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Chapter 205

“Nephren-Ka, huh… Can you tell me about it?”

At Yeonwoo’s question, Sebek floated on the dish, mouth agape like a crocodile. It reminded me of that finger-squeezing game—at this size, pressing could easily make a finger vanish!

Jokes aside, Yeonwoo was puzzled by that statement.

Despite the Leviathan putting restrictions on revealing anything related to Moryo’s Demon King, why was Sebek able to casually mention the name and say he could talk about it?

When Yeonwoo looked at Sebek with suspicion, Sebek flipped onto his back, short legs sticking up in the air. It’s funny how Egyptian gods are often depicted with animal heads, but here was a crocodile doing the same move!

“I see what you’re thinking. But trust me, talking about him isn’t restricted. Because really, he’s nothing special.”

“…But he’s a demon king, right?”

“First, I should ask how much you actually know about demon kings. What do you know?”

“Thank goodness. If this were a few days ago, I would have had to listen to a full lecture from beginning to end.”

While Yeonwoo and Sebek spoke, Amir looked like his eyes were spinning. I mean, what are they talking about? And here he is, listening to a conversation about a demon king. No wonder his head was spinning!

“Yeah, anyone claiming to be a demon king must meet the condition of having destroyed a world. But think about it. Aren’t the Egyptian gods, including me, clearly deities of this planet? So which world did Nephren-Ka destroy?”

“…Huh? That’s true?”

Did our world get destroyed? I wondered but quickly dismissed the thought; if anything, it seemed like it was still intact. Perhaps it was in the process of destruction, but definitely not annihilated yet.

“Yet, he claims to be a demon king. If you ask why that is… he has powerful backing. In other words, there is a real demon king who meets the qualifications and conditions, while Nephren-Ka is just riding on that name to put on airs.”

“So Nephren-Ka, this demon king… is actually weak, then?”

“Not exactly. Do you think a god’s status is nothing to scoff at?”

“Dammit.”

At Sebek’s firm reply, Yeonwoo lightly slammed his fist on the table. The impact sent Sebek bouncing in mid-air, changing his posture before landing… plop.

“So then, what do we do?”

“In my opinion, our top priority should be taking down that cult. After all, he’s a god. The fewer the followers, the weaker he becomes. Look at me now. I was much stronger when I descended upon that cursed crocodile back then. Not that I’m asking for it, but it’s a sign that the faith given to him is that massive.”

“True. Right now, you look more like a mascot than a dignified figure, Sebek.”

“Am I cute?”

With a laid-back voice, Sebek spoke while the two kids gazed at him with sparkling eyes, clearly adoring him. He was cute, but hearing a serious man’s voice come from him was a bit odd. I’d also like to enjoy cuteness without a care like Tae-oh and Shar.

“Hmm, it’s going to be a long road ahead. Destroying the Cult of Oblivion won’t be as easy as it sounds.”

“I can’t share too much. I can tell you about his subordinates or abilities to be cautious of… But do take extra care. Nephren-Ka, that idiot, has a real monster backing him.”

“Does that restriction apply to the backing?”

“He’s a monster who destroyed another world, so if we’re classifying him, he could be considered an extraterrestrial god. Rather than saying there’s a restriction, I’d admit I don’t know much about it. He’s outside our mythology.”

“Oh, extraterrestrial god…”

That term escaped from my lips with a deep sigh. An extraterrestrial god, no less… not just any weakling like Dawn, but a being who has amassed enough faith already.

“Well, I’ll help you as much as I can. It’s a disgrace to our mythology, so I can’t look the kids in the eye without doing at least a little.”

“Thank you, even just for the thought.”

While Yeonwoo and Sebek’s conversation was coming to a close, Amir was being dragged along by Shar and Tae-oh… no, they were playing with him. He kept saying he heard nothing as he was drawn into their game.

“Did you catch all that, Amir?”

“Guh, uuh…!!”

Amir couldn’t manage to dodge Yeonwoo’s cheerful grin, nor could he affirm he heard anything, only letting out a groan resembling a beast’s.

“By the way, Amir, don’t you have anything special planned after this?”

Sebek, who had just jumped and sipped some of Amir’s hot chocolate, inquired with a solemn voice.

Amir, who had been caught off guard, bowed his head, looking suddenly innocent.

Now that he was acting serious, Sebek was just a charming crocodile. Such a bubbly personality must be what drew Shar and Tae-oh to him.

“No, Sebek. Once this is over, I planned to report back to the High Priest. Do you have any requests?”

“Ah, it’s nothing major. Just stick with Yeonwoo during this trip. Help where you can, in every way possible.”

“…Yes?”

“Ah, and please exclude financial assistance. To clarify, assist both spiritually and physically.”

“Don’t worry, Amir. It’s only about a week. And if you perform well, I’ll send rewards to the temple. Consider it a golden opportunity, right, Yeonwoo?”

“Absolutely. Those who help me are definitely rewarded.”

Watching a god and a person drag Amir into this situation made his face turn pale. It was like being trapped and pulled down into a swamp…

*

Thus, the party increased by one. Yeonwoo was delighted. The identity of ‘Ian’ he was wearing was merely a temporary disguise, and being himself had more restrictions.

Despite being just fifteen, Yeonwoo had gained recognition as a hunter thanks to the backing of Harmony Academy.

In other words, it wasn’t typical for someone without considerable talent to become a hunter at such a young age.

Because of this, when he tried to take on commissions, they often got rejected, or those guarding the gate would turn him away… such occurrences were frequent.

Countless worried individuals had approached him while he was just casually touring the Transylvanian fortress.

