Chapter 976: Altanus (13)

I knew it without even using Mind’s Eye.

‘He’s a villain. I can smell it.’

The psychopathic murderer Jung Jin-Ho, second-rate old codger Lee Seol-Ho, Demon Worshiper Ito Sota, Demon Summoner Jin Cheong, Leader of the 27th Legion, Belial, Seraphim Alter, whom I could tear to pieces but still wouldn't be satisfied, and the scummy Song Soo-Kyung who wasn't even worth mentioning here...

I had encountered so many villains that I had basically developed a villain detector, which allowed me to determine whether someone was a villain or not just by their looks.

‘He looks like a villain.’

Actually, Templar Bahamut looked normal.

He wasn’t as good-looking as Kim Hyun-Sung, but he was pretty good-looking.

I sized him up and took note of his reddish hair, which wasn't as red as Cha Hee-Ra's hair. Actually, I wasn’t sure whether it was bright brown or some type of red, but he had his hair down, reminding me of Jesus' hairstyle.

His large frame was what caught my attention the most. He was massive and was covered with muscles all over. Unlike Park Deok-Gu, who had obtained his muscles by virtue of harsh training, it seemed like he was born with that kind of body.

‘I think he's over a hundred and ninety centimeters?’

If I were to exaggerate a bit, he'd be like a legendary demi-god. His arms looked like they were on the verge of exploding from the bulging muscles told me that he was a character whose main stat was Strength.

‘That hand would send hundreds—no, thousands of people to Lucifer’s side with just one slap. This bastard...’

Basically, he was the Kim Hyun-Sung of this era.

He was the hero of the continent and the hero unfortunate enough to get lost in history.

Mind's Eye was telling me that he was a hero based on his stats and abilities. His job, overwhelming stats, special abilities, unique abilities, equipment, and title were all top tier.

The only difference between him and Kim Hyun-Sung was that his main stat was Strength, while Kim Hyun-Sung's main stat was Agility. Of course, he wouldn't be able to compare to Kim Hyun-Sung with his current stats, so it wasn’t worth comparing the two.

‘You have no idea how hard I worked to strengthen him.’

From Zero Hyun-Sung, First Life Kim Hyun-Sung, Second Life Kim Hyun-Sung, Doom Hyun-Sung, Doom Doom Hyung-Sung, Disconnected Hyun-Sung, to Sunset Hyun-Sung… I worked so hard to strengthen him.

𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Even if Templar Bahamut was a hero, he couldn’t be compared to Seven-Star Kim Hyun-Sung, who had been strengthened to the max, but if I had to compare him to Kim Hyun-Sung, then I would say…

‘I think he’s on the same level as Doom Hyun-Sung… Actually, maybe Doom Doom Hyun-Sung.’

“Hello, I’m Lee Ki-Young. It’s an honor to meet you, Father Bahamut,” I introduced myself.

“I finally got to meet you. If possible, I’d like to speak with you somewhere more private, but…”

“...”

‘This crazy villainous bastard.’

Doom Doom Hyun-Sung was sadly defeated by Seraphim Alter, whom I really wanted to rip to shreds, but it was only because Seraphim Alter was Doom Doom Hyun-Sung's direct counter.

It was evidenced by how Thronus—who was on the same level as Seraphim Alter but with different abilities—couldn’t handle Kim Hyun-Sung’s power at the time.

When it came to stats alone, Seraphim Alter couldn’t compare to Kim Hyun-Sung at all

I was at a loss for words because the guy before me was on

that

level.

The powers bestowed upon him by Saint Altanus were mere side effects for him.

‘He's human… right?’

Could a mere human actually become this strong?

Yes, it was possible. Otherwise, that certain someone wouldn't exist.

‘Hee-Ra noona.’

Cha Hee-Ra noona was born to be strong, and he was born to climb to the top and crush those beneath them.

There were people like Cha Hee-Ra, and of course, there were other types of people, but I believed Templar Bahamut was the same type of person as Cha Hee-Ra.

If I had to describe him, it was like he took Kim Hyun-Sung and Cha Hee-Ra’s good qualities for himself. I was sure he wasn't the type to go berserk like Hee-Ra noona, as he wasn't the type of person who would allow his instincts to control him.

Swordsman-related information was written in his title and traits, so I could tell that he wasn't like Hee-Ra noona, who was capable of leveling up just by breathing.

He wasn't the type of person to neglect his training. He was always trying to improve himself, and he always wanted to become even stronger. I was sure he was the one who wrote the Templar Training Experiment Report.

In his eyes, time was a weapon. What if this villain actually had eternal life?

‘You horrendous monster.’

He'd be a monster akin to a natural disaster.

Templar Bahamut had such a powerful aura that I didn’t even notice Templar Simon, who was looking all serious as if he were the second-in-command. I unknowingly wanted to rely on him. If he had fallen into the tutorial dungeon with me, I would have bought his coin.

‘He’s nothing but a villain now, though.’

My holy soul quivered beneath his villainous stench.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the opportunity. Father Draktaris really wanted to keep you hidden… I’m glad we managed to meet somehow,” Templar Bahamut said.

'That’s right.'

‘You guys are political enemies, after all.’

“It’s because I’ve been too busy…” I said.

“I’m not criticizing you. It was simply a joke about how much I wanted to meet you… I’m sorry if I burdened you with it,” Templar Bahamut apologized.

“...”

“I heard about the miracle that happened in the prayer room. Of course, there are other things I’m personally curious about besides that. I heard you were a wandering priest in the Land of Nejesca,” Templar Bahamut said.

