Golden Experience

Chapter 130: “Cat Hag”

“??So that’s how I was reincarnated as the Demon Lord. And then…”

“By the way, do you still have it? That ‘Greater-something’ item.”

I think to myself that I am not as good as Lyra, but I don’t like to be talked down either.

I replied, somewhat miffed.

With a somewhat annoyed tone, I answered, “I have it, but I won’t give it to you if you don’t listen to the story.”

“If I listen, will you give it to me!? I thought there would be more outrageous conditions! Well… I’ve struggled a lot to get the ‘Blue Blood’. It’s a complete top-level item…”

I know how much she struggled to get it because I’ve been told that long story. However, it doesn’t seem like she struggled as much as she claims. It might be due to the way she talks. Besides, it’s hard to imagine Lyra going through any hardships.

“I have it, but would you use it? By the way, how much experience points do you have left now? If a Noble Human is considered equal to a High Elf, using a Greater Philosopher’s Stone probably requires four-digit experience points.”

If she’s going to use it anyway, there’s a hidden agenda for the rare item. I want to acquire the skill that complements the divine oracle and test it later, either on myself or one of my subordinates.

I don’t know what race Lyra will become, but considering that the princess she [Subordinated] was a Noble Human, it’s likely to be a legitimate reincarnation from a human. If it’s not an irregular route like the Dark Elf in the Elf race, letting her continue reincarnating should make her a race close to the Spirit Lord.

If she has a Divine Oracle skill, we might know the moment, and if so, we can also test that skill.

“Four-digit experience points!? Eh? How much did the Demon Lord demand?”

“3000.”

“So high! Are you sure you’re not being swindled? Are you okay?”

Who would scam me like that, and for what reason?

“By the way, the World Tree demanded 5000, and there are two others on whom I spent 1000 each, and one more who took 3000.”

“What did you do to earn so much?”

“Attraction management and stuff. Until it gained popularity, I did small things in a farm, but it became quite popular after the misunderstanding about the beginner-friendly official service spread.”

I only found out about the misunderstanding later.

“I think I’ll take state management seriously on this one.”

“Well, let me know when you save up. I’ll give it to you at a discount. So, after I become the Demon Lord…”

I talked about the announcements of Rare being a <Special Being of Calamity>, and others like Sugaru also becoming <Beings of Calamity>. I also spoke about the fact that there would be no world announcements about the characters under my control.

“In case something bad is born from forces other than us, we want to have skills like oracles and their counterparts.”

“That’s a good idea. I heard it from the priest at Hugelcup — was it the Head Priest? They mentioned something about being revealed by a divine oracle.”

I’m not sure how high the rank of Head Priest is, but if we can get that person, it would be quick.

“Hey, Lyra, about that person…”

“No, wait, Rare-chan. Let’s make the Archbishop of the Holy Church of this country our subordinate. Then, let’s make Rare-chan believe in it. I’ll join the faith too.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

I thought she was saying something crazy again, but objectively, if the object of faith equals calamity, it’s not a bad plan as long as it’s not known externally. Idol worship should be prohibited, and if there is a reliance, it should be something more abstract, a simple symbol. If done well, we might be able to spread spies throughout the continent.

“I think it’s not a bad proposal. What do you think? Of course, I’m not just saying it for selfish reasons. It would be very useful for my country’s management if we cooperate.”

“You’re just saying it for selfish reasons.”

Honestly, Lyra doesn’t have time to get involved in such things, but if she handles the country management casually, I might entrust it to her.

“…Alright. Let’s go with Lyra’s idea. Let’s call the Archbishop of this country and [Subordinate] them. Then, call people with the rank of bishop from various parts of the kingdom and [Subordinate] them under the Archbishop.”

If the Archbishop doesn’t have [Subordinate], we may need to contribute experience points, but let’s consider it as an upfront investment.

Due to the impact of the coup d’etat, it was not possible to immediately invite the Archbishop to the castle. I had planned to take care of other tasks, such as conquering a volcano, during that time. However, with Lyra’s proposal, we decided to go to the Grand Cathedral right away.

She said, “It’s better to go early, and since it’s not a regular task, there’s no need to summon them by regular means.”

“Rare-chan, can’t you make your appearance disappear? If you use that and fly, it should be fine. Can you make my appearance disappear too?”

“The target is only myself, so it’s impossible.”

“If you’re going to fly, you have to carry me, and in that state, can’t you make both of us disappear at once?”

What do you think? According to the system message, the specification recognizing carrying as an equipped state should have been revised. I can’t imagine any loopholes.

“…Let’s not do that. I’ll go alone.”

“Tsk. Well, if that’s the case, then go ahead. Do you know the location?”

“If I can’t figure it out from above, I’ll ask in the chat.”

I tidied up my appearance in the mirror in the room, then flew out of the window. This was the first time I saw my own figure.

As Kerry said, I looked very divine, but since my original face was the basis, it didn’t feel that strange. I recalled the time when I played with my mother’s cosmetics when I was a child, exploding foundation or face powder all over my face. My mother had fair skin, and the cosmetics she used were of a pale color. Since I inherited my mother’s skin color, there wasn’t much change in my skin, but my eyelashes and eyebrows turned completely white, a vivid memory of being scolded.

