Several days later, at noon, at the tavern next to the inn.
Bly, as usual, was spending his time in the tavern. Suddenly, the door to the tavern opened and then closed, casting a shadow at his feet.
A man in a worn long cloak stepped in. His face was tightly concealed by a hood, revealing only a few strands of light golden hair. The man, who wore a long sword, had a large, snow-white cat perched on his shoulder.
He ordered a lavish meal and sat alone in a corner, eating slowly and attentively. It was hard to tell whether he was carefully savoring the food or trying to taste the recipes with his tongue.
The big white cat quietly stayed on his shoulder, leisurely licking its paws.
Bly took a sip of sweet wine, and a question slowly formed in his mind—since becoming a Player, he could easily distinguish those native folks weaker than himself. Even though he wasn't outstanding among Players now, to those fragile native NPCs, he was absolutely a formidable monster.
However, he couldn't gauge the depth of the man in the cloak, who didn't quite seem like a Player either, radiating a subtle aura.
So far, all important NPCs had squads for special protection. To prevent Demon Players from causing trouble, Players within the city were also under the jurisdiction of the Homeward Saints Guild.
Who was this man?
Whether it was his physique or his aura, Bly felt an eerie familiarity with this person. Unfortunately, Abaddon wasn't here. Otherwise, he could ask his drinking buddy… At a crucial moment like this, the guy was nowhere to be found.
Hm? Wait, missing at a crucial moment? Bly gradually gripped his drink tighter.
Lately, Players were all working hard to fortify Bissus, busy making it an impregnable stronghold—
Not to mention the repeated tactical training and the exaggeratedly strengthened city defenses. Everyone wished to set deadly magical devices on every street to ensure any daring monster would die within three steps. Even if the Lost Tower were to descend from the sky the next second, the Players in Bissus would still have a fighting chance.
But facing wave after wave of monster attacks, everyone's spirits were always on edge, with even Abaddon being called away to help from time to time. Only Players "not worth mentioning" like Bly had more free time.
Having observed until now, Bly always felt something was missing in this main quest. And the moment this man appeared, he finally understood where this sense of incongruity came from—
Hero Drake.
This person had assisted Knight Eugene in Eternal Day City, participated in the ancient Demon King's subjugation, and was personally chosen by the Goddess of Life as her envoy during the Dragon's Lair Battle.
Now, as the main quest progressed to protecting the Holy Land of the Temple of Life, Drake's absence was strangely conspicuous, not even listed among the important NPCs.
Initially, people mentioned "Hero Drake", but since Drake was always linked with "Paradise" and with too many variables, there was no consensus, and the matter gradually faded.
"If the main quest really needs him to appear, he will show up on his own." That was what everyone said.
Now, this…
Bly swallowed, picked up the most expensive bottle of wine from the table, and cautiously sat opposite the man. Drake was rumored to be a handsome young man with golden hair and eyes. Confirming it wouldn't hurt.
The Goddess of Life had certified this man. He couldn't be an undercover agent of the Demon King, could he…? Even if he had entanglements with Paradise, it was understandable for a main NPC's fate to be dramatic.
"Care for a drink together? My treat." Bly tried to sound as casual as possible.
Across from him, the man in the cloak stopped chewing and looked up for the first time.
He was a very handsome young man. Unlike the rumored golden-haired and golden-eyed Drake, his eyes were a deep-sea blue. The big cat at his side, as if startled by Bly, moved to the other shoulder.
"…Thank you." The young man observed Bly for a while, then resumed his meal attentively.
Bly's hand trembled as he poured the wine.
He had made the right bet!
With such a face, he was definitely an important NPC. But the eye color didn't match the rumors? Such details weren't important. As a magic swordsman, changing eye color was a matter of minutes for Drake.
"Excuse me." While passing the wine, Bly lowered his voice to the lowest. "Are you Mr. Drake, the 'Envoy of God'?"
Hearing the title "Envoy of God", the young man paused his fork, and his lips twitched slightly. After a few seconds, he nodded silently.
"I am indeed called Drake."
Bly swallowed. "Then you—"
"I'm here to eradicate the enemies of God." The young man's tone was calm yet cold, and on his shoulder, the white cat with round golden eyes meowed innocently.
...
Lost Tower.
"Are you sure it's okay? A Player have found him, so he'll be discovered by Star Stealer Sol soon!" Perradat anxiously nibbled on Lilith's fingernails, causing Lynn to frown. "Maybe we should reconsider the tactics…"
"The tactics are set." Lynn pulled her hand away from her mouth. "Haven't you applied 'concealment' specifically against Star Stealer Sol? Using it to disguise [God's Forsaken], Nol said it's no problem."
