ALTANUS [16]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 979

Altanus (16)

It was still too early to confirm whether to take the Altanus route or the Benigore route.

Plans hadn't been solidified on how to navigate the entangled situation when my Altanus became involved, before determining which option might be more advantageous.

Considering various scenarios, the basic judgment was that the Benigore route was more stable, but the possibility of needing to consider the Altanus route in the worst-case scenario couldn't be dismissed.

At this point, the most rational approach was to keep both routes in mind, which was the significance of implanting the seed within Templar Jenny.

'Regardless of whether it's Jenny or Zen, one of them will become my shield.'

If I follow the Altanus route, Jenny will assist, and if I follow the Benigore route, Zen will likely aid me.

Even if the future changes, there's a possibility that Templar Zen might replace Kim Hyun-seong in a sacrificial scene.

'Dractarius is probably in a similar situation.'

I have a plan to make him an ally. By deepening the conflict between Bahamut and Dractarius, transforming him into an NPC to assist in the final boss raid, I've considered creating a process that might not be easy to discern.

'It might be due to the absence of news from Dractarius.'

Perhaps Heera-nuna, who participated in the strategy, felt there could be some gaps in the plan, but those who entered the main temple might have noticed the changing conditions for the boss strategy.

Irrespective of that, given that the main force was continuing with the strategy, it's likely not a dangerous situation.

Whether Altanus or Benigore, the potential to use Dractarius as an allied NPC has arisen. And within these two routes, the answers lie with Templar Bahamut. The first step is to weaken his power.

'It would be better to handle it here if possible... but the risk is too high.'

In this world, he was a hero. The continent gradually faced its end after my departure, becoming more dire after Benigore or I entered the Iron Maiden. When Lucifer naturally prepared to abandon the continent.

To put it bluntly, if the continent met its doom in a different way, it might not be the future I know.

'He was a shield to protect the continent until I or Benigore entered the Iron Maiden he guarded it.'

From the start, there was no way to kill him either.

"Priest, might you reconsider?"

"It's fine, Dractarius."

"...."

"This is what Lucifer desires. Whether what I've seen and confirmed will become the future starting from now, I cannot know. Just as Archbishop and the other bishops say, I'm not sure if I truly qualify as the Prophet, but..."

"...."

"If what goddess Lucifer granted me is true, there must be a reason. I might be able to discover the cause of Templar Bahamut's corruption or maybe prevent his fall. At this point, what's most necessary is getting closer to him. I... I've only known him for a very short time, but... I don't think he truly abandoned Lucifer."

"...."

"Archbishop Dractarius is concerned about something. While I do agree with the suggestion that there might be safer and more reasonable alternatives... at the moment, I think this is the only course of action I can take."

"Priest..."

"If, even if he truly abandoned Lucifer..."

"At the very least, how about mobilizing Templar Jenny or other guard units?"

Although not a bad idea, shaking my head was the appropriate response. There were external reasons why I didn't want to make him overly cautious.

"P-Priest. Archbishop Dractarius's words are correct. As you said, it would be great if nothing happened, but... just in case... just in case a dangerous situation arises..."

"I'm merely spending time with him, Templar Jenny."

"...."

"Templar Jenny, there's no need to worry. Nothing like that will happen, so you can rest assured."

"But, Priest!"

"I've mentioned it before as well... I am not a special person, Templar Jenny. Please remember that."

With those words, I slowly took a step back.

The contorted expressions on their faces were noticeable, as if they were looking at someone being sold off somewhere.

Yet, the Priest doesn't shy away from the destiny bestowed upon him. Fearful and daunting as it may be, he understand what's truly important.

Putting on a seemingly bright smile that appears inconsequential is only natural. With that radiant smile, I greet the guest waiting for me.

"Templar Bahamut!"

In a more spirited voice.

Under normal circumstances, that lad wouldn't have appeared in the church until the third day. While I couldn't ascertain the exact schedule, it seems that yesterday's encounter was somewhat enjoyable.

'To be honest, it's hard not to find it entertaining.'

There's no Goddess's Hand Mirror or any games in this town. Especially in the underground temple, it would be quite dull interacting with the priests and their units.

With someone I can have a conversation with after a long time, the outsiders who only know Lucifer will probably go wild.

"You've arrived."

"I saw you from a distance, Templar Bahamut..."

"Hahaha..."

His somewhat awkward smile caught my eye. Though we exchanged only a few words, the atmosphere is definitely better than yesterday.

It seems his swordsmanship lessons have helped build rapport. There's no hint of awkwardness; it's natural and comfortable.

'If you drink a few glasses and get closer, you'd feel more at ease, right?'

