Lv1 Skeleton - Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After renting our rooms in the new Inn, everyone quickly went to sleep .

"Avatar Flip!"

Next to my body sat Alone, waiting for my return .

[Magic Research has been complete . ] [You have learned Silent Casting Lv1] [You have learned Multi-Death Stare Lv1]

The results of my Magic Research appeared before me .

"Alpeon You waited for me again . "

"Yes, I know that you will usually return around this time . "

"Thank you for your diligence, but you don't have to overexert yourself . "

"No, it is my pleasure to wait upon you, Lord . "

Due to to the inherent hierarchical system of termites, Alpeon would follow me unconditionally . Of course, it was also a little worrisome because I questioned whether she would continue to be loyal to me would I lose ownership of this Pit .

"It seems like the Elves have betrayed my trust . "

"What you were worried about has happened . How should we deal with the hostage?"

"Let's just hold on to her, they might come to rescue her so she could serve as good bait . "

"Okay, I shall remain alert . "

I had a heavy heart, I had been making too many mistakes as King . I had been too naive, believing in a utopian world where I could make alliances with all . This weakness of mine led to both the League and Elves' betrayal .

"I'm sorry Alpeon . "

"What do you mean? Everything is according to the Lord's will . "

"…"

I was unable to express to Alpeon how sorry I was regarding my incompetence, and didn't want to cover it up with some flowery speech, so I just recounted to her some of my recent adventure in the Human realm .

"Send Jenna to me . "

"Are you worried the Elves will attack soon?"

"Perhaps . "

"Okay, then I'll immediately get started on our defenses . "

"Are Ian and Gwyn doing well?"

"As instructed, I am having Ian and Mallepi exercise by having them run three turns of the Pit daily .

"What? Three full turns?"

The diameter of the Pit was roughly 6~700 meters, which meant a circumference of about 2 kilometers and they had to run it three times .

"Yes, I've assigned them the minimum amount of activity to constitute exercise"

"Um… but isn't 6km too long for them, How are they coping?"

I asked somewhat worried .

"Mallepi struggles a lot, often laying down on his belly, but Ian is doing well . "

'Oh, Ian was in surprisingly good shape . '

Ever since Ian had become a Witch, and then later the constant consumption of the nectar, led to an improvement in her constitution . Of course she had never noticed this until she tried working out .

"Explain to Jenna that I've tasked her with tracking down the Elves . She is not to engage and simply keep an eye on their movements . "

"She is a bit thick, but I think she could manage that much . "

I continued to discuss with Alpeon regarding the fortification of our territory until the sun came up .

"Then see you again next time, Alpeon . "

"You can leave it to me, Lord . "

"Avatar Flip!"

Returning to my Human body, I awoke to being surrounded by three beautiful women .

'I guess I've just gotten used to this . '

It had already been 15 days of waking up to the same situation, sometimes if one was missing because she had gone to the bathroom, I would feel a bit empty inside .

"Uh huh… Sir Gaspard… it's not that…"

'Just what was Ashe dreaming about that included me?'

"It's not fair if you keep him to yourself . "

Kishande was speaking to Ashe in a sleepy voice . Meanwhile Miranda was cuddling up with my arm, soundlessly asleep .

'Well… at least life isn't too bad . '

Looking back at the past few days I thought about all the little pleasures I could enjoy . Ashe was a shy girl but was very considerate . Miranda would always giggle when we made eye contact . Whereas Kishande was the most mature of the group, being their big sister . She would also be the one to handle the information gathering for the quests, and was my go to person if I needed some tips about this society .

We had always been together during the past 15 days, especially when we went hunting . Of course, I was capable of clearing those Quests by myself . At least the risks were significantly lower because they did proper reconnaissance before every mission, allowing me to learn a lot of useful information . Still, The biggest advantage of having them in my party was to overcome my stunned period .

I gently stroked Kishande's hair as she leaned on my left shoulder . They felt such gratitude towards me for saving them from their traumatic experience in the Orc cave, but it had not been my intention . In fact, if they had come between me and my objective, I would have most likely terminated them . Although I didn't  bring up the topic, listening to Kishande's story about my rescue, I realized how she portrayed me in a heroic light . It was a story which was far too removed from the truth, In which I had saved them from a tragic fate . I didn’t have the courage to tear down their hero's image of me, and would simply laugh it off when they recounted the tale . Burying the guilt and shame of my actions deep in my heart .

'Would they hate me if they knew the truth?'

I began the day with a heavy heart due to those dark thoughts .

"How about we go take a walk around the city?"

"Yes, there so many things we need to buy and we also need to pass by our Guilds . "

Kishande and MIranda had to learn Magic and Huntress skills at their respective Guilds . As a Priestess, Ashe would have to visit the Temple to learn new skills . Being a Warrior, I should also visit my Warrior Guild for new skills, but I fet that it wasn't necessary at the moment .

"Here, take this . "

I handed Kishande three small pouches .

"What's this Gaspard?"

"We've been working together on the past few quests, so it's only natural to share the compensation, please split it fairly among yourselves . "

"This… we can’t accept it . We've even been getting all the loot from the monsters, it would be far too unfair to receive this . Not to mention that most of the hunting has been done by you… . "

I raised my hand to cut her off .

