I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 214

’I expected it, but this is beyond that.’

I stared at the Gallery, which was burning like an active volcano.

The citizens of Eldorado were protesting as if they were about to burn down the Papal Palace this very instant.

They were far more violent than before, throwing rocks and bottles. Their hostility was intense.

At this rate, I wondered if they’d end up throwing Molotov cocktails later.

’I posted it as Orange Badge desperately requested, though.’

I had posted the update on Hans’s current situation at Orange Badge’s desperate plea.

She had begged me, saying I was the only one who could counter all the Papal Palace’s moves, and promised to grant me any favor if I would just post it.

I didn’t have anything to ask of Orange Badge right away, but I decided to help her out for now.

If I could earn Orange Badge’s favor, using the Gallery in the future would become much easier.

Besides, I personally felt this was going too far, so I willingly obliged.

No matter how calculating I am, I don’t like bargaining with people’s lives.

Title: Warning) Eldorado Hans Current Status

Wild Grylls

(Video of Hans being interrogated)

(Video of Hans being dragged away)

(Video of the remaining inquisitors conversing)

This is the current status of Hans, the fruit ahjussi from Eldorado.

I don’t know who he is, but he’s truly pitiful. Why is he being subjected to such treatment?

↳ Heavenly Demon: They are bastards deserving of divine punishment.

↳ Sword Matstar: Torture is something that gets condemned internationally though;;

↳ Starlight Lady: Good heavens, such wicked...!

↳ Passing Dwarf: What’s going on? Why is he like that?

I posted it roughly like that. Then, a mountain of comments flooded in.

It also received a huge number of upvotes, landing right at the top of the Recommended Posts.

The people protesting over there had probably all seen the post by now.

’There’s zero risk for me anyway.’

The Papal Palace took on a terrifying risk, but it doesn’t matter to me.

From here on, the Papal Palace only has two choices: release Hans, or enter the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Even if they surrender Hans, they won’t be able to placate the enraged public, and they will absolutely refuse the latter option.

There is nowhere to run. The choices left for the Papal Palace are two.

’Surrender power obediently, or...’

Like a cornered rat lashing out, make an extreme choice.

Looking at how the Papal Palace acts, the chances of them choosing the latter are high, unfortunately.

Furthermore, the overall social culture here is strikingly similar to the past of Earth where I used to live.

Even if someone judges an evil person based on personal discretion rather than law, people just say, ’He deserved to die,’ and nobody really condemns it.

Even Earth only saw heightened awareness of human rights after World War II.

’Still, for this era, isn’t there somewhat of an atmosphere that respects human rights?’

Whether it was due to the presence of diverse races or some other reason, I didn’t know.

I watched the count of endlessly uploaded posts every time I refreshed before closing the Gallery.

There was nothing left for me to do. All that remained was to wait for the outcome.

I simply hoped that a tragedy would not unfold.

"Chomp, chomp, chomp."

"Is it good?"

"Bbick!"

Right now, I need to figure out what to do with this pig lizard—no, hatchling—who has acquired a taste for sweet potatoes.

Only three days had passed since winter began, but its cheeks had puffed up so much it was getting chubby.

This wasn’t just Tyranno; the animals living in the brick house were the same.

Because Lackey kept taking and eating sweet potatoes in between, everyone had gained weight.

Even the Spirit Deer showed interest and was nibbling away at them.

Fortunately, since we harvested plenty of sweet potatoes, running out wasn’t a concern.

’If I knew this would happen, I should have made kimchi too.’

I turned my head while entertaining useless thoughts. Ludwig was over in the direction I looked.

Currently, he was completely engrossed in admiring his rejuvenated face.

He doesn’t just do that at first; he does it frequently, which feels weird.

’Just in case, I didn’t post about it on the Gallery though.’

I gave up on it because posting it would cause chaos, and it’s not like I have any more Golden Apples.

I decided to focus on what I needed to do right now: medicinal herb gathering and logging.

"Ahjussi. Let’s go to work."

"Mm."

