The town of Ruid was a bustling town. Although it was labeled a town, it rivaled cities in population and prosperity.
Located right beside the Great Forest Of Lumina, Ruid was an ideal location for adventurers and the likes and there was no lack of opportunities in the town.With a history dating back to times even preceding the kingdom itself, Ruid held the distinction of being a Royal Town. As such, it wasn't under the territory of a noble or a lord but instead came directly under the royalty.It was a town of high status and importance and it didn't have any lack of wealthy individuals hence the town had a separate area for them called the Noble District.The Noble District was a symbol of luxury and grandeur. It was a neighborhood that was exclusively reserved for the town's most prosperous citizens.The streets here were wide and clean and adorned with elegant lamp posts that cast a warm glow on the surroundings. Lush trees lined the pavements, adding a touch of greenery and serenity to the area.The Noble District was known for its opulent estates that showcased the wealth and power of the individuals who resided there.These estates were grand in scale and featured sprawling gardens, elaborate courtyards, and extravagant architecture that were designed to impress visitors and demonstrate the owner's wealth and status.In the heart of the Noble District, there stood a particularly impressive estate that surpassed all others. It was none other than the Mayor's Mansion, a grand structure built over five centuries ago.With exquisitely decorated walls and beautifully patterned marble floors, the mansion was akin to a miniature palace serving as a testament of the Mayors royal heritage.The Mayor, a surprisingly young man in his late twenties, sat at the head of a spacious dining table in the opulent dining hall.Seated around the table were four individuals, elegantly dressed and radiating an aura of significance."The construction of the Blessed Monument is going smoothly, it should completed within a fortnight," One of the men, in his middle-ages with stripes of grey hair, spoke in a respectful."That's good, however the Church Of Vallan has been awfully quite for the past few days, I would have thought they would be seething at the prosect of loosing followers to an unaffiliated Saint," Another spoke, running his hands through his long white beard before glancing sideways at the man who sat on the special guest seat.They were Albert Dogus and Reihart Ovail, and they were two of the most prominent and influential figures in the town.The special guest had neatly combed white hair, deep blue eyes and he was dressed in a white priestly suit with red and golden embroideries. It was Dane Robert."Well whatever they are scheming even the Church won't dare to openly go against the kingdom's interest," The young Mayor replied before looking towards Dane and continuing, "Not openly that is.""Indeed. If that church is as much of a menac as you speak of than it's given that they won't let a random saint like me challenge their authority." Dane didn't seem too concerned, he was dignified and calm as if the matter being discussed didn't have anything to do with him.Although the Kingdom Of Igthalia was quite powerful and Ruid being a royal town had the kingdom's backing, the Holy Church Of Vallan was an extremely powerful organization with it's influence spanning over dozens of kingdoms and empires."Aside from that, what became of my request Mayor Selliac?" Dane spoke, casually changing the subject."Ah of course, the first batch just arrived today," Mayor Selliac replied before gesturing to a butler who bowed and left.After a short while, the butler came back with two maids carrying an exquisitely designed box each.The boxes weren't big, one was about one and a half square foot while the other one was around 6 imches in diameter.They placed the box on the large dining table near Dane before opening them to reveal a jet black black cloak and an intricate pendant with a red ruby in it's center.The cloak was woven of high quality fabric and it's design was plain and simple, meanwhile the pendant was intricately crafted and it's metal body was engraver with very small runed. The red ruby in it's center glimmered with a red light."The Cloak Of Anonymity and the Blood Moon Blessing. The cloak blurs out the appearance and voice of the wearer and the pendant is imbued with a special skill called Blood Siphon which once activated drains and vitality of everything around the wearer and transfers it to the wearer," Mayor Selliac spoke with fervor.After all these two were 4 star magical items, especially the pendant which was a very rare magical item since only the Twin Moon Cult knew how to produce them. Hence even if one had the money one might not necessarily be able to obtain it.He had spent over ten thousand gold coins to obtain these two items through his connections in the black market but he had to give them up to Dane.However compared to gaining favor of a saint, it was chump change.After all Saints were a special class of holy magic users, aside from being able to cast at least 7th tier holy magic, Saints would also awaken special stigmas or skills called Miracles.Even a giant organizations like the Holy Church Of Vallan only had just over a dozen saints that were spread throughout the continent.Dane on the other hand was pleased with Selliac's resourcefulness, he felt that it was worthwhile to build a closer relationship with him."As expected of Mayor, you are swift with your actions. Don't hesitate to ask of me if you ever need help with anything," He spoke with a slight smile."Ah Your Holiness is too kind, it's all my pleasure!" Selliac was over the moon.It was to be noted that not even the King had many Saint level individuals