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Chapter 157: The Inquisitor of the Sun God and Magician of the Magic Tower (4)

Ketal told Shadrenes that he would soon be leaving the sanctuary.

Shadrenes’ eyes widened in surprise.

“You’re leaving?”

“I’ll stay for a few days to help with the restoration, but once everything is done, I’ll be leaving.”

“Is that so?”

“Why? You seem very surprised.”

“…Honestly, I didn’t think you’d leave.”

Shadrenes had believed that Ketal would remain in the sanctuary of Kalosia.

It wasn’t just a vague assumption; it was a somewhat rational expectation.

Ketal had saved the sanctuary of Kalosia.

His achievements would be highly regarded until the end of their church.

Moreover, he had conversed directly with Kalosia and was even granted access to their sacred relics.

Ketal’s current position in the church was just below that of the saintess.

Joking aside, even if he did nothing and simply stayed in the sanctuary, he could live comfortably for the rest of his life.

He would have no restrictions and would be respected by everyone.

Powerful people usually seek power and recognition befitting their strength.

While someone of Ketal’s caliber would be greatly welcomed anywhere, there was no guarantee he would receive the same sincere respect elsewhere.

After all, he was still a barbarian, an outsider, and barbarians were often targets of exclusion.

Hence, Shadrenes thought Ketal would stay in the sanctuary.

Hearing that he was leaving so soon was indeed startling.

“Things are tough right now, but… soon, we’ll be back on our feet. Then, whatever you wish for, Ketal, will be achieved, and you will be highly respected even outside.”

It was a tempting offer.

Most people would be swayed by such words.

But Ketal shook his head.

“That sounds appealing, but the world is in chaos, and my friends need my help. So, helping them is my duty.”

“…I see.”

Shadrenes realized that Ketal had originally come here to help Heize.

He ended up receiving a great reward, but he hadn’t helped them with any expectations in mind.

“Right.”

This man was like that.

He wasn’t someone who sought power or recognition.

Shadrenes looked at Ketal with a gaze filled with admiration, as if looking at a saint.

“I understand. It’s unfortunate, but I have no right to stop you.”

If Ketal stayed in the sanctuary, it would be a huge benefit to the church.

Having someone of his strength within the church would greatly increase its influence.

But they couldn’t force Ketal to stay.

After considering this, Shadrenes gave a bitter smile.

There was indeed a way to keep Ketal.

By falsely claiming that the church was still in danger and that they needed his help, Ketal would stay.

He was that kind of person.

But just as Ketal was that kind of person, she could not become someone who lied to keep him there.

‘…This also disqualifies me as a follower of the god of lies and deception.’

Kalosia would be disappointed in her for this.

Shadrenes mentally apologized to Kalosia but did not change her decision.

“Then please wait a moment. We will prepare a farewell for you.”

Ketal nodded.

The final moments at the church passed by.

People were saddened by Ketal’s departure, with some even shedding tears.

However, by Shadrenes’ command, no one stopped him.

The magician looked displeased at Ketal joining them but did not voice any direct objections, perhaps wary of Aquaz’s reaction.

And a week later, the restoration of the church was complete.

Ketal was ready to leave.

His final farewell was attended by the saintess, Rakza, Heize, and Na[las.

Shadrenes spoke.

“Ketal, thank you sincerely. The church of Kalosia will never forget you. Please accept this.”

Shadrenes handed Ketal a symbol of Kalosia.

“Upon close inspection, you’ll see that it’s layered multiple times.”

“Indeed.”

The symbol was composed of many thin layers overlapping each other, forming a single emblem.

The number of layers was about a hundred.

“This is the symbol we give to our benefactors. The more layers it has, the higher the status of its owner.”

No one had ever received a hundred-layered symbol before.

“We will support you.”

Rakza said.

“You are an honorary member of our church. If you need help, we will do our utmost to assist you, even if the church faces destruction.”

“It’s a bit overwhelming, but thank you.”

Naplas also expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you. Without you, the church would have perished. Even though we said we couldn’t offer any reward… you still helped us. Truly, thank you.”

Lastly, it was Heize’ turn.

Heize bowed deeply.

“…Thank you. As I mentioned before, I had my doubts about you.”

Ketal had a different set of values.

In his perspective, there was no distinction between good and evil.

This was why Heize had been afraid of what Ketal might do in the sanctuary and had initially rejected him.

But it was not like that.

Ketal had helped them without expecting anything in return.

While his values were different, he was not a bad person.

She felt ashamed of herself.

“If you wish, Ketal, I will remain your friend. If you find yourself in danger, I will risk my life to help you.”

“Thank you. You are still my friend.”

Ketal smiled gently.

After the final farewell, Ketal left the sanctuary.

Outside, Aquaz and Baker were waiting.

“Have you finished your goodbyes?”

“Yes.”

Ketal turned to look at the sanctuary.

It was the first divine sanctuary he had experienced in this fantasy world.

It had been an incredibly enjoyable time.

Now that he was leaving, he felt a bit of sadness.

But just as there are meetings, there are also partings.

