Chapter 77: Gulak (1)

Chapter 77: Gulak (1)

Thats a relief. I didn't destroy the wrong thing.

To tell you the truth, I was a bit confused whether the commemorative tower model was related to the devil or not.

While I can clearly remember the clock in the training ground, there were far more items in the historical archive than I expected.

So when I accidentally destroyed it due to my inability to control my strength, I genuinely became alarmed. I was too flustered to even apologize.

Fortunately, based on Lunas reaction, it was clear that the model was definitely related to a demon's magic circle. I saw her discreetly taking it with her.

I should have just kept quiet and spoken when no one else was around.'

But my catastrophic lack of discretion remained intact. Despite knowing very well that Kara was watching me closely, I blurted it out openly.

The fact was that I had responded accordingly when Luna questioned me last time, but this time Kara naturally got involved.

In the end, as lunchtime concluded, our group joyously chatted and played in the caf.

Grace even bought me a cake in the midst of it all it was really delicious. I should visit more often.

"Remember only two things about Lord Gulak: offerings and sincerity. With just these, anyone can become a follower of Gulak."

The afternoon is designated for visits to the respective churches or altars of different orders. Those who favor Gaia would head to the church, while Gulak's followers would go to the altar.

Today Im set to follow Kara to Gulak's altar. Ill have a chance to visit Gaia's church another time.

Initially, I was supposed to spend this time with Luna, but since our plan fell apart, accompanying Kara isnt so bad.

Luna seemed to have half given up too and quietly went along with Kara. Grace and Yeonhwa joined as well.nove(l)bi(n.)com

"Can, can I just not go?"

"No, we're on the same team, aren't we?"

Yeonhwa seemed eager to escape, but Grace persistently took her along like a cherished plush toy.

In the Soul World, Grace tended to stick close to the first person she befriended.

Though her character changed every time, this time it appears Yeonhwa was the chosen one.

Being the quiet person that she is, it must be quite the ordeal for Yeonhwa. But her personality isnt unpleasant.

"But Sister, why does Tatars worship Lord Gulak?"

Half resigned, Luna threw a question at Kara while on our way to Gulak's altar.

Kara paused for a moment with her arms crossed, seemingly pondering, as if the details were hard to recall.

"Well, I don't know the specifics, but what I do know is that it began with my father. He performed rites to unify the fragmented tribes. It was only later that we realized they were meant for Lord Gulak."

"It reminds me of the rain ceremonies the old folks performed."

Not Luna, but Grace commented. She was referring to the famous Native Indian rain dance.

A rite that goes on until the rain comes, with near 100% success rate. It also signifies relentless determination.

"That's different. That goes on until it works. But I believe with that much sincerity and perseverance, Gulak would also bestow blessings. Bear in mind, it's tough to bring rain even with a rain ceremony."

"Isn't it harder to bring down lightning on a person?"

"Obviously not. Lightning has a lesser impact on direct life. Rain, on the other hand? Just think if your country suffered a drought. It would be chaos, right?"

Rain is water, and water is the foundation of life. Rain falling from the sky is akin to sowing the seeds of life itself.

Even on Earth, despite dams and reservoirs, the land still cracks open without rain. This world is highly dependent on rain as well.

Especially in the current era, a little hunger can quickly lead to riots. The higher-ups, too, pay close attention to the threat of droughts.

"To perform a true rain ceremony, a national effort would be necessary. Tatars is fine since our focus on trade mitigates the desert conditions, but it would be a different story elsewhere."

"I see. So when does Tatars normally hold such nation-wide rites?"

"We hold them during our national festivals. Thats when I personally take charge of conducting the rites."

Grace and others looked amazed at Kara's explanation, which could match any priest's.

In fact, no separate guide was needed. Kara herself boasted an extensive knowledge of Gulak.

Moreover, just as she said, Kara holds the position of a shrine maiden'.

In some cultures, ceremonies are conducted with shrine maidens dancing at the forefront. The way it's done here is similar.

The reason is simple: her late mother was a shrine maiden.

"You all didnt bring any offerings, did you?"

"Climb on."

I motioned with my hands for her to get on my back. Although she didn't see it, I felt her hesitation.

I turned my head slightly to ask her.

"Don't want to?"

"No, it's not that! IIll just, excuse me for a moment"

Grace carefully began to climb onto my back. Under normal circumstances, shed have refused due to noble pride.

Yet the mountain was so taxing physically that such thoughts were the furthest from her mind. Who cares about dignity when youre this exhausted?

Once Grace was mounted on my back, I slowly stood up. I could feel her soft presence against my back, but it didn't bother me.

She's definitely big.'

With an unnecessary thought, I continued towards the summit. Initially hesitant, Grace quietly wrapped her arms around my neck.

This must be her first experience being carried since becoming an adult. Truthfully, this was also my first time carrying someone since arriving here.

I had never even given Ellie a piggyback ride Grace was the first.

"It's broad"

""

"And sturdy"

Grace mumbled something from behind me. I let it pass through one ear and kept moving towards the summit.

I wonder how long we climbed when the high incline made it seem as though we reached the peak sooner than expected.

Moreover, there were steps installed from midway onwards, facilitating an effortless ascent.

"Ah, Sister, you've arrived. Have you come to make an offering?"

Upon reaching the top, a female priest greeted us by what seemed like a gateway.

She appeared to be well-acquainted with Kara.

"Yes. These friends and I have come to offer together. Has anyone arrived before us?"

"No, everyone else went looking for Gaia since this is up on the mountain."

That's a somewhat bitter fact. From the discussions I recall among users in the Soul World, I know such sentiments have been expressed.

"The layout on the mountain peak is so idiotic" or something along those lines. Thats the sort of complaint that arises when teleportation isn't an option.

As Kara chatted with the priest, I gently set Grace down. She blushed slightly and thanked me.

"Oh, and you might find a squirrel there in the place of a person."

"A squirrel?"

That caught me off guard, unable to ignore the priests words. Not just me, but Luna also spun her head quickly upon hearing it.

With Kara querying what that meant, the priest explained with a gleeful smile.

"Its the same animal that followed Sister Kara when she left last time. It arrived boldly with acorns slung over its shoulder."

"And then?"

"It placed the acorns on the altar and bowed deeply. It was quite a fascinating sight."

Anyone would be 100% sure it was Porori. It looks like he followed Kara and happened across the altar by chance.

I wonder if hes alright, not to reveal himself as a spirit. Perhaps the priest, being a follower of Gulak, thought it safe enough to trust.

With Pororis unusual actions rendering me speechless for a moment

Rumble!

An ominous sound echoed from above.

Bam Boom!

A blue lightning bolt struck down.

Right above my head.

""

No, Shit, why?