working for him.The four then proceeded to talk about politics and the development of the town, "There has been a 60% increase in immigrants to the town since last month, I suggest we start expanding the peasant residential area, the increase in population after all is a good thing," The Reihart suggested while combing his beard with his fingers."I agree with Alfred, according to your future development plans, we will be needing a lot more workforce and the new immigrants can be put to good use," Alfred agreed."Hmmm, you are correct. I had already planned on expanding the town area, it seems like Lord Dane's arrival has only sped up the process." Selliac commented."How about a campaign to attract more immigrants and workers? You can use my status as a saint for that purpose, I don't think anyone would mind living in a town protected by a saint," Dane chimed in.The more the town relied on him and needed him, the more influence and power he would hold over it."T-That would be insolent of us! But if Your Holiness insists, I do agree that people would flock in at the prospect of living in the same town as a holy saint such as yourself," Selliac spoke pretentiously, his eyes glinting with light.His family had always been looked down by most members of the main royal family despite both being descendants of the first king of the kingdom of igthalia, the Valus family had lost their original prominence and were treated as just servants or the main family.His parents had always taught him to be humble and to accept his duty as a mayor of a town but Selliac was too ambitious to settle for that. He intended to rise above a mere mayor to reclaim his royal status and he intended to start by upgrading the status of Ruid from a town to a proper City.He had been constantly working to bring in more people and to expand the town slowly.Lady luck had been smiling upon him recently and now even an unaffiliated Saint had appeared to help him.Dane was about to continue to make suggestions when suddenly he felt a ripple in his soul."Ah it seems like something urgent has come up, I shall take my leave then and I hope you gentlemen a fine evening," He spoke and stood up.Selliac and the others respectfully bade him farewell before returning to their talk.Dane swiftly left the mansion and walked along the wide streets till he reached another splendid manor, albeit a bit smaller than the Mayor's."Welcome back lord," A manservant greeted Dane as he walked into the spacious hall."Where is Eliza?" Dane asked without stopping."She must be helping the other maids prepare the food my Lord, would you like me to call her?" The servant replied as he tailed Dane."Yes, have her come to the main bedroom," Dane replied as he started to climb the stairs to the second floor.The servant aptly bowed and went the other way.Dane continued to walk after reaching the second floor, he went past the rows of doors and exquisite decor before coming to a stop In front of a particular room.Dane pushed open the hard wood door and entered the dimly lit room.The room appeared simple but graceful, with every single piece of furniture serving a purpose in creating a warm and cozy ambiance.The room had two big windows that were covered with royal blue drapes and the room was filled with a sweet fragrance of medicinal incense.On the large double bed in the center of the room, a young man dressed in comfortable cotton garments sat, his eyes were still a bit blank as if he was in a daze."Master, you have awakened!" Dane spoke with an emotional voice as he bowed towards the young man."D-Dane? Where am I?" The young man asked, feeling confused and lost."We are in the town of Ruid, Master," Dane spoke while still in a bowing position."Town of Ruid... I guess it wasn't a dream then." Alph massaged his sore templeds, his thoughts slowly getting back on track.He looked around at the luxurious room, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable, Alph asked, "I guess a lot happened while I was knocked out.""Yes Master, you were unconscious for 26 days and in your absence I did my utmost to gather information and build a position in the town. Right now I hold a very high status as a Saint," Dane replied."A Saint?" Alph only got more confused.It seemed like Dane's character development had greatly boosted his powers, it was good that Dane had obtained a high status in the town but Alph was still somewhat numb.He hadn't been in this world for long and he had already nearly died, not to mention lost all of the friends he had just made.Dak!Dak!"Dane-" Just as Alph was about to ask another question, someone knocked on the bedroom door."Did you c
"Her full name is Elizabeth Eris Lane. She hails from a noble family but her father was accused of blasphemy by the Church of Vallan for preaching the teachings of a different religion in his territory," Dane started to recount her past."He and all of his sons were publicly executed by the Church's Inquisitors and Elizabeth and her mother were sold into slavery. Soon her mother died and she has since lived a life of a lowly slave, being passed from one master to another," He continued, his voice as cold as ever."I bought her off from her previous master, I deemed that her broken spirit would be far easier to tame," Dane concluded, as if he wasn't talking about a human being but a pet.Alph was silent, normally his reaction would have been of anger and disgust but right now, he didn't feel anything.*It's not like Dane did anything wrong, her life was already doomed. If anything he might have saved her* Alph thought.*Anyways, what's all this about Dane becoming a Saint?* Alph drove a
