I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 110. Organization

“The actions of Charlotte and the skills that creature possesses…”

Arian and I shared the information we knew with each other.

From my side, I had information about the priests of Outer Gods and the circumstances surrounding Charlotte.

Arian contributed with information on what was known about me from Luminaries and the investigation status in the wilderness.

“It seems the scale of the Black Willow Cult surpasses all expectations. Monsters are appearing everywhere in the wilderness.”

However, their exact purpose remained unknown. Perhaps they aimed to seize control over the entire wilderness.

“The biggest issue is that the wilderness is too vast, and there are simply too many enemies.”

According to Arian’s continued explanation, the personnel dispatched to the wilderness were managing to maintain defensive lines at best.

They couldn’t even attempt exploring the wilderness.

However, the mention of the Dragon’s Crown during the meeting with the priests brought a change to the wilderness.

“Just as I thought the attacks were slightly decreasing, such a backstory existed.”

Although there wasn’t any separate news, perhaps they were gathering forces dispersed in the wilderness to counteract Cahon.

“Yeah, although we bought some time, the situation could change at any moment.”

“It would be wise to strike a blow against the Black Willow Cult before the battle conditions change again.”

“Can I leave that front to you?”

“I have a suggestion related to that.”

Arian proposed something straightforward: Let’s attack together. Her plan was to hire mercenaries to form a detached force and aim for the Black Willow Cult’s stronghold.

“If it’s something like that, I know a few people who would be suitable company.”

I recommended Ansandy, Delion, and Ender.

They had made a remarkable contribution by defeating spiders at Wave Reach and continued to cooperate despite knowing my true identity.

‘I haven’t really kept in touch since we parted at Wave Reach.’

In moments like this, I could sense how much my humanity had withered. I hadn’t even considered I should have.

The only thing I had heard through Eldritch was that they were all safe.

“If it’s those people, they certainly are reliable in power. That sounds perfect,”

Arian acknowledged.

“But I’ll need some time to prepare. I have a few matters to wrap up.”

Arian nodded in agreement with my words.

“Understood. It won’t take long to get permission for the detached force, so I will finish the preparations first and wait in the wilderness.”

After parting ways with Arian, I headed to the rendezvous point discussed with the twins.

I didn’t want the location of my castle to be known by them, so I chose a moderately secluded forest.

‘… They’ve arrived.’

As I waited, perched atop a tree, a ghoul dragging a large sack appeared.

“I am here to see the notable Priest Ethnos, the Gray Calamity.”

The female ghoul displayed a surprising eloquence in her speech, as if she was once human.

“I am Pio, the one tasked as an envoy for this transaction.”

The overly polite demeanor instead fostered a dislikeable unease.

“I don’t suppose I need to confirm the contents?”

Frankly, there was no reason for trouble.

If they tried any tricks in this deal, it would cause complications for the twins.

They wouldn’t dare con me, fearing Sevika.

“There are no issues with the gold inside the sack.”

“If so, I’ll now relay the agreed information on Charlotte.”

In an effort to conclude the deal swiftly, I began recounting the information.

Although her hands were a mix of beast and human, the ghoul woman recorded my words crisply.

“Priest Ethnos, the twins wish to convey something as a gesture of goodwill. They ask for discretion regarding this.”

The twins, secretly with me? Actually, I felt like I was already gaining from this deal.

Although information on Charlotte was hard to come by, that large sac of gold would be unimaginably valuable.

‘Why are these guys being so submissive?’

I asked, slightly puzzled, “You don’t need to worry. So, what did they say?”

Pio disclosed new information.

“Priest Johann has a lot of enemies. If you wish to oppose him, the bloodline of the Lancers could prove quite useful.”

Belido? Wasn’t that family created by Johann?

‘Maybe, just like with Lyla, there was a coercive element involved.’

I initially assumed Belido was Johann’s pawn, but this information provided a new perspective.

“Tell them I will repay this kindness someday.”

“Understood. Then, I shall take my leave.”

Pio retired, walking away carefully, seemingly delicate despite her body.

‘Belido, huh… I’ll need to consider how to approach them.’

Since I needed countermeasures for all the priests, not just Johann, I decided to try whatever was possible.

I stuffed the sack of gold into Gluttony and returned to my castle to handle subsequent matters.

* * *

“A spider appeared on the wall. I reported.”

Upon arriving at my castle, Mary emerged from the wall to report. Her ability with words had improved somewhat since before.

It seemed she had been observing and learning from the people I had brought into the castle.

“Did the spider deliver any specific messages?”

“None.”

“How about the people?”

“They are in good health. They have adapted.”

Fortunately, there didn’t seem to be any particular issues, so I headed to the room where the spider appeared.

The wall on one side of the room was covered in spider webs, and I lightly tugged on them.

『Elise, I have brought the Golden Blood Elixir as promised.』

The spider showed itself as the webs on the wall parted.

It was a different entity from before; this one was quite courteous.

After capturing Pleroma, their attitude towards me had subtly shifted.

“Good. How many bottles?”

『We have prepared 10 bottles. We can prepare another 10 within three months.』

The spider cautiously placed the bottles down, which were encased in oak casks rather than the glass bottles from before.

‘This should solve the Golden Blood Elixir problem for a while.’

With that, the elixir issue was sorted. However, there were more unresolved issues with the spiders.