As Ketal was about to leave the sanctuary behind, Aquaz’s eyes widened.

“Hmm?”

A song was emanating from the sanctuary.

“That song…”

Aquaz knew what the song meant.

It was a hymn dedicated to an outsider by the church.

But she was bewildered because it was not usually sung.

While the church of the Sun God had a hymn for outsiders who had saved the church, it had not been sung for hundreds of years.

Being a hymn for outsiders, it was reserved for truly exceptional circumstances.

And now, that hymn was being sung for Ketal.

Moreover, Baker murmured in astonishment.

“The song is quite loud. Is the entire sanctuary singing?”

“It seems so.”

Numerous voices overlapped, creating harmonies.

The entire sanctuary was singing for Ketal, as if they were singing to their god.

Aquaz suddenly held her breath.

“…The gaze.”

A mighty gaze was upon them.

It was felt from the high heavens.

The meaning was clear: Kalosia was watching them.

The gaze seemed to be seeing off the departing Ketal.

“Hmm.”

Although Ketal didn’t understand the detailed meaning like Aquaz, he could sense the emotions contained within it.

“Farewell.”

The sanctuary of the gods.

And the god.

Ketal turned and walked away.

* * *

‘I should have stayed a bit longer.’

It would have been interesting to see how the church would act after realizing the truth about lies and deception.

Leaving now made him feel a bit regretful.

But Ketal shook his head.

There’s a saying that it’s best to end things at a point where you feel just a bit of regret.

Ending things now and returning later could also be enjoyable.

Ketal organized his thoughts.

He still had something to look forward to.

“How long does it take to get to the coastal city from here?”

The mermaid.

He was now on a journey to meet them.

Aquaz, still recovering from the shock, stammered.

“Ah… It’s quite a distance. For an average person, it would take about three months.”

“We need to hurry, then.”

“Probably so.”

They were all superhumanly strong.

The tough journey posed no obstacles, allowing them to travel in a straight line.

Pushing through the underbrush, Ketal asked.

“So, what’s the problem in the mermaid city?”

“Sorry? You don’t know?”

“I haven’t been told anything.”

“Oh.”

Only then did Aquaz realize she hadn’t explained the situation to Ketal.

‘…Wait a minute.’

So this barbarian had agreed to help without even knowing what the problem was?

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Aquaz barely managed to hide her surprise.

Ketal spoke.

“Is it related to evil? Are they targeting the mermaid city?”

“No. It’s not that.”

Aquaz continued speaking.

“My pilgrimage is to help people in a wavering world. It isn’t necessarily related to evil.”

“Hmm? Then what is it?”

“There are more threats to the world than just evil. Have you ever heard of the Forbidden Land?”

At Aquaz’s words, Ketal’s face changed slightly.

“…I know. It’s a heterogenous place that exists on the continent.”

“You know it well. Yes, it’s a heterogenous place.”

As she said that, Aquaz glanced at Ketal’s face.

“The White Snowfield that you came from is also one of the Forbidden Lands.”

“That’s right.”

“Do you know anything about other Forbidden Lands?”

“I don’t know.”

Ketal shook his head.

He knew about the White Snowfield but nothing about the other Forbidden Lands outside of it.

‘It seems that the Forbidden Lands are also separated from each other.’

She gathered her thoughts and began to explain.

“It would be nice if the other Forbidden Lands could help us like Ketal did… but it seems they do not. Recently, a kingdom called Lutein was attacked by the presence of one of these Forbidden Lands.”

One day, the heterogeneity of the Forbidden Land swallowed the entire kingdom.

The kingdom fell, and all those who remained inside died.

In a single day, the entire nation faced the threat of destruction.

“But fortunately, the Master of the Tower foresaw the signs and responded in advance. While they couldn’t prevent all damage, they managed to save a member of Lutein’s royal bloodline.”

“I see.”

‘So that’s how the rumor spread.’

It seemed that clear information about Nano had not been disseminated.

Well, there was no need to spread it.

Something that replaces everything—if known, it would only cause chaos.

“…They are extremely dangerous existences.”

Aquaz swallowed.

The royal castle fell in a single day.

The continent was in a state of emergency.

Other kings began to prepare for fear that they might suffer the same fate.

It was a threat different from evil.

Aquaz sighed.

“Just dealing with the existence of vile evil is overwhelming, and now the presence of Forbidden Lands is appearing on the continent. It is truly a chaotic state.”

Aquaz spoke with concern about the presence of the Forbidden Lands.

“Indeed. It is quite a dangerous state.”

Ketal agreed with Aquaz’s words.

For a moment, Aquaz paused.

It was quite odd for the presence of a Forbidden Land to call the presence of a Forbidden Land dangerous.

But she quickly continued speaking.

“Yes. Recently, it seems that the city of mermaids is also being threatened by the presence of such a Forbidden Land.”

Aquaz said.

“I heard that a primate living deep in the ocean is surrounding the city of mermaids.”

As Aquaz finished speaking, something appeared before Ketal.

Ketal looked at the system window before him with a peculiar expression.

[Quest 787.]

[Respond to the other.]