Chapter 127 : The Missed Bucket Monster

The Missed Bucket Monster

Basically, the gods that a necromancer can trust are limited.

From the start, the idea that necromancers who only use "necromancy" would have a variety of gods to worship doesn't make sense.

Yet, there is a god that most "Players" who are necromancer worship.

That is none other than the God said to have authored the "Necronomicon" seen before my eyes, the "God of Souls and Curses,"

Balisk.

* 〈Mortis points to the book.〉

Mortis kept pointing to the "Necronomicon."

Come to think of it, if there's a hierarchy among the gods, how does that work between Mortis and Balisk?

Mortis, the god worshipped by monsters.

Balisk, the god of the Player.

Given their relationship, they ought to be on bad terms, but considering Mortis is recommending it, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Well, that's not something I need to worry about.

The thing I need to worry about now is...

How can I get my hands on the "Necronomicon"? That's all.

A "unique-grade" item that's extremely rare to obtain in Dungeon God. Even if it isn't quite at the level of "divine", for a necromancer, it holds that kind of value.

*Gulp.*

A book that greatly enhances "necromancy proficiency" and allows you to receive the blessing of "Balisk."

Maybe, what I need most isn't money or honor.

It's the "strength" right in front of my eyes.

The best method for mastering "necromancy."

I need it even just to gather the Runes of the Abyss.

"Is there something you want among these?"

Edwin looked around, checking if there was anything I wanted.

Despite Edwin's words, my gaze on the "Necronomicon" showed no sign of moving elsewhere.

"What's this?"

I did my best to sound casual as I pointed at the Necronomicon.

"Ah."

Edwin's expression hardened.

"It's a book imbued with horrifying magic. For ordinary people, even just looking at it would make them lose their minds. It's a necromancer's scripture."

Right.

That's exactly what I'm looking for!

"That's why no one seeks out this book. Only necromancers want to read it."

Edwin said with a laugh.

"Of course, if a necromancer was here right now, I'd have them dragged to the gallows immediately."

Ahem.

I gave a fake cough at his follow-up comment.

"No way."

Edwin squinted and asked.

"Dmihtan, you don't want this book, do you?"

A faint, but growing suspicion began to appear in his eyes.

He wasn't convinced that I was a necromancer, but just a speck of doubt was surfacing.

That's dangerous.

Even a "speck" of suspicion can reveal my identity, even with just a small amount of "holy water."

"A wicked book!"

Still, somehow, I have to give off the sense that I want this book.

"If you hand this book over to me, I can erase it from this world!"

Not as a "necromancer".

But as a "barbarian" seeking the book.

"...... You were only supposed to pick one thing from here."

"Then I choose this."

"To burn it?"

"Yes."

When I nodded, edwin looked at me with moved eyes.

"You'd burn a reward that could cost you your life... and you're fine with that?"

Seeing Edwin's face, it seemed my act worked.

"Of course. If it's for honor, it's only natural."

At my reply, he bit his lip firmly.

It's certain.

This guy—a royal but also an adventure-maniac lunatic.

* * *

In the end, the agreement with Edwin was concluded. I was to visit the Red Wolf Tribe and confirm the base of the Seven Abyssal Brands.

Then, by securing evidence or capturing a related person at that place, I would receive the "Necronomicon" as a reward.

Damn it.

Even as I confirmed it, I cursed under my breath.

Do I really have to go back there?

Bakemon World.

It's not that I particularly dislike the barbarians there, but there's one person I really shouldn't run into.

The priest of the Red Wolf Tribe, rugar.

If we bump into that guy—who once hired the Disguiser to kill us—at the village, who knows what he'll do.

Anyway, I had to tell my companions about what transpired with Edwin, so I called everyone together at The Great Haven and explained the situation.

First, I told them Edwin hadn't actually lost his memory.

"Uh, are we... are we all going to die?"

Miriam was the first to react. She curled up, trembling in fear of the prince's possible retaliation.

"Ah... if I'd known this, I wouldn't have come with you!"

"If that weakling causes trouble, I can handle it. Sage, if you wish, I can organize your memories again."

Leaving the confused Miriam behind, Barkal thumped his chest and spoke.

Dude.

Like I said, he didn't lose his memory in the first place.

Once the commotion died down, I continued.

What I had to say was set.

There's a religion called the "Seven Abyssal Brands," and what their goal is.

And currently, the suspected "base" was the "Red Wolf Tribe".

