Chapter 18: Blackmore’s Quest
The Patriarch glared at me sharply, his sword pointed at my neck. His suspicion had reached its peak. I couldn't move; my mouth refused to form any words.
I had to be careful with my response. One wrong move, and my head might roll. It was the first time I'd ever felt this panicked in front of someone.
"I-I'm... I-I..." No matter how hard I tried, the words just wouldn't come out.
And then, without warning, my mind swapped places with Envi. Now Envi was in control of Nao's body.
"Ah, well, you see... I've lost my memories, so I don't really remember why I did that. It was just like CRING! ZUNG! BOOM!!" Envi rattled off a completely nonsensical excuse.
The Patriarch looked confused by the bizarre explanation. His intimidating aura remained strong, but Envi stood there unfazed, calm as ever.
"I've explained everything, so put that sword down already, old man." Envi casually mocked the Patriarch.
"Hmph. I don't understand you. Just a moment ago, you seemed like someone else entirely, and now you're back to your usual self." The Patriarch lowered his sword and dimmed his aura.
"Well, maybe it's just the memory loss talking. But I'm still me!" Envi said, puffing out his chest proudly while digging in his ear.
"Ugh... Fine. For now, I'll let this go."
"But listen carefully. I'm assigning you Blackmore's Quest. It's a task that must be completed by any candidate seeking to earn official recognition as Blackmore's hero. This mission will start three weeks later." The Patriarch's expression grew stern as he spoke.