Chapter 98
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 98
"Y-you, who on earth are you...."
Who indeed.
Thanks to the novel I'd read in my previous life, I knew most of what the future held—a pitiful soul experiencing their second cycle of existence.
Though I had no idea how accurate that future actually was.
"One thing has been revealed, and what I'm curious about next is why they kidnapped that child...."
"I-I thought I would tell you...."
"You don't know either, do you?"
The man's face went blank.
What was the point of asking? The higher-ups always just gave orders when they wanted something done, never explaining the detailed reasons.
Especially not villains.
"Since these men have trespassed upon the Marquis's territory, I'll leave their disposition to you."
Simply confirming that these men served Evil was information enough.
I readily handed over their disposal to Cali.
"...It seems the High Priestess knows quite a lot."
At the suspicion in Cali's eyes, I shrugged.
I do know quite a bit. Though I'm uncertain of its accuracy.
"Would you like me to explain?"
"...No. There's no need to hear it right now."
Oh, that's an unexpected response.
"For now, organizing the situation takes priority. We need to calm the frightened people as well."
Cali surveyed the surroundings, completely devastated by the battle.
In the distance, the people of the Slums trembled in fear.
"I'll handle the rest, so you may return and rest, High Priestess."
If she was taking on all the bothersome work, I had no complaints.
I glanced briefly at the kidnappers staring at me rigidly, then turned my head away sharply.
I'd gotten what I needed—these men were no longer useful.
"Understood. I'll leave the priests and uninjured Holy Knights here, so please entrust the treatment of the wounded to them."
"Thank you for your consideration. Then I'll take my leave."
At Cali's gesture, knights rushed over and forcibly lifted the four masked men to their feet.
With so many eyes watching, they were probably going to drag them to the Desert and execute them.
"Victoria, I ask that you follow them. Make sure to witness their final moments."
I needed to confirm with certainty whether the Marquis would truly execute them, so I made this request of Victoria.
"Yes, understood."
"And please relay this to Monica and Flu Marquis as well."
Since those two weren't present, they were likely elsewhere calming the frightened people or evacuating them to safety.
Victoria nodded and quickly followed Cali and the Holy Knights.
"Well then, now...."
With the situation settled, I turned my gaze toward Idella, who still sat collapsed on the ground.
Our eyes met, and she trembled slightly.
"I, I should go now...!"
"No, that won't do. You have to come with me."
Go where? Evil would only try to kidnap her again—there's no way I'm letting her out of my sight.
I effortlessly subdued the fleeing Idella and tucked her under my arm like a sack of grain.
Perhaps because I'd caught such an unexpected prize, my steps back felt remarkably light.
* * *
After leaving the Slums, I headed not to the Flu Family estate, but to the Eternal Death God Temple.
I had a promise to keep.
"Welcome, High Priestess."
As I descended from the carriage, Nashas, who had come out to greet me, offered a bow.
"Were you successful in your endeavor?"
"Somewhat successful, somewhat not."
Eliminating Evil's subordinates and rescuing Idella was a significant victory, but....
Not knowing the reason behind it all was frustrating.
"Still, what you've gained is substantial."
"That is most fortunate. You've worked hard."
Nashas exhaled in profound relief.
It seemed she had worried considerably after sending me to the Slums.
"By the way, this temple is truly beautiful. One might even call it mystical."
Unlike the Sun God Grand Temple, constructed of white marble and bathed in cascading sunlight, this temple's roof was black.
Yet it appeared beautiful precisely because it shimmered like stars embroidered across the darkness.
"I'm delighted you appreciate it. Since you're here, would you not consider staying the night? You'll find the evening here quiet and peaceful."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful. I'll gladly accept your hospitality for the evening."
I'd been curious about the Spirit Death God anyway. Perhaps within this temple, where the god's power resonates most strongly, I might uncover some answers.
It was an excellent opportunity.
"Though I notice there's a child I haven't seen before."
From the way she glanced toward the carriage, she was clearly referring to Idella.
