Chapter 25: Nemea’s Cat
“Behold, mortal, you have dared to transgress.”
An abnormal chill permeates this small inn room.
And from beneath the covers comes Luna’s authoritative voice. Any reasonably intelligent person would instantly recognize that something unusual is taking place.
“…What, Expletive?”
Steam rises from my lips, making me feel as though I’ve entered a freezer. What the hell is going on here?
As I sit trembling with confusion, the voice of Luna comes again from beneath the blankets.
“The sacred laws meant to govern subordinates are not so malleable as to be broken by a mere mortal. Since you’ve violated these precepts, are you prepared to face the consequences?”
“Y-Yes!”
Her high-handed tone, coupled with an overwhelming sense of intimidation, forces a respectful response from me. Could this really be the same Luna who was once so foolish?
Perhaps it isn’t even Luna at all. My instincts tell me something’s off. We’re truly in what one might call, “Schrodinger’s Luna” state until further confirmation.
But I don’t dare uncover the blanket.
Regardless, with a sword seemingly at my throat, I choose to prostrate myself on the floor.
“Sir, I have wronged you! Please, grant me a pardon this once!”
Though I don’t know exactly what I’ve done wrong or how we’ve ended up here, I decide it’s best to apologize first.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as my survival instincts scream at me. The freezing temperature is chilling me to the bone.
“Indeed, you show an awareness of your transgressions, which is vital. Your attitude is commendable for a mere mortal.”
“…So, does that mean you forgive me?”
“No. If the enforcement of the law were dependent on compassion, great disorder and confusion would envelop the world. As such, this cannot be swept under the rug. All I can grant is a painless severing of your neck.”
“Wait, not fair! What exactly have I done wrong!?”
d*mn it, if I’m going to d*e, I want to at least know why.
From beneath the covers emerges Luna’s icy voice, like a block of ice.
“Mortal, your domain of healing, much like Clepios’, has the potential to disrupt the laws of both the underworld and the heavens.”
“What does that even mean…?”
“Clepios resurrected the deceased and was struck down by lightning as a result. The chaos his actions brought to the world is palpable. Such tragedies must not be repeated. Therefore, mortal, you will lose your life today.”
As the voice emanates from beneath the blanket, an earlier doubt I harbored comes to mind.
It was the answer to why healers, like Finley, aren’t allowed to treat people individually on the streets.
I thought it would have been a run-of-the-mill inspection by some officials, but this… this seems completely different.
“Be satisfied with a painless d*ath. In recognition of your repentance, I will personally bestow upon you glory…”
“Phynus…”
A strange pink gas begins to emanate from beneath the blankets where Luna is crouching.
“Ahhhh!”
As a proud Korean man who has completed his military service in Gangwon-do, I am well-versed in the horrors of chemical warfare. If I inhale this strange combination of gas and smoke, it could spell disaster. d*mn it, I need to get out of here, quick! Gas, gas!
I scramble to rise, rushing towards the inn room door.
Chirik.
Unfortunately, the door is sealed tightly by a freezing ice barrier, leaving me stranded. d*mn it, the inhumane nature of this ice prison!
“You will fall asleep and pass away peacefully. There will be no pain. Accept this fate. Pay the price for your improper contact with my daughter. You cannot hold your breath forever.”
“Chough, ugh…”
The pink mist is infiltrating my nose and mouth. I feel as though my chest is being ravaged, pushing me toward madness.
No way, I can’t let this happen! I’ve just become free from slavery; I can’t succumb to d*ath in this manner!
“Landlord, open the door! Please, open the door!”
Bang, Bangbang, Bang.
I hammer on the frozen door with all my might, but it does little to ease the situation. The pain from my blows only serves to remind me of my futile attempt. Turning to the window shows an equally frozen and impenetrable barrier.
d*mn it, it’s a sealed room!
In a state of despair, I clutch my hair when a small laugh and Luna’s voice comes from behind.
“You’ve lasted quite long. Most mortals would’ve succumbed after just one inhale.”
“Landlord, this place is horrible! Open the door!”
“Indeed, quite resilient for a human child. What a waste.”
“I’m dying! Please save me! Landlord, open the door!”
“…It’s quite noisy. Have you not thought about your actions yet? Moreover, your familiar aura… Could you perhaps have received divine favor?”
During all my ranting, I freeze at the sound of a curious voice.
The hostility I once felt has significantly lessened, and so has the bone-chilling cold, reminiscent of the harsh winter I endured in Gangwon.
“Huh, divine favor? Yes. From the Sun God…”
“…Impossible. This sensation is distinctly different from that sly Sun God… Ah, so be it. What a fascinating turn of events! This world truly holds potential. Child, tell me your name.”
The voice, previously pondering and answering on its own, now inquires about my identity. Although I don’t understand what’s happening, maybe this means forgiveness?
Thus, despite my running nose and chattering teeth from the cold, I manage to reveal my name.
“H-Hassan…”
“Hassan, indeed. From the nights of primordial beginnings, your punishment is postponed. Furthermore, blessings will accompany your journey moving forward. With night’s grace, you may deceive the eyes of common folk.”
Ding.
“A blessing has been bestowed upon you from the Night of Primordial Beginnings.”
“Reward: A Blessing – Night’s Veil acquired.”
When you were set to k*ll me, why suddenly bestow blessings? Though your judgment feels abruptly changed—quite peculiar—it seems I’ve managed to save my life.
“G-Thank you.”
“You are a polite child. I am the Night of Primordial Beginnings and Mother of Misfortunes, Nox. The power bestowed upon you will serve as a dark veil to deceive the eyes of other watchers.”
“Umm… Can I ask what you mean?”
“As it sounds. My power will deceive the gods’ surveillance by hiding your true identity. However, in this modern era where faith wanes, my abilities are but a shadow of their former strength. Therefore, excessive use of healing… is forbidden…”
The woman identifying herself as Nox’s voice crackles like a poorly tuned radio.
“Look, even a minor blessing is about as much as I can endure… I will now withdraw… And regarding my daughter…”
She attempts to speak further, but her voice is drowned out, like whispers against a powerful snowstorm.
“Hassan, get up. It’s morning.”
“I’m awake! Lady Elpride!”
“Who is Elpride? It’s me, Luna. We’re… party members, right?”
“Ahh, it’s you, Luna.”
It feels like I just closed my eyes when suddenly it’s morning. d*mn, why does time always feel like it flies so fast when I’m asleep? Am I the only one who feels this way?
Anyway, despite sleeping, I still don’t feel rested. Frankly, I don’t even remember when I fell asleep. What the hell is going on?
At least one good thing is that I woke up to the cheerful voice of Luna instead of Elpride’s usual scolding.
The relief of once again being free fills my chest.
“Good morning! I feel so refreshed! It’s like being reborn! This is how fixed party adventurers experience a fresh morning, isn’t it?”
Luna’s rosy cheeks shine brilliantly like a spring flower basking in the morning sunlight, radiating a youthful vigor.
The blessings must have been effective. Nonetheless, there are still lingering questions that need resolution.
“Is everything alright with you? Last night, didn’t Nox…?”
“Why? Don’t remember anything about last night?”
With a tilt of her head, Luna seems completely oblivious to yesterday’s events. This leaves my words stuck in my throat.
“Can’t you recall?”
“Only that I washed up and laid down on the bed… Strange. I didn’t drink much, and barley brew shouldn’t intoxicate, right? Anyways, I feel great!”
“Y-Yeah, that’s all that matters.”
Did she not remember the icy events of last night?
Truth is, even I feel as though it were all just a dream. Maybe I fell asleep and dreamed it all—though that seems highly unlikely.
“…Glory to chaos.”
Ding.
“Name: Hassan, Level 9
Strength: 4
Agility: 2
Stamina: 3
Tasks: 177
Favor: Blessing of Chaos, Amateur Handiwork, Night’s Veil”
The new favor, Night’s Veil, now etched boldly in the floating text before my eyes, serves as undeniable proof that last night’s ordeal was indeed real.
“Hey, just curious—what’s your mother’s name?”
“Huh? Mom? Oh, I never mentioned that? I don’t have one. I grew up as an orphan in an elder’s home on the island.”
“Ah, I see. That was an inappropriate question.”
“Not a problem! I’ve always known she didn’t exist, so it doesn’t bother me. Anyways, I feel so energetic now. Like a heavy backpack has been lifted off me. So, Hassan, what are we up to today? It’s our first day as a party!”
“Like what…?”
As I rise from the bed, a strange sensation overtakes me — my muscles ache, and I feel a profound weakness spreading through my body.
“Ughhh…”
It’s like all my energy has been utterly sapped away. It feels as if an invisible hand from the ground has firmly grabbed my shoulder down to my legs, leaving me limp. It’s likely the delayed effects of last night’s brush with d*ath finally catching up to me.
All I want is to lay down and take a longer nap, but the mere reminiscence of last night’s pink mist instills a fear of never waking up.
“Are you alright, Hassan? You don’t look too good. Should you rest today?”
“No time to rest; I need to earn money.”
So, despite my limp body, I head towards the Guild building. It truly shows my superhuman resolve. Of course, I have no choice; I can’t let hunger k*ll me.
“Mr. Hassan, welcome back. You look quite improved since the last time.”
Daphne’s eyes sweep over me, noting the armor I bought for five silvers and the three schools of swordplay I acquired from fellow adventurers.
Her discerning gaze is obvious as her delicate eyes flicker slightly.
“By the way, I did hear an interesting rumor. Apparently, you fought with a fellow Mars Guild member?”
Oh, d*mn. How did this news spread so quickly? Is it forbidden for guild members to fight each other? Would there be any penalty involved?
Just as such girlish anxieties cross my mind…
“Did you definitely beat your opponent?”
“Yes, yes.”
“Indeed, thanks to the favor of Mars. The duel’s losers, the iron-ranked Skara, Uter, and Kolin, have been expelled from the guild.”
“What, does losing a duel mean you’re kicked out of the guild?”
“Indeed, failure doesn’t fit with the god of valor, Mars. Still, Mr. Hassan, you were lucky to face them. They were near promotion to the copper ranks, quite promising individuals.”
“I also helped!”
Right as Daphne finished her explanation, Luna, who had been quietly listening, interjected loudly.
“Ahh, Miss Luna? If I may ask, does your presence here today imply…?”
“Yes, well…”
“Starting today, we’ve decided to form a fixed party! That’s why we came.”
Luna yells loud enough to pierce the eardrums, startling both Daphne and me.
“Fixed party? You two together?”
“Yes, yes! And take this.”
Luna rummages through the bag slung over her back and pulls out the Korean-made totem-stone I created.
“What is this? I would say, what a grotesque sculpture. Offering something so improper suggests harassment!”
“Eh? Isn’t it a joke? I thought relations had improved after our cheek-slapping peace deal. Apparently not. As we stutter, unable to explain further…
“It’s a joke.”
Daphne’s lips curve into a slight smile, but her eyes remain chillingly cold, leaving the impression far from humorous. In any case…
“Mr. Hassan, do we have work for you today?”
“In fact, there was a request waiting for you. An associate has specifically requested you. It was a group mission, but since you’ve formed a party now, it works out perfectly.”
A specific request? Someone is already specifically requesting me?
As always, thank you to everyone for the recommendations and comments!
Special thanks to Baek Woo-sa Shin, G) MK, GoodNiceChicken, tlqkf089, yayayeah, Han Nah-dam, Geumsa Mo Gang, So-hwan Kang, Ghost K, Vurgil, and all those who donated anonymous sponsorship coupons. I will use the anonymous sponsorship coupons for illustrations of other heroines in the future!
Thank you very much!
![[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743806812-5548-TS-The-Protagonist-is-Conquered.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered")
