ALL NOVEL Chapter 25.1
Chapter 25: Rumor (2)
After destroying the Pale Moon and emerging from the Moon’s Temple, the dungeon began collapsing from within.
This was a common occurrence in event dungeons, so I wasn’t particularly concerned. Others, however, seemed to think the entire area might collapse and dragged me out in a panicked rush. Only once we were safely outside did they relax.
“What’s the battlefield status?”
“With the Pale Moon gone, no problems.”
As I’d said, the Special Unit, paladins, and Hero Party who had prepared to fight the White Beasts were now swiftly suppressing the remaining White Moon Cultists. The beasts, previously under the Pale Moon’s control, had turned to stone and crumbled, leaving the cultists vulnerable.
Veronica sighed heavily as she watched the battlefield calm down.
“Finally… it’s over.”
“You did great, Cardinal! Seriously, you were amazing back there! Taking down that monster all by yourself! Your mace skills are incredible—want to hit a dungeon with me sometime?”
“Hmph. You’re suggesting a cardinal become an adventurer?”
“Well, The Sage does it, so why not?”
“Ahem. Well… I’ll consider it.”
“Awesome! You promised! Sage, you’ll come too, right? I’m counting on you—we’re buddies!”
Wilkes’ playful antics were a stark contrast to the high-level shaman who had just fought the Pale Moon. I ignored his chatter and turned my attention to a familiar figure approaching me.
“Hyun Woo! Are… are you okay?!”
“I’m fine.”
It was Claire. Covered in blood and grime from the White Beasts and White Moon Cultists, she seemed relieved to see me unharmed. Following her were Levantia and Evangeline, their expressions also betraying their relief, though they said nothing.
“Why you care so much, I have no idea,” Veronica muttered icily as she stood up. Her tone made Claire falter, glancing nervously back at her party members, who hung their heads in awkward silence.
“Anyway, it looks like everything’s sorted here.”
“Y-yeah… so, Hyun Woo, are you…”
“I’m heading to the church.”
“Can… Can we come with you? We need to restock on holy water and relics anyway…”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Veronica interjected. “The kingdom army would likely object to losing such a significant force for that long.”
“But it wouldn’t take long, right?” Claire protested.
“The church is at least ten days’ travel from here—”
“I can open a portal! Right, Hyun Woo? I can cut down travel time for everyone!”
“True, but… Ow! Hey! Why do you keep pinching me?!”
Veronica huffed in response. If it were just me, I could teleport to the church instantly, but to unlock the event achievement, Veronica had to come along. Claire’s portal could save us a lot of time.
“Thanks, Claire.”
“Oh, it’s nothing!”
“Are we done here?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s return to camp.”
General Leoden approached, offering to handle the cleanup just as he had in the game. It was a relief—I had no intention of wasting time on post-battle logistics. We had already achieved everything of value here, so returning to camp to rest before moving on was the best plan.
—
“Sage, will you head straight to the palace?”
“No, I’ll stop by the church first.”
“Hmm…”
“Why?”
“Well, the princess is waiting for you.”
“I have a lot to teach her, but it shouldn’t take too long.”
The plan was to finish the church event, unlock the achievement, and teleport back immediately. Everything else would sort itself out.
—
Upon returning to camp, preparations for a celebration were already underway. Soldiers were roasting meat and setting up drinks. Turning to my companions, I said:
“I’ll help with the preparations. You all can take care of your own tasks.”
“Hyun Woo, can I help too?” Levantia asked earnestly.
“M-me too… I want to help…” added Evangeline.
I shook my head. Preparing for the party involved a lot of miscellaneous tasks—barbecuing, crafting chairs and tables—and all of these contributed to achievement counts. There was no way I was letting anyone else take those opportunities.
“Oh… okay, then…”
“…Alright…”
Both looked disappointed, but I ignored their expressions and turned to Claire.
“Good work today. Go get some rest.”
“Okay…”
As the Hero Party left, Veronica stepped up with a smug smile.
“Sage, I’ll help you.”
I laughed. “Nope. You rest too.”
This achievement’s mine!
After sending off the disappointed women, I headed straight to the mess tent. The cooks cheered as I entered, and I sampled the barbecue sauce they were preparing.
“This… is store-bought, isn’t it?”
“Y-yes. Is that a problem?”
“Let’s make it from scratch. Watch—I’ll prepare the best barbecue you’ve ever had.”
“Yes, sir!”
Having cooked regularly while staying at the camp, the chefs trusted my skills and didn’t question my decision. This allowed me to prepare a massive barbecue feast, adding significantly to my Culinary King achievement count.
—
“Looks like this part’s done.”
“Alright. I’ll head elsewhere.”
“Sage, you participated in the operation. Shouldn’t you rest?”
“Rest? While everyone’s working hard? No way.”
“Sage…”
One of the cooks teared up. Geez, no need to get emotional over this. Leaving the cleanup to them, I moved on to the party area.
“We need more wood!”
“We’re short on tables!”
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