Gentle breezes blew across the plains. Looking down from above, the emerald grassland was poetic. The sound of birdsong gave a sense of peace to anyone listening.
"Please, let me go!"
The young girl retreated in fear. Two bald men in tight leather gear stood in front of her. One man held a sharp meat cleaver. He licked the blade.
"Why are you running, little sister? We don't want to hurt you. We just want to make you feel good."
"B... b... but I don't want to feel good."
"Playing hard to get, huh? Just wait until I take you to cloud nine."
A tear rolled down her cheek. She had only ventured a bit far from the village to find a wandering merchant. She never expected to run into members of the Bald King Gang here.
She bit her lip and clutched her skirt tightly. "I... if you come any closer, I-I'll kill myself right now!"
The bald man on the right laughed lewdly. "That's fine. As long as your body is still warm, I can make your soul feel ecstatic even in heaven."
They were about to move. Suddenly, a spatial distortion occurred. A black hole appeared, emitting a massive surge of mana and mystical violet lightning. This strange event forced all three of them to stop and stare.
"Ouch, damn it! Kamis, that old man clearly did this on purpose. If you're going to teleport me, why drop me from such a height?"
The light faded. A scholarly man appeared before them. He wore the white robe of the church that worships Lumina Cetera, the God of Creation and Enlightenment.
He had long, pale ash hair and wore simple glasses. His face was exceptionally refined. It was Riven, without a doubt. Or more accurately, he was now Sainzo.
Sainzo looked up and saw the three people. Their eyes met, and an awkward atmosphere filled the air.
[Tod. Bandit Lv 5] [Bell. Special Bandit Lv 6] [Lily. Cook Lv 6. Ancient Elf Bloodline - Unawakened]
Sainzo immediately noticed Lily's unawakened bloodline. A hidden bloodline? Usually, these things are weak, but they become incredibly powerful once fully awakened.
He didn't know how Elves were in this world. But anything related to "Ancient" was likely extraordinary.
"Beat it, brat, if you know what's good for you. Don't go looking for trouble."
The bandit licked his blade threateningly. He treated Sainzo just like he had treated Lily. He didn't realize he had just stepped closer to hell.
Sainzo was still Riven. In Riven's dictionary, he would only endure if it was worth it. Back when his level was low, he punched Baz, a dangerous swordsman. He had even risked his life against an Undead Wyvern.
Now, two clowns at level 5 and 6 were trying to act cool in front of him. Sainzo definitely wouldn't stand for this.
[Holy Magic]
A flash of golden light erupted. The four of them instinctively shielded their eyes. Holy Magic only damages undead creatures, but it still worked as a blinding light.
The two bald bandits were knocked unconscious with a single punch. Sainzo's current level was 30. The stat gap was massive. He could take on ten men like this with his bare fists. He only used the magic to ensure they wouldn't take Lily hostage.
Sainzo stood there. The gentle wind fluttered his white robe and his ash hair. Yes, this was the right pose, he thought.
He was quite satisfied with the scene. He gazed into the distance with a mysterious look. Through his glasses, his emerald eyes were beautiful.
Lily opened her eyes. She saw the scholarly figure "immersed in the wind." Her heart skipped a beat. "Th... thank you for saving my life!"
Sainzo slowly turned around. A faint smile appeared on his lips. He had practiced this smile in his head. It felt "warm but mysterious."
"I am Lily, a villager of Camila Village." She paused to gather her courage. "I... I wonder if I could invite you to my home for a meal? It is to show my gratitude."
She lowered her head, not daring to face him. She worried he might think she was a loose woman for inviting a man home upon their first meeting.
"I am Sainzo. I am a wandering priest with nowhere to stay. If that is the case, I would be happy to accept."
"Is that so? I can ask the Village Chief to find a place for you. There are many abandoned houses here."
"That couldn't be better. Thank you."
Sainzo placed one hand behind his back and extended the other toward Lily. He didn't know the ritual, but it looked polite. Lily became flustered. She hesitated, fearing he would think she was a country girl, but eventually took his hand.
So warm and strong, Lily thought.
So soft and fragrant. I really want to pin her down right now. No one could stop me if I wanted to, Sainzo thought.
But the demon inside him lost to his reason. He could steal hearts, but everything had to be voluntary. He wouldn't force anyone.
They talked as they walked. Eventually, they reached Camila Village. It wasn't small. The houses were spread far apart, with about 70 to 80 homes centered around the church. Two rivers flowed nearby, so water was easy to find.
The nearest forest was only 5km away. Riven marveled at the sight. "This place is truly an ideal spot to live."
Lily puffed out her attractive chest with pride. "Exactly! I realized how lucky we are when I traveled to other villages for supplies."
"Anyway, follow me to meet the Village Chief. He is approachable. Besides, you are a priest. He will finally have a fellow believer to discuss the scriptures with."
Lily led Sainzo toward the church. People nearby smiled and greeted her. Many curious eyes landed on Sainzo. He was thick-skinned, but the stares made him feel a bit unnatural.
As they walked, a young man suddenly blocked their path.
"Lily! What are you doing? Why are you bringing a strange man into the village? What if he is a spy?"
His eyes were locked onto their joined hands, showing blatant jealousy.
Oh god, another Baz? Why is there someone like you everywhere? Sainzo complained. He truly felt that being a "good person" only brought him trouble.