I was tired of killing for dragons.

Now I know that’s quite a thing to say all of a sudden, but it was true. Money, vengeance, money, vengeance- it was always the same, and it had been for the 60 (70?) -ish years since I died. I don’t quite recall the last few days before my death, but I do remember staring down the headlights of Truck-kun before meeting my untimely end. Actually, I suppose it was timely, as I was the lucky guy to get sucked out of the abyss and into a dragon’s lair, sitting in what I would eventually learn was a very fancy summoning circle.

In the years since I was trained up and made to be some kind of Vengeance On Demand™ for an ancient dragon with a thing for silver. I had always been a pretty big fan of those isekai shows and stories, though those guys usually get something a bit nicer than a slave collar as an arrival gift.

The collar was nice, though, VERY nice, in fact; so much so that it would be quite difficult to get off. The magical instrument that served as a lovely chain on my free will was top of the line, and not even that one king I blackmailed had anything that could get it off.

That, of course, was what brought me to this very nice holy institution, not a pyramid, but a ziggurat I believe? Either way, it was the property of a very powerful deity, one who hopefully had the strength and the gall to pull the plug on an elder dragon’s favorite toy.

Now, normally, I was quite the stealthy guy. Despite my class of hero, (inherent with being summoned to this world) my unwilling line of work involved what I honestly can’t dress up as anything better than assassination, and thus my [STEALTH], and its’ partner [SILENCE] had reached their max level. Having those at their apex even allowed me to unlock [SHADOW STEPS]. While it was only level two, it meant that if I didn’t want someone to see me, just about nobody would. Yes, I was quite stealthy indeed.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Today, however, I openly just walked in the front door. 

This alone was quite hilarious, as at the mere sight of me, the more traveled among the clergy who knew my description put on a performance. One or two were visibly stifling their panic as I walked between the pews, a good handful quickly found an end to their activities and made for one of the doors lining the hall, and two of the three at the dias who knew who I was argued as quickly and quietly as one could as to who would speak to me. By the time I had cleared the lines of pews, they seemed to come to their decision, the more senior of the two (and judging by his garment the one of higher station) putting on a brave face and getting ready to face me. 

I reached the foot of the platform and spoke up to him, “Good morning!” I said in the most cheerful tone I could manage. “Ah, y-yes… good morning to yourself as well, sir. I-I apologize, but w- we um… don’t have anyone currently in the temple of a rank prestigious enough to greet you.” 

Well obviously. I wasn’t about to walk in here while the Temple Magistrate and Holy Voice were present. I may be a pretty heavy hitter for this world, but fighting even one of them would be a dubious prospect on my best day, to say nothing of both on their home turf. “That’s just fine,” I started. “You will suffice for the purpose of my visit today.” “Of-of course, then. What brings you to the holy grounds of Vita, then?” “Well, I was actually hoping to have a chat with her today.” The priest’s eyes bugged. “With h- you mean with our grace?” “Yup, That would be the one.” I waited rather politely as the holy man got over his shock. “I see… I’m sorry but nobody here can help you with that. It is quite a rare gift you see, and for the select few who possess it, they can only use it once a year. We- we cannot help you.” What a load of crap.

“Alright, I’ll get down to it. I’ve been trying to hold this chat for quite a bit now, Simon Volsco, and I am quite aware that it is rare to grant such a thing, which is why I know that you are one of those special few who can. I am also aware that you were put in charge while your leaders went to save the country from an army of demons. I also know you last used this ability of yours about five seasons ago, meaning you should have it right now.” 

As I spoke, I walked slowly and calmly around to the stairs up the platform, and towards the priest, who seemed frozen in fear. I got within a breaths distance from him, (Thank goodness priests in this world had good hygiene) and whispered so only he could hear: “I think that this favor is the least you could do to prevent the deaths of everyone in this temple, to include those who thought they could sneak out of here unnoticed. Tick tock, your goddess is watching.”

I had been casing this place for nearly two years now, and this breakout war was too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

After a minute of his two trembling eyes staring into my remaining one, he crumbled. “Will you leave after? W-Without hurting anyone?” “So I swear”, I said. And with that, plus a bit more hesitation, with a trembling hand he reached and with a now glowing index finger touched my forehead.