"Wow, it's a village!"

After camping overnight for the past few days, my whole body was stiff.

I missed my bed so much that my muscles were about to twist, and I was happy to find a town of sizable scale.

Thesilid and I looked sideways at each other, who had become dirty.

"Ellet, how about taking a break here today?"

"I've been waiting for that word."

I inquired about the best inn in town and found a place to stay. After taking a proper bath after a long time, I was happy to lie down on the bed with a refreshed body.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' complains about having separate rooms.]

Knock, knock.

"Ellet, it's me."

"Yes, come in."

I greeted Thesilid while lying down on my back.

He was startled as soon as he opened the door but soon spoke as if nothing had happened.

"I'm thinking of going to church."

"Why would you go to church? Do you want to make a confession?"

Thesilid picked up the blanket hanging from the chair. He opened his mouth only after he showed his dutiful manners to cover my legs exposed under the gown.

"Since I have a sinful body, that would be a good thing to do. But not for that purpose."

"Oh, I see. You're trying to get news from the Vatican, aren't you?"

"That's right."

I couldn't let the weak protagonist go alone.

"Let's go together. Wait outside for a moment."

I sent Thesilid out and searched my satchel. The clothes I usually wear were washed and laid out, so I'm thinking of wearing other clothes.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' shines her eyes asking to wear pretty clothes.]

['The World-building God' hopes you will wear the order's costume at this time.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' says that one is too much and prefers a beige outing dress.]

Since I was going around town anyway, I thought I could wear the clothes Miss Libra had chosen.

I went out with a shirt on a slightly Apron-like dress.

"Let's go, Terry."

"It feels like I should escort you."

"You, me?"

"…"

While exploring the village, I walked toward the place where I could see a cross. The church, which we arrived at not long after, was larger than expected.

I murmured as I scanned the exterior near the entrance.

"It's a big one, but since it's a remote village, I don't know if there are any church officials who have news about The Vatican."

"I don't think you need to worry about that. Look over there, Ellet."

"Where…huh."

Just then, I saw a group of people entering through the back door of the church. The white uniform adorned with light blue in a bias cut and gold epaulets was like a symbol of the Holy Knights.

Thesilid immediately recognized their affiliation.

"The Knights Templar."

"Ah, Templars."

It was the name of the knights Clovis Argent, Thesilid's stepbrother, was in charge of. Was his primary mission search for relics?

Thesilid pondered for a moment, then said as if he had realized something.

"Ah, it seems that your existence has not been erased from this episode. Then he will have a hard time finding you."

"What?"

"The mission of the Knights Templar is to search for Saints. I think Clovis has been looking for you for about eight years."

"Oh, my…"

In the 17th timeline, my existence is recognized by the denomination as a Saint. Therefore, it seems that the role of the Knights Templar has changed with the appearance of a Saint who was not in the original.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' tells that since you've been stuck in the tower for 8 years, Clovis has never been able to make any progress and was often chastised in the church.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' urges you to feel guilty saying that a young man's career was ruined because of you.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' is totally on your side, saying that hiding is not a bad thing because you are considered a heretic over there.]

['The World-building God' It's ridiculous that you should pretend to be a Saint that belongs to other churches in the first place.]

The Critic and World God were right. Besides, I probably wouldn't have been able to go outside the Count's Castle because of the tutorial anyway.

Thesilid also commented.

"You don't have to feel sorry about it. You were twelve when Clovis took on the mission to search for the Saint. At that time, if it were revealed that you were a saint, you would be put under the protection of the Order.

"What happens then?"

"You would be forcibly separated from your family, and you must have been forced to serve and sacrifice from a young age. Because the duties placed on the name of a Saint are heavy."

"Well…Thanks, Terry."

"All of a sudden?"

"The Commander of the Temple Knights, it's your older brother."

There are no real blood relations and they are not really friends, but…

"Thank you for keeping the secret."

"I just did what I thought was right."

He doesn't know how to take credit, that's why he's always living at a loss.

"Then, what shall we do now? Do you want to contact Knight Commander Clovis?"

"Not really because we're not close."

"Do you even have a close friend?"

"…I have."

"Oh, who?"

"You would know. Hestio and Ephael."

Another amazing fact.

Aren't they friends with who we broke into the boss room together in the toy mansion 10 years ago?

At that time, the sandwich that I fed them, with my parents' heart wishing them to get along with Thesilid, seemed to be still working.

Of course, the reason for the surprise lies elsewhere.

"Are they assigned to the Knights Templar?"

"Yes. Look over there."

Just in time, two tall young men with black hair and blond hair were seen walking at the end of the group.

A priest with a scruffy face with long black hair in loose braids.

A knight with a playful impression, who grew blonde hair just enough to cover the nape of his neck.

The images of young boys in my memories were superimposed on their faces.

"Wow, they've grown up. Those two."

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is satisfied with the great visuals.]

I'm glad I saved them. The world would have suffered a great loss if it had gone as the original story unfolded.

