How the Cult Saves the World

"I've heard you're the first apostle serving Lord Kyros," they said.

Had they heard the story from Kyros while I was unconscious? I nodded to Phinis' question and replied.

"Yes, that's correct. To be precise, I hold the position of High Priest in the Church of Kyros."

"I see."

Phinis smiled serenely. The petite spirit clasped her hands together as if in prayer and continued.

"We, too, have decided to follow Lord Kyros."

Did Phinis mean she had become a follower? But who did she mean by 'we'?

"The centaurs and I have chosen to serve Lord Kyros. So, please take good care of us, High Priest."

Phinis' eyes curved beautifully. In other words, there was no need to make the centaurs into followers. A smile formed on my face without me realizing it.

"Should you need our assistance, please call upon us at any time."

Then, Phinis extended something towards me. A leaf, as large as Phinis herself, appeared out of thin air.

"What is this..."

As I muttered, holding the mysterious leaf, Phinis answered with a smile.

"When you need me or the centaurs, infuse your power into this leaf, and your will shall reach me."

So, this leaf had the same effect as the flute Terdian once gave me.

"Will it work even over great distances?"

"Yes. This leaf is connected to me, so your call will reach me wherever you are."

If the magic of the spirits and centaurs allowed it, perhaps it was indeed possible.

"Thank you, Phinis."

To think I had not only made the centaurs into followers, but also befriended a spirit.

I felt an indescribable sense of pride at this achievement.

The next morning, with Quir's help, I left the forest of the centaurs.

It had been too late to leave the sanctuary yesterday, so I spent the night in the forest. Now, I had conversed with the centaurs, now my followers, and watched Phinis and Kyros play joyfully.

I had slept in a bed made by the centaurs, not an ordinary bed. Though made of flowers and grass, it was as plush and comfortable as a royal bed in a palace, allowing me a deep sleep.

"I'm truly grateful, High Priest."

Upon reaching the outskirts of the dwarf village, Quir set me down and bowed.

"Please, no more thanks. You've already expressed your gratitude plenty."

I had heard it several times already, so it was time to stop. Then Quir extended his hand to me, as if asking for a handshake.

"Alright. Then I shall always support you."

"Me too."

After our handshake, Quir turned and ran back to their territory.

---That was a short but fun adventure.

'For me too. It was a truly mystical and beautiful place.'

---Let's go again sometime.

After a brief exchange with Kyros, I entered the dwarf village. It was late morning, and the village was bustling with activity.

"Master! You've returned!"

"Leader! You've finally arrived!"

Zain and Troy, who were eating skewers nearby, spotted me and rushed over.

"I'm back."

"How was the forest of the centaurs?"

"I'm curious!"

These guys seemed more interested in the centaurs' forest than in my well-being.

"Let's eat something first, then talk."

I had filled up on fruits given by the centaurs in the forest, but it wasn't enough. The skewers they were holding looked tempting.

"Why don't you eat this while you tell us?"

The quick-witted Zain handed me a fresh skewer. Persistent, aren't they? But since I accepted the skewer, I owed them the story.

I sat down with the two on a nearby bench. First, I took a bite of the skewer. The well-marinated chicken was delicious, the seasoning permeating with every bite.

"Master, start with the story."

Troy seemed to be turning into someone like Zain. Were these guys becoming friends through their constant bickering? I chewed the meat quickly and began.

"The forest of the centaurs is close to Bahano."

I slowly recounted my experiences in the centaurs' forest to them. Their expressions changed with every detail. How adorable.

That afternoon, as the sun began to set, Katu and Lufu summoned us to the forge.

"You've arrived! Come in!"

"This way, please!"

Katu and Lufu looked exceptionally pleased. They must have created equipment they were proud of.

'I'm quite excited about this.'

I licked my lips and stepped inside. Zain and Troy's eyes were filled with anticipation, just like mine.

"Ahem!"

Katu cleared his throat, drawing our attention. Katu and Lufu, the two dwarves, stood on either side of a broad wooden table, looking at us.

On the table between them lay the equipment.

Even at a glance, the bow, the armor, and the necklace were extraordinary.

"Wow..."

"This is incredible!"

Zain and Troy approached as if enchanted, reaching out for their respective equipment. But then...

Slap!

Katu and Lufu's hands stopped them.

"Let's calm down first."

"We'll hand them over in order."

I wondered why they couldn't just take their items, but since the dwarves had made them, we followed their method. Fortunately, Zain and Troy quietly accepted the dwarves' instructions.

"First, for Zain."

Zain was the first to be called. His face lit up noticeably. Stepping forward, Katu handed him the bow.

"Wow... this is really my bow. It must be expensive, right?"

Zain exclaimed in awe as he received the bow.

The bow, entirely white, looked incredibly noble. And at its center a red Magic Stone was embedded.

'They've embedded a high-grade Magic Stone.'

After all, it's more efficient to use a Magic Stone as is than to process it.

"Next up, Troy."

"Mm."

As Troy stepped forward, Lufu handed him a set of armor.

