The Priestess's carriage rattled along the cobblestone road en route to the Emorial Inn. Inside, Venus was lost in a daydream. She hummed a soft, airy tune, her mind spinning a tapestry of white lace and wedding bells.
Oh, my. I cannot wait for our first night together. Kyaaa! She pressed her palms to her burning cheeks, her lips curling into a wide, giddy smile that made her ladies-in-waiting exchange knowing, happy glances.
But the fantasy shattered like glass. Mambo, peering through the driver's slit, suddenly stiffened. His eyes widened as a thick, oily column of black smoke rose above the treeline, right where their destination should be.
"Master! The inn... the inn is burning!" Mambo reported.
Venus's smile died instantly. Her breath hitched, and she quickly tucked her head out of the window to see for herself. "W-what did you say? N-no way!"
The kids! Venus panicked, her heart hammering against her ribs. She clawed at the carriage door, her elegant composure dissolving into raw terror.
"Your Excellency, calm down!" Ylla stopped her before she could unlock it completely.
"My liege, please, put yourself together!" Daliah seconded, comforting her master even as her own voice trembled.
As the car parked on the curb, the priestess slammed open the door and exited quickly, her hands bunching up her long skirts to keep from tripping. The citizens of the third district and her attendants were astonished to witness the destruction of the beloved establishment. From the lobby to the top floor, the Emorial Inn was being devoured by orange tongues of fire, turning memories into ash.
Daliah's eyes began to tear up, her breath hitching as she tried to control her emotions. Ylla held her hands tightly, a silent anchor for her friend. Around them lay the broken bodies of the guards assigned to protect the sanctuary.
"What are you staring at, people? Do something! Call the militia or anyone who can deal with this situation now! Mambo, save the kids!" Venus instructed.
"Yes, Master!" Mambo rushed headlong into the burning building.
On the side, Richarde perceived his love's tears. His face stiffened, his jaw locking into a hard line. Daliah's refreshing smile was gone, replaced by a mask of grief. When she noticed him watching, she quickly covered her face and retreated into the vehicle.
Richarde subconsciously clenched his fist so tightly his gauntlets creaked. His men flinched, sensing the sudden, sharp drop in the temperature around their commander.
"Boys, I think we have to prepare for war," Richarde declared, a chilling smile touching his lips.
His voice was terrifyingly calm, but the air around him crackled with fury. Richarde was mad. Really mad. Bastard, you've got my interest now. Whoever the arsonist is, I will find you, he promised silently.
Nighttime, 9:34:23 PM
In the deep silence of the forest, the air rippled as Hermes and his familiars were released from the Demon Box. Hermes scanned the dark treeline, his eyes wandering until he perceived they were safe. He heaved a jagged sigh of relief.
"We were randomly sent to another place, huh," Hermes commented, leaning against a damp oak tree.
"Where should we head to, Master~?" asked Meili politely, smoothing her white dress.
"I don't know yet. Let's wait for a new quest," Hermes answered in a grave tone.
Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over him. Without warning or a specific thought to trigger it, a single, hot tear rolled down Hermes's cheek. Then another. He blinked, confused, touching the wetness on his skin. He wasn't sad—at least, his mind didn't feel sad—but his body was reacting to a phantom grief he couldn't name. He wiped his eyes aggressively, but the silent tears continued to fall for a few moments, unbidden and unexplained.
"Master, Master," the slime called, tugging his hem and ignoring his damp eyes.
"What?" Hermes snapped, his voice thick with annoyance and confusion at his own tears.
"I want a name. I want a real name. It's so unfair. Meili got a cute name. So, I want the cutest name too! Why did you name her~?" the slime complained.
"Sister~, you should know your place," Meili giggled, her high-pitched voice echoing through the woods. "A name gives a powerful buff and blessings. The Master recognized my name before he spoke it. Don't accuse him of favoritism. You're already stronger than me, so please, restrain yourself. Ho~ho~ho, I feel bad for you, sis~."
"Shut up, you piece of paper! Do you want me to void your contract and eat you?" the slime badgered.
"Hiieeee! I'm jokin', sis~! Master, please help me! Meili will become her dinner!" Meili implored, ducking behind Hermes's legs.
