For some reason, just thinking about the past caused my entire body to tremble. I wasn't angry; instead, I was deeply struggling to understand.
"I'm not mistaken."
Undoubtedly, the impulse to help others was a natural human inclination.
Each person in the slums had a different reason for living there; no one chose to do so voluntarily. Others sustained incapacitating wounds from prior hunts, while some were ignored by guilds or tribes. Some had taken to the streets as a result of ill family members or a lack of job opportunities.
In essence, it was society that had driven them to this point. The Holy Empire of Lindel—or rather, the entire Area itself—was fundamentally flawed.
This was a society that failed to protect the vulnerable, an egoistic community. Despite promises of welfare benefits for the majority, the destitute received none.
In this realm where self-interest reigned supreme, someone had to step forward.
"Well... As a priest, you have the liberty to interpret things your own way. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to have some safety measures in place. One can never predict when or how an unfortunate incident might occur."
"Why do you believe that?"
"On the contrary, why don't you share the same perspective?"
"You fail to grasp my viewpoint because you aren't observing them attentively."
"My stance remains unaltered. It's actually you who's failing to perceive them accurately. It's not just about aiding those who are downtrodden and needy. True help should be extended to those who strive to rise, not those resigned to the ground."
"I don't wish to entertain such discourse any longer."
"Fine, fine. I'll desist."
"Then, as you suggested, I'll leave. However, I trust you'll uphold your end of the bargain."
"Indeed. Whether I do or don't, farewell."
It wasn't even worth dignifying him with a response. Accepting his proposition and immersing myself within the slums' populace wouldn't alter a thing.
There was no necessity to dignify his nonchalant offer with a response. Nevertheless, a solitary motive fueled my willingness to venture into the slums alone.
"I wasn't mistaken."
I yearned to demonstrate to that individual that I wasn't in error. A distinction certainly existed between remote observation and intimate immersion in their lives and struggles.
An elderly couple had tearfully expressed gratitude for my assistance, while a young child had plucked me some flowers in appreciation.
Over nearly two years, I had borne witness to countless experiences that eluded that man. The people and I had shared conversations and companionship over time.
With each stride, an ever-darker ambiance engulfed me. Something had shifted, but I couldn't ascertain what. While these streets were familiar to me from repeated walks, an underlying transformation was perceptible.
It was mealtime, yet no one lingered openly in the streets. This was customary, but a disconcerting alteration was evident.
The noxious scent characteristic of the slums reached my nostrils, but I had long grown accustomed to it. As I continued my journey, the once-familiar figures of the helpless folk I'd aided came into view. Some conversed animatedly, while others surveyed their surroundings.
Families tending to their children caught my attention, alongside couples strolling hand in hand.
In this aspect, the man was accurate. This was a community, albeit lacking modern amenities, decent dining establishments, or habitable lodgings.
Venturing further, a throng of individuals drew my focus.
"The plaza, huh..."
It hardly met the criteria for a genuine square; instead, it was just a space where people would naturally gather. It lacked distinguishing characteristics but served as a metaphor for the refuge that the poor sought.
Taking a discreet position along one side, a familiar face came into view.
This individual was among those that man had employed. I was puzzled why he was here instead of working. Perhaps, something had transpired?
As I quietly observed, a clamor reached my ears.
"Kim! Why didn't you work today?"
"Yeah, what's the deal?"
"Guy hired me, so..."
"Ahh, I get it now."
"And then..."
"It was rather taxing. Simply moving rocks, yet it didn't seem to suit me."
"How so? Weren't you aiming for a fresh start?"
"Yes, I had, but... I found no disparity between toiling there or relying on these handouts."
"If anyone associated with her hears you... Be cautious."
"Listen, I don't think I'll show up today... It feels like a waste to work for nothing."
"The priest wasn't around today. Is she unwell?"
"Is it possible for the priest to fall sick?"
"It's feasible. Regardless of her clerical status, she's a woman. Perhaps, it's her natural cycle."
"Sounds plausible."
Curious, I strained to catch every word. The casual manner in which they spoke astounded me.
"Right..."
"Seems like she's repulsed."
"Ah! N-No..."
Concealing his face with one hand, the individual who should've been laboring departed the plaza. I wasn't certain why they dispersed.
Yet, I had a hunch that I shouldn't linger.
