Chapter 072 …
Walking down the long corridor and turning right, I found a wooden door. Its design was clearly different from the Empire’s.
A servant opened the door for me, allowing me to enter naturally. Tea and snacks were already laid out on the table.
Sunlight from the window fell on my translucent veil, warming one side of my face.
“You’ve arrived. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“Not at all. You worked hard to prepare such a wonderful setting, didn’t you?”
The second-in-command rose from his seat, bowed respectfully, and shook my hand. I returned the greeting according to the etiquette ‘Sernuan Lumière’ had taught me.
Pouring tea into an exotic-looking cup placed before me, he began to speak.
“So, what is it you wish to say…?”
“I received a revelation from the deity I serve.”
“Lumia… you mean…? I see.”
For some reason, it felt like he was looking at me with an expression that said, Ah… another one in character, but that was probably just my imagination.
I lifted the veil slightly with the back of my hand and stirred my tea with the teaspoon without meeting his eyes directly.
Weakness detected.
[System: Skill activated.]
[Activated Skill | Weakness Detection Lv. 1]
[Target: Kalven Sior, ‘Second-in-command of the Empire’]
Do you want to analyze the target’s weakness?
[Y | N]
Y
[Loading…]
Slowly, the edges of my vision distorted. I held the teacup with the hand that had lifted the veil. The veil slid back over my face.
[Analysis complete: Kalven Sior, ‘Second-in-command of the Empire’]
Faith instability: Target is non-religious.
Suspicion: Target is suspicious of you.
Trust decline: Trust toward you has significantly decreased.
Significant trust decline? That’s harsh.
I guess it’s because the skill is only Level 2; not much more information is available.
Weakness Detection is mainly used to view a low-level target’s true thoughts in real time.
‘There’s a god? The people of that country actually believe such nonsense from the Empire’s ruler… I should feel foolish for fretting over this and coming all this way.’
Wow, that’s harsh.
Even after reading his thoughts, I continued speaking.
“Soon, a calamity will strike Centa. Many will be injured, and countless lives and homes will be lost. Suffering will overflow and form rivers.”
“A calamity…?”
‘Even if it’s a revelation, this foreign saint is belittling my country. How rude.’
His thoughts were brutally honest. Yet he kept smiling at me the whole time. Impressive.
“I was shown that the dead, buried for a century and a half in the north, will rise, and all manner of unholy beings will march toward Centa.”
‘Undead…? Coming straight out of the north after 150 years? And the Empire considers this a saint… They looked dignified, but now they’re totally off. We’ve already prepared countermeasures, strengthened northern defenses, and analyzed holy power to repel the undead…’
As I spoke, the second-in-command seemed increasingly strained to maintain his composure.
“I see.”
He sipped his tea to hide his expression.
‘What they call holy power is just a combination of healing and purification magic used by suitable individuals. Knowing the principle, you could make it into an artifact… and it’s been in circulation for decades…’
Hmm. If I answered his thoughts now, it wouldn’t work. That’s why Centa suffered.
I hadn’t mentioned this to the third-in-command, but I needed to point it out to the second-in-command so the same mistake wouldn’t repeat.
“These unholy beings are returning after nearly 150 years, so they will certainly be… different from before.”
Smiling, I drew purification energy into my teacup. I didn’t want to risk poisoning like last time.
‘All clear.’
No poison this time. Only then did I sip the tea with relief.
‘This tea is quite good. I wonder if I can get some later. The Empire’s tea usually tastes… dull.’
Meanwhile, his attitude had shifted slightly.
Faith instability: Target is non-religious.
Suspicion: Target is suspicious of you.
Trust recovery: Trust in you has slightly increased.
Trust recovery.
‘Undead different from before…? They’re immune to purification energy?’
Now he seems more willing to converse.
‘Wait… there was a strange report…’
What report?
‘There was a report of suspicious movements in the north. Could that have been related to this?’
Early signs were already appearing.
I set down the teacup with a clink.
“In the vision… I saw Centa’s destruction.”
Not a vision—it was more like viewing in 4K resolution at 540Hz on a 32-inch monitor.
‘I’ll need to review the reports…’
His attitude became somewhat favorable.
“Centa… was overrun by waves of undead, domestic unrest ensued, and the Empire, seizing the opportunity, advanced its forces, fanning the flames of destruction.”
“Isn’t it strange that an Empire official is giving me this information?”
“I may bear the Empire’s blood, but I am also a ‘Pilgrim.’ Borders, nations, and wars cannot obstruct my duty. Wherever there is suffering, I must go. I am descended to eliminate suffering, so nothing can stop me.”
The second-in-command appeared deep in thought.
