Regressor's Instructions Manual 966
Altanus (3)
If this invitation isn't just an ordinary one, and if we assume it's not just a passing event...
If I assume that it's something more than just an event...
The reason for me coming to the past becomes clear.
Everything that happens has a reason behind it.
Just like how the Masked Hero left behind guidance for me, I too must prepare guidance for the Masked Hero and for the present.
In order for Result B to be achieved, Action A is required.
Although information is still lacking, the outline of what I must do is becoming clearer.
In the past, Benigore was nothing more than a servant girl known as Atenta. She was even an ordinary servant without a given name.
The first thing I must do is give her a name, and then I must strengthen her so she can establish herself as a Benigore.
Then comes...
'Can I see it as something that weakens the power of Altanus, the Saint?'
The beginning of everything happening now was the downfall of Altanus, the Saint. Because of the reduction in her power and sanctity, everything begins.
That is the underlying picture that fits the puzzle pieces together. Due to her downfall, the Templars' numbers decrease, and because she lost her power, they seek Altanus' blood.
As a result, the Templars reach out to the succession ritual, and Altanus enters the Iron Maiden herself, ultimately leading the continent of the past to its ruin.
Currently overseeing the continent is...
Lucifer.
She has not successfully managed the continent, and the civilization and religion she established will be concealed in shadows.
What follows is the Altanus Church, a new civilization, a new continent, a new Church.
The reason why the Altanus Sect, which was buried underground, came to be above ground is unknown.
'Perhaps that's my role as well.'
Time is short. But after refining and establishing the teachings of the Altanus Church, it might be possible to present them on the surface.
'This is something that must definitely happen.'
The birth of Altanus must unquestionably occur. It doesn't matter whether she wants it or not.
After entering the Iron Maiden herself, she must ascend to the position of the deity overseeing the continent, leaving behind her physical body. Only then...
'She will send Kim Hyun-seong back.'
After witnessing the tale of a hero and falling in love, Altanus' existence, which she sacrificed herself for, will be erased. [[He is saying that Altanus fell for the hero, Hyun Sung.]]
Altanus' will continues through Benigore, and so the second cycle begins.
The timeline that led up to this moment feels like it's playing out in my mind.
Of course, there are many aspects that still need refining.
Whether the pendant obtained from the Mirror Lake is an agreement between the Masked Hero and her, or if it's Altanus' unilateral action, or if it's something I must design for the second cycle... There's nothing certain.
Perhaps everything will naturally fall into place even without my intervention.
The downfall of the Saint, the downfall of Lucifer, the rise of the Altanus Sect – the system's compulsion might interfere in all these events.
But I can't be 100% certain. I never knew what the system wanted, and honestly... For now, it's best to take action regardless. Rather than just sitting and observing...
'This is better.'
Moving feels more comfortable. The reason I shared Benigore's name with Atenta was for this very reason. However...
"I don't... I don't like it."
"...."
Nothing in this world is as simple as it seems.
"You were more impolite than I thought."
'Why are you suddenly saying that?'
"Is it because the person you cherished in the past resembles me?"
What is she talking about?
"So, that's why you called me Benigore as soon as you saw me? I don't know if there's any connection with that Benigore person, but...It seems that person resembled me a lot... Of course, I understand your sentiment, Priest... I'm here to substitute for others...."
A strange storytelling seemed to have taken shape in my mind.
"That's not what it means."
"Then..."
"Benigore... That word means 'Brilliant Sky.'"
"A Brilliant Sky..."
Although I mentioned it casually, the effect was sufficient.
"A Brilliant... Sky..."
Even her bewildered expression is visible. I had indeed complimented her beauty in a way that couldn't be ignored.
From the very start, did I subconsciously refrain from uttering the word "Benigore"?
If someone were to look at themselves and describe their impression as a Brilliant Sky, she could only react this way. Perhaps she felt slightly embarrassed and awkward.
I couldn't know exactly what Benigore was thinking, but she seems to be taking my offhand comment positively. Soon, she cautiously spoke.
"I... suppose you can call me Benigore..."
"Well, it's so I can see Atenta, no, Benigore again next time... "
"I mean, because Atenta, who serves the gods in the underground shrine, isn't just me... I can understand your intentions, Priest. Despite your appearance being different... Well, I always knew you were proactive, but you surprised me with how proactive you are. I don't know if I can respond to your feelings just yet, but... anyway, please know that I take it positively."
"Then, Benigore."
"Hey! Please stop calling me Benigore. It's... embarrassing. It's really embarrassing. I'm thankful that you find me attractive to that extent, but to call me a Brilliant Sky... Surface people... are too proactive."
