Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

The mood almost got completely ruined, but the Hero admirably took responsibility. The night at the camp, which almost turned cold due to conflicts between groups, was able to end in blazing heat thanks to the Hero's screening. Risir was quite satisfied with the bustling atmosphere of the camp from early morning. "Good morning, Priestess Akirin. Were you at peace during the night?" "Ah! Lord Risir. Of course. It was a very fulfilling and amazing time. My heart is still trembling. Especially the scene where the Hero split the night sky with a battle cry-" "Oh my." Separately, he felt complex emotions about the priest's reaction of sharing her impressions of the screening when exchanging morning greetings. People's reactions were so passionate that Risir even felt guilty about stopping his magic sword control training. "Huh? But I don't see the other priestesses?" Usually, when getting up at this time, one could see Akirin's priestesses helping prepare breakfast for the expedition. Some expedition members even volunteered to help prepare breakfast just to receive the priestesses' bright smiles as a reward. But for some reason, the other priestesses except Akirin were nowhere to be seen. "Ah, you mean the sisters." Senior Priestess Akirin produced a gentle smile. It was a pleased smile like watching children playing in the street. "There are those who wish to hear sermons, you see." "Ah! From this early morning?" "It is an early time, but it's also when impurities are washed away during the night, making body and spirit cleanest and most suitable for purely accepting faith." "Oh~" Risir nodded, finding it interesting. The Senior Priestess's words were so plausible that several curiosities related to religious people were resolved. "Important rituals performed in the most complete state... In a way, it's similar to the principle behind my morning training." "That's right. It could be said to be the reason we conduct morning prayers at the time when the Hero performs training." "Hmm?" Something sounds strange about that? Risir felt a small sense of unease, but erased that feeling upon seeing the priestess's pure, innocent smile. It must be his imagination. "By any chance, aren't you curious?" "Hmm?" "About those who wish to newly embrace the faith-..." "Ah! Now that you mention it, I am curious. It was the Goddess of Embrace, wasn't it? The being you priests serve-" "Currently, we serve a more great and substantial being." "Ah, is that so?" As expected of a religious group of young priestesses, they're very trendy, huh? Still, does the trend pass by that quickly? Risir struggled to erase those irreverent thoughts that came to mind carelessly. For him, religion had become closer through life in the fantasy world than before, but it was still an incomprehensible realm. "If I misspoke, I apologize. Religion is too difficult for me-" "Is that so? In my case- it may sound strange, but when I look at the Hero, I often feel that religion and faith are truly simple things." "What? Me?" "That's right." To think his actions provided religious inspiration. Risir couldn't even gauge which aspects worked in such a way. 'Well... I guess I can take it to mean I'm a sincere young man.' As Risir was convincing himself in his own way, the Senior Priestess continued speaking. "So- speaking about the new faithful-" "Huh?" When Akirin began listing names, Risir's eyes widened. They were high nobility from the areas around Bondaless, and none other than members of the Watchers. 'I knew that high nobles mainly profess to be followers of the main god for political reasons?' They are high nobles who reign as regional power holders and use religion as a political tool. What wind had blown to make them suddenly interested in a Heretical God? 'Could it be because the church sisters are too beautiful?' Recalling the appearances of Akirin's priestesses, Risir thought it was quite a plausible possibility. Right now, if they established a temple in Bondaless, it would be crowded with young men from the city. "The sermons of the Akirin priestesses must truly have deep resonance. To move the hearts of such people-" "All of this is thanks to the Hero." What? Me? Why me again here? Risir was truly curious but nodded appropriately. Would he understand even if he heard her religious teachings? "In that regard- it's somewhat disappointing." "What? Disappointing, what aspect do you mean?" "It's about the Bondaless City Council." "Was there some problem with them!?" While even the Watchers are getting a "well done" stamp, our Bondaless is a disappointment!? When Risir was startled, the priestess hurriedly raised both hands. "Ah! No. I didn't mean to cause the Hero concern, so please don't worry about it...!!!" Last night, after the Hero's blazing performance. Akirin's priestesses went out on missionary work while holding onto the emotion from the performance. They had subtly left hints not only to the Watchers, but also to the Bondaless City Council. That they planned to hold a religious gathering tomorrow during the sacred time when the Hero conducts morning training. However- Unlike the Watchers, the Bondaless City Council did not show up at the location. This was why Akirin felt deep disappointment. To witness that wonder right before their eyes yesterday and feel nothing! Of course, it wasn't something to cause the Hero concern. Akirin was greatly flustered by the Hero's intense reaction and tried to busily change the subject. "Risi- no, Hero, were you here?" "Rona- no, Sir Eron?" It