Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple

"Lord Duke, are you alright?" 

John, while assured that Duke Arsena was alive, still deemed it prudent to inquire if the Duke needed any assistance.

Duke Arsena shook his head. 

Despite his severe injuries, as a Demigod Level warrior, his recovery rate was remarkably fast. 

"I just need a little rest. I must thank you this time. Without your help, I definitely couldn't have defeated the Mystery Vanguard. As you know, if the Mystery Vanguard had entered Storm City, it would have caused immense destruction. Not just me, but everyone in Storm City owes you their gratitude."

Once Duke Arsena had regained some strength, he expressed his sincere thanks to John. 

In his view, it was rare for an adventurer like John to offer help without being on a quest.

[Congratulations to player Galewind for unlocking the hidden quest: The Secret of Storm City]

[Quest Description: 

As one of the major cities of the Northern Myst Empire, Storm City is a pivotal urban center with a large population, thriving commerce, and strong defensive forces. Despite its apparent importance, the Empire's actual stance towards Storm City seems ambiguous. The Empire hasn't stationed any Demigod Level warriors to oversee the city. Besides the Order Faction, other factions' influences exist within Storm City, and the city lord appears less vigilant towards these other factions. This situation surely conceals a significant secret!]

[Quest Rewards:

1 - Increased favorability with NPCs of Storm City. (Note: Reaching a certain level of favorability with NPCs can unlock related hidden quests.)

2 - Reputation in Storm City raised to 'Very Friendly'. (Note: A player's standing with different faction cities determines their access to these cities and the support they can receive there.)

3 - Clues to a hidden Sacred Relic.]

John was surprised to trigger a hidden quest titled "The Secret of Storm City" following Duke Arsena's expression of gratitude. 

This quest not only promised intriguing revelations about Storm City but also significant rewards that could enhance his standing and capabilities within the game's world.

John had never considered that Storm City harbored significant secrets. 

Although he noticed that the city didn't have many powerful NPCs, he hadn't visited other major cities in the game to compare. 

What intrigued John the most, aside from the quest's title, were the rewards it offered, especially the third reward mentioning clues about a Sacred Relic. 

He was convinced that this Sacred Relic had to be exceptionally powerful for the quest to only offer clues rather than the relic itself.

Besides the Sacred Relic clues, the quest also offered John the chance to enhance his favorability in Storm City. 

Understanding that Storm City and other major cities in the game were based on real locations, and the NPCs were representations of real people, John knew the value of maintaining good relations with them. 

Such relations could provide substantial support and resources for his adventures.

"Lord Duke, please don't express your gratitude now. Although you might not be in life-threatening danger, your current state is quite weakened. I'll have the guards of Storm City take you back to your residence right away."

Satisfied with unlocking the hidden quest, John considered it a reward for the battle. 

He didn't expect any further rewards from Duke Arsena. 

However, to his surprise, Arsena wished for John to accompany him back to his residence. 

This unexpected invitation hinted at the possibility of more revelations or rewards, further deepening the mystery and potential opportunities surrounding Storm City.

"The assistance you provided us this time was invaluable. I must offer you a reward. Typically, adventurers like you only help us after accepting the quests we issue. This time, without having accepted a quest from me, you chose to help. I must provide you with additional rewards for that!" 

Duke Arsena spoke with firm resolve, clearly intent on rewarding John for his unsolicited assistance.

He didn't let John leave but instead insisted that John accompany him back to his residence in the heart of Storm City. 

Surrounded by the grand library, the trading district, and the Adventurer's Guild, Duke Arsena's residence was a central hub of activity.

John had no choice but to agree, and after a short wait, several guards of Storm City arrived. 

Following Duke Arsena's command, they escorted them back to his residence.

Duke Arsena was well aware of the Guild Battle between the Darklord Guild and Blue Sea Guild. 

However, due to the limitations of the game system, he was unable to intervene in the guild conflict. 

When the Mystery Vanguard was summoned by Darklord, Arsena's immediate concern shifted to dealing with this new threat, temporarily setting aside the guild conflict.

After the defeat of the Mystery Vanguard, Duke Arsena's thoughts returned to the Guild Battle that had taken place around his residence. 

He was certain that John had participated in this battle. 

This recognition of John's involvement in multiple significant events in Storm City, coupled with his recent heroics against the Mystery Vanguard, positioned John as a key figure in the eyes of Duke Arsena. 

This meeting at the Duke's residence could potentially lead to substantial rewards and deepen John's involvement in the unfolding events of Storm City.

Upon arriving at Duke Arsena's residence, the Duke directly inquired John about the recent events. 

John chose not to reveal the full truth, aware that even if he disclosed all information related to Darklord, Duke Arsena might not believe him. 

Moreover, divulging Darklord's affairs could lead to Arsena's interference in John's subsequent actions, something John preferred to avoid.

"Lord Duke, you must be well aware that conflicts among adventurers are common, as are disputes between different Adventurer Guilds. While I was willing to assist you, it doesn't mean I don't have conflicts with other adventurers. I have significant issues with the Darklord Guild, which is why I chose to help the Blue Sea Guild. Guild Battles are permitted in Storm City, aren't they? If not, we will certainly refrain from engaging in them within the city limits in the future."

John's response was carefully crafted, leaving no room for doubt. 

After pondering for a while, Duke Arsena accepted John's explanation.

"If the conflict between you and the Darklord Guild is that significant, I can expel them from Storm City. After all, you can be considered the savior of Storm City. To be an enemy of its savior is to be an enemy of Storm City itself."

Duke Arsena genuinely wished to assist John, and expelling the Darklord Guild from Storm City was something he could order with a simple command. 

This gesture of support from the Duke not only solidified John's standing in Storm City but also hinted at the Duke's appreciation and recognition of John's contributions.

John respectfully declined Duke Arsena's offer to expel the Darklord Guild, knowing that Darklord would likely move the guild out of Storm City soon. 

"Thank you for your kindness, but I don't think such measures are necessary. The conflicts between adventurers aren't worth your excessive concern. It might be more prudent to focus on the actions of the Mystery faction, as they pose a more significant threat to Storm City."

Duke Arsena nodded in agreement with John's suggestion, but he sighed when the topic of the Mystery faction was brought up. 

"I'm aware of the great threat the Mystery faction poses to Storm City. But how can I counter their attacks? There are very few powerful individuals in Storm City. You could be considered a god-of-war level fighter if you stand with us, but besides you, there's only me. How can just the two of us withstand the threat from the Mystery faction? We need more help, but where can I find it?"

This expression of concern from Duke Arsena reminded John of the hidden quest he had received earlier, further reinforcing the notion that Storm City's relationship with the Northern Myst Empire wasn't as strong as it seemed. 

John could have pursued the conversation further, but he sensed that doing so might arouse the Duke's suspicion. 

He chose to listen quietly instead.

After a lengthy discussion, Duke Arsena noticed that John had other matters to attend to and allowed him to leave. 

However, after John's departure, the Duke summoned the city guards. 

He wanted them to conduct a thorough investigation into John, revealing a mix of gratitude, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of wariness towards this adventurer who had suddenly become so pivotal in the fate of Storm City.