"Silence! Both of you just shut your tiny fucking mouths, will ya?" Hermes scolded, his eyes finally dry but his heart still feeling heavy and hollow. "Slime, I won't ever give you a name. So back off. And Meili, don't bark if you can't bite. Reconcile and move on. This is not the time to play around."
"Y-yes, Master~," Meili hung her head.
"Kyuuuu! I love being pushed aside. Master is really a sadist. I love it! Affirmative, Master~!" the slime saluted with a glowing, masochistic smile.
Are you a masochist now, slime? Hermes wondered, his worry deepening.
Finally, the thing he was waiting for arrived. A full newspaper fell from the sky into his open arms. He snapped it open to check the new update.
Virus Achievement:
[Virus Objective: Reveal yourself to the elves and become a captive. (Completed)]
[First Reward: Popularity shift to Friendly. (Completed)]
[Second Reward: Church reputation immortalized. (Completed)]
[Third Reward: Dopehead Executioner - The right to kill drug abusers using children as experiments. (Completed)]
[Hidden Objective: Defeat the Immortal Scholar in his human form and spare a powerful soul.]
[Rewards: Golden Ticket - SSR-Class Skill activation. Summon a locked pet.]
[Status: Completed]
[Virus Warning: Activating the ticket will increase the insanity level from Normal to WICKED SICK. User advised to gather 2,000,000 sinners to contain side effects.]
"Wicked Sick?" muttered Hermes as he read the glowing text.
"Kyaaaa! Wicked Sick level?" the slime bounced in excitement. "That's wonderful news! Wicked Sick is a sanity level to become a mortal, Master. It means you are allowed to kill a hundred thousand people in a single area, and you will absorb their filthy souls into your body! Worry not, we will make sure you stay immortal as long as we are here."
"Huh? Isn't it good news that I'll still retain my humanity?" Hermes asked, looking between his two familiars with a confused expression.
"Master~, you're our master! You should stay immortal," Meili reassured him, her silver eyes shimmering with a complete misunderstanding of his dread. "I know you are testing us. We are aware that we are a burden because we are still weaker than a demon, but we will become stronger. We will never let you down!"
"Don't add me to your 'we.' I'm far more useful than you, Meili," the slime snapped, its surface rippling with annoyance.
"Sister~, you should support me this time! Meili is useful, you know~!" Meili wailed, burying her face in Hermes's chest.
Fuck, if this were a novel, the readers who like overpowered protagonists would drop this immediately, Hermes cursed internally. I'm no pushover, but I want to stay human, you fucking monsters!
Suddenly, the newspaper in his hands folded itself over to the next page. A stark, glowing article appeared in the center.
<
"Do I even have a choice?" Hermes muttered, his finger hovering before pressing [Yes].
[Insanity Level: Average Normal] [Soul total collected is now: 2,820,230]
"Two... two million—what?!" Hermes's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
"Kyaaa! So many raw materials for our mass destruction!" the slime rejoiced, bouncing against his leg.
"Shut the fuck up!" Hermes grimaced.
[Virus Warning: The user is allowed to break through from Human to Medium Human Class. He is prohibited from cultivating back to his human roots.]
"This is exactly like a game. I knew it. This is just some sick VR simulation," Hermes muttered to the side.
"VR game?" Meili tilted her head, her muffled voice coming from his shirt.
"Nothing, forget it," Hermes clicked his tongue as the screen scrolled.
[Weapon Summoner - Silver Class V: All weapons upgraded.]
[Loadout 3 Unlocked. Tier 7 Bullets available.]
[Weapon Mastery - Silver Class V: Accuracy +50%, Lifesteal +10%.]
[Attack Speed increased by 5% per hit. Healing generation +15%.]
Wait, hold up. Isn't this too much? Hermes worried, a cold sweat breaking out. I'm no player, goddamn it. I'm not a protagonist. I'm a villain.
[Hidden Objective: Killing 15 Elves with an age of 1,000 years. (Completed)]
Say what? There was a hidden objective for that too? Hermes bit his lower lip, a phantom sob trapped in his throat.
[Hidden Reward: Memoir of the Past - Class F.]
"Memoir? For what?"
Before he could process the reward, the newspaper turned blood-red.
<
"Say... what?"
