.
The warrior system itself belonged to the Empire.
No matter how much Ian is receiving the support of the emperor, there is no reason to interfere as much as the emperor.
“What plan will you tell me about today?”
Although Ian’s advice established a system called the warrior party, and as a result, the empire grew to a level comparable to that of the Seonghwagyo.
Ian was also an important figure to Seonghwang.
Although he did not give him the name of a prophet, the fact that he could see and tell the future remained unchanged.
It is a rare ability that cannot be obtained with any power.
Ian deserved to be treated well just by leaving and recovering the three relics.
It is natural for Seonghwang to keep an eye on Ian’s actions.
“Nothing special. Except that I am gathering new warriors right now.”
“A new warrior… .”
“I’ve already saved one, and I’ve passed the temporary hero test.”
Seonghwang opened his eyes and nodded his head slowly.
“Have you already found your siblings?”
“no. It is a wizard.”
“Then, have you heard of Magdalen Abbey?”
When the name came up, Ian immediately realized.
The public examination conducted there was, after all, a dispute over interests between the Imperial Family and the Holy Office.
“I heard that an open exam was held only for nuns to select priests to become warriors.”
“You are correct. It was my first time doing it, so I put a lot of effort into it. I can’t guarantee the grace of Sister Arya, but there will be a child who can live up to expectations.”
Seonghwang implicitly urged them to go to Magdalen Monastery.
Ian was going to go there anyway, but he reacted as if he was going because of Seonghwang’s words.
It was to brighten up.
“Since His Holiness said so, it would be a good idea to drop by.”
Seonghwang smiled in satisfaction.
Ian’s discernment and skills have already been proven.
If the priests selected there grow up under him and make a name for themselves, Seonghwagyo may be able to independently train and operate priests.
***
There wasn’t much to tell Seonghwang.
All priests who do not become heroes act as priests of the Seonghwa Church.
It is a group with an overwhelmingly higher percentage of superhumans than other groups.
Therefore, they just have to hone their faith and practice healing and protection miracles, just as they have done so far.
He kept quiet about the warp portal.
If they intercept or interfere with that innovative invention, you don’t know how the future will change.
Instead, he told them about sea dragons appearing in the western trading port.
If you catch that sea dragon, you can get a hidden piece.
I don’t know if it’s an artifact or a holy relic.
I didn’t see the sea dragon in person during the 2nd playthrough, I really only heard rumors.
Anyway, it was enough bait to catch the eyes of the success.
If possible, I hope my future party members, including Vivian, get it, but I can’t guarantee that.
After the portal was created, the empire would have an overwhelming advantage, but when the war began, it would regain a rough balance.
Like I said, there are a lot of superhuman priests in the Seonghwa Church.
Countless priests will be put in to heal the casualties that occur after the war and comfort the mind and body.
After that, in the state of comparative advantage of the empire, we will find a suitable compromise.
Let’s see… The Emperor and Seonghwang solved their curiosity.
They gave them a rough idea of what they were supposed to do in the future.
I’ve seen everything right now.
If you report regularly and do well in the future, there will be no complaints.
If there’s anything else I want to tell you, let me know or go find it.
The first party will take care of rolling with my name in the imperial family.
As I was walking through the dark savannah forest, Kati sent me a telepathic message.
[master.]
‘why.’
[When are you coming?]
‘I’m not going because it’s hard.’
[…] … .]
‘Come pick me up.’
[Yes. right now… .]
‘Yeah, no. don’t do it. Just kidding, don’t come for real.’
[…] … .]
I can’t joke because I’m afraid it’ll come right away.
However, I expected Kati to react like this.
Knowing that, I wonder if I’m worse for continuing to joke… .
‘I just met and came out. It should arrive by tomorrow.’
[tomorrow… .]
The telepath mumbled something like noise.
Since this is a way of conveying the thoughts you want to convey almost as they are, sometimes you may not be able to understand them.
I brought up another question to keep quiet.
‘Did you eat?’
[Yes. Did the master do it?]
‘I’m still to go eat But when are you going to stop calling me master?’
[…] … .]
‘Are you ignoring me?’
[…] I think it’s time to get used to it.]
‘What? what… . Huh, I am.’
Sometimes it’s surprisingly shameless like this, but I’m really full of energy, so I’m laughing all over.
‘Honestly, I don’t know what to say… . I’ve been doing this for years.’
[Are you accepting it now?]
‘I don’t know how long it’s been since you responded so quickly.’
I was talking nonsense with Kati, and I had to order her to sleep because she didn’t seem to be sleeping like yesterday.
*
Around noon the next day, I returned to Superbia.
On the way to the monastery, I saw a bulletin board in the distance.
It was the bulletin board on which the names of those who had passed the temporary exam were posted.
More at noblemtl com
Just in case, I looked through the list of passers-by for the last test, and my gaze stopped at the top.
When I saw the explanation of the name and wealth on it, I grinned involuntarily.
‘Vivian will like it.’
Soon I could see the front gate of Agnes Monastery in the distance.
Kati could be seen through the iron-barred door.
Maybe he was waiting, as soon as he saw me, he opened the door and waited.
“Why are you with me? You can stay inside.”
“… … .”
“Okay, thank you for coming to meet me.”
“Yes.”
“Are you wearing the ring on your index finger? In the past, I secretly moved it to my ring finger.”
“… Of course.”
When I went inside with Kati, Mercy and Vivian also came out.
“Five! You are here!”
“Ian!”
Her expression is bright, as if she got along well with the children.
Mercy seems to have become friendly with the children, too, and is holding each one on her limbs.
“Did you have a good job?”
“Well, it was. There was no problem. But more… .”
I was going to tell Vivian what I saw on the way… , I can’t.
“Let me get some sleep.”
***
A bulletin board placed on the street corner where many people come and go.
The names of those who passed the last temporary warrior promotion test are written.
A boy passing by the street and looking up at the bulletin board without thinking, his eyes were fixed on the name written at the top.
It was a name that was familiar, yet curious about how it was here.
‘… Vivian?’
The girls in the boy’s company also confirmed Vivian’s name and muttered the name blankly.
“Vivian… ?”
Aside from those two, everyone snooping on the bulletin board remembered Vivian’s name.