How the Cult Saves the World-Chapter 140

The quest's content was the same as the original story, but one detail was different---something that caught me off guard.

'There's a failure penalty.'

The most important part?

Failing this sub-quest meant failing the main quest altogether.

A quest that involved countless lives---including my own---was now dependent on this one mission.

'Well, that seems plausible.'

If the Kyros Church were excluded from this situation, the conflict would escalate into a war between the Diego Church and the Rizes Church.

After all, the Demon God would have opened the rift, and in the end, the Diego Church would battle the Demon God---both for their survival and dominance.

However, just like in the original, countless innocent people would be caught in the crossfire. It would become nothing more than a selfish struggle between factions, where only the Evil God and the Demon God's senior followers would benefit.

If that happened, it would lead to the collapse and destruction of the entire Continent, including the Empire because their war would not end easily.

'So, in this quest, the role of the Kyros Church is clear---protect the citizens and prevent the Empire, and the Continent, from falling.'

I examined the quest window and spoke to Kyros.

'Lord Kyros.'

-Yes, my child.

'Because of this incident, our Kyros Church may become enemies with the Diego Church or the Rizes Church.'

Kyros responded firmly.

-Yes, I know. And I'm prepared.

'Good to hear that. Because I've been ready for this for a long time.'

With a faint smile, I accepted the quest.

'The important thing is to protect our believers---and the innocent.'

-My child... Thank you. And I am sorry.

'Don't worry about it. I had a feeling this day would come sooner or later.'

Yes. We had been at peace for the past year. But now, it was time to walk into hardship.

After mentally preparing myself, I summoned the Church's senior members through the communication channel.

"Everyone, gather at the Temple of Rovel immediately."

***

Kyros Church's Temple -- Rovel Branch, Reception Room.

The temple's senior members, who were scattered across various locations, gathered in one place.

Alphius, Chester, Sasha, Zain, Troy, Grandma, and the regional senior members---Jacob, Selena, Abel, and Melin---were all present.

With all the top members of the Kyros Church assembled, the temple doors, including those of Rovel, were closed to the public.

As they sat before me, their expressions tense, I addressed them.

"For now, all branch temple doors will remain closed."

At my words, the senior members' faces grew even more serious.

I made this decision because of the next quest that appeared immediately after I accepted the current one.

[Sub-Quest: 'Large-Scale Rift Incident' 2.<Block the Three Rifts!>

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

Description: A massive rift has appeared in three regions of the Empire---Elma, Katris, and Segel. Seal the rifts and save the people. (This is a linked quest.)

Objective: Close all three rifts.

On Success: Find traces of the next quest.

On Failure: Main quest failure.

Final Success Reward: ???

[Do you accept?]

[Yes/No]

I checked the quest details and accepted it immediately. The main quest failure penalty was still applicable even in this linked quest.

'At this point, this doesn't even feel like a sub-quest anymore...'

But what choice did I have?

Things had already come this far. I couldn't refuse. The moment I turned it down, the world might as well be doomed.

Since time was short, I quickly explained the situation to the senior members.

"Given the circumstances, you will have to go to Elma and Katris."

If I had three bodies, I would have gone to each city personally, but that was impossible. Instead, I decided to send the senior members to prepare for any emergencies.

"Alphius, Chester, and Melin---you'll go to Elma. Jacob, Selena, Abel, and Grandma---you'll head to Katris."

The senior members nodded in understanding, some quietly, others verbally confirming. Then, Sasha raised her hand.

"Wh-what about me?"

"Ah. Sasha, I want you to stay in Rovel as the intermediary. Since everyone will be spread out, it'll be easier if someone coordinates as the intermediary."

Technically, we could communicate via the communication channel, but I would be too overwhelmed to keep track of everything. Having Sasha handle interim reports made the most sense.

However, she didn't look very good and for the first time, she made a request.

"I... I want to go with Helena."

Sasha rarely asked for anything, so I was taken aback.

"Oh my, I see."

Unlike me, who was still processing the unfamiliar situation, Grandma gently stroked Sasha's hair as she clung to her.

"But since it is the Leader's decision...there is nothing I can do."

"...Yes."

Sasha looked genuinely disappointed. Or maybe. Maybe it was just me thinking that.

"Ah! Then how about we switch?"

Abel raised his hand with a bright smile.

"Sasha and I have similar combat abilities, after all. And as a liaison, my job would just be reporting to you, right?"

"Well...that's true."

Abel's smile widened at my response.

"Then I'll do it! Even if I can't go with you, at least I'll get to hear your voice more often!"

I didn't love the grin Abel was giving me, but Sasha was looking at me with pleading eyes. In the end, I had no choice but to nod.

"Fine. We'll do it that way."

"... Thank you, Church Leader!"

The moment I agreed, Sasha beamed with happiness, and Abel's smile grew even brighter.

'...Damn it.'

I quickly pulled myself together and I turned back to the senior members.

"You're allowed to use the portal in each temple, except for the one in Rovel."

Since the senior members could freely move between temples they had already visited, I figured it would be useful to let others use portals for making battles more manageable.

The senior members could use their powers to move the portals as needed, making things easier for Grandma, Zain, and Troy as well.

And if something unexpected happened, I could also move quickly.

Anyway.

"Zain, Troy---you're coming with me to Segel in the north."

"...Ugh. Here we go again. I get it. If those are your orders, I have no choice."

"Got it, Leader."

Zain looked dissatisfied at the news that he would have to suffer again without being able to rest for long, but the moment I handed him a bag of money, his expression immediately brightened.

The reason we were heading to Segel was simple---it was the farthest and most dangerous location, hence an inevitable choice.

'Of course, it would be easier if I went with Grandma...'

Unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Just like in Segel, a Child of the Demon God was expected to appear in Katris, where Grandma was going. And if the situation followed the original storyline, their rank was quite high.

'Still, with Grandma regaining some of her prime strength, she should be able to take them down.'

The Child of the Demon God appearing in Segel would likely be just as strong. The bigger issue, however, was the number of them.

"And above all, if a Child of the Demon God appears in any of the rifts, contact me immediately. Gather as much information as possible---appearance, name, anything---and send it to me. You don't have to go through Abel for this. Report directly to me. I won't tolerate any of you getting hurt trying to gather information. Understood?"

"Yes, Church Leader."

"We understand."

Satisfied with their responses, I dismissed the group to prepare for departure.

"Levi."

As the senior members left the reception room, Grandma called out to me. I removed my glasses and walked over to her.

"Yes, Grandma?"

She took my hand in hers, her warmth seeping through my fingers.

"Don't push yourself too hard. I know you can handle it, but... I still worry about you."

"Yes, Grandma. Don't worry. I have Kyros with me."

"Alright, Levi. Take care."

"You too, Grandma."

After a brief farewell, I left the living room with her and prepared to depart for Segel immediately.

There wasn't much to prepare---everything was already in place.

Without further ado, I set off with Zain and Troy.

***

As we traveled to Segel, riding on Troy, I closed my eyes for a moment, watching the landscape blur past us.

'Even with Troy's speed, it'll take at least a week to reach Segel.'

All the temples, except for Rovel, were located outside the Empire, meaning we had no choice but to travel there in person.

To make matters worse, Holden's estate was in the southern part of the Empire, while Segel was in the far north---the exact opposite direction.

'So... I guess I'll need help.'

The faster we reached Segel, the more lives we could save.

With that in mind, I instructed Troy to take us somewhere else first, other than Segel.

Just 10 more to go!