Looking down at the capital from above, the cityscape had a more rough image overall compared to Hiers’. While Hiers’ capital spread out in a circle centered around the royal castle, Aural’s capital had a more squared-off layout, with roads laid out like a chessboard, and buildings constructed along them. It was probably due to differences in national character.

The overall shape of the city was like a cross or a “?.” The reason for the walls not being circular but having corners might be the same as real star-shaped fortresses. Perhaps to station weapons or troops capable of long-distance artillery in those corners.

I don’t know if there are large firearms like cannons, but if I keep a few magicians ready, I should be able to achieve something similar.

Because of the coup d’etat, it somehow worked out, but if I had tried to conquer it properly, it wouldn’t have been easy like in Hiers. Of course, if I were to scatter adamantite from above, it wouldn’t matter how much artillery is aimed outward.

I quickly found a building that seemed to be the cathedral.

The largest structure in the center of the city is the royal castle, and facing it on the south side of the city is likely the cathedral.

From this positioning, it can be inferred that the so-called Holy Church is not a subordinate entity to national power.

I disappeared and stuck to the largest window of the cathedral, peering inside. Perhaps due to strength or the difficulty of creating wide glass, the windows were unusually slender vertically, and even if the glass were to be broken, it wouldn’t be wide enough for a person to pass through. Several of these windows were arranged to provide lighting inside.

It seemed to be a large chapel or a double-height space inside. Below Rare, something enormous was seated, and in front of it, there were several individuals offering prayers to something huge.

Judging by their appearance, those individuals seemed to hold relatively high positions. According to Lyra’s story, they prefer a doctrine of poverty, and if they wear such high-quality items within that doctrine, it’s probably not far from the truth.

“…But, there’s no way to get in. Considering the future, I don’t want to cause a commotion or break the windows. Maybe it would have been easier to just summon them.”

If I can’t infiltrate from the windows or roof, there’s no other choice. I descended to the ground while remaining invisible and looked for the entrance.

I thought about entering through the main entrance, but many people were lined up there, either waiting for worship or something else. Since I didn’t want to keep the believers waiting and worship alone, those individuals from earlier must indeed be high-ranking.

I went around to the back to find a backdoor or another entrance. I quickly found one, but there was a man standing in front of it. He seemed to be cleaning the ground, but it was evident that he was cautious about his surroundings.

To avoid trouble, I momentarily used [Stupefy] and quickly infiltrated while he was distracted. If the door had been locked, I might have needed to use [Charm] on this man, but fortunately, it wasn’t.

Once inside the building, I recalled the overall positioning of the entire building that I had seen from above, and while tracing it in my mind, I aimed for the chapel.

In the chapel, those individuals from earlier were still kneeling and praying.

“I admire your fervor, but from today, please change the subject of your prayers.”

I lifted the [Camouflage] and spread my wings fully while activating the [Knowledge Wing Barrier]. The clergy who noticed Rare all turned towards us, but it was already too late.

“[Charm]. [Control].

…Did it work? If so, I can probably allow the next one.”

I enslaved them one by one, and the control was complete. [Charm] enhanced with the buffs from [Beauty], [Extreme Beauty] and [Horns] couldn’t be resisted even by a king-class individual. There is likely no character in this country who can resist it.

Just to be sure, I checked, and it seemed they were the Archbishop and his entourage. Although they were called entourage, they didn’t seem to be individuals seeking power; they seemed to be those purely assisting the Archbishop.

“So, I want you all to worship me. For now, follow the noble Lyra, who rules this country’s royal family… I guess?”

“We understand, our master.”

They naturally kneeled and lowered their heads. Their seamless movements made me uneasy.

While raising the intelligence of the Archbishop just in case, I checked their skills.

The Archbishop was a human and not a noble. It can be inferred that there is no power-related connection with the country from such places.

After memorizing all the skills the Archbishop had, I made them stand.

“Well, let me give you this just in case. Also, if you think it’s necessary at your discretion, feel free to use it.”

I took out the Philosopher’s Stone from the inventory and handed it over, adding a few more for the people present. It was originally held by Sieg, but it was returned because he had already used the necessary amount.

I considered taking [Subordinate], but for the time being, the regular noble human version of the skill should be enough.

I calmed the Archbishop, who was about to prostrate in gratitude for Rare’s gift, and after completing the reincarnation and skill acquisition, I returned to the castle.

The return to the castle was just to report the outcome, and there was nothing else to be done.

All the individuals above the rank of bishop who were in the cathedral were now under my control, I had them reincarnated as noble humans, and the rest was left to the instructions to follow Lyra.

“Ah, right. Lyra.”

“What is it?”

“Hide your face while living like this.”

“Why!?”

“Well, because when I fought with the players, my face was seen. If anyone sees your face, they’ll definitely realize we’re related, right? Since we’re both playing as NPCs and one of us is already exposed, you will have to hide it.”

“Ehh… Well, I guess that can’t be helped. But if I accidentally get exposed, don’t get mad, okay?”

“…I see. At that time, I guess we can say my long-lost sister was turned into an undead by a wicked necromancer and became a calamity.”

“Whatever works is fine.”

How that part becomes a basis for becoming a faith object is still unclear. But if we can somehow manage to create a cover story for that part, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea. It seems good enough considering I came up with it on the spot.

“Well then, I’m going to meet Blanc in Erntal.”

“Wait a moment.”

“…What is it?”

“Haven’t you said you’re giving away everything in the castle’s treasure vault? Leave it here.”