Gregorian Empire – Province of Ataxia
Coastal City of Ataxia, Temple of the Goddess of Wisdom
The air inside the temple was saturated with incense and exotic spices. The fragrances clung to the altar. An imposing statue of polished white marble, draped in fine linen fabrics that covered its grand figure, stood in solemn silence—its exquisitely carved face crowned with golden adornments.
Priestesses Agatha and Melissa had been kneeling before the altar since before dawn. Their devotion and surrender were evident to the acolytes who kept the incense burning.
Most of them tried not to look at Melissa in that position, yet others couldn't help themselves—eyes slipping along the curves of her hips. Even so, a cold sweat ran down their backs, as if death itself were flirting with their souls.
And then they felt it.
As though the devotion of the priestesses were being watched by the very statue of their goddess. Fear pierced their hearts, and the acolytes silently scolded themselves.
At the height of their supplications, divine power manifested. A faint golden energy—purer than the finest gold—wrapped around both women and rose upward like a pleasing offering toward the statue of their goddess.
The ritual of gratitude for the beginning of a new week had ended. Both women looked exhausted, as if a part of them had been drained by the ritual performed each Loom. Agatha glanced at her best friend and spoke:
—Lissa, I've decided… I'm going to ask the Governor to help fund the construction of an orphanage.
Melissa was surprised by Agatha's declaration, but her gaze hardened.
—I don't like Governor Atha. And with the High Priestess absent, it'll be difficult to negotiate with a man like him.
Agatha took a deep breath. She understood perfectly what her friend meant. Still, she took Melissa's hands, her voice filled with certainty and conviction:
—Lissa, there is no man left on this earth who can harm you. Not even that strange vagrant you say has been following you. He can do nothing. We are under the full protection of the Goddess. Don't worry anymore. I may spend the entire day of Juesty negotiating with him personally.
Melissa was deeply moved. Her eyes filled with tears—a blend of joy, happiness, and peace.
—Thank you… thank you so much… What would my life be without you, Agatha?
They embraced. Their bond was more than shared devotion—it was fraternal, something deeper. Smiling, Agatha joked:
—It's getting late… You'd better go to Nana's, eat, and rest. I'll need you early tomorrow to prepare for the negotiations, alright?
The young priestess nodded, visibly emotional.
—Yes, thank you… I'll take my leave now.
***
On the road to Ataxia…
I was moving at a decent pace. I stopped once or twice to relieve myself, sightsee… but procrastinating along the way cost me far more time than expected.
It was midday when I left Cartag. Now, on the horizon, the sun was already beginning to set.
Still—thanks to not sleeping at all last night, I had Artia transfer her geographic data to Quincy. At last, the navigation map was in optimal condition for travel or planning any contingency.
I passed through villages and small towns, avoiding main roads whenever possible.Was it the lack of sleep making me feel oddly hyperactive?
"Then why… if I'm moving this fast, haven't I heard a single sonic boom?"
I shook my head side to side to stop myself from drifting again. But I couldn't help noticing that the Gregorian Empire was rich in jungles and forests, plains and mountains alike.
That's when Quincy spoke as we continued onward:
[Master, according to my database, the Gregorian Empire is the largest territory on the continent. Therefore, it contains a wide variety of biomes. ✍(▧ . ▧)]
—And its creatures?
[As you might assume, creatures from Greek and Norse mythology, along with some Celtic ones—since Nordkrieger is a kingdom located within the same greater landmass. (¬ . ¬)]
—Damn… I think I want to live here. (It sounds awesome to say: I'm part of the Empire!)
[Unfortunately, its government is highly centralized and poorly diplomatic. It has only a single senate, entirely subject to the Emperor's will. (≖ ‿ ≖)]
—I take it back… When I build my city, I'm staying there. (Long live capitalism forever!!)
After covering a considerable distance…
I finally spotted the second coastal city in the distance.
