“I am pleased to tell you that I haven’t spotted any problems so far but, but please do inform me with haste if you feel like something is not in order with your bodies.” Episcop Lamson informed us. “Now that we got this out of the way, is there something that you will want to know?”
“Can we get out of here?” Arthur shot out the question right after the episcop finished his sentence.
“Goddess Ilumina summoned you here with a goal in mind. If you will uphold her will and do what she desires, I don’t see why she wouldn’t grant you this small favor. After all, if her previous champion is any example, she will gladly fulfill your wish. “ the episcop answered in a calm and steady tone.
Judging by the expression on Nait’s face, he, like me, wasn't really surprised with this answer, after all, this is a pretty standard vanilla route as far as these stories go. However, Arthur didn’t seem pleased one bit with the answer that he got. Alice on the other hand seemed rather indifferent with the answer. There was neither our with Nait’s acceptance and joy nor was there Arthur’s indignation. She wasn’t displaying any fear, resignation nor anxiety which is pretty weird in my opinion.
“And what if I don’t want to cooperate and help someone that presumably just forcibly kidnaped me, transported me to a different world, and made me do her bidding without even asking my opinion about this. What if I don't do that just in spite? Not to mention, why didn’t she directly inform us about our supposed ‘mission’? if we are so 'important'?” the displeasure and venom practically oozing in Arthur's speech.
Despite the harsh words, episcop Lamson didn’t even flinch from hearing his Goddess getting bad-mouthed. He even continued to smile in the same amicable, grandfatherly way.
“All of you were summoned here with a goal. The mere fact that you are here means that you were deemed worthy by Her. To question your motives will be to question Her intention which this mere servant does not dare to do.” After finishing his response in a calm and succinct tone he even bowed his head a little at the end.
Thie episcop’s answer took some wind out of Arthur’s sails as his expression softened a touch. He still didn’t want to back down though. “Well, in this case, if you don't question my motives, I would really like to get out of this place. “ Arthur seemed bent on not following the standard path here.
To the episcops credit, if he was annoyed with Arthur's antics, he didn’t show it, instead, he continued to smile kindly as if Arthur was nothing more than his unruly grandchild showing a temper. “If this is truly your intention, then I would've respected your wish if the circumstances were different. Unfortunately, not anyone shares our view and the heretics that are encroaching on our land got a message about your presence.” the Episcop’s face soured at that. He then shook his head slightly and sighed. “You need to understand that the world out there is unfortunately not safe, the Empire’s agents are lurking in the shadows and waiting for the opportunity to strike. As much I’d like to let you go and follow your destiny, I can not-- nor will I be allowed to be fair, to let you go free under such grave circumstances. I may be old but I am still sound of reason. You don’t need to worry, you are safe in here and will not be lacking in anything while under our care. We will even actively help you gather your strengths, and when the situation outside will get better we will happily allow you to leave at any moment.”
Arthur didn't seem to buy it one bit. “And when this better situation will arrive?” he asked with skepticism in his voice.
“Sooner than you might think actually. The king prepared a feast in your name to welcome you. And lo and behold the Empire decided to pay a diplomatic visit exactly on the same day. What a coincidence." The episcop managed to look both indignant and amused at the same time. "However, on the upside, your presence might just help us convince the Empire in lowering its aggressive stance which in turn will put your lives under less danger."
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“And what is the problem of these heretics? Didn't you just said that we will be protected?”
From hearing this question, the old visibly saged, as if strength left his body. He sighed and with a disheartening voice said. "Your safety is under no threat so you don't need to worry about it. The problem here is that the Tyrant has been using religion as a tool to satiate his hunger for conquest. I will not be surprised if he will be brazen enough to ignore fool-proof of your identity and make you into some kind of impostors." He shook his head. "To think that he dares to call us unbelievers and heretics while he sows so much sorrow and destruction that the demons might not even need to come if he will be allowed free reign. But alas, trials and tribulations. He will get his just punishment at Goddess Illumina's hands in the afterlife.”
So, let’s see, the humans are about to get pounded by the demons while those in power are bickering between themselves, clinging to the mere scraps of power that they have and playing at the “I am holier than thou game’.
Sounds about right.
The small and weak good guys are bullied by the bigger neighbor and when he gets the news that the Heroes arrived, he tries to get rid of us before we become a problem. Sounds like some classic Isekai plot right there. If you add in some kind of permanent underestimating of the main character and constant exposure to ‘villains’ with linear power progression that always end up getting face slapped, you'll I get yourself a story. If that's not enough let them run away to their bigger brother, master or whatever to cry foul about the new upstarts in town and cry foul about how they got 'bullied' and you'll have 'plot' for hundreds of chapters ahead.
I do say that, but now that I think about it, the dregs will most likely beat our asses too since, not counting the few scuffles in high school, I don't have any fighting experience. I didn’t get any kind of special powers either. No talk to goddesses, no obvious cheats, no system-- all in all, it doesn't look good so far.
Not the best reincarnation scenario as of yet. 6 out 10 for now. Not recommending. We'll see if there will be any elves or catgirls. Opinion may change.
“So then what’s your plan? What should we do?” Alice finally chimed into the conversation.
“Good that you asked. There will be a banquet tonight partially made to welcome you but also as a way for our king to acknowledge you as true Heroes and saviors in front of the ambassadors from other kingdoms. Ideally, your presence will help humanity unite once again in the face of the common enemy. The Empire is not likely to be swayed but if other kingdoms do, then an alliance between all of us will help deter the Empire and hopefully allow us to focus on the true enemy. Worst case scenario the news will still spread fast through the continent and even if the Empire will try to label you as imposters, the population might not necessarily get swayed, especially so considering the fact that many are followers of the old ways and only ‘converted’ to this…” the old man’s face soured as if he tasted something disgusting. “ heresy only under the threat of death. Granted there are some ignorant fools that just eat the lies spewed by those in power like the wicked Emperor and his corrupted priest but thankfully they are in the minority. The emperor knows this and if he will openly act against you, he might end up with a rebellion on his hands, especially if we will help with the spread of some kindling and sparks. Forest fires start from just a small source after all.”
"There is nothing to worry about Sir Lamson. Worst-case scenario, even if that tyrant will act against us, I will personally make sure to go after his head after accumulating enough power.” Nait scrutinized his brows in thought “Now that I think about it, this sounds to be the plot of this scenario. Help defend against the Evil Empire that’s causing problems in times of strife, slay the evil tyrant and probably save a princess or two, unite humanity under our banner and be just in time for the start of the second book which will be about the war against the demons." he nodded his head in confirmation.
I shot a surprised glance at Nait. That… sounds surprisingly like a full-fledged and very likely plot. I am impressed. Episcop Lamson and the other 2 not as much thou if their expressions are anything to go by.
"Your words do warm my old heart but I really hope it will not reach this point. A lot of human blood will be spilled in the incoming years and I really don't wish to contribute to making that pool bigger unless it's absolutely necessary." the episcop said in a tired voice. "Now, what else do you want to know?" he asked.