Kaito had been playing Glory for ten years in his past life, and in that time he had learned an important trick NPCs didn't always give the same rewards. Their rewards varied depending on how you spoke to them, how you presented yourself, and even how much you managed to appeal to them. Acting strong wasn't always the answer. Sometimes, playing the victim could bring out more sympathy from NPCs and lead to bigger rewards. Even if the difference was just a little more experience or a few extra silver coins, it all added up.
So when he spoke to Viscount Elrick about Elder Faelion's betrayal, Kaito made sure to look weary and sound like someone who had just been through something terrible.
"So that's how it is!" Viscount Elrick muttered grimly. "Elder Faelion… I didn't expect the Demon Cult to have infiltrated the Holy Church of Light. This is truly bad news!"
Kaito watched him carefully. His acting had worked, Viscount Elrick was taking him seriously.
"Warrior, wait a moment!" Elrick commanded. "I will go with you to capture that demon!"
Kaito nodded respectfully, though inside he was already trying to predict what role Elrick would play in the battle. If Elrick turned out to be a warrior-type NPC, it would be perfect, since the final mission bonus often included rewards suited to the NPC's profession. But if Elrick was a support type, then most of the actual fighting would fall on him, Kaito.
The mission panel suddenly appeared before his eyes:
[Shadows Within the Mist]
Type: Rare Story Quest
Objective: Investigate and uncover the identity of the Demon Cult spy hiding in South Glade Town.
Reward: Temple Badge (Glory), 1500 EXP, 50 Silver Coins
The listed rewards were fixed. Kaito would definitely receive them after completing the quest. But he knew from experience that extra rewards were always possible bonus items, reputation points, or even special favorability with NPCs. It all depended on how well the quest was handled. Luck and strength both mattered.
Not long after, Viscount Elrick returned, now fully armed. His shining armor reflected the light, and his weapon gave off a faint glow.
Kaito almost groaned aloud. Elrick was not a warrior, nor even the more balanced Necro Knight. He was a knight with a sword and shield the combat style known as the Retribution Knight.
That meant trouble. Retribution Knights were strong defensively, but when it came to actual damage output, they were more like support fighters. This meant Kaito would have to do most of the work himself.
Kaito quickly pulled up Elrick's information:
Viscount Elrick
Level: ???
HP: ???
Even the basic stats were hidden. That was common with higher-ranking NPCs, but it still left Kaito a little frustrated.
Apprentice knights in Glory could upgrade into three main paths. Retribution Knights focused on sword and shield combat, relying on defense and support. Light Knights were oriented toward offense, wielding greatswords and holy light. And the Necro Knight, often called the Evil Slayer, was a balanced path that specialized in dealing with dark energy and the undead.
Looking at Elrick again, Kaito noticed the aura of holy light swirling faintly around him. His weapon wasn't just a regular sword either it was a greatsword, glowing faintly with divine energy.
Kaito sighed. That confirmed it. Viscount Elrick was a Light Knight, not a Retribution Knight. This meant Elrick's fighting power was solid, but his style leaned heavily toward slashing bursts of holy damage rather than sustained damage or defense. Useful, but unpredictable.
"Go!" Elrick declared as he mounted his horse.
Kaito had no choice but to follow him. Together, they galloped toward the Holy Church, where Elder Faelion had revealed his true demonic form.
On the way, Kaito quickly opened his interface and sent a message to his second uncle.
"Uncle, I need a detachment. Gather one hundred men and bring them here immediately. We're going to take down a Silver Boss."
His second uncle didn't hesitate or waste time with questions. The reply came back instantly: Understood. Mobilizing now.
Most of the group would be made up of Genesis family guards, along with his third uncle and his father, who had been grinding monsters nearby. Kaito estimated that if they managed to bring down this Silver Boss together, the experience would push many of them directly to level 15. That would make them eligible to enter the Misty Palace dungeon an enormous boost to Genesis's overall strength.
The last time Kaito had killed an evil NPC in town, the loot had been incredible. But because the town guards had interfered, the experience points had been far less than he'd hoped for. This time, with Genesis backing him up and Elrick present to hold the front line, the conditions were perfect.
He smiled grimly. This time, the rewards will go to his people strengthening his power.
Without Viscount Elrick's presence, Kaito would never have dared to call in Genesis to deal with a Silver Boss inside a town. But now, with a powerful NPC of unknown rank fighting alongside them, he felt confident. As long as they stayed cautious, it was only a matter of time before they brought down Elder Faelion, the Demon Fanatic.
Viscount Elrick rode his warhorse out of the mansion gates, his armor shining under the sunlight. The sight immediately sent the players lined up outside into chaos.
"The Viscount's running away?" one player shouted in shock.
"Running away? Are you blind? Didn't you see that masked adventurer with him? It must be a quest!" another argued, pointing at Kaito, who had covered his face with a mask before entering the mansion.
"Follow them! Maybe it's a hidden quest!" a third yelled.
That was all it took. The veterans moved first, eager not to miss the chance, and the rest of the onlookers followed. Herd mentality was strong no one wanted to miss a possible secret. Within seconds, a small crowd had begun trailing behind, whispering excitedly as they ran.
Luckily, the Viscount's Mansion was not far from the town's central fountain square. The church stood nearby, its tall spire now casting a shadow across the blood-stained ground. It didn't take long for Elrick and Kaito to arrive.
The sight that greeted them was horrific. Seven or eight town guards lay dead at the church entrance, their armor shattered, their blood staining the white stone steps. The once sacred cathedral had become a river of red, the holy air replaced with the stench of death and demonic corruption.
"This bloody demon!" Viscount Elrick roared, his fury breaking through his usual calm. His eyes glowed with rage as he raised his greatsword high into the air.
In an instant, waves of holy energy burst out from him, bathing the area in golden light. A series of blessings and battle auras wrapped around Kaito and every ally within range.
Radiant Light: All allied units within 30 yards gained +10 effective levels, instantly boosting their combat potential.
Courage Aura: Strength increased by 15%.
Wisdom Aura: Intelligence increased by 15%.
Swiftness Aura: Agility increased by 15%.
Holy Light Bath: A gentle glow spread across their skin, restoring 5 HP every second.
Battle Armor: Defense increased by 30%.
Demon Break: Each attack now carried a 20% chance to pierce through enemy defenses.
The difference was immediate. Kaito felt power coursing through his body, his stats jumping higher than ever before.