The quest's content was the sa as the original story, but one detail was different---sothing that caught
off guard.
'There's a failure penalty.'
The most important part?
Failing this sub-quest ant failing the main quest altogether.
A quest that involved countless lives---including my own---was now dependent on this one mission.
'Well, that seems plausible.'
If the Kyros Church were excluded from this situation, the conflict would escalate into a war between the Diego Church and the Rizes Church.
After all, the Demon God would have opened the rift, and in the end, the Diego Church would battle the Demon God---both for their survival and dominance.
However, just like in the original, countless innocent people would be caught in the crossfire. It would beco nothing more than a selfish struggle between factions, where only the Evil God and the Demon God's senior followers would benefit.
If that happened, it would lead to the collapse and destruction of the entire Continent, including the Empire because their war would not end easily.
'So, in this quest, the role of the Kyros Church is clear---protect the citizens and prevent the Empire, and the Continent, from falling.'
I examined the quest window and spoke to Kyros.
'Lord Kyros.'
-Yes, my child.
'Because of this incident, our Kyros Church may beco enemies with the Diego Church or the Rizes Church.'
Kyros responded firmly.
-Yes, I know. And I'm prepared.
'Good to hear that. Because I've been ready for this for a long ti.'
With a faint smile, I accepted the quest.
'The important thing is to protect our believers---and the innocent.'
-My child... Thank you. And I am sorry.
'Don't worry about it. I had a feeling this day would co sooner or later.'
Yes. We had been at peace for the past year. But now, it was ti to walk into hardship.
After ntally preparing myself, I summoned the Church's senior mbers through the communication channel.
"Everyone, gather at the Temple of Rovel imdiately."
***
Kyros Church's Temple -- Rovel Branch, Reception Room.
The temple's senior mbers, who were scattered across various locations, gathered in one place.
Alphius, Chester, Sasha, Zain, Troy, Grandma, and the regional senior mbers---Jacob, Selena, Abel, and lin---were all present.
With all the top mbers of the Kyros Church assembled, the temple doors, including those of Rovel, were closed to the public.
As they sat before , their expressions tense, I addressed them.
"For now, all branch temple doors will remain closed."
At my words, the senior mbers' faces grew even more serious.
I made this decision because of the next quest that appeared imdiately after I accepted the current one.
[Sub-Quest: 'Large-Scale Rift Incident' 2.
Description: A massive rift has appeared in three regions of the Empire---Elma, Katris, and Segel. Seal the rifts and save the people. (This is a linked quest.)
Objective: Close all three rifts.
On Success: Find traces of the next quest.
On Failure: Main quest failure.
Final Success Reward: ???
[Do you accept?]
[Yes/No]
I checked the quest details and accepted it imdiately. The main quest failure penalty was still applicable even in this linked quest.
'At this point, this doesn't even feel like a sub-quest anymore...'
But what choice did I have?
Things had already co this far. I couldn't refuse. The mont I turned it down, the world might as well be dood.
Since ti was short, I quickly explained the situation to the senior mbers.
"Given the circumstances, you will have to go to Elma and Katris."
If I had three bodies, I would have gone to each city personally, but that was impossible. Instead, I decided to send the senior mbers to prepare for any ergencies.
"Alphius, Chester, and lin---you'll go to Elma. Jacob, Selena, Abel, and Grandma---you'll head to Katris."
The senior mbers nodded in understanding, so quietly, others verbally confirming. Then, Sasha raised her hand.
"Wh-what about ?"
"Ah. Sasha, I want you to stay in Rovel as the interdiary. Since everyone will be spread out, it'll be easier if soone coordinates as the interdiary."
Technically, we could communicate via the communication channel, but I would be too overwheld to keep track of everything. Having Sasha handle interim reports made the most sense.
However, she didn't look very good and for the first ti, she made a request.
"I... I want to go with Helena."
Sasha rarely asked for anything, so I was taken aback.
"Oh my, I see."
Unlike , who was still processing the unfamiliar situation, Grandma gently stroked Sasha's hair as she clung to her.
"But since it is the Leader's decision...there is nothing I can do."
"...Yes."
Sasha looked genuinely disappointed. Or maybe. Maybe it was just
thinking that.
"Ah! Then how about we switch?"
Abel raised his hand with a bright smile.
"Sasha and I have similar combat abilities, after all. And as a liaison, my job would just be reporting to you, right?"
"Well...that's true."
Abel's smile widened at my response.
"Then I'll do it! Even if I can't go with you, at least I'll get to hear your voice more often!"
I didn't love the grin Abel was giving , but Sasha was looking at
with pleading eyes. In the end, I had no choice but to nod.
