Chapter 157

Level Up Heresy Inquisitor – Episode 157 (157/227)

Episode 157: Master of the North

Since the discovery of the first holy relic at Banan Fortress…

Chasing after traces of relics, Ail crossed beyond the kingdom’s borders and entered the northern tundra.

With no carriages or airships, not even proper roads, he had no choice but to trudge forward on foot.

And given this was a remote wilderness where even other races shuddered to go, naturally stronger monsters kept blocking his path.

While there were plenty of high-level monsters perfect for leveling up…

…the wilderness was just as perilous as it was useful.

The monsters here were tough overall, with challenging patterns. Even a moment’s lapse in concentration could be fatal.

Most of all, surviving the northern tundra was tougher than fighting any monster.

“Ugh, it’s freezing!” Ail exclaimed, curling up.

Even with an expensive top-of-the-line cold-weather cloak, it wasn’t enough to fully protect against the northern tundra’s biting cold.

In Warode, failing to manage hunger, thirst or body temperature means certain death. The current snowstorm was more dangerous than any monster.

“So the stories are true… Beyond the border really is hell,” Ail sighed as he took another step.

The environment offered no proper resting spots or food sources.

Walking through deep snow quickly drained stamina. Unlike within the kingdom where towns and fortresses provided common bases, these were absurdly scarce here.

To survive, Ail had been stripping corpses and seeking shelter wherever possible.

This wasn’t a place one could casually explore in a day or two. He’d already spent considerable time in the north, burning through his supplies.

“At least I’m not wandering aimlessly. That’s something.”

Ail activated his map to check his position.

After thoroughly researching classified archives, he’d identified several promising locations.

Especially since this relic was discovered in a long-hidden sacred site, it likely wouldn’t be randomly located elsewhere.

Thus, he prioritized searching ruins and sacred sites.

“But regular map info has its limits.”

Ail looked at his mostly blank map.

While specialized for the northern region beyond the border, it contained very little actual information.

People didn’t even know where the edges of places like the northern tundra were.

At least Ail, connected to various information networks, had more data than most.

“Finally here…” Ail looked down at his destination.

An old city nestled between split ravines, completely devoid of human presence.

But it was indeed the location he sought.

WHOOSH!

Descending the slope, Ail arrived at the ruin entrance.

It was common for dangerous monsters to lurk in such abandoned places. Sword drawn, he carefully entered.

The buildings had a distinctive ancient style, though surprisingly few had crumbled over time.

“This is definitely…” Ail noted walls densely covered in ancient elven script.

As expected, this was a relic of the high elves’ ancestors who once lived in the White Forest region of Esmaier.

Once home to northern elves, now it stood empty.

“This is the sixth place I’ve checked… Hopefully I’ll find some clue this time.” Confirming he was in the right spot, Ail ventured deeper inside.

This was his sixth sacred site search so far. Finding only monsters and corpses each time, he hoped this attempt would be different.

“But looks like there’s no saint’s realm here either.” Sighing after searching the interior…

Like the hidden sacred site at Banan Fortress, he’d thoroughly searched but found nothing special yet.

[ ‘Master of Volcanoes’ yawns in boredom. ]

[ ‘Mother of Life’ urges you to decide. ]

As things dragged on, Freya predictably began urging him again.

With relics reappearing across the continent and church movements intensifying, they wanted Ail to make a quick decision.

However, Ail couldn’t answer right now.

“Can’t say anything here or things will get messy… Got enough on my plate finding relics without creating more problems.”

Aside from Bahamut who’d suffered defeats against him, other deities like Lajagal still coveted the first apostle Ail.

Though while they desired him, they didn’t consider it highly likely given his contract with Lu and the many competitors.

They mostly observed him out of amusement or caution.

The problem was Freya seemed absolutely certain he would come to her side, confident in her power as the strongest goddess, even considering herself above Lu.

TSSS!

Suddenly, green light flowed from a suspicious sound in a corner building.

The last structure he planned to check.

There had been no such light moments ago, but it reacted as he approached.

Having just been feeling awkward, Ail immediately ran over.

[ ‘Weyestone’ discovered! ]

[ Ancient power inscribed in stone activates! ]

A mysterious large stone embedded in the center of the room.

Green light flowing from the stone wrapped around Ail, automatically imprinting coordinates in his mind.

Instinctively, Ail realized these newly appeared coordinates pointed to where a relic might be hidden.

BOOM!

Suddenly, the ground beneath him violently shook.

“What the…?”

Unlike the confused Ail, the observing deities welcomed the new development.

Even Freya, who’d been demanding answers, completely forgot about that to gleam with interest.

KOOOOOOM!

A massive monster burst through the ground with a roar.

A 270-level field boss “Frost Worm” that could swallow entire buildings whole with its gaping maw.

“Holy…!”

Despite leveling up during his northern searches, Ail was still only level 184.

Facing a field boss with such a level gap was basically impossible.

KKKEEEEE!

The Frost Worm rampaged through the ancient city, demolishing everything with its massive bulk and strength.

Its cries echoed loudly as rubble fell everywhere, turning the quiet ruins into chaos.

“What is this thing…”

Dodging, Ail glanced up at the creature.

Though surprised by its sudden appearance, the worm didn’t seem to be directly targeting him.

Rather, it appeared extremely angry for some reason.

“Hmm?”

Checking the Frost Worm’s status window, Ail frowned.

Oddly, its health was below 10%.

Closer inspection revealed numerous large wounds covering its body.

This was quite unusual.

Even in the hellish northern tundra for humans, there weren’t many creatures that could injure such a monstrous beast.

KWAHAAAAANG!

Suddenly, an explosive sound rang out.

Magic bombs rained down on the rampaging Frost Worm, enveloping it in massive explosions.

Its health dropped to under 5% in an instant.

Considering its enormous health pool, that was truly incredible power.

“This much magic… Could it be…?”

Ail’s gaze shifted to where the magic came from.

Several users appeared atop the ravine.

All wore white cloaks and armor adorned with red markings.

Though less than ten people – hardly what one would call a raid group – they were clearly hunting the Frost Worm.

Apparently, when the worm found itself at a disadvantage, it tried to escape by burrowing underground during the raid.

“Only one guild hunts such beasts in the north… Didn’t expect to run into them so soon.”

The Chel Sibza Guild.

A famous prestigious guild since the second-generation game Armenia.

The only one of the six great guilds attempting to develop areas beyond the borders, they were known as masters of the north.

Though the guild mark was obscured by the snowstorm, their distinctive outfits confirmed their identity.

KKKEEEEE!

The enraged Frost Worm charged toward the users on the ravine.

Given its massive size, it could easily target the Chel Sibza members above.

However, what met its gaping maw was a woman leaping toward it.

The woman jumped straight at the beast, sword raised, activating a skill mid-air.

SHIIING!

With a flash of light, black blood rained down.

In one swift motion, she cleanly bisected the enormous worm.

The severed halves collapsed, further destroying the ruins, while the leaping woman landed gracefully.

CHUNK!

The woman landed right before Ail, smoothly sheathing her sword.

“You’re…?”

The woman with silver hair flowing down had a face impossible to forget.

She was Shir.

World ranking #2 high ranker and leader of the Chel Sibza Guild.

“Another player? What brings you to the north?”