ALTANUS [10]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 973

Altanus (10)

"Then I'll assume you've accepted it, Guardian Metel."

'She can't seem to get her thoughts together.'

"...."

"...."

"For now, I'll provide you with the foundational formulas that the program is based on. As I mentioned before, the time available for learning won't be very long. I don't think I'll have a lot of time to spend with Guardian Metel."

"Yes? How can I possibly... do this alone?"

"It seems my role is to help you lay the foundation."

"Didn't you say you would discuss things together?"

"I meant to give you an overall direction, not to guide you through every single step. Didn't I say that? I have my own tasks here as well. Asking Guardian Metel to lend a hand was not just a casual remark."

"...."

"...."

"What exactly do I need to do?"

There is much to do. This includes using my connections to establish links here, submitting reports that explain the relationships between different groups, and exploring the underground temple on behalf of this side.

'Time is running short.'

Initially, I was concerned about spending too much time here. But now, the limited time is becoming a concern due to the numerous tasks at hand.

Literally, there is too much to do. I must continuously transmit information about the dungeon to the future.

I had to proceed with the sanctification of Benigore.

Establishing a foundation to bring Altanus down from her pedestal, not to mention finding ways to weaken the Templars' power.

Now that educating the Crack Guardians is also part of the mission, I feel like my body might not be enough, no matter how many I have.

Of course, the foundation to bring Saintess Altanus down has already been established. Some awakened priests, including Archbishop Dractaris, were already showing movement.

Once you throw a stone into a pond, the ripples will spread to the farthest corner of the pond.

After the church's turmoil, they will likely come up with some countermeasures among themselves... Regardless of Altanus's fall, they will certainly determine their course of action.

'First, I just need to disrupt the relationship between the Templars and Archbishop Dracttaruis.'

This is also underway.

No, even without my intervention, there is a high probability that they will clash among themselves.

Just looking at Dracttarius attempting to manipulate Templar Jenny shows that he has a less-than-friendly view of the Templars.

Although it seemed that events like a coup hadn't occurred, it's an undeniable fact that he maintains a delicate power balance within the underground temple.

This fact is clearly evident in this church as well.

'Is there something I've done wrong... Is there something I'm missing?'

There are a few sources of unease. First of all...

'It's strange that I haven't completed the strategy against Dracttarius.'

I'm worried that I might be giving Dracttarius more power than necessary.

The prayer room is spacious.

If I proceed with the strategy calmly, it's not unreasonable for it to take a long time. Nevertheless, the strategy is delayed up to this point...

It makes me think that Dracttarius's influence might be growing based on me. He might be growing even at this moment.

Considering the complex power dynamics within the underground world, it's possible that he's restraining not only the Templars but other forces as well.

While it's a reason for celebration that other forces become weaker as his power grows, thinking about the possibility of casualties due to this situation was giving me a headache.

Is there any way to recruit Dracttarius as an ally NPC?'

It's not a bad judgment. Regardless of whether it's possible or not, it's worth attempting at least once.

If Dracttarius can make the Templars more hostile and make them feel the need to eliminate the Templars, his apparitions might lend strength to the expedition.

"I'll handle the matter I was dealing with earlier and come back."

"Just a moment. By the way..."

It's not quite appropriate to rejoin the party and mingle within the church yet.

For now, I'm standing where the Atentas are.

'I should talk to Benigore.'

"Hello."

"Yes, Priest. Do you need any help by any chance?"

"I'm looking for Atenta, the one with brown hair and freckles on her nose. Cute... and beautiful... I mean, Benigore..."

"Oh!"

Before long, I can see them whispering among themselves.

I'm not sure if they've talked about it yet... But their expressions don't seem particularly friendly, even though they're looking at me with what seems like a courteous expression.

'Word must have spread about me.'

"What can I do? The Atenta you're looking for is currently busy with other tasks..."

"Could you at least ask if she could spare a moment?"

I suppose they've been told not to talk to me even if they find themselves.

"Well... I'll try to talk to her..."

"Shall I wait in the library?"

"Yes?"

"Please tell her that I'll be waiting in the library until she arrives."

A typical cliché. The image of waiting at one location until the other party arrives.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure she'll bite the bait a hundred percent.

It's more likely that she's appearing not because she genuinely wants to have a conversation with me but because she wants to enjoy this situation.

'She sure knows how to play the drama queen.'

I hate to admit it, but there's a part of me that resembles Benigore.

'I understand that feeling too.'

I can roughly understand her psychology. Priests on the surface, who is waiting for her in an ambitious perspective, might not have completely genuine intentions.

Of course, despite a small misunderstanding, everything is a trial to move their relationship one step forward.