In the blink of an eye, Hermes's vision went black. His body collapsed onto the forest floor.
"My Master!" the slime shrieked. "What happened? Master, wake up~!" Meili implored, shaking his limp shoulders.
Hermes opened his eyes to find himself back in the familiar, ethereal garden. However, this time he wasn't standing freely; he was bound to a stone pillar by a magical silver rope that hummed with restrictive power.
He heard soft, rhythmic footsteps behind him.
"What is the meaning of this? Explain!" Hermes demanded, his anger flaring. He twisted his head to glare at the culprit.
"Ara~, you're angry, aren't you?" The silver-haired girl stood there, a hand placed over her mouth. Her gaze was terrifying. Her smile was technically "cute," but her eyes were overflowing with a dark, suffocating jealousy.
Hermes flinched. He had seen this look before—the look of a woman who had just caught her lover in a blatant lie. He shook his head and clicked his tongue in unease.
" I have no idea why you're mad at me! Can you untie me now?" Hermes barked.
"Ara~~, do you really think it's that simple? No way. Stay where you are." The maiden stepped closer, sliding a cold finger across his neck while her eyes remained locked on his.
"Tell me... are you the one who just killed me?" Hermes inquired, his voice dropping to a grave tone.
"Hmm... yes. And I had a very good intention for doing so," she whispered, closing the gap between their faces until he could smell the scent of lilies on her breath.
What a savage woman! Hermes fumed. "Don't play dumb with me! Why are you doing this?"
"Because I don't want that 'person' to see you!" the maiden chided, her voice suddenly sharp with rage.
Hermes raised an eyebrow, his face a mask of confusion. "Wait, what? Is that all? That's a lame excuse!"
"Ara~, it is a perfect justification. I don't want that person to achieve her goal. Not on my watch." She puffed out her cheeks, tapping her fingers together nervously.
"Who the fuck is 'that person' anyway?"
"The person you shouldn't meet. My... rival," she said, finally sitting down on the grass beside him. She wrapped her fingers around his hand, despite his restraints.
We are not a couple, you moron! Hermes thought, biting his lip. "C'mon, don't get mad at me. I haven't even done anything."
"I am doing this for your own good," the maiden said, tapping her index finger against his right cheek.
"To think you'd go this far... I'm never asking for your name," Hermes snapped.
The maiden's eyes widened, her heart visibly sinking. She looked genuinely disheartened.
"Don't look at me like that," Hermes muttered, turning his face away from her lonely expression.
"I am... I am doing this for you. Fine, I will release you. I've already absorbed the trace anyway." She flicked her finger, and the silver ropes vanished into thin air.
Hermes noticed she began to sulk, covering her face with her hands. Goddamn it. This is why I hate cute girls. This is why I hate my own good side! He scratched his head in frustration.
"Damn it, I have no idea what's going on. Just tell me... why did you 'kill' me back there?"
"Because she discovered you," the maiden explained, her voice muffled by her hands. "I had to yank your soul out of that space before that slut found your location. I did it to ensure she wouldn't succeed."
"Who is she?"
"I already told you. My rival. Now, as for your punishment... I shall do as I please!"
Without warning, the maiden lunged forward and embraced him. She pressed her face into his chest and began to sniff deeply. Hermes felt a strange, cold magic beginning to knit itself into his heart as she murmured under her breath.
Oi, oi, you're frightening me, lady. Your dark side is sniffing me like a bloodhound, Hermes thought, disgusted. "Okay, enough! Are you satisfied? Tell me what this rival wants with me."
"Phew... I love your scent. Can I taste your—oh, I'm crossing the line. Forgive me." She rubbed her face against his chest like a cat seeking affection. "Regarding your question... it's complicated. Just know that as long as I am here, your eternal marria—life... your life will be safe."
"I heard that! I heard you say marriage!" Hermes heaved a sigh. "Don't think I'll just accept you. Look at yourself—it isn't appropriate for a beautiful lady to rub her face like a maniac."
"Who are you calling a maniac?" She puffed her cheeks and began pounding her small fists against his chest in a rhythmic tantrum. "I wouldn't be like this if you hadn't seduced me! You're the one who should take responsibility for this!"
Hermes stood his ground, his gaze firm despite the silver-haired maiden's overwhelming presence. Her shout had sounded like pure fury, but her face was flushed with an ecstatic, almost manic glow.
