A few days have passed and in those days I mostly spent my time gathering money by doing basic quests. When I say basic quests, I literally mean basic. Herb gathering, looking for lost pets, roof fixing and so on. I had Rose pick up the quests and cash them in for me. Since it's not something related to the black market, it's stuff she can do easily and it saves me the trouble of registering as an adventurer again. After all, since my name is still Magnus I don't want people starting to ask questions.
Meanwhile, Leona has done wonders with Rusalka. In just a few days she managed to raise her all the way to level 50 and levels aside her skill has improved considerably. She's better than most rookie adventures. Although she didn't manage to tap into her Sword Aura yet. But at least the two of them are getting along. It makes me happy that they managed to settle their differences.
And speaking of differences…
“Darn it! This situation sucks. With Percival in town my profits have shrunk considerably and he isn't showing any signs of going on that raid anytime soon.”
Rose was complaining to me because at this point I’m probably the closest thing she has to a friend so she always lets her frustrations out on me. I don't mind, honestly.
“Anyway, Magnus… are the rumors true? You're leaving the city?”
“Yes. I’ve thought about it for quite some time. This isn't the place where I belong.”
“Great. With you gone then my profits will totally be ruined. I don't like to admit this, but you were my best piggy bank.”
“Rose. Would you perhaps consider coming with me?”
“Haa!? For starters, I don't even know where you plan to go.”
“About that…”
Given the hints Iseria-chan gave me, I pulled out a map from underneath my sleeve and showed it to Rose.
“This is… Ephiria island?”
Correct. Most of the world in Magnolia is already divided. The 5 human kingdoms, the demon empire, the elven country, the beastfolk clans and so on. But there is technically one place that is not under anyone's rule. And that place is Ephiria island.
Ephiria is a place where an ancient demon has taken birth. I guess calling it a demon would be wrong since it has nothing to do with the demon race. So to be more accurate, it would be correct to call it an ancient being with a great lust for mana crystals.
Mana crystals are raw crystals that after being processed will be used for the creation of artifacts and mage staffs like my Staff of the Storm Ruler. Literally magical energy flows through them. And Ephiria is a place abundant in mana crystals. Some say you could mine them for well over 5000 years.
That being said, this monster became some sort of necromancer, summoning undead creatures and enslaving whatever population there is. And so, nobody dares to venture in that place simply because it's not worth the effort.
“Magnus, don’t take this the wrong way, but… have you gone out of your mind!? Why would you go to such a place?”
“Rose-san, believe me I thought about this over and over. The rules by which people are governed, the leash of the Church of Light. These shackles will restrict me wherever I go. But, Ephiria is a place that I can mold to my liking. That being said, I don’t think I have the qualities to be a good leader. But as someone said, I gotta stay true to my beliefs. As for the so-called ancient being… I believe Ehpiria will submit to me if I kill it.”
“You sound like it’s going to be easy.”
“True enough, I know this isn’t something I will do overnight. But I believe that displaying my might will get people to trust in me. However, even if it does works, I can’t rule a country by myself. Economy is just as important and when it comes to money, you’re the best I know.”
*Gulp*
“You want me to take charge of the economy?”
“If that doesn’t suit your taste you are free to create a new temple there, but you would be on top.”
“Look… this is all too sudden. I know high risks involve high rewards but this just seems like too much. It’s true that I had my own thoughts of asking for a transfer to a more profitable region but…
Even if I wanted to go with you, the Church is not just going to let me quit. I took a vow that if broken will have dire consequences.”
“I am well aware. Rose-san, if I can convince the Church to release you of your duties, would you come with me?”
.
.
.
“I don’t know you that well, but so far you were my most profitable customer. And you do possess great strength and a dragon heart beating in your chest. I guess it’s better than just sitting here and making no money at all.
Although the concept of making your own country is more complex than you make it seem.
Fine. You win. I’ll once again return to being Bloody Rose, the adventurer. But how are you going to convince the Church?”
“Have you forgotten how Victoria got permission from the Church to join Crimson Raid?”
“You don’t mean…!?”
It’s exactly what I mean.