While I couldn't take my eyes off Hestio and Ephael, Thesilid said thoughtfully.

"So, it would be nice if I could contact them separately. How to call…"

"Oh? Terry, look over there. Only the two of them are going to another place alone."

"What?"

Thesilid had a blank face when Hestio and Ephael left the Knights Templar and went down to the semi-basement.

I think they must be going to the private prayer room. The soundproofing there is very good.

Agnes explained the crispy structure of the church. If she knows about it, Thesilid will know, too.

"It's strange that things are going so well in my life."

"Come on, Terry."

I grabbed his arm and pulled him away so that his thoughts wouldn't deepen.

"But why are Hestio and Ephael going to the prayer room? They are not very religious."

"It's a private space with good sound insulation. Maybe they're going to take a nap."

"That's possible."

They took advantage of the brief absence of the priest who guarded the prayer room and went inside. There were prayer room doors, both right and left, all the way of the hallway in the semi-basement.

It wasn't particularly difficult to find where Hestio and Ephael were in the dozens of rooms. because.

"Ah! Thesilid, you pathetic bastard! What if you go in vain like that? Ugh!"

"Sniff, calm down, Hestio. They will hear everything."

"Hey! Yesterday was a friend's funeral. Do you think I'm going to calm down?! An idiot who went away without leaving so much as a finger behind…uh huk."

Hestio's weeping voice revealed their location.

The noise pollution that causes soundproof walls to shake in places that should be quiet was indeed out of scale.

I immediately went to the prayer room there and opened the door.

Bump!

"Excuse me."

A narrow room with nothing but a cross and a cushion

I pushed the Thesilid into it, went in, and closed the door.

"Oh, my god! What suddenly…! WHAT?!"

"…Wow, Hestio. I must be seeing shit right now. The ghost of a dead Thesilid is right in front of me."

"You too?"

It's kind of funny how they blink their wide-open eyes. However, since it was a reunion after a long time, I tried to hold back my laughter and make a good impression.

"It's been a while, Hestio, Ephael."

"Uh, you, I think I saw you somewhere…"

"That's right. That pink hair…."

"I guess you haven't completely forgotten. I'm Ellet who was dragged into the toy house with you guys. Would you remember if I told you that I was the one who was going to go to Count Orsche with flowers on my head?"

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

It's a satisfactory response. I was so proud of them that I thought I would give them snacks one by one.

"Then are you dead too?"

"What?"

Hestio, a young black-haired priest, suddenly spoke nonsense.

"Looking at you coming with Thesilid, you look dead. What do you think, Ephael?"

"Yes, Hestio. She must have gone first and guided him back so that we could say our last goodbye to Thesilid's soul…"

"Hey. I know you've come to your senses. Stop it"

"Yes."

"Okay."

Ephael and Hestio meekly nodded their heads and shut their mouths. Thesilid had a very bewildered look on his face.

"Isn't 10 years supposed to be a long time? You guys look so natural." (Terry)

It was the first thing he said after going inside the room.

"Did you hear, Hestio?"

"Yes."

"He speaks. It's not a real ghost."

"Hey, Thesilid. It's nice to meet you, but can I hold you by the neck?"

Of course, Thesilid's will didn't matter. Hestio's hand immediately grabbed his collar.

"Thesilid you bastard! If you are alive, you must report to the Vatican that you are alive! What are you doing here?! I didn't know you were fine, and even left flowers at your funeral yesterday!"

"My funeral is a piece of interesting news. Can you tell me more?"

Hestio flinched at his calm reply, then looked back at Ephael and asked for an opinion.

"Don't you think this punk's personality has gotten a little weird?"

"I know. Has something changed?"

It's because he's a regressor.

I decided to gloss over….

"It's because he came back from the brink of death."

Hestio, convinced by my words, released Thesilid and began to interrogate more calmly.

"What happened?"

Thesilid replied.

"I almost died because of a dungeon burst, but Ellet here saved me. It hasn't been long since I came to my senses, so I'm about to return to the Vatican."

What was contained in the calm voice was a very refined summary. The horror of being tortured by Reed and the misery of being abandoned by the Knights of Pillar of Light were also filtered out.

"Sigh…"

"Whoa…."

At that moment, Hestio and Ephael let out a sigh. It felt like they were choosing something to say.

I intervened.

"What did the Vatican announce about Terry's death?"

"That is…."

"Tell me."

Thesilid needs to know.

Hestio, who was exasperated, did not dare to speak and huffed. As if he couldn't help it, Ephael swept his blonde hair and said to Thesilid.

"They said that you believed in the Holy Sword, went into the dungeon alone, and caused a burst. Of course, we didn't believe it."

"…"

A really great sweet potato. I immediately looked at Thesilid.

He stayed still with his eyes closed, then spoke a word after a while.

"Who?"

"…All the Knights of the Pillar of Light."

The name of the Knights to which Thesilid belongs.

The dead don't speak.

