How the Cult Saves the World

If it was a coincidence created by the system, I'd want to thank the Administrator for such impeccable timing.

'Yes, I've heard of it.'

I feigned ignorance to his question, waiting for Kyros' response.

---That's fortunate.

'But why suddenly bring up the Kingdom of Merilseus?'

---I just heard the prayers of a devotee in the Kingdom of Merilseus. It seems they're in danger.

The Kingdom of Merilseus and danger. I knew what these two things implied.

---It seems they're stranded on an island near the Kingdom of Merilseus. Monsters have been sighted in the nearby waters, and it appears there's no one to help. Could you go there?

As Kyros asked, a system window appeared.

[A Sub Quest has arisen!]

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 1. <To the Kingdom of Merilseus>]

Objective: The God of Beauty, Kyros, is deeply concerned about the devotees stranded near the Kingdom of Merilseus. Set forth to the Kingdom of Merilseus on his behalf.

Goal: Arrive at the Kingdom of Merilseus within a week (This quest is part of a series)

Success: Discover the next quest clue

Failure: --

Final Reward: ???

[Do you accept?]

[Yes/No]

I skimmed through the quest. It was the same sub quest I had seen in the original work, though this one was part of a series.

It was a coincidence that I had plans to go to Merilseus, and now a quest had appeared.

It was perfect timing.

The reward was a mystery, but since my journey to Merilseus wasn't for the reward, it didn't matter.

I immediately accepted the quest.

'Yes, Lord Kyros. Don't worry.'

There was no need to delay my plans if there was a reward for a path I would have taken anyway.

* * * * *

The first quest in the series was simply to reach the Kingdom of Merilseus within a week, so there was plenty of time. After finishing all the paperwork, I began preparing to depart.

"A day's journey shouldn't require haste."

The distance between Merilseus and Bahano wasn't far. A day's ride by carriage, closer even than Aldone.

"You're going alone, High Priest?"

"High Priest, is that wise?"

When I informed Zain and Troy of my impending visit to Merilseus, they were visibly flustered.

They had never been separated from me before.

"Yes. I'll go alone. If you two were absent, the already busy temple would be short-handed."

With a surge of devotees in Bahano, I couldn't take them with me.

"It would be too much for the officers. If necessary, I could summon them using a portal."

When I communicated this plan to Alphius and the other officers, they all insisted I should go comfortably, but I couldn't shake off my concern.

So, I decided to go alone, leaving Zain and Troy behind.

"The seafood in Merilseus is said to be exquisite. Why not take me along?"

Zain grumbled, his face turning sullen with disappointment.

"High Priest, wouldn't it be better if I accompanied you on such a long journey?"

Troy, on the other hand, tried to persuade me with a voice full of concern. But I shook my head firmly.

"It's only a day's journey to Merilseus. Besides, Troy, you've been deeply involved with the Aldone temple lately."

In recent days, Troy had been dedicated to helping the Aldone temple. He had a particular fondness for the devotees of Aldone.

"Probably because of the bond formed among those who were trapped together in the underground dungeon."

I had no intention of taking him away from something he genuinely enjoyed.

The distance to Merilseus wasn't far, the quest deadline was generous, and if needed, I could install a portal in Merilseus to summon them.

"However..."

Troy seemed about to say more but couldn't find the words to argue.

"If needed, I'll call for you. For now, stay here. Don't worry."

I patted their shoulders and continued my preparations to leave.

* * * * *

The temple would run smoothly in my absence; there was no need for concern.

---My little bird, are you sure you'll be alright alone?

'Yes. I was alone when I first went to Rovel, remember? Don't worry. The children can always help me if needed.'

---Indeed. You've always managed well.

Smiling at Kyros' praise, I boarded the carriage. I could have called for a Royal Carriage, but there was no need; I simply hailed a nearby hired carriage.

"If the situation is uncertain, it's better not to reveal my identity as the head of the Kyros faith."

Once aboard, I opened my inventory and took out the knitting supplies I had prepared earlier.

---Oh, my child! You're not planning to knit, are you?

Kyros exclaimed in surprise as I picked up the needles. Why, indeed.

'Yes. Why not?'

---But... your skills are not that great. Without Zain, are you sure?

Even He doubted me.

'Don't you trust me, Lord Kyros? I learned properly from Zain last time.'

---Hmm.

Kyros fell silent as I spoke confidently.

'It's a full day's journey to Merilseus; I should manage at least once.'

---Well, if you say so.

Kyros sounded unconvinced, but I didn't mind.

"Alright."

I tackled the knitting with determination.

* * * * *

And it was a spectacular failure.

"Why... does the yarn keep unraveling or tangling?"

I had followed Zain's instructions, but I kept failing. The carriage rolled on, stopped for brief rests, and continued again, even as the day turned to night.

The result of my efforts was something anyone would agree resembled a rag.

---I told you so, my little bird.

'...I'm sure I did everything as I was taught.'

---It seems you lack the knack for it, after all.

