Chapter 129:
Chapter 129:
Chapter 129:
Blessing in Disguise (2)
***
The one thing I confirmed from that divine punishment was that Gulak cherishes Kara dearly.
It’s clear that he doesn’t mind us admiring her, but anything beyond that warrants a lightning strike as a warning.
In some ways, he could be considered an even bigger fool than Hector. His love for his priestess is overflowing.
‘But how can anyone resist that...’
However, it still feels unfair. Kara’s current appearance is more than enough to ignite a man’s desires.
It’s only because I suppressed my urges that I managed, otherwise, blood might have rushed to my lower body.
‘Thank goodness everyone here is a woman except me.’
I stared blankly at Kara’s back as she placed the remains on the altar.
Her back alone was magnificent, but it truly began when she started dancing.
Once she danced, her clothes would flutter gracefully, especially her lower garment, which would sway freely.
If that happens, the fire kindled in my heart will burn even more fiercely. I’m truly relieved.
‘Wait a minute. The fire burns hotter when the dancer performs, could it be because of that?’
A dancer’s performance is essential in the ceremony dedicated to Gulak.
If Gulak likes the dance, the flames on the altar burn more intensely, and the ceremony becomes more fervent.
Of course, getting to that point takes a long time. Therefore, dancers who perform in ceremonies usually have great stamina.
‘It makes sense considering the effort and sincerity they demand...’
I don’t know. How can a mere mortal understand the will of a god?
It’s easier to think that Kara is beautifully adorned because she is Gulak’s cherished priestess.
Moreover, anyone harboring impure thoughts like mine will also face divine punishment.
“Everything is ready. Let’s ask Lord Gulak first.”
“Now we bow, right?”
“Yes. You’re going to bow in that form?”
“As a Holy Warrior, I need the right mindset, so I’ll do it in this form.”
It seemed all preparations were complete. Hearing their conversation, I quietly moved closer to Kara.
When I approached, she smiled softly and looked at the altar. I followed her gaze.
On the altar were the remains of the Usk axe and the broken pieces of Ragnarok.
However, I couldn’t see the offerings. Upon closer inspection, something was sprinkled on the remains.
“What is that?”
“It’s oil made from starfruit seeds. It’s a rare oil that only comes from Tatars.”
I had heard the name somewhere before, but I couldn’t recall it.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Rize, standing to Kara’s left, spoke up.
“Starfruit seed oil is quite expensive. It’s used in cosmetics and as a spice. Plus, its value is high since it’s only grown in Tatars.”
“That’s right. My father even used it for diplomatic purposes.”
Given the times, oil, especially cooking oil, is incredibly valuable.
Most of it is used as a spice rather than for cooking.
The fact that they used such an expensive oil means they were determined.
“I don’t know if Lord Gulak will respond, but we have to try.”
“He will respond.”
Kara spoke anxiously, while Rize was confident.
I didn’t know why, but it seemed she was determined to get a response by any means.
“Then let’s bow first. Sivar, join me.”
“Alright.”
I wondered if it was necessary for me to participate. Gulak clearly dislikes me.
But repairing Ragnarok is crucial for Kara’s sake. So, I grumbled internally but moved my body.
Fwoosh!
As soon as I bowed, I heard the sound of flames rising from the altar.
When I lifted my head, as expected, flames were roaring on the altar. Maybe because of the oil, they were larger than I thought.
“It seems Lord Gulak is positive.”
“Really? I thought he’d be angry that we broke the weapon he bestowed.”
Unlike the calm Rize, Kara seemed quite surprised.
It’s understandable since last time, merely getting a response was easy.
But now, we want to restore Ragnarok, which means receiving a blessing again.
No matter how much Gulak cherishes Kara, this situation could upset him, so I thought it would take longer.
“What should we do next?”
“Both the Holy Warrior and Sivar should step back. I have to take over now.”
“Are you going to dance?”
“Yes.”
Finally, I would get to see Kara’s beautiful dance. Honestly, I was really looking forward to it.
Even in the Soul World, Kara’s dance was rare. It was the same during the Tatars storyline.
Bang!
“H-Holy Warrior?”
“Where are you going...”
“I’m going to do my part.”
It was Rize. She approached the altar in her Holy Warrior form, not her Holy Warrior form.
Even while dancing, Kara noticed Rize’s approach but let her be. It seemed she trusted her.
Rize passed by Kara and looked up at the sky. The flames on the altar burned even fiercer.
“I address the god of the sky.”
Rize spoke calmly. Kara didn’t stop dancing.
“I broke your blessing, so please bestow it again with my power.”
Rize spread her arms wide as she spoke. Simultaneously, a navy blue aura began to radiate brightly from her.
The navy blue aura was undoubtedly magical power, but it felt indescribable.
“All of this is!”
Rize took her stance and shouted.
“By the will of Chaos!!”
Mentioning Chaos, the god she serves.
“As he wishes, bestow your blessing!!”
She channeled all her energy and punched the sky.
Boom!!
Her punch sent a navy blue pillar soaring into the sky. It was similar yet different from when she destroyed space.
Space destruction literally broke space, but now...
“T-The sky...”
“The sky... split?”
“...”
The navy blue energy Rize unleashed split the sky.
Like a scene from a pirate comic, the immense energy split the sky in two.
That alone was a miraculous ‘miracle,’ but it wasn’t the end.
Rumble!
A foreboding thunder echoed.
Crash!!
A massive lightning bolt struck between the split sky.
It was more powerful, intense, and destructive than any lightning bolt I had ever seen.
The lightning struck the altar precisely. As Kara explained, it was Gulak’s positive response.
Kara stopped dancing and stared blankly at the altar. She was drenched in sweat.
Crackle!!
The lightning didn’t strike just once. It poured down like water from a faucet.
Such a bizarre phenomenon. I watched in stunned silence.
Crackle!
Finally, the downpour of lightning ceased. The split sky returned to its original state.
Another unusual phenomenon occurred as the previously split sky was filled with clouds.
It seemed the clouds were acting on their own to mend the split sky.
Thanks to this, the cloudy sky cleared up in an instant.
It became a clear blue sky, as if nothing had happened.
“Is it... over?”
“Who knows?”
Ellie and Luna exchanged thoughts while I hurried to the altar.
I instinctively knew the ceremony was over. All that remained was to check the results.
Before that, I had to thank Rize for her effort. She had reverted to her Holy Warrior form, seemingly exhausted.
“Rize. Are you...”
I was about to ask if Rize was alright when I stopped. Because...
“I’m tired after using all my strength.”
Rize had changed dramatically.
Kara felt it too.
“H-Holy Warrior? Your...”
“Hmm? Oh, you mean my chest? I mentioned it before.”
Rize’s ample chest had completely disappeared. It was even smaller than Luna’s.
But Rize didn’t mind our shock and smiled.
“My divine power is all concentrated in my ‘body.’”
So that’s what she meant.
End of Chapte
SCT-Novel