How the Cult Saves the World

Why is that guy here?

The apostles of Diego Church aren't supposed to appear during the Merilseus Quest. This means a hidden route variable has been triggered.

Damn it.

Biting my lip, I scrutinized one of Diego's Seven Apostles, Rawin. He looked down on the unconscious pickpocket as if he were an insignificant bug, casually adjusting his rimless glasses.

Then, he picked up the money pouch the pickpocket had been holding. Our eyes met for a moment.

"Is this your money pouch?"

Rawin approached and asked. I managed to control my contorting face and replied,

"Yes, that's correct."

"You're the one who shouted 'pickpocket'. Here it is."

I took the money pouch from him and immediately tucked it away.

---Child, I sense the aura of a serpent from this one.

'Yes, I felt it too.'

---Among the apostles of the serpent I've seen, he may be the weakest... but still, be cautious.

'Yes, Kyros.'

As Kyros said, Rawin was indeed the weakest among Diego Church's apostles. And perhaps the most normal among them.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Rawin passed by me, dragging the pickpocket with indifferent eyes.

"I'll take this one to the security forces. And be careful around here; pickpockets are rampant."

He spoke nonchalantly and went on his way. I swallowed hard, watching his retreating figure.

I hope we don't cross paths again.

* * * * *

After the pickpocket commotion, I surveyed the market again. Fearing another encounter, I stashed the money pouch in my inventory.

Now, where is that tavern?

Mostly shops were in sight, but the tavern was nowhere to be found. Even after 20 minutes since parting with Rawin, I couldn't spot it.

---My child, your vision is narrow.

'What? No, it's just crowded, that's all.'

---But... I can clearly see a tavern right ahead.

"That's because you're watching over me, Kyros."

---Ha-ha, yes, yes. Go on, it's just a few blocks away.

I felt my face heat up at Kyros' teasing tone. Still, thanks to his guidance, I found the tavern.

The only tavern in the market was bustling with people. As I entered, the tables were packed.

No seats available.

Then I spotted an empty table. A young man was eating alone, his black priest's robe buttoned up to the neck, not seeming to mind the tightness.

It was Rawin.

Damn it.

I quickly averted my gaze, fearing our eyes would meet. As I turned to leave...

"We meet again, brother. This seat is free; please, sit down."

Rawin spoke swiftly.

This guy, so unnecessarily kind.

I hesitated for a moment, considering rejecting his kindness.

---My child, wouldn't it be better to leave?

'Hmm... But he doesn't know my true identity, so maybe I'll pretend to eat and gather rumors about Kettin Island.'

Rawin's eyes showed no particular emotion, so it seemed safe. So, I approached his table.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing."

Rawin didn't even look at me, focusing on his meal. I sat opposite him and ordered something simple.

"You don't seem to be from Merilseus. Are you traveling?"

"Oh, yes."

Rawin was a man of clear distinction. In this situation, if I ignored the fact that he was an apostle of Diego Church, he felt like any ordinary young man.

I glanced at Rawin as my stew arrived. I slowly ate, listening to the conversations around me.

"Isn't mackerel in season now?"

"Yes, indeed! It's delicious!"

With so many people chattering, it wasn't easy to catch the rumor I wanted. Then, from a table where men were downing beer after beer, their conversation caught my attention.

"Have you heard about the Kettin waters?"

"Oh, the sea around Kettin Island? Yes, I know it."

"Do you also know about the giant octopus there?"

"What? A monster?"

"Of course! It's not like an octopus the size of an island would exist otherwise!"

The men with long beards argued back and forth about the giant octopus being a monster. I listened to their story and gulped down my stew.

This is different from what I know.

Wasn't the monster threatening Kettin Island a giant lobster?

The system window appeared at that moment.

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 2. <Rumors of Merilseus> Cleared!]

[Sub Quest Reward will be granted.]

[New Sub Quest!]

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 3. <To the Kettin Waters>]

Objective: Having heard the tale of Kettin Island through the rumors of the Kingdom of Merilseus, it's time to set sail for the island.

Goal: Reach the 'Kettin Waters' near Kettin Island within three days (This quest is part of a series)

Success: Clue to the next quest found

Failure: --

Final Reward: ???

[Would you like to accept?]

[Yes/No]

It seems the Merilseus Quest has indeed triggered the hidden route variable. I accepted the quest when Rawin wasn't looking.

A giant octopus, could it be something like a Kraken?

Suddenly, the thought of an octopus feast crossed my mind. Delicious. I'll have to finish the quest and then enjoy some seafood.

"Have you finished eating already?"

As soon as the quest updated, I rose from my seat, and Rawin spoke to me.

"Ah, yes. Thank you."

I bid him farewell and quickly left the tavern. I hadn't finished my stew due to the unexpected company, but it didn't matter.

Staying any longer would have surely led to indigestion.

I hastened my pace. My next quest, 'To the Kettin Waters', awaited.

'I'll need to take a ship.'

It would be my first time sailing in this world, and even though it was a trivial matter, I couldn't help but feel excited.

---Planning to set sail?n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

'Yes. It's the only way to get close to Kettin Island.'

---Sounds like an adventure!

'If there aren't many passengers, you should manifest. It's a rare opportunity.'

---Understood!

Kyros' voice was full of excitement. The passengers would likely be numerous. I had seen a crowd at the harbor while on the carriage to Merilseus.

But one can hope for the best.

I passed through the market towards the harbor. The well-placed signs made it easy to find my way.

The sound of the gentle waves and the cries of seagulls reached my ears. Various ships were docked at the harbor.

I approached the information desk at the entrance.

"Is there a ship going to the Kettin Waters?"

The clerk responded kindly.

"Currently, there are monsters in the Kettin Waters, so no ships sail directly there. However, there is a ship that goes to Havis Island, which is relatively close."

"Oh, when does the ship to Havis Island depart?"

"The ship bound for Havis leaves tomorrow morning at 9."

"Thank you."

Tomorrow at 9 in the morning. That meant I had to spend the night in this town. I moved towards the inn with light steps.

* * * * *

Most accommodations near the harbor were fully booked. It was a busy port city, after all. Eventually, I managed to secure a room at an inn.

It's small.

The room was cramped, but it was sufficient for one. However, it seemed too tight to install a portal.

Can't be helped.

Resigned, I washed up in the attached bathroom. By the time I finished, night had fallen outside.

---The night view is beautiful!

'Indeed.'

The moon and stars illuminated the night sea. As I admired the view, Kyros manifested in the form of a puppy.

"The bed is so soft and nice!"

Kyros hopped onto the bed and started bouncing around.

"Kyros, be gentle. You're stirring up dust."

I scooped the puppy up and admonished him. He just grinned at me. Adorable.

I settled Kyros on the bed and lay down to sleep.

[Master!]

A message from Zain came through immediately.

"Hey, Zain. What's up?"

[You're in Merilseus, right?]

"Yes. Why?"

[Did you have any seafood dishes?]

"No, just stew."

[Ah, that's a relief. I would have been envious.]

"What do you mean?"

That rascal, I've been too lenient with him lately. I had planned to bring him over when I had the chance to set up a portal.

[Take care on your journey!]

Zain ended the communication after saying his piece. That cheeky fellow.

[Master!]

As soon as Zain's call ended, a cheerful voice came through. This time it was from Abel.

"Hey, Abel."

[Did you arrive safely in Merilseus?]

"Yes. But what's the matter?"

[Oh, does there have to be a reason? I just missed you and wanted to call!]

"Ah, I see."

[If you ever miss me, just call! I'll come running to you no matter what I'm doing!]

"...Alright. Take good care of the Bahano Temple."

[Yes, Master!]

Abel's call ended. It was a brief exchange, but I felt oddly drained.

"Sleep well, my child."

As I smiled weakly and closed my eyes, Kyros' tender voice reached me. I stroked the fur of the puppy beside me and replied.

"Goodnight, Kyros."

* * * * *

The next morning, around 9 o'clock.

I paid the fare and boarded the ship to Havis Island. Stepping onto the vessel with its impressive sails, I felt a strange sensation.

'A ship powered by Magic Stones...'

It was a sight I had never seen before, and I observed the ship while waiting for departure. Soon, not only I but several other passengers bound for Havis boarded. Though there were less than twenty of us, it was enough to prevent Kyros from manifesting.

---I wish I could sail too...

'There will be another chance.'

I consoled the disheartened Kyros. Then, I saw a familiar face boarding the ship.

'Why is he here again?'

The young man, who at a glance appeared to be a noble priest, was Rawin.

Since I had boarded early, I spotted Rawin just as he was about to embark.

It's best not to get involved.

Before he could notice me, I turned away.

I hope he didn't see me.

But my fervent wish went unfulfilled.

"We meet again, brother."

Rawin's voice came from right behind me, closer than I expected. I slowly turned to face him. He was wearing a faint smile.

"It seems we keep meeting in this vast city. They say when coincidences repeat, they become fate."

Rawin's eyes crinkled with a smile.

"Since it seems we're fated, would you like to become friends?"