‘I thought they were just a puppet from the Empire… but they are truly a saint. They’ve healed Centa’s people too. Have I been judging too harshly?’
I smiled inwardly.
Right now, you’ve been deceived by a con artist cult leader! Congratulations, sucker!
If you accept the truth without skepticism, this is what happens.
“You see. But there are parts I don’t understand.”
“Which parts?”
“I still don’t understand why you would give such information to a high-ranking enemy official. It seems more plausible that you’re giving false information to sow chaos in Centa.”
He lowered his head, speaking honestly.
Apparently, my performance in Centa made my words more persuasive.
“I understand your doubt. But truth… does not always come only when one wants to believe.”
I set down my cup and smiled gently.
“People always seek reasons, but gods don’t explain why. They simply state facts. I have given you one fact. Whether you accept it is up to the recipient.”
Usually, people believe it most when they hesitate.
“So in the end, whether we believe it doesn’t matter?”
“It does matter. I want as few people as possible to suffer. Everything I’ve said is in the hope that suffering can be minimized. I hope it is believed, but not everything goes according to my will.”
“Then the choice is ultimately Centa’s.”
Begging for belief is only for the weak.
‘If gods really exist… let’s focus on the current situation first. They don’t seem malicious now. After reviewing the reports, I can decide whether to trust.’
Thus, the second-in-command fully bought my persuasive words.
“So, do you know exactly when this will happen? And how to respond…?”
“When the sky turns red and black and the rivers go pitch-black, the dead will awaken and crawl from the north.”
“Red and black sky… understood.”
‘I vaguely recall this in an old book. Better keep it secret from the king and research separately.’
“The deity also added, ‘Their unholy darkness can only be dispelled by sacred flame and the pure energy of spirits.’”
This should be enough for him to understand.
Spirit energy plus purification magic—high-grade holy power, not the usual kind.
It’s tedious to word it indirectly, but gods always speak in circles.
“Understood. Though not fully, we will find a way.”
‘Whether this person is mimicking a god or truly received divine words… I can check old texts and reports and doubt later if needed.’
“If we prepare, they will be the easiest enemies to face.”
‘Indeed… without this knowledge, heavy damage would have occurred. If they truly received a revelation, perhaps the god favors Centa, not the Empire.’
What a pity! Gods aren’t siding with either Empire or Centa—they just intend to kill everyone.
[Weakness Detection End]
When time ran out, Weakness Detection automatically deactivated. The conversation was nearly finished.
He nodded.
“Understood… thank you for sharing the information. We will prepare as best we can.”
He extended his hand, and I shook it. It was time to go.
‘I’ve basically spoon-fed everything, no need to overdo it. Saying more might raise suspicion…’
I left the room without hesitation. Tomorrow, my companions would return, and after completing the remaining schedule in Centa, I would return home.
‘Was there something else in Centa…? I can’t remember.’
I had taken notes early in the possession, anticipating such a situation. I confidently pulled a crumpled piece of paper from my inner pocket. It contained detailed notes from the game.
‘I remember most things, but after moving to another continent, I forget minor quests. Glad I brought it.’
[Most Important Things in Centa]
Story roughly around Chapter 2.5 or 3: Centa’s destruction, starting with undead invasion, then Empire, monsters, and demon attacks.
Side quests: Spirit Hunter tasks from Erendor, money-making quests.
Two important quests: Weapon quest—rare-grade priest staff; secondary effect reduces casting time. Location: Centa capital, Maren <Rablus Shop> warehouse. Method: Talk to Rablus (blacksmith), choose option 1 (flattery), deliver bread bought from Rufi’s bakery, then buy any weapon.
Armor quest: Arm pauldrons, melee-only. Useful from levels 20–30. Effect: +30% defense, but doesn’t block elemental damage. Location: Maren eastern cemetery. Method: Talk to NPC Garend when he appears, choose option 2 (empathy), hug him to receive item.
‘I wrote in great detail.’
Priest staff and melee pauldrons—perfect for Kardil and Yelena! Guard is relaxed now… I’ll take them to the market with Kalebrin as a cover.
I knocked on Kalebrin’s door. Hearing movement, the door opened slightly.
Her red eyes and messy black hair greeted me.
“Why…?”
“Since we’re in a foreign country, why not explore the market? Today happens to be free.”
Technically, my kidnapping incident left her schedule empty.
“Wait… w-wait.”
I gently stroked the snake around my neck as I waited—soft, cold, and flexible.
“Let’s go…”
Soon, Kalebrin stepped out. She carried a crossbody bag and held a staff.
“D-do we need to contact anyone else?”
There would be guards anyway. They’re probably observing this as well.
“Of course not. We are an envoy, not criminals. Let’s go, sister.”
And so, we headed out to the market.
