SSS-Rank Extra: I Got a Chaos System-Chapter 8: A Feast of Reverence and Doubt

Kazuki followed the villagers through the warmly lit streets of Eldenbury, barely keeping himself from grinning. Food. A real bed. No monsters. All because they thought he was some kind of holy figure.

I should feel bad about this.

He did not.

The elderly village leader, Elder Rowan, led him towards a large, inviting building. A wooden sign above the entrance swayed slightly in the night breeze, bearing the words "The Golden Hearth" in elegant script. Warm light spilled from the windows, carrying the mouthwatering scent of roasted meat and fresh bread.

"Come, chosen one!" Elder Rowan gestured grandly. "You must be weary. Allow us to offer you the finest our humble village has to give."

Kazuki sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if burdened by his immense "divine" power. "Elder, you honor me. But I must warn you... a feast of such magnitude may strain even my celestial endurance."

The crowd murmured in awe. Perfect.

As he stepped inside, the tavern's interior revealed itself—a high, vaulted ceiling, rustic wooden beams, and a lively atmosphere. A large fireplace crackled at the far end, casting a golden glow over the room. Patrons hushed as they noticed his arrival, eyes wide with curiosity and reverence.

"A holy traveler," someone whispered.

"He must have been sent by the gods themselves!"

Kazuki bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Too easy.

A round-faced innkeeper bustled forward, his apron dusted with flour. "Welcome, honored guest! We've prepared a feast most worthy of your presence! Please, sit!" He gestured to the grandest seat in the room—a plush, high-backed chair positioned at the best table.

Kazuki hesitated, only for a second. Then he gracefully lowered himself onto the seat, sighing as if merely existing took immense effort. "You are all too kind."

The table before him quickly filled with dish after dish. A whole roasted boar, its skin glistening with honey glaze. Steamed vegetables arranged in an intricate display. A golden-brown pie, its crust flaking with each slice. A fresh loaf of bread with butter melting into its warm surface.

Kazuki stared. Is this a royal banquet?

Elder Rowan beamed. "We only wish to provide for the divine."

A young woman approached, carefully pouring dark red wine into a goblet of polished silver. She bowed. "For your sacred palate."

Kazuki took the goblet, swirling the wine like a seasoned noble before taking a slow sip. It was rich, velvety, definitely expensive. He hummed in satisfaction, letting his expression shift into one of quiet contemplation.

The crowd watched eagerly.

He set the goblet down, exhaling as if the mere act of drinking had required divine control. "Exquisite. Such refinement in a humble village—truly, the gods have blessed this land."

The room erupted into murmurs of excitement. People puffed up with pride, exchanging pleased glances.

Keep it going, Kazuki.

He picked up a piece of roasted boar, taking a slow, deliberate bite. His eyes fluttered shut, and he let out the faintest sound of approval.

Gasps.

Someone gripped their chest, whispering, "The chosen one approves!"

Another clasped their hands together, near tears. "The gods smile upon us!"

Kazuki struggled not to choke on his food. I need to be careful. If I praise them too much, they might start throwing festivals in my name.

A burly man, likely a retired adventurer, leaned forward. "Honored one, may I ask... what is it like to wield such divine power?"

Kazuki wiped his mouth with the provided linen napkin, taking a moment to appear thoughtful. "Power... is a burden," he said at last, voice heavy with feigned sorrow. "One must wield it with wisdom, lest it bring chaos to the unprepared."

Elder Rowan nodded sagely. "A lesson most profound."

The blacksmith from earlier, still skeptical, crossed his arms. "Then surely you have great battles to recount? Tales of valor? Perhaps a demonstration of your power?"

Damn it.

Kazuki sighed dramatically. "Ah... if only it were that simple." He gestured vaguely to the air. "You see, my power—should I unleash it carelessly—could... disturb the balance of the world. It is a force beyond mortal comprehension."

The tavern fell silent. Awe settled over the room.

