After Fyrel left the shop... the mask had already fully melted into his face. The torment he felt from the pain was now completely gone.
Now, I should go back to Sukatsu's home.Suddenly, he remembered something—he didn't know where that old woman's house was.
Maybe I should ask the villagers... But everyone seemed to have disappeared. Though earlier, it looked like people had started cleaning up and repairing after the disaster.
Then he noticed a group of children running toward a hidden place. Without thinking much, he quietly followed them from behind.
After trailing them, he arrived at the center of the village—a wide, open space paved with cobblestones and surrounded by shops forming a circle.
The villagers had gathered there in large numbers, and at the far end stood a wooden stage. Everyone was just standing around, as if waiting for someone important to speak.
Curious, he also joined the crowd, standing at the very back.
Not long after, a young woman stepped onto the stage—her hair jet black, her eyes gleaming with blue crystal.
Is that the old hag? Why is she on the stage? Fyrel began to feel uneasy, a knot tightening in his chest. I need to get out of here… That old woman isn't right.
Sukatsu stood calmly on the stage and began her speech:
Greetings, people of the village! Our goddess has just spoken to me. As the representative and leader of all who believe in her, I declare—our savior has arrived! The one known as the Sleeping Prophet… my son-in-law, Fyrel!
She pointed straight at Fyrel with her finger, and every head in the crowd turned to follow her gesture. All eyes locked onto his back—just as he was trying to slip away unnoticed.
He froze mid-step. I hate that damn old woman… he seethed inwardly. Swallowing hard, he glanced around at the sea of faces staring at him—then, suddenly, the entire crowd bowed in unison.
From the stage, Sukatsu merely smirked, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
Make way for him! Let him ascend!
In an instant, the villagers parted, forming a narrow path leading straight to the stage. With no choice, Fyrel clenched his jaw and walked forward, each step heavy with reluctance.
The moment he reached the stage, Sukatsu raised her voice, proclaiming to the crowd in a thunderous chant:
Aelar! O mortali sanctos! Elythar'vael ve doriel yth—Yth'mir ve 'The Sleeping Prophet', Fyrel'thar, ve meliorun luminiel!
(Behold! O sacred mortals! Heaven's chosen has spoken—I am the voice of 'The Sleeping Prophet', Fyrel the Holy, who brings the light!)
The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping loudly with fervor.
Fyrel leaned slightly toward Sukatsu and hissed into her ear, Hey, why are you doing this to me? And what's with this cringy 'Sleeping Prophet' nonsense?
Sukatsu merely giggled. Hehe, you should check your forehead—there's a moon-star symbol glowing there. That's the mark of the new Prophet.
Fyrel immediately raised his hand to his forehead, running his fingers over the skin. He couldn't see it without a mirror, but he could feel something—a raised symbol etched into his flesh. What the hell…?*
SILENCE! Sukatsu commanded, and the crowd instantly hushed. Now, please give our new Prophet a moment to share a few words with us.
All eyes locked onto Fyrel, expectant. He stood frozen, his mind racing. What am I supposed to say to these people?
Uhh… hello, everyone…He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. I don't have much to say, but… I can give you all a gift. I'll return something that's been missing from your hearts all this time. Now, please… close your eyes for a moment.
The entire village obeyed, shutting their eyes in unison.
Fyrel leaned toward Sukatsu, whispering sharply, Hey, teach me the right words to break the curse!
But Sukatsu didn't answer—she just stood there, eyes closed like the rest.
Ciss— He flicked her forehead hard. Why are YOU closing your eyes too, you old hag?! At your age, you're still desperate for love?!
Sukatsu (rubbing her head, pouting) I'm young again now! Let me have a chance at romance too! Hmm… fine, let me think of the right incantation… She quickly whispered the words to him, and Fyrel nodded along.
Taking a deep breath, he raised his voice, reciting the angelic phrase—purely for dramatic effect:
Va Elythar'vael! Yth'mir revanar Nyxthar ve yth—va Amoreth'sylphion, meliorun luminiel!
(By the Goddess! I shatter Hell's curse upon you—by Love's song, light shall rise again!)
But in reality, all he needed was simple: his own genuine care for the villagers, and theirs for him in return. The curse would break on its own.
Whoever in their heart trust me… and loves me… please, open your eyes.
About a quarter of the crowd slowly opened their eyes—and in that instant, grotesque, shadowy creatures burst from their heads, visible only to Fyrel.
Without hesitation, he gripped his diamond necklace and commanded:
Melior Luminiel ve mene losthiel.(Bring Light to the lost.)
A violent gust of wind roared as the monstrous entities were sucked into the gem, their shrieks fading into nothingness.
The villagers blinked, looking around in confusion—as if nothing had happened.
Then, one by one, realization struck.
Villagers:WHOOOAAAHHH!!! WE'RE SAVED!!! WE'RE NOT GOING TO DIE!!!
Other people who didn't believe from the very beginning opened their eyes, and in the end, all of their curses disappeared and... an unpleasant sight for a man (Fyrel) a virgin.. when they start trying to kiss, confess their feelings, and hug someone they've hidden their feelings for so long...
Fuck this shit... They can't even hide it and just casually do it right in front of me... Even though he's kinda angry, deep down, he feels relieved...
Fyrel mutters to Sukatsu: This whole 'Prophet' thing is such a scam.
Sukatsu grins: But it works, doesn't it?
He nods... You should clear this up for a while. I think tonight there's gonna be a lot of people making babies... It's gonna be a bit noisy, right?
Hahahha, yeah. And thanks... It's been a while since I've experienced all of this without seeing people die because of love again...