Chapter 15: Prophecy of the Church
For a while, there was an awkward silence between us.
I don’t know what the both of us feel for each other exactly. But at this moment, both of us chose not to say anything. Or rather, I am afraid to say anything and I can feel that she’s the same.
I have a feeling that if I say something, then our relationship will really change for good. And I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
At this moment, Moon and Evie arrived before me.
“So, got anything?”
Moon asked as she looked a the corpse of the ‘sire’.
“Yikes, why is his limbs burned like that? Come to think of it, a small part of my fireball earlier split up and came to you, what’s up with that?”
“Oh, I just borrowed it a bit...well, let’s have a look what this guy has.”
To the residents of this world, the moment they die, the things in their [Inventories] drops. Though not completely for some reason. I have no idea where the rest goes.
To players, they just call it [Drops].
We all looked at the drops of the ‘sire’.
There’s a bunch of weird equipments and items but to me, there were two that caught my eye. An emblem of a black cross, and a ring with a weird looking insignia on it.
When I appraised them, the emblem was called [Dark Church Tile] while the ring was [Dark Marquise of Netherwall]. Must’ve been the ‘sire’s’ identity within the [Dark Church].
“The [Dark Church]...Lucas, didn’t you say your quest is related to the [Church]? The this is...”
“...Yeah. Their target was me from the start...only, how did they know I’m here?”
This guy mentioned a prophecy from the dark oracle...why the hell am I caught up with such huge prophecies!?
Usually, isn’t the first arc have to end first before another one appears!? Why do I feel like I’m doing two volumes at the same time!? This is completely ridiculous!
“Huh? What do you mean how? Since you accepted the quest, then the story line proceeds. That’s how it is in games.”
Moon looked at me weirdly with that ‘what-a-noob’ look of hers.
In games, when one accepts a quest, usually the story will only progress then. And in free world games where one can get a lot of quests, this is usually the case.
For example, you received a quest to kill the King of some nation. But you feel like your level isn’t high enough, so you ignore it and focused on other quests.
The main story won’t progress at all and you’ll just continue on as if it’s nothing.
You can even accept quests from the King you’re supposed to kill first and make sure that you got all the quest he can give before killing him in the end.
Or you can ignore the quest, accepts all the quests in that nation so that you won’t have the infamy when you kill the King in the end.
I mean, think about it, if you kill the King at the start, how can you get his quests and rewards? How can you continue to get quests or visit shops in his nation?
It’s something like that. I myself, do this quite a lot in the past. Finishing most if not all the side quests first before dealing with the main quest...
Only, in this case, I know that this is a completely different world and if I choose to ignore this quest, then there could be tremendous consequences!
One, that supposed ‘child’ of mine would have grown up when I meet him/her at the end! Or the ‘child’ might even die!
Two, it seems the [Dark Church] is openly attacking the [Church] so if I ignore it, then in the future, the [Church] might be no more and my ‘child’ along with it!
Anyway, this is not a game so I really can’t ignore it!
While I was stuck with my dilemma, Moon and Evie tilted their heads in confusion as they looked at me.
I coughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
“Anyway, we best convince the merchant Niel to upgrade the quest rank and reward.”
The initial notice in the adventurer’s board didn’t have any reward. Earlier when we had set out, he told that the reward will be a 120 Gold coins for each of us. Though I didn’t care about that little bit of money.
Moon’s eyes sparkled and immediately rushed towards the merchant.
Evie stayed and continued to stare at me.
Come to think of it, this girl has been unnaturally quiet for a while now.
“Say, you’re not really a thief right?”
“...Well, I never said I am.”
I dodged her gaze and stubbornly refused to say anything.
Evie seemed to have noticed something and laughed before going back as well.
“You make a great assassin though.”
I can only sigh and shook my head and follow her back to report to the merchant Niel.
After hearing our report about the [Dark Church], his face paled and immediately agreed to upgrade the quest rank as long as we get him to the city safely.
