Breaking the chains that the Archmage had cast wasn't something I swore I intended to do.
Well, if I intended it, then it was intended, but... I naturally thought they wouldn't break. Even with no level difference, bindings hold for about two seconds, you know.
But how did the remake version revamp mage skills to cause this mess...?
"Ahem... Both of you, calm down."
"But!"
"Inquisitor! Have your eyes gone blind with rage against evil?!"
The Archmage's shout made even my senses scatter. Of course, true to my concept, I glared at him fiercely. He seemed too busy scolding the Inquisitor to notice, though.
"Look closely. Does that young man truly look like he killed someone?!"
"Then how else would there be blood...! Blood..."
The Inquisitor fell silent upon seeing the thief trembling in the middle of the hall. She seemed to finally realize her misunderstanding.
"...He's not dead?"
She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, like a goldfish. It was kinda cute in its own way. It reminded me of the priest script I knew, making it feel nostalgic... right?
Huh?
I doubted my own eyes for a moment. The Inquisitor's face looked awfully familiar.
During our first meeting, it was too dark to notice, and earlier I was too immersed in my concept to realize.
"Th-that guy's really alive...?"
I quickly scanned the malfunctioning Inquisitor.
Flaming red hair. Emerald eyes in contrast. The signature short bob, loosely tied and draped over one side.
If my memory wasn't wrong, that was exactly the official representative priest image. I'd seen that face dozens of times in the remake trailer, so I was certain.
"...I've told you repeatedly that you must see the truth."
And the Archmage's face... matched the mage representative image perfectly. The beast-like features unique to the Sha'gi tribe, especially that finely crafted white lion form—impossible to mistake.
But still. The puzzling part was why characters from other classes were appearing.
'Hero Legend' originally let you pick one class and only rolled with characters from that class group. No other classes appeared.
Sure, being online meant you could run into other gamers' characters, but story-wise, no other class characters showed up.
So, was this the revamped story's influence? They didn't seem like mere passing NPCs with those standout looks. And the contrived way they kept getting involved.
Come to think of it, the trailer had five simultaneous appearances, which I thought was to avoid class discrimination talk, but it was actually for the story.
In that case, would they become my companions...? After this total mess of a fight...?
Nah, even if I'd known, I wouldn't have acted differently.
"...Please, explain yourself."
Just as my thoughts wrapped up—thank goodness I organize thoughts quickly—the Archmage asked me.
"You're demanding an explanation from me? Me?"
Even after realizing they could be my party members, I deliberately kept my attitude unchanged.
Why change now? I'd cleared games solo without party members just to stick to the concept. No reason to hold back for future karma when current fun mattered more.
Ahak. Concept play is the best. Pure bliss.
"...Neither the Inquisitor nor I have the right to demand explanations. But there are others here too. Give them a chance to ease their fears."
Separately, I admired the Archmage's way with words. As expected of a sage? I wanted to learn that seasoned poise.
...
But that didn't mean I'd go easy. I glared at the mage with fiery eyes and yanked out the sword embedded in the floor. Then I kicked the trembling assailant.
"You...!"
The Inquisitor tried to say something, but the Archmage was faster. The old man descending the stairs covered her mouth.
"Confess with your own mouth."
"P-please, spare... "
"Do I need to say it twice?"
Ha, this thrill of turning into a villain without even being one—electrifying.
"I-I targeted that man's money!"
Fortunately, the thug spoke up before the Inquisitor's temper exploded.
"I saw him tipping the errand boy and thought he had lots of cash...!"
"...!"
The Inquisitor's face paled. The Archmage sighed as if he'd expected it.
And amid it all, the assault event was triggered by a tip? Beyond imagination. I thought it was story or bad luck, but nope.
"What is this commotion...!"
Then, someone holding a torch emerged from the front hall, hastily adjusting their clothes. It was the innkeeper who'd greeted me when I arrived.
If memory served, that NPC treated me like VIP after hearing the errand boy's message.
He'd said the adventurer tag I brought from sewer cleaning belonged to his friend's kid, thanked me for avenging him, and halved my inn fee.
Perfect. This clears up the misunderstanding completely.
"No! Sir Knight, what brings you out this late at night—no, what is this...?"
"Worry about security from now on."
"Pardon?"
"Handle that rat yourself. And..."
I casually glanced at the Archmage and Inquisitor.
"Our business ends here."
Ah, too fun. Can a game be this fun? My thoughts of quitting gaming vanished instantly. Absolute best.
"Pardon?"
The innkeeper panicked, but I gave him no time. Luckily, I had no luggage to pack. Sword in hand, bag on back—good to go.
I'd been so exhausted I slept with shoes on—my Korean soul screamed when I realized—but nothing to fetch.
Thanks to that, I left the inn without going upstairs. The innkeeper followed with a silent scream.
"G-going like this, Adventurer sir?"
He pleaded desperately for me to return, but I ignored him. Torches from the inn gradually lit the street.
"Wait, you!"
Finally snapping to, huh. The Inquisitor came rushing out. This one needed a response.
"My words don't sound like words to you? Fine. Holy. Reverend. Can't stand hearing a demon spawn's words, eh?"
