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

#061Reader Mode

#061

Getting scolded for not knowing something they never bothered to teach me was pretty annoying.

Still, I managed to keep my cool on the outside, putting on the act of a serf too intimidated to show any annoyance.

“I’m sorry. What was I supposed to say?”

Elamin gave me a long look, then out of nowhere, he grabbed my left wrist and backed me against the wall, pinning my wrists over my head with one hand. His face got uncomfortably close, and I swear I could see every hair in his beard in 4K definition.

“What’s going through your head right now?”

“Um, Pardon?”

“Imagine someone else had you trapped like this. What do you think they’re planning?”

Is he quizzing me on self-defense techniques?

Quickly assessing the situation, I figured breaking free was out of the question with my wrists securely in his grasp.

Normally, if you’re grabbed like this in some dark alley…

“…You’d, um, get stabbed between the ribs with a knife?”

“……”

Elamin’s expression darkened even further.

“Fabio, I’m not holding a weapon right now,” he pointed out.

“But in a situation like this, isn’t it wise to assume the worst—that the person might have a weapon?”

“Let’s say there’s no weapon. Then what do you think I’d do?”

“Am I also unarmed?”

“…That’s right.”

The most lethal attack when both are unarmed would be…

Strangling someone with both hands would be the most logical move, but Elamin was using one hand to hold both my wrists. Pulling off an effective choke with just one hand, given our size difference, would be tough.

So, maybe…

“Punching the stomach…?”

“…And why did that come to mind?”

“Well, the stomach’s soft, no bones to protect it, so a good hit could be really dangerous even without a weapon. Could cause internal bleeding, maybe even fatal if it’s bad enough…”

“Really?” Elamin raised an eyebrow. “No other possibilities come to mind?”

“A knee strike to the groin?”

Elamin let out a small sigh and said, “Fabio, look at me.”

I’m already trying not to look because you’re way too close for comfort here.

Then, Elamin took it up a notch by grabbing my chin to force me to face him, asking once more, “What do you think I’m about to do?”

“…A headbutt?”

A well-aimed headbutt could really do some damage, hitting those fragile spots like the nose or cheekbones with the solid forehead.

It might not knock someone out cold, but it’ll definitely put them out of commission for a bit.

Considering how many important senses are packed into the face…

Of course, we’re not built like the Pachycephalosaurus with thick skulls meant for headbutting, so if someone’s hands are free, they’d probably punch first. Headbutting might be risky because of the concussion risk for both parties.

However, if the Dark Realm’s criminal laws are harsher on punching, someone might go for a headbutt to argue it was accidental…

Elamin released me and took a step back, rubbing his forehead silently.

“So, was headbutting the right answer?”

“…Let’s just say it was.”

Definitely not then.

Then what was he looking for?

Biting back my frustration, I replayed Elamin’s questions in my mind.

He must have been probing to see if I knew what dangers to watch out for in the Cathedral.

So, guesses like robbery or human trafficking were incorrect.

It looked like Elamin couldn’t directly give me the answer because of the gag order.

I mulled it over.

…Was saying I’d cooperate if someone thought I was up to no good really the wrong answer?

The truth about Othergods is a top-secret known only to Roklem’s Apostles and Casimir, the head of the Inquisition.

They made it crystal clear I shouldn’t let the research director find out about my existence.

So, if the one asking to inspect my room and belongings is an Apostle of Ledeia…

The second they lay eyes on the Saint’s Relic I’ve got, they’ll realize something’s being hidden from them.

Although it’s said the Saint’s relic doesn’t reveal its divine power when not in use, making it easier to stash away in clothes, anyone really looking could figure out it’s a special gift from the Saint.

The mere fact of someone asking to dig through my belongings likely means they already have suspicions and came poking around with that in mind.

A reader of unknown origin is under the protection of the Apostles.

Agreeing to a search is practically gift-wrapping the evidence of me being a heretic to Ledeia’s followers.

…The Saint warned me that if I was discovered to be connected with an Othergod, it would be a total disaster.

Was he hinting that if I got outed, the Research Director, Ledeia’s Apostle, would be itching to turn me into a lab rat?

Just the thought of maggots crawling under my skin gives me the creeps.

…That’s why he listened so carefully when I described Sereno down to the last detail.

Being of noble birth means that your family has a patron god they serve.

And just like that, I get why Elamin found me so frustrating.

Can you blame him? Here I am, supposed to keep my identity a secret, yet practically rolling out the red carpet for anyone curious enough to poke around, even ready to consent to a strip search and flaunt my holy relic.

But hang on. What was he trying to warn me about by grabbing my chin just now?

Considering the threat the Apostle of Ledeia could pose to me….

Ah.

Lightbulb moment!

“I see! So that’s what you were trying to tell me!”

Elamin looked at me with expectant eyes.

Grinning, I answered confidently. “Watch out for their eyes! Someone with divine lineage could possibly use illusions!”

I’ve seen Nasir do it and it still totally slipped my mind!

I had a hint staring me in the face and still missed it.

If Elamin had those flashy gold eyes, I might’ve remembered sooner. But with his silver-gray eyes, I didn’t make the connection.

“I had completely forgotten that I must keep my identity hidden from other Apostles. So the right action isn’t to cooperate with the search, but to outright refuse and seek help from commander Casimir. And I should be extra careful about making eye contact!”

Elamin didn’t correct me, which meant I finally got it right.

“I must’ve been frustrating to deal with, not catching on even with all the hints you’ve kindly given me. Thanks for bearing with me.”

“…Yes.”

Even though I can’t be messed with mentally, if people find out, it’d still be suspicious. So, I must be careful to not get caught.

“What should I do to be careful in such a situation?” I asked.