"T-This, what's all this?" Alph looked through his profile, feeling confused.It was completely different from the way the Grimoire Of Gluttony displayed the information, which Alph had yet figured out.But what caught his attention the most was the last paragraph, "Special Condition?"*The Holy Blade Of Sacrifice is one of Dane's special skills so this means that he has used that skill two times on me and with two different sacrifices...*Alph didn't know how he should feel about it, Dane was just looking out for his safety and the skill explicitly stated that the sacrifice must agree for the skill to work, how had Dane persuaded someone to throw away their life? And who were the sacrifices?Also the last special condition seemed a bit concerning, normally otherworlders were granted special perks but there were only question marks about it, Alph didn't know if it was beneficial or harmful.*There's no use me sulking over it, I'll find out sooner or later*Right now, he was more conce
"Haah!" Alph sighed, feeling a bit drowsy.He had been in the library for hours, continuously reading and absorbing knowledge of this world.Carefully putting a bookmark on the book he was reading, which was titled "History Of Major Events In Veratus 1", Alph put down the book on the desk.The book was a timeline compilation of all the major events and incidents that had taken place in the continent of Veratus throughout the known history.Apparently it was just 1 of a series of 10, and it was already as thick as any chunky dictionary from Earth.There were all sorts of incidents recorded in it, from rise and fall of powerful and mysterious organizations or individuals to wars that ravaged the continent for years."This world doesn't seem very peaceful..." Was what Alph came to conclude.Unlike his previous world, wars broke out quite often here and even when there were no wars, skirmishes and small scale battles were a common occurance.It was a world where the adege "Survival Of The
"Hwaaa-" Alph let out a small yawn, his eyes slowly opening as the morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a glow in the fancy room.Pushing his arms over his head for a stretch, Alph climbed out of bed and picked up the porcelain jug and poured himself a glass of water.He emptied the glass in a few gulps, the cool sensation of the liquid gushing down his dry throat driving away the last bits of his sleepiness.To his surprise, Alph had a fantastic night's sleep with no signs of a headache or anything. He felt calm and relaxed, his mind was tranquil and peaceful.Walking towards the large window, he opened the curtains and peered outside.The mansion's garden stretched out before his eyes, bustling with servants tending to various tasks like watering the plants, trimming the grass, and cleaning the pathways.Alph noticed two men in armors, swords hanging from their waists, engaged in conversation. They appeared to be the mansion's guards.Suddenly, one of the guards, a bur
Ting~As the doorbell chimed, the polished glass door swung open, accompanied by the gust of cool breeze and the sound of raining from the outside.The sound of footsteps echoed through the quite bookstore, as a couple entered the store, their arms interlaced with each other's.The man wore a simple black suit and a fedora rested on his head, his appearance was a bit old fashioned but unassuming. In contrast, the woman beside him was a sight to behold, with her long flowing hair cascading down her shoulders like a river of gold. Her attire was modern and chic, a stylish leather jacket complementing her slender figure.A young boy sat behind the counter, his black hair tousled and deep brown eyes gleaming despite the visible dark circles under them. The boy looked up from his book and greeted the customers warmly."Hello Sir, Miss, how may I help you?" His voice was smooth and professional, welcoming the couple inside.The lady's gaze moved around the shop, taking in the neat rows of b
"Hu-kh-Cough!!" Alph exhaled harshly causing him to break into a coughing fit.He rolled on the ground as intense pain burned through his chest and throat, as if he had drank a bottle of acid.After few moments, the pain slowly receded, leaving Alph confused and flabbergasted."I-Im Alive?"He clearly remembered that his throat had been slit by the crazy old serial killer."That morherfucker! Piece of shit!" Thinking of that detestable bastard made him clench his teeth so hard that blood started dripping from his gums.He still couldn't believe that people like that existed."But how can I speak? Even if I was somehow saved, my throat should still be badly damaged!" He immediately started touching his neck.Even though his clothes were still drenched as if he had took a bath in blood, the wound was nowhere to be found."All that aside, where then hell am I?" As someone who was quick to adapt he decided to throw everything aside and focus on the current situation.He quickly surveyed hi
The sun shone brightly over a vast forest filled with giant trees as a thin old man wearing a white uniform swiftly traveled along the tree branches.He moved his body agily as he jumped from one tree to another, but despite his rapid actions there wasn't even a drop of swaet on his face.Thud-He suddenly came to a stop and quietly hid himself behind some tree branches to observe.On the ground a muscular humanoid creature with green skin was facing off against a large grayish blue wolf.The green skinned humanoid had a hideous face with sharp canines sticking out of it's mouth, he wielded a large rusted sword to keep the wolf at bay but the wolf was more agile and would occasionally land some hits.The green skin was slowly but surely getting injured and exhausted, if things kept on going like this he was bound to fall."Gwaaaargh!" The green skin roared furiously at the wolf and in a bid to end the fight quickly by risking his life charged at the wolf with his sword pointed forward.