Sai steadily walks out of the Frostwood Forest.
A crusader stood stationed at the edge of the forest.
The crusader donned a white tunic adorned with a sheep symbol, along with a helmet concealing their face. His arms and legs were encased in protective armor.
Sai recognized the individual as a crusader rather than a knight because he bore the symbol of the Fairy Religion, which happens to be a sheep.
The crusader moved toward Sai and he put his hand together like the praying hand sign. “Hello Hero. We are crusaders belonging to the Fairy Religion, sent on a mission to aid Archbishop Ruben.”
“Alright..”
“If you don’t mind. May I have the honor to shake your hand,” The crusader asked as he extended his hand.
“...Sure,” Sai shaked the crusader's hand.
Even without his helmet on, Sai could feel the smile radiant off the crusader face.
Sai started walking, “I will be going now.”
Crusader followed Sai step. “Allow me to escort you to the Archbishop and Master Rowana.”
Sai nodded his head, “Sure.”
As Sai walked he was met with an army of crusaders, priests and nuns. The crusaders were level 20 while the priests and nuns were level 1.
Sai could feel everyone staring at him.
The crusader escorted him to a large tent.
Sai stepped into the tent and found Archbishop Ruben and Rowana seated by a wooden table.
Rowana was the first to speak when Sai entered the tent. “How was the test?”
Sai then said with a straight face, “It was a peaceful and soothing stroll through the woods.”
“Please take a seat,” Archbishop Ruben said. “We can have dinner first and then have our conversation.”
Sai took a seat on a wooden chair.
A hole appeared near the Archbishop, in which the Archbishop pulled out a plate full of food. He set the meal in front of Rowana, then another plate before Sai, and finally, himself. Next, he produced utensils for everyone seated at the table.
The Archbishop continued to pull out two wine glasses and a wine bottle. One was for Rowana and another for the Archbishop. A Pespi can was pulled out from the hole and placed infront of Sai.
Sai held the Pespi can in his hand, “Pepsi, I thought I would never taste you again,” Sai said with fondness in his voice.
“A priest from the Fairy Religion purchased the beverage from one of three Emerald Country Heroes, known as Item Drop,” Archbishop said. “We were fortunate enough to acquire even this , especially with how... guarded that hero is.”
The plate of food in front of Sai was shrimp, broccoli and rice. His favorite food was shrimp.
The three didn’t talk and savored their meals.
Sai admitted that this meal was the most enjoyable he had experienced since arriving in this world.
When the plate was empty, Sai sighed remorsefully. It was a shame it ended so quickly.
Archbishop Ruben began by saying, “I can't give you my proposal without first asking about your knowledge of the current situation in the Northeastern Nation. Can you share any information you may have regarding the political conditions in this country or its relationships with neighboring nations?”
“The Sapphire Principality wants to start a war with the Ruby Republic. That’s what I know without going over too much in detail on the reason the war is occuring. Like the Princess fearing the technological leap that the Ruby Republic is going through and their hostile history both countries share with each other.”
The Archbishop nodded, “This is one of the causes. Another factor motivating the Sapphire Principality to start the war is the looming threat of the Demon Invasion. Due to this impending threat, other nations are reluctant to assist the Ruby Republic in their upcoming war with the Sapphire Principality.”
"That's really unfair," Sai said. Acknowledging the validity of the grim situation. Sai believed that the Princess wished to avoid fighting multiple nations at the same time. However with the Demon Invasion on the horizon. Other countries are afraid to use their military in the fear of being overwhelmed by the Demon Invasion.
“Regardless of the outcome of the war, the Fairy Religion has lost confidence in the Northeastern Nations ability to survive the Demon Invasion. The Sapphire Principality, Ruby Republic and Emerald Country are in danger of being destroyed,” the Archbishop said in a solemn tone.
“Are you asking me to kill the Princess?”