“…First, try your best not to end up in that kind of situation.”

“I see!”

“And if you do find yourself backed into a corner by a man…”

“Should I just shut my eyes to avoid looking at him?”

“……..”

Elamin just gave me the silent treatment.

“If I’m wrong, please explain it to me. Don’t just give me that look…”

“Never close your eyes in such a moment.”

Ah, right. If I close my eyes, I’m pretty much sitting duck.

Even if they can’t mess with my head, being physically overpowered wouldn’t do me any favors.

So, I need to keep my eyes peeled for any chance to break free but steer clear of direct eye contact.

“Then what should I do?”

“The first thing you should do is to shout for help. Let everyone around know what’s happening.”

That’s pretty standard advice for self-defense, actually.

“And after that?”

“…Make it clear to the other man that you’re not okay with what’s happening, that you don’t like it.”

“Really? That works?”

If simply saying no was enough, Batman wouldn’t be an orphan, would he?

“…Acts committed against the will of the other person are subject to condemnation, so it is somewhat effective on those who belong to the Order.”

“I see.”

So, in the Dark Realm, a firm ‘No, I don’t like this, stop it’ can actually do something.

But what about that lady who beheaded her boyfriend… She was ordained before that, right?

Was he offed because he didn’t clearly say ‘Please don’t chop my head off’?

Or does that line not work on someone who’s already crazy and sees it as a one-time offense?

“Carrying an additional protection talisman or amulet might also be a good idea.” Elamin added.

“But I’ve got the necklace from the Saint…”

“Better to keep that hidden underneath your clothes and have another, more visible protective symbol. I’ll get one for you.”

Right, carrying normal, everyday items on me would draw less attention.

I was impressed by Elamin’s considerate measures and thoughtful approach.

Even if he did give me those annoying ‘What am I going to do with you?’ looks, considering my less-than-brilliant moments, I figured I owed him some gratitude.

“Thanks for looking out for me!”

I couldn’t help but smile brightly.

After all, Elamin was going out of his way to give me pointers, even if it meant bending the rules set by his heavenly love, Casimir.

“…Fabio.”

“Yes?”

“It seems you were right. You need to become more familiar with how things work around this Cathedral before you think about making friends.”

Is that a polite way of calling me stupid?

I’ve never been called stupid in my life.

Stings my pride a bit, not gonna lie.

But I kept up the grin, all the same.

“I am indeed lacking in many ways. I will eagerly learn anything you teach me!”

“…Let’s go have breakfast.”

“Yes!”

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Breakfast was a hearty stew with meat, fresh white bread, and strawberry jam on the side.

As I was wondering what kind of meat this was, a helpful narration window suddenly popped up.

[It’s rabbit meat.]

…Got it.

Thanks for letting me know, Fabio.

Rabbit meat’s kinda like chicken in taste, huh?

I quickly dismissed Fabio’s follow-up narration trivia about eating rabbit brains raw and focused on finishing my meal.

Athanas was back at his usual spot in the library today.

…Out like a light, again.

After seeing him napping here for three days straight, it’s starting to feel normal.

It’s getting to the point where he’s less ‘Athanas the Heretic Slayer’ and more ‘that guy who’s always napping in the common room’.

And yeah, this guy’s ridiculously good-looking.

Back when this was all just a game, I figured the design team just went all out on his character. But realizing that face isn’t just some digital creation but belongs to an actual person? It’s kind of surreal and makes me wonder.

Was it just a coincidence that our world-saving hero happens to be model-level handsome, or was it because he’s so good looking that he was able to save the world?

Seeing as all of Roklem’s Apostles are easy on the eyes, maybe Athanas’s late-game emergence as a new Apostle in Heretic Slayer had something to do with his looks too.

Or….

What if, in all those alternate realities that never came to be, the world got saved by someone not so easy on the eyes, but those stories didn’t make the cut for the game?

That’s an interesting thought to chew on.

If Athanas wasn’t the main character, I doubt Heretic Slayer would have been so popular like it was.

I found myself just quietly observing Athanas.

…How does someone with his looks end up being alienated?

It’s so strange.

You’d think with those looks and his overpowered level of skill, people would naturally gravitate towards him.

There are plenty of people who love to ride on the coattails of someone else’s success, bragging about it as if it were their own victory.

You’d expect a harem of admirers or followers around him…

I get him having some enemies, but total isolation? That just doesn’t make any sense.

Why doesn’t Athanas have a bunch of loyal followers on his side?

Maybe he’s not the easiest person to get along with?

…Still, with a face like that, even a bit of snark would still draw a cult-like crowd that likes being abused.

After pondering for a while, I had to chalk it up to medieval people being truly incomprehensible. No angle I considered made the social shunning of Athanas make any sense.

Maybe it’s just a side effect of a protagonist’s halo.

Protagonists tend to magnetize petty villains like moths to a flame, who inevitably end up getting embarrassingly stomped on. It’s a narrative cycle that gives the audience a thrill and satisfaction.

I finally stopped admiring Athanas’s face and opened a book instead.

But the pages might as well have been glued together for all the attention I could muster.

The whole talented, stunningly attractive character scorned and isolated because of jealousy…

…That’s a trope more often seen with female characters, right?

In reality, being too perfect to have friends is odd, but it’s a staple in the world of rom-coms and visual novels with harem elements. It sets the stage for the ‘average’ protagonist to swoop in with a couple of nice words, winning hearts and changing lives.

Such a cliché and lazy setting.

By any real-world measure, it’s pretty ridiculous.

Can a few kind words really turn someone’s life around and save them?

If it were that simple, the field of psychology would be out of business.

Well, this isn’t a romance novel, so Athanas will have to save himself.