I didn’t want to do a thing.
I lay sprawled on my bed, my mind sluggish and heavy. Naruha’s revelation had hit me harder than I cared to admit. I felt a profound sense of listlessness, as if everything had suddenly become meaningless.
And yet, I couldn't just stop.
I looked over the Seven Prophecies again. While some of the messages didn't quite fit the literal definition of the word, I decided to refer to them as prophecies collectively. I still couldn't recall who had written them. Whenever I tried to trace my past, I ran into blank spaces in my memory—gaps where the girl I had forgotten was supposed to be. For instance, I couldn't even remember the girl who had given me the Skill: Save & Reset.
I couldn't remember her, but I knew I couldn't betray the expectations of the one who had written these for me. I had to protect these prophecies, no matter what.
'Protect High Priest Sierotia from the enemy.'
That was the first one I needed to handle. To do that, I had to find a way to meet High Priest Sierotia.
Truthfully, I didn't want to set foot outside. If I left the house, there was a risk the Villagers would see my silver hair. I pulled on a cloak with a deep hood and stepped out. I hoped it would be enough to keep my identity hidden, but the anxiety gnawed at me nonetheless.
"Hey, who goes there?"
A voice called out to me. A woman dressed in white robes stood nearby. Based on her attire, she was clearly a Priestess, likely stationed there as a sentry.
I had approached the most grand manor in the village. Rumor had it that the Priests visiting from outside the village were staying there.
"I have business with High Priest Sierotia," I said, stating my purpose since she had addressed me.
"Answer the question. I asked who you are."
"My name is Kiska. I'm a Swordsman."
"And what business does a Swordsman like you have?"
I felt like I’d just answered that, but I repeated myself anyway. "I've come to see High Priest Sierotia."
"What business could a person of such questionable background possibly have with High Priest Sierotia?"
For a Priestess, she had a remarkably sharp tongue.
"I’ve come to offer my services as a guard for her."
If I was going to protect High Priest Sierotia, I needed to be near her. I figured the best way to do that was to get hired as part of her security detail.
"A guard? High Priest Sierotia is already under our strict protection. Why would a complete stranger like you feel the need to offer your services?"
"Well... I thought you might be short-handed."
"We have more than enough people. You’re acting suspicious. You talk a big game, but you’re probably plotting something wicked behind the scenes, aren't you?"
The Priestess glared at me. This was bad. Since my goal was to get close to High Priest Sierotia, I wanted to avoid causing a scene. Perhaps I should try again later.
"You... you’re an Alcusian."
In an instant, she leveled her staff at me. At this distance, it was inevitable that she’d spot the silver hair peeking out from under my hood.
"First Tier: Chain!"
The moment she spoke the command, several chains of light erupted from the ground, binding my arms and legs. I tried to struggle, but the chains were firm. I could barely even stay on my feet.
"Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!" I shouted reflexively.
"What is an Alcusian doing in a place like this? What are you planning?"
"Like I said, I'm here to act as a guard—"
"Don't lie. You’re definitely up to no good."
"Do you have any proof of that?"
"Do I need anything beyond the fact that you're an Alcusian?"
I was stunned. Perhaps my understanding of the world had been too optimistic. I knew Alcusians were hated in Kataroff Village, but I had subconsciously assumed that people from the outside would be more reasonable.
It was a total delusion.
"You know the history. One hundred years ago, the Alcusians betrayed the Hero and sided with the Demon Race. That silver hair is a symbol of ill omen! You have no right to be near this festival!"
It seemed that no matter where I went, being an Alcusian made me a target of discrimination. In the end, going to the past hadn't done anything to change the reputation of my people.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"I heard shouting..."
Priests and guards began to gather, drawn by the commotion. I felt like an animal in a cage, being put on display for the crowd.
"He's an Alcusian. I've apprehended him on suspicion of hostile intent. Take him to the Interrogation Room. Once we question him, I'm sure he'll confess to something."
"Stop joking around! I haven't done anything!"
I yelled, but no one listened. The moment they saw my silver hair, their eyes filled with contempt. Damn it. Was I really being treated like a criminal just because of my race?
"Is something the matter?"
The voice was incredibly clear and serene.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Every guard and Priest present straightened their posture and fell silent, a heavy tension washing over the scene.
"High Priest Sierotia!"
The Priestess who had bound me called out the name, and I realized the person standing before me was the one I had been looking for.
My first thought was surprise at how young she looked. She appeared younger than me and was certainly shorter. Given her high-ranking title, I had expected someone much older. However, despite her youthful appearance, her expression was remarkably mature. She looked exceptionally intelligent, standing tall and dignified even while surrounded by adults.
"Priestess Eliese. Explain the situation," High Priest Sierotia commanded.
The Priestess who had captured me snapped to attention. "Yes! I found a suspicious Alcusian and have taken him into custody. I was just about to take him to the Interrogation Room for questioning!"
"Specifically, what was he doing that was suspicious?"
"He was babbling nonsense about wanting to meet with you, High Priest Sierotia."
"I see," Sierotia replied, nodding slightly.
Her face remained perfectly calm, almost cold. A sense of dread pooled in my stomach; if she shared the same prejudices as her subordinates, I was finished.
"Wait! I'm not a suspicious person! I only came here to offer my services as a guard for High Priest Sierotia. I’m confident in my sword skills! Please, just hire me!"
This was my only chance to speak up. I poured every bit of desperation I had into those words.
"You... where are you from?" she asked.
"Kataroff Village."
"I see."
She fell into a long silence, staring intently at my face as if weighing my soul. Finally, she spoke.
"Inexplicable."
She continued, "I don't understand why you would be so desperate to offer your protection. It seems there is a specific reason behind your request?"
It was a fair point. If I couldn't give her a reason she’d accept, I’d be branded a threat and hauled away.
"I received a prophecy. According to that prophecy, High Priest Sierotia will soon be attacked by an enemy. That's why I have to protect you."
I couldn't think of a believable lie on the spot, so I decided to gamble on the truth.
"I knew it! He's insane! Prophecies don't just happen!" Eliese shouted.
She was right; it was an absurd story. I didn't expect Sierotia to believe me for a second.
"High Priest Sierotia, please, we should take this man—"
"Eliese, be quiet."
"Yes! My apologies!"
"I am sorry," Sierotia said, looking at me. "My subordinate is a bit loud."
"N-No... it’s fine." I was caught off guard by the way she had shut the other woman down.
"Was this prophecy granted to you by a God?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly. I had no idea what was going on in her head.
"In what manner did you receive it?"
"...I woke up this morning and the prophecy was just in my head."
In reality, it was written on a map, but I didn't want to show it to her. If she saw the other instructions—especially the one about letting Second Prince Diluecca die—she’d never trust me.
"Eliese."
"Yes!"
"Guide him to a guest room."
"What?"
"And release his bindings immediately."
"A-As you wish!"
The sudden turn of events left me reeling.
"It seems I need to hear your story in more detail," Sierotia said.
She gazed at me with those clear, observant eyes. It seemed she was actually willing to listen to me.