He looked a bit at me and realized that I had some mysterious power that can scare away the dragons and hurriedly rushed back to his carriage in fright.
“Seems like your quest is interesting, it’s settled, I’ll be following you in this quest!”
“Me too!”
Moon and Evie nodded as if it was a settled matter already.
...Oi, don’t just decide it by yourselves, you two…
I sighed again and allocated my new status points to LUK as usual.
My [Wanderer] class only leveled up once while my main level only twice...after killing a hundred or so ‘riders’, how come it only increased twice?
Dragon Riders are usually high leveled. I’m sure that the huge difference in our levels is enough for me to level up to at least level 20, yet I didn’t gain as much EXP as expected…
Could it be that the EXP isn’t from the level and instead, from their overall power?
To be a dragon rider, all one needs is a dragon. To players, they would need a [Mount] skill and a high level [Tame] skill...but to the residents of [Harus], I think that if they have a dragon who listens to them or is controlled by someone of a higher rank, then they would be able to ride them.
Their overall power is mainly on their dragons. As the riders, they only need to know how to shoot an arrow in mid air, slash a sword when colliding, or fire magic from above. Individually, they’re not much at all...so is that why I only gained little EXP?
...Whatever, these are all theories, maybe there’s something else at play.
Maybe it’s like one of those legendary rings in xianxia novels where they suck in the user’s cultivation or something and an old grampa appears...wait, El’s not taking my EXP right?
...I doubt it, I don’t EXP is of use to her at all...actually, I don’t even know if she’s cultivating…
Is it the corruption? The more corruption, the less EXP I receive?
...Nah, that’s probably not it.
Maybe there’s someone else stealing the EXP and is hidden in the surroundings...
Anyway, I’ll just let nature take its course. It’s too tiring to think of it too much. And I don’t even know if I can do something about it…
As I was stuck in contemplation, a day had passed and we finally reached [Kiel], also known as the [City of Mason] for its specialty in masonaries and it can be seen from the statues and stone strutures displayed along the city.
The players logged out when we took a break a while ago. It seems that Niel and the other guards know that the otherworlders need to leave for a period of time so they planned that rest.
They were rather surprised to see me stay instead.
After reaching [Kiel], we went for the Adventurer’s Guild first for Niel to upgrade the quest.
Afterwards, the players all went their separate ways while Moon and Evie stayed by my side.
“Alright, let’s head to the [Church].”
Moon nodded and started walking.
As if it’s normal, Evie followed her as she hummed playfully, leaving me standing there for a while.
I sighed and followed along.
“Just who is the one with the quest here...”
I can only mummble in grievance.
It seems that no matter where I go, which world I go, women always finds their way to lead me along…
I sighed again for the nth time.
On the way, the people had been giving me unfriendly looks...I really hate this negative [Fame]...
Upon reachig the [Church] branch’s gates, we were stopped by two Paladin Knights.
Stolen novel; please report.
“Hold, what is your business here!”
The two glared at me as if I’m a criminal…
I sighed and handed over Lans’ letter to them.
“Please send this to whoever’s in charge here...”
The Paladin took the letter and looked at me suspiciously.
“This is the seal of the Crown Prince of Drachedge. Why did you have this?”
“I didn’t steal it if that’s what you mean. He asked me to give this letter to your branch here in [Kiel]...It’s a letter of introduction.”
The Paladin still looked at me suspiciously but eventually left to give the letter to someone inside while telling the other Paladin to keep close watch on me.
“Crown Prince!? You never said that the Crown Prince was the one to give you the quest! How lucky! I heard that it’s really hard to meet this person and even harder to get one of his quests!”
Moon’s eyes lit up again.
Evie was also nodding and chattered about stuffs like wanting an assassination quest from a royal family.
I can only laugh wryly at the two of them as we waited for the other’s response.