"As your punishment for 'killing' me and dragging me here, I won't ask your name this time," Hermes declared, crossing his arms.
"Good for me then. Hmph." The maiden released him, stepping back with a playful sway. She placed her hands behind her waist and tilted her head, a soft, knowing smile playing on her lips. "I hope you've learned your lesson, Aljen. By the way, congratulations. I'm glad to see you finally reaching the peak of your destiny. I only hope you won't fall back into a lower form. It would be such a waste."
She leaned in, her face inches from his, her eyes searching his. "Don't get cocky, lady," Hermes grunted, his hand coming up to block her advance. "I'm not giving my first kiss to the likes of you."
"First kiss? Ara~, you're as funny as ever." She giggled, a bench shimmering into existence behind her as she sat gracefully. "I won't let this moment go to waste, you know. Not before that other person snatches what is mine. I'm taking the initiative. Hehehe~. Tell me, do you really think you're still a virgin when it comes to kissing?"
"I... I know what I've done," Hermes sighed, rubbing his temples. "I already gave it to someone. Well, it doesn't count anyway, but still! You have no right to force yourself on me. This is exhausting."
She's breathtaking, but her mind is a labyrinth of terrifying agendas, Hermes thought, a chill running down his spine. A total yandere. I have no idea why she's so obsessed with me.
The maiden watched him with a smug, triumphant expression. "I suppose we're running out of time. Boo~, I hate these restrictions. It's such unfair treatment. Gosh, what an exhausting day. Never mind... at least we are following the creed of fate. The 'Vas' is successfully taming you, regardless. Hehe~ I suppose the 'Offeramus Hostiam' project is moving along smoothly after all."
"Huh? Did you just speak Latin?" Hermes asked, his brow furrowing.
If this were a novel, I'd hope the readers could help me uncover the meaning of those words! Hermes felt a surge of genuine curiosity mixed with dread.
"Nope! Forget about it. Hehe~." She stood up and took both of his hands in hers, her touch surprisingly warm. "Continue to cultivate the sinners into your power. Reach the pinnacle of the human's eternal dream, okay? I know you can do it."
"Oi, don't touch me, woman. We aren't a couple!" Hermes snapped, a vein popping on his forehead.
Do you really think I'll follow what that newspaper wants? Hermes declared internally. Fuck everyone who wants me to become some immortal monster. I'll stay human as long as possible. Being human is a blessing—I won't abandon it!
"Exactly. Farewell."
Taking advantage of his internal monologue, the maiden lunged forward. Before he could recoil, her lips overlapped with his.
"Hmmm?!" Hermes's eyes went wide, caught completely off guard by the soft, electric contact.
While the garden glowed with the maiden's triumph, a different atmosphere lingered in the shadows of the world.
High above the forest where Hermes's physical body lay, a figure stood perched on a gnarled branch. The Lady in the Cloak sat in the stillness, her purple hair spilling out from under her hood like a bruise against the night sky. She wasn't looking at Hermes. Her gaze was fixed on the spot where a weary, ancient soul had just flickered out of existence.
A soft, jagged sob escaped her. She clutched the fabric of her blue cloak over her heart, her shoulders shaking with a grief that felt as heavy as the mountains. She had watched him fall. She had seen the ash of her old friend scatter into the wind, leaving nothing behind but the silence of the trees.
"Munitus... amicus meus..." she whispered into the dark, her voice thick with tears. (Protected... my friend...)
She didn't interfere. She couldn't. But as she wept for the one who had finally found his peace, her eyes turned toward the spot where Hermes was about to wake. Her sorrow was deep, but her duty remained. She wiped her eyes with a trembling hand, her face returning to its mask of mysterious, silent guardianship.
Hermes's eyes snapped open. He bolted upright, gasping for air as the forest floor came back into focus.
"Master!" The slime instantly lunged, embracing the left side of his face. "Dear Master~, welcome back!" Meili cried, hugging his other side with equal fervor.
Hermes sat there, smothered by his familiars, the taste of lilies still lingering on his lips.
Bullshit, what a mess, he questioned angrily, staring at the dark canopy. Why the hell did I [wake up like as a mafia boss]?