In Celatria, there were six primary deities who were worshiped in the western nations.
Pyladae, the God of Strength. Edranora, the Goddess of Dexterity. Tertrane, the God of Constitution. Yrdenleid, the God of Intelligence. Medeanyria, the Goddess of Wisdom. Blestianora, the Goddess of Charisma.
These deities were known as the "Six Pillars." According to the world's mythology, all other deities were derived from these six, including the one that I was currently struggling with.
Krynera, the Goddess of Protection.
I had a little run-in with her a couple days ago, but back then, my Corruption was still under 99.
Now?
I couldn't even get inside this goddamn town!
Just a few hours ago, we'd spotted a small village in the distance. The locals called it Yasterton, and Antenora decided it'd be a pretty decent stop for us. It had a place to rest, shops that sold fresh food, and it was still decently out of the way.
Just not out of the way enough.
"Ow! What the hell!?"
There was a very audible "thunk" as I walked straight into an invisible barrier. I was on the main road that led into the village along with Lucrezia and company, but I was the only one who was stopped.
"Huh? Ryuuko, what's wrong?" Lucrezia turned, a confused look on her face.
I tapped the barrier, the sound similar to something of a muffled thump.
"I can't get through."
"...This certainly is the first time I have encountered such a barrier." Antenora remarked as she curiously reached a hand toward me. She passed through the barrier as if it wasn't even there.
"It's, uh... Are you guys familiar with Corruption?"
I probably should have been more concerned about the bells that were ringing inside the town even as I asked that question, but honestly, what were they gonna do?
Kill me?
Yeah, good luck with that. I could see the guards' shoddy spears over the town's walls even as they were beginning to assemble.
"Hm...? You mean 'Reputation', right?"
I had to ask twice to make sure I wasn't hearing things. Apparently, "Corruption" and "Reputation" sounded like the same words to them.
Before I could even ask a follow-up question, the thrumming of hooves echoed from inside of the town as a man suited in armor burst through the town's gate, accompanied by a bunch of peasants with spears and white-robed men who I assumed to be priests.
Lucrezia and Antenora quickly made their way to my side with Priya following in tow. Their hoods were up, obscuring their Demonic features.
"Stand where you are, criminal scum!" A booming voice came from the inside of the knight's helmet as he reined in his horse.
"Sorry, what?"
Alright. I might've killed a few people, but that did NOT mean I was a criminal. They were cultists, for fuck's sake!
"This town is under the protection of Krynera, Goddess of Protection! You shall not gain entry, foul criminal! Now begone, lest I take my blade to your hide! This is the only mercy I give you as a Paladin of Krynera."
From what I recall, [Paladin] was a class that gave you a pretty good boost to your physical stats and charisma, but next to nothing when it came to intelligence.
Looks like that's a pretty accurate description. Can't he sense how much stronger I am?
I'd already inspected him with [Complete Analysis] the moment he rode through the gate, and he really wasn't anything impressive. In fact, he was weaker than Reginault who I had slain with ease.
With her increased skill levels, I was pretty sure even Priya could give him a run for his money.
I crossed my arms. "I'm not a goddamn criminal. In fact, I consider myself a rather upstanding citizen of this realm."
Obviously, that was bullshit. Based on what I'd seen so far, I didn't really want to be a part of this country at all.
"Yet, you cannot pass Krynera's barrier. What more proof do I require? This is your last chance, Demon sympathizer. Leave, or face me in combat."
Demon sympathizer? What the fuck is that supposed to mean? From the looks of it, he hasn't realized that Lucrezia, Antenora, and Priya aren't human, right?
The hiss of metal against leather rang sharply against the stagnant afternoon air. A glistening silver blade was now pointed toward me, and I squinted a little as steel caught sunlight.
What an absolute pain in the ass.
"Fine then. Let's throw down."
I could sense the hesitation in the paladin's posture as the tip of his sword dropped slightly. It wasn't a response that he expected, and I understood why.
He was mounted and dressed in full armor whereas the only thing I had on was a set of weird clothes. It was obvious that anyone else would've chosen the more sane option of retreating.
Just as the paladin was about to urge his mount forward, there was the sound of shouting coming from behind the town's gate. All the effort that was used to close it was now wasted as they saw themselves opening up once again.
"Wait, stop!"
Huh...? That voice is kinda familiar, isn't it?
"What manner of devilry is this?" The paladin frowned, turning slightly to look at the commotion. The tip of his blade didn't waver this time.
I never thought I'd see him again, but only one person would wear that ridiculous green outfit paired with a purple cape.
Huh. Whaddya know? Sometimes things don't have to end in violence.
"Cyrus!" I called out. "It's been a while, hasn't it? What the heck are you doing here?"
