Chapter 0

“Sorry, Kyle. I wish you would leave our party.”

I see. So that’s how it is.

In the end, it comes to this.

The day the Lord took back the miracle He bestowed upon me, I could guess from the looks in your eyes, but you’ve truly grown strong enough to no longer need my help.

Yes. The Saint is joining the party, so what can I say?

Yurinel. It’s clear that the one who belongs by your side is not me, but her.

Not just Yurinel anymore. Now it’s Yurinel Larkponsia.

A noble who has earned the title of Larkponsia through outstanding achievements.

My childhood friend has soared high into the sky. Holding onto her ankle like this might just be my own selfishness.

“Honestly, it’s impressive that a commoner like you has followed us this far. I’m sorry to say this, but you don’t even know the divine name of the one you serve.”

“It’s definitely not the Three Divine Gods. With the Saint joining, there’s no need for you anymore.”

Lucia Western, the second daughter of the Western Family, who has hunted demons for generations. And Parnell, the youngest and most talented mage from the Magic Tower.

Their words are nothing but the truth. The one I serve hasn’t even revealed their divine name to me.

But one thing is certain.

The Goddess of the Earth, Nemi.

The Goddess of Light, Elysia.

The Goddess of Healing, Hilrae.

The most famous and greatest Three Divine Gods of the continent are not the ones I serve. Temples dedicated to them are everywhere, and everyone in every village believes in the Three God Faith.

There’s no way a god already worshipped by so many would choose a country bumpkin like me.

‘You’re right.’

Having someone like me around might just be a hindrance.

In the battle against the Primal Demon King, Grimudo, I realized that no matter how much I support Yurinel, my strength alone isn’t enough to defeat him.

As a price for seeing what I shouldn’t have, the Lord took one miracle from me.

That’s my limit. To defeat Grimudo, we need a priest more capable than me. The Saint who serves the Goddess of the Earth, Nemi. Araidel would surely be able to do it.

‘Now, there’s no need for me.’

Not even as a spare.

With one of the Archbishops of the Nemi Church joining the party alongside the Saint.

“You said a priest would be joining the party with the Saint, right?”

“Yes. It’s probably Archbishop Reinhaim. She’s renowned for her powerful divine power.”

“Right, Kyle. We don’t need a porter, and there’s no reason to have three priests in the party. I hope you understand that it’s getting harder for us to continue with you.”

Leaving the party was, in other words, already decided.

It wasn’t a sudden attack. I knew I’d have to leave someday.

I expected that I wouldn’t be able to follow Yurinel to the end. The bitter part isn’t that I was kicked out of the party.

‘Yurinel.’

Her snow-white hair, different from being bleached, and sapphire-like blue eyes.

My childhood friend was just looking at me with those emotionless, beautiful eyes. At least, I wish she had left me with a warm word of thanks for all the effort.

‘Now, I’m truly no longer needed.’

I didn’t expect a grand farewell party, but if I had been accepted as their comrade, wouldn’t they have prepared a small gift, or at least some words of comfort?

“Take care, everyone. Stay safe. May the divine protection always be with you.”

It’s regrettable that my long adventure ends here, but if this is my limit, I must accept it calmly.

The bitterness is just bitterness, and I quickly shook off the feeling of disappointment. And I gave them my final blessing, hoping that one day they would defeat the Primal Demon King.

After finishing my last prayer, I muttered as I left the dining hall.

What should I do now? I left the village to help Yurinel, but should I return without achieving anything? I received enough travel expenses as a severance, but my wallet is full while my heart is empty. I’ve lost my purpose.

“Father. My Lord. What should I do with my life now?”

My eyes grew moist. Even though I expected it, it’s still sad. The Lord did not answer. As He always does.

The only time He spoke to me was when I first met Him.

“My Lord, the hope. I will live according to Your will.”

I asked a foolish question. The gods only watch.

Living life is solely up to humans, up to me. So I knelt and prayed.

I prayed that He didn’t hear.

“I will live a life where divinity is bestowed upon those who need it most.”

When He first saw me, He said this.

I did not choose you, but you chose me.

Because in every possibility I saw, you were the one who never gave up.

I don’t understand the meaning of those words.

So I just strive to understand.

“In the name of the Lord, I will live.”

The one I serve did not reveal His divine name to me, but He called Himself hope. So I simply ask for that.

“In the name of hope, I will live.”

I am probably the only one on the continent who worships this god.

The only priest serving the God of Hope.