Conquest Complete, So Why Is the Affection Dropping? - Chapter 21
“Huk, heuk…”
The sun had already tilted considerably westward. Though it didn’t look far distance-wise, whether due to the dense forest or lack of shortcuts, the temple didn’t seem to get any closer.
I climbed up a bent tree branch while grunting, trying to get over a large boulder blocking the path.
“This is no ordinary challenge. I feel like a ninja.”
As I said that, a certain phrase suddenly came to mind.
“And then, a ninja appeared and killed everyone… I read somewhere that when a story becomes more boring than that, it should end.”
It’s fine since this is a game world, not a novel.
“Is it okay because it’s a different genre…”
I nodded at the system window’s not-so-helpful response. I’m not sure if having someone to talk to while alone in the forest is a good thing or not.
‘But these recent events have been rather strange.’
The situations change too rapidly, you could say. I understand there have been major events, but there’s still not enough decisive narrative to transition into romance. It feels like an unfinished game, or like something is locked.
‘Do I need different conditions to unlock it?’
I remember when Hexion’s affection reached its maximum. They said you need to see specific events to break through after 99, right?
It seems there are certain steps I need to take to romance the male target characters. It’s frustrating that I don’t know what they are.
‘Why is this game so difficult? There’s not even a tutorial…’
Isn’t the biggest difference between novels and games the presence of tutorials? That’s why my theory was that while novel transmigration is difficult without knowing the original work, game transmigration is manageable if you just follow the tutorial.
That theory’s been shattered this time.
“Sigh. I just wasted Hexion’s affection for nothing.”
“Shin Joo!”
Speak of the devil – I was startled to hear his voice right after mentioning him.
But my surprise didn’t last long; seeing the silver silhouette emerge suddenly through the undergrowth filled me with joy first.
“Hexion!”
“Shin Joo. So you were here.”
Relief finally settled on Hexion’s bloodless, pale face. His eyelids trembled.
[Hexion]’s current affection: 69
My chest ached seeing how I’d wasted 30 points after reaching the maximum, all because I tried to activate a skill. What have I done?
‘When Hexion worries about me this much, why did I follow Marvis for some promise of wealth and glory?’
Of course, I’m the type of player who doesn’t follow guides and plays as I please, and if there are correct choices and bad choices, I tend to try the bad ones first as long as saves allow.
If this were a normal game, I wouldn’t have felt sorry for Hexion. I would’ve just been annoyed about messing up Marvis’s route.
But facing Hexion now, I felt nothing but guilt.
The expression of a man worried about me, his eyes, tired breathing, and weakened gait.
It didn’t feel like the virtual character made of zeros and ones before me, but a real person, making my sympathy and regret impossible to erase.
“Hexion. I’m sorry for making you worry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. You didn’t do anything wrong, Shin Joo.”
No, it was my fault. I was bored with temple life and uncomfortable facing Hexion, so I wanted to leave.
When Marvis appeared, I gladly let myself be kidnapped to Niflheim. If Marvis hadn’t stopped halfway, I might have settled there and entered his romance route.
That’s the nature of simultaneous routes in dating games – you never know where they might lead.
‘But if this weren’t a game…’
I would just be an irresponsible person who abandoned the temple and its followers on a whim, regardless of Hexion’s worry. That made me feel awkward and ashamed.
“I’m really sorry. But I’m back safely now, so please don’t worry anymore.”
When I smiled at Hexion, a small window appeared between us.
There is a matching soul fragment. Would you like to connect?
Come to think of it, I talked to Hexion through that jewel fragment while in the Dark City. The sound quality suddenly dropped and kept repeating, so I thought it was a bug.
‘Will connecting it return things to normal?’
When I clicked [Yes], the purple jewel fragment sparkled before disappearing into Hexion’s chest.
[Hexion]’s current affection: 88
Oh my. The affection increased.
Was that jewel an item that raises Hexion’s affection?
Hexion slowly closed and opened his eyes. His face, which had been haggard with worry about me until just now, somehow showed composure.
“I’m no longer worried. You returned to me of your own will.”
He asked me in a much calmer voice.
“Shin Joo. Did you suffer any humiliation in the demon’s dwelling?”
“Humiliation? Nothing like that. I just toured the underground city… and was treated to some drinks?”
I tactfully omitted the part about almost having s*x in the bedroom.
“Drinks… Shin Joo, you drank alcohol?”
“Ah, not much! Really just one glass?”
I added defensively. Though I suggested it first, I could hold my head high since I didn’t mix any bomb shots out of propriety.
Drinking isn’t included in the various things prohibited by the temple in the first place. Smoking, drugs, violence, and fornication are forbidden, but not alcohol!
“You’ve never offered me drinks.”
“Do you want to drink with your workplace superior?”
If we were close enough to be informal, alcohol might help make the atmosphere more comfortable, but we’re not really at that level.
The hierarchy between Hexion and me in the temple is overwhelming, so drinking together would be awkward.
‘Even though I’m at the top of the hierarchy, I don’t have any real operational authority, so I’m more like an honorary representative.’
If I were offered to drink alone with the CEO, I’d want to pack up and go home immediately, corporate card or whatever. Though I wouldn’t actually do it!
It must be the same for Hexion. Or not?
“I wish you wouldn’t expose yourself to danger when I’m not around.”
“I told you there was no danger. And I can handle my alcohol.”
“Huu…”
He sighed somewhat disapprovingly. He seems quite angry.
“Hexion. Have you been looking for me all this time? Even coming to this forest?”
“I’ve been searching for you for ten days.”
“What, ten days?”
I only spent about half a day with Marvis in the Dark City, but ten days?
Come to think of it, while portal travel is possible, the Dark City and Holy City are separated by a barrier. There was definitely an explanation that the barrier separates not just space but time as well.
I guess that meant the flow of time could be different between the two places.
‘They say time flies when you’re having fun – they should have named it Mount Immortal instead of Niflheim.’
I somewhat regretted following Marvis so thoughtlessly. I didn’t even play Go, just got distracted by his obscene chest.
“No wonder you look unwell. We should hurry back and show everyone else you’re healthy.”
When I spoke energetically, the shadow on Hexion’s face lifted slightly.
“You showed me first, so I should be satisfied with that for now.”
“What?”
“I’ll escort you to the temple. Please follow me slowly.”
Hexion turned around and started trampling the undergrowth and breaking branches. He was making the path easier for me to walk.
Although he puts up walls when I try to flirt, he was still my faithful and kind guardian knight.
‘To think I wandered off doing other things, leaving such a man behind.’
Feeling apologetic again, I rubbed my eyes and followed behind him toward the temple.
‘From now on, I’ll really treat Hexion well.’
…Just as I thought that, trouble erupted.
***
Clang!
“Eek?”
The temple guards pointed their sharp spears at Hexion. The priests who followed looked at me and called out dramatically.
“It’s dangerous, Divine Master! Please come this way quickly!”
The priests tried to separate me from Hexion, surrounding me in a circle.
“Wait. What are all these weapons for? Why are you pointing spears at Hexion?”
When I asked the priests, instead of answering me, they warned Hexion with cold faces.
“Knight Hexion. You are under arrest for conspiring with demons to kidnap the Divine Master. All weapons are forbidden until the trial results are out.”
What is this nonsense? Who conspired with demons?
