Chapter 34: Human Village (7)

Chapter 34: Human Village (7)

After the funeral, I returned home.

- Creak.

As I open the familiar door, a voice reached my ears.

Youve... come?

...

I was momentarily surprised by Ners voice.

Although I knew she would be at home, the fact that someone was there to welcome me felt warmer than I had imagined.

The melancholy I felt while seeing off the members melted away, replaced by a feeling of comfort.

Perhaps it was the specialness of our relationship as a married couple.

Though she wasnt entirely on my side yet, it felt like she was becoming an essential part of me.

Of course, Adam Hyung was there too. However, there were definitely things I couldnt talk to him about.

Since Hyung was the captain, I had to hide the pain in order to lighten his burden.

Though I wasnt sure if I could share those painful stories with Ner, I feel hopeful that someday we would be able to share them.

But even if we never talk about them, it was alright. Just having one more person on my side made me content.

With a cloth covering her mouth, Ner opened the windows of the house and swept away the dust with a broom.

The rolling bottles also disappeared.

It seemed she had been diligently cleaning while I was away.

Yeah, Im back.

I gave a belated response.

Ners eyes briefly formed a crescent shape, and she continued cleaning.

I took a look around my home after a long time. There were many things that became visible only after Ner pointed them out. It was definitely a mess, with more than one or two things needing fixing.

I decided to put my effort into repairing while Ner cleaned and organized.

Ner, wait for me. Ill go get some tools and materials.

Yes, and you dont need to tell me everything, its okay.

Alright, Ill be back.

.

.

.

-Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

After that, our house went through a renovation process for a while.

The broken furniture was thrown out without hesitation.

The cracked floor was repaired.

Decaying wood was torn out and replaced with new pieces.

At the same time, Ner cleaned up various trash.

She brushed away the accumulated dust, wiping away the dirt with a wet cloth.

She also caught and cleared out the bugs that were wandering around the house.

Our space was gradually finding a new light.

As I got absorbed in renovating the house, hunger began to kick in

I wiped off the sweat and set aside the wooden hammer I was holding.

Looking around, the overall work seemed to be nearing completion.

Perhaps it was time to take a short break and have lunch.

Just as I was about to call for Ner, a voice reached my ears.

Huh!! Ahhhh! Berg!!

A voice called me with a scream.

I immediately jumped up and headed toward Ner.

What happened!

I asked as I hurried down to the basement where she was.

There, Ner was jumping around, trying to escape from something.

No, no...! Dont come here!! Berg, help me!! Ahhhh!!

A huge rat with a worm-like tail was wandering around the basement with Ner, and she was desperately trying to get it to leave the house.

I hurriedly went down the basement stairs and approached Ner.

In her panic, as soon as I got close, she rushed toward me and clung to me.

Ahhhh! Kyaa!!

I supported her body with both hands as she hugged my neck and continued to scream.

That huge rat was charging toward Ner.

I kicked the running rat in the same position.

-Thud!

-Squeak!

The rat that was hit by my foot flew and hit the wall, immediately stopping its movement.

I dont like it! Berg! Ahh!

Its over! Its over, Ner. Calm down. Its over.

I said to Ner, who was still unable to regain her senses.

Haa... Haa... What?

The strength that had entered Ners arms loosened, and she turned her head cautiously.

At that moment, she looked just like a genuine noble lady.

I had forgotten about it for a while because she had been working harder than any maid, cleaning throughout the day.

Goosebumps appeared on Ners body when she saw that dead mouse. Her tail fur stood on end and then settled down. She quickly averted her eyes and let out a long sigh.

...

...

Then, our eyes met.

-Tap!

Ner instantly pushed me away and stepped back from me.

Her lost pupils wandered here and there.

When the situation calmed down, I remembered how frightened she looked, and laughter burst out of me.

....Hahaha...

...

Chuckling, I shook my shoulders. Ner frowned, seeming even more annoyed as if my laughter was mocking.

...Magic... I want to see it once.

Ner said with a curious glimmer in her eyes.

Theres not much to see. It plays a supportive role in battles.

Have you seen magic before?

A couple of times.

Ners tail started to wag gently. Though it was an awkward topic, I was relieved that it made her happy.

Whats next?

Ner pointed to the symbol next to Nikal.

A symbol depicting a sword, shield, and spear.

Its Dian, the God of War. The god our mercenary group believes in the most.

Ah. I think Ive seen a few people with tattoos of that symbol on their bodies.

Its quite common.

Do you believe in Dian too?

I dont believe in gods.

Ner glanced at me for a moment, then turned her head.

I see. So who was chosen by Dian?

I heard it was a centaur. I cant remember the name.

Ner gazed at Dians symbol for a long time.

Just like the male werewolf members revered battles, Ner might also be showing respect for it.

Whats the symbol next to that one, Berg?

Its Mand, the God of Courage. The dragonian was chosen, the one people call a Hero.

Ners eyes widened.

Oh! I think Ive heard of that. So the chosen one was selected by that god. Do you know the name of the Hero?

I dont know. Baran probably does. If youre curious, you can ask him.

Since the title of Hero was more widely known, I didnt know the name.

Ner nodded and looked ahead.

She pointed to the last of the four symbols hanging.

What about that one?

A symbol resembling a flower.

I was silent. The mouth did not open easily.

I also looked at that symbol for a long time, just like Ner.

...Berg?

Only after Ner called me did I break the long silence.

...Its the God of Purity, Hea.

Ner waited for my continued explanation.

...

But this time, too, I couldnt open my mouth properly.

I took a deep breath and said, ...Shall we go back?

What? Berg, I was just getting interested...

Ner looked noticeably disappointed. Eventually, my gaze returned to the symbol.

A few years ago, it was a symbol that appeared countless times in my nightmares.

...Tell me who the chosen one is.

At Ners urging, I forced myself to open my mouth and spit out the words.

...The chosen one is a human. The name is...

...

...Sien.

A bitter aftertaste lingered in the name.

...Huh? You know the name this time?

After struggling for a while, I replied.

Because we are the same race.

Ner looked back at the symbols with interest.

Then she expressed her confusion.

Berg, but there are five gods, right?

...Yes.

But why are there only four symbols?

The last god doesnt have a symbol. They are not well served by others.

Who is it?

The God of Solitude, Lynn.

God of Solitude?

A god for those who dont believe in the five gods. They say Lynn looks after those who dont believe in gods... Its essentially a policy of persuasion. If you say you dont believe in the five gods, theyll tell you that Lynn will look after you and nag you about it.

...I see.

You might hear about it more often too. Since you believe in the native gods, not the five gods.

Is there also Lynn worshipper among the hero party?

I heard of a lizardman who worships Lynn. I dont know the name.

Ner nodded her head.

She took a deep breath and looked at me.

Now lets go back, Berg. Im getting hungry. Its better to eat and tidy up the house quickly.

Sure, lets do that.

I accepted her suggestion.

Ner moved her feet first and left the place.

I followed Ner slowly and looked back.

The symbol of Hea, the God of Purity, caught my eye.

...

...Eventually, I turned my body around again.

End of Chapter

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