Elder Rowan nodded gravely. "A wisdom beyond our own. Truly, we are in the presence of a being touched by the heavens."

Kazuki fought to keep a straight face. This is ridiculous.

More wine was poured. More food was served. Kazuki basked in the sheer luxury of the situation.

I should be worried about how long I can keep this up.

Instead, he took another bite of the honey-glazed boar, savoring the sweet and smoky flavor. I'll worry about it tomorrow.

For now, he had a feast to enjoy.

Kazuki leaned back, finally letting himself relax. The warmth of the fire, the satisfied hum of conversation, the rich flavors of the meal—maybe, just maybe, he could survive this whole "Chosen One" nonsense after all.

Then he noticed Elder Rowan smiling expectantly at him.

Kazuki paused mid-bite. Oh no.

The elder gestured toward a young woman standing near the fireplace. She had sharp, intelligent eyes, but as she stepped forward, she lowered her gaze with practiced reverence. Her long, dark hair was neatly braided over her shoulder, and she curtsied with grace.

"This is my daughter, Lillian," Rowan announced proudly. "She has studied many things and possesses a keen mind. She is honored to be in the presence of one so... divine."

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Lillian kept her expression demure, hands folded in front of her. "It is truly a blessing to meet you, Chosen One." Her voice was soft, filled with devotion.

Kazuki gave a satisfied nod, relieved. Good. Another believer.

Lillian approached the table with slow, measured steps, her hands still folded in front of her. "My father speaks highly of you," she said, voice light and reverent. "Your arrival has brought great joy to our humble village."

Kazuki lifted his goblet, swirling the deep red wine inside before taking a slow sip. "It is not I who brings joy," he said smoothly. "It is the gods who have chosen to bless you."

Elder Rowan beamed at that. "Such wisdom. Lillian, you must learn from the Chosen One while he is here. His knowledge is surely beyond mortal comprehension."

Lillian bowed her head. "I would be honored."

Kazuki merely inclined his head, maintaining his air of composed divinity. But something about Lillian's posture struck him as off. Her voice held no tremor of true awe, and the way her hands were clasped—too still, too precise—felt rehearsed.

She stepped forward, lifting a delicate tray with both hands. "Please, allow me to serve you, Chosen One."

Before he could protest, she reached out, gently refilling his goblet. Her movements were graceful, almost ceremonial, as she placed the bottle back down. She then lifted a small dish of golden, honey-glazed fruits and set it before him.

"A delicacy of our village," she murmured. "Said to restore strength to the weary."

Kazuki picked up one of the fruits, biting into its sweet, syrupy flesh. It was delicious—bursting with rich, floral notes and just a hint of citrus. He hummed in approval.

Lillian's lips curved into a small smile. "Does it please you, my lord?"

He nodded. "Your village truly has been blessed with fine gifts."

Elder Rowan clapped his hands together. "Ah, I knew it! The gods must have led you here to partake in our bounty!"

Lillian's smile did not fade, but her gaze lingered on Kazuki just a moment too long. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes before she finally stepped back.

"I shall not disturb your meal further," she said sweetly. "May the gods continue to shine upon you."

Kazuki gave her one last glance before turning his attention back to his feast. The conversation around him resumed, villagers toasting to his presence, praising their good fortune.

But every now and then, he caught Lillian watching him from the corner of his eye.

After the meal had stretched late into the night, Kazuki finally rose, stifling a feigned sigh of exhaustion. "I must retire," he announced, offering a weary smile. "Even one blessed by the heavens must rest."

The villagers murmured understandingly, some even bowing as he moved toward the stairs leading to the guest chambers.

As he passed, Lillian, still seated by the fireplace, looked up. Their eyes met briefly, and for the first time, Kazuki saw it clearly—the glimmer of sharp intelligence behind her composed expression.

She lowered her head respectfully, her voice soft and smooth. "Rest well, Chosen One."

Kazuki nodded, but a thought nagged at the back of his mind as he climbed the stairs.

That girl is watching me too closely.