With a swift motion, I gathered magical energy into both hands, only to calm it down just as quickly. Unlike me, who tensed up in an instant, the person before me showed no signs of alarm. There were two things that concerned me. First, due to the blessing of Lunaticus, I couldn't scan any information about this person. Second, despite being someone important enough to receive the ‘Blessing of the Gods’, I had no idea who he was.
‘He’s the true protagonist.’
I was almost certain, 99%, no, close to 100%. In other words, if things proceeded to the point where the Holy War broke out, he would make a perfect key figure in the main story.
In the game Paradiso, many players took the role of the protagonist, but in this world turned real, an enigmatic character named 'X' was quietly growing to stake a claim on that position. He probably doesn't know it yet.
He's utterly unaware of the fate approaching him or what he's involved in, as I am the only one with knowledge about this world’s history.
The man asked me, "There are no empty seats, may I join you here?"
For a moment, my voice almost trembled, but I collected myself and responded calmly, "There's an empty seat, so there shouldn't be an issue. However, I would appreciate if we at least introduced ourselves."
"I'm Kaikel."
"Jared. Please, have a seat."
"Jared? You're not the one who…?"
"I am, but please keep your voice down."
Smiling, I invited Kaikel to sit. I sized him up, taking note of his short, golden hair that shimmered with a hint of moisture, his slightly angular chin, and a body that could only be described as muscular. An average body type, he certainly wasn’t. Yet, his name, Kaikel, didn’t trigger any memory for me. Considering my capacity to memorize countless names and even remember those sharing the same name, it was certain Kaikel hadn't once been in the spotlight in Paradiso.
Kaikel lowered his voice and spoke excitedly, "Meeting a celebrity at a place like this! It's an honor. Waiter, a beer please."
"Being honored is too much. I was just enjoying the kingdom’s atmosphere quietly on my way back."
"Allow me a proper introduction. I am Kaikel of the House of Salit. Though to be honest, I’m considered the throwaway child. My background isn’t great, really."
"House of Salit? As in Duke Bahaman Salit, the great lord in the southern part of the Kingdom of Sinders?"
"Yes, that’s right."
Bahaman Salit. While I knew little of his children, I knew him well. A wealthy man known for his many romantic affairs, he held a tight grip on the southern commerce of the Kingdom of Sinders. With countless children, it wasn't peculiar for Kaikel to go unrecognized by me.
"What brings you from the south to the north in these parts?"
"Your beer is here."
Just as I was about to probe deeper, the waiter brought the beer. Kaikel handed a gold coin to the waiter and said, "Settle both our drinks, and keep the change as your tip!"
"Oh! Thank you very much!"
The disbelieving waiter left rejoicing. I thanked him for the unexpected treat.
"Thank you, I’ll enjoy this drink you've provided."
"It's nothing. By the way, you do look young. I’m twenty-six myself."
"Is that so? We're the same age."
"What? We're the same age? Oh my, it seems my aged appearance is just unfortunate."
"Hahaha."
"I'm truly embarrassed. I'm still wandering among mercenary companies, surviving with my subpar sword skills, so I'm quite envious of your position managing such a vast domain as a lord."
Kaikel's eyes were filled with genuine admiration, without a hint of ulterior motive. For someone enjoying the gods' blessing, there were many corners where he seemed rather lacking in self-esteem. Casually, I asked, "Where are you headed?"
I asked again about his destination for one reason: to learn the movements of someone who might be the true protagonist. Whether by choice or by divine guidance, I wondered if the gods intended to lead him down a straightforward path.
"I'm going to join the Arachne Mercenary Company. I heard they’re forming a team soon to攻略 the Dungeon of Destruction. If you want a chance at incredible riches, dungeons are the best bet."
Familiar names kept surfacing. Arachne Mercenary Company was known as a group full of talented mercenaries who focused solely on money and were famous for challenging difficult dungeons. However, they were notorious too. During dungeon攻略, they were known to abandon teammates rather than rescue or help, which sometimes led to the mistaken notion of them being a mercenary band made of loose sand, but in reality, the ties among the mercenaries were incredibly tight. They simply discarded comrades with no chance of survival without hesitation.
The Dungeon of Destruction is a cave-like dungeon located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Sinders. I remember it as one of the three notorious dungeons in Paradiso. It's not the time yet, but it's also a place I want to攻略 one day with the promising talents.
"Wishing you a safe return."
"Thank you. I also wish your domain peace and prosperity, My Lord."
Clink!
After clashing our frosty beer mugs, we emptied them swiftly.
"I truly enjoyed it. I’ve always wanted to have a drink sitting down, and thanks to you, my wish came true."
"Are you leaving already?"
