I Became a Mythical Hunter After Killing the Golden Goblin - Chapter 105
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 105. Mythic-Rank Quest (2)
About half a day later, the Drivers and Merchants who had awakened wept tears of gratitude, thanking me profusely for lifting their curses and healing them.
It was only natural—I had saved their lives. Judging by their reactions alone, they seemed ready to offer me their hearts and livers.
That day, we roasted some of the high-quality meat the Merchants had purchased for trade, held a modest survival(?) celebration together, and after driving hard for two more full days, we finally reached the Holy Kingdom.
Massive walls of imposing grandeur came into view.
‘There it is. The Holy Kingdom.’
Among the countless kingdoms of Stage-1, it stands as one of the most powerful nations. It was a kingdom that built its tremendous national strength around religion—an absolute, immutable pillar.
‘It’s connected to Earth’s Saint, isn’t it.’
The Saint Min Cho-rong came to mind. Her fate had changed. For some reason, she who should have died originally survived intact and even went to France where the Saint Selection was being held.
I heard that now only two people remain for the final selection: the current Saint’s successor, who will become the previous Saint, and Min Cho-rong.
‘Come to think of it, I might be able to meet her.’
The final selection takes place in the Holy Kingdom. Naturally, because it is the Pope of the Holy Kingdom who bestows the title and profession of Saint. There’s still about a week until the final selection, but since I’ll arrive before then, I should be able to meet her.
‘I was uneasy about it anyway. I should watch over her from the sidelines.’
Gun-dan, who would become the world’s greatest shield, was selected as my exclusive bodyguard, and I’ve even hired an S-rank Hunter as a mercenary.
Originally, I had planned to hire lower-ranked security, but I actively discouraged Guild Master Ki So-young and advised her to raise the quality of protection since I would support the costs.
As a result, things turned out well—Min Cho-rong survived. But it’s not over yet. I don’t know why she died or why she had to die, but one thing is certain: it’s only predictable that it’s related to the Saint Selection.
“The Saint Selection, huh….”
As if the Merchant had heard my muttered words, his mouth started moving again like an engine firing up.
“It seems the Player is interested in the Saint Selection! It’s one of the biggest events of this Holy Spirit Festival being held! Since this Holy Spirit Festival is opening for the first time in decades, the kingdom is in a festive mood! Everyone is busily preparing for the festival! Ah! The Player should quickly obtain citizenship and receive the System’s recognition so you can roam freely during the festival period! Without proper identification, things get troublesome, you see.”
At those words, I chuckled and nodded. Citizenship is no problem. I have a letter of recommendation, after all. It’s a free pass.
The carriage soon arrived at the city gates. I listened to the Merchant’s grumbling about how security had been strengthened in preparation for the festival, then stepped down from the carriage.
“Player Shin Ju-ha! I will never forget this grace. If you ever face difficulties or need anything, please visit the Marcus Merchant Guild!”
“Sir! Player. I swear by God’s name that I will repay this debt of life-saving grace! Please call upon me anytime! Though with your abilities, such a situation shouldn’t arise, but if your citizenship isn’t issued, please find me and I will help! Then!”
The group dispersed. The Drivers took Ma-in’s corpse and returned directly to their order to report. The Merchant waited with his carriage for inspection, while the others had their identification checked and entered ahead to prepare.
I also confidently walked toward the main gate of the Holy Kingdom…but then detoured toward the side entrance instead. Though called a side gate, it was quite substantial—about half the size of the main gate—and I’d heard this was where Players needed to visit to obtain identification.
“Halt. Are you a Player?”
“Yes. I’ve come to obtain identification.”
At my words, the guards exchanged glances before turning to me and speaking.
“My apologies, but starting today, new Players are temporarily unable to obtain the kingdom’s identification. Due to so many different types coming to enjoy this festival that occurs only once every few decades, we’ve made this decision. We apologize, but please bear with us until the festival ends.”
I frowned. The guards didn’t seem to be lying. In fact, several Players in the distance were already hurling curses at the guards, having been rejected.
But I was an exception. Or rather, I should be.
“I have a letter of recommendation.”
At my words, the guards who had begun returning to their posts with bored expressions suddenly stood up, their eyes gleaming.
“P-perhaps we could ask whose letter of recommendation it is? We absolutely don’t doubt you! It’s just that no one has issued a letter of recommendation recently.”
I recited the name written on the letter of recommendation.
“Cardinal Batroy’s letter of recommendation. It must be quite an old one.”
The two soldiers immediately opened the System to verify the letter’s status, and their already wide eyes grew even wider. They placed their hands over their hearts and bowed their heads.
“May sacred grace bless you.”
“May sacred grace bless you. Please, this way. Once confirmed, there should be no problem issuing your identification. You might even receive an official position.”
While they had maintained courtesy before, their service had been tinged with annoyance and irritation. Now, one of the soldiers began guiding me with the expression of someone beholding a figure they scarcely dared to look upon.
I heard them cursing from behind—discriminating against people, questioning what that bastard was doing, spewing all manner of vile insults. I ignored it lightly and followed the soldier onward.
