197 Abusing Sterfens Vast Knowledge (2/2)

”I sure do. Before you were an ancient hero, her race went through struggles that very few races survive. They did somethings to guarantee their survival, even if it eventually led to your generation not knowing the truth about your own people,” stated Sterfen while pointing to Daliea.

”I won't explain anything to you since I had only recently become a god at the time and only learned a part of the story, but I can point you in the right direction.”

Jack turned to Daliea, noticing that she was genuinely confused. With her like that, it was clear to him that the origin of Daliea's people was even more mysterious than he'd expected.

”You know how we can learn more about her people, Father?” asked Jack, already trying to abuse his new title.

”Smart move, calling me father in hopes that I'll give you special treatment. Well, it worked, sort of. I'll tell you this, the origin of your people can be found in Korten.”

”Korten?!”

Everyone was shocked to hear that because it made no sense. Korten was one of the ancient kingdoms, and no one bothered to invade them because it was the Elven kingdom. Since the Holy War, the Elven Kingdom of Korten rarely made any contact with the outside world. All who tried to enter were never heard from again.

”My people… really originate from Korten?” asked Daliea, struggling to keep herself together.

”Yes, I never lie,” stated Sterfen.

”Jack…”Daliea looked to him with begging eyes.

He knew what she wanted to ask him. Their only chance of ever getting into Korten was with Jack.

Lucky for him, there was a time that the Leisure Guild had an exclusive trade treaty with Korten because they shared borders at one point. He thought that he might be able to find a way in, but only after the revival of the Leisure Guild and after Trodar reclaimed its lost territories.

”I'm sure my son will think of a way to enter Korten, but till then you'll have to wait patiently.” Steren then looked to Rydel and nodded. ”Are you ready to receive your blessing?”

Rydel didn't say a word but he immediately dropped to his knees and bowed to Sterfen, ready to accept his blessing.

”By my godly authority, I hereby place you under my care, Rydel Kalen.”

Those few words seemed ordinary to everyone except for Rydel. For him, those words were echoing inside of his head as if they were burrowing their way into every part of his being.

White light covered him for a moment, marking that the blessing had been completed.

”With my legend-tier blessing, you'll now have a passive invisibility skill that doesn't use mana and works even when attacking. Also, your stealth abilities will increase tenfold, giving you the ability to go anywhere without ever being found or noticed,” explained Sterfen. ”Unless it's legend-tier detection magic, you can't be found. Use this wisely.”

”Thank you, Master Sterfen!”

Rydel slowly rose to his feet, elated to have such abilities.

Curious, Jack checked his skill list and opened Rydel's tab. Just as he thought, he was unable to acquire Rydel's new stealth abilities.

”Before I go and prepare us lunch, let me tell you about a few people that might catch your interest, Son,” added Sterfen, grabbing Jack's attention.

”My wife isn't the only god that stands against their benefactor. There are other lower gods that would rather follow Daruun, but are bound by the terms the accepted as demihumans and can't betray the main god that helped them.”

Sterfen continued, ”Though there are seven neutral gods, you'll find that others might be more suitable for your companions.”

”Would the Sword God happen to be one of those?” Maynard blurted out his question, still not wanting to give up on pledging to the god he admired the most.

”Of all the holy gods, Tyres, the Sword God, is the most loyal to Halmut. I'm sorry, but I would heavily recommend that you forget trying to seek him out,” answered Sterfen, stomping out the small fraction of hope Maynard had left. ”I'm sure that Jack would agree in saying that your dedication to your craft would be a perfect fit for Jin, the God of Discipline.”

”Plus, I think he'll take a liking to you. You'll figure out why when you finally meet him,” added Sterfen with a smile.

Maynard was sad by the truth but felt better about pledging to Jin since Sterfen, a god, also said it would be perfect for him. With that in mind, Maynard was more at ease.