Korlan, God of Peace

In the dark void, I unexpectedly meet it again. The fox in my dream, or at least I think it’s the fox. I recognize the voice somewhat but I can’t really see anything here—it’s just that devoid of light.

It speaks to me in a gleeful voice, like it’s proud of me.

“We meet again, my champion. You’ve done well—your circumstances proved difficult and yet, you managed to meet me again. I must say, I am impressed.”

“Where am I?” I muttered to myself.

“Lepopaikka—my domain! I am Korlan and I am a God.”

“A God, huh. A bit late for the likes of you to show up.”

I could’ve used God’s help for some time now, and now, something claiming to be God is presenting itself to me? Sounds too good to be true.

“Whatever could you mean? We have certainly met before—in a serene forest where the sunlight makes its beauty stand out.

I thought of what God said. The first thing that came to mind is the dream where I’m in a forest with the beautiful elf lady asleep. Was Korlan the voice talking to me? Still, this dream was way beyond the start. I had it before I got transported here after all.

“Where you the one who told me to seek out a flame or something?”

“Flame? Do you not really remember me? Maybe this will refresh your memories.”

Suddenly, a fox appeared in front of me. It spooked me a bit since it just materialized out of nowhere.

So that fox that I saw from before is a God. I had a feeling that it could be one. I’m in a fantasy world after all. I didn’t have these kinds of dreams before until I got to this world.

“Surely, you remember me now, my champion.”

“Yes, unfortunately… Why am I even here? I… I need to save Rhia.”

That’s right. They took Rhia away. I have to do something or else, she’ll be gone forever... Is she still alive?

“You can’t do anything right now. Captain Lipton just knocked you out, remember?” Korlan said without a hint of compassion.

“Can’t you do something about that? Can’t you just send me back to my body so I can wake up?”

“Well, I could, but with a fragile body like yours, there’s a high likelihood that you would die just from the pain that your body has suffered. You should really wait at least until your body is ready to bring you back. For now, rest up. It’s all you can do.”

“If you’re not going to help me, then at least tell me this. Is the princess- is Rhia still alive?” I asked cautiously, afraid of what I might hear.

The fox doesn’t answer. It’s like it’s pretending to not hear me.

I couldn’t really do anything so I decide to just follow his instructions for now. It’s not like I could just walk out of this place. There’s nowhere to walk on!

“Fine! But how am I able to rest in this place? It feels so gloomy and unsettling.”

Apart from what I just said, not being used to floating is also leaving me in unrest. I feel like I’m falling non-stop.

“I could help with that!”

In an instant, the environment changed into something that I find quite relaxing. It’s a place that I haven’t seen for a while. A place where the best people I know hangs out.

It’s the convenience store’s break room.

I have had many memories here with the boss and Ako. When I got the job, when I saved Ako from those hooligans that one time, and also that time after Ako screamed at my ex. I have too many happy memories here.

Gravity being present here, being able to walk around feels good too.

But it does make me wonder, how is this God able to create this place. It’s a one-to-one recreation of the real thing.

The fox emerges from under the table.

“Well? What do you think? Are you able to rest now or do you need more material for that?”

Material? What does he mean by that exactly? And how did he do all this? A God of this world couldn’t have knowledge of things from another world unless he’s also the God people worship there. Nonetheless, this feels unsettling.

“If it makes you feel better, I could change my appearance to this. You seem to respect this person a lot.”

The fox starts to morph, like slime being molded into something else.

Is he going to morph into Arin? While I do agree that I respect Arin a lot, I can’t really say that I have total faith in him, although, it would be funny to see Arin in a convenience store setting.

Korlan didn’t morph into Arin. Instead, he transforms into a person I deeply respected and whose wisdom I often seek in times of peril.

Mr. Wakaba—the boss.

I didn’t know how to feel when I saw him in front of me. I know that this isn’t really him but the resemblance is uncanny.

From the wrinkly skin on his face, to the gentle smile that he gives—everything is the same.

I almost went for a hug before I stopped myself. This isn’t him!

“How are you able to morph into Mr. Wakaba? How do you know of him and the convenience store I worked in?” I questioned Korlan.

He didn’t answer but instead, he pointed and tapped his head. He could read minds.

Well, that answers that, I thought to myself. No wonder he managed to copy everything all the way to the minute detail.

I decide to sit on the chair that I always sit on. Korlan follows suit.

I think of what to say but nothing comes to mind. Korlan isn’t saying anything as well. In the end, I could barely get any rest at all.

Korlan breaks the silence.

“Tell me what’s on your mind, my champion.”

What’s on my mind? I could barely think right now. And what’s the deal with being his champion anyway. I remember just answering his questions. I never signed up for this.

“First of, who are you?”

I want to know who I’m dealing with here. Even if I take his initial words at face value, him being a God doesn’t tell me much.

“As I’ve said, I am Korlan and I am a God. I oversee the events of the mortal realm.”

He oversees the events? But isn’t that what all Gods do?