“Eliminating the Princess won't bring an end to the war. The Ruby Republic congress hates the Sapphire Principality monarchy with insane passion. The Ruby Republic is eager to wage war with the Sapphire Principality just as much as the Sapphire Principality wants to wage war with the Ruby Republic. The war is an inevitability. Our goal is that the people of the Northeastern Nations will endure the war and the subsequent Demon Invasion that follows. The people and the Fairy Religion are about to experience a significant challenging ordeal,” The Archbishop said with his face showing his frustration.
“What are you expecting me to do?”
“The first step is to build your reputation. I want you to enter the Northern Dukedom Tournament and emerge as the victor. This will showcase your strength as a hero to the public.This will garner support not only from the general population and followers of the Fairy Religion but also from the nobility and influential figures within the nation.”
Rowana spoke, “You do know it is too late for him to enter the Tournament.”
“We are the Fairy Religions, We can pull some strings and have him qualify in the finals,” Archbishop Ramus said proudly.
Rowana looked to Sai and asked, “Do you want to go to the Tournament?”
Sai didn’t take long to think about if he wanted to participate in the Tournament. “I don’t want to join the Tournament. It is simply too dangerous and I will be hunted down by local authorities or worse the Princess Royal Guards.”
“We can make countermeasures and hide your identity in the tournament. You also have the crusaders to back you up.”
“That’s not the only reason I reject this plan,” Sai said shaking his head, “As a hero, I was treated like garbage. So much so that I didn’t even want to be a hero. If you intend to persuade me to embrace the hero's path, I'd much prefer a hero's role like Robin Hood. Taking from the rich and giving them to the poor. It would be satisfying if those I'm stealing from happen to be people who have wronged me in the past.”
“That sounds more like a criminal,” the Archbishop said.
Rowana grinned, “Oh, I like that idea. There is a Hero Relic in the possession of the Northern Duke, that we can steal the Staff of Moses.”
Sai grinned back, “I can already imagine how angry that stuck up Duke will be. That guy tried to kill me before.”
“I think I need to personally... talk with this Duke,” Rowana gave a menacing smile.
The Archbishop was rejected, “This is not what I had in mind in raising your reputations. You have a near spotless record, do you want to be a criminal?”
Sai shrugged, “I am already treated like a criminal. It is not going to change anytime soon with Princess Ophelia on the throne. Besides, stealing from the Duke will make me famous and add to my reputation.”
The Archbishop shook his head, “Your plan isn't very sound. The Duke forces are among the rare groups that have maintained their strength post-revolution. It would be difficult task to attempt a theft from them.”
Rowana nodded in agreement, “The crusader will help won’t they. After all, this is for the good of the Northeastern Nations.”
“The Fairy Religion exists to help the Hero and Fairies, so of course we will help,” The Archbishop then asked, “Moving on. Is the hero open to making a familiar contract with a member of the Fairy Religion?”
Sai was going to disagree.
“He accepts with three conditions,” Rowana says with four fingers raised.
Sai looked at Rowana with disbelief and a sense of betrayal was written clearly on his face.
The Archbishop leaned in and looked interested. “Tell me your conditions.”
“The first condition is 10 million coins. The second is Genius Mushroom. The third is an appropriate Hero Relic,” Rowana listed the condition with a bright smile.
The Archbishop appeared uneasy upon hearing the terms and grew increasingly uncomfortable as Rowana continued. "At the moment we are unable to meet any of the requirements except for a Hero Relic. Would it be acceptable to fulfill the remaining conditions at a later date?"
Rowana declined with a shake of her head. "My child's worth would significantly rise, and so would the cost. To approve our relationship it would be nice if you could provide the Hero Relic today. The familiar contract will only be established when all the conditions are met."
Archbishop Ruben wore a troubled expression as he tapped the wooden table, his hand gently massaging his temple as he contemplated the proposal. "We will give you the Hero Relic on the condition that the cost for the familiar contract remains unchanged."
