Chapter 57

Here’s the English translation of the provided novel excerpt, adhering strictly to the given glossaries and without additional comments:

—

Episode 57

Midnight Negotiations

After leaving the guards’ office, the night sky was now brightly illuminated by two moons. Both moons, partially obscured by shadows, appeared as sharp crescents—quite a beautiful sight.

Is that a waxing or waning crescent? I was trying to recall my Earth science knowledge when Luna spoke up.

“I’m sorry, Hassan. Because of me, you had to go through all this trouble…”

Her voice was small, the anger from earlier completely gone. Having lost all her money, it was no surprise she sounded devoid of any confidence. When wallets thin, so does a person’s self-assurance.

“That’s why I told you to let me help. I had some time to spare today anyway.”

“But I can’t keep relying on you forever. The shack was my idea, so I should be able to handle it myself.”

Luna’s determination to stand on her own was admirable. Yet, the way she drew a line between my matters and hers made me feel a little lonely.

Of course, Luna hadn’t meant it that way—it was just how I perceived it. But then, I was startled by the realization that her words had made me feel lonely at all.

It seemed Luna relied on me in many ways, but apparently, I also depended on her, especially emotionally.

In this wretched world where even wild deer fawns pick your pockets clean, Luna’s softness and purity were like a lantern lighting my path.

Enduring each day alone, gritting my teeth through hardship, was one thing.

But having a companion to share the burden with? That was an entirely different feeling.

“From now on, don’t recklessly follow men around like that. What if something worse had happened?”

“…”

Luna, perhaps realizing her mistake, stayed silent, thoroughly deflated. There was no point in pressing further—she’d gotten the message. So, I kept my mouth shut.

Eventually, we arrived at Luna’s small shack in Sodomora’s western slums.

“You’re really planning to sleep here?”

“I don’t have money for an inn.”

“I told you I’d lend you some.”

“No. Borrowing carelessly just breeds bad habits. Before you know it, the debt piles up uncontrollably. I already owe two gold—I can’t let it grow any more.”

Luna’s tone was firm. Having lived alone in this world, she likely had a personal rule against financial debts.

Still, the thought of leaving her alone in this shack unsettled me.

Not that I looked down on the poor, but Sodomora’s slums weren’t exactly known for safety.

Just listening carefully, I could hear thuds of bodies hitting the ground and abrupt, pained groans from all directions.

This was the western backstreets of Sodomora—home to thieves, vagrants, and bandage-wrapped invalids with hollow, gleaming eyes.

Even I, with my sturdy build and three swords at my waist, stayed tense passing through here.

Leaving Luna to sleep in such a place? Unthinkable. Who knew if some desperate drifter might break into her shack?

“You’re really staying here?”

“What’s wrong with it? I cleaned it up nicely.”

Whoosh—

Just then, a gust of wind rattled the gap-riddled wooden planks, shaking the entire shack as if threatening to collapse it.

Luna shivered.

“It’s a little cold, but I’ve slept in worse places. Anyway, thanks for today, Hassan. See you tomorrow morning at Sodomora’s south gate!”

She seemed determined to sleep here no matter what I said. Her resolve almost felt like a prisoner or monk embracing penance.

Was this her self-imposed punishment for losing her money? I couldn’t say for sure.

“Then… I’ll stay here too.”

Finally, I spat out the words I’d been holding back. I’d debated how to phrase it, but in the end, it came out raw.

Luna frowned slightly, puzzled.

“You’re staying here? Why?”

What did that why mean? Was it genuine curiosity, or a subtle rejection?

But Luna didn’t strike me as the type for veiled refusals—it was probably pure curiosity.

“Is that a no?”

“It’s just… it’s really windy here…”

“Then we can stay close to each other.”

A stroke of brilliance, if I said so myself. Sharing warmth on a cold night was hardly unusual.

Desperate to avoid rejection, I scrambled for more reasoning.

“We can share a blanket, huddle shoulder-to-shoulder. It’ll be warmer than you shivering alone.”

“Hmm… true. Okay, then!”

Yes! Permission granted.

Admittedly, trading an inn bed for this shack wasn’t ideal, but as someone well-acquainted with homelessness, this was practically luxury—four walls and a ceiling? Easy mode.

And having warm, soft Luna beside me? My heart swelled just thinking about it.

Rustle, rustle—flap.

After laying out an old blanket, Luna and I sat side by side, leaning against the wall, shoulders touching, my long coat draped over us like a quilt.

Not bad at all.

“Not bad.”

“Right? This spot’s got good energy. I even feel a faint magical presence.”

Luna began boasting about the shack’s auspicious vibes and Voodoo-inspired inspiration.

Given her devotion to Nox, the God of Superstition, she seemed to genuinely believe in illogical things like site energy.

Either way, my attention wasn’t on the shack but on Luna, her eyes sparkling as she chattered away.

Her shimmering pupils were the first thing I noticed. From this angle, her lashes were surprisingly long. Her nose was sharp but not harsh, and her delicate jawline complemented her fair, soft skin beautifully.

The warmth and softness of her shoulder against mine felt vividly real.

Did I really spend a night with this girl? Looking back, that day felt like a midsummer night’s dream.

