I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 117. Enhancement (1)

The money I had been saving gradually vanished as if it evaporated.

I hadn’t felt regret over money losses for quite some time, so it didn’t concern me much.

In fact, spending money in this way had become somewhat enjoyable; the vast amount seemed hollow to me anyway.

“Oh my… just how much money do you have? I believe one could compose at least three poems about the wealth you have amassed!”

“Is it okay to spend this much?”

Watching the jewels disappear with each enchantment, Ansandy had a conflicted expression.

“These expenses are essential for high-grade enchantments.”

“My point is, why are you giving us all this?”

It was understandable why Ansandy reacted that way.

Even Ender, who was quite well-off, was drinking with a doubtful expression, as if questioning, “Is this alright?”

“In simple terms, the times are changing.”

With Pleroma, an Outer God priest, and the discovery of the Dragon’s Crown, numerous threatening events were unfolding rapidly.

The involvement of suspicious Outer Gods and the presence of the White Night were becoming increasingly proactive.

“Things are moving in a rather undesirable direction. Soon, we will drift further away from peace.”

“Such ominous words…”

Perhaps thinking of his children, Ender frowned.

“The last thing we can allow is for an Outer God force to gain power. It’s my hope that you inflict as much damage on an Outer God forces as possible.”

Everyone here knew enough about me by now that they didn’t question why an Outer God priest would oppose an Outer God forces. The explanation given by Eldritch during the battle with Pleroma day had helped clarify things somewhat.

“The Outer God forces are currently biding their time in hiding, nurturing their strength. Hence, what we see now are merely their small fry.”

“Are they trying to cause another incident like the spider affair?”

Delion swallowed nervously.

“It will be even worse. This isn’t just about villages or cities; the very survival of this world is at stake.”

“The entire world…”

Even though it was a scale difficult to comprehend, Ansandy clenched her fists tightly.

“So many people have already died, and now you’re saying even worse events are looming. This is something we cannot allow.”

Concerned by Ender’s words, I nodded and continued.

“That’s why we need to eradicate the followers of the Black Willow Cult, known for their allegiance to the Outer Gods, in the wilderness this time. We also need to uncover what they are hiding and preparing.”

As the case with Pleroma showed, if we don’t respond swiftly, things related to the Outer Gods could escalate into catastrophic disasters.

“Therefore, I invest in capable individuals like you whom I can trust.”

Everyone nodded in agreement to my words. With a shared goal of stopping an Outer God forces now established, there were no further questions.

“Leave the new weaponry preparations to Lyla. It will be completed in a few days, so for now, we should plan and synchronize our strategies.”

Having addressed the critical matters, we returned to the lounge. Seeing the empty table, I called for Mary.

“Why did you clear everything away? Please bring it all back. Our guests must be hungry after such a long journey.”

“……”

Mary stared at me silently for about five seconds but then promptly returned with drinks and food.

“This is quite the expensive liquor.”

“Lyla splurged a little. Anyway, everyone, enjoy yourselves.”

This time, I joined the meal. Though I couldn’t discern the taste, I shoved the nutrients into my mouth, knowing I needed sustenance.

“The food is quite good! Is it the handiwork of that charming maid?”

“No. The residents here prepared it.”

People who experienced the utter devastation of Mary’s cooking eventually managed to wrench control of the kitchen away from her.

‘Mary put up a fight, even going so far as to physically block them, but they refused to relent. It must have been quite dire.’

Even Eldritch, known for his refined palate, conceded that Mary’s sense of taste was alarmingly problematic.

“Oh, right. There is one significant matter.”

Everyone’s attention focused on me.

“Ender, you’re currently utilizing the divine relic of Dionysus, and Delion, you’re a priest of an Ancient God. Among the companions we’ll travel with is Luminaries, who isn’t particularly fond of heretics.”

“Are you certain there won’t be any issues with your traveling companion?”

“I was forcibly made an Outer God priest and her perception of me as someone trying to escape that role was accepted.”

Arian’s perception of me was similar to how one doesn’t treat a hostage as an accomplice, viewing me as a victim being used by an Outer God.

Our conversation that day happened smoothly because Arian accurately judged my character, based on this premise.

However, not everybody would receive the same consideration…

“Honestly, I’m worried she might attempt to behead me on the spot.”

“Though using the divine relic of another God is technically illegal, she’s no inquisitor to outright behead someone for it, right?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what she would do.”

I stated with certainty.

“Who exactly are we going to be traveling with?”

“Arian Elata. A former military officer from Wave Reach.”

“… That loud woman?”

Ansandy frowned.

“I despise noisy people.”

“Nevertheless, Arian Elata is well-respected and a prominent figure within Luminaries, isn’t she?”

Delion asked, offering a slightly generous evaluation.

“There are rumors that she is extremely strict, yes, but isn’t she like a knight from a storybook? She wouldn’t immediately execute a heretic…”

“According to Luminaries regulations, that’s exactly what she would do.”

