I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

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Misunderstanding Ian’s gaze, the priest raised his lips in a faint smile.

“Long ago, even before, the Empire’s apostle visited. Only at that time did Lou Sola bestow such brilliant sanctity personally.”

Personally, you say?

Ian’s gaze returned to the statue.

“……?!”

His eyebrows immediately shot up.

Beyond the light, there was a vague sense of something transcendental, surpassing even divinity.

“So, please state your purpose. I am willing to help.”

The priest added politely.

The light on the statue brightened as if in response.

“Though it’s regrettable.”

Ian, who had shifted his gaze away from the statue, blurted out.

“I am a mercenary, not an apostle.”

“Not an apostle… you say?”

“That’s right. I’m not even a believer.”

Under normal circumstances, he would’ve taken advantage of the misunderstanding.

Ian corrected himself only because it seemed like the Goddess of Light was truly watching over him through the statue.

‘Why is it watching? I’m not even a devotee with clairvoyance.

He couldn’t pretend to be an apostle in front of a deity’s watchful gaze.

That would lead to unpredictable consequences.

“If what you say is true….”

The priest, who had been tilting his head absentmindedly, eventually turned back to the statue and added.

“Do you have no intention to serve the radiant goddess even now?”

Suddenly, he was giving a sermon.

Ian suppressed a laugh and inquired.

“Are you serious?”

“Unless the Goddess holds you in special regard, she wouldn’t watch over you with such great sanctity.”

The priest said seriously, looking at Ian.

“If you were to serve Lou Sola, you would undoubtedly be chosen as an apostle. There is no greater honor and glory for a mortal.”

“…….”

The light on the statue responded, brighter than ever, as if resonating with the priest’s words.

It was as if the statue acknowledged Ian’s response.

However, Ian’s smile didn’t stiffen because of that.

‘A real apostle quest, huh?’

It was because the window to accept the quest appeared before his eyes.

Apostle of Lou Sola.

In the game, there were certain classes that could receive the Apostle Quest once they reached a certain level.

However, as far as Ian knew, mages were not included.

Mages had awakening quests that involved gaining enlightenment or peering into fundamental truths. Furthermore, Ian hadn’t even reached that level yet.

‘…Maybe now there are no such constraints.’

Having collected his thoughts, Ian opened his mouth while rejecting the quest.

“It doesn’t seem like an immediate decision to make. I’ll think about it gradually.”

In reality, he was saying this to Lou Sola, who was watching over him through the statue.

Of course, he had no intention of serving her, even in the future. But for now, he had to make use of her power.

If he flatly refused and she decided to bestow her sanctity, he’d face consequences he couldn’t predict.

The priest, who had been shocked, looked puzzled.

“I hope you make the right decision. The radiant Goddess bestows abundant mercy upon her believers. And….”

The priest’s smiling voice became subtle.

“When that glorious moment comes, please remember this faithful Edward. I will transcribe faithfully.”

Now he was even appealing to himself.

A faint smile appeared on Ian’s lips for a moment.

“Understood, Edward. I will definitely remember.”

Ian replied with the same subtle tone. He had expected his pockets to be picked, but now it seemed he might be the one doing the picking.

This wasn’t a lie, so there was no need to be hesitant.

“In that sense, there is an urgent matter where your help is needed.”

“Please tell me.”

Edward nodded casually.

“With the sanctity of the radiant Goddess, could you purify corrupted magic power?”

Speaking solemnly, Ian took out something tainted from another dimension.

One large bead and three small beads.

The corrupted magic power writhed like tar.

“To think it’s so corrupted. If it contained this much impurity, they must have been more than just corrupt creatures.”

Looking down at the writhing mass in his palm, Edward sighed.

“I now understand why the Goddess holds you in favor.”

“If you were to purify corrupted magic power, she would surely favor you as well. So….”

Ian flicked his fingers, holding the beads.

“Among these, how many can you manage? I need to leave around noon tomorrow.”

Edward, who had been gazing at the essence as if pondering deeply, responded.

“Lou Sola has bestowed more sanctity than usual, but my physical strength for offering prayers has its limits. It seems difficult to manage more than one.”

“Only one….”

Ian mused briefly.

He hadn’t expected to purify even an advanced bead within a day, but one seemed too few.

“However, if you generously contribute funds to support the maintenance of the temple….”

Edward’s subtle voice continued at that moment.

“Even if my body suffers, I might be able to offer purification prayers to the Goddess throughout the night. In that case, perhaps I can purify more than one, if you’re willing to provide enough funds.”

Look at this guy…

Ian raised an eyebrow, looking at Edward.

Edward responded with a faint smile.

He seemed pleasant, but his smile seemed as if not even a drop of blood would come out if you pricked him.

Ian’s gaze alternated between the statue behind him and Edward.

A look that asked if he really intended to ask for money even in such a situation.

Edward’s pupils trembled slightly.

But even in that moment, he didn’t speak up first.

He’s really dragging this out.

Finally, Ian chuckled and placed his hand in his pocket.

“How much do you want? To serve Lou Sola, you must need a lot of money….”

Ian added with a teasing tone, causing Edward’s smile to collapse.

“I… won’t accept….”

He muttered as if mumbling to himself.

Ian stared at him, his movements freezing.

“What did you say?”

“I won’t accept it. I’ve spoken falsely. If I can assist someone favored by the Goddess, that alone would be an honor….”

There was a tinge of regret in his tone, and even his apologetic gaze disappeared.

“In that case, I’ll gladly request it. The Goddess will surely acknowledge your devotion.”

With a cheerful touch, Ian picked two beads and extended his hand.

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

Edward also raised his lips, trying to smile.

A forced smile, to be exact.

***

Ippotranslation

***

It was about an hour later when Ian arrived in front of the inn.

‘It’s been a while since the astral space was this crowded.’

It was his last chance to replenish supplies before reaching the Graveyard Forest, so he thoroughly looted the blacksmith’s shop on his way.

The Black Mage wasn’t particularly threatening.

Translator; ippo

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