The Knights, who had saved their lives by abandoning him, tried to cover up their disgrace throwing it away together with the scapegoat.

['The Spoiler Inspector' is concerned about the protagonist who is weak in internal politics.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' has suspicions that he might be thinking of moving on to the next episode quickly.]

['The World-building God' warns them to be quiet.]

There was silence in the small prayer room.

The events in his 17th life caused Thesilid to fall into deep thought. Meanwhile, Ephael and Hestio exchanged glances at each other while looking at Thesilid like that.

They seemed eager to hear what exactly happened in the Dungeon Burst.

It was the same with Agnes.

When we rescued Thesilid from the dungeon, there were no sights of the knights from the Order of the Pillar of Light. What happened?

I was conflicted.

It's Thesilid's business, so it's right for him to say it himself. However, isn't it violence to make him say such horrible things out of his own mouth?

And one more thing. To be honest, I wondered if he even properly remembered what happened in the dungeon. He is in relatively good shape right now, but there must be a lot of trauma left.

I think I'd better step up here.

"The claim of the Knights of The Pillar of Light is not true. Those guys used Thesilid to escape from the Dungeon Burst…"

"They threw me away."

A heavy voice cut me off. In the direction to where I turned my head, there was a face with no expression to the point of being inorganic.

"To be more exact. Should I say I was sold?"

"…"

…He seems to have remembered everything.

Gloom was added to the silence. I'm sure the air in here, right now, is heavier than Thesilid's funeral.

Hestio and Ephael did not ask any further questions. Instead.

"Are you okay?"

The cautious question did not hide the concern for a close friend.

It was truly one of the few healing moments in the life of the protagonist. What would have happened if I hadn't saved those two?

"It's all right."

"Really?"

"I already knew they were like that. There's nothing to be disappointed about just checking their worst once again."

It sounded like a self-convincing statement.

When the three people, including me, did not answer, Thesilid tried to evoke the atmosphere.

"Well, of course they didn't come to my funeral, did they?"

Hestio pretended to be absurd and matched the beat.

"Would they have the balls to? Those bastards, it's been a long time since they got a mission and left."

"I see. That's a shame."

Now, at this point, it's better to try and predict the flow of the 17th Episode, where the fate of the main character has changed

Thesilid opened his mouth.

"When I go back, the Vatican will be in a riot."

Ephael nodded vigorously.

"Let's turn everything upside down, get back at the bastards of the Pillar of Light, and restore your honor. It will be fun."

Hestio suggested a plausible direction.

"Why don't you join us to come back together? Even if the Commander is a bystander, he will at least protect you because you are a godson of the Argent family."

"Good idea, but there is a problem."

"What problem?"

"I lost my strength."

"What?!"

"I have become a civilian because I have neither divine power nor aura. I can't even take out the holy sword."

"…Really? How come?"

"Shock from a near-death experience."

Since 'The Commandments' did not judge 'Honesty', an outspoken lie came out.

Thesilid spoke about his plans.

"Right now, I feel like the Vatican is in the middle of enemy territory. I can't show up without power."

"Then isn't that more reason to go with us? You are weakened."

"It's okay. Ellet has business to do in the Vatican, so I decided to accompany her."

"…Are you okay with her?"

Two pairs of very unpleasant gazes were fixed on me.

It seems that they did not understand the part of the explanation that I was the one who saved Thesilid, who almost died because of the Dungeon Burst.

Figured as much. They will only remember me as an alchemist kid, so they would only think of me healing an injured Thesilid with a potion.

When I was about to open my mouth to correct the misunderstanding. Suddenly, Thesilid touched my arm as if holding it.

Agnes interpreted the meaning.

Keep still.

Shi-. Why?

['The World-building God' says that it seems to be his taste.]

But it soon turned out that it wasn't a matter of taste.

"Don't worry, I will recover soon. Rather, where are the Knights Templars going?"

Ephael replied.

"Greenwall Village. We were on our way to what is known as your grave. Rumors are circulating that it was a Saint who closed the Dungeon Burst."

Oops.

I'm glad I didn't reveal that I was the one who went directly inside the dungeon, found the Thesilid, and killed the Boss.

I thanked Thesilid with my eyes. He smiled kindly and finished the talk.

"As expected, we'd better go separately. It's a place where I was on the brink of death, so I don't really want to go back."

"Okay…."

"Please keep it a secret for a while that you have seen me."

"Okay. Take care of yourself."

After saying goodbye to the two of them, I and Thesilid quietly left the basement prayer room.

The next day, I resumed traveling with a refreshed body thanks to sleeping well in a good bed.

The destination Thesilid pointed out to regain his strength was a village hidden deep in the valley.

I didn't want to stay overnight, so we went the shortest distance and the problematic hiking course continued for a long time.

I, who believed in the system map, took the lead and Thesilid looked at me as if he was watching a walking good-luck charm.

"You know the way very well."

"Maybe it's because God is guiding me."