We've already surpassed that stage.

"Archbishop Dractarius."

"Templar Bahamut."

Meanwhile, the two pillars of the underground shrine are facing each other.

With more time passing, it would likely become more awkward, so I had to intervene between them.

"I will spend some time with Templar Bahamut and then come back. Archbishop Dractarius."

"Yes. Understood, Priest Lee Kiyoung."

While there was plenty to do at the church, there were priorities. Regarding tasks and greetings, I've left them largely in Metel's hands.

Seeing him surrounded by people, engaged in conversation already, I think he's managing fairly well.

'Dractarius's side will also move.'

Gathering strength, planning for the future. That's the impression I'm getting.

Rather than constantly being seen by Dractarius's side, it's more helpful to subtly disappear. We need to secure the magic duke and the princess's favor.

Of course, suddenly leaving would look a bit odd. So, it's better to gradually establish connections while mingling with others.

"Hahahaha!"

The laughter continues today as well.

"Indeed, the meaning was hidden within Lucifer's words. Impressive, Priest Lee Kiyoung."

"It's just a personal interpretation. How could my words replace Lucifer's?"

"No need to be overly humble. Hahaha. I did say it was clearly a personal interpretation. Then... would it be alright to inquire how Lord Bahamut thinks about this?"

"Before hearing the story, I understood Lucifer's words as they were... but upon hearing Priest's words, it felt like there was a hidden meaning."

"You possess remarkable knowledge. By the way, even after coming down to the underground Temple..."

"Rumors about your continuous study in the library have reached various ears."

"I was curious about the library in the underground Temple..."

"Hahaha."

Of course, today's purpose is not to engage in a tooth-and-nail battle with the people here.

Though we're laughing together, I subtly display discomfort. To others, I probably look like the usual Lee Kiyoung, but Bahamut's face, which showed a genuine smile throughout the day yesterday, seems uneasy.

He keeps glancing at me as if he has something to say and tries to leave this uncomfortable place.

"Are you alright, Priest?"

Such a question is only natural.

"Yes, I'm fine,"

I said, but my expression is far from it.

"How about taking a short walk to get some fresh air?"

I nods as if I had been waiting for that.

"You seemed quite frustrated."

"Huh?"

"Earlier, I mean."

"Huh? That can't be..."

"I might be mistaken, but... it just felt that way. Like something was bothering you..."

"...."

For a while, not saying anything was expected. I couldn't rush to speak.

But as always, I had to eventually break the silence. And I did, with a visibly anxious expression.

"In fact..."

"...."

"How should I put this... I don't know... but... from time to time, strange scenes appear."

"...."

Just like yesterday.

"Even though we were clearly looking at the same place, one of my eyes seemed to be focused elsewhere. You might think I'm crazy, but ever since I received Lady Lucifer's oracle, I've been seeing strange things in my eyes. Yes. Things that will happen in the future... I don't know if they are in the near future or the distant future, but they pass like illusions, events that seem to inevitably unfold."

A secret I've cherished, not telling anyone.

It might be foolish. Sharing such words with someone I met just a day ago is quite irrational.

But I had no one else to rely on. In the underground temple, I was alone.

Having privately agonized over this, the newfound friendship with Bahamut made me open up. He closed his mouth and looked at me.

"I'm sorry. It's an unbelievable thing."

"...."

"Ha... Hahaha... actually, it was a joke. Bahamut. My joke was a bit..."

"I believe you."

"Huh?"

"I think I can believe it."

He nodded.

"Right, I thought you'd believe me."

I probably thought he would.

He had also sought the divine vision.

Seeing the moment when wings spread behind the priest descending from the surface, the radiance in one of his eyes, and the divine light that spread from his entire body—a description that was difficult to put into words.

If he didn't believe my words, who would believe me?

"Are you really?"

"Yes, I believe you, Priest."

Was it the relief from tension? I felt a sense of relief as my legs relaxed. Tears pooled in my eyes as if to represent the struggles I had endured.

"Excuse me, but may I ask what you saw?"

"That...?"

"If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to tell me."

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"No, Bahamut."

"...."

"I can't tell you right now... but..."

"...."

"You need to distance yourself from the power."

With those words, a loud "Boom!" followed by an explosion resounded. Suddenly, an explosive eruption engulfed me.

Of course, I could remain calm. After all, he would protect me.

What I saw resembled the fires of hell—black flames that appeared incredibly ominous, flames that seemed like they could devour everything in sight.

"Ah!"

"Danger!"

Hidden in the underworld, an unidentified sorcerer created...

[Inferno Bomb Potion Given by a Myth-level Being]

It was a high-level potion.