Chapter 55
In the town of Denev, right by the bustling market stalls, stood a building with a long, covered awning. Beneath it, all sorts of pets and riding animals were on display. For a year now, all the local children had been playing here. Boys and girls loved fussing over the animals—feeding them, watering them, tending to the mounts, and earning pocket money from the shop’s owner. The older kids ventured into the surrounding lands, leveling up their skills and their beasts.
Right now, a girl had just arrived on the back of a massive Senegalese tiger, both of them purring in contentment. The owner of the menagerie approached the happy pair, ruffled the girl’s hair, and asked:
“Well, Minnie, do you like the tigress?”
“Yes!” The girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Miss, you wouldn’t believe it—we fought off a whole pack of wolves, then helped some newbies! And then some herbalists came running, begging for protection. We guarded them and made flower crowns while we waited. I made one for you, too!”
The girl placed a bright wreath of wildflowers on the owner’s head.
“Will you come back for the tigress?”
“Yeeees!” The girl bounced with joy before running off to brag about her adventures to the other kids.
At that moment, a procession of two dozen paladins and priests moved through the town. Leading them was a girl with long red hair and blue eyes, dressed in a flowing white gown with light-blue trim. Her entire body radiated light, and her mere presence created an aura of life. The locals rushed out to meet the Saint, begging for healing. With a single gesture, she could cleanse even the most terrible debuffs—no curse, injury, or illness could resist her divine gift.
Here, on the border with the orcs, skirmishes were constant, and sometimes the undead stirred trouble. For the past month, this group had been going on long raids to purge the undead, returning only to aid the suffering.
Every time the procession passed, the menagerie owner studied the girl closely, listening to her words. As a grown woman, she recognized the signs of a girl well-versed in romance, one who thrived on public adoration. Essence reveals itself not just in broad behavior, but in the smallest details. And she also saw the relentless ambition behind every seemingly kind act—especially at her age.
Hannah Quick was the Beastmaster. Over the past year, she had leveled up to 350 and saved enough for her own menagerie. Her real-life experience as a psychologist helped in-game, allowing her to connect with both animals and people. Troubled kids who struggled in reality became open and cheerful here, playing with the creatures. Children, like beasts, sense emotions keenly, making it easy for them to bond.
Eliza Donovan had spent a year fighting for funding to research Chrysalis’ game reality and its potential for rehabilitating troubled teens through play. In the end, she secured the money for her menagerie and began inviting new teenagers to her town, covering their travel expenses. Here, they received top-notch emotional and psychological support.
"Ah, Rachel… If only you weren’t such a bitch, the world would have one more kind boy."
Eliza remembered Anji and the sacrifice all too well. She had witnessed his two weeks of happy childhood—and those who had killed him on the altar. And now, one of them was the Saint, healing the people.