"The places to where I get guided are always either a dead end or a trap. Are we serving the same God?"

Absolutely not.

Of course, even as a joke, I did not confess heresy in front of a Heresy Judge.

"Well, I can't compete with a Saint who can use Descent."

He convinced himself.

"Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've seen you use it."

"You know, if I use it, I will fall ill with a fever. I will be defenseless for two whole days."

"You can't use it if you don't have someone you can trust with you."

"That's right."

"Am I trustworthy?"

Hold on, why are you throwing a left hook like this?

…But, If you think that I will be surprised, bewildered, or embarrassed, you are mistaken.

"Yes."

"…"

"You can't believe me? Shall I use it now?"

On the contrary, Thesilid's eyes trembled as if he was the one in embarrassment. Then, as if scolding me, he added.

"You think too highly of me."

"Because I'm looking closely."

"Sometimes you talk as if you know me well."

I looked at his expression in case he was offended, but Thesilid was only smiling lightly.

"By the way, can I ask you one question?"

"What is it?"

"Do you know who was trying to kill me in the Dungeon Burst?"

This question was definitely a bit disconcerting.

'Newborn Chaos and Evil'

The final Last Boss, Reed.

His presence in my mind made my mood subside on its own. My answering voice may have reflected my condition.

"Yes."

"…I see."

Thesilid, who I thought was going to ask for something more, bit his mouth. His mind didn't seem ready enough to hear the detailed story.

"We have arrived, Ellet."

"Yes."

We stopped in front of a monument that read 'Creco Village'.

Whishhhh.

Caw. Caw.

It was the chilly wind and the crows that greeted Thesilid and me.

It was a bleak village. Ruins of houses that could be called shabby shacks were seen, and the streets were strewed with people. It was no exaggeration to say that it looked like a slum or plague village. In fact, the condition of the people was not good either.

"Ha, ha…. I'm going to kill them all. I won't let them go…"

"Hic, Hun, hic, hic, sniff, sniff, unh, hick…"

"Sa-save me…I don't want to die…"

"It's because of that wench…if she wasn't there…."

"It's all over…."

Everyone was talking nonsense, captured by various evil emotions. It looked like a painting of a crazy town.

What the hell happened?

Agnes seemed shocked by the miserable appearance of the village. I opened my mouth.

"Have you ever heard of a phenomenon called Dungeon Leak?"

Thesilid's gaze touched me and then fell. He seemed used to me muttering to myself while talking to Agnes.

Dungeon Leak?

"It's a phenomenon in which toxic substances from Dungeons leak out. It's mostly poison and demonic energy."

Then are the people here mad because of the influence of demonic energy?

"That's right. You must be at least an Aura Beginner or have divine power at the level of a Normal Priest to survive. There is a low probability that such strong opponents like that exist in a place like this."

Wait, then, isn't this dangerous for Thesilid?

"Ah."

That was a good point. I immediately turned to Thesilid, and he immediately understood the meaning of my gaze.

"It's okay. If I were affected by something like this, I would have gone crazy long ago."

"…"

It's a sour and salty answer.

Back to the explanation.

"If we close the dungeon to stop the leak of demonic energy, people will be fine soon."

What is the grade of the dungeon?

"Class A."

It's easy. Isn't that only a fistful for you?

"Well, about that…there are no bosses in this dungeon."

What? How do you close it when there is no Boss?

Thesilid responded as if he had heard Agnes's bewildered voice.

"No worries. I can handle the Dungeon here by myself as I only need to complete a simple mission."

Really? That's a relief.

"Agnes, don't believe Thesilid. It's not that simple."

…

Before I could give you a proper explanation, I need to go over a few things.

"Remember the words people mumbled at the entrance of the village?"

– Ha, ha…. I'm going to kill them all. I won't let them go…

The man who glared at everyone who met his eyes, was angry.

– Hic, Hun, hic, hic, sniff, snff, unh, hick…

The woman who was constantly crying while hugging a piece of firewood wrapped in a blanket, was sad.

– Sa-save me…I don't want to die…

The boy who ripped his hair out in the corner, was terrified.

– It's because of that wench…if she wasn't there….

The young woman who scratched the wooden door with her fingernails, was jealous.

-It's all over….

The grandfather, who looked up at the sky with wide eyes, despaired.

"…There exists a famous box that was sealed with Plague, Death, and Hope."

The deeper we went into the secluded alleyway, the darker the purple smoke became. Eventually, we arrived at a dead-end alley surrounded by black gates.

"The depths of the Dungeon was full of plagues that are nothing less than poison. Holding out there and finding the box. That's the way to close the dungeon."

We went inside the gate. As the environment changed, a great plateau of wasteland unfolded.

[System You have entered the A-level dungeon 'The Bottom of Pandora'.]

But there were people who came in before us. They were wearing the same white uniforms we saw yesterday.

"Ah."

Thesilid recognized them at first sight and let out a small sigh.