So I had to call Ludwig. At my call, he stopped looking in the mirror and stood up.

He seemed to be gradually getting used to his mithril foot as well.

Just as we were about to step outside the cave.

Clack!

A strange sound came from somewhere. Precisely from the direction of the stone statue.

It was just as I turned my head toward the statue in confusion.

[%$%%.... #$%%^....]

An intense light burst from the eyes of the statue, and then.

Syuuung! Kwadadeuk!

It soared upward, blasting through the cavern roof and flying into the sky.

"..."

"..."

It happened so fast that the two of us just stared blankly up at the ceiling.

Right beneath that ceiling, Wonmo was sleeping soundly.

Hwiiiiing—

"Kgyuuuuuung..."

Wonmo shivered as if the breeze trickling in was cold.

I watched that, then spoke to Ludwig.

"...Let’s patch that up first."

"..."

I really hope spring comes soon.

A powder keg on the brink of explosion.

That was the phrase that could describe the situation in Eldorado.

The citizens threw all sorts of filth at the Papal Palace, consumed by rage.

The atmosphere was such that if given the chance, they would storm the Papal Palace this instant.

Only because the Papal Palace quickly deployed the army did such a thing not happen.

"You guys go to the Forest of the Four Seasons too!"

"If you want to clear the truth, show your sincerity by going to the Forest of the Four Seasons!"

"You don’t even have anyone left to send except Ludwig, do you?! You cowardly bastards!"

"Send the Pope to the Forest of the Four Seasons!"

If the Papal Palace had sincerely apologized for the Immortal King incident, the citizens wouldn’t have gone this far.Follow the newest chapters on novelping(.)com.

However, the unfavorable deeds and scandals accumulated over time had reached their limit.

And the worst scandal revealed this time blew past the tipping point.

"Everyone, calm down! All of this is the wicked...!"

"Wicked Papal Palace, step down!"

"The Gallery is definitely...!"

"Enter the Forest of the Four Seasons!"

Suppression was also meaningless. It didn’t reach the citizens’ ears.

Everything out of the Papal Palace’s mouth was a lie, except for their exhalations.

That was the conviction lodged in the citizens’ heads, and their trust in them had breached the ground and crashed straight into the mantle.

-Those gathered in front of the Papal Palace, fall back. This is a warning. I repeat. Citizens, excessive violence...

In the end, it reached a point where the Papal Palace issued a chilling warning.

Just like yesterday, troops were gathered in clusters, and the atmosphere was sinister.

While yesterday only infantry and archers had gathered, today even cavalry were deployed.

"The numbers are way too high. They’re not really planning to attack the citizens, are they?"

"..."

At Reyna’s words, Asella also looked at the protest with anxious eyes.

Currently, they were not mixed in with the crowd of protesters, but standing on the roof of a house.

Because a far larger crowd had gathered than yesterday, it was difficult to even squeeze through.

"Pope, step down!"

"Step down!"

"Pope, step down!"

"Step down!"

This was true for other rooftops as well. Many citizens were chanting slogans from the roofs.

"Hey! Sing louder!"

"This is the maximum! Do you think playing an instrument is easy?! You handle your magic properly instead!"

"Do you think magic is easy to handle?"

Citizens who knew how to play instruments played passionately on the rooftops.

The harmony of people’s shouts and instruments highlighted a solemn, heroic aura.

"That’s why bards are necessary."

"Pfft."

Asella, who had been holding a stiff face for a long time, let out a chuckle.

The citizens of Eldorado were generally like that. They knew the danger of violence better than anyone.

Having been tormented by the Demon King and the Demon Race generation after generation, they were a people who preferred peace.

The fact that they were narrowly keeping themselves from crossing the line right now was due to that nature.

However, what they were up against was the Papal Palace—no, the Demon King.

The Demon King felt no guilt whatsoever about taking human lives.

-Warning to the citizens gathered here. I repeat. Disperse immediately. If you do not disperse, we will have no choice but to regard you as rebels acting against the Holy Kingdom and God’s will! God is benevolent to all, but has no choice but to take a hardline stance against rebels!

