Soul domination was notably more effective on beings with weaker ntal strength and weak will.
This was especially true for dim-witted beasts and lower undead.
That was precisely why Dales attempt at soul domination had worked so effectively on the skeleton.
Really, what are you doing, Sir Dale
Erielle, having given her piece of mind, sighed deeply.
The skeleton that had been freed from soul domination was still standing blankly as if it had lost its senses.
Erielle inquired,
Master Ludwig, are you alright? Are you coming to your senses?
It was only when his na was called that the skeleton showed any sign of response.
With the characteristic smoldering gaze of the undead, the skeleton silently observed Erielle and Dale for a mont before lumbering back to its usual spot.
There, it began to swing its sword in the air.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five.
It appeared to have forgotten the count it had been keeping before and started counting from the beginning again.
Dale scratched at his helt.
Against expectations, not even a hint of anger was shown.
The skeleton seed utterly devoid of emotion.
It was like a machine crafted solely for the purpose of swinging a sword through the air.
Erielle who was resting a hand on her hip remarked,
Anyway, Im glad to see Sir Dale grow stronger. Please continue to put forth great effort. After all, Sir Dale is now the face of our temple, like it or not.
Dale rely nodded in response, though he didnt take the words to heart.
He would continue to act as he always had. He didnt care about others opinions of him.
When Dale left the temple, he was greeted by Harty who had been sitting at the entrance.
Gazing at the bright sunlight in the sky, Dale pondered his next move.
There was no shortage of tasks awaiting him.
He needed to collect his reward for a successful mission at Rebeccas rchant guild and report to the rcenary guild.
He even thought about going to Kaylas inn and showing his face. Because sohow he felt like she was just waiting for him to co back.
Theres much to do.
It was his first ti back in Irene in a while and he had a lot to deal with.
After so deliberation, Dale said to Harty,
Lets head to the guild.
The sun was still high in the sky, leaving too much of the day remaining to simply return to the inn.
Though it was sowhat annoying, Dale had decided to first pay a visit to Garland.
The rcenary guild they arrived at was crowded as always.
rcenaries looking for missions or companions stopped in their tracks at the sight of Dales entrance.
The appearance of a knight who had hunted a demon caused all to fall silent and willingly make way for him.
Dale walked through the center of attention and approached the reception desk.
The receptionists no longer showed any signs of fear towards Dale and greeted him warmly.
Youve arrived, Sir Dale.
Id like to see Garland.
The guild master has been eagerly awaiting you. Ill guide you to him imdiately.
I can go by myself.
Haha. We cant do that.
An employee from the reception walked out and personally escorted Dale to Garlands office.
Such treatnt was unprecedented; the usual approach was more indifferent.
But now, the treatnt he received was akin to that reserved for a distinguished guest.
Though the unusual treatnt made him sowhat uncomfortable, Dale found it ridiculous to insist on going alone in such a situation.
He silently followed the employee to Garlands office.
The employee knocked on Garlands door.
Branch guild master, I have brought Sir Dale.
Let him in.
In contrast to the previous slum search where he was buried under a mountain of docunts, Garland was now leisurely enjoying a cup of tea in his office.
When he saw Dlae, Garlands face lit up with a welcoming smile before he turned to the employee and said,
Thank you for your help. You may return to your duties now.
Yes.
After the employee respectfully bowed and closed the door behind him, Garland gestured invitingly.
It seems we have much to discuss. Please, take a seat.
Dale sat down in the chair opposite Garland, which creaked and strained under his weight.
Garland chuckled wryly and remarked,
Youve beco stronger, havent you? Your aura seems different too.
Right.
Indeed. Its only natural, after all. Youve vanquished a demon.
Dale was about to repeat a point he had made many tis before at Garlands remark.
Ganiagos had just been resurrected and
Could only wield a fraction of its original power, I know. But even if it was only a half-strength demon, the fact that you defeated it will beco a truly valuable asset for you, Sir Dale. Both in terms of experience and socially standing.
Social standing?
When Dale asked that, Garland whispered in a tone only Dale could hear.
In fact, this matter has attracted the attention of the nobles in the upper districts and even His Majesty the Emperor. And why wouldnt it? A demon has been brought down for the first ti in years. Even if it was just newly resurrected, it holds great significance.
The fact that a demon was hunted is in itself a great morale booster, not just for the citizens, but also for the soldiers at the front.
It plants a seed of hope that perhaps, in this seemingly endless war, victory might one day be achieved.
This would be a very pleasing thing for the Emperor who had to maintain an empire that was unstable in many ways.
Garland added softly.
This is sothing Ive heard through the grapevine, but it seems likely that a dal will be awarded to you, Sir Dale.
A dal?
A dal. An honor bestowed by the Emperor upon those who have achieved great deeds.
The dal was not only a significant honor but also brought tangible benefits.