And the opponents also 'warmly' welcomed the nostalgic Thesilid.

As follows.

"You, you, you are…!"

"Wahhhh…!"

"H-he's alive…."

"How…?!"

The Knights of the Pillar of Light could not be more obvious.

['The World-building God' is interested.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' eye shines in anticipation.]

Thesilid turned to me.

"I have a favor to ask of you, Ellet."

"What do want me to do?"

He smiled softly and drew his lips close to my ear.

"──."

All I heard was a simple favor.

"…What?"

I looked at him with eyes that didn't hide how dumbfounded I was and before he could listen to my answer he moved toward The Knights of the Pillar of Light.

Thesilid greeted them with his habitual smile that was somewhat different from before.

"Hello, Captain Gadville, Vice-Captain Lecto."

For some reason, I felt like the prelude to a sweet potato symphony had started.

Captain Gadville, lacks the qualities of a leader but is a narcissist.

Vice-captain of Lecto, has a lot of inferiority to Thesilid as the same tanker.

The two leading figures of the Order of the Pillar of Light never forgot what had happened fifteen days ago.

Inside a class-A dungeon discovered near Greenwell Village, called 'Atelier of the Sculptor', they met a man equivalent to the apex of evil.

The power of the dungeon increased with a single of his gesture, he had the ability to Burst a dungeon. He used dark-type transcendental magic that activated without casting or chanting, a presence that made people feel like they had to kneel and bow their heads.

The black-haired man seemed to be the embodiment of a Demon God.

The Knights, who had been overwhelmed, did not dare raise their heads to look at his face.

Shivering in that state, they heard the dungeon owner, the "Demon Sculptor," bow to the man.

-I can't believe the first place 'Chaos and Evil' would award with his presence would be my territory! To honor the glory, I will create and dedicate a work with the fresh ingredients that came in today!

The Knights, referred to as fresh ingredients, trembled. Whether they lived or not was already out of the question. It was a matter of how they would die, and looking at the 'workpieces' decorating this dungeon, they could intuit that their death would be terrifying.

The spirit of the Knights was completely defeated.

They squatted down, making unspeakable sounds like beasts, slapping their faces, hurting themselves, or leaking filth between their legs.

– How you dare to do this in the presence of 'Chaos and Evil'!

Just when the demon sculptor revealed his true nature in anger.

– It would be better to choose the materials before using them.

The voice of the man called 'Chaos and Evil', seemed to shake their souls. It was an unbelievably beautiful voice for an evil being.

-Do you want to live?

The Knights realized that the man was speaking to them.

They reflexively raised their heads, but the man's face was not visible because he wore a dark-colored mask. There was, however, a feeling of decadency and beauty to the point of being awful.

He offered a deal.

-If you hand that over to me, I will spare you.

In the direction his graceful fingertips pointed to, was the Thesilid argent.

In an instant, a vibrant comfort rose in the eyes of the Knights. It was an honest and crude glimmer of hope.

Taking advantage of their hesitation, 'Chaos and Evil', Reed, spoke encouraging words. In a very playful tone.

-Is it too much to give it away? Then it wouldn't be bad to sell it.

Clink. Gold coins matching the number of people rolled on the floor.

-Oh my, 'Chaos and Evil'. Good ingredients should be paid their price! That's a great idea!

The moment they heard the demon sculptor's flattery, the knights' eyes flashed with sharpness.

A contract is absolute to a Demon, and a 'deal' is the most basic and simple type of contract, tantamount to a symbolic meaning. In other words, if they picked up the gold coins and handed over the Thesilid, the life of the Knights was guaranteed.

So, what did they choose to do?

– I-I'm sorry.

– Pl-please, Thesilid.

-Only you! All you have to do is sacrifice!

-It's better than everyone dying!

Hope turned into madness.

They turned away from Thesilid's fragile sea-blue eyes and obeyed the demands of evil. With their own hands, they dragged their comrade and offered him to the demon.

The hands of 'Chaos and Evil' raked into the silver hair of Thesilid, who was kneeling on the floor.

-Lent me a studio. I want to draw a picture.

Susususu.

'Chaos and Evil' walked into the room while grabbing his hair. Thesilid's body, which had forgotten to resist due to the shock, was dragged along.

Through the gap in the door of the studio that had not been closed, they could see the man drawing his picture. As a result, red splashed in the atelier, and the sound of the 'canvas' tearing apart reverberated in the air.

The Knights turned a blind eye to it.

– 'Chaos and Evil' seems to be excited, so don't disturb him and get lost.

Shortly after, a Burst Gate opened in the dungeon. The knights were also dumped outside of the dungeon mixed with the pouring beasts.

The ferocious monsters were engulfed in a destructive instinct, but somehow they did not attack the Knights right next to them. It was only later that they found out that it was because of the existence of the gold coin they dearly held in exchange for selling a companion.

Greenwall Village would be devastated, swept away by a black avalanche.

They had no intention of worrying about other people's lives at a time when they barely survived themselves.