was then that The Saint Eron, secretary to the Acting City Councilor of the Bondaless City Council, appeared. They tried to treat each other casually but checked the nearby attention and then observed formality. "You were here- by any chance, were you looking for me?" "Ah, well-" Whisper whisper. Rona spoke quietly in his ear. -You usually do morning training around this time, right? I thought I'd watch it, so I was looking around for a suitable open space. -Ah? Rona looked at him and smiled mischievously. -When you suddenly pulled out the magic sword, I had some expectations, but reality far surpassed my imagination? So I came looking for you with great expectations about what kind of spectacle would unfold during morning training. But- Sky-blue eyes meaningfully going back and forth between the priest and the Hero. -You were having a friendly chat with a lovely priestess? -Huh? What. Are you angry? -What? Why would I be? What's wrong with my male friend excitedly chatting with another woman? I don't care at all? -Oh, okay. Never mind then. -Ha, haha. Right. Of course not. How. Is training already over? Are you already on your way back from eliminating a few hills and making some craters? -Hills and craters what? What exactly do you think my training is? -Splitting the night sky with the Sacred Sword and magic sword was night training, right? I thought morning training would involve flipping the ground or something. -... Risir clicked his tongue. It was frustrating that Rona's outrageous words had logic and basis due to his usual behavior. "Everyone?" It was Akirin's voice carefully intruding at that moment. "If this is an important conversation that a third party shouldn't hear, shall I excuse myself?" The Hero and The Saint having a secret conversation. The Senior Priestess was smiling but looked somewhat suspicious. She was keeping in mind that the Bondaless City Council hadn't participated in the morning prayer. "Ah!" Only then did Risir look back and forth between the two. "No! There's no need for that." Oho. Really? There's no need? Well. That's true. It is true, but- Deflecting Rona's complex and troublesome gaze appropriately, Risir spoke. "If both of you are alright with it, shall I introduce you to each other- First, this is Sir Eron. He is praised as The Saint in Bondaless. He is as famous for his numerous good deeds as for his splendid appearance." "The Saint of Bondaless..." Senior Priestess Akirin inwardly frowned. She had been quite hopeful hearing that Bondaless was not within the Religious Order's sphere of influence- Who would have thought such an unexpected obstacle was hiding? "Sir Eron. This is Senior Priestess Akirin. She joined us along the way and has been a great help to our expedition members who were tired from the expedition." "Senior Priestess..." The Saint Eron inwardly frowned. A priest? Bondaless is my territory, what's a heretic doing here? "Sir Eron, pleased to meet you." "I too feel great joy at this new connection." Tense tension arose between them as they sensed the premonition of competition. They shook hands with artificial smiles. "...!" "...!" At that moment. The two of them widened their eyes as if electricity had passed through their bodies. "Senior, Priestess?" "Saint?" "Senior, Priestess???" "Saint???" They looked at each other and kept tilting their heads. (E/N: Miss Priestess Desire demon, please meet 'Mister' Saint Desire demon) "Everyone?" Risir had no way of knowing why they were acting like that. *** [Conditions have been met!] [A new function of the base has been activated!] [Function: Religion] [Religion is the most reliable bond that ties people together!] [Use religion to unite the stronghold and further expand it!] *** "Finally-...!" "This energy..." The elves closed their eyes and breathed deeply. "Aaaahhh!!!" "We finally arrived!!!" "That's exactly-" Cheers erupted throughout the expedition. "Risir! Is that it!? Right there-" Ratsil jumped up and down in place, expressing her excitement. "..." Risir was staring straight ahead, feeling their reactions with his whole body. Deep, profound emotions arose in his expression. Eventually. After taking a deep breath, he spoke. "Phew." It was a single word with truly various meanings. The wide-open main gate of Bondaless welcomed the expedition. "Lord Risir, we welcome your return." Risir checked his surroundings and asked Rona. "Where's Fienne?" "The city councilors have urgent matters to attend to right now- you probably won't be able to meet until tomorrow." "...I feel sorry somehow." They entered the city interior while receiving the Guard Corps's ceremonial escort. "Elves and dwarves...! What chaos!" "Is that person the rumored Hero!?" "Hero!!! Please look over here!!!" "Good heavens, that person-" "I think I saw that person at Gus's Mansion-" "That Gus fellow, did he recognize this and bet against it!?" "What's this!? It's almost like a festival? Why did the city atmosphere suddenly become so bright?" "You know, those things that swarmed in from outside the city? I heard today that they all went back where they came from, leaving only their leader behind." "What? Suddenly? Why? They seemed ready to find an excuse and stick around persistently?" "How would I know. Maybe they got scared seeing the Hero's expedition and ran away?" "Ah! That makes sense!" All the citizens of Bondaless poured out into the streets to watch the expedition's procession. "But what brings the Hero to Bondaless!?" "How would I know! Anyway, he must have come to do good deeds!" Was it thanks to the Hero's presence? The citizens enthusiastically welcomed the expedition's entry as if it were a triumphal ceremony. The Bondaless City Council guided them to a place that could accommodate all members of the expedition. It was the mansion of a wealthy magnate that boasted the most extensive scale and grounds in the city. None other than Gus's Mansion. Of course, the City Council's guidance of the expedition to Gus's Mansion wasn't just because it was spacious. "Oh, ooh...!!!" "Yes, this is it...!!!" "Ah, ahh..." The moment they entered Gus's Mansion grounds, the expedition's elves began showing strange behavior. They began entrusting their bodies to the fresh plants that had grown throughout the mansion. 