According to Quincy's map, it shared geographic similarities with Cartag—except it was located in the neighboring province.
It was the city of Ataxia. Seeing it from afar, I thought:
"Damn it, my stupid mind… it took me about five hours to get here. I could've arrived much earlier."
"Why did I have to stop so many times? Why did I feel the need to pause every chance I got?"
"Why stop to admire the scenery every time if it just makes me feel this damn bad?"
I had stopped far outside the city.
Once again—intercepted by my emotions for the thousandth time.
I was convinced it was the lack of sleep combined with the absurd amplification of the Gamer's Soul trait.
I took a deep breath. I needed to apply what old Brandom had taught me about pain.
I had to remember the conversations I'd had with Grandpa Bryant about honor. But above all, I had to channel all my chaos the way Doctor Lin had advised…
I exhaled and focused on observing what lay before me:
A beautiful beach. Elegant, architecturally refined stone roads. And a lush hill covered in flowers rising beside the city's outskirts.
I could make out a temple identical—or at least very similar—to the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.I knew this not because I had visited… but because it's basic cultural knowledge.
The one—and massive—difference…
This one appeared to be built directly over the sea, or upon a small islet.
That building was majestic. Truly.
Its white marble hue, the golden ornaments, the blue and white fabrics…
It looked sublime and imposing. A truly divine architecture.
Captivated by the temple's splendor,
I decided to move a little closer…
And that's when I saw a young woman exiting the place.
She wore a beautiful white toga, pearls adorning her hair.
But then I saw her face.
The impact struck my soul like a hammer.
I froze.
A tear traced its way down my face.
It was impossible. Unthinkable. Unacceptable.
That someone—some damn programmer—would design…
An NPC with that face.
She was much younger.
Her body was far more beautiful, far more captivating than hers ever was.
Her eyes were a deep emerald green.
Her hair dark as night.
But that face…
It was hers.
The one I sometimes almost forgot.
The one I feared forgetting.
"But how could I?"
I knew she was different.
I knew this was a cruel joke of fate.
But I couldn't stop remembering my deceased mother…
Everything that happened afterward. How alone I felt.
The NPC fixed in my gaze—
Had the face of my mother, Brigitte Murphy.
I vaguely remembered her as a beautiful blonde with blue eyes.
But that face—I never forgot it. Not even when cancer was killing her.
In my soul. In my heart. In my very being…
She was—and still is—the greatest woman I've ever known.
A sudden impulse surged through my heart.
I needed to know who this girl was.
I completely forgot the reason I had come to Ataxia.
"Nothing else matters. I need to know."
Quincy and Artia tried to convince me to stop following her.
I ordered them to shut up. Not to interrupt me.
I followed her through the city. I noticed how popular she was with men.
They all stared at her—openly, hungrily.
Yet she was gentle with the children playing in the streets.
Women looked at her with envy and distrust.
Still, she greeted everyone warmly.
I followed her to a dead-end street.
She was gone.
Then I heard a beautiful voice speak behind me:
Melissa: —It's been two days. I told you to stop following me, sir.
That's when I remembered my face was covered by the dark hood Frank had given me.
I lowered it, revealing my face, and spoke:
—I'm sorry… I'm really sorry… I didn't mean to scare you. I swear on what I value most… I just—could I know your name?
She looked at me directly. Straight into my eyes.
I noticed a subtle, gentle smile.
Then she replied:
Melissa: —My name is Melissa Vanopilas. And who are you?
My voice almost broke.
—M-my name is Bri… Sam. Sam Raymond.
Melissa: —I see.
—Is someone bothering you? Harassing you?
Melissa: —Don't worry about me, young man. Go on your way.
—I mean it sincerely… If I have ill intentions, may lightning strike me down.
[Please, universe—unleash a thunderstorm upon the Master! (🔥▭🔥)/]
—Shut up, Quincy!
Melissa looked at me strangely.
Oh hell… I look crazy again.