'That doesn't seem right... Is it?'

I suddenly remembered that I was particularly bad at tasks that required dexterity -- origami, drawing, sewing, and such. And the same was true for me in reality.

---It's alright, my child. You have plenty of other talents.

'Yes, thank you for your comforting words.'

My energy drained away. I carelessly shoved the tangled ball of yarn into my inventory.

A full day had passed since I left Bahano. It was almost time to arrive at the Kingdom of Merilseus.

The landscape of the Kingdom of Merilseus came into view through the window.

The first thing I saw was the vast sea. It was my first time seeing the ocean since arriving in this world, and it stirred a strange feeling within me.

"It's emerald-colored."

The sunlit waters shimmered beautifully.

Soon after, a bustling port filled with various ships followed. People were swarming -- some boarding ships, others unloading cargo.

It was a scene befitting Merilseus, whose main income came from maritime trade.

Before long, the carriage that had passed the checkpoint came to a halt.

"Thank you."

I paid the coachman double the fare for the decent ride and stepped out of the carriage. Then, the salty scent of the sea hit my nostrils.

"Somehow, it's refreshing."

I looked around with a pleasant smile.

I had arrived at Seus Village, on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Merilseus.

The buildings of the village were mostly white, giving me the feeling of being on a journey. It was during such musings that a quest was updated.

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 1. <To the Kingdom of Merilseus> Cleared!]

[Sub Quest Reward will be granted.]

[A New Sub Quest has appeared!]

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 2. <Rumors of Merilseus>]

Objective: Having arrived in the Kingdom of Merilseus within the deadline, it's now time to investigate the rumors spreading throughout the Kingdom.

Goal: Investigate the rumors of the Kingdom of Merilseus (This quest is part of a series)

If successful: Clue to the next quest found

If failed: --

Final Reward: ???

[Will you accept?]

[Yes/No]

I immediately accepted the quest. Then, I asked Kyros.

'Lord Kyros, do you happen to know the name of the isolated island where the believers are?'

---It's certainly called Kettin Island.

Kettin Island. Just like in the original work. I clearly remembered that monsters had appeared in the waters near Kettin Island, isolating the people there. I think the monster was a giant lobster.

Suddenly, I recalled Zain praising the taste of Merilseus' seafood.

'I'll have to try it after clearing the quest.'

With that thought, I surveyed the village. According to the quest, the standard procedure to 'investigate rumors' was to head where the crowds were.

So, I passed through an alley and headed towards a crowded place.

"Fresh seafood available!"

"Freshly caught clam octopus here!"

Upon reaching the market, which was redolent with the smell of fish, I saw people bustling about.

I mingled among them, taking in the sights. The fastest way to catch a local rumor was to visit the region's tavern.

So, I looked around for the sign of a tavern.

Thump!

It was then that I bumped shoulders with someone quite forcefully.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Since I was looking elsewhere, I apologized to the person I had collided with.

The man I bumped into seemed to be in his thirties, with a sharp look about him.

"Are you blind? Watch where you're going!"

He shouted at me and then passed by.

Did he really need to get so angry even after I apologized?

Or maybe it hurt him a lot. As I pondered this, Kyros' voice struck me like lightning.

---My child! That man, he stole your purse!

"What?"

---I saw it! That scoundrel passed you, chuckled, and then slipped the purse into his pocket. He definitely stole it from you!

"No way."

I couldn't believe Kyros' words. So, I immediately searched inside my robe, and indeed, the purse I had brought was gone.

"Wow. Is this for real?"

I had been pickpocketed?

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. Roughly running my fingers through my hair, I then shouted.

"Stop right there!"

I started to chase through the crowd. The pickpocket was already on the run.

"Brown hat, you thieving rat!"

It was difficult to make my way through the dense crowd, but my shout made people start to give way.

The pickpocket had a head start, so there was some distance between us. But I didn't give up.

Should I release my divine power?

The rising irritation made me consider such drastic measures. But there were too many people around. A mistake could harm innocent bystanders. I had to think of another way.

Should I call Troy?

Should I set up a portal to catch the pickpocket?

"Damn it, do I really have to worry about a pickpocket?"

Anger surged within me. It wasn't just about the money. I could easily procure more. I could ask the children to bring me money through the subspace.

What infuriated me was that I had fallen victim to something I thought would never happen to me.

"Ah, that bastard is running too fast!"

Still, I was slowly closing the distance.

"Stop, you thief!"

The pickpocket kept glancing back at me as he ran. Then, suddenly, he turned into an alley. That scoundrel!

Thump!

At that moment, the pickpocket was sent flying by a kick.

A single kick knocked the pickpocket out cold, and he fell to the ground. Then, the person who had kicked the pickpocket emerged from the alley.

Seeing him, I stopped in my tracks.

Neat black hair, golden eyes, and thick rimless glasses. A young man in his early twenties, dressed head to toe in black priestly robes.

"If you block the way, what will you do, brother?"

This man was one of the Seven Apostles of Diego Church, Rawin.