"Nevermind me!" He ran up to the paladin, stopping beside the man's mount and breathing hard. Once he caught his breath, he looked up at the man. "Hey, what the hell are you doing? That's the Hero of Erdes!"
[Congratulations! You have earned a title: Hero of Erdes.]
Wait... What?
There was a long pause as the paladin appraised me. Silence settled around us, the only sounds being Cyrus' labored breathing and the occasional whisper being heard amongst the priests and the townspeople.
Eventually, the paladin turned his blade away from me and sheathed it.
"...I sense no ill intent, but that would explain it. So you were the one who killed those cultists." He let out a long sigh.
"It is strange, though. As designated enemies of the state, killing them should not have caused your Corruption to rise as a registered adventurer of Ardene."
"I'm, uh... I'm not a registered adventurer."
"You... WHAT!? That's impossible! How did you get strong enough to wipe out the cultists then!?"
Oh. Shit. I forgot that leveling was actually regulated by the state here. Well... Fuck. What do I say here?
"I think I can handle the questioning from here, Paladin Briarhart."
The paladin regarded him for a moment before handing something to Cyrus and nodding, wheeling his horse around expertly and setting it into a canter back to the gate.
Thankfully, the priests and the villager mob followed him as well.
Nice save, Cyrus! Can't imagine why he'd listen to you, but I guess we're about to find out.
"Fancy meeting you here, Ryuuko."
Although Cyrus' tone was casual, the playful smile on his face said that this was anything but a coincidence.
"Yeah, sure thing. You gonna let me through or what?"
Cyrus nodded and passed me a small silver medal. Apparently, it was known as a "Daudhmyrk" which was a badge often given to criminals or individuals with more unsavory professions who were granted special permissions by the regional lord.
With the daudhmyrk, I was finally able to pass through the barrier. Lucrezia and the others let out small sighs of relief upon seeing this. I guess they were really looking forward to sleeping in an actual bed for once.
As Cyrus led us through the village, I couldn't help but feel the wary gazes of the villagers boring through my back.
It felt just like them.
Back then, every time I walked down the hallway, they'd stare as if I was some freak of nature. On a good day, they jeer at me or crack their stupid little jokes. Usually, they threw unfinished milk at me or worse.
Sure, my clothes smelled funny and I couldn't afford your fancy-ass shampoo.
So fucking what? Did that make me any less human than the rest of you? Is poverty a fucking crime?
Just what the fuck are you looking at, huh?
A warm touch closing around my hand pierced through the miasma that was clouding my head. It was only when I opened my eyes to gaze upon Lucrezia that I realized they had been wrenched shut.
Looking around, I could see that the villagers had all prostrated themselves on the ground. Priya was hiding behind Antenora, and even Lucrezia was shaking slightly.
The only one who was completely fine was Cyrus.
I could probably guess what had happened, but right now, my attention was completely focused on Lucrezia's crimson eyes.
"Ryuuko, are you alright...?" Although Lucrezia's hands were trembling, she looked me in the eyes, determined to ascertain my well-being.
I felt a warmth that blossomed in my heart and slowly suffused my entire being.
I need to let go of the past...
"Yeah. Just some... bad memories."
I gave her the best grin I could muster, but I don't think she bought it because she kept my hand in hers for the rest of the trip.
We only found out our destination when we arrived. It was a small building that was nestled between the town hall and a forest. The interior was well-kept, and it was pretty clear that this was something of temporary residence coupled with an office in the front.
After the five of us stepped inside, Cyrus locked the door behind us before seating himself behind a large desk. There were two chairs in front of the desk and a sofa to the side of the room.
He motioned for me to take a seat while he allowed Lucrezia and the others to seat themselves on the sofa.
"That was some mighty strong killing intent that you were giving off earlier. I think a few of the townspeople pissed themselves."
"Yeah, my bad... The past doesn't want to let go of me just yet."
Cyrus nodded, his gaze somewhat distant for a moment. "Well, if you're done getting it out of your system, how about we get started?"
"On what? Are you interrogating me or something? Don't tell me you're actually one of the kingdom's spies."
He laughed.
"Not exactly, but I don't just have a bunch of information in my noggin just for show, y'know? By the way, why didn't you come back to Erdes for your reward?"
"An emergency came up. Get on with it." I said as I noticed Priya yawn in my peripheral vision.
Cyrus nodded. His jovial personality was nowhere to be seen anymore. Instead, he wore the intense expression of a seasoned negotiator and businessperson. Although his combat abilities were next to none, the aura that he projected right now was powerful enough to make even a weakling like him seem dangerous.
"Very well. First, I must apologize for not fully introducing myself when we met. I am Cyrus Eavescrest, assigned Ranger to Princess Sella of Ardene. Let me make this brief: I want you, Ryuuko."