Chapter 52

Chapter 52

The new avatar that could be summoned was named 'Hubert'.

There was endless agony and conflict before settling on that name.

Since naming with only the 'Ha' sound like before was limiting, this time, the decision was made to break that pattern and expand the possibilities by using 'H'.

...This was the name that came out after pointless worries that no one else would care about.

In fact, the important thing was the skill I acquired.

Hubert's initial skill was "Appraisal".

It was an amazing ability to see information about objects.

'It even feels like I'm playing a real game.'

However, perhaps due to the low proficiency in the skill, he couldn't see very accurate information yet.

The level of detail he could confirm now was only the general information about an object.

'Of course, I've just acquired the ability, so there's plenty of room for growth.'This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

The first mission of Hubert, the future merchant, was to prepare items for Halli to use while he was wrestling in the Forest of Beasts.

Traveling to movable cities, he selected suitable weapons for Halli using "Appraisal", and entrusted a leather craftsman to process the head of a beast.

<Black Steel Double-Edged Two-Handed Ax>

-A two-handed ax made by a skilled artisan who hammered heavy and hard black steel alloy. It's sturdy and not easily damaged, but very heavy and can't be lifted by ordinary strength.

<Black Panther Head Helmet>

-A helmet made by an average artisan processing the head of a beastly black panther. Focused on shaping, it's better not to expect defense beyond the material.

In addition, Hubert put a lot of effort into preparing for Halli's formal activities.

Reflecting my personal taste generously.

And the result of that.

Was standing right here.

In the heart of Tarak, in the Northern Aionia Countship of the Tulc Kingdom, located in the western part of the continent.

Murmurs

"My goodness, what is that?"

"Is that a southern barbarian? What's he doing here in the west?"

"Mommy what is that?"

"Shh, don't look! Let's go home quickly."

The eyes of the passersby were focused on Halli.

The same kind of gaze he had received from the guards at the city gate.

'Heh, I do look quite splendid.'

The envious gazes poured upon Halli.

His appearance had a power to draw in the gazes of those around him.

He was a giant, over two meters tall, with fierce eyes like a wild beast.

Leather connected to the head of a black panther he wore covered his shoulders and back like a cloak.

Around his neck hung a string of beast teeth, and on his bare upper body, intimidating muscles twitched.

His face and body were marked with red dye in indecipherable patterns, and the handles of a large double-edged ax jutted out over both shoulders, slung across his back.

As for armor, he only had leather pieces reinforced with metal plates on a few vital areas.

He was like a barbarian warrior out of a story, a sight not seen these days.

Hehehe.

He laughed softly, squared his shoulders, and walked out confidently.

Those overwhelmed by Halli's magnificent muscles quickly averted their gaze and stepped aside from his path.

In fact, there was a valid reason for his flamboyant attire, beyond personal taste.

His goal was to become a hero influential across the continent.

To be a hero, fame is as important as one's abilities.

A strong person known only to a few versus one known by everyone.

It's needless to say which is closer to being a hero.

Making an unforgettable, strong impression was also a crucial issue for Halli, an aspiring hero.

'Yep, that's right. This isn't just for my personal satisfaction.'

With that self-justification, Halli, the hearty barbarian warrior, garnered all the attention around him as he crossed the main road toward the mercenary guild.

***

Boom!

The guild's door swung open forcefully as if it would break.

The saintess appeared from the inner corridor.

To add, the current weather was actually a steady drizzle.

When it rains, worms come out. They are so adorably wriggly, dont you think?

He couldnt quite grasp her sentiment, but personal preferences ought to be respected.

Yes Those long, shiny, wriggling... very cute. Yes.

You get it, Sir Heinrich! You understand the cuteness of worms, how these tiny creatures wriggle so endearingly!

Hahaha... But, is something happening within the order? You seem a bit excited

He hurriedly changed the subject before the conversation drifted in an unbearable direction.

If it was something Heinrich shouldn't know, the conversation would end here, which wouldn't be too bad...

Oh! Weve just decided on a collaboration with another faction.

It seemed it was something he was allowed to know.

Even if the saintess seemed somewhat scatterbrained, as a saintess, she would certainly keep confidential what needed to be kept confidential.

...Right?

The Elven Kingdom from the Enamel Continent has agreed to send a High Elf. They might help in tracking down the descendant of the Immortal King.

The Enamel Continent was a small continent, only a quarter of the size of the Ion Continent they were currently on.

Most of its inhabitants were non-human races, other than humans.

In fact, the Enamel Continent was almost like a coalition of non-human races.

High Elves are quite high-ranking in the Elven Kingdom, as far as I know... Are you saying they are crossing the sea to come here to help us?

Given that the Enamel Continent, where the elves predominantly resided, had never been invaded by the Immortal King, and the fact that the elves were a minority sect worshiping the World Tree in Outerica, it was even more perplexing.

"Of course, they have their own interests in collaborating with us. The Elven Kingdom might not be fond of humans, but they have a friendly relationship with our Main God Order!"

It wasn't that the elves who worshiped the World Tree denied the existence of the Main God. Acknowledging and respecting the existence of the Main God was one thing, but choosing a subject of worship was another matter.

Since the Main God Order did not reject other religions, they mutually respected each other and had periodic exchanges.

"But is it okay for me to know about this? It seems like a decision that was made very recently."

"It's going to be announced soon anyway. We have to prepare to welcome the envoy from the Elven Kingdom."

Luckily, it seemed the saintess had carefully considered what could be disclosed to him.

"And someone of your stature, Sir Heinrich, should be in the know! Its remarkable that in less than a year since your baptism, you are already close to a bishops level of sacred power. Perhaps you could even reach the level of a saint!"

...She must have properly judged what to tell him, right?

From my experience, the saintess had always shown an unusual favor towards Heinrich.

Although it was said that those with strong sacred power are warmly regarded, her behavior was notably different compared to how she treated others.

'Its not exactly bad news for me. If the saintess herself told me, nobody can complain.'

Still, I was quite worried that this naive lady might be deceived by some villain and inadvertently spill important information.

'Ill have to stay close and make sure that doesnt happen.'

No way could I allow our kind saintess to be exploited!

"Ah! My break time is over! I didnt realize how quickly time passed talking with Sir Heinrich. I have to go watch the worms now! Take care~!"

And with that one-sided farewell, the saintess vanished like the wind.

"...To think she uses her abilities to observe worms."

I recalled encountering the saintess on a rainy day.

While Heinrich was drenched despite holding an umbrella, the saintess, sitting in a garden observing worms, remained completely dry, as if raindrops couldn't penetrate an invisible shield around her.

'She even blessed and healed the worms with her holy power.'

The idea of worms blessed by a saintess was something I found quite startling when I first witnessed it.

It was a luxury not even easily accessible to the faithful.

Further pondering on her seemed pointless.

I sighed lightly and shifted my thoughts.

'Now, about the High Elves from the Elven Kingdom...'

Their involvement was an unknown variable.

Lacking any concrete information about them, I wondered what impact they would have.

'Hopefully, they wont discover anything.'

Though I had eluded the saintess's scrutiny, the addition of the High Elves, with their unknown capabilities, added an element of unpredictability.

'...Maybe I should reinforce the barriers.'

I considered mixing in more other-dimensional magic to make the wards stronger.

***

And just a few days later.

When about half of Heinrich's duty days with the Glorious Guardian Knights were left, the envoy from the Elven Kingdom arrived at the temple's gate.