"That's right. A child I met recently in the Slums."
Now that I thought about it, I was curious.
Nashas possessed a special ability to perceive divine power—she'd sensed the Sea God's power through Jeremy.
What would she perceive in Idella's soul?
As this world's protagonist, surely there was something exceptional about her?
"I see. She's a child with a remarkably clear soul. You've brought back someone truly special, High Priestess."
Yet my anticipation deflated just as quickly.
The response was far more ordinary than I'd expected.
I'd assumed that as the world's protagonist, she'd show signs of being extraordinary from the start....
Ah, I see now. Before her awakening, Idella was simply an ordinary child.
Entrusting the world's fate to such a plain, young girl made me feel a pang of sympathy.
"Then allow me to show you to your quarters. Ah, I shall personally attend to you, High Priestess."
This meant she wanted to talk to me alone.
I nodded immediately.
"I'd appreciate that. Jeremy, would you stay with her?"
I gestured toward Idella, who was still half-hidden inside the carriage, and she flinched.
Still, now that she'd entered the Death God's Temple and the High Priest had called me a High Priestess, her wariness had eased somewhat compared to before.
"You should stay here too. A comfortable bed is better than anything, isn't it?"
"Well, that's... true."
Idella nodded hesitantly.
Good. At least she wouldn't run away tonight.
Idella seemed to have something to say to me and hesitated, but I was too occupied stopping Seth from insisting on following me to pay her much attention.
In the end, both Idella and Seth left the room looking rather dejected.
"You two really do get along well. It's wonderful to see."
At Nashas's pleased remark, I shrugged.
"They're just overprotective. But are you sure you don't need assistance walking?"
There was no one guiding her, yet Nashas moved forward as though she could see perfectly.
"Yes. I've lived here nearly my entire life, so I know exactly where everything is."
True enough—with her powerful divine energy and those special eyes, there was no danger of her stumbling.
"Here we are. I'm afraid it may be rather lacking for someone of your station."
Nashas smiled sheepishly as she opened the door.
Yet her concerns proved entirely unfounded—the room was remarkably cozy.
Rounded arched windows, white curtains filtering the harsh sunlight, an immaculate floor without a grain of sand, and a spacious, inviting bed.
There wasn't a single ornament in sight, but since I'd never been one for such things anyway, I actually preferred it.
Most of all, I loved the ceiling painted in deep black, studded with starlight just like the roof of the Sun God's Temple.
It felt like standing in the heart of the Milky Way.
"It's so cozy—I absolutely love it."
"I'm relieved. Without any decorations, I was worried it might seem...."
"Our Sun God's Temple is so desperately poor we've sold off everything of value, so don't worry about it."
As I shrugged, Nashas looked taken aback.
"To... to that extent? Goodness, I'm so sorry. Had I known, I would have helped much sooner...."
"There's nothing for you to apologize for, High Priest."
Apologizing for something she hadn't done—truly, she was a remarkably virtuous person.
"All we can offer now is to provide you with the amount you requested."
Nashas sighed and withdrew a pouch from her robes.
Could this be...?
"Five thousand gold. I wish I could offer more...."
"What are you saying! I'm already so grateful you'd lend such a substantial sum so readily!"
If anything, I was the one who should be embarrassed for extracting five hundred million the moment we shook hands.
The Sun God recovers her strength, but the shame falls on me.
"I'll repay it without fail. With interest, even."
"No, there's no need...."
"No. The longer a relationship lasts, the more crucial it is to settle financial matters clearly."
Nashas seemed to understand this as well, nodding in agreement.
Once our business concluded and Nashas left, I immediately clenched the interdimensional pouch containing five thousand gold tightly in my grip.
Finally breaking through thirty percent.
I hurled the pouch into the offering box before my eyes.
A brilliant golden radiance erupted, and a System Message materialized.
【Your divine power has reached 30%. Your exclusive skill is now unlocked.】
【Your exclusive skill has opened. Chain skills are now available.】
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org