– E-Everyone, return!

The Knights broke their teleport stones and fled to the Vatican.

Captain Gadville and Vice-Captain Lecto were under investigation. They couldn't directly reveal the fact that they had abandoned a companion and returned with their lives alone.

The fact that they had signed a contract with the Demon would be judged as heresy and heresy judgment was worse than death.

They had finally survived, how could they walk into hell with their own mouths?

So they thought.

'Those who survive must live.'

Matching their opinions with all the other knights, they put everything on Thesilid.

They testified that he believed in the power of the Holy Sword and caused a Burst after entering the dungeon by himself.

There was not even a feeble clamor in their conscience. Since Thesilid sacrificed to save the lives of the knights, wouldn't it be better to build up one more good deed until the end?

Rationalizing in that way, what they were doing seemed to be a legitimate action that followed Thesilid's legacy.

And that's how it went.

The denomination did not believe it at first, but the dead did not speak, and the closed dungeon left no evidence.

The investigation was over, and Thesilid's funeral was held. The Knights did not have to attend the funeral because they were given a new mission that had to be dealt with urgently.

Everything went smoothly.

It can be said that 'Strict Order and Goodwill' provided forgiveness for the suffering knights.

It felt like they could make a fresh start and live on.

They were determined to live a good life, even the portion of Thesilid, who was sublimely sacrificed.

But there was one problem.

'Coins…the Gold coins were never thrown away!'

No matter how much they tried to throw away the tokens of the transaction they received from selling Thesilid, the coins always returned to them.

It felt like having a nightmare they couldn't shake off every day.

Around the time when their nerves became extremely sensitive because the place they were dispatched for a mission was a crazy village.

Something that shouldn't have happened, happened right before their eyes.

"Hello, Captain Gadville, Vice-Captain Lecto."

"…!"

He was alive

Thesilid Argent.

'How?'

'Why?'

Captain Gadville and Vice-Captain Lecto felt their heads empty.

Regardless of their state of panic, Thesilid's calm voice kept ringing in their ears.

"Nice to see you again."

"N-Nice?"

Captain Gadville asked back with a pale face.

"When I opened my eyes, I was alone, deep in the mountains. I couldn't remember what happened after entering the dungeon, so I blamed myself a lot, wondering if I was the only one who survived. I am glad that everyone is safe."

"Memory…you don't remember?"

The same dull light of hope they had in the dungeon dwelled in his eyes.

"Yes. However, it's slowly coming back. Do not worry too much."

He immediately fell into despair.

Cold sweat ran down the bodies of all the knights.

General Gadville thought.

'It's a big deal. The day he regains his memory and returns to the Vatican… Everything we did will be revealed!'

Vice-Captain Lecto also thought about it.

'If it goes like this, we can't escape heresy judgment! We'll be tortured to death in jail! I'm going to die!'

So, the thoughts of the two ended up as one.

'I must not let Thesilid Argent alive!'

Once is difficult, twice is easy, and just in time, this dungeon was perfect for killing stigmata.

Because it was a dungeon of plague where a person could not even breathe without the ability to heal.

Look at how ugly their bloodthirsty is. It's scary.

"I know, right."

They got their eyes open to kill, these dogs.

I was watching from a little distance as the Knights surrounded Thesilid.

The atmosphere was sharp enough to immediately draw a sword at someone's signal. However, the knights were still trying to smile, contorting their faces as they firmly believed that they were hiding their true intentions well.

What are you going to do?

"For now, I'd like to try doing what Thesilid asked me to do."

Huh….

I understand her laugh because that's how I feel in my heart.

Agnes changed the question.

Then what about those knights?

"The knights."

I grinned.

"I can do whatever I want."

At that moment, Thesilid, who had disappeared from my sight for a moment, approached me.

He had changed into the white paladin's uniform. It seems that he received an extra from the knights.

"Ellet."

A handsome man in a crispy uniform called out my name. I searched through the satchel without answering.

"Take it."

What I brought out were three bottles of healing potions. Only the best ones in terms of effectiveness.

"I have enough with me."

"I don't think it's necessary."

I have no choice but to show off a Transmigrator's knowledge.

"What do you mean not necessary? Even if you are lucky enough to have recovered your strength to the level of a beginner, you can only survive in the depths of this dungeon for less than 20 minutes. Drink it when you need to."

"Then I will be grateful."

Small potion flasks were captured in his arms.

"Seeing that you are taking care of things like these, are you going to follow my plan?"

Before I knew it, a ridiculous request was planned. I didn't like it though.

"Yes."

Yet, I didn't complain.

Yes, do whatever you want, our Push Over Free Pass. Wasn't that what I transmigrated to see? Sigh.

"Thank you."

"If you are grateful, will you also listen to one request of mine?"

"Anything, if I can do it."

"Even if this episode is particularly difficult, let's not give up."

Thesilid looked as if he had heard something he had never thought about.