~Main temple of the Church of Light~
Before us stood 3 high rank church officials. To be more precise, they were all old geezers with white beards. 2 of them were bishops and one was the archbishop. We had to plead our case to them.
“Anerose-san, is what you're saying true? You are a respectable member of our Church and everyone here holds great admiration for you. However, for you to make such a request… please help us understand better.” (Archbishop)
“Your Eminence, it's not that difficult to understand. I have received a vision. An oracle from the Goddess of Light herself. My fate is tied to this young man. I must accompany him wherever he goes. Such is the will of the Goddess.”
“Anerose-san, nobody here is doubting your word. But this is something we can't take lightly.”
I was expecting a reaction like that. Normally these guys wouldn’t care so much, but Rose is one of their top loan sharks. They realize that if they let her go, their profits will also take a hit. I was expecting this much.
“What proof do you have to back up your words? I believe if you would have received an oracle we should have also been informed in some way.”
“Ara? Proof? Is that a given thing? Because if I recall correctly, when lady Victoria left and joined the adventurer guild Crimson Raid she wasn't asked to produce proof. Wasn't it acknowledged that she also was just following the will of the Goddess?”
“That is…”
“So I don't see how I could possibly produce any proof. Do you really want to doubt my words and risk the wrath of the Goddess?”
“No. Of course not. However, let's not forget that the will of the Gods is hard to decipher. There have been numerous cases when we misinterpreted the visions and signs the Gods grant us. What if the intention of the Goddess is not for you to leave, but have this adventurer work under the Church by your side instead?”
He’s good. There's no denying that. He has some skills in manipulation and his status as an archbishop only boosts that further. But that doesn't mean I’ll give in under this pressure. I guess I should…
“Wait a minute!” (???)
A voice echoed from behind. We all turned around to identify the speaker.
“Lord Percival?” (Rose)
“Forgive me, I couldn't help but overhear this predicament. But, I believe I might have an answer for this small problem. May I speak?” (Percival)
“But of course! By all means, if you, a Holy Knight chosen by the Goddess herself can make sense of this, then by all means.” (Archbishop)
Great. This isn't exactly what I had in mind. I’ve been trying to avoid this guy… but I guess that's not possible anymore. Just what is he planning?
“It is obvious that nobody here wants to inquire the wrath of the Goddess, but at the same time, it is true that the words of the Goddess aren’t always clear to understand. So what I propose is a simple test to see if this adventurer does have the favor of the Goddess.”
“Hou? And what kind of test do you have in mind?” (Magnus)
“It's quite simple actually. Have you heard of the Calamity Witch?”
“Who hasn't.”
“She has been spotted near Axelios ruins. That is dangerously close to this city. If you manage to slay her and bring back her head as proof, that will clearly prove that the Goddess favors this adventurer. Your Eminence, do you agree with my proposal?”
This damn brat. I fully understand where this is going. Since the Calamity Witch is someone that the Church doesn't want to deal with, there are two possible outcomes. The first is simple. I die at her hands and will just be a no-name fool. Or actually accomplish the task and clear the trading route that passes by Axelios ruins. That way caravans can once again come to this city and trade will increase. But judging by the grins of all these old geezers they probably just want me to refuse.
“Excellent suggestion, Lord Percival! No wonder you are a Holy Knight. You're mind is very enlightened.”
“But, isn't this taking it too far?” (Rose)
“Rose-san, if your vision is true, then this adventurer will surely succeed in this little task. The Goddess will protect him. Unless of course, you believe your vision is wrong.”
“That is…”
I couldn't allow Rose to say anymore. This was indeed a dangerous predicament, even if this mission would be completed. But… if these guys do intend to get in my way, all I have to do is… to completely crush them!
“Lord Percival. I accept this little test. I will dispose of the Calamity Witch for you. If I accomplish that, then would the Church consider releasing Anerose-san of her duties?”
“But of course, young adventurer. The will of the Goddess will be clear. I give you my word.”
Good. Percival is known for always keeping his word. That's good enough for me. So with that… I simply turned around. They can trash talk me behind my back all they want. But they are seriously underestimating me. Or at least I hope so.