“I agree, that’s what me and many other Gods do. If you’re asking what I’m specifically known for, I am a God of Peace.”

God of Peace? Really? He must be terrible at his job. I mean, what will all the wars going on and all that.

“Haha, yes, it seems my influence has gotten weaker and weaker these past few years.”

Crap! I forgot he’s reading my mind. Also, did he sound disappointed there?

“Why has your influence grown weaker?”

“There are other Gods—evil Gods who seek for the mortal realms’ destruction. I have been trying to stop them to no avail. Well, until you came along, at least.”

What does he mean by that by the end there?

“Other Gods? What do they exactly do?” I inquired.

“There are countless Gods in this world—I am only one of many. At the start, the Gods made an oath to not directly interfere with mortal affairs, but they were all lost without us. In the end, it was decided for Gods to choose 1 champion at a time that they can influence however they want. Over time, many Gods joined in, influencing mortals to cause havoc in their name, some use their champions to spread their teachings, and some control their champions for their own satisfaction. It isn’t uncommon for champions to fight and kill one another.”

So, not all of them are good but not all of them are bad either while some are neutral. I think I understand how this works. But who’s to say that an evil God wouldn’t recruit many champions at once. Also, champions kill one another? That makes me worried.

“What will you have me do since you forcefully made me into your champion?”

It’s a fair question to ask. This seems like a dangerous line of work after all. I could end up fighting against other Gods’ champions.

“To maintain the peace, of course!” Korlan proudly stated.

So kind of like a police then? I’m not sure how that would work. I feel like I’ll end up dying if I actually did that.

“Worry not! You’re not going to die that easily.”

“What do you mean?”

Korlan has gotten my attention.

“Gods do not simply instruct or influence their champions. We are also allowed to give them some of our powers—to make them stand out from the commonfolk.”

Oh my God! Is it finally time? Is he going to give me a sword that can cease all battles? Or will I finally be able to use magic like Arin?

I’m thinking of a powerful spell like summoning a huge meteor that can defeat all enemies- no, Korlan is a God of Peace so it’ll probably be a spell that can incapacitate all aggression.

“I bestow a part of me to you, Naoki Kusunoki. As champion of the God of Peace, I give you…”

Yes? Yes? Is it a weapon? A spell? Or will I lead Korlan’s followers to help me vanquish evil?

“Courage!”

Wait what?

“Courage?”

“Yes, my champion. Courage.”

“But why?! You could’ve given me anything else like a weapon that would make me powerful like Captain Lipton’s sword.”

“You have neither need of such weaponry nor magic to accomplish my demands.”

“But still! Courage?!”

I just cannot get over it. I really hope this guy is just joking.

Korlan stands from his chair to stand beside me. He puts his hand on my head.

“As I said, you don’t need anything else to be my champion. You will learn over time how to do things but what you need most is the courage to act, to not doubt yourself and those close to you. I assure you, with this, you will be unstoppable.”

I still didn’t really buy his reasoning. I guess that just proves his point since I’m doubting him? Maybe I should give him a chance and believe in him. He seems to be on my side—not a lot of those right now.

“*sigh* Fine, you win. Give me some of that courage.” I said disinterested.

I close my eyes. I wait for something to happen… but nothing ever did. He’s definitely making fun of me!

I open my eyes and push his hand away from me. Such a disappointment—and he’s using the boss’s face to do this too! That’s just too disrespectful to him.

“You have received my gift. Use it well.” Korlan proudly announced.

“Fine, fine. Can you bring me back now? I have to save the princess.”

I have to redirect my focus into saving the princess. I still don’t know how I would go about that but I’ll find something out.

“Before I let you go, let me depart some information about the princess.”

Oh? Finally, something useful.

“Let’s hear it!”

“Princess Rhiannon is still alive; weak but alive.”

I knew it! I just knew it! She’s a strong girl, she couldn’t have died just like that.

“The Knights of the Sacred Flame are currently experiencing delays in their plans, all thanks to your elf friend.”

Does he mean Felaris? So he is still alive!

“You must work with him and rescue the princess and her subjects, although…”

“Although?” I questioned. Of course there’s a catch.

“Although, you must not kill any of the knights.”

That is a rather demanding catch.

“But why? Wouldn’t that make it impossible to save Rhia and the others?”

“I have faith that you will find a way.”

Well, that sure is a lot of help.

Hmm… I guess knocking them out should suffice. Then I’ll bind them when they’re unconscious.

“What else do you have for me?” I asked, as if I was asking for other items I should buy before running to the store.

“…If you end up meeting another champion on the opposing side… save them, Naoki.”

Those words made me quiet down. I guess I never realized it but during our entire conversation, I wasn’t taking any of it seriously. Maybe because we’re currently in a place that I associate with happiness and laughter?

“… I understand.”

Korlan places his hand on my head once again. I started to feel drowsy—my body, along with the chair I’m sitting on, falls backwards.

As I hit my head on the floor, I bolt awake back in the prison cell—alone.

Time to save Rhia!