Even from afar, the voice of the Papal Palace rang out clearly.

Reyna and Asella showed shocked expressions upon hearing that voice.

As they hurriedly turned their heads toward the Papal Palace, the army was lining up.

"Th-those crazy bastards...! Are they really going to do it?"

"..."

Unlike the horrified Reyna, Asella placed her hand on the hilt of her sword with a stern expression.

The protesters, already enraged beyond their limits, had no intention of backing down.

However, most of the protesters were civilians far removed from martial power.

On the other hand, the Papal Palace had its army ready. The possibility of an absolute catastrophe unfolding could not be ruled out.

-All troops, prepare to fire!!!

In the end, the Papal Palace chose the worst option. They were about to cross the point of no return.

The archers lined up in front of the Papal Palace took their firing stances.

The protesters were only a short distance away.

Not to mention, these were crossbows rather than ordinary bows, making them extremely lethal.

’O Aris...’

Tadat!

Asella offered a brief prayer and kicked off forward.

A startled Reyna shouted something from behind, but she paid it no mind.

’Grant me the power to protect them...!’

Leaping between buildings with her extraordinary physical ability, Asella closed in before the protesters.

In the meantime, the paladins finished preparing to pull the triggers of their crossbows at any moment.

A situation where everything would explode the moment even a small spark was struck.

In a scenario where no one could step back, countless cries mingled together.

"Pope, step down...!"

-Fire!!!

Simultaneously with the shout, the paladins pulled their triggers.

Some paladins hesitated, but dozens of bolts had already been launched.

Normally, blunted arrows without tips should be used for warning shots.

However, like a cornered rat biting a cat, all such procedures were skipped.

Swiiiiiiiish!!!

Dozens of bolts drew straight lines through the air, hurtling toward the people at the very front of the protest.

At the critical moment when someone’s blood was about to be etched into history.

Kwajib!

Someone slammed a holily shining sword into the ground, and then.

Shaaaaaa!

Centered around that sword, a colossal shield glowing golden rose up.

T-t-t-ting! T-ting!

Due to the golden shield covering the entire alley, the bolts fell harmlessly.

The protesters who almost met tragedy were flustered for a moment, then looked to see who had protected them.

Her face had been revealed as the hood of her robe slipped off during her frantic sprint.

Its owner possessed orange hair, which was said to be extremely rare in the world.

"...The Hero?"

"H-Hero, you say?"

The protesters showed bewildered reactions. Naturally so, for she was the Hero.

The traitor who had received a sinister prophecy from the Goddess and fled after stealing the Holy Sword.

To have that traitor save them at a moment of crisis left them bewildered.

"Everyone, run! It’s dangerous here!"

Asella turned around and shouted. However, the protesters hesitated.

Not only had they failed to fully grasp the situation, but it was also the shout of a traitor.

However, in the meantime, the Papal Palace had just finished reorganizing.

-Use mana! The traitor is ahead!

-The traitor is controlling the protesters! All units, prepare for combat!Visit nоvelping.com for the full chapter.

As expected of the Papal Palace, specialized in agitation and fabrication.

One would think they’d be flustered by Asella’s appearance, yet they made up such words in an instant.

However, what mattered right now was stopping them.

She gritted her teeth and expanded the barrier.

’I have to buy time until the citizens escape...!’

A golden barrier blocking the entire street.

Because she had enlarged its size absurdly, the consumption of divine power and mana was severe.

-Fire!!!

Kwagwagwang! Kwagang!

Still, she had to endure. For the bolts flew relentlessly.

Whether they had truly used mana, noises like exploding bombs resounded.

"Th-they really fired arrows!"

"Run! Run quickly!"

"You motherfuckers! You’ll get divine punishment! You fucking bastards!!!"

Only then did the protesters, having grasped the situation, begin to flee.

The problem was that there were far too many people. Moreover, the alley was narrow.

Even well-trained armies often ended up turning retreats into a clusterfuck.

Let alone civilians, their speed was bound to be painfully slow.