After a while, the Paladin came back along with a young man in a priest robe. Must be a priest trainee. But I have to say, his priest robe really looks extravagant.
“Arch-bishop, this is the person.”
Arch-bishop!? Eh? Someone so young has high standing!? Rather, why is an Arch-bishop in a [Church] branch!?
This...I have a bad feeling about this…
“So it is! I am Arch-bishop Agerad of the Church of Alina and a Council member of the [Church]. A pleasure to meet you. We’ve been expecting you.”
Agerad bowed ceremoniously.
Seeing their Arch-bishop bow, the two Paladins didn’t dare top stand and kneeled beside Agerad.
Outside, there were players who saw this scene and was shocked!
“Look look! That’s Arh-bishop Agerad! A high level NPC!”
“For someone like him to bow down to a player...is it a quest? Did he complete a high rank quest!?”
“How nice! To have such a high reputation that even Arch-bishops bow to him!”
“He must be super high leveled!”
“But his equipment doesn’t look high leved at all?”
“Stupid! This is because he is a true expert and don’t rely on equipments!”
“How can that be!? Someone like that should be known well by now!”
“Ah! I know him! We went to a quest together to escort a merchant to this city! On the way, a dragon rider army arrived and we all thought we were dead! But he used a skill and all the dragons flee in panic! Leaving only the riders who were easy prey! That was really awesome!”
“No way! A skill that dragons fear so much that they’ll leave their riders!?”
“Truly, this is what you’d call, hidden experts are always around!”
“You might not know that the person beside you is just an expert in disguise!”
“Heh, since it’s already like this, I might as well tell you al...I’m an expert!”
“Pui! Don’t even think of tricking us you bastard! I know you! You were that bastard that caused an OT the other day!”
“Pui! That’s because your attack was too weak that I OT-ed by mistake!”
The bunch of players chattered. Some fought, some laughed, and some people just trolled all over the place.
My face twitched just hearing their discussion.
El had also seemingly forgotten about her grudge at me and started laughing out loud in my head.
Strangely enough, it was her laugh that relaxed me.
“Please don’t bow to me arch-bishop. Let’s continue our discussion inside...”
“Haha, very well.”
Agerad didn’t seem to mind the player’s speculation and just laughed as he led us inside.
Once inside, we all settled down on a table and sat around it.
“So...you know me?”
I asked cautiously.
“The hero of light, shrouded in darkness. You are certainly the one in the prophecy, I have no doubt in that?”
My face twitched again hearing the word prophecy.
To my side, Moon’s eyes lit up.
“Prophecy! Amazing, Lucas! You actualy got a Prophecy Chain Quest!”
...Actually, I have another prophecy in my back…
“This prophecy...what the hell is it actually about?”
“Oh, Prince Lanslet didn’t tell you?”
“...No...”
“Very well, let me say it then.”
A Man discovered by the Mad King’s Son,
The Hero of Light, shrouded in Darkness.
Traveling through to the City of Mason,
Becomes the Father to the Child of Fairies.
Head west to free a Race once Forgotten,
Slay the Demon and save the Princess.
Together they defeat an Evil of Destruction,
And receive the blessings of the Goddess.
“This is the prophecy that decided the fate of mankind. This is your prophecy. Lucas, the Light Hero of Darkness.”
Congratulations!
You have received the title: Light Hero of Darkness!
You will be an honored guest to every [Church] branch despite your [Fame]!
Fame: +50 000
Light, Holy, Dark: +50
This…
Whether it was hearing the prophecy or getting the title, it was all too sudden and I was still unable to digest what had really happened.
First of all, as soon as it mentioned me being a father, I was already shocked. Also, what’s this race that was once forgotten!? And I need to save a princess!? Then it talked about defeating an evil of destruction...isn’t that too high leveled oi!!!???
And this title!
Light Hero of Darkness! Which is it!? Is it light!? Dark!? What!?