"There's no need to worry. I really enjoy this episode."

"Are you happy?"

"Thanks to you."

Whoa, that's another fantastic thing to say.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is fluttering, saying that a strange mood has just flowed between you two.]

It was good to be able to motivate a returnee suffering from burnout syndrome.

Before we could have a more heartwarming conversation, hierarchical culture hindered the talk.

"Sir Thesilid, return to your seat. Start marching."

A man in his late twenties, with brown hair tied back like a horsetail, ordered so in a cold voice. Did he say his name was Vice-Captain Lecto?

Thesilid returned to the group after being silent. He seems to be standing side by side with a guy named Captain Gadville in the front.

Now, the problem was how to manage the weak alchemist, who was left alone after Thesilid, who was in her party, returned to the Knights Order.

Vice-Captain Lecto said to me.

"I'm Lecto Poid, the Vice-captain of the Order of The Pillars of Light. I heard from Thesilid that you are an alchemist, but what is your name?"

"My name is Ellet Rodellaine. Nice to meet you, Sir Lecto."

"I will accompany Miss Ellet and take care of you. Because of the rules of the knights, we ask for your understanding that we separated you from Thesilid."

As expected.

I made up a face that seemed to be greatly relieved.

"Thank you very much, Vice-Captain. When Thesilid returned to the knights, I thought I would be left alone, but I am relieved that the Vice-Captain is with me."

"Haha, you were worried for no reason. No knight would leave a lady in a dangerous dungeon."

Pretending to be a knight. Let's give this trash twice back.

"Oh, I see!"

The Knights began to move. Me and Vice-Captain Lecto followed from behind.

Not even a single grass grew on the land filled with disease and poison that leaked from underground.

Still, there was no energy of plague in the breathing air so far.

While I was walking through the wasteland of the plateau where only stones were kicked at my feet, Vice-Captain Lecto questioned me.

"Excuse me Miss Ellet, but what is your relationship with Thesilid?"

"A benefactor. I took care of him when he was down."

"The injury must have been considerable, could it be cured with only potions?"

A stupid gap. What if I ask back how he knows that Thesilid was seriously injured?

"He was not that badly injured thought?"

"What?"

"There were no injuries. He just seemed to have no energy, so I helped him eat well and rest well. It's very unusual to want to repay such simple favor. Are all paladins like that?"

"What do you mean with he didn't get hurt that much? …. Don't tell me, the Saint…?"

Vice-Leader Lecto accepted my lies by linking the information that the Vatican had to what I told him about. But he never doubted my identity. Because no one on the knights could recognize my status.

He came to his senses and moved on to the next question.

"But how did you come to be with Thesilid?"

"I have business in the capital of the country. I asked him to accompany me on my way back."

"Then why did you enter this dungeon…"

"I stopped by because I was curious. I thought it would be okay with Terry."

"Terry…?"

He repeated what I said in the shadiest voice he could ever do.

At that time, a system message appeared.

[System warning. You have entered the 'Plague Zone'. Currently, the concentration of 'Pandora's Plague' dissolved in the atmosphere is level 1.]

The zones were clearly split. It was a huge canyon leading to the depths of this dungeon.

From the deep canyon that seemed to connect with the abyss, a dark green plague energy rose like a stream. So far, the concentration was extremely low, so there has been no physical reaction even when breathing.

In fact, the first stage was at a level that a healthy person could overcome with immunity alone.

The knights turned sideways. After traveling in parallel along the long valley, they found traces of civilization in this pristine, raw land.

A large black triumphal arch.

An evil arch structure was erected close to the valley. Directly beyond the entrance was a dangerous cliff.

At first glance, it is a choice of a location that seems to be a door through which sacrifices are pushed down. However, if you look closely, you can see that there are stairs to the left beyond the door.

Crude and narrow stone stairs as if carved out of the cliff surface. It was the only way down to the bottom of the canyon.

I saw Captain Gadville, with a clogged and stubborn impression, leading the Knights toward the Black Arc de Triumph.

Vice-Captain Lecto stayed with me instead of joining them.

"From now on, we will close the dungeon. But don't be afraid. It's a dungeon with no boss, so there won't be any battles. All we have to do is go down to the bottom of the canyon and find the core of the dungeon."

"The canyon looks very deep."

"Yes. It's so dark that you can't even see the floor."

"Green smoke is coming up. I don't think you should keep inhaling this."

"You're right. It's very harmful to the body."

"Will the knights be alright?"

"Haha, are you worried about us, Miss Ellet?"

I turned my head away with a smiling face pretending to be a good person.

The Knights, including Captain Gadville, were retreating far from the Black Arc de Triumph.

However, Thesilid stood right in front of the cliff beyond the Arc, as if he had received another order.

A muffled voice rang in my ears.

"Don't worry, Miss Ellet. There are certain people who will go down to the depths of the canyon."

Vice-Captain Lecto's hand slipped to the left side of my waist. And.

Swish!

