I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 42 Capital (1)

“Have you heard about the disaster?”

“Oh, the failed subjugation that happened on the outskirts?”

Various taverns in Wave Reach buzzed with talks about the incident from the previous night—whether it was Luminaries or Stigmata. For 30 years, whenever a subjugation effort was planned, they had never faced failure. But this time, it was more than a simple failure; every participant had been annihilated.

“Twenty-four members of Stigmata died, I heard.”

“I heard there was even a competent guy named Albeka among them. But the strangest thing is the scene itself.”

The area had turned gray as if life itself had been drained from it. This phenomenon was unheard of.

“Wouldn’t the Luminaries commander need to personally step in?”

“Arian? I heard she’s leading Luminaries to subjugate some other monsters.”

“No wonder it’s been somewhat quiet.”

Plenty of stories circulated, but the crucial details were missing. The culprit responsible for the entire ordeal—who had annihilated 24 members of Stigmata overnight and caused the strange phenomenon—the whereabouts of the red-haired Outer God priest were unknown. Even the specific details about the priest were still unclear.

“Several low-tier guys gave up, saying that Outer God priest was the real deal.”

Among mercenaries, there were many who had already given up. Unless one was fairly confident in their skills, it was a daunting task to face the opponent.

“What about the Stigmata or Luminaries side?”

“No specific details. They seem to be gathering more information for now.”

“How can no one know anything about this guy except that he has red hair?”

A mercenary grumbled. Although not specifically hunting the red-haired Outer God priest, many like him sought information. Knowing more would help avoid trouble or prepare for it.

“That guy is sly. From what I see… Oh no!”

A drink spilled on the floor. The mercenary, while moving his body, accidentally tipped over someone’s drink.

“Sorry about that… Oh, it’s you, drunkard?”

The mercenary recognized the owner of the drink and clicked his tongue. A pathetic drunkard, well-known for drinking heavily even for a tavern. Since becoming a regular here, all he did was drink alone excessively, which made him unpopular even among the mercenaries who liked drinking.

“Still…”

The mercenary hesitated for a moment before leaving money for the spilled drink.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You said you had no money, but now you’re covering for this useless drunk?”

“I spilled the drink. It’s only fair to buy him one.”

Even as he said this, the mercenary felt puzzled. Why bother paying for the drunkard who reeked of alcohol? Just letting it slide would have been fine. As he considered taking the money back, the mercenary blinked.

“Huh? Where’d he go?”

In the short time he had been chatting, the drunkard had vanished. Although the money was left behind, it was still peculiar.

* * *

As soon as I stepped outside the tavern, I shook off the smell of alcohol.

“As my rank increased, the miracle definitely grew stronger.”

Previously, the illusion only changed my appearance, but now it even created scents. Even the same miracle had changed.

『Moreover, haven’t people been oddly kind to you lately, Ethnos?』

Indeed, the mercenary who went out of his way to pay the drinker’s bill and others had shown strange kindness. Even in casual conversations, they seemed to pay more attention.

‘It’s probably because of the blessing I received back then.’

The blessing received from the Awakening Ritual seemed to be more effective than anticipated.

However, it appeared that it did not affect those of equal or higher rank.

Since the Luminaries, who were at least at the first rank, did not seem affected.

‘It’s useful, but… it still feels unsettling.’

The aspect of manipulating people’s hearts and earning their goodwill without their consent was troublesome.

It felt as if I was deceiving people against my will.

‘It’s like I’ve become a cult leader or a swindler.’

Even though it didn’t sit well with me, it wasn’t the first time I had to do something I disliked.

Ultimately, this too had to be used for my goals.

“Phew… Ugh?”

Suddenly, my legs gave out, and I staggered.

Along with a sensation as if my head was being wrung, too much information rushed into my mind too quickly and unusually.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a bottle of liquor.

I guzzled the sedative within, but it took time for it to calm me.

『Is it happening again?』

“The side effects are really strong.”

I had been extensively using the miracle of an Outer God and even used a relic to transform into a non-human entity.

Even before that, I had been in a precarious state from continuous meditation, so it was inevitable that my mind would suffer.

Although the Awakening Ritual had somewhat strengthened my mind, the damage was overwhelming.

『The two-week supply of sedatives has run out in just three days. You are practically drinking it like water.』

“I know that too……”

I slowly pushed myself up, staggering.

Although my legs were still shaky, I started to regain my composure.

“…… I need something stronger.”

The sedative had now reached its limit.

Although I might barely endure this time, it wouldn’t suffice henceforth.

『I do not recommend turning to drugs.』

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch that stuff.”

In this world, there were also narcotic drugs.

Mercenaries and Stigmatas often used drugs to elevate their spirits or eliminate fear.

‘As a modern person, I know well enough the dangers of such drugs, so I can’t touch them.’

