Paladin of the Dead God

“Different, how?”

“It’s as if the lives of our ancestors are still here, lingering. The disaster struck so suddenly that they had no time to pack or sort their belongings. Even a single abandoned spoon or a broken door tells a story… I’d like to look around a bit before the soldiers start disrupting things.”

Isaac understood his sentiment.

Though time had likely eroded much of the original setting, a place could be quickly destroyed once people started moving through it in large numbers. Aidan’s wish to explore before that happened made sense.

After a moment’s thought, Isaac nodded. “I did promise you cooperation, saying I’d break the Salt Desert for you. Since I can’t do anything right away, I suppose I owe you this much.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it that way. But I might find some useful clues while searching around here.”

Isaac doubted it would be that easy, but he also acknowledged that this assumption might be a product of his own arrogance.

There wasn’t just one way to achieve victory in this world. While he had found one possible path to clear the game, there could well be faster or more efficient methods.

“Just in case, I’ll assign a guard to accompany you. If you encounter anything dangerous or suspicious, retreat immediately and inform me.”

Though Aidan, as a Salt Council captain, was capable of performing minor miracles and had proven himself willing to risk his life with the Dawn Army, Isaac wasn’t comfortable letting him go alone.

While the city seemed empty, there was an unsettling feeling about it.

‘Is it that creature we noticed watching us from the desert?’

He had already mentioned it to Tuhalin and Lianne, both of whom had sensed its presence but didn’t think it was particularly threatening.

Still, with its true nature unknown, Isaac didn’t want to risk sending Aidan unprotected. Besides, there was a vague sense of unease that seemed to permeate all of Mirmia.

‘Who would be a suitable guard to keep him safe?’

***

“Reina Hilde at your service! Please, call me Reina!”

“Ah, I’m Aidan… pleased to meet you…”

Isaac assigned Reina Hilde, one of the Elil knights who had managed to get a bit of rest, to accompany Aidan. Her straightforward and somewhat intense personality made her well-suited to focus on her task without distractions. However, her bold energy was slightly overwhelming for the more reserved Aidan.

“I heard we’re uncovering ancient secrets in Mirmia. Who do we need to kill?” she asked enthusiastically.

“What? No, I’m just planning to examine old spoons and study the architecture of pillars. There’s no one to kill…”

“But isn’t it common knowledge that you kill things when exploring dungeons?”

Aidan realized they had different perceptions.

Where he saw “ruins filled with the wisdom of ancient civilizations,” Reina envisioned a “dungeon teeming with treasures and monsters.” He wondered how to correct her assumptions but then figured most Elil knights likely shared her perspective.

“Just stay close and don’t touch anything. If we do end up in a fight, that’ll be your time to step in.”

“Understood!”

Reina responded cheerfully, following Aidan closely.

Aidan began inspecting the relics and artifacts scattered throughout Mirmia. The ruins were so dense that he would stop every few steps to brush away dust and uncover another item of historical interest.

At first, Reina watched intently, her hand gripping her sword with excitement even when he only stirred up dust. But soon enough, her enthusiasm began to wane, and a look of boredom crept over her face.

This was clearly different from the “dungeon crawl” she had anticipated.

“Captain Aidan, I understand that what you’re doing is important, but… could we focus on something more… dramatic?”Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“Huh? Examining the lifestyle of the ancient people is part of the work too.”

“Well, I don’t know much about that. But as you know, our mission here is to reclaim the Holy Land. While we’ll be staying here for a while, we won’t linger long given the lack of supplies. We’ll probably head out again within two days. I don’t know if you’ll find all the spoons you’re looking for by then. Surely, you don’t intend to stay here alone?”

Aidan was surprised by her insight, though it was only common sense for Reina. While she might not understand relics or ruins, she was well-versed in logistics, supply lines, and tactics, more so than Aidan.

As a member of the Salt Council, Aidan’s interest in Mirmia ran deeper than in Lua, the designated holy site of the campaign. Without realizing it, he’d already been thinking he’d spend more time here.

In the end, he decided he should prioritize his tasks.

“Hm, you’re right,” he admitted, nodding. He turned his gaze toward a large temple that had caught his attention since their arrival.

It was a pyramid-shaped temple situated directly beneath the cursed sun.

“Then let’s start by investigating over there today.”