"Thesilid Argent!"

The deafening cry caught everyone's attention.

Thesilid, who was standing ten steps away beyond the Arc de Triumph, turned around.

"…"

His eyes were on me. To be precise, the sword of Vice-Captain Lecto pointed at my neck.

"If you want to save this woman's life, go down alone and get the core of the dungeon!"

"…"

"What are you doing, Thesilid! Are you going to let your benefactor die?"

I didn't take any action and stood still.

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' points out that your expression is not like a hostage at all.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' expects you to call the protagonist in a pitiful voice.]

'I wish I could have listened to you guys, but I don't want to do that.'

That's right. Thesilid whispered a request in my ear…

-Be the hostage.

It was ridiculous, but there was a reason.

Thesilid opened his mouth.

"The sacrifice I make for a lady is noble."

Sacrifice. The most efficient action Thesilid can do to break the ban.

It's true. He has already regained some strength.

Thesilid looked around. This cowardly hostage play must have been a plan improvised by the Captain and Vice-captain. However, there was no objection from the other members. On the contrary, everyone's desire for Thesilid to descend into the canyon was easily shown.

Everyone wished for Thesilid Argent's death. How does he feel when he sees this?

"All right. I will go."

It was then that I felt something strange.

Thesilid stepped back without turning to the side of the stairs.

One step.

"Ellet."

Two steps.

"I will be back."

Three steps.

"You do not have to worry."

And.

"…!"

Shhwish!

Thesilid's body fell off the cliff.

"Thesilid!"

He disappeared from sight. I didn't think of anything at that moment.

"Stay still…Cuck!"

I forgot my duty as a hostage and ran towards the Arc de Triumph.

I looked down at the bottom of the cliff, but all I saw was abyss-like darkness and dark green smoke.

The gorge of unfathomable depth had long since swallowed Thesilid.

"…"

My mind went cold.

What should we do?! No matter how much aura he raises, with this height…!

"Ah, right."

Huh?

I thought of something.

"The Five Colored Feathers of the Happy Queen."

…..Ah.

A disposable item that prevents falling acquired in the last dungeon! It was clear that he jumped believing it.

['The World-building God' is angry asking if it was necessary to make such an excessive production.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' was terrified and says that he really thought he was going to the 18th episode for real.]

Sigh, I was really surprised!

"I know. Let's just…just wait for him to come back."

What are you going to do?

"I'll feed him the sparrow poop-flavored pill."

It's a good punishment.

While planning a desperate revenge play, a bewildered voice came from behind.

"You, you, what are you!"

"You said you were an alchemist!"

"How did you get away from the vice-captain… ?!"

The main tank, Vice-Captain Lecto, was quite an ace in this order.

The face of the Knights, who had built a siege around me, was full of vigilance.

What are you going to do, Ellet?

"I'll have to deal with these guys first."

The Captain and the Vice-Captain were provoked by the cold voice they heard.

"What are you talking about? Who's going to do what?"

"Get rid of the woman! We must not keep the witness alive!"

Now, it seems that they are trying to attack in droves without even playing pretend to be knights.

"You have to go to the Vatican to testify, so I'll give you a chance to live. Be grateful."

I took out Serpens and covered it in white light.

"A-Aura user…!"

"You said you were an alchemist!"

"Right, even if she is, beginner level is…"

Charararara!

Because of the unfortunate misunderstanding, I immediately deployed my whip sword. My beloved sword flew like a devouring snake, causing a blood storm in the area.

"Aww! My legs, my arms…!"

"Wh-what! This absurd swordsmanship…!"

"No-Not a beginner at all! A-Aura Expert! E-even higher than that…!"

"Hey! W-We are not opponents! Te-Thesilid! We need to call Thesilid…!"

They were in so much panic that they finally called out for Thesilid, which they had stabbed in the back more than once.

Annoyed, I swung my whip sword more fiercely like a whip.

"Aaaah!"

"Kuh huh!"

There were less than twenty people and it took less than five minutes for them to be out of combat.

The Knights couldn't move an inch because of the major cuts and broken legs.

"Ouch, gasp! Wh-what the hell are you…!"

General Gadville, who was violently crawling on the floor, shouted, wiping out his tears and runny nose.

Clink.

Serpens's blade went into the scabbard.

"Thesilid's a temporary guardian. Why?"

"What…Ghu, ahhhh!"

I can't kill them, so I slashed them with a scabbard. Of course, the body of an aura user is hard, so aura was loaded in an appropriate amount.

Puck! puck! puck! puck! puck!

"Reflect on yourself while being hit."

"Ouch! Aww! Sp-Spare me, please! It hurts! Whoa! I-I was wrong…!"

Puck! puck!

"What did you do wrong?"

"Ouch! The-Thesilid..…arghhh!"

Puck! puck! puck! puck! puck!

"Yeah, what about Thesilid? Why aren't you talking?"

"Pl-please have mercy…ugh, sniff!"

"Mercy?"

I laