The Healing Solaris Cleric

Chapter 148: After the War (1)

Those who had experienced victory many times, the ones who reign as kings of various sports, would all say the same thing: if there was the sweetest drug in this world, it would be victory.

Kai used to think that was nonsense, but now he fully understood their sentiments at this very moment.

Ding!

[You have won the war.]

[You have achieved a great victory with minimal allied casualties through excellent command.]

[Level increased.]

[Level increased.]

[Level increased.]

.

.

.

[You have earned a total of 12,000 war merit points.]

[The tale of how you defeated the Church of Muldine for the demi-humans in the name of the Church of Solaris will spread across the continent.]

[+10,000 Fame.]

[+20 Dignity.]

[The Solarian God Helik, who has watched your entire battle, gives you a thumbs up.]

[+10 Benevolence.]

[You have commanded over 1,500 NPCs. Special title acquired: First Commander.]

The moment Kai read the sentence that he won, the tension that had kept him on edge for so long was finally released.

Bach supported Kai as he was about to collapse. "Are you alright?"

Leaning on Bach's shoulder for a moment, Kai nodded with a tired voice, "Thank you. My legs suddenly gave out."

"It must be your first war," Bach gave a bitter smile and patted Kai's shoulder. "If you can't avoid it, you'd better get used to it."

"Well, I don't know if I'll ever go through another war like this..."

"Do you really think so?" Blinking, Bach patted Kai’s shoulder once more with a pitied look. "The enemy we defeated this time was the Church of Muldine. Things are going to get a bit more troublesome."

"J-just for me?"

"Of course. You're the commander."

Kai thought he would only receive the benefits, but along came the trailing obligations and responsibilities! However, setting those aside, the wave of rewards made Kai happy.

Dignity, Fame, and Benevolence all increased evenly, plus a special title, and my level...

Kai's face froze in an instant as he checked his level with a pleased expression.

M-my level went up by 32?

It was an absolutely staggering number. The accumulated XP from allies defeating enemies and the victory reward points had all come in at once. With that, Kai's level was now 285.

Wait a minute, the level of the number one ranked player Yoo Ha-Rin was...

Opening the ranking list, Kai quickly closed it with a heart that nearly stopped. In that brief moment, the name at the top of the rankings was none other than Kai.

... It’s me.

It was already a name notorious for being a bug player recently. But now, after leveling up by 32 levels, he had seized the top spot in the MID Online level rankings. Anyone with even a bit of sense could deduce Kai's true identity.

My level skyrocketed as soon as the battle on the Bir Plains ended, so... It’s too obvious.

In fact, the gazes of the players felt so piercing from behind that they were almost painful.

It's unfortunate, but given the situation, I need to think about what comes next.

The main reason he had hidden the fact that he was a Cleric was to avoid being exploited by those in power.

But I am no longer so weak that I can be manipulated by anyone.

He had instead equipped himself with sharp fangs capable of delivering a fatal blow the moment anyone dared to touch him.

In times like this, he needed to show a more confident side. His mind started to race quickly.

If such a secret is going to be revealed anyway...

It would be far more dramatic to reveal it himself rather than letting rumors spread until everyone knew. Besides, after giving it some thought, it wasn't all bad.

It's not like I've been going around doing bad things in the name of Kai, right?

Quite the opposite, in fact. He had been doing nothing but good deeds. So much so that even if paparazzi had followed him around, they would have nothing to report but his integrity! As a result, it could only benefit the name of Unknown, with no downside whatsoever.

Was it Alice?

That was the player who had requested an interview during the Orc Lord expedition. Kai decided he should reach out to her as he turned around.

"Karius. You personally led the army for us. Thank you for your help," Elduin said.

"Hmm?! Are you Elduin, by any chance? I saw you when you were very young, and now you've grown up."

"A-ahem. I am now serving as the Chief Warrior of the forest."

"What? That kid who used to crawl on the ground and eat dirt is now the Chief? Hahaha! Time sure flies!"

"K-Karius..."

The elves and merfolk shared news and greetings, reuniting after a long time.

"So, do you know how the little ones underground are doing?"

"Well... we've also been so busy dealing with the Church of Muldine and the dark elves that we've lost contact for quite some time."

"Hmm. So it's the same over there." With a serious expression, Karius worried about the dwarves. "I know a few dwarves who left Ingart, but it's been a long time since I heard any news from the kingdom."

"However, given that we were all attacked by the Church of Muldine at the same time..."

Elduin and Karius's faces darkened.

Kai, who had been listening to their conversation from nearby, carefully spoke up, "If you tell me the location of Ingart, I will go there myself."

"Really?"

"We would be immensely grateful if you could do that."

Kai nodded after learning the location of Ingart from the two.

This is the final place.

It was the resting place of the last holy relic of the apostles, the Holy Sword Prius.

At the moment Kai resolved to head to Ingart as soon as possible, Karius sighed with concern.

"But it's worrisome. Who would have thought the Church of Muldine's offensive would be this strong?"

"If it weren't for the apostle's help, we elves would have suffered great harm."

"Hmm. If only our lands were closer together, we wouldn't need to worry so much..."

...Distance?

Overhearing their lament, Kai's eyes shone as he cautiously suggested, "... If distance is the issue, why not live together?"

"Huh? You mean us and the elves?"

"Yes. Is that not possible?"

"It's not that it's impossible... but elves need to live in the forest and we need the sea."

"Land that suits both perfectly is rare. And even if it does exist, humans aren't likely to easily give up their land."

In the end, land was the crucial factor. Whether in reality or in the game, there was nothing more important than real estate!