She paused gracefully and answered—though I didn't fully understand her meaning:
Melissa: —All men in this city have them…(Even those who already have wives.)
—I'm not from these lands, miss.
She tilted her head, studying me.
Melissa: —I'm sorry—where are you from?
—The Kingdom of Lichstein.
Melissa: —Oh. A foreign visitor.
—You could say that.
Melissa: —I've never traveled.
—That's… a little sad.
Melissa: —No. I'm actually glad I grew up here.
—Judging by your attire, you seem connected to the temple.
She smiled warmly, her voice bright.
Melissa: —Yes… I serve as a priestess of the Goddess of Wisdom.
—Is it your refuge?
Melissa: —It has been, ever since I came of age.
—Would it be alright if we walked for a bit?
Melissa: —Alright. I know you're not a bad person.
We walked until we reached where she lived.
—Why do you stay here? Can't you stay at the temple?
Melissa: —This is where I've lived since I was a child.
—And your parents?
Melissa: —I'm an orphan. I was raised by the elderly owner of this house.
—Haven't you had problems?
Melissa: —Yes… but nothing serious.
—Tell me.
Melissa: —Why are you so interested? We just met.
Looking at her, I felt vulnerable. I answered honestly, without thinking twice:
—Maybe today is the first time we've met…But I truly want to know you.
She looked at me deeply—so deeply it felt like my soul was laid bare. I felt exposed, yet her gaze was warm.
Melissa: —Alright… come in.
—Won't this cause trouble?
Melissa: —Don't worry. Nana is very understanding.
Inside the small living room stood an elderly woman, easily over a hundred years old. She showed no alarm at my presence—I deduced she was blind.
Nana: —My child, you're back. How was your day?
Melissa: —I'm fine, Nana… and I brought a friend.
Nana: —A friend?! You… you've never brought a friend before.
Melissa: —I know, Nana. But he's different from the other men who bothered me.
Nana: —Bring that young man here. Now.
Melissa took my hand and guided me to Nana.
Nana: —You're a bit small compared to Lissa… still, I'll ask you to take care of her. Will you?
Melissa: —Nana!!
I answered with complete sincerity:
—Don't worry. I'll protect Melissa from anything.(Gods, demons, hells—or death itself.)
Nana: —I hope so… This girl has suffered greatly. I can't imagine what will happen to her when I'm gone.
Melissa: —Nana, don't say that…
Nana: —But it's the truth. My days are numbered…
Melissa's shoulders drooped at those words.
Nana: —Young man, do you have a place to stay?
—Not yet.
Nana: —You may stay here… if you wish.
—Thank you for your hospitality.
Melissa: —Then… I'll prepare a bed.
She went upstairs, leaving me alone with Nana.
Nana: —You're the first man Lissa has ever liked, you know.
—Really? What kind of experiences has she had?
Nana: —Since childhood, men have pursued her. Women have envied her for it.
—And nothing bad ever happened?
Nana: —Many of those bastards tried to violate her.
Rage surged through my veins like the heavens themselves.
—Tell me who they were.(This town gets purged today.)
Nana: —Easy, young man. When that happened, I still had some strength left. I saved her.
—That's a relief.
Nana: —How long have you known each other? You give off the sense that you truly care about Lissa.
—I'll just say this…She's someone I wanted to protect the moment I saw her.
Nana: —Then this old woman can finally rest easy, knowing Lissa will be safe.
—Don't worry, Nana.
Melissa came back downstairs.
Melissa: —The room is ready.
—Thank you.
Melissa: —It's nothing. Can you come upstairs?
—Of course. See you, Nana.
Nana: —See you, young man.
Upstairs, Melissa led me to a room and asked me to wait.
She went back downstairs, leaving me alone.
And now…
I questioned my strange behavior toward her.
"It's strange… I know she isn't my mother…But I can't help feeling vulnerable around her…Is this another effect of the Gamer's Soul trait?"