The Sublime Art Of Bullshitting

The rest was history.

I had initially utilized the 'Whirlwind Effect' Display, making it seem as though a huge tornado appeared out of nowhere.

But, I realized that it would not be adequate to achieve my aims.

The wind would scare the enemies, but it lacked the charisma to deal a perfectly crushing defeat to the ruthless Demons I had seen with my eyes.

To beat those horrible savages, I had to break their spirit. I needed something that radiated power, or someone rather.

Having no other choice, I had to step into the Circle myself and project myself as an awe-inspiring being.

Adding a few additional effects, like lightning swirling around my body, and a storm cloud above to make my avatar seem more intimidating, I was able to create a perfectly magnificient and powerful version of myself.

Even though I couldn't see anyone since I was in the tent, I made sure to perfectly adapt my voice and tone to suit the situation.

To be honest, I was a little scared that someone would suddenly barge into the Tent and watch me make empty actions within the Mirage Circle.

That would have been mortifying beyond belief.

Fortunately, nothing of the sort happened.

Everything went smoothly—too smoothly if you asked me.

Other than the delay I experienced, the rest was a cinch.

And then…

"GUAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

… I heard the frightened screeches of the Demons.

Due to my experience, obtained though careful study of my favourite novel in all adaptations, I could tell from their tone that they were scared shitless.

The ground rumbled as they turned tail and ran away. Such cowards.

As a result, I completed the Quest peacefully!

[SYSTEM NOTICE]

<You Have Completed A Quest>

Type: Primary

Difficulty: A

— Base Reward: 5 Stat Points. 1 Skill (Active/Passive). 10 Karmic Value.

{Achievements And Additional Rewards Will Take Some Time To Calculate}

~Will You Accept Your Base Reward Now?~

[Yes] [No]

My lips curled up in a grin the moment I saw this.

I selected the [Yes] option without hesitation.

It was better to receive something for the time being, while waiting for my other rewards. I wasn't being impatient, but Stat Points, Skills, and Karmic Values were a big deal in this world.

I wasn't sure when I would need them, hence it was best to have as many on hand as possible. In this world, it was pertinent to acquire as much skills as possible.

'Though, I already know the first Skill I'll be getting…' I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

[SYSTEM NOTICE]

{System Reward}

<5 Stat Points Has Been Given To You>

<10 Karmic Value Has Been Added To Your Account>

<Skill: 5 Seconds Rule Has Been Granted>

[End Of Information]

Once I accepted the System's initial Reward, the Window vanished from sight and I gave an exhausted sigh.

"As expected…"

These weren't a bad start, for now—especially the Skill.

Unfortunately, it required Mana for use.

And I currently didn't have enough MP to even attempt one try.

In essence, it was currently useless!

I suddenly felt exhausted and sighed deeply, returning back to reality.

'Haa… I thought I was going to die, seriously…' My body nearly slumped as I came out of the deactivated Mirage Circle.

While it didn't consume any of my meager Mana, there was a Time Limit to how long the effects would last.

Still, to think I risked my life for such a measly reward.

I couldn't even count on the additional rewards to be given by the System.

'I didn't exactly achieve anything, so it'll probably be a few more Stat Points at most. Maybe for Intelligence or something…'

The System judged Rewards based on Accomplishments and Contributions.

Other than the Base Rewards, other special stuff could be given if the Hero did an exceptional job.

Unfortunately, I barely made the cut. That was the harsh truth.

It almost made me break down in tears.

"It's better than nothing, though…" I muttered, accepting the situation grudgingly.

Noise began coming from outside at this point. The townspeople must have been returning from battle.

From the pitch of their tone, they sounded elated—making me relieved that there were not too many casualties.

'I should go greet them…'

But, I looked at my Pajamas.

Due to the tension and ardous experience, I had all but forgotten that my legs were also killing me.

The cold was brutal, and my legs felt like they were made of wood.

If I went out in this condition, I would not only look unsightly, but I could also end up embarrassing myself and ruining the heroic image that I had carefully crafted.

'I can't have that!'

Suddenly, a bright idea came to me, causing my face to transform instantly.

'I better hurry!'

