Rise of the OtherGod Apostle: Not a Cult Leader, but a Serf?!

#035Reader Mode

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#035

Tertius was well aware that Fabio was no ordinary serf.

…Individuals under the watchful eye of those from beyond the stars often have entered into a contract with a particular being.

In essence, they’re like containers, molded from substances offered to these otherworldly beings during their contract-making.

Although Fabio remained untouched by the Holy Sword of Condemnation and appeared to be in the gentle Saint’s good graces, seemingly without any significant sins to his name…

Deep within Fabio, there was a profound desire – a desire so intense it led him to bond with an entity from beyond.

“…Adna, the fifth Apostle, told me not to set my sights too high. She said that if I really want to contribute, I should stay weak, powerless, and ignorant.”

“She said that?”

I guess she heard that information from the Saint.

But why did she bother to give such advice?

It’s dangerous to dream the impossible, but telling someone to do nothing is even riskier…

No, considering Adna’s usual way of speaking, she probably intended to say that he could be of help even if he didn’t do anything, but ended up causing a misunderstanding. That sounds about right.

“When she said that, it shook me to my core. I realized I’m a dangerous existence outside of Order.”

…So, that’s what he’s been thinking.

He apologized first, despite not understanding what he had done wrong.

Dangerous….

“…Hmm, that’s true.”

I have no idea what he did, but he definitely threw Adna into a pit of misunderstandings.

“Indeed, you are dangerous simply because you exist beyond the Order’s influence.”

Adna… You don’t seem to listen to me anymore.

“Then… that means gaining new skills seems to turn me into something not just less useful, but increasingly dangerous…”

Like a child, he’s so easily frightened, and yet she’s adamant about being his guardian.

“I… I only wish to repay the Church of the Order, which offered to shelter someone like me, even though I can’t receive any of their blessings. I may not have much to offer, but I pour my heart into my work, and that’s how I want to serve. So, please…”

“…So, you truly want to be a chore worker, or you’ll feel unfulfilled? Is that it?”

If he’s just doing chores, there’s no way to stop Adna from visiting him.

Tertius had been dealing with Adna’s messes for years and had subconsciously started to think of handling her issues as his responsibility.

Where can he go to escape from her?

After a moment of thought, Tertius realized he had overlooked something important.

Wait, does this Watched One actually not mind having Adna around?

Fabio seemed to be in a constant state of fear.

And more than anything, he desperately wanted to live.

For someone like him, having Adna – a Paladin and Apostle – by his side could be a great source of comfort.

“Adna wanted you to stay with the Apostles and pretty much learn whatever you wanted.”

…Telling him she actually wants to be his lifelong protector might just overwhelm him.

“Pardon?”

“So, what do you think about this?”

Right then, Fabio’s emotions morphed into shades of anxiety and fear.

…What are you so afraid of?

“Well, I truly appreciate your kindness, but I don’t want to be a burden…”

“Forget about feeling like you’re a burden. Just tell me, in your honest opinion, do you think it’s a good idea or not?”

His emotional colors are turning darker.

Fear, nervousness, sheer terror, embarrassment…

His feelings weren’t just the usual awkwardness of being offered something overly generous.

I think… he’s scared he might die if he accepts.

But why?

Is there some kind of restriction that prevents him from explaining why he should refuse?

Reasons not to be close to the Apostles…

Suddenly, Tertius recalled his entrance into Adna’s training ground.

Falling over as soon as I came in means… he was standing right against the door.

Was he trying to escape?

But from what?

…Then Tertius thought of Adna’s radiant halo.

Fabio shouldn’t have been able to see that divine glow.

Yet he looked terrified of it.

Fabio can’t see divine power.

Fabio can’t receive the Blessing of Healing.

Fabio can’t receive blessings that affect the mind.

Fabio can’t say the names of the Apostles.

None of these restrictions were mentioned by Fabio himself.

How many more restrictions might be placed on him was unknown. It’s possible Fabio might not even know himself.

Could it be that divine power itself is his poison?

“I mean, I am…”

“Does it bother you?”

Fabio’s meek eyes looked shocked at the question.

“So, the Saint, Adna, and I – we all make you uncomfortable, right?”

“Well, it’s not quite like that…”

“Come on, who’d believe you’re okay with that look on your face?”

Getting too close to the Apostles seems to imply certain death for him.

“Feeling uncomfortable at the mere mention of an Apostle’s name suggests you’d be even more affected when an Apostle wields their divine powers.”

If he’s restricted from saying it outright… can he at least hint at it?

“You’re looking unwell, and I bet it’s because Adna unleashed her divine power earlier…”

…A restriction that causes agony when near divine energy. How cruel.

Tertius couldn’t help but feel pity for the trembling figure before him.

“Be honest, divine power makes you uncomfortable, doesn’t it?”

“No, I just can’t sense divine power at all. I’ve never been uncomfortable around it….”

“See? That’s exactly why it’s dangerous. You’re unable to even avoid it.”

Fabio’s emotions were still colored with anxiety.

“You’ve got it all wrong. I’m really okay. I look pale because I was shocked to find out I’m outside of the Order and can’t see divine power, not because of the divine power itself….”

“You don’t need to pretend.”

Seems like getting an indirect answer isn’t possible either.

“It’s not your fault. It’s probably because of the restrictions placed on you by the Being that’s observing you.”

…I wish I could do something to calm his anxiety somehow.

Not being able to use the Blessing of Comfort.

This was the first time since becoming an Apostle that he felt so helpless.

“Especially since you can’t even accept blessings of healing or comfort, pretending to be okay might just cause you to collapse unexpectedly, leaving us helpless to assist.”

“I’m not pretending, I really am okay….”

“Are you? Truly?”

While being this terrified.

“If you are truly fine, then spending an entire day with Adna shouldn’t be a problem, right? In fact, it should be wonderful. What could be safer than being right next to an unbreakable wall? You wouldn’t have any reason to dislike that, right? Right?”

He didn’t need an answer.

Because Fabio’s emotions were already vividly responding to the question.

…Stupid Adna.

“See? You can’t even answer a straightforward question. That just shows you’re not alright.”

Taking the word of someone bound by so many restrictions at face value could end up killing them.

“Don’t lie to yourself. Ignoring it doesn’t change the fact that it affects you.”

I’ll have to let Adna know later exactly the mess she’s put him in.

The very person she’s trying to protect was nearly killed by her actions.

“…Then what do you suggest I do?”

“What I recommend is…”

“Do you want me to leave the Order? I said I’d stay, even if I just do chores, but that’s not good enough for you? Because I’m different? Because I can’t accept blessings? Because I’m an outsider to the Order?”

“No, that’s not what I was trying to say…”

Tertius was flustered.

…Is that anger?

“It’s not my fault. Even the Saint said I haven’t sinned… So, am I beyond hope, no matter what I do?”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that…”

“I told you, I’m fine. If divine power really is a problem for me, the Apostles, the sages, they can just purify me. At least let me die in the Order’s embrace…”

Tears started pooling in Fabio’s eyes.

“Is even that too grand of a dream for someone like me?”

…Ah.

The sight of those falling tears made Tertius understand what he had previously failed to notice.

…He’s just terrified of being left behind, like a lost child.

What he should have done was reassure him.

That they would find a way to save him.

But instead…

I just added to his fear by bringing up his incompatibility with divine power.

Looking at his reaction, Tertius could imagine how his words might have sounded to Fabio.

“… Sigh.”

I’m no better than Adna in this.

Gently, Tertius wrapped his arms around Fabio.

He’s haunted by the thought of being forsaken by the Order.

“You’re already under the Order’s protection. Rest assured, you’ll be with the Lord until your last breath.”

If you can’t reach the Order’s realm even after death, we won’t let you die until there’s a way.

He bit back those words, not wanting to scare him further.

“…Do you understand? Did you get what I’m saying?”

He wanted to reassure him somehow, but Fabio, held in his arms, remained stiff.

“Why do I feel like there’s still a misunderstanding…”

“…I understand, so please let me go now.”

“You do?”

“Yes…you’re saying all of this because you’re worried about me… I get it now.”

Hearing this, Tertius gently released Fabio from his embrace.

…Maybe he didn’t fully believe what I said earlier.

Despite his reassurances, Fabio’s emotions continued to be dominated by anxiety and fear.

“…But you still look upset?”

All of a sudden, a surge of resentment and anger colored Fabio’s feelings.

Why did he suddenly get angry?

“I was only trying to…”

“No, just stop. Don’t force yourself.”

Truthfully, being open and honest is tough enough, but if you keep bottling up your feelings, Adna’s misunderstandings will never be resolved.

Just as Tertius was nearing the brink of frustration, Fabio’s emotional spectrum shifted again.

Anger, bitterness, pain.

“…Ah.”

Then, as if filled with regret, hues of embarrassment, fear, and sheer dread painted his feelings.

In that instant, Tertius began to wonder if he had completely misread the situation.

“Did I frighten you?”

Fabio remained silent, yet his torrent of negative emotions spoke volumes.

“Was I not clear enough? I am truly worried about you…”

“I understand. The sixth Apostle is concerned about me. I’ll bear that in mind.”

“No, you don’t seem to understand…”

I just felt sorry that you were so afraid…

His intention had only been to comfort him.

The thought that Fabio might actually be scared of him had never crossed his mind.

So, what should I do now?

As he was slightly panicking, Tertius noticed Fabio’s hand, which he was still holding, give a slight twitch.

“Ah…”

That’s when it dawned on him – he had inadvertently used Blessing of Comfort.

What have I done…

It was a mistake he would never usually make.