'What, they're not cats rolling on catnip-' Risir was flustered by the sight of the elves boldly abandoning their dignity. That particular energy they encountered after so long- Gave the Elves a feeling of unparalleled happiness. "Uh, uuh... uuuh!!!" Even Ratsil was stamping her feet, showing withdrawal symptoms. Among the elves, only Lunadien and Karoer were maintaining composure- "..." "..." But even they were repeatedly taking deep breaths with their eyes closed, as if savoring it. "Oh, Risir! My old friend!!!" "Risir! At least you came back before I die of old age!" As the elves were having their energy feast, familiar faces approached. Talent Scout Dray. Frozen Breath Palag. And Gus, the owner of the mansion. "Oh my, Lord Risir! Lord Risir!!! Lord Risir!!!!! You've returned!!!" Among them all, Gus's welcome was almost as intense as a puppy greeting its owner. "Mr. Gus! Long time no-... Huh? Mr. Gus, something seems a bit-" Risir sensed a change in the wealthy magnate with his generous demeanor. His skin full of oil and glistening, and- The accessories packed densely on his body as if wealth couldn't be contained, and- How should I put it, there was an overall sparkling feeling. "Ah, this! It's all thanks to Lord Risir!" "This is also thanks to me?" Risir was gradually becoming confused. It was as if the entire world existed thanks to him. (E/N: Well, this novel exists thanks to you...) "Well, anyway- everyone. It's been a long time. Have you all been well?" They exchanged greetings for a while and thoroughly caught up with each other. "But-" It was after that when Frozen Breath Palag turned his attention to the elves. "Lord Lunadien, it's been a while?" "Lord Palag. You've aged quite a bit." "It's not that I've aged much, but that you are excessively vigorous! But how-" "Hmm?" "You seem to have changed a lot?" The stern-looking old man stroked his full beard as he looked at the elf with brilliant red hair. The Star of the Garden he knew was one who hid a nature like dried grass behind a splendid impression like a blooming rose. That is, when dealing with humans. However, now she was displaying emotions as rich as her splendid impression. In front of humans. "You yourself are the one who-" "Hmm?" "You seem to have become much more gentle?" The green Archmage recalled. The eccentric and strict middle-aged man who gave no affection to anything other than magical enlightenment. "...Ha!" Palag burst into hearty laughter. "Indeed, I'm not one to talk! So, Lady Lunadien. Have you had any unusual experiences with that friend?" "Ah. I experienced things others couldn't even imagine." "Hehe! But surely not as much as I have?" "Oho." "Well, let's end the small talk here-" Palag looked over the elves' faces and spoke. "Descendants of World Tree. I know why you have arrived in Bondaless." At the same time, another figure approached and joined them. "I pay my respects to Guardian Karoer." Grimoire expert. It was the elf Gadena. He bowed deeply to Karoer and then raised his head again. The rational elf's expression was rigidly hardened. Because he was aware of the gravity of his own mission. The World Tree that had grown in a human city. The descendants of the World Tree who had come to that city. What would happen afterwards was predetermined. Gadena felt the responsibility to mediate between the two sides as someone with a foot in both camps. "Lady Karoer. The fact that the Guardian of the World Tree has arrived in this city means-" "That's right. As you have already noticed, what has grown in this city is indeed the World Tree." "Ah." What had to come has come. Gadena squeezed his eyes shut as the reality he had been avoiding all along confronted him. Soon, he opened his mouth with a resolute expression. "Great Guardian. Please, before you retrieve the World Tree from this human city, would you listen to my story?" "Risir is the Mother of World Tree." "Guardian, please-... What?" Karoer had become accustomed to Risir through countless experiences. She knew the expert's approach to dealing with matters related to Risir. Providing direction straightforwardly before the conversation went astray. "The World Tree that had exhausted its life was reborn through Risir's energy and became as such. Now this place is the new World Tree's foundation." "..." For the novice Gadena, the pace of progress was too fast to follow. However, he was indeed a rational grimoire expert. He quickly regained his reason and made a judgment. Surely, he must have misheard! "Risir being the father of the World Tree, that's impossible!" "...He is not the father of the World Tree." As expected! Gadena was greatly relieved. As expected, he had misheard- "He is the Mother of the World Tree." "..." He kept mishearing... *** "Ah, right. Risir. I forgot to mention this." Risir blinked after hearing one piece of news from Rona. "What? Master Pamon?" (E/N: WHAT!)