However, with Amir by his side, those restrictions became irrelevant. In an instant, he transformed into a promising hunter officially supported by a cult. He could now leap around freely without hindrance.

“Thank you in advance, Amir.”

Naturally, Yeonwoo’s smile showed no sign of disappearing. In contrast, Amir’s expression was resolute. Such a stark contrast in their reactions!

As Yeonwoo delighted in the newfound freedom of movement, he also understood Amir’s concerns. After all, they had just been discussing the demon king and the extermination of the Cult of Oblivion.

It was easy to predict that the road ahead wouldn’t be smooth.

Anyway, they decided to take a day to explore the Transylvanian fortress before setting off on their journey again, with Amir just blankly following along without any knowledge of the destination.

Conversely, it could be said that Amir’s unwavering faith allowed him to follow along even without knowing where they were headed.

“How much can you do, Amir?”

“I can perform simple healing and useful prayers for the undead. I’m not great at fighting, though. As a proper priest, I should be of some help.”

That statement was true. Despite having gone through numerous situations while moving from one gate to another, Amir handled his responsibilities excellently.

Choosing gates where undead would appear as a test, it was clear he was a capable priest.

He effortlessly shattered the skull of a metal skeleton with a swish of his sword, without even forming an aura around it. The unfortunate skeleton’s head caved in, and it could only rattle its jaws in indignation.

Crack, the bones collapsed. Only the shiny metal parts it was covered with rolled around on the ground.

“Impressive, if you can take down a metal skeleton like that.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

In truth, a test wasn’t necessarily needed, but it was prompted primarily due to this metal skeleton appearing.

It’s a rare spawn, appearing only in gates where skeletons emerge or when a necromancer intentionally creates one. Once defeated, it leaves behind only the metal covering, making it a coveted monster.

Yet, like in games, the rarer monsters are stronger, so without an aura, it was difficult to even leave a scratch.

Nevertheless, being able to defeat one with just prayer indicated how strong Amir’s blessings were.

However, despite Amir’s prowess, the thugs attacking them still hadn’t backed down even with the backing of the crocodile cult.

“Have you heard of the Crocodile Cult?”

“Nope! If you’re going to threaten us, do it right!”

After seeing Amir take down the metal skeleton, two intimidating hunters charged in, demanding everything they had. Yeonwoo sighed lightly.

Amir frowned apologetically, but Yeonwoo didn’t care much. How many annoying pests had they encountered on the way here? It wouldn’t change much if two more joined now.

“Where’s the closest place…?”

“Huh? What are you mumbling about? Hurry up and hand over everything you’ve got or get lost! I’m a D-rank hunter, you chick!”

Yeonwoo put on a forced smile in response to the intimidating man shouting with a piercing voice.

But being in a D-rank did signal some level of capability, so he might have scared off some people with that mentality.

They probably viewed us that way too—a pristine priest alongside a teenager. It wouldn’t be strange to think we looked like spoiled rich kids out on a stroll.

“Quiet-.”

Yet, Yeonwoo wasn’t particularly fond of these gray hunters. If you’re going to live cleanly, do so! If you’re going to be a scumbag, be fully committed! He hated living without a definite position, worried that he might end up dying because of it.

Of course, it wasn’t such dire sin, so he planned to just hand them over to the hunter guild. It would likely end with a temporary suspension or a demotion, but at least they’d think twice before attacking again.

“Hold it right there!!”

“Wh-what the, gah…!!”

Thud!!

In a flash, Yeonwoo approached, swinging the blade of his doppleganger weapon and struck down the man’s head with force, rendering him unconscious before he could react.

Naturally, since he turned it soft just before hitting, there would be no physical aftermath from this strike.

“Bald!? You little brat…!!”

“Stop right there.”

Seeing his comrade collapse, the remaining man froze in shock and raised his weapon.

Yeonwoo solemnly declared as he grabbed the collar of the man named Bald.

“Y-you’re not serious, are you…!!”

“If you threaten me, my hand might just tremble and slip…”

With Bald knocked out, Yeonwoo presented his blade to the neck of the alarmed man.

“Th-this trash…! We don’t take hostages!!”

“I do.”

“Dammit…!!”

Luckily, the bond between the men seemed strong, and reluctantly, the man tossed his war hammer to the ground. Gosh, that made me feel a bit like trash myself.

“Amir, tie him up.”

“A-okay….”

With a shocked expression, Amir tied the man’s wrists with a rope.

Had Amir tried to take a hostage, he would have wanted to teach him a lesson, but the sight of Bald lying unconscious made him bite his lips in disappointment. How scary indeed.

“Let Bald go. Do whatever you want…!”

“What’s with that attitude?”

As a joke, Yeonwoo pressed the blade against Bald’s neck. Amir and the man jumped in surprise as Yeonwoo stabbed with a soft plunge.

To his surprise, it only tickled Bald’s neck, eliciting an odd, giggly noise.

That feeling was rather unpleasant.

“Don’t worry, I’m not interested in harm. Just behave and come quietly to the hunter guild, and you won’t have any further problems. This guy won’t suffer any aftermath either.”

With those words, Yeonwoo skillfully pulled a rope from Relin’s Warehouse.

While binding an awakened person might not have the desired effect, the sound of a tear would allow me to handle them quickly anyway. After all, the difference in levels was vast.

“Ugh… fine…!!”

Seeing Bald sleeping peacefully, the other man displayed a mix of relief and humiliation but seemed determined to cooperate.

‘And so the world gets a little cleaner again.’

It only seems right for garbage to be cleaned up by those who see it…

With that thought in mind, Yeonwoo’s retreating figure was watched by Amir and the man with looks that suggested they were seeing something unspeakably trashy.

(Continued in the next chapter)

 

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