"I'm in a hurry. I came in thinking to rest my eyes a bit, but with no seats available, I think I'll travel in the rain and rest at the next stop."
Kaikel stood up. I genuinely wanted to gather more information about him through various conversations since my insight hadn't worked. However, I didn't have a plausible excuse to make him stay. But I did want to leave a door open.
“Well, if you get a chance later…”
“Yes?”
“If the opportunity arises, do visit the Krevia domain. I’d like to repay this beer debt with Krevia beer.”
“Thank you. I’m just a wanderer, so I’ll be sure to visit someday. Until then, stay well, Lord.”
“Take care on your way.”
And just like that, my short but impactful encounter with Kaikel came to an end. All I knew about him was that he was under the blessing of Lunaticus and carried a mysterious sword infused with moonlight. Though it was little, this encounter somehow left me thrilled, enough to make me want to meet him again. And a desire welled up within me. To be in a position ahead of him, to hold a more powerful presence if possible.
‘Let’s meet again, Kaikel.’
I etched the back of the man who might become a peer rival into my memory as I took a swig of beer.
“……?”
But just then. Someone caught my attention entirely. This place, serving as both a tavern and an inn, was teeming with people, and thus, many peculiar individuals. However, three people stood out, exuding an especially unique aura from head to toe. Among them, the one who caught my gaze was a woman seated at the center of a round table.
She had her hair tied back in a ponytail and wore makeup that was all black, from her eyeliner to her lips. She was clad in a tight-fitting outfit made of black leather, with a neckline so deeply plunged, it was enough to give onlookers a dizzy spell.
Perhaps because of that, the men seated at other tables kept sneaking glances at her. I first checked the condition of the two men sitting beside her. Compared to the usual skill level, they seemed slightly lower than Ella.
They didn't have any noteworthy special inclinations, appearing merely as adept swordsmen who had honed their skills over the years. Since they were lowering their heads and speaking in hushed tones to the woman, they seemed to be her guards or subordinates.
However.
[Special Disposition: The Blessing of Heresis is in effect. Special disposition cannot be viewed.]
‘What the...?’
I’m someone who rarely gets startled, yet I found myself surprised twice in this tavern already.
To me, who believed ‘Blessing of the Gods = True Protagonist,’ a second protagonist candidate had appeared right before my eyes. Heresis is an evil god. Known to have neither blood nor tears, this god wouldn't even blink while committing the most heinous acts. Such an evil god was protecting her.
‘Is this some kind of “find the hidden protagonist” quest?’
I cocked my head in confusion. Of course, their existence didn’t change what I had to do, nor alter my destined path. My resolve was firm, and my future goals remained unshaken.
Beyond being a protagonist, I aimed to become the core of this world. Nothing else mattered. The concern was that among the individuals I might encounter again suddenly was someone blessed by an evil god.
Heresis, in particular, was suspected of having ties to the Dark Sect, not yet proven in the story, but just suspected due to his lack of regard for life. To think such a god would bless this woman? Even if I tried to separate her from my preconceived notions, it was inevitable that I'd look at her through tinted lenses.
In that fleeting moment. Our eyes met. I examined her clear facial features, searching my memory, but just like with Kaikel, nothing came to mind. It didn’t seem likely I could approach her for a cordial chat about ourselves, either. I’d be lucky to avoid a fight.
Then.
Zap. Zap.
I felt a splitting headache as if needles were pricking the inside of my forehead. This was no ordinary headache. It was an occurrence that arose when someone tried to cast a mental debuff spell or curse on me. For a regular person, their mind would be captured in an instant, but I had the Ring of Saint Gracia, making me immune. The only side effect from this immunity was a mild headache.
“……. ”
A subtle, peculiar smile graced her lips. As I maintained eye contact without even flinching, she wore an expression of deep interest. And then, tilting her head slightly in curiosity, she rested her chin upon her open palms, staring at me unyieldingly.
‘Honestly, shouldn’t some god extend a hand to me already?’
At that moment, a thought crossed my mind. After all, I was doing reasonably well, forging my own path for the future! Shouldn’t I get at least a small touch of divine intervention at this point?
Yet, this was nothing more than a silent cry.
“Red Queen, it's time to go.”
“We've run out of time.”
“Already? Alright, let’s get going.”
Then, the two men, who seemed to be her subordinates, called to her. Red Queen. That was another name for this woman hiding her real one.
‘Kaikel, Red Queen. Just who are you two?’
Watching her exiting rapidly as if suddenly needed elsewhere, my mind grew more tangled. Entities laden with their own unique fates were starting to appear not far from me.
And.
Wink.
“…..”
Our eyes met yet again, and she sent me a wink, accompanied by a silent message formed with her lips.
“Interesting. Let’s meet again.”
Chapter 71 ends.