“Yes, Father Bahamut. It was nothing special, but I was active in the conflict zone between the empires,” I answered.

“I was also active in the Land of Nejesca, but they were in war during that time.

Ah

, I protected the civilians during that time…” Templar Bahamut informed.

“I see.”

I needed to smile for now because he was being friendly toward me as well.

“It’s rare for Templars to be dispatched to the ground level… but at the time, the Land of Nejesca needed help. I’ve always been bothered by the fact that I couldn’t see it to the end, but I finally have the chance to do that. If you don’t mind… is it okay if we talk for a moment?” Templar Bahamut asked.

“Of course, Father Bahamut,” I answered with a smile.

‘He’s good at talking and has good manners.’

I knew he wasn’t the type to just swing his sword, but he was a lot more skilled than I thought.

He found a common topic about the Land of Nejesca, and we naturally changed to topics I was comfortable talking about. He looked really friendly. I wasn’t sure whether he was acting or not, but I could see his desire to get to know the Priest of Miracles and Divine Messages.

I had no idea whether this was his real personality or not. I couldn't help but think that perhaps he was hiding his true colors, but there was a chance that he simply held no malicious intent toward me.

Time and the environment could change people, and he could be

that

kind of person, too.

“Are you… okay with that, Father Draktaris?” Templar Bahamut asked.

“That’s up to Father Lee Ki-Young. It’s not something you should be asking me, Templar Bahamut,” Draktaris answered.

“In that case, we’ll just talk for a bit,” I told him.

“As you wish.”

We started walking away. When I saw that we were heading toward the balcony, it became clear to me that he really didn't want to get interrupted. I felt the wind blowing across my face, and the noises and music slowly disappeared.

“So… what’s Nejesca… like now?” Templar Bahamut asked.

“Honestly, I can’t say that the situation has improved… but the denizens are really determined to overcome it. It’s not because of the wandering priests; they’re the ones helping each other out. I can feel their determination to get through these difficult times,” I replied.

“...”

“I can’t explain everything that’s happening there, but I remember the village I stayed at was like that. The other wandering priests I met from time to time—”

“Can you tell me where the village was located?” Templar Bahamut interrupted.

‘You won’t know even if I tell you.’

'I probably can’t tell him that.'

“I remember it being near a small city named Arpe, Templar Bahamut,” I answered.

“Arpe…” Templar Bahamut repeated.

“Is that the region you were active in?” I asked.

“No, Father. The region I worked in was closer to the frontline… I did pass by it once, though. I remember… the fountain located in the center of the city was beautiful, and the inn I stayed in was quite impressive,” Templar Bahamut answered.

“...”

“I don’t really know what happened now… but you must know better than me,” Templar Bahamut said.

‘He’s trying to sound me out.’

It was understandable, as I was basically just a random wandering priest.

A random wandering priest had suddenly become the center of attention at an important social gathering, and I even received a divine message. Actually, it wasn't that strange for a priest to receive a Divine Message, but Templar Genny made him feel doubtful.

I was sure the Templars had asked about what had happened in the prayer room.

However, Templar Genny, who had sworn on Lady's Lucifer name, remained quiet, so they became suspicious of it. To make matters worse, I was one of Draktaris’ people. If the Templars had done all sorts of background checks on me, it wouldn't be strange if they became even more suspicious of me.

It was hard to uncover the identity of a wandering priest, but…

‘I’m sure they couldn’t find anything about me.’

I felt like they'd start looking into how I had gotten the invitation in the first place.

“It will look different from before,” I informed him.

“...”

“Arpe is still a beautiful place though, Templar Bahamut,” I added.

I had never been to Arpe, but I

did

study the Land of Nejesca to the point that I felt sick just hearing its name alone. I knew about the fountain he had mentioned, and if I were to exaggerate a bit, I probably knew that place more than the denizens there.

Still, it was better to be vague about my answers.

‘He’s being cautious as well.’

If he had been more direct or had tried a stupid method to sound me out, I would have lied.

However, if I said, “Yes, that lake is very beautiful,” then he’d definitely say, “There’s no lake in Arpe,” and he’d change his attitude toward me.

I was sure that he wasn't a hundred percent suspicious of me.

There were too many people who had witnessed the miracle in the prayer room for him to say that Father Draktaris was lying. I was sure the news had already spread like wildfire, and he couldn't treat me rudely after hearing the witness testimonies.

“About the people there, what do you think of them?” Templar Bahamut asked.

“...”

I thought it'd be best for me to take the initiative.

“You seem to be interested in something completely different, Templar Bahamut.”

It was important to let him know that I was not an idiot. He was reasonable for someone as massive as him.

He seemed to value rules and discipline a lot, as he had decided to engage in a political war with Father Draktaris, even though he could easily kill the latter.

“I’m not an idiot, Templar Bahamut. If there’s something you’re really curious about, I want you to be straightforward and ask me about it,” I told him.

“...”

“...” “I’m sorry, Father. That’s not what I meant. I just—”

“What do you want to know?” I interrupted him.

“...”

“...” There was silence. It seemed like he had no idea what to say, but the hesitant man eventually asked, “Who are you?”

“...”

“...” “What kind of person…” I trailed off.

“...”

“Do I look like in your eyes?” I continued.

With that, I spread my wings. There were bright lights, and he looked at me with a dumbfounded gaze. One of my eyes was emitting a radiant golden light as I stared at him. The next moment, everything vanished as if it were just an illusion, and I saw him staring at me while holding his breath.