Troy's armor, black as night, covered his shoulders and chest, with a red Magic Stone embedded in its center.

"Thank you."

"I've only done what was necessary."

While Troy offered Lufu a brief word of thanks, Katu approached me.

"Lastly, Leader."

Heeding Katu's call, I stepped forward, and he presented me with a necklace.

Encased within the necklace was a pure white Magic Stone, shielded by a clear gem. It was light, barely heavier than two of my fingers.

"The use of the Magic Stone is simple. Just infuse it with your own magical power."

Our power is divine, but the principles of mana and divinity are the same, so using the Magic Stone posed no issue. Indeed, many priests in the Order wield artifacts through their divine power.

But this meant Troy would need divine power too...

'Kyros, could you bestow some divine power upon Troy soon?'

---Of course! For that faithful child, I would share it this instant!

'Thank you.'

Kyros answered without hesitation. Troy's actions thus far must have pleased him as well.

'This will make Troy even stronger.'

Nodding at this favorable progress, I overheard Zain conversing with Katu and Lufu.

"Zain's bow will grow stronger with power infused."

"Thank you, Katu, Lufu."

Zain embraced the two dwarves with a bright smile. Then Lufu explained Troy's armor.

"Troy's armor won't break easily. Plus, it'll adjust its size to fit when he transforms into a black panther."

"Oh! Thank you. That's very convenient."

Katu then pointed to my necklace.

"Leader. Try on the necklace and infuse it with power."

"Yes, brother."

I did as Katu suggested, donning the necklace. As I gathered divine power, a soft light spread rapidly from the necklace.

Whoosh-

The light flowed out, enveloping me in a protective circle of white, like a shield.

"The necklace is called 'Barrier of Protection'. Made with the finest Magic Stone, it will guard you in any situation."

As Katu named the necklace, a message appeared.

[You have acquired 'Barrier of Protection'.]

[Barrier of Protection

Grade: Legendary Item

Description: Crafted by two exceptionally skilled dwarves, this item combines a top-grade Magic Stone to create a powerful protective shield for the user.]

A Legendary item. Though I possessed relics, they were divine gifts from Kyros. Until now, I had no notable equipment. But with the dwarves' craftsmanship and the superior Magic Stone, a Legendary item was born.

"I'm truly grateful, brothers."

Like Zain, I embraced the dwarves warmly.

With this, I needn't worry for a while.

'No, I won't likely die anytime soon.'

My lips refused to stop smiling. I thanked the dwarves again and again.

After repeated thanks by Zain and Troy, the dwarves showed signs of weariness.

Only then did we leave the forge.

Our business in the dwarf village was complete. We bid farewell to the dwarves we'd grown close to and rode on Troy, now transformed into a black panther, straight to Bahano's Palace.

Arriving at the Palace bedroom, night had already fallen. After telling Zain and Troy to rest, I pondered whether to do the same. With nothing pressing to attend to, I decided to head to the Aldone Temple.

---Oh, the children have been busy, I see.

The temple had undergone significant changes since I left it in Aldone's care. The former high priest's chamber was now neatly arranged as my office, designed to my preference, much like Rovel's.

'The children have done well. Abel and Jacob too.'

---Indeed, they are my children!

Leaving the office, I noticed the corridor was much cleaner than before. The beige tones lent the interior a sacred yet cozy feel.

Descending the stairs to the first floor, I saw the garden. Sasha's unmistakable sculptures adorned the space.

'Classic Sasha.'

Without needing my direction, she had done a perfect job. Clean and stylish. A flawless talent. That's when it happened.

"Ah! Master!"

As I quietly headed to the garden, a cheerful voice called out. Turning, I saw Abel running towards me with a bright smile. Must he always run?

"Abel. Be careful, or you'll fall."

Abel was sprinting down the corridor at full speed.

"Are you worried about me?"

He stopped abruptly, just before colliding with me, as if to prove his innocence with his overly pure gaze. I nodded in response.

"Well, yes."

"Typical Master!"

Abel beamed at me.

"But when did you arrive? And if you were coming, you should have told me! Shall I ask Jacob to cook something right now?"

Abel then proceeded to talk non-stop. Somehow, he reminded me of a large, tail-wagging dog.

It was a bit bothersome, but not unwelcome.

"Abel, calm down. There's no need to ask Jacob to cook. It's too late, and he needs to rest too."

"But you must be hungry."

"I appreciate the thought, but I'm fine."

I declined Abel's offer and continued down the corridor, checking if any areas still needed cleaning.

"Ah! The cleaning of Aldone Temple is complete."

"Is that so?"

"Yes! Sasha is currently sculpting a statue of Kyros in the prayer room. It should be finished in a few days."

"Alright. I understand."

Then there was no need to tour the temple right now.

'I'm starting to feel tired anyway.'

I planned to return to Bahano to rest and come back tomorrow.

Heading straight for the office to use the portal, Abel, seemingly tireless, kept following me.

"Abel, how far will you follow me?"

I had to stop in front of the office and ask. He looked as if he still had something important to say. Abel then smiled brightly and said,

"I want to accompany you, Master!"

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