_______________________

Sarah and her comrades slowly walked to the tent, shouting cries of victory.

They had been able to ward off the enemy thanks to their valiant Hero's appearance.

Even though they had suffered a casualty of nine people in total, everyone knew that having only so few deaths was a miracle in itself. If the hero hadn't appeared, the entire camp would have been wiped out.

Besides, the nine had died before the Hero was summoned, so it was technically their fault.

As soon as he arrived, though, the man of the hour turned the battle around completely. He was worthy of the Title of Hero—the invincible one granted from the heavens.

To be honest, Sarah still found it hard to believe that such a being existed… and that she had been the one to summon him.

However, reality spoke for itself.

"Gather all the elderly, the sick, and the young. We all need to pay homage to our savior!" Sarah declared to her personal guards.

In terms of hierarchy, she was at the top of the food chain.

With the Hero present, her position was diminished a little, but no one could argue with the person who had summoned their champion, could they?

Instantly, the able-bodied men darted to the tents used for refuge, fulfilling their duties with haste and precision.

If they faltered for even a moment, it would be an insult; both to their Priestess and to the Hero himself.

Within a few minutes, everyone was gathered before the Summoning Tent.

Their eyes were transfixed on the beat-up structure that seemed luxurious in comparison to the others around.

The wasteland stretched over a great distance, but their primitive fences made the Camp Grounds seem a bit more civilized than the rest of the devastated areas.

The townsfolk numbered at most three hundred—and they gazed upon the Tent with both hope…and fear.

They adored the Hero for his deeds and mighty display of power, but who wouldn't fear a being that could wield an immeasurable force?

As some trembled in their raggedy attires, others whispered the great deeds of the Hero to those who had been absent.

Curiosity and tension grew with every second that elapsed.

"Please, be silent!" An authoritative voice finally spoke.

Her command echoed towards the three-hundred or so humans, and they obeyed instantly.

No one uttered a single word.

Sarah, the Priestess, was the one who gave the command. She now stood before everyone else, clearly about to make an announcement.

As she backed the Hero's Tent, her expression was filled with a radiance that emitted hope and joy.

"Everyone, I thank you for gathering here today. It is indeed a memorable and miraculous occasion. We survived a great tragedy and have received a powerful being into our midst!"

The Priestess' words rang true in the hearts of everyone.

The warriors knew just how devastating their situation had been. They had watched their comrades die, and they too had been about to meet the same fate.

Even the ones who didn't go into battle knew that calamity was almost upon their settlement. They had been fated for extinction.

Yet…

"The Hero has graced us with his presence and goodwill! And, he now stands within the tent behind me."

People were in awe as she spoke elegantly, and her passionate voice soared even higher with each passing word.

The smile on Sarah's face blossomed, and her eyes widened in excitement. Telling the people just how great the Hero was, gave her an indescribable thrill.

"I will now venture into the tent to usher the Hero outside. I implore you all to demonstrate your respect and loyalty to our champion… OUR SAVIOR!"

The townsfolk now trembled at her words. Whatever gratefulness they had felt earlier, had become amplified after hearing their Priestess speak.

The power of words was at work, and the people were at its mercy.

"Thank you, everyone. Now, then, if you will excuse me—"

"There's no need for that, Sarah." A voice sharply interrupted the Priestess.

Instantly, the entire crowd glanced around sharply in surprise.

Usually, interrupting the speech of someone—especially an individual with the rank of Priestess—would be considered rude, or even sacrilegious at its extreme.

But, no one could complain this time. Considering the one who spoke was the Hero himself, second only to the gods in terms of rank.

He had more than enough right to do this much.

"I will come out myself." The Hero's voice surged from within the tent, once again sending shivers down the spine of everyone present.

No one needed to be told what next to do—

—Kneel!

They all knelt down.

They bowed, with Sarah at the forefront, ready to welcome the Hero into their midst.

"Please, grace us with your presence… Oh, Hero!"

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{A/N: Please check Auxiliary Chapters for information on Characters. Original Character Artworks will be made available on the Discord Server, so please do well to join.}

https://discord.gg/yMPNRURZJh

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