Sai raised his hand, “I will also like ten Pepsi cans.”
Rowana nodded with a delightfully smile. “Also the fourth condition, you are to relinquish ten Pepsi cans.”
“You really are putting me in a tough spot,” Archbishop said while sighing deeply. “The Genius Mushrooms already have a waitlist and the spots on the current year to receive one are ironclad. Unless your hero does something extraordinary I will doubt he will receive one.”
Sai shrugged, “I am very heart broken that I can’t eat the Genius Mushroom. It seems only fate that I will be eating weird things.”
The Archbishop nodded his head, “I do have a list of Hero Relic that I can give to you. First is Grimoire that allows you to access the 12 Divine Magics.”
Rowana had a disgusted look on her face. “That disgusting thing? The book that is made from human skin and written in babies blood?”
“It is not written with baby's blood,” the Archbishop corrected. “It is a very versatile Hero Relic.”
Sai shaked his head, “I will have to decline.”
“Of course we can give you the Ancient Golem Core,” the Archbishop listed the next item.
“My child doesn’t have Earth Ancient Magic or Earth Magic Attribute. It would be wasted on him. Not to mention It would cost a fortune to make a Metal Golem,” Rowana said.
“Well we have the Dragon Piercing Spear.”
“He fights with his fist and kicks, such a weapon will be useless.”
“How about the Soul Balancer?”
“That Hero Relic is far too common. Even though it has incredible potential we are not in a position to use it to its full ability,” Rowana argued.
Sai then asked, “What does the Soul Balancer do?”
The Archbishop replied, "It permits you to exchange numerical attributes like Agility, Durability, Mana, Mind, and Strength in return for a favor or price."
Sai's perked up, “That sounds powerful.”
Rowana shakes her head, “Not in practice though. Humans are greedy and selfish. In theory a single person can gain the power of a hundred men. However they keep abusing the power and eventually causing their downfall. Many noble families have Soul Balancers and used to give their points to their spouse or children. Well conflict arose and well the practice went away.”
The Archbishop nodded his head, “The Soul Balancer is Hero Relic that requires trust. If you are interested I have another Relic, a Magic Carpet that allows you to fly!”
Sai shakes his head, “I can already walk on the air.”
The Archbishop looked troubled, “I don’t have any Hero Relic that interests you.”
Rowana then said, “I have the perfect Hero Relic, the Fire and Ice Gauntlets. Allowing a person to perform powerful Fire and Ice magic attacks.”
The Archbishop shook his head, “I can’t offer you that weapon.”
“Alright, what about the Star Shooting Bow?”
“It is unavailable.”
“Big Bang Morning Star?”
“It is unavailable.”
“Do you have any Mithril coated weapons?” Rowana said in frustration.
“Not any that I can give to the hero.”
“Are you telling me,” Rowana's face was flabbergasted, “That the Fairy Religion can’t even spare a Mithril Weapon for a hero?”
The Archbishop shook his head, “This particular hero lacks any noteworthy accomplishments that would justify our investment. Among the twenty heroes we know of, the majority are destined to meet their demise in the battle against the Demon Invasions. However, if this hero can demonstrate a significant feat, such as emerging victorious in the Northern Dukedom Tournament, we would be willing to provide him with a better Hero Relics.”
Sai then said, “Alright let's focus on stealing the Hermes Sandals from the Northern Duke. We can try again later with the matter of the Familiar Contract.”
"We can certainly revisit this topic at a later time. Despite the setbacks in my own plans, I must admit that this negotiation has fared far better than previous ones with Item Drop," conceded the Archbishop, "It's a pity, considering that Item Drop is reputed to be the most powerful hero in the Northeastern Nation."
Rowana added her input, “I expect food, housing and other expenses to be covered by your group.”
“It would be my pleasure,” the Archbishop answered.
“I want another Pepsi,” Sai commanded.
“Of course Hero.”
Sai steadily walks out of the Frostwood Forest.
A crusader stood stationed at the edge of the forest.
The crusader donned a white tunic adorned with a sheep symbol, along with a helmet concealing their face. His arms and legs were encased in protective armor.
Sai recognized the individual as a crusader rather than a knight because he bore the symbol of the Fairy Religion, which happens to be a sheep.
The crusader moved toward Sai and he put his hand together like the praying hand sign. “Hello Hero. We are crusaders belonging to the Fairy Religion, sent on a mission to aid Archbishop Ruben.”
“Alright..”
“If you don’t mind. May I have the honor to shake your hand,” The crusader asked as he extended his hand.
“...Sure,” Sai shaked the crusader's hand.
Even without his helmet on, Sai could feel the smile radiant off the crusader face.
Sai started walking, “I will be going now.”
Crusader followed Sai step. “Allow me to escort you to the Archbishop and Master Rowana.”
Sai nodded his head, “Sure.”
As Sai walked he was met with an army of crusaders, priests and nuns. The crusaders were level 20 while the priests and nuns were level 1.
Sai could feel everyone staring at him.
The crusader escorted him to a large tent.
Sai stepped into the tent and found Archbishop Ruben and Rowana seated by a wooden table.
Rowana was the first to speak when Sai entered the tent. “How was the test?”
Sai then said with a straight face, “It was a peaceful and soothing stroll through the woods.”
“Please take a seat,” Archbishop Ruben said. “We can have dinner first and then have our conversation.”
Sai took a seat on a wooden chair.
A hole appeared near the Archbishop, in which the Archbishop pulled out a plate full of food. He set the meal in front of Rowana, then another plate before Sai, and finally, himself. Next, he produced utensils for everyone seated at the table.
The Archbishop continued to pull out two wine glasses and a wine bottle. One was for Rowana and another for the Archbishop. A Pespi can was pulled out from the hole and placed infront of Sai.
Sai held the Pespi can in his hand, “Pepsi, I thought I would never taste you again,” Sai said with fondness in his voice.
“A priest from the Fairy Religion purchased the beverage from one of three Emerald Country Heroes, known as Item Drop,” Archbishop said. “We were fortunate enough to acquire even this , especially with how... guarded that hero is.”
The plate of food in front of Sai was shrimp, broccoli and rice. His favorite food was shrimp.
The three didn’t talk and savored their meals.
Sai admitted that this meal was the most enjoyable he had experienced since arriving in this world.
When the plate was empty, Sai sighed remorsefully. It was a shame it ended so quickly.
Archbishop Ruben began by saying, “I can't give you my proposal without first asking about your knowledge of the current situation in the Northeastern Nation. Can you share any information you may have regarding the political conditions in this country or its relationships with neighboring nations?”
“The Sapphire Principality wants to start a war with the Ruby Republic. That’s what I know without going over too much in detail on the reason the war is occuring. Like the Princess fearing the technological leap that the Ruby Republic is going through and their hostile history both countries share with each other.”
The Archbishop nodded, “This is one of the causes. Another factor motivating the Sapphire Principality to start the war is the looming threat of the Demon Invasion. Due to this impending threat, other nations are reluctant to assist the Ruby Republic in their upcoming war with the Sapphire Principality.”
"That's really unfair," Sai said. Acknowledging the validity of the grim situation. Sai believed that the Princess wished to avoid fighting multiple nations at the same time. However with the Demon Invasion on the horizon. Other countries are afraid to use their military in the fear of being overwhelmed by the Demon Invasion.
“Regardless of the outcome of the war, the Fairy Religion has lost confidence in the Northeastern Nations ability to survive the Demon Invasion. The Sapphire Principality, Ruby Republic and Emerald Country are in danger of being destroyed,” the Archbishop said in a solemn tone.
“Are you asking me to kill the Princess?”
“Eliminating the Princess won't bring an end to the war. The Ruby Republic congress hates the Sapphire Principality monarchy with insane passion. The Ruby Republic is eager to wage war with the Sapphire Principality just as much as the Sapphire Principality wants to wage war with the Ruby Republic. The war is an inevitability. Our goal is that the people of the Northeastern Nations will endure the war and the subsequent Demon Invasion that follows. The people and the Fairy Religion are about to experience a significant challenging ordeal,” The Archbishop said with his face showing his frustration.
“What are you expecting me to do?”
“The first step is to build your reputation. I want you to enter the Northern Dukedom Tournament and emerge as the victor. This will showcase your strength as a hero to the public.This will garner support not only from the general population and followers of the Fairy Religion but also from the nobility and influential figures within the nation.”
Rowana spoke, “You do know it is too late for him to enter the Tournament.”
“We are the Fairy Religions, We can pull some strings and have him qualify in the finals,” Archbishop Ramus said proudly.
Rowana looked to Sai and asked, “Do you want to go to the Tournament?”
Sai didn’t take long to think about if he wanted to participate in the Tournament. “I don’t want to join the Tournament. It is simply too dangerous and I will be hunted down by local authorities or worse the Princess Royal Guards.”
“We can make countermeasures and hide your identity in the tournament. You also have the crusaders to back you up.”
“That’s not the only reason I reject this plan,” Sai said shaking his head, “As a hero, I was treated like garbage. So much so that I didn’t even want to be a hero. If you intend to persuade me to embrace the hero's path, I'd much prefer a hero's role like Robin Hood. Taking from the rich and giving them to the poor. It would be satisfying if those I'm stealing from happen to be people who have wronged me in the past.”
“That sounds more like a criminal,” the Archbishop said.
Rowana grinned, “Oh, I like that idea. There is a Hero Relic in the possession of the Northern Duke, that we can steal the Staff of Moses.”
Sai grinned back, “I can already imagine how angry that stuck up Duke will be. That guy tried to kill me before.”
“I think I need to personally... talk with this Duke,” Rowana gave a menacing smile.
The Archbishop was rejected, “This is not what I had in mind in raising your reputations. You have a near spotless record, do you want to be a criminal?”
Sai shrugged, “I am already treated like a criminal. It is not going to change anytime soon with Princess Ophelia on the throne. Besides, stealing from the Duke will make me famous and add to my reputation.”
The Archbishop shook his head, “Your plan isn't very sound. The Duke forces are among the rare groups that have maintained their strength post-revolution. It would be difficult task to attempt a theft from them.”
Rowana nodded in agreement, “The crusader will help won’t they. After all, this is for the good of the Northeastern Nations.”
“The Fairy Religion exists to help the Hero and Fairies, so of course we will help,” The Archbishop then asked, “Moving on. Is the hero open to making a familiar contract with a member of the Fairy Religion?”
Sai was going to disagree.
“He accepts with three conditions,” Rowana says with four fingers raised.
Sai looked at Rowana with disbelief and a sense of betrayal was written clearly on his face.
The Archbishop leaned in and looked interested. “Tell me your conditions.”
“The first condition is 10 million coins. The second is Genius Mushroom. The third is an appropriate Hero Relic,” Rowana listed the condition with a bright smile.
The Archbishop appeared uneasy upon hearing the terms and grew increasingly uncomfortable as Rowana continued. "At the moment we are unable to meet any of the requirements except for a Hero Relic. Would it be acceptable to fulfill the remaining conditions at a later date?"
Rowana declined with a shake of her head. "My child's worth would significantly rise, and so would the cost. To approve our relationship it would be nice if you could provide the Hero Relic today. The familiar contract will only be established when all the conditions are met."
Archbishop Ruben wore a troubled expression as he tapped the wooden table, his hand gently massaging his temple as he contemplated the proposal. "We will give you the Hero Relic on the condition that the cost for the familiar contract remains unchanged."
Sai raised his hand, “I will also like ten Pepsi cans.”
Rowana nodded with a delightfully smile. “Also the fourth condition, you are to relinquish ten Pepsi cans.”
“You really are putting me in a tough spot,” Archbishop said while sighing deeply. “The Genius Mushrooms already have a waitlist and the spots on the current year to receive one are ironclad. Unless your hero does something extraordinary I will doubt he will receive one.”
Sai shrugged, “I am very heart broken that I can’t eat the Genius Mushroom. It seems only fate that I will be eating weird things.”
The Archbishop nodded his head, “I do have a list of Hero Relic that I can give to you. First is Grimoire that allows you to access the 12 Divine Magics.”
Rowana had a disgusted look on her face. “That disgusting thing? The book that is made from human skin and written in babies blood?”
“It is not written with baby's blood,” the Archbishop corrected. “It is a very versatile Hero Relic.”
Sai shaked his head, “I will have to decline.”
“Of course we can give you the Ancient Golem Core,” the Archbishop listed the next item.
“My child doesn’t have Earth Ancient Magic or Earth Magic Attribute. It would be wasted on him. Not to mention It would cost a fortune to make a Metal Golem,” Rowana said.
“Well we have the Dragon Piercing Spear.”
“He fights with his fist and kicks, such a weapon will be useless.”
“How about the Soul Balancer?”
“That Hero Relic is far too common. Even though it has incredible potential we are not in a position to use it to its full ability,” Rowana argued.
Sai then asked, “What does the Soul Balancer do?”
The Archbishop replied, "It permits you to exchange numerical attributes like Agility, Durability, Mana, Mind, and Strength in return for a favor or price."
Sai's perked up, “That sounds powerful.”
Rowana shakes her head, “Not in practice though. Humans are greedy and selfish. In theory a single person can gain the power of a hundred men. However they keep abusing the power and eventually causing their downfall. Many noble families have Soul Balancers and used to give their points to their spouse or children. Well conflict arose and well the practice went away.”
The Archbishop nodded his head, “The Soul Balancer is Hero Relic that requires trust. If you are interested I have another Relic, a Magic Carpet that allows you to fly!”
Sai shakes his head, “I can already walk on the air.”
The Archbishop looked troubled, “I don’t have any Hero Relic that interests you.”
Rowana then said, “I have the perfect Hero Relic, the Fire and Ice Gauntlets. Allowing a person to perform powerful Fire and Ice magic attacks.”
The Archbishop shook his head, “I can’t offer you that weapon.”
“Alright, what about the Star Shooting Bow?”
“It is unavailable.”
“Big Bang Morning Star?”
“It is unavailable.”
“Do you have any Mithril coated weapons?” Rowana said in frustration.
“Not any that I can give to the hero.”
“Are you telling me,” Rowana's face was flabbergasted, “That the Fairy Religion can’t even spare a Mithril Weapon for a hero?”
The Archbishop shook his head, “This particular hero lacks any noteworthy accomplishments that would justify our investment. Among the twenty heroes we know of, the majority are destined to meet their demise in the battle against the Demon Invasions. However, if this hero can demonstrate a significant feat, such as emerging victorious in the Northern Dukedom Tournament, we would be willing to provide him with a better Hero Relics.”
Sai then said, “Alright let's focus on stealing the Hermes Sandals from the Northern Duke. We can try again later with the matter of the Familiar Contract.”
"We can certainly revisit this topic at a later time. Despite the setbacks in my own plans, I must admit that this negotiation has fared far better than previous ones with Item Drop," conceded the Archbishop, "It's a pity, considering that Item Drop is reputed to be the most powerful hero in the Northeastern Nation."
Rowana added her input, “I expect food, housing and other expenses to be covered by your group.”
“It would be my pleasure,” the Archbishop answered.
“I want another Pepsi,” Sai commanded.
“Of course Hero.”
