Chapter 12: Carmen Baltas, the Corrupt Priest
Carmen Baltas
Carmen Baltas
But Carmen Baltas?
The surname attached to her name was unusual. In this rugged northern region, not knowing the name Baltas could brand you a spy. All because of one man.
Ensis Baltas, the Black Wolf. The greatest warrior of the north, renowned as both the queen's mightiest blade and an inflexible principlist.
Carmen, as if sensing my thoughts, flashed a bright smile through her jet-black eyes.
"You're correct. Ensis Baltas, the Black Wolf, is indeed my father. Though I should clarify—I'm an illegitimate child."
An illegitimate child? From that rigid principlist, the Black Wolf? To my knowledge, he'd remained solitary after losing his wife. So rumors and truth diverge after all.
Yet pressing further would be discourteous. I shifted the subject gently.
"Might you introduce those behind you?"
"Gladly!"
Her vigorous voice carried a warmth that put anyone at ease.
"This robed figure is Mage Tonya. Our guide to the ancient ruins."
Tonya greeted me with only a curt nod, avoiding direct eye contact. I saw no reason to pursue familiarity, returning merely a polite smile and slight bow.
Most "mages" were insufferable dullards anyway.
In this world, becoming a mage required but one condition—being born as one. From birth, they clutched magical power in their tiny fists. Though individual traits varied, all awakened at a certain age when torrents of ancient knowledge flooded their minds.
Thus they were reborn as true mages, warping world laws through primordial spells and innate magic—all without consequence.
Yet this inundation of ancient wisdom seemed to breed congenital laziness. Most mages became uncultured brutes wielding raw power.
Finding refinement among mages resembled hunting snow hares in white wastes—futile. Better to avoid entanglement.
Carmen next presented a heavily armored unicorn tribesman after witnessing my exchange with the mage.
"This is Sukus. As evident, a unicorn tribesman—our steadfast comrade."
Sukus stepped forward, extending his hand.
"Pleasure. Demon Slayer Marnak."
I offered an awkward smile and hand.
"Just Marnak. The title embarrasses me."
"Self-earned achievements shame no one. Wear them proudly."
His massive grip intensified gradually.
Ah, classic unicorn tribesman behavior. Priest Cornu had been exceptionally socialized, but his kind fundamentally relished testing strength against potent rivals. Best to assert dominance early for smoother relations.
I pulled our clasped hands sharply. Sukus—a full head taller—lurched forward off-balance. My foot hooked his ankle.
Thud!
His colossal frame struck earth resonantly. I extended a hand to the fallen warrior with a grin.
"Sufficient?"
Sukus roared laughter from his prone position.
"Hahaha! Marvelous! Worthy of the Demon Slayer! Strength matching our tribe! That cunning temper—I approve!"
He seized my hand and sprang up, booming mirth.
"Your approval honors me."
"Share ale when this ends!"
"I'll anticipate it eagerly."
Though alcohol tasted like stale water since losing my palate, refusing would sour the mood.
Carmen chuckled brightly after our greetings concluded.
"Now that's settled, shall we depart? Conversations mend during journeys. The ancient ruins demand two full days' march."
Crackling logs spat embers into darkness where only campfire light persisted.
Carmen fed fresh timber to flames while addressing me.
"Not retiring? Your watch ended—better rest till dawn."
"Already rested beyond sleep's call."
Two days since leaving Guis. Carmen and I, being contemporaries, had grown close. Sukus and I maintained decent rapport. Mage Tonya's profound silence prevented deeper exchange, but I minded little.
I tugged my bearskin coat tighter. Delicate hairs playfully teased my cheeks.
The more I see you, Father Marnak, the more I feel you aren’t human. Are you perhaps a half-unicorn? Is one of your parents a unicorn?"
"My father was unquestionably human. Should I take this as casting doubt on my mother’s virtue?"
At my teasing remark, Carmen snickered and laughed.
"It’s a joke! Just a joke. But since you’re in your prime—do you have any interesting tales? Someone as striking as you must’ve met plenty of women."
I picked up a piece of firewood nearby and tossed it into the flames.
"I am like untouched snow—pure and unblemished."
"Oh? That’s astonishing. So, do you have an ideal type?"
Carmen’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she asked. A faint wriggling stirred in my chest pocket.
"Hmm... I suppose I prefer someone who stays by my side."
The squirming in my pocket ceased. Carmen nodded in agreement.
"True, waking to see a woman sleeping beside you must be rewarding."
"Since we’ve discussed me, why not share something about yourself?"
"My ideal type, you mean?"
"Yes."
Carmen scratched her cheek sheepishly and stared at the fire before speaking.
"For me... a woman’s heart matters most."
'Kill. Kill.'
At this earnest reply, my mother wagged her finger approvingly inside the pocket. Before she finished, Carmen drew a large chest shape in the air.
"Of course, since the heart resides in the chest, a generous heart requires ample space to dwell."
'Kill?!'
My mother stiffened at the conversation’s sudden turn. Carmen grinned and met my eyes.
"Father Marnak, I like women with large chests."
Her boldness radiated an unexpected purity. Before I could respond, my mother roared in my mind:
'Kill!'
Patting my pocket to calm her furious squirming, I forced a smile.
"Having clear preferences isn’t bad—they guide you like a lantern. But I’d caution against voicing this in front of women."
Carmen laughed boisterously.
"Hahaha! I’d never say this to others. Only you, Father Marnak. Besides, haven’t we grown close these past days? Talking to you feels like reuniting with an old friend."
Truthfully, I’d taken a liking to this lively man too. I chuckled.
"The feeling’s mutual."
'Kill!!!'
As my mother shrieked about choosing friends wisely, we greeted the dawn. Now, it was time to enter the ancient ruins.
"Let’s begin," Tonisa murmured, reciting an ancient spell as she pushed the 'key' into empty air. Space warped, tearing open a black void.
My chest tightened at the sight of the ruins—this was my first expedition.
The entry method was straightforward:
Acquire the 'key' artifact.
Travel to its inscribed coordinates and chant the ancient words.
Insert the key into the air and rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise.
Only mages could decipher the key’s text, making them indispensable—except for players like me. Though magicless, I could read ancient tongues. Keys were rare, and my lack of connections made obtaining one difficult.
"Forward!" Carmen shouted, charging into the void first. Sukus followed, then me, with Tonisa entering last. The portal vanished behind her, leaving two escape options: find another key or locate the hidden exit.
"Wow."
"Wow."
Carmen and I gaped at the colossal white structure looming beyond the tunnel—pristine yet lifeless. No birdsong, insect hum, or beastly breath. Only centuries of silence.
As awe faded, Carmen broke the hush:
"Shall we proceed? This ruin’s preservation surpasses any I’ve seen—it must hold treasures."
Preserved? Her words sharpened my focus. Well-preserved ruins meant higher-tier guardians or relics by game logic. Bonus ruins without guardians were possible, but caution cost nothing.
Anticipation thrumming in my steps, I trailed behind Carmen’s confident stride.