With ≪Orders≫, I already knew the side effects of those drugs.

Being addicted to such substances was absolutely out of the question for me.

Although I knew of useful items… even the black market couldn’t supply them.

‘Do I need to meet that woman again?’

Although it was unsettling, considering the words I heard during the Awakening Ritual, it seemed inevitable that I would visit her soon.

“Let’s head to the next bar.”

For the time being, the immediate information I needed to acquire was more important.

…… It certainly wasn’t because I was putting off the uncomfortable meeting.

『Lord Ethnos, you may have gathered enough information. This is already the sixth bar.』

“Still, it’s suspicious that the Stigmatas and Luminaries have put my subjugation on hold……”

As we were quietly conversing, I sensed someone approaching, prompting me to pull my hood over and lean against the wall, pretending to be a staggering drunkard.

Appearing inconspicuous as a drunk and incompetent mage.

“Tsk, that guy’s at it again.”

I vaguely recognized them as workers from a nearby shipyard.

“For real, how much does he drink that we see him at every bar? Just go home and sleep already!”

“Self-studying magic, huh? He drinks so much he doesn’t even sober up… tsk tsk.”

Normally, they would have just ignored me, but ever since becoming someone who beguiles, they tended to approach or offer to escort me home, which was troublesome.

Once they were all out of sight.

“If you were really a student learning magic……”

A gray-haired old man, appearing out of nowhere, bit into a skewer of fish and spoke to me.

“…… I should have smacked the back of his head myself.”

I barely managed to calm my startled heart, concealing my concern about why this man had come here.

“Wouldn’t it be an honor to be struck by the esteemed Lord Cernun?”

“Honor, you say. Should this fish I’m about to eat feel honored too? A midnight snack for a grand mage?”

Despite his gruff tone, he let out a slight chuckle.

“And shouldn’t someone claiming to have learned some magic at least greet me?”

Ever since Eldritch first entered the pocket dimension, he seemed to think it was better than a bag. He slid out from the cloak’s pocket dimension and offered a courteous bow.

“…… I apologize, Great Mage. Please forgive my rudeness for not greeting you immediately.”

Even though Eldritch’s courteous bow felt more like watching a mascot character bow.

“Well, I suppose that’s enough teasing of the youngsters……”

As Cernun lightly gestured, the direction of the surrounding wind changed. Not only did it eliminate sounds, but the wind distorted the scenery around, concealing us.

“I didn’t secretly come all the way here just to fool around and tease the youths.”

Cernun chuckled softly as he spoke.

“It seems you’ve been gathering information here and there, but it was futile, wasn’t it?”

“This time, indeed, I couldn’t get any substantial information.”

“Of course. The Church of Hayat is secretly gathering elite forces to hunt you down.”

Hearing that, I involuntarily bit my lip. The very thing I feared had happened.

“Even the highly reputed whale-something tavern owner found it hard to get proper information.”

They had gathered information about me, but their reaction was lukewarm compared to my deeds. For a moment, I had thought the lack of immediate action was due to personnel shortages and other factors, but my worst fear seemed to be coming true.

“They even asked me to help with the hunt for the heinous red-haired Outer God priest. You have no idea how much you’re loved.”

Cernun teased me with a mocking smile.

“Everyone loves you so much that any significant missing person cases are attributed to you.”

“I expected that. But I didn’t think they’d go as far as to involve even you, Great Mage Cernun……”

Whatever amused him, Cernun continued talking with a grin.

“Although they find you useful, no one would have made such a fuss just because you killed someone like Albeka. Isn’t the Stigmata Knights Order originally meant to die handling dirty work?”

That aligned with my thoughts. If they belonged to Luminaries, it would be different, but there wouldn’t be much opposition if it was a member of the Stigmata being killed.

“The reason they are making such a fuss about capturing you… surprisingly, isn’t what you think. Even the unusual circumstances you’ve caused are just one of many reasons.”

“What? That’s not the main reason?”

His words deviated from my expectations, and I felt confused.

“It’s a lesser part of it. The real reason, you see……”

I listened intently, but Cernun, ever playful, only grinned.

“Follow me and run an errand, and I’ll tell you.”

“What kind of task?”

I didn’t bother to contest. This man held valuable information, especially concerning my life.

“If you’ll allow me to handle a few tasks here first, I’ll be willing.”

“Of course, it’s related to an Outer God. You’ll need the power of a priest who has at least reached the first rank after performing the Awakening Ritual.”

So, he even knew about that. However, I was uncertain how Cernun had obtained such information. Grand mages had many tricks up their sleeves……

“I have no reason to refuse such valuable information. Where are we headed?”

“…… The capital.”

Cernun said as he flipped up his hood.

“The place filled with fools and misfits, the very ground of my teachings.”