"But the news will reach Star Stealer Sol's ears."
Unable to nibble her nails, Perradat started crunching on the hard candy on her plate. "He will soon target Drake. That guy is alone, at most with Ben, that useless dog—"
Lynn: "You're too anxious. Hasn't Nol explained it to you?"
Coming up with such a cunning plan, the God of Creation was really led astray by someone. Lynn still remembered Nol's expression when planning, that mischievous demeanor didn't seem like a righteous character at all.
"Star Stealer Sol chose to use Bissus for a tower defense game. He wants to make this city his home ground, forcing me and Teest to act alone."
In memory, Nol pointed at Bissus City on the map.
As the center of the continent, it had the richest storage and the strongest military force. Due to its religious uniqueness, if it faced any issue, neighboring great nations would definitely offer generous assistance.
As long as Enbillick stays inside without coming out, Paradise would have to attack.
So, Star Stealer Sol, under the name of tower defense, gathered Players, madly transforming the town. If Paradise's people dared to enter the city, they would face a fully armed city and top-tier Players.
"This way, if I lead Paradise in a surprise attack, there would definitely be a large number of casualties among the neighbors. If I forcefully stay away, as the quest difficulty increases, Players will also suffer heavy losses—it's a blatant scheme. He's inviting me to walk into a trap alone."
Nol expressed his confidence very clearly.
"Because he knows that, given my personality, I definitely won't stand by and watch everyone sacrifice themselves. And if I wanted to infiltrate, there would only be one choice."
That would be Hero Drake, who was publicly recognized by the "Goddess of Life".
Even without Nol saying it, the people present could guess the answer.
"I understand the rationale, but how can you be one hundred percent certain?"
After hearing the plan, Perradat was the first to raise questions. "The Goddess back then was impersonated by Painter. What if that guy exposes this fact? Who will ensure Drake's safety?"
"He won't expose this at this juncture, just as we won't go persuading Eugene." Teest rolled his eyes. "Once we start talking, there will be endless explanations and self-justifications required. In the end, it may not successfully persuade them and would only bring greater chaos."
"In Star Stealer Sol's view, Teest and I can only play the assassination game according to his rules, on his chessboard. Without a doubt, he must have prepared countless tricks on his side."
Nol's voice remained gentle. "The tower defense quest torments the Players, and we are on his home turf. Just one slip in 'Drake's' actions, and he would use his powers to strike lethally."
"The appearance of Hero Drake signifies the arrival of major events in the main storyline. From the beginning, this world has followed such a rule."
Nol's fingertip nudged the black chess piece symbolizing Star Stealer Sol. With a tap, the piece fell onto the map. The white piece symbolizing Drake stood quietly, holding a cute short sword model.
"Moreover, since Star Stealer Sol specially set up the stage, of course, we have to respond appropriately."
…Indeed, it signified the arrival of major events in the main storyline, rather than personally achieving major events in the main storyline.
Lynn ended her recollection, looking at Drake on the magic screen. Seeing his handsome face, she found it hard to connect him with that cursing, deficient candle.
Drake Kando.
After all, "Tahe" was a game made for Players. This hero, silent for two hundred years, had always been a harbinger of storms, a helper to Players, but not a terminator. Now, he had finally taken back his true mission—
"I'm here to eradicate the enemies of God." Drake's tone was firm, sounding exceptionally sincere. "This city needs more help."
"Help?" Bly's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes." Drake revealed an unskilled smile. "The defenses of Bissus City aren't strong enough. I have a great idea."
"Please let me assist you."
At the same time, in the middle of the Endless Sea.
"I'm going to start now." Nol took several deep breaths.
Teest: "Pfft."
"…Don't laugh!"
"I'm laughing from the bottom of my heart, honey. It shows my trust in you." Below Nol, Teest blinked. "This scene is really interesting, don't you think?"
At this moment, Teest was laying naked on the ice.
Above his body hovered the vast and beautiful true form of the God of Creation. Countless golden threads wrapped around the captivating dragon-like creature. Sunlight spilled down, making the surrounding sea shimmer. Only Teest lay in the shadow, looking much like a fragile sacrifice.
"Come."
Teest opened his arms towards the giant beast above, making a pleading gesture for an embrace.
"The Great Hero is fighting for time. Let us bring down the moon together—"
Six hours left until nightfall.
The countdown had officially begun.