『We have something to say about the divine relic retrieved from Pleroma.』

“What is it? Are you saying to return it?”

『No, the ownership of the divine relic has been decided to be transferred to you, Elise.』

Naturally, such a conclusion was inevitable. It came as no surprise, so I nodded.

『Furthermore, our master has pledged to bestow a reward, as everything resolved without causing them discomfort.』

“A reward?”

I half-expected some reward, but I didn’t anticipate that an Outer God themselves would offer it.

『They will grant a blessing upon you should you proceed with the Awakening Ritual.』

However, upon hearing it, it wasn’t exactly a complete reward. More like cajoling.

I wasn’t planning on awakening with redundant divine powers anyway, and I had already considered the 4th rank awakening in relation to the Weaver of Destruction’s Threads, so it wasn’t a bad offer.

“What blessings can they promise?”

『One is the Blessing of Molting. Even permanent damages can be perfectly repaired through the act of molting, granting a new body. Additionally, the body progressively becomes more resilient.』

A quite appealing blessing, but unfortunately, not one I particularly needed right now.

With miracles to restore myself and the Blessing of Transformation, it wasn’t overly necessary.

Yet increased physical defense wouldn’t hurt.

“And the others?”

『The Blessings of Reproduction, Preservation, and Sealing are available.』

“I don’t need Reproduction. What are Preservation and Sealing?”

The spider continued its explanation.

The Blessing of Preservation allowed one to store their life force or mana in threads and retrieve it at will—a highly beneficial blessing.

On the other hand, the Blessing of Sealing encased targets in threads to seal them, even blocking the divine energy of an Outer God in the process.

Both were excellent blessings, but if it came down to choosing the one most beneficial for me, it was clear.

“I choose the Blessing of Preservation.”

Methods to recover mana and health were crucial. Especially anything related to mana.

『I shall convey your decision.』

As soon as the spider vanished, Mary approached the wall, irritably clearing the webs.

“Their attitude changed strangely.”

“It’s understandable. With Pleroma no longer an available piece for them.”

The lenient Leng Spiders already sided with me, and the extremists had no other cards to play. It was only natural they treated me better.

“For now, let’s try a bit of the…”

As I prepared to drink the Golden Blood Elixir, Mary quickly brought a glass.

“Go ahead and pour it. Don’t spill anything.”

“… Alright.”

I poured the Golden Blood Elixir from the oak barrel into the glass and drank it in one gulp.

“The quality is fine, too. Mary, put some of this in a bottle for me. I’d like to carry it around.”

Mary nodded and left the room with the oak barrel.

‘Now… it’s time to handle the most troublesome task.’

I entered my personal chamber with reluctance and lay down on the bed.

I hadn’t bothered with sleep lately despite being busy. My body didn’t need rest anymore, but there was a bigger reason…

‘Why on earth is Sevika upset?’

Whenever I drifted to sleep, I experienced restless dreams. I was certain it was due to Sevika, yet I couldn’t fathom why.

“… Sevika.”

The invisible black expanse of the Dark Rose Garden. Finding myself in Sevika’s realm upon falling asleep, I contemplated my next words.

—So… you’re saying you seemed displeased after that?

I had discussed Sevika with Arian too, which resulted in Arian regarding me with a curious, almost pitying look.

—Simply approach and apologize, saying you were oblivious, and admit to the things you did wrong. Candidly tell her you’re not interested in that Temptress.

Arian seemed to have grasped something I hadn’t. Trusting that insight, I opened my mouth.

“Sevika, I’m sorry. I was thoughtless. I have no interest in that Temptress.”

“…”

I said as instructed, but there was no immediate reaction…

“I’ll give you a C-.”

… there was.

Sevika emerged, her presence shifting the entire dark expanse back into the Black Rose Garden.

“Truthfully, I didn’t have high expectations in this area from you. Honestly, you still don’t understand, do you?”

“Well… No, I don’t.”

“I figured you wouldn’t. Since I don’t feel like sulking any further, I’ll forgive you for now.”

Even while saying that, Sevika added in a rather cool tone,

“You just narrowly avoided failing.”

Failing at what, exactly?

But I decided to hold my tongue, fearing she might get angry again if asked directly.

Sevika, with a faintly dissatisfied expression, handed me a sheet of paper.

“I’m sure you’ve already figured it out to some extent, but these are the rules among the priests of Outer Gods. You’re welcome to break them if you’re wishing for punishment from me.”

Sevika chuckled playfully.

“By the way, the next meeting is set for the full moon in three months.”

‘Three months, huh…’

It’s a rather tight schedule to prepare for a confrontation with Cahon. As I was reflecting on this, Sevika whispered into my ear with a smile.

“You don’t have to rush regarding the Dragon’s Crown. A powerful guardian protects it, so Cahon also can’t easily seize it right now.”

“A powerful guardian…?”

“I can’t tell you more details. Instead, shall I offer you a piece of advice?”

I nodded.

“If you wish to protect that enchantment mage, ensure she never leaves alone.”

“Johann is targeting her, then.”

“If you let your guard down even a bit, she’ll be snatched before you know it.”

Sevika remarked with a grin.

“Watch out. That’s all I can share for today.”

“Thank you, as always, Sevika. See you next time.”

And just like always, I opened the door and exited the dream.