Kai, who had been lost in thought for a moment, continued saying, "If such land does exist, would both of you be willing to move your villages?"

"I don't mind. After all, I just need to request Tarutaru to make the move."

"I think it's something I should consult with the World Tree and Her Majesty. The decision is too significant for me to make alone... But personally, I am in favor. It's impossible for us alone to withstand the Church of Muldine's offensive."

Both of them showed positive reactions. In that case, Kai had only one issue to solve.

I need land to gift to them.

Kai felt the need to find land for the survival of the demi-humans.

At that moment, Bach approached him. "Kai. Now that the war is over, we need to return to the capital to report and prepare for the aftermath."

"The capital..." Kai's eyes gleamed as he nodded. "Let us go immediately."

***

War was not something a commander fought alone. A commander could only exist if there were numerous soldiers to lead. This meant that Kai wasn't the only one invited to the capital.

"So this is the royal palace."

"I'm not even a citizen of the Kingdom of Rashion, but this makes me nervous."

"I need to be careful not to say anything wrong."

The guild masters entering the royal palace couldn't hide their nervous expressions. The atmosphere of the royal palace was so imposing that even the usually free-spirited Katherine fell silent.

I feel okay since I’ve been here once before...

The palace had an overwhelming presence, where even the gatekeepers were over level 250.

Following Bach through the corridor, the group entered the audience chamber and immediately knelt.

"Why do the heroes of the war all look like criminals? Raise your heads."

It was Beoruk Von Rashion. Even though this was Kai’s second meeting, his hawk-like eyes and mane-like hair were hard to get used to.

I guess this level of intimidation is necessary to be a king.

He had an overwhelming aura that felt like his Dignity stat was at least over 1,000!

Beoruk turned his gaze toward the guild masters, then finally looked at Kai.

"I heard that you commanded the army in this war."

"I only lent a modest hand, Your Majesty."

"... You still remain as humble as ever." Beoruk gave a slight smirk and continued, "I will be brief. Each of you may state one thing you desire."

A king's gift to those who had won the war! The guild masters, who had been curious about the relationship between Kai and Beoruk, clenched their fists.

It's time.

This will allow us to widen the gap with other guilds even more.

What we need to obtain from this wish is none other than...

“I desire land where a village can be established.”

At Kai's straightforward answer, the guild masters turned their gazes to him. Of course, what they wanted was also land. It was something of such immense value that no amount of completing quests or leveling up could usually secure it.

But... we have guilds, so we have the conditions to build villages and cities.

What is Unknown thinking? He's alone without a guild... Wait, could it be?

The quick-witted guild masters' eyes shone.

Beoruk, observing their reactions, slowly said, "Land, you say. It's not something I can't give. What kind of land do you want?"

"I would like a land with a vast, clean forest where elves could live, a sea that is suitable for the merfolk, and if possible, a place rich in ores that the dwarves would like."

W-what a greedy prick!

Even one of the conditions he listed would be enough to develop a major city.

Does he expect to be given such land just for winning one war?

The guild masters smirked and criticized Unknown's immaturity. They assumed that such land wouldn't be given easily. However, as they continued to think about it, their expressions gradually stiffened.

Wait a minute. Unknown wasn't emphasizing the forest, the sea, or the ores.

It seems like he was, but the real focus was on the demi-humans.

In other words, he wants to create a city for the demi-humans...

From the kingdom's perspective, with the loss of contact with them...

... Damn it. It's not entirely impossible. No, in fact, it's quite likely.

From the perspective of the Kingdom of Rashion, interaction would be much easier if the demi-humans gathered in one place to form a city. In other words, Kai had scratched Beoruk right where it itched!

I can’t believe NPC relationships could be used this way.

It's sneaky, but it's something worth learning.

It's certainly effective. He's laid out favorable conditions that the other party can't refuse.

To the guild masters, it seemed as if Kai was using the demi-humans as leverage to demand a prime piece of land.

Even Beoruk felt the same impression, so he asked without hesitation, "Is your request for your personal gain, or is it to safeguard the convenience and survival of the demi-humans?"

"Without a doubt, the latter," Kai answered without delay.

Then, Beoruk's eyes fixed directly on Kai.

[Beoruk used Supreme Sight.]

[Beoruk is verifying your claim.]

[Beoruk has realized you are telling the truth.]

"... I see." Beoruk slightly nodded and commanded an attendant who was waiting. "Bring the complete map of Rashion."

Soon, a large map was spread out before them, and Beoruk stroked his chin as he searched for a suitable location. After a moment, he pointed to a spot on the map.

"It borders the sea and the forest and has mountains rich in high-quality ores."

Such a good piece of land actually exists?

I can’t believe Unknown just snatched it up. That makes me sick... huh?

Wait a minute, but isn't that place...?

Is Unknown on the king's bad side or something?

The expressions of the guild masters became ambiguous as they looked at the location Beoruk had pointed out. Their expressions shifted from overwhelming envy and jealousy to pity!

Beoruk then addressed Kai, who was still unaware of the situation, "This land was cursed in the past by the Blue Plague and became contaminated, causing everyone to avoid it, but I assume you'll be fine with it."

At those words, Kai was certain.

It seems Tardal has told the king about me.

It made sense that he would be given such land, considering he was a Solaris Cleric.

Understanding Beoruk's intentions, Kai nodded without hesitation. "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."

While the guild masters looked at Kai with pity, he bowed, smiling.

It will take some time to purify all of that land.

In other words, restoring that land to its original state was only a matter of time.