I’d been so flustered and clumsy that my memories might be exaggerated or distorted. And the regret of what I didn’t do—touch or taste certain places—well, that was its own frustration.

Sniff, sniff—

A discreet inhale brought Luna’s usual cool minty scent, but today, mixed with a faint, sweet sweatiness from not washing. Uniquely intoxicating.

Throb—

d*mn it. Even knowing I shouldn’t, my lower half kept stirring. This guy was way too optimistic.

“Anyway, that’s how it is! See? Now you get why I picked this place! Three gold for a spot like this is a steal. I practically made a profit! The price here will double soon!”

Luna concluded her monologue.

I’d only half-listened, but the gist was she’d made some kind of interdimensional real estate investment.

Not that I cared.

“Lu… Luna.”

“Hm? What?”

She turned, curious. Unable to resist, I slowly leaned closer.

If I could just feel those shimmering lips again, I’d have no regrets. But her slender hand pressed against my chest, stopping me.

“Ah, no, Hassan…”

“Why? It’s just us. If we’re quiet, no one will know.”

Then I remembered my Cloak of Blessed Night’s effect—it reduced detection chances for stealthy actions in darkness. Did that include this? What could be stealthier?

As I pondered, Luna whispered,

“It’s not just us. There’s a wolf spider over there.”

She pointed to a jar in the corner. d*mn. Realizing a palm-sized wolf spider lurked inside sent a chill down my spine.

“And Nox is here too.”

Swish.

I followed her finger to a grotesque little statue standing ominously in the shadows.

Palm-sized. I’d assumed it was just decor.

“That’s Nox?”

“Mhm! A miniature idol. Cute, right? I made it after hearing His voice last time.”

I stood and approached the so-called idol. Up close, it was… something else.

What the hell. “Idol” was too generous. “Cursed artifact” fit better—the kind of thing you’d slot into a horror game’s puzzle to unlock a secret door.

Its owl-human hybrid appearance was unnerving, especially the deeply carved eyes that seemed to stare right through me.

“Why’d you make this?”

“From now on, I’ll pray to Nox every night. He wants to hear about my day, my thoughts.”

“I see.”

Like a daughter reporting to her father. The image of Luna chattering away to it was oddly endearing.

“D-do you believe me, Hassan?”

“About the deer stealing your money? Honestly, sounds like bull—”

“No! About Nox speaking to me. Most people would call me a liar… Even I wonder if I dreamed it.”

Ah. Luna herself seemed unsure if Nox had truly spoken to her.

Most people in this world fervently believed in gods, but divine blessings or voices were rare. For many, gods were just distant, grand beings—myself included.

But having met Nox (albeit separated by a blanket), I didn’t doubt her.

I sat back beside her. For now, the warmth of her shoulder would have to suffice. But I would find a way.

“I believe you. It’s probably real.”

“R-really? You think so?”

“Yeah.”

“Hearing you say that makes it feel true. You’ve met the God of Light too, right? I’d only heard legends before—never met someone who received divine help firsthand.”

Luna clicked her tongue in awe, recalling the past.

It reminded me of the events in Kalin’s Swamp—the flaming arrow that tore through the mist and vaporized the swamp’s moisture. I’d nearly been caught in it too.

A similar experience happened during my duel with Hippolyte.

The man who appeared in the frozen world—wasn’t he likely one of this world’s revered gods?

Mars, the God of War? He’d mentioned choosing me over Minerva, which fit the context of Sodomora’s two guilds.

That would make him Mars.

Wait, but Hippolyte said she was Mars’s daughter. A father stripping his daughter’s armor? What’s that about? No idea.

“It was amazing, Hassan. Now that I think about it… are you someone special? Like, Jupiter’s son?”

“Whose son?”

“Jupiter, the God of Thunder and Lightning! His children become gods of high Hypos or legendary heroes. Are you one of them? Are your parents your real parents?”

What the—suddenly asking about my parents? I froze, then realized she didn’t mean it that way.

I had heard the term Jupiter’s son before. Luna made it sound grand, but people usually meant it as an insult—fatherless b*stard.

Jupiter, this world’s mightiest god, was a notorious womanizer, leaving countless children in his wake.

Women bearing fatherless kids would claim, This child is Jupiter’s son!—and the phrase stuck.

“My parents are alive and well back home.” Probably.

“Really? Then how do you have the gods’ attention? Enough to break a 30-year silence…”

Luna fell into thought, baffled.

What face would she make if she knew I was Hassan from Korea, not Hassan of Samaria?

Eventually, lost in her thoughts, Luna dozed off. Chasing deer and handling today’s mess must’ve worn her out.

Watching her sleep, I decided to rest too—tomorrow’s thief hunt would need my energy.

Brrr—

A sudden chill filled the cramped shack, raising goosebumps. At first, I thought it was just wind through the gaps.

Creak… creak…

d*mn. This bone-deep cold was familiar.

『I. Descend.』

[Author’s Note]

One more part to go…!!

Before you leave, feel free to drop a like or comment…!! T-T…. Please press the like button’s pressure point…

—

(Note: Some creative liberties were taken to preserve tone and flow, but all key terms and names adhere strictly to the provided glossary.)

---