Monarch of Death

Much like the Kingdom of Yustil, the Etrial King’s Order often worked hand-in-hand with the noble families of each region.

“If you’ve already booked an inn, I suggest you move here. You’ll find it much more convenient in many ways, and we’ll also take good care of your horses.”

Karnak readily accepted Laven’s suggestion. It’s free, so there’s no reason to refuse.

“That’s very kind of you. I appreciate it.”

The merchant group welcomed them with utmost courtesy.

Since they were introduced by the Strauss family, they seemed to take special care.

After spreading a map on the table, Laven spoke in a serious tone.

“We’ve confirmed the location where the cultists of the Dark God are hiding.”

Through a messenger, the information Karnak’s group had obtained was already delivered to the Etrial King’s Order. The investigation was based on this information.

“Their hideout is the ancient ruin Maleficus, located in the western part of Kalenta.”

***

Before humanity had even begun to build its civilization, the world was ruled by unknown ancient species.

Very little is known about them.

Even the dragon race and fairy race, who live far longer than humans, had no records of them.

What is known is that they were giants, roughly three meters tall, and that necromancy, a forbidden art to humans, was originally a technique of these ancient beings.

Despite the mystery surrounding them, no one doubts their existence.

Ancient ruins left behind by these ancient species, commonly referred to as dungeons, are scattered all over the world.

Strictly speaking, the word “dungeon” simply means prison. More specifically, “tower prison.”

However, since most castles also built prisons underground, the meaning expanded to include underground prisons, and eventually, the term was applied to the complex ruins overrun with monsters.

There’s a reason why ancient ruins are mostly associated with being underground.

Most ancient ruins are buried beneath the earth.

Why?

Because anything left on the surface had already been looted and used as building materials by humans. The structures of the ruins were repurposed for construction.

Another reason most ancient ruins are underground is that the primary skill of the ancient species was necromancy.

The greatest enemy of necromancy is the sun.

So, even if ancient ruins are exposed to sunlight, they lose their power and become mere piles of stones.

But underground ruins were different.

The powers of the ancient species still lingered.

Their control over monsters and influence over countless undead spirits and wraiths persisted in the darkness.

Though dangerous monsters and evil spirits appeared in these places, the ruins might also contain valuable treasures from the ancient species that have been forgotten in the present era.

It was only natural that dungeons became objects of desire.

This led to the emergence of treasure hunters, specialists who explored ancient ruins.

Many treasure hunters died while exploring dungeons.

Over time, dungeons were looted to the point where they became empty.

Many years passed.

Even without treasure, a dungeon remains a dungeon. Monsters and evil spirits continue to appear.

But who would risk their lives entering a dungeon if there’s nothing to gain?

These abandoned dungeons were forgotten.

Occasionally, if the number of monsters in a dungeon grew so large that they threatened nearby villages, a subjugation party would be sent.

Even this wasn’t done often since the cost of sending a party usually outweighed any benefits.

But there were those who saw potential in these abandoned dungeons.

Why are dungeons dangerous?

Because of the appearance of monsters and evil spirits.

Why do monsters and evil spirits appear in dungeons?

Because of the lingering power of necromancy left behind by the ancient beings.

In other words, for a necromancer, a dungeon could be controlled, with the monsters and evil spirits turned into their own power!

Many cultists, fleeing persecution, hid in these ancient ruins.

Tesranak’s followers settled in abandoned dungeons all across the continent.

The Wellard branch of the Dark God’s cult, located in the Maleficus dungeon, was one such case.

***

It was an enormous stone chamber.

Its height reached over ten meters, and the pillars were more than twice as thick as those found in a typical temple of the Church of the Goddesses.

This was proof that it was an ancient ruin left behind by the ancient species.

There are no remaining records of the ancient species’ appearance. No one knows what they looked like.

However, their buildings and tools were much larger than those used by humans, though the basic shapes were similar.

This is why people assume they were giants, roughly three meters tall.

Torches lit the stone chamber, illuminating the interior. Despite being underground, the ventilation was excellent, allowing the torches to burn brightly and making it easy to breathe.

In this deep underground stone chamber, dozens of cultists who worshiped Tesranak had gathered.

“There must be death for there to be resurrection, night must deepen for dawn to come, and destruction must exist for creation to follow…”

A man in his mid-fifties, clad in a black robe, stood before them, solemnly leading the mass.

He was the archbishop Hugot, head of the Wellard branch of the Dark God’s cult.

“We offer our prayers in the name of the master of death and destruction, of darkness and resurrection, who oversees the dawn and creation.”

The people bowed their heads, murmuring in a trance-like state.

“O Tesranak, watch over us, protect us…”

Among them was a woman in her thirties named Edia.

Outwardly, she appeared to be offering prayers like the others. But inwardly, her thoughts were quite different.

‘What utter nonsense.’

It had been fifteen days since her ex-husband Owent had kidnapped her and brought her to these Maleficus ruins.

For the sake of her safety, she had been cooperating, but the more she listened to their doctrine, the more absurd it seemed.

They claim that there must be destruction for creation, but…

‘How is this the word of a god? It sounds more like a construction worker’s logic.’

Even if you accept the notion that you need to destroy something old to create something new, where’s the guarantee that what’s newly built will be better?

‘Well, I guess all cult doctrines are pretty much the same.’

Historically speaking, cults have always been a common occurrence.

There are necromancers who claim to be gods, gathering followers and deceiving them with promises of eternal life.

There are those who assert that the Church of the Seven Goddesses is wrong and that their god is the true god.

What these cults commonly preach is a new world.

They all want to destroy the current world and create a new one.

To those dissatisfied with reality, this may sound appealing, but anyone with common sense would scoff at such an idea.

Before she was brought here, Edia couldn’t understand these people.

She couldn’t fathom why Owent had been so taken in by a doctrine that wasn’t particularly special.

But now that she’d seen it up close, she could understand to some extent.

The Dark God’s cult claims that necromancy is a divine power bestowed by Tesranak. The so-called ‘clergy’ of Tesranak wield this power of darkness.

So far, this was no different from other cults.

The problem lies in what came next.

“Disciple Dale, step forward.”

A man stepped forward, his face brimming with excitement.

“Ooh!”

“Brother Dale!”

Cheers erupted from all around, filled with envy.

With his hand placed on the man’s forehead, Hugot solemnly declared,

“You, a faithful servant of Tesranak, are baptized in the name of darkness.”

A powerful darkness enveloped the man’s entire body.

Overcome with emotion, Dale praised the Dark God.

“I dedicate my body and soul to Tesranak!”

Indeed.

This ordinary man had gained the power of darkness with just a touch of Hugot’s hand.

This was what set them apart from the other cults that only preached empty words.

‘…They really do bestow power.’

The monsters that had terrorized the dungeon now obeyed like slaves.

The fearsome evil spirits and wraiths, which had once been terrifying, now guarded the ruins like trained pets.

And this wasn’t something limited to the Dark God’s clergy. Even ordinary followers could wield these powers.

In the Dark God’s cult, even regular believers could easily obtain the power of darkness.

Just look at her husband.

Didn’t he single-handedly knock down a dozen of guards and kidnap Edia?

‘Owent, who originally would’ve had a hard time dealing with even one of them, was just a regular merchant.’

The image of necromancy that the Dark God’s cult teaches also plays a significant role in expanding their influence.

The Church of the Seven Goddesses teaches that necromancy is a corrupt and dark art, ruled by death and darkness.

On the other hand, the Dark God’s cult defines necromancy as a sacred power that rules over even death and darkness.

It’s the same idea, but the nuance changes the entire perception.

Who in this world would willingly choose to die?

The ability to control death? Immortality is always an enticing promise.

However, the Church of the Seven Goddesses doesn’t offer immortality.

They teach that after death, one resides in the domain of the goddesses, where the wicked are sent to hell, the good to heaven, and then they are reborn to return to the world.

But what if someone says, “I don’t want heaven or hell. I just want to stay here, in this world.”

That’s what people truly desire, but the Church only talks about something else entirely. So why should anyone believe in the Seven Goddesses?

There’s a true god right here, offering exactly what they desire!

‘…Wait, what am I even thinking?’

Startled, Edia shook her head.

She was confused.

The more she listened to Hugot’s ‘voice,’ the more she found herself drawn in.

“Spread the righteous teachings. This is your sole duty. Do not be bound by the common sense of the mundane world…”

Ignoring his voice, Edia forced herself to concentrate.

There was nothing else she could do in her current situation but follow along for now.

So, she decided to do what she could!

‘Observe.’

She was a merchant, and merchants calculate and produce results.

She would observe the number of people, assess their power, note the amount of food they consumed…

‘Keep observing.’

If she died? Well, that would be the end of it.

But if she was lucky enough to escape?

‘This is all valuable information! I can sell it for a high price.’

Driven by greed, Edia clung to her principle of keeping her mind sharp.

‘Even if the world ends tomorrow, I’ll make today’s profit!’

Her merchant’s desperate resolve clashed with the gloomy voice of the necromancer, echoing in her mind.

“Follow, my lambs. For this is the word of truth…”

***

After a good night’s rest to recover from the journey, Karnak and his group prepared to set off in the morning.

They were about to traverse the great Kalenta Forest, teeming with monsters, and infiltrate the ancient ruins of Maleficus, the necromancers’ base.

Thinking they might need an expert, Millia made a suggestion.

“How about hiring a treasure hunter, Lord Karnak?”

Laven shrugged his shoulders in response.

“That’s why I’m here instead of Sir Starr. Before I joined the King’s Order, I worked as an adventurer. I’ve got quite a bit of experience as a treasure hunter too.”

“…Oh, I thought you were a knight.”

“Well, with my older brother Emile already serving as the family knight, there wasn’t much point in me becoming one too.”

Laven chuckled, dismissing the need for formalities.

Then he spread a map before the group and began explaining the upcoming journey.

“If we follow this route, it should take about four days. Of course, we’ll likely be attacked by quite a few monsters along the way…”

He scratched the back of his head with a casual smile.

“But what’s there to worry about? We’ve got a 6th-circle mage and two aura users. Haha!”

Karnak and Baros both made uncomfortable expressions as they met his gaze, which was filled with admiration.

[Well, isn’t this strange, Laven looking at us like that.]

[This is really awkward.]