And my Fame was brought back to normal so fast! A title just gave me a huge amount of [Fame] oi!?
It even gave me increase in three attribues!
What kind of broken [Title] is this!?
Also, don’t just label me a Hero all of a sudden!!!
Finished with my inner tsukkomiis, I huffed and puffed in my mind to catch my breath while on the outside, my face twitched a couple of times.
“That’s so nice! It’s really hard to get a good title and you got one that’s a part of the [Hero] type!”
Moon excitedly clapped her hands as if she was the one getting the title.
Evie also spoke excitedly.
“A personalized prophecy just for you! So amazing!!!”
“But what’s with this becoming a father thing?”
My face twitched again when Moon asked.
Hearing her question, Agerad happily clapped once and shouted upwards.
“Right! You should meet her already! Aeran! Come see whose come!”
Soon, a thudding sound was heard upstairs and I can just imagine a small child excitedly running down the stairs…
After a while, a green haired loli arrived.
She had a lush green hair with a wooden interweaving tiara like a bunch of branches circled around her head. A green dress with a leaf pattern and flowers at the hem. And the most interesting thing was the transparent light green wings behind her back that seemed to glow as well.
...So this...is the Child of Fairies?
Well...she’s certainly a fairy alright…
The moment the loli fairy saw me, her eyes lit up and immediately jumped to my embrace!
“Papa!”
……………….Hah!?
To the side, Moon and Evie looked at me weirdly.
Hey hey hey hey! I have no such interests! It’s not what you think! More like, didn’t you hear the prophecy earlier as well!!!???
“This...how am I your papa?”
“Hm? Papa is papa!”
…
I looked towards Agerad with an accusing look.
He just laughed and shrugged.
“For your information, we didn’t tell her about the prophecy at all. Especially not you being her father. You can say that this is also a test to see if you really are the one in the prophecy.”
Oi!!! Why is the test done after giving me the title!? Isn’t that too irresponsible!? What if it’s not me!? Actually, please tell me it’s not me!!!
“Does papa not want me...?”
Surprised, I looked back to the child in my embrace and saw her teary expression.
The others started looking at me with a ‘you-made-her-cry’ expression.
Panicking, I reassured the loli and gave in.
“No no no, it’s not like that...since you call me papa, then I’m you papa...later, I’ll give lots of candies okay? Don’t cry...”
I was the one who feel like crying when I said that.
Uuuu...I don’t even know who the mother is and I suddenly became a father…
“Yey! Papa is the best!”
Aeran’s face quickly became all smiled and hugged me again.
I sighed and looked back at Agerad.
“...Explain.”
“Haha, well. Some people found little Aeran a few months ago in the forest to the south. They didn’t know what to do with her so they approached the [Church] branch here. When we found out about the situation, the Grand Oracle suddenly made a prophecy so I transfered here to wait for you and take care of little Aeran. That’s all we know.”
Agerad laughed and explained in a carefree manner.
...
“...The race once forgotten, what’s this?”
“No idea.”
...
“And this princess?”
“No idea.”
...I feel like punching this guy…
“...This evil of destruction. What’s this all about?”
“Oh, that would be the great evil that has existed since the ancient times. The Vampire God, Alucard.”
…………………………...HAH!!!???
A GOD!? YOU WANT ME TO DEFEAT A FUCKING GOD!!!???
----------------------------------------
Status
Name
Lucas
Level
12
Race
Human - Dragon
Gender
Male
Class
Wanderer
7
Stamina
8975
Mana
9025
Qi
100000000000
Spirit
1840
Cultivation
Peak Martial Emperor
STR
123
INT
121
SPD
122
DEX
120
VIT
119
LUK
207
Fire
56
Earth
17
Water
234
Wind
16
Light
271
Dark
66
Ice
12
Lightning
12
Holy
68
Space
16
Fame
23000
Rage
0
Titles
Light Hero of Darkness
Sealed
Elena Shenxue