Our destination was a colossal temple erected magnificently in the very heart of the Kingdom. In any other realm, the throne hall of the sovereign would have stood there, but here it was called the Grand Temple—a sacred domain.
The soldier approached one of those greeting visitors at the Grand Temple’s entrance and exchanged words with them. Soon after, the devotee’s eyes widened as they gazed upon me.
“I have escorted you this far. May only good fortune befall you.”
With that, the soldier departed, and the devotee who appeared to be a believer approached and guided me forward.
“You possess a letter of recommendation from Cardinal Batroy, I hear?”
“Yes, that’s correct. It came into my possession by chance. The person who carried it viewed me favorably and entrusted it to me.”
“How remarkable. It has been fifty years since Cardinal Batroy ascended to his position, and in all that time, he has issued only two letters of recommendation. One was given to someone who audaciously repelled a descended Demon attempting to infiltrate the Holy Kingdom—a feat of incredible valor. The other was given to his closest friend from his academy days, who failed the knight’s examination and returned to his hometown.”
I tilted my head in confusion. A close friend? If he were a Cardinal, his age would be considerable, yet Braymun appeared to be a relatively young middle-aged man. The notion of a close friend made no sense.
‘Could it have been inherited from my father?’
That seemed the most likely possibility.
“I suspect it’s the latter. I’m not entirely certain of the details myself, though.”
The devotee nodded at my words and led me to a room just ahead.
Knock, knock.
“Cardinal Batroy. Someone bearing your letter of recommendation has arrived.”
“Come in.”
With those words, the door swung open, revealing the interior.
A study lined with countless windows, shields, swords, axes, maces, and other weapons alongside suits of armor. It was impossible to discern whether this was an armory or an office.
And in the center of the room, seated at a broad desk, was an elderly man—the largest in stature of anyone I had ever encountered. He regarded me with a penetrating gaze.
“I shall take my leave now. I hope you have a most enlightening conversation.”
As the devotee withdrew, the elderly man reclined into his massive chair, which seemed tailored to his enormous frame, and asked simply:
“Is it you?”
“Yes. I have brought the letter of recommendation.”
I withdrew the letter from my garments and placed it upon his desk. In that moment of proximity, I could sense it clearly.
‘He is formidable.’
Indeed, a figure of power befitting a major nation within a fully conquered territory.
At minimum SS-rank, or perhaps even surpassing Dangun Cheonje in raw strength. This Stage, with its unique character drawing residents and players alike, harbored such a powerhouse.
Typically, only players of the third generation or earlier existed in Stages 0 through 1. The rest advanced toward deeper Stages beyond and established themselves there—a natural consequence. Those entering Stages below 100 from the inner sanctum faced severe penalties.
This was also why the Divine Seats could not descend or be summoned arbitrarily to lower Stages.
‘Yes, SSS-rank. That level which would later be evaluated as A-rank by System standards. A tier I could never overcome, even if I died and awakened anew.’
Did he perceive my gaze, my emotions, my very thoughts?
He chuckled softly, rose from his chair, and his eyes gleamed as he approached me.
Then he began touching my body, kneading it methodically.
“What…what are you doing?”
A pervert! Was this man truly a pervert? A Cardinal engaging in such behavior!
“Oho~! What a magnificent physique. It’s as though you’ve achieved enlightenment—your body itself is nearly devoid of impurities, and coupled with such perfectly balanced, flawless musculature!”
This man. He was just like Gun-dan. One of those lunatics obsessed with muscle and bulk!
I reflexively attempted to retreat and evade his grasp, but it was futile. Having already begun kneading my arms, he continued his examination methodically across my entire frame before finally withdrawing, seemingly satisfied.
Then he grasped his own muscles and frowned.
“Age withers even muscle. Tsk, my mood has soured.”
This mad old fool! If those muscles are deficient, then ninety-nine percent of all muscles across every dimension are garbage!
“So someone actually brought my letter of recommendation. Since I never would have given it to that bastard, it must be the invitation I once gave to a dear friend. How is Bvimund doing?”
“I’m not certain.”
At those words, Cardinal Batroy’s eyebrows twitched, and his eyes narrowed.
“Could it be that you killed someone and took it from them? Of course, I couldn’t fault you for it, but my attitude toward you would change considerably.”
“No, sir. The person who gave me this letter of recommendation is Braymun, the captain of the guards at Primordial Village. As for someone named Bvimund… he might be his father, perhaps? I’ve never met him. I apologize.”
Cardinal Batroy’s expression softened. He broke into a satisfied laugh and nodded approvingly.
“Hahahaha! That’s right, that’s right! A man with such a perfect physique and musculature would never commit such base and contemptible acts! Yes, he’s the son of my dear friend. I saw him once when he was just a little boy. Ahahaha!”
In an instant, his wariness dissolved.
“Yes, welcome. It’s good to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Bartroy, an avatar who serves the great hero of infinite power, a cardinal of the Holy Kingdom, and currently serving as the head of the Inquisition.”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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