"I didn’t take any of those items because I had no use for them, it doesn’t change the fact that the quest rewards should still be shared fairly . Also, if you buy some equipment with the money, it would benefit the entire party's strength . Let alone that learning new skills from your guild's require a substantial amount of gold . "

"I don't like it, you already pay for the Inn and you take care of us so well so…"

I stroked her face gently .

"Take it as an investment in our party's future strength . I'll be heading down first so meet me on the first floor when you're ready . "

I went down the stairs, leaving Kishande with a pouting face .

'Well, does that mean I can feel a little less guilty now?'

Although I had mentioned that they were small pouches, they actually contained 30 gold each, it was an amount which was almost 10 years of salary for them . Normally it was such a large amount that it  would lead to an awkward situation . But because he had already saved their lives and been considered as their benefactor, they just saw it as one more favor to repay .

Only after waiting for a considerable amount of time, did he the three women meet me downstairs . It seemed that they still kept an interest in fashion . Even being adventurer's they still had a clean set of clothes, set aside for a special occasion .

" You three look like aristocratic ladies, where could you possibly be off to that is so important?"

"How dare you tease us Gaspard!"

"Hehe, but I like the praise . "

"Do we look nice?"

Each of them was wearing fashionable clothes which accentuated their femininity . Walking around the city with smiles, we started off at a famous clothing shop . By the time evening had arrived, we had already bought far too many accessories and items and I was stuck carrying multiple heavy bags .

"Why don't we top by the Inn and drop off the luggage?"

"Yes, it does look quite heavy . "

After leaving the bags at the Inn I turned to ask Kishande .

"Will you be going to your Guild?"

"Yeah, how about you Gaspard?"

"I'll be heading to the Warriors Guild, let's meet up at the town square at 7 o'clock"

"What for?"

Kishande asked with an anxious expression, I had never before taken the initiative to propose an outing .

"I want to have dinner with you three . "

"Good!"

Their faces lit up with joy . Although I had been feeling content ever since my emotions had returned, it was at this moment that I realized that I had everything I needed in the World .

'Well, there no reason to refuse emotions of joy . '

I sent them off first and then asked for directions to the Temple . On the way, I did quick pit stop to make dinner reservations at an extravagant restaurant .

"Come in, God is awaiting your confession . "

The priest who was tasked with guiding people at the front doors spoke out to me .

"Actually, I was hoping to meet Lord Rohan…"

"I’m sorry, but you can only meet a High priest if you have an appointment . "

I stealthily slipped a silver coin in the priest's hand .

"But then again, God favors the industrious . "

'It sounded like a God that truly cared about money . '

I was grumbling inside, but kept a composed appearance . The priest let me through the Temple hall and into a small room designated for guests . After some time, a wrinkled old man walked through the doors and spoke to the priest .

"All is well now, you may go . "

The High priest dismissed him before turning to me with a smile .

"Why do you seek an audience with these old bones of mine . ?"

"Are you the Lord Rohan, the High priest of this Temple?"

"Well . . yes, my name is Rohan, and it isn't a special title or anything, but I am indeed the High priest . I'm sorry if you expected me to be something more .

The old priest had a welcoming charm, inviting me to open up and speak frankly . It was not at all the same vibe as the earlier greedy priest .

"My name is Gaspard and I became a warrior because of some peculiar circumstance . I have no choice but to become a Chosen warrior, can you guide me?"

I had learned from Ian that in order to embark on the path which led to becoming a Chosen, a warrior would first need to receive a priest's blessing . It was my reason for coming here today after overhearing a conversation in the Inn, mentioning a highly revered High priest at this Temple .

"Well… some peculiar circumstance huh… I've never been so curious before, let's take a look . "

Rohan examined my face carefully, before closing his eyes and falling into deep thought .

"God has spoken to me and he has many plans for you . There will surely be a path for you to become a Chosen warrior .

I didn't quite understand his meaning but it seemed like a positive result .

"Then…"

"Right, do you require this old man's blessing? Please stretch out your hand . "

As I extended my arm, Rohan began to paint a complex spell formation on my palm . A bright light shone briefly before disappearing as he finished his work .

"Now that you have received my blessing, the rest is in God's hands . Will you come and join me in prayer sometime?"

"Of course, thank you very much . You blessed me without prying into my situation, I am endlessly thankful . "

"I don't usually bother enquiring about people who hide their status, but what was your plan if I were to inquire?"

I shook my head, naturally if that were the case I was planning to simply walk away . Keeping these thoughts to myself, I respectfully bid the High priest farewell, before taking my leave from the Temple .

I had received the desired blessing and had taken my first step on the road to be a Chosen warrior known as the Legendary Quest . Although Ian's explanation had been vague, I expected it to involve some great storyline, or perhaps it was just another one of my inner romances .

After returning to the village to purchase even more essential item to send back to the Pit, I walked out of village, before messaging Jenna telepathically .

'Make sure this arrives to the Pit, and into Ian's hands . '

'I'll get Mir to come pick it up, Lord . '

I returned to the square to wait for the appointed time, enjoying my free time as I watched the people walk by . At some point, I noticed a suspicious group of people who stood out from the rest .

'Aren't they Elves?'

I had originally caused a scene at the Guild in order to flush out those traitorous Elves, but I hadn't expected for my plan to bear fruit so early .

'Jenna are you there?'

Tyr: Appointed as second in command of The Goblin King Quest