For instance
Receiving a dal naturally cos with the title of a baronet.
The title of a baronet.
Even as the lowest rank of nobility, a noble was still a noble.
The world had changed since the appearance of demons. The value associated with the na nobility wasnt what it used to be. Those without power have died and disappeared.
Yet, nobles still had advantages over commoners.
They had more rights to enjoy.
Dale simply nodded his head for the mont.
If Garland was speaking of it, there must be so credibility to the story, but Dale preferred to think about the dal once it was sure to be awarded to him.
More pressing than that was the matter of his rcenary rank.
Now that Ive completed this mission, does that an Ill be promoted to the Bronze badge rank?
Ah, then please start with your report.
Dale recounted his experiences in detail, from participating in the caravan and fighting off bandits to slaying Ganiagos. He left nothing out.
Given the importance of these events, Garland frequently interrupted with questions or to confirm facts while ticulously crafting his report.
After completing the task, Garland wiped the sweat from his brow and remarked.
Whew. Youre the first rcenary since the King of rcenaries to have the experience of killing a demon.
Does this an my promotion is confird?
Id prefer to promote you even further, but due to the procedures involved, Im afraid thats not possible. My apologies.
With a respectful bow, Garland then produced sothing from his possession and handed it to Dale.
It was a thin bronze plaque with Dales na engraved on it. The back was adorned with the guilds emblem.
This is your rcenary badge. We had it prepared in advance, thinking you might co looking for it.
As Dale fiddled with the badge, Garland explained,
Now that youve reached Bronze rank, youre entitled to several benefits. Youll have priority in selecting missions, can purchase goods at reduced rates from stores affiliated with the guild, and more
I suppose this also grants access to the upper districts.
Indeed. Sir Dale is now recognized as a valuable asset to the city with the right to enter the upper districts.
Does this imply that those in the lower districts and slums are not considered necessary by the city?
Garland then extended a few certificates.
The certificate in his hand affird that he was granted access to the upper districts, with the rcenary Guild vouching for his status.
To enter the upper districts, he would need to present this certificate each ti.
Please be careful not to lose it. While we can issue a new one, the process is quite cumberso and ti-consuming.
Dale nodded his head in acknowledgnt before carefully tucking away the certificate.
He was already planning to visit the upper districts the very next day with this certificate in hand.
I shall take my leave now.
Having concluded his business, Dale made to leave the office but suddenly stopped in his tracks.
A na Garland had ntioned, the King of rcenaries sparked a question in his mind.
Heroes who killed demons.
Facing Ganiagos had heightened Dales interest in the heroes who had managed to defeat a fully-powered Ganiagos.
He had heard bits and pieces about a figure known as the King of rcenaries whom he believed to be one of these heroes.
Dale had grown more than before and had established himself well in this city.
And now that he had so free ti, he wanted to look into this hero.
And Garland was likely the most knowledgeable person regarding such matters.
The rumors going around about heroes were either empty or unreliable.
Dale opened his mouth.
I have a question.
Hmm? Please, go ahead.
Garland responded with a puzzled look.
Dale tried to ask a question about his own doubts.
The story about the rcenary king and those so-called heroes.
Just then,
A knock on the door preceded an employees entrance into the office.
The employee whispered sothing to Garland, who nodded in response.
Then with a genuinely apologetic expression on his face Garland turned to Dale.
Im sorry, Sir Dale. An urgent matter has arisen. Could we perhaps discuss this another ti? Unless its urgent for you, I could delay this current matter
Dale shook his head.
No, its alright. Its not urgent. Ill ask another ti.
Thank you for your understanding.
Dale stepped out of the guild accompanied by the employee.
By the ti the work was finished, the sun had set and a twilight shadow was cast over the city.
Dale stood still for a mont while lost in thought.
Suddenly, Harty nudged his waist with his blunt nose as if asking what was wrong.
Its nothing. Lets head back to the inn.
Together, Dale and Harty made their way to Kaylas inn. Upon opening the door, they were surprised to see the dining table piled high with food.
Elena, Kayla, and Harkin, who had returned at so point, were busy bringing in dishes.
As the door opened, all eyes turned in unison.
Kayla and Elenas faces brightened upon spotting Dale.
Sir Dale!
Sir!
Their expressions were filled with joy and they were clearly delighted by Dales return after so long.
But there was soone even more pleased to see him
My dear friend! Welco back!
Fraud who had been polishing his weapons while the others were busy with the food rushed over with open arms.
Dale deftly sidestepped Fraud and made his way further inside.
Whats all this?
Kayla replied,
What do you an? Youve co back after such a long ti, so I thought Id show off my cooking skills a bit.
Dale locked eyes with Kayla and asked,
I assu this isnt free, right?
Of course! Harkin has agreed to cover the cost of the food!