I spun smoothly, raising my sword. My face in her view probably looked filled with rage, maybe even laughing in absurdity.
You know, people laugh when too angry. Though really, I was laughing from fun. Wahak.
"This farce ends here."
"...I, I want to apologize..."
"Why should I tolerate your recklessness any longer? My patience is short. And you've worn it out."
At my shout, the Inquisitor squeezed her eyes shut and trembled. From my true self's view—not the concept—it looked a bit pitiful.
Sure, the priest I knew was freshly dispatched from the temple to help people. Isolated in the temple learning doctrines, then suddenly kicked out when "time came."
On that basis, could she not follow the principles and rules she learned? No real-world experience meant no leeway for leniency.
That's why her actions didn't anger me much. I knew inexperienced people could be rigidly dogmatic beyond imagination.
"But ripping out your tongue would stop the nonsense."
But my concept wouldn't understand that.
"...You're right."
Sorry. I'm this old and still love this concept play.
But it's NPCs, so deal with it. I wouldn't in reality...
"A-Adventurer sir..."
Ignoring the innkeeper's babble, I stared at the Inquisitor with an angry face.
As if sensing my gaze, she opened her eyes with resolve. Her knees bent.
"...!"
If I hadn't controlled my expression, my eyes would've bulged like saucers.
No, wait, why is a priest...?
"Inquisitor..."
Even the late-arriving Archmage looked shocked. He glanced between us, and I wanted to ask too. What's she doing?
"The insult I inflicted on you can't be atoned with words alone. Take it. If that's not enough... take my life too."
...Hold up, there's speakable and unspeakable. What is this NPC saying? Insane. I never expected agreement to tongue-ripping.
I like strict, steadfast characters, loved the priest most for that personality, but this is too much. I said it assuming rejection...!
...
But abandoning the concept? No. As I debated really doing it, someone rushed in to block me. The Archmage.
"Please, show mercy."
"Archmage, don't."
"She's fresh from the temple. She doesn't know the world yet."
"It's my fault."
"If fault lies, it's mine for not stopping her in time. Punish this old man instead."
Now even the Archmage tried kneeling. I reflexively gripped my waist longsword.
"Archmage!"
"I know I have no right to say this. But please..."
"No, it's my fault! The Archmage is innocent!"
Mushrooms sprouted in my mind's corner, but this wasn't bad. It gave an out.
Honestly, yeah. Even if NPC guilt feels less, cutting tongues—or necks, can't do that—turns my stomach.
To cut, I'd grab and slice the tongue, and this game probably simulates saliva. No, certain. It'd get drooly.
Thus, I... don't want others' saliva on my hands. Or my sword. Gross and horrifying.
"I gave you a chance. You chose punishment."
I spat coldly, approaching them. The innkeeper held his breath; their shoulders twitched shallowly.
"The Archmage is innocent. It's all my folly. Don't touch him."
"No, this old man..."
Makes me feel like a Great Demon. Next concept: full-blown psychopath?
But feeling guilt now might make it hard. NPCs too realistic is tough. If they repeated lines, they'd feel like 0s and 1s, easy to harm.
I stood before the kneeling Inquisitor. The Archmage sighed, bowing his head; she clamped her mouth shut.
Wrinkles creased her brow—probably from forcing open terror-stricken eyes.
...
Don't make that face. Uncle... no, at her age, niece? Anyway, uncle's heart softens.
Sring.
I drew my longsword, gritted my teeth, and yanked her by the hair. Conveniently tied in one braid.
"Urk!"
Pulled too hard? She winced but slightly parted her lips. Unnecessary mercy.
No hobby of peering in mouths like a dentist.
Slice!
I easily severed the red.
Worried about dismemberment implementation... but luck held. Success.
Plop.
I dropped the cut lock to the floor. Red hair splayed on dirt like rose petals.
Separately, yanking up before cutting left her remaining style weird...
Eh, fine for life price. Escaped short bob anyway.
Let it slide.
"...?"
Meanwhile, her wide eyes looking up were pitiful, kinda cute. Couldn't show it.
"Next time it's your neck, so watch your mouth while staring at your hair."
Oh yeah, wasn't the demon knight family's big sis around that age?
Passed too quick to confirm. But mace use matches.
Then, end with softening over sis thoughts. Not intended, but retrofitting settings is half the fun. Perfect.
Now just leave, and it's wrapped neatly. Nice. Wandering knight vibe strong.
"Like this... just leaving like this...?"
"Oh, heavens..."
Behind, hollow and relieved voices crossed. No concept-collapse embarrassment detected—satisfying.
"You!"
Eek, don't call. Priest, you just escaped death. Without mage kneeling last, tongue or head gone for real.
Don't ignore concept zealots. Guilt and concept separate?
"Inquisitor..."
Good, Archmage doing well.
Using their voices as BGM, I leisurely left the street. As inn torches faded, only darkness welcomed me.
...Nice.
So, where to now?
Minor issue found, but no big deal.
City map this big won't have one inn. Worst case, exit for night hunting.
Above all, wondering how Deep Pearl salvages next story—how NPCs cover—makes inn irrelevant.
Game too fun. Uhak.