Chapter 317

317 God of What #4

“Hassan, your father isn’t some kind of evil deity, surely. One could tell by looking at you.”

By looking at me, one can understand my father?

For a moment, I thought this was some unique trash-talk peculiar to people in this world, but it seemed that what Hippolyte was saying wasn’t anything like that.

When have I heard such stories before?

A long, long time ago, I followed a friend to some sort of Christmas worship service, didn’t I?

It was a sermon saying that non-believers conjure up the image of God and the Savior by observing believers, so believers should always be mindful of how they present themselves.

Hippolyte’s words were in line with this.

People envision the god they believe in by looking at the devotees and priests.

That’s why Hippolyte must always sharpen herself. So that anyone who sees her remembers the edge of Mars’s sword.

But how does that apply to me?

Hippolyte continued.

“Hassan, I didn’t expect to say this, but you’re meek. A warrior who can’t wield a weapon for fear of harming the enemy – I’ve never seen one like that.”

“…”

“But, people sometimes refer to such meekness as kindness. Hassan, by looking at you, I can see your father Pluto. He must be no different from you. There’s surely some misunderstanding or some reason why he has been branded as an evil god. However, the kingdom might not see it that way. They could oppress you and even go so far as to repel you. They will surely become your formidable enemy.”

“Being an enemy… are you saying I must fight the kingdom?”

“… No, that was my error. I inadvertently said something I shouldn’t have. The truth is, I don’t fully understand why the kingdom’s laws have labeled Pluto as heresy. Everything is just conjecture.”

Hippolyte hurriedly reined in her words, checking if there was anyone nearby to overhear. But I fully understood her attitude.

Becoming an enemy of the kingdom?

It’s practically no different from declaring that one must overthrow the state.

In any history or any world, standing against the state was always one of the gravest and most terrifying sins.

Thus, the punishment was always severe, and anyone associated with such actions would inevitably be hunted down and punished.

How much more reckless that was in the Gaia Continent, where a king truly exists.

“Behold, we stand before the Judgement Throne to punish those who have defamed Jupiter, the terrestrial ambassador of the kingdom of Jupiters!”

I had once seen rebels being executed when I was a slave. It was the first time I had witnessed such a horrifying scene.

Their families and acquaintances were ensnared by the law of joint liability, which made me fearfully consider whether someone might one day accuse me, “Samaritan, did you plot rebellion!” and start swinging a bat at me, even though I had committed no crime.

I am that rightful heir of the Pluto Sect that the kingdom has branded as heretic.

How I will be treated, and what will spread around about me within the kingdom—it’s quite obvious even without looking. It might be much worse than the days when I was simply called a savage and treated with contempt.

The time when I knew nothing and was lost in confusion feels a bit nostalgic. But now, I feel as if I’ve crossed a great river, making it impossible to return.

What should I do?

While I was pondering that, Hippolyte casually added one more thing.

“Firstly, it’s important to establish your shrine, Hassan. Gather believers who trust in you and people who can strengthen you, and build power. This invitation can play a crucial role in that.”

Swoosh.

From between her soft, bountiful br*asts, Hippolyte pulled out something and handed it to me. The message written on it was rather simple.

“We humbly worship the newly born young god. We would like to invite you to our home as a guest. It would be wonderful if you could visit us whenever you like and provide us with an opportunity to serve you.”

Behind this, a seal was stamped resembling a wolf with its mouth wide open.

“This is an invitation from Lord Carvigas. I received this task while delivering messages to the royal castle.”

Recalling Hippolyte’s explanation, I remembered the burst of fireworks that lit up the sky on my first day in Delphi.

In the center of the city, there was a massive mansion. Carvigas, who gathers many Demigods and their candidates to enjoy feasts and festivals there, has a hand in managing the practical issues of Delphi.

That person wants to see me.

“The role of patrons and benefactors is significant in building a shrine. It will not be a bad thing to meet him, Hassan. Gather patrons and followers.”

With that, Hippolyte washed her face at a nearby well.

Beside her, I quietly muttered words that no one could overhear.

“Long live Chaos.”

Ding.

`Name: Hassan Lv. 31

Strength: 15

Agility: 6

Stamina: 10

Merit: 60

Grace: The Glowing Hand`, `Armor of the Night`, `Obscure Eyes`, `Charred Skin`’

As usual, the letters appeared. Although the blessing of Chaos had faded, it’s a great relief that these letters are still visible, and it seems like the stamina value I increased recently has been applied correctly.

However, there is one difference from the usual.

A new section labeled `Tool Inventory’ has been added at the very end.

I gently moved my hand and pressed it.

A peculiar chime sounded, and various letters floated up.

`1. Hassan’s Faith Status Board’

`2. Unlock conditions not met.’

`3. Unlock conditions not met.’

Hassan’s Faith Status Board? Isn’t that the kind of name that would hang on an office wall? The details are stranger yet.

Tapping the first item brings forth another peculiar chime and more letters.

`Hassan’s Owned Items`

`Name of the Religion: Illegal immigrant cult from another world`

`Number of followers: 3`

`Number of Foundations: 0`

`Number of Shrines: 0`

`Number of Priests: 0`

`Number of Blessings: 0`

`Assessment: A young and fragile deity – followers are corrupt and fail to uphold their faith.`

`Notice: Blessing of Squirrel Storehouse has been granted to follower Paranoi.`

“Oof, sheesh.”

The name of the religion, “Illegal immigrant cult from another world”? Who names a religion anything like that?

I wanted to change it immediately, but when I tried to erase the words with a swipe, it cost me 10 merit points, so I stopped for now.

So this time, I decided to tap on the other items, the ones marked as “Locked.”

“Unlocking this item requires the construction of a foundation or a shrine.”

It seems building a shrine first would be a good idea. I’m quite curious about what abilities it might grant me.

“What are you smiling about all alone?”

“No, nothing.”

“I have a lot of preparations to make, so you should go to the inn first.”

*

“In the world, you’ve received another invitation from a noble?”

“Yeah.”

“Hassan, this is amazing! At this rate, you’ll be invited to the Royal Castle next, won’t you?”

Luna beamed with genuine excitement while looking at the invitation from Lord Carvigas.

“Maybe we can bring back loads of side dishes again!”

“Indeed.”

Luna and I once attended a banquet hosted by a noble, and we took home loads of rare foods, allowing us to live comfortably for days.

Thus, to us, an invitation from a noble was akin to a treasure hunt in a pantry where one could farm several days’ worth of food.

“Since Carvigas is a count in Delphi, there must be plenty of delicious seafood, especially sea snails!”

I don’t know what sea snails are, but seeing Luna so excited, fussing with her pink hair, made me cheerful too.

“Do you know how sea snails sing, Hassan?”

“No.”

“Uruung-ung!”

Unlike my good mood, someone was curled up on the bed, not showing their face—

“Is Elpride still not up, Luna?”

“I’ve given up!”

That was Elpride.

Elpride has already been under her covers for two days since coming down from the Delphi mountains, not uttering a single word.

Even though Elpride usually preferred staying home to going out, acting like a total hikikomori like this wasn’t normal.

This showed that Elpride was dealing with something seriously problematic.

And I had a vague idea of what it was.

“Since everyone in the party was invited except Elpride, shouldn’t we bring her along too?”

“Forget it, Hassan! It’s natural for dragons to stay hidden in caves or ruined castles for months without coming out! Phew-.”

“Phweh, yourself, you! Dragon! Phweh-heh! Hail the majestic and beautiful dragon, Elpride! Phew-!”

“…”

Elpride, who was curled up in embarrassment due to her previous gas-induced rants about herself being a dragon, reacted to Luna’s laughter with a subtle movement in her blanket.

She pulled the blanket even tighter, ensuring not even a strand of hair was visible as she hid her body further.

Elpride’s reason for hiding under the blanket like this was due to Luna’s laughter.

“Hoarse, if I, were, yo, a dragon, pheuh hhhh-! Glory to the mighty and splendid dragon Elpride! Pheuh!”

If it had been me, I might have run around shouting for days if I had blurted out nonsensical things in a state of confused mind.

Just thinking about it makes me feel so embarrassed I’ve decided to stop. Luckily, it wasn’t me.

