Chapter 39: True Reward
[Kai]
Class: Solaric Cleric
Level: 64
Title: Envoy of God
HP: 16,700
Holy Power: 23,100
Stats NewW novels updates at novelhall.com
Strength: 172 Stamina: 167
Intelligence: 71 Agility: 82
Holiness: 231 Benevolence: 38
Casting Time -30%
Skill Cooldown -9%
Damage Received -3%
Poison Resistance +30
As Kai looked at his stat window that had grown in the Nest of Fermi, he smiled.
The title of Queen Slayer definitely lives up to the name of special.
The greatest gain from conquering this dungeon was undoubtedly the ‘Queen Slayer' title. Since it was a special title, it had no useless abilities.
"Well, now that the appetizer is out of the way..."
Kai turned to look elsewhere with eyes that sparkled with desire. It was time to eat what he called the main course of rewards.
Hehe, and I’m the first one to kill Fermi, aren’t I?
Boss monsters dropped the best items the first time they were killed.
Kai stretched slowly to avoid getting a heart attack from the incredible items. After finishing praying in a devout posture, he cautiously opened the treasure chest that appeared after defeating Fermi.
"Wow...!" Kai exclaimed in excitement as he opened the box and checked its contents.
"A dagger and some gold... And is that a potion?"
First, Kai checked the information on the dagger.
[Fang of Fermi]
Grade: Rare
Attack Power: 64~89
+5 Agility
10% chance of poisoning target with attack.
Poison causes 1,500 damage per second for 3 seconds. (30 second Cooldown.)
A deadly poison dagger belonging to Fermi, Queen of the Forest of Spiders.
Requirements: Level 75+, 90+ Agility.
Durability 76/76
"Not bad."
While it wasn’t something he would use, Kai thought it was a valuable item that would sell for a good price at the auction house.
Daggers are in high demand, and with these options, it wouldn't be inferior to Unique weapons.
It was a Rare weapon that would make rogue players drool!
Even just this much was enough to feel satisfied with conquering the dungeon.
But this isn't it.
Kai then picked up 30 golds, and checked the vial of poison in the box.
[Fermi's Venom]
[A deadly poison. Can be mixed with water or used in crafting.]
"Hmm, this one’s a bit tricky."
He was unsure how to use the item.
If added during equipment crafting... would it grant abilities like poison release similar to Fermi's dagger?
However, the fact that it could be mixed with water meant it could also be used as a poison itself.
I’m not sure if there'll be a day I'll use poison against players or NPCs.
Then it wasn't too late!
Holy Power swirled around Kai, his eyes sparkling. "Mass Bless!"
The holy blessing filled the dark, musty space! The complexions of the people, whose physical abilities were enhanced by the blessing, greatly improved.
But they still aren’t waking up.
Eventually, Kai began to move from one person to the next, using healing skills. He earnestly pleaded, hoping they would open their eyes.
"Please, open your eyes."
"Your families must be waiting at home."
"Just a little more strength!"
Healing skills were continuously used, and with each one, Kai's hands emitted light. Perhaps Kai's heartfelt pleas reached the heavens—one by one, the healed people started to hold their heads and get up.
"Ugh... I’m dizzy."
"Where is this...?"
"Eup! I feel sick..."
Although they didn't seem to be in great condition, they had still opened their eyes.
Kai finally sighed in relief at this sight, "Phew... thank goodness."
Even if they were NPCs, watching people die before their eyes was painful for anyone. Kai felt genuinely relieved and shared bread and water with them.
"Everyone must be dehydrated and hungry. Please drink some water first and chew the bread well."
"Th-thank you!"
"If it weren't for you, my wife and I would have already been..."
"When my consciousness was fading, I heard your voice. I heard you telling me to hang on a little longer, to live... That voice pulled me back from the brink of unconsciousness."
The gathered NPCs bowed their heads and prayed to Kai as if he was a saint.
"No, I wasn't looking for a reward or anything anyway. I was just fulfilling my duty as a Cleric..."
Kai waved his hands in embarrassment, but the NPCs were firm in their belief.
"If it weren't for you we would have been eaten by that giant spider by now."
"To save us... you must have fought with that giant spider."
"That alone deserves praise."
"Thank you so much! Because of you, I can see my family waiting at home again!"
"From today onward, I will become a follower of Helik, the god of mercy and order."
"..."
As Kai continued to receive the NPCs' gratitude, his lips pressed firmly together.
Why did I forget about this?
The back of his head was numb as if he had been hit by a hammer. The joy gained from performing good deeds was not just about raising the Benevolence stat.
Right, the true reward of benevolence is... those bright smiles that warm the heart.
Kai, who had transitioned to a Solaric Cleric and only pursued quests that raised his Benevolence stat, blushed with shame at his past.
But if I realize I was wrong, I can correct it now.
Improving and developing one’s weaknesses through mistakes, versus stagnating by repeating the same mistakes—many people choose the latter, but Kai was different.
Building up the Benevolence stat and becoming stronger is important, but I don't want to forget this feeling right now.
With a renewed spirit, Kai's eyes shone clear as a lake. He felt a refreshing sense of relief because he had let go of the burden that he must always increase his Benevolence stat.
It was right then.
Ding!
[As old as time, the existence of gods has given faith and salvation to many people. The envoys placed on earth by their gods must play the same role. Although the number of people you saved may not be many, the undeniable fact is that they were saved through you. Your sincere intention and benevolence in wanting to save them were actions braver and more sacred than anyone else.]
[Title acquired: Saint of Glendale.]
[A new stat, Dignity, has been generated.]
[Bards will sing ballads of your accomplishments every night in taverns. +2,000 Fame.]
[+1,500 Contribution to the Church of Solaris.]
[Spread of the word of the Church of Solaris increased by 15%. Those who have yet to find a religion to believe in will gather under the name of the Solarian God, Helik.]
[This praiseworthy deed will spread widely across the continent, and the order has taken an interest in you.]
[The Solarian God Helik has acknowledged your genuine desire to save the citizens.]
[Affinity with Helik greatly increased.]
[+30 Benevolence.]