More accurately, I wished to disengage from their conversation. However, I couldn't ruminate on these thoughts at once.
"You tamed them." The man's words echoed within my mind, almost as if invoking a spell. Gradually, a new perception emerged as I delved deeper into the slums.
"I'll offer you a deal."
"The allure of money is remarkable."
Couples walking hand in hand no longer appeared romantic; one pair comprised a middle-aged man and a prostitute.
"Is this all there is?"
"Yes, I apologize."
"The children are absent..."
"Ahhh!"
The apparent caretaker of the children hadn't been supervising them at all.
Street dwellers guzzled cheap alcohol, their conversations a mix of criticism and harassment. Some men subjected women to unwelcome advances.
"Hey!"
An array of profanities reverberated from every corner.
"Such language comes naturally to them..."
Each locale seemed identical. Individuals I'd believed I knew exhibited entirely different personas.
Suddenly, a realization took root, setting my nerves on edge.
"What if he's right?"
"What if I'm mistaken?"
"What if what I perceived was merely a fraction, and his perspective encapsulated everything?"
"Did I truly misinterpret things from the beginning?" My thoughts whirled uncontrollably.
Until now, I had lamented my elevated position, far removed from their struggles. My immunity from such maltreatment arose due to the protective circle of formidable individuals clad in refined attire.
Now, the scenario has shifted. I was embodying someone else. At that moment, the peril of this undertaking, as forewarned by the man, dawned upon me.
"I must leave."
This decision solidified, but an ominous voice sounded behind me, causing me to halt in my tracks.
"Stay still if you don't wish to be stabbed."
A shiver raced down my spine. The presence of a blade pressed against my back intensified my unease.
"What do you desire?"
"Scum."
I comprehended the situation despite the chilling blade at my back. Magic was at my disposal, yet I refrained from uttering any spells. The unforeseen circumstance rendered me motionless, my legs quivering.
Inaction prompted a forceful blow that sent me sprawling, a gasp escaping my lips.
Before I could rise, strong fingers ensnared my hair. Desperate glances sought aid from the nearby onlookers. Familiar faces met my gaze—individuals I'd supplied with relief. They should've known this was wrong. But none extended a hand; instead, they averted their eyes, smirking.
"Save me, please..."
Fists descended upon me, pain overriding my ability to cry out. Words of divine power remained unspoken, for a brawny fist loomed threateningly before me.
"Ahhhhh!"
"Help me, anyone..."
"Everyone here wants the same. You think they'll assist you? Are you that naive?"
"Ah... No."
"Did you venture here alone, oblivious to the danger? How clueless can you be?"
His words denoted only a portion of the slums. This revelation differentiated his perspective from mine. The man was referring specifically to the western region.
What has transformed this sector into a no-go zone? I'd frequented these parts during my volunteer efforts.
Without warning, a colossal visage appeared in front of me.
"I might fetch a fair price for you."
The colossal vissage's facial burn was hard to miss, an injury that had seemingly gone untreated. The stench from his breath and person was nauseating.
"Wow..."
"she seems repulsed."
"Ah! N-No..."
My head spun anew. Pain blossomed on my left cheek.
"Do you find me repulsive?!"
"Ah!"
"Answer me! Do I disgust you?!"
"Please... Please spare me! I've nowhere else to turn..."
"Will you pretend to be ignorant? I doubt that."
"This... Please don't."
"Do you comprehend the peril of traversing these streets alone at night?"
"Please..."
"I won't take your life, don't worry. I've other intentions in store for you."
I understood the situation roughly, despite the ominous blade directed at me. Though my ability to counter the threat with magic was within reach, my tongue refused the necessary incantations. This unexpected turn left me shaking in the face of danger.
As I hesitated, the man struck me once more, propelling me sideways.
"Ah!"
My hair was gripped in a vice-like grip before I could restore my bearings. Faces I recognized from my volunteer work wore curious looks. But no one offered assistance; they only pointed and laughed.
"Please... Help..."
"Hey, who do you think can aid you? If help is what you seek, approach the clan vigilantes nearby. Among us, no one will assist."
"Please..."
"How foolish. Tsk."
"Help me..."
Onlookers wore expressions of fascination, their amusement evident. None intended to lend a hand.
"It's perilous."
"No... No..."
"Perpetrators in their own right."
"Help me. Someone, please..."
I turned and met the person whose eyes I held with hate.