Anyway, I turned my thoughts and asked Elpride, who was digging herself into a hole of shame and embarrassment, this question.

“Elpride, we’ve been invited to a mansion now. Will you keep being like this?”

“…”

Naturally, there was no response.

“Alright then, just guard our inn well. I’ll bring some food back.”

And so, leaving Elpride the cave-guarding dragon behind, we headed toward the mansion situated in the central mountainous slopes of Delphi City.

A mansion carved out on wide expanses of mountains and cliffs, with an open view of the sea. There’s nothing more valuable than this architectural masterpiece itself.

“Wow, Hassan, look at this! It’s Lapis Lazuli!”

Luna, her eyes sparkling, pointed at the precious stones inlaid into the mansion’s columns.

What exactly is Lapis Lazuli?

Is it something like an aquamarine since it’s blue?

“Luna-sama, look over here…! There’s ammonite shells here…! The ancient shells of creatures from the ancient seas, now used as ornaments in the garden here…!”

Shi-burahl, ammonite?

The jewels didn’t particularly pique my interest, but the mention of ammonites from Paranoi certainly got me curious.

Indeed, at one corner of the garden that Paranoi pointed to, there was a strangely curled round object, placed majestically on a marble pedestal.

“The creatures of antediluvian seas, they could surely hold significant magical value… I’d estimate at least 10 gold pieces.”

“Lord Count must be very wealthy…! I should put in some effort to become a count too…!”

Luna and Paranoi seemed very pleased with this luxurious garden. Upon entering the mansion, we were greeted by a wide interior filled with glittering gems, looking less like a mansion and more like a temple.

“Welcome. We were aware of your arrival today and have prepared accordingly.”

The man who greeted us had long ash-colored hair, slicked back and combed neatly, dressed in a tidy suit and holding a staff. The epitome of an aristocrat, one could instantly tell he was Lord Carvigas.

Expecting a rather chubby lord who enjoys festivals, his appearance was somewhat surprising.

However, the most different from my expectations was his face, specifically the X-shaped scar extending from his forehead to above his eyes.

“Lord of this humble castle, I’m Carvigas.”

Hiiii flicker.

Carvigas’s eyes matched his hair in their dull ash color.

Maybe due to that scar, it’s hard to see his eyes.

My Lord Count.

Similar to what I’d expected earlier, wouldn’t a nobleman be akin to a permanent governor?

What could be so bad that a man holding such a high rank would end up with a scar across his forehead all the way to his eyes?

“Please, follow me. Many guests have already come to welcome the new-born god.”

As he said this, the elegant figure of Hippolyte, dressed in a crimson dress that clung to her perfectly, stepped forward to ask,

“Are there already guests waiting?”

“Of course…”

Carvigas simply turned back and replied curtly.

“Of course, many have come indeed. The birth of a new god signifies that the long-silent Hypos has begun to issue its guidance. Many people have traveled from various regions to celebrate this historic occasion. Is there anything inappropriate?”

Hippolyte slightly furrowed her brows and looked at me.

Being invited to Carvigas’s house was fine, but I hadn’t really thought about who might be waiting there. But then again, a crowd is always a good thing, isn’t it?

I came here to scout for patrons, the most crucial element in establishing a shrine.

Indeed, Carvigas, as if reading my thoughts, skillfully guided us through the mansion, where a long red carpet was laid out, saying,

“Is your name Hassan? Everyone has great expectations for the new god that you represent. Depending on your actions, some may become your fervent patrons.”

“What should I do?”

“Just… do nothing at all. But if you have some spare time, it would be great if you could tell the story of defeating that terrifying Hydra.”

Hydra?

Isn’t that something we agreed to keep secret at the Delphi Shrine? Knowing that, I could see just how influential this man Carvigas is.

Patrons, are they?

In simple terms, you could say I am a young entrepreneur planning a new business. In front of these investors, I need to sell the product or plan I have as something valuable to gain their support.

“Over there, that’s the banquet hall.”

But all my thoughts were shattered the moment someone lunged at me as soon as we entered the banquet hall.

“Brother! I knew it was you!”

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