"Will you come here tomorrow?"
"Give me some time to think... Please don't expect too much. I... I have high standards for men."
"...."
"Well... then..."
With those words, she seemed to cheerfully run toward the exit. It was obvious that she was running too hurriedly, as she stumbled and fell with a thud.
I had been watching, but I couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of her character nature.
Of course, I couldn't just keep staring at her back. I needed to verify the facts of my theory.
If it were indeed true that I, being in this place, could exert influence over the future...
'I should conduct a simple experiment.'
I had left a letter for the expedition members.
A considerable amount of time had passed, so the 1st assault team might have entered the 8th floor of the underground library.
Katsugano Yuno would have informed the General about the remaining letters...
Though on different points of the timeline, she and I were standing in the same place.
I took out an alchemy kit from my bag and cautiously prepared the ground.
[Creating a Hidden Quest of Hero Rank.]
[Warning from the Past - Hero Rank]
[[[Someone from the past warns you, the one who discovered this place. If you've found this place, you must undoubtedly be someone who has come here to protect the continent. You must have come here to stand against the evil threatening the continent. I understand that this is not an easy and rewarding task. This secret place is a gift for those like you. A legacy passed down from the past to the heroes who will arrive here in the future. I pray that the brilliance will accompany your future.]]]
[Quest Reward: Potion Passed Down from the Past]
'This should be sufficient, right?'
After preparing the ground, I placed a few potions with decent effects inside. Since it was a hero-ranked quest, it would be best to select a few items that could be used immediately.
After closing the ground again, I didn't forget to tidy up thoroughly.
I didn't want any traces to be discovered, so I covered some dust here and there, and finally sealed it all with the potion.
Same with the prepared quest placed on top of it, the preparation was complete.
It was a simple trick commonly seen even in ordinary dungeons. Quests of the type like Easter Eggs, Hidden Quests, and Hidden Pieces.
Given how well-hidden they were, the rewards were rather lacking, but I think this level is reasonable. It was a quest open not only to Jincheong but to everyone.
It's possible that someone from the past passing through the library might discover this place. Of course, I didn't believe that there would be someone crazy enough to unearth the treated ground. However, there could be cases where someone accidentally trips over a book and discovers it.
In that sense, listing the potion as a reward made rational sense. If someone from the past discovers it, they might become so delighted as if they found a hidden piece.
Since it's a valuable item, they wouldn't have just turned it over, claiming to have analyzed the potion's ingredients. '
No, that's possible too.'
I didn't really think that the ingredient analysis would be carried out properly, but what if an alchemist who successfully analyzed it appears?
What if this potion, entering the hands of a genius alchemist, triggers an alchemy boom throughout the continent?
What if the librarian, who is presumably a boss monster in this area, throws the potion? It was a pointless thought, but my sensitivity towards butterfly effects had me considering it.
Even small actions can easily turn the future upside down. It's unlikely to cause a typhoon with a flap of a wing, but more things than you think can change.
It's a moment when I can't help but worry if I impulsively created a quest. Tapping my thigh while looking around, the judgment was that now was the time to endure the risk.
'If I do nothing out of fear of the butterfly effect, I might as well listen to nonsense.'
"General Jin, please..."
Sitting in one spot for several hours, I tried reading books for church preparation and information gathering, but I couldn't concentrate.
"Priest, would you like dinner...?"
"It's fine, Templar Jenny."
The fellow had come down again to observe my side.
"I'm concerned that your health might deteriorate, Priest."
"Books are nourishment for the soul, as they say. Templar Jenny. This is also a form of practice, so don't worry too much."
"Still..."
"...."
"Priest."
"If you're truly concerned, then perhaps a small piece of bread..."
"Yes! I will do that."
I had to bring it to unnecessary mealtime.
"By the way, Templar Jenny."
"Yes?"
"Have you ever heard of Atenta, the one with brown hair and freckles?"
"I'm sorry. Priest, I've never had a proper conversation with Atentas."
Of course, there were also good conversations...
'Perhaps he's still targeting the library's librarian.' [["He", JinCheong.]]
Or maybe he hasn't reached this far yet. Although I thought it might be good to find some relaxation, my time here was limited.
It was not only the basement of the library but also elsewhere where I might consider setting up a trick.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to place something there that had a higher probability of being discovered? At that moment, I had the thought.
[Hero-ranked quest, "Warning from the Past," has been completed.]
I couldn't confirm whether it was true or not. Nevertheless, I had to raise the corners of my lips for the time being.
*****
[Discovered the Hero-ranked hidden quest, "Warning from the Past."]
"What on earth is this fool getting himself into...?"
[The quest is completed automatically.]