Furthermore, the library, where they first met, is the place to resolve their conflict. Isn't it a characteristic of drama queens to want to leave when there's a stage?

If she heard the story, she's likely to move on without hesitation. Even if I were Benigore, for now...

'I'll definitely leave. Whether it's for the better or worse, I can't leave without getting an answer.'

"I hope you'll pass the message along."

Displaying a poignant expression is only natural. The Atentas in this place will convey the current situation to Vennygore, so it's appropriate to show a face filled with remorse. Even the way I walk away must be perfect.

I start to slowly walk towards the place where Vennygore and I first met.

'In any case, I need to add this as a quest.'

It's necessary to confirm that the expedition is proceeding smoothly.

Of course, after finishing things appropriately, I strike a pose of waiting for Benigore desperately.

It's appropriate to show signs of unease, like biting my fingernails or nervously pacing around.

Sure enough, not long after, I can see her glancing around the area. Seeing a smile on her face, it seems like she's satisfied with the current situation.

It's somewhat different, but it gives me the feeling of seeing the Ji Hye Nuna that played Lee Jihoo when I acted as Lee Ki-Yeon in the past.

'Hurry up and come.'

I don't know if she wants to see me more anxious, but it wasn't until quite some time had passed that she revealed herself.

With her fingers fidgeting and approaching, the drama queen's face that I hadn't seen just a moment ago carried a sad expression now.

"Benigore!"

"W-What are you doing now, Priest?"

"...."

"Do you really think randomly summoning people will solve anything?"

"...."

"I also have my own circumstances. I have duties as Atenta... and personal matters... but to just... leave such a message for my colleagues... isn't that a bit... disrespectful?"

"That's not what's happening, Benigore."

"Hmph. You keep saying sweet things in your mouth... The more I see you, Priest, the more disappointed I become... Really..."

With a confident stride, I move closer. Benigore's words trail off. Her expression suggests that this situation wasn't part of her calculations.

Once again, as I take a step forward, there's an expression that seems to be filled with some kind of expectation.

'No, it's not like that.'

"All of a sudden... approaching like this..."

"I swear by the gods, Benigore. My feelings for you are still the same as when I first met you."

Quietly, I take Benigore's hand and place it over my heart. It's as if I want her to feel the pounding of my heart.

Feeling my heartbeat, Benigore seems quite satisfied. Of course, she doesn't forget to open her mouth with a slightly embarrassed expression that could reveal her emotions.

"Well... In that case, Metel..."

"In my eyes, there's no one but Benigore."

"Just because you say that..."

Honestly, it's not romantic love. It's not about heart palpitations or excitement... It's...

'It's still so strange.'

To be precise, it felt more like playing around.

Like setting up a scene and assigning characters, then acting out those characters, just like what I did with Jihye Noona. [[T/N: Except that you're playing with peoples feelings bastard.]]

If I were the only one who felt this way, I might not have felt uncomfortable... But... Benigore in front of me seems to be thinking along the same lines.

No, I'm almost certain. In fact, she was probably more proactive.

'Both of us being drama queens might have something to do with it...'

I start to wonder if I'm misunderstanding something, or if there's something I'm overlooking.

"I suddenly remembered something I need to do, Priest. I'm going now!"

"...."

"And..."

With a slightly blushing face, Benigore kisses my cheek and dashes out of the library.

"I understand your feelings, Priest."

'Something doesn't feel right...'

It's not just because of Benigore's sudden display of affection. It's genuinely unsettling.

Dractarius... the strategy...

No, don't suddenly switch to Dractarius.

'Don't dwell on Dractarius.'

Think from the beginning.

Starting with Benigore.

Why.

"Why? Why did Benigore pretend not to know me?"

Why did the modern-day Benigore act like she didn't know me? She hasn't lost her memories, so why...

I know she dislikes mentioning things from her human life, but it doesn't seem like that's the reason.

Sometimes, when I look at Benigore, it feels like she's completely erased her life as a human...

'Could that Atenta not be Benigore? Did I misinterpret something?'

Various thoughts are starting to emerge. The things Benigore said to me until now, the attitude of that Atenta...

These thoughts cross my mind in an instant, like they're being edited together in my head.

How did Metel react when she saw Benigore?

'Just now... that person...'

'It seems there was a momentary misunderstanding. You don't need to pay attention to what Atenta just said, Metel.'

'That's not it...'

What did she want to say before looking into the Goddess's Mirror?

Why did Benigore's... It's too obvious.

Yes, it's a very obvious conclusion. Even though I already know the answer, it's not coming to me.

Yeah. It's like erasing a part of my own memories...

'I don't want to remember.'

I conclude that I'm the one blocking it.

And then, as if waiting,

I hear Metel's voice.

"Have you met Saintess Altanus?"