"Impossible...!"

As soon as the name Red Wolf Tribe was mentioned, Barkal reacted first.

"Darsan! Don't tell me, Darsan is also involved with those Seven Abyssal Brands guys!"

Barkal probably wouldn't be able to follow a detailed explanation. So instead of explaining, I simply nodded.

"In that case, what we must do is clear."

Barkal stroked his "Erindal" and spoke with sharp eyes.

"A religion that worships the Abyss..."

Serena also showed hostility toward the Seven Abyssal Brands.

"We can't allow such a religion to flourish! Lord Liberas would want repentance as well!"

Serena, folding her hands in prayer, spoke of "repentance" in the name of "Liberas."

Although it'll probably end up being physical "repentance," the benevolent gods will surely show their great power against heretics.

"I'll be sitting this one out."

It was at that moment.

While everyone else was in favor of heading for the Red Wolf Tribe, miriam cast her vote against it.

"Understood."

"...... Aren't you accepting that a bit too easily?"

Perhaps because I agreed with no hesitation, miriam looked a bit hurt.

Still, I had to make things clear.

"Even if Serena said the same thing, I'd have let it go."

This time, Serena also seemed a little hurt.

Why? Who knows.

"The Red Wolf Tribe is Barkal and my hometown. The barbarians reject outsiders. It'll definitely be tough for you."

In that sense, the fact that Serena was coming along without hesitation was something I was grateful for.

Surely it was pure concern, with no selfish motives at all.

"Ba-barbarian tribes have lots of warriors, right? I'd love to learn from them!"

Yeah, let's just call it concern.

"So, miriam, I understand if you don't want to come along."

"... Dmihtan."

"You weren't even part of our adventurer party from the start."

"That part was a bit much..."

Phew.

Miriam let out a deep sigh.

"To be honest, I'm a little scared, but mainly, it's time to elect the new 'Index Finger.'"

Index finger?

Ah, the Disguiser.

She must mean the guy Barkal beat up.

"If Barkal takes the position of Index Finger, it'll be fine, but I don't think he will."

Glancing, miriam looked at Barkal. Meeting his gaze, she was startled and quickly looked away.

So traveling with Miriam ends here. It's a bit of a shame, but what can you do.

"May fortune be with you."

At my words, miriam smiled. Her brown hair swayed slightly as her lips slowly parted.

"But Dmihtan, when will you settle the accounts for the potions we sold at Lagmor Mountain...?"

"May fortune be with you."

As I kept wishing her good fortune, miriam gave a dumbfounded smile and sighed.

* * *

The next morning.

We led the wagon out to leave Belhaim.

"Brother, we're ready."

Barkal, leading Krunga, had apparently packed the wagon with tons of luggage again, and Krunga shot Barkal a dirty look.

A horse with facial expressions that vivid—it must really hate this.

"I'm ready too!"

With a bright smile, Serena replied this time.

Since this wasn't our first trip, I'd often seen Serena preparing to depart, but it never gets old.

That's because—

She had no weapons, just a robe over her priest's garb.

Her personal luggage was just a tiny backpack.

"You sure that's enough?"

That's why, each time, I asked if she was alright with just that.

"Yes! With Lord Liberas' blessing, I'll be fine!"

Well.

She doesn't suffer much from cold or heat.

Status ailments hardly bother her, so taking more luggage would be odd.

* 〈Liberas is proud.〉

Watching Serena, Liberas was beaming with pride.

Maybe because her follower claims that "faith" is all they need instead of anything else.

What a doting god. No wonder she showers Serena with blessings.

* 〈Thrag is watching you.〉

What's up, ra-big bro?

Are you trying to compete with Liberas by giving me something too?

* 〈Thrag mocks you.〉

Yeah, knew it.

"Are we finally going home?!"

"Brother's hometown... I wonder what it's like."

"It's a very nice place to live! You'll like it!"

As we led the wagon out of Belhaim, Barkal—holding the reins—made a big fuss.

"Sage, don't worry too much! When we get back home, you'll be recognized as a true barbarian!"

Looking out the window in a daze, Barkal called out to me.

Home.

I chewed over that word as I looked back at Belhaim.

The Red Wolf Tribe village.

Can I even call that place home?

Still, if I think of it as seeing old friends, it's not so bad.

Ah.

It's still hard to sugarcoat it, though.

"Kuahahahaha! Home, at last!"

I already missed the bed at the Inn where we stayed in Belhaim.