Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 67

Chapter 67: First Quest
Suddenly, the young priestess’s cheeks flushed as she hastily shook her head to clear her vulgar thoughts. She then glanced around as she yelled.

“Who’s in charge of cleaning this area? They should be reprimanded for neglecting their duties!” she said loudly, hoping to hide her embarrassment.

Isode, however, ignored the commotion. “I will escort the emperor out now,” she said as she smoothed her robes, her face calm.

The priests and priestesses nodded hurriedly. “Understood, Head Priestess.”

As Isode followed behind the emperor, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Her eyes trailed his broad shoulders, the regal way his cloak flowed behind him.

Her gaze lingered on his chiseled jawline, his confident stride. Each step seemed otherworldly, as if he commanded the heavens themselves.

‘How can a man so radiant and divine exist?’

She thought, her breath quickening. She tried to steady herself, but the soft pant of her breathing came out almost steamy.

‘Truly divine…’

Her breaths became faintly visible in the air as she clutched her hands before her chest. She struggled to suppress her growing admiration, her heart racing as she continued to follow.

Meanwhile, Abaddon, walking beside Arkanos, sensed a change in the air. His sharp senses detected the priestess’s almost unholy admiration.

Curious, he glanced back, his gaze locking onto Isode’s face, flushed with an expression of pure ecstasy as she watched Arkanos.

A sinister smirk appeared on his face as he turned away, his thoughts filled with amusement.

‘Do I sense a desire to sin?’

He thought, his invisible wings twitching slightly.

‘How truly interesting…’

…

The massive cathedral doors swung open, the golden sunlight spilling in as Arkanos strode out, his cape flowing behind him.

Outside, his carriage awaited them. The imperial crest on its side gleamed beautifully.

Arkanos stopped a few feet from the carriage and turned to Abaddon, his intense gaze meeting the Dark Hero’s curious smirk.

“You have one job for now,” Arkanos said.

“And only one job. Do not do more than you are ordered to.”

Abaddon raised an eyebrow, a sly grin appearing on his lips. “Calm down, Your Majesty. You make it sound like I’m going to burn down villages to kill time if I don’t have explicit instructions.”

Arkanos ignored his words, his expression as calm as ever. “You are to patrol the borders of the capital and keep it safe. If you wish to extend your patrol to the empire’s borders, you must report any activity and await my permission before taking action.” His gaze narrowed, sharp as a blade.

“Have I made myself clear?”

Abaddon smirked as he inclined his head. “Crystal.”

Satisfied, Arkanos turned to the Head Priestess, who stepped forward hesitantly, her hands still clasped together. Her cheeks were faintly pink, but her voice was steady as she spoke.

“Your Majesty…”

“I have a humble request. Would it be possible for you to come and share your wisdom with the young priests and priestesses of the empire? I am certain they could learn so much under your guidance.”

Seraphine tilted her head slightly, watching her with a touch of confusion.

Abaddon, on the other hand, glanced at the Head Priestess and let out a soft, amused chuckle, drawing a sharp glance from Arkanos that made him hold his tongue.

Arkanos gazed at the Head Priestess for a moment. He noticed the strange look on her face… the blush and nearly expectant expression.

The way her chest rose as if she were nearly out of breath.

As if she desired more than simply some… words of wisdom from the emperor.

The soft rustle of the wind through the courtyard seemed to fill the space between them as Arkanos narrowed his gaze at Isode, the peculiar behavior and faint blush on her face sparking his curiosity.

Just then, before he could give her his response.

〘 ⋄ ! ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ The player has reached the necessary interest level ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ The player has discovered a character necessary to the game’s main story ⋄ 〙

‘It’s just one surprise after another,’ Arkanos thought. He then activated his skill…

‘Appraisal.’

〘 ⋄ Appraisal Activated ⋄ 〙

A translucent green screen materialized before his eyes, displaying the status of the Head Priestess.

〘 ⋄ Status Window: Isode ⋄ 〙

Name: Isode Threshia (Real name)

Title: Head Priestess of the Radiant Cathedral

Race: Human

Level: 24

Class: Divine Oracle

Affinity: Light Magic, Holy Magic

Skills:

• Celestial Blessing (S)

• Divine Insight (A)

• Sacred Veil (A)

Hidden Information:

• True Identity: Daughter of the Holy Empire of Threshia

• Reason for Secrecy: Fled her homeland to avoid being embroiled in a succession battle among her siblings. Hoping to find a divine warrior spoken of in legend, to unite her home.

• Note: A deeply devout individual who holds immense faith in the divine. However, she harbors suppressed ambitions and emotions tied to her lineage.

Suddenly, another system window appeared.

〘 Quest Notification 〙

Quest Name: Legacy of the Holy Empire

Description:

Following the death of the Holy Emperor of Threshia, the empire plunged into chaos. On his deathbed, the emperor decreed that only the one who could pull his divine sword, Excalibur, from the stone where he sealed it, would be worthy to ascend the throne.

Your path to uniting the empire begins here. To claim the title of Holy Emperor, the player must not only draw Excalibur but also secure alliances and consolidate power.

Conditions for Completion:

Pull the divine sword, Excalibur, from the stone.

Marry Isode Threshia, the rightful heir to the Holy Empire.

Gain the support of the factions loyal to Isode and the late emperor’s ideals.

Proclaim yourself as the new Holy Emperor and restore order to the fractured empire.

Reward:

50,000 Upgrade Points.

Title: Holy Emperor of Threshia

Unlock exclusive Holy Empire features: Divine Command Authority, able to construct holy structures, Holy Land Declaration Skill, Throne of Radiance, and command over the holy knights.

Gain immense influence over the church and its territories.

〘 Accept: Yes | No 〙

As the notification faded, Arkanos’s lips curled into a smirk.

‘Pull a divine sword, secure alliances, and ascend to a throne?’

‘It seems opportunities for expansion are arriving before war even begins… Things like this were why I enjoyed building this game.’

‘But this will have to wait until after I conquer the Akerians.’

‘I accept the quest.’

〘 ⋄ Quest placed in quest log! ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ Time limit: 1 year, 6 months. ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ Failure penalty: The fall of the holy empire – Isode will fall into the hands of The Angels Of Ruin. ⋄ 〙

Arkanos sighed for a moment, his sharp gaze focusing back to her, noting how her hands clutched tightly before her ample bust, almost as if she were afraid he had uncovered her secret.

The intensity of his scrutiny made Isode shift slightly on her feet, her outward composure faltering slightly as she looked away.

“Interesting,” Arkanos murmured, his words were barely audible but enough to make Abaddon glance at him with mild curiosity.

“What’s interesting, Your Majesty?” Abaddon asked, with a touch of amusement, though he didn’t expect an answer.

Arkanos ignored him, instead addressing Isode directly. “Head Priestess, your devotion to the Empire is commendable.”

Isode blinked in surprise, bowing her head to hide her flustered expression. “You honor me, Your Majesty.”

Arkanos’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile, but his mind was already at work.

‘So, the runaway daughter of Threshia has chosen my empire as her refuge… while in search of a warrior of legend… How… intriguing. I’ll have to keep a closer eye on her.’

“As for your request.” Arkanos spoke up again, “I’ll see if I can make out time from my schedule to share what I can, you have my word.”

Isode’s face lit up, “I understand your Majesty.” She then bowed, then said, “I am most grateful.”