-All units, fix bayonets! The moment that traitor’s barrier breaks, charge immediately!

She wanted to rip out that tongue right this instant. That was what Asella thought.

It didn’t matter if they cursed her as a traitor. But what crime had these citizens committed, who merely could not stomach injustice?

What did citizens mean to them anyway? How could they treat those who had been the backbone sustaining Eldorado all this time like this?

Kwaang!

"?!"

While she was desperately holding out, a noise far louder than before sounded.

Startled by this, Asella raised her head. Smoke was puffing up from the barrier.

’N-no way?’

As she frantically turned her head toward the Papal Palace entrance, an appalling object emerged.

Cannons that would only be used in siege warfare. Not just one, but multiple pieces.

It was a shocking situation that naturally brought curses to her mouth.

’Th-these...!’

She was so enraged that words wouldn’t come out. They were the ones in the wrong, yet they were contemplating mass slaughter?

An even bigger problem was that they continued to fire the cannons.

No matter if she was the Hero, her limits were clear.

To make matters worse, having lived a life on the run, she could only muster about 60 percent of her full power.

"Waaaaah! Mommmaaa!"

Then, a sound that shouldn’t be heard rang out from behind. Asella turned around, startled.

As the protesters were fleeing, a child had been swept up and was lying face down on the ground, crying.

The child couldn’t have joined the protest on purpose. It was just a child unluckily swept up while walking down the street.

Jjeojeojeok! Jjeojeok!

The shield was also gradually reaching its limit. Spiderweb-like cracks formed on the barrier.

Asella looked back and forth between the front and back. In front, paladins were approaching; in back, a child was crying.

To make matters worse, even the protesters had not managed to fully retreat.

Yet the Papal Palace did not stop pouring out firepower.

"Hey! Are you okay?!"

"Uheheeeeng!"

Fortunately, right on time, Reyna stepped in to help.

With Reyna carrying the child away, she could breathe a sigh of relief, but...

Jjeojeojeojeok!

The barrier could not. It reached its breaking point due to the excessive firepower.

Asella squeezed out all her strength to hastily repair it, but it was like pouring water into a bottomless pit.

A technique that was the pinnacle of inefficiency to begin with, power maintained at barely half, and finally, an overwhelming barrage of firepower.

Ultimately.

Jjaeng-geurang!

The barrier shattered like glass and scattered into pieces.

-Fire!!!

Confirming the barrier had broken, the Papal Palace ordered to fire.

Now, nothing stood in their way.

Whether firing direct, indirect, or blasting cannons, the damage would be clear.

"..."

Asella left the Holy Sword plunged in the ground and sprinted backward.

To protect Reyna and the child who hadn’t managed to escape yet.

’O Aris.’

A chilling sensation crept up from behind. Whether it was bolts or cannonballs, it was one of the two.

Asella consumed all her mana to become a human shield.

’Please protect them.’

Just as she squeezed her eyes shut and shielded Reyna and the child.

Kuuung!!!

A massive vibration resonated, and she felt as though something was enveloping them.

A cozy yet reassuring feeling. Even though her eyes were firmly closed.

"...?"

Asella slowly opened her closed eyes.

For reasons unknown, the surroundings were dark. Even though it had clearly been a bright afternoon.

"What the..."

"Huh...?"

The same went for Reyna and the child she was protecting.

They had no choice but to be bewildered by the completely incomprehensible situation.

They had thought they were dead when the barrier broke, yet here was an unexpected turn.

Seueueuk—

As they panicked, light slowly returned.

To be precise, whatever was enveloping them had begun to slowly open up.

As light poured into the pitch darkness where nothing could be seen, they could look around.

And then they realized. The entity that had protected them.

A stone statue so colossal that one had to tilt their head all the way up just to see its face.

It held a huge shield in one hand, and the wings on its back were striking.

It had probably shielded them with those wings. Not a single scratch was on them.

[I am Cain, the first paladin of Lady Aris.]

While they stared blankly, the statue spoke in a heavy voice.

[I have answered the call.]

Answering the call.