"Fine. We'll do it that way."
"... Thank you, Church Leader!"
The mont I agreed, Sasha bead with happiness, and Abel's smile grew even brighter.
'...Damn it.'
I quickly pulled myself together and I turned back to the senior mbers.
"You're allowed to use the portal in each temple, except for the one in Rovel."
Since the senior mbers could freely move between temples they had already visited, I figured it would be useful to let others use portals for making battles more manageable.
The senior mbers could use their powers to move the portals as needed, making things easier for Grandma, Zain, and Troy as well.
And if sothing unexpected happened, I could also move quickly.
Anyway.
"Zain, Troy---you're coming with
to Segel in the north."
"...Ugh. Here we go again. I get it. If those are your orders, I have no choice."
"Got it, Leader."
Zain looked dissatisfied at the news that he would have to suffer again without being able to rest for long, but the mont I handed him a bag of money, his expression imdiately brightened.
The reason we were heading to Segel was simple---it was the farthest and most dangerous location, hence an inevitable choice.
'Of course, it would be easier if I went with Grandma...'
Unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Just like in Segel, a Child of the Demon God was expected to appear in Katris, where Grandma was going. And if the situation followed the original storyline, their rank was quite high.
'Still, with Grandma regaining so of her pri strength, she should be able to take them down.'
The Child of the Demon God appearing in Segel would likely be just as strong. The bigger issue, however, was the number of them.
"And above all, if a Child of the Demon God appears in any of the rifts, contact
imdiately. Gather as much information as possible---appearance, na, anything---and send it to . You don't have to go through Abel for this. Report directly to . I won't tolerate any of you getting hurt trying to gather information. Understood?"
"Yes, Church Leader."
"We understand."
Satisfied with their responses, I dismissed the group to prepare for departure.
"Levi."
As the senior mbers left the reception room, Grandma called out to . I removed my glasses and walked over to her.
"Yes, Grandma?"
She took my hand in hers, her warmth seeping through my fingers.
"Don't push yourself too hard. I know you can handle it, but... I still worry about you."
"Yes, Grandma. Don't worry. I have Kyros with ."
"Alright, Levi. Take care."
"You too, Grandma."
After a brief farewell, I left the living room with her and prepared to depart for Segel imdiately.
There wasn't much to prepare---everything was already in place.
Without further ado, I set off with Zain and Troy.
***
As we traveled to Segel, riding on Troy, I closed my eyes for a mont, watching the landscape blur past us.
'Even with Troy's speed, it'll take at least a week to reach Segel.'
All the temples, except for Rovel, were located outside the Empire, aning we had no choice but to travel there in person.
To make matters worse, Holden's estate was in the southern part of the Empire, while Segel was in the far north---the exact opposite direction.
'So... I guess I'll need help.'
The faster we reached Segel, the more lives we could save.
With that in mind, I instructed Troy to take us sowhere else first, other than Segel.
Now, a little over a day had passed since we left the territory.
"Ch-Church Leader!"
"Oh my god, it's the Church Leader!"
We had arrived in Prell. In the wake of the Goblin Disease incident, the guards---now only half their original number---greeted us while caring for the children's lingering symptoms and scouting for additional patients.
"How have you all been?"
I approached them as I replied to their warm greetings.
"We've been doing well! But what brings you here, Church leader? And Zain, Troy---you too? We didn't expect you back so soon!"
I would have loved to take my ti and chat with each of them, but there was no ti to waste.
"Sothing urgent has co up. I need to see the Elder imdiately."
"Ah, I see. Understood. Follow ."
In the past, entering Prell required special permission from the elders. But now, things have changed for us.
'It must be because we saved their people.'
Not only that, but there were now followers of the Kyros Church in Prell. Their presence must have helped shift attitudes.
Thanks to the guards' courtesy, we were allowed inside without delay.
As we made our way through town, the people of Prell welcod us warmly. Among them were several children we had once helped.
After walking for a while, we finally arrived at the elder's house.
Knock knock.
"Elder, you have a visitor."
"A visitor?"
The door opened, revealing Felcia---her usual grandmotherly self.
"A visitor? Who---oh! Church Leader!"
Felcia's face lit up the mont she saw .
"What brings you here?"
"Elder, it's urgent."
Her expression imdiately turned serious.
"Thank you for bringing them here. You can go back to your posts---Church Leader, co inside, quickly."
Sensing the gravity of the situation, she wasted no ti. She ordered the guards to clear the area and escorted us inside.
Once inside, I turned to her and spoke.
"I've co to ask for your help."
Because she would definitely help us.
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