“Come on… Even if Luminaries adheres strictly to regulations, they wouldn’t follow them to that extent. Maybe with an Outer God, but executing someone simply for possessing an ancient relic seems…”

“Arian Elata would do that. Even if the target was a friend of ten years.”

My firm tone left everyone visibly uneasy.

“Especially Delion, as you’re a priest of an Ancient God, it wouldn’t just end with mere possession charges.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. Because I happen to possess…!”

Delion pulled out a parchment from his breast pocket.

“A permit issued by the royal family!”

… From the royal family?

I inspected the permit.

It stated participation in the service of the imperial army and the right to practice Ancient God faith in return for obligatory military service participation in wars.

“Is something like this possible?”

“Indeed, I’m a special case. My grandfather earned this through his heroics!”

The Demiurge Empire and the Kingdom of Are often warred in the wilderness.

There was an instance when the imperial army was on the verge of suffering a crushing defeat.

But Delion’s grandfather, a wandering minstrel, stepped in and led them to victory.

In gratitude for his contribution, the royal family granted him special permissions.

As proof of loyalty to both the royal family and the empire over generations, Delion also received special permission.

“So… therefore, there isn’t any legal problem?”

“Yes, there are a few rare cases like mine where the royal family issues permits. Not even Luminaries can make it an issue!”

Surely, Arian wouldn’t defy royal orders either.

“It seems like we only need to hide Ender’s alcohol well.”

“But are Arian Elata’s tendencies truly that extreme?”

“In truth, she’s ideal in almost every way. It’s just that her lack of flexibility is quite pronounced.”

“What do you mean…?”

And thus, our conversation veered into a session of Arian gossip.

* * *

The next day, we engaged in training to synchronize our tactics.

“Use your waist flexibly. Since you’re taller, you need to bend your waist more to connect fluidly.”

With his wealth of experience as a warrior, Ender guided Ansandy’s movements.

Ansandy mentioned she had briefly learned swordsmanship in her youth and later developed it through self-study.

Thus, Ender had ample points to critique.

Meanwhile…

“Oh my!”

In the distance, Eldritch’s blue lance flew. While it completely missed the target, the speed at which it traveled was noticeably faster than usual.

“With miracles included, it’s actually more challenging to control.”

Eldritch and Delion’s combination wasn’t working very well.

Delion’s various buffs were unfamiliar to Eldritch, creating more interference than aid.

‘I thought they’d complement each other theoretically.’

The same applied to Ender.

Delion excelled at swiftly altering buffs, but this proved to be as disorienting as debuffs for both Ender and Eldritch.

“Well… it took the imperial army over three weeks to adjust to it as well.”

Delion shrugged as though accustomed to the situation.

“Especially magic users who meticulously calculate everything get disrupted, so my miracles often end up being more of a hindrance to them.”

“Hmmm… this is different than I expected.”

If it was just a game, we would easily fight with buff application. Moreover, I was completely unable to enjoy Delion’s miracles.

It seemed akin to a penalty, similar to how I couldn’t handle enchanted items or holy relics of another faith.

“Truthfully, I’ve always faced such circumstances.”

Delion spoke with a tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

“What do you mean?”

“Discordance. Look over there.”

Ansandy was now coordinating with Eldritch, utilizing Eldritch’s assistance in supporting fire or creating defensive barriers.

They seemed to have good synergy.

“I can’t create such harmony. I synchronize well with Lady Ansandy because we have been together for a long time…”

Delion sighed.

“The reason I wander as a mercenary is mainly because they deemed me useless in the imperial army, claiming I disrupt harmony.”

“What’s the issue?”

“I pursue freedom, and this naturally manifests in my miracles. Not many can adapt to such freedom.”

Was Delion unexpectedly a misfit? For a minstrel, it was quite unfortunate to disrupt harmony instead of enhancing it.

This made him practically exclusive as a buffer for Ansandy.

‘Although it might be beneficial for Ender when he fights in berserker mode.’

Arian likely wouldn’t accept the miracles of Ancient Gods willingly anyway.

“Let’s wait and see. It’s only the first day of training, after all.”

Delion nodded and returned to the training.

I specialized in sweeping away large groups of enemies, so my style did not mesh well with synchronized combat.

Although utilizing Gluttony in battle seemed adaptable…

‘Regeneration is notably slow.’

I observed Gluttony while feeding it a part of my arm.

“What the heck are you doing, you crazy bastard!”

Just then, Lyla, who was delivering some completed items, happened to witness the scene and displayed an expression full of shock.

“Perfect timing. I wanted to consult you about Gluttony.”

I calmly regenerated my arm, but Lyla looked increasingly horrified.

“Ugh… what is it now? Just don’t do such weird stuff in front of me!”

“I’ve been pondering over something… I think it’s worth attempting.”

I removed Gluttony. Being connected to my skin for nourishment, it bled heavily when forcibly removed.

“Oh no, damn it…!”

Lyla closed her eyes tightly.

“You know what I’m going to say, don’t you? Let’s enhance Gluttony.”

Lyla sighed deeply.

“… Should’ve blocked my ears too.”