What? This is the first Im hearing of it.
Once everything was ready, everyone gathered around the dining table to begin their al.
Harkin boasted with exaggeration about how dangerous and amazing the journey had been.
Fraud listened intently and his eyes were sparkling with interest in Harkins stories.
As ti passed, Balton who had heard the news ca by, and Esther who had finished her work also joined them.
The inn quickly beca bustling and lively.
While sipping on the beer Kayla had made, Dale thought to himself that considerations about being a hero or a rcenary king could wait.
For now, he was just savoring the mont.
***
In the upper Districts, district 3 housed facilities like the Magic Tower, the library, and the rcenary Guild. District 2 was filled with nobles mansions and theaters.
And at the center, encircled by Districts 2 and 3, lies District 1. In other words, there was the imperial palace.
Dale planned to start exploring in District 3.
Though he had visited it several tis in the ga, he was sure there would be many changes.
The gate leading to District 3 was located in District 7 which was guarded by knights clad in full plate armor.
Next, please present your identification.
The knight spoke in a tone that held no highs or lows. As Dale stepped forward, a flicker of interest briefly lit the knights eyes.
However, the knight refrained from engaging in any unnecessary conversation and adhered strictly to the procedures.
Present your certificate.
Dale extended the certificate issued by Garland.
The knight received the certificate and handed it to a lower-ranking noble standing beside him. This noble ticulously inspected the docunt to ascertain whether it was a forgery or not.
The lower-ranking noble nodded at the knight. It was a silent signal indicating the certificate was genuine.
After the knight returned the certificate, he asked Dale,
Is this your first visit to District 3?
Right.
Then, I shall explain a few rules to you.
The knight said before lifting the visor of his helt to speak more clearly.
Firstly, covering your face is not permitted in Districts 2 and 3. You will need to remove that helt.
It was a asure intended to prevent any deceitful activities by ensuring faces were visible.
As to be expected from an upper district with many important people, the rules were strict.
And youd better not to draw any weapon you may have at your waist. In fact, its best not to carry one at all. Causing even a single incident could lead to consequences far more severe than just getting kicked out.
I understand.
Dale nodded his head in acknowledgnt.
Seeing that Dale listened without any problems, the knight softened his tone slightly as he continued.
After sunset, individuals without permission are not permitted to roam outdoors. It would be wise to conclude your affairs before dusk and return to the outer districts. Do you understand?
Was this an indication of a curfew?
The rules seed sowhat different from what Dale knew. While the place had always operated under a strict order, the regulations now appeared to be significantly tighter.
Did sothing happen in the anti?
Regardless of his personal feelings about them, Dale knew he had no choice but to adhere to the rules.
He nodded in agreent.
Only then did the knight step aside to let Dale pass.
Enter. Welco to the heart of the Empire.
Dale stepped onto the bridge and laid over the moat. The moat itself was unusually deep and wide and filled with water, making it seem almost like a small river separating the upper districts from the outer districts.
Dale looked down at the strangely deep moat then lifted his head up.
Above the high walls that were even taller than those of Irenes outer defenses archers and mages stood guard.
Its practically a fortress.
It seed that even an army of a million would struggle to breach such a stronghold.
Dale resud his walk. The first thing he saw after passing the excessively thick wall was a statue.
It was an intricate sculpture made of marble. Dale assud it was likely a statue of the current Emperor or the founding Emperor.
However, the neat inscription below it read:
[Glory be to the naless heroes.]
[The King of rcenaries, the Archmage, the Saintess, and the Faceless Knight.]
Dale stared blankly at the statue. For so reason, this statue captured his attention so strongly. He couldnt figure out why at first.
But as he examined it more closely, he realized that the figures in the sculpture bore an uncanny resemblance to characters from his own mory.
These are
Who they were puzzled him. After much contemplation, Dale finally rembered.
Theyre all characters Ive raised.
Could this be a re coincidence?
Certainly, the figures werent exactly as he rembered from the small monitor screen.
Yet, several distinctive features remained unmistakably the sa.
No matter how he looked at it, it seed too perfect to be a re coincidence.
Dale felt bewildered and confused. But he soon cald his mind.
Right. Its possible that the characters Ive raised could be here.
That much, he understood.
From the mont he arrived in this world, Dale had beco unfazed by most occurrences.
The idea that the characters he had nurtured were now alive, moving about and becoming heroes, wasnt surprising to him.
In fact, it would explain a few mysteries.
Dale had been puzzled upon hearing that soone had vanquished the demons. After all, a demon in its intact state was truly a powerful being.
But now, that puzzle seed to have found its solution. If the individuals represented by this statue had united their strengths, their victory would have been more than plausible.
Up to this point, he could comprehend.
However, there was one aspect he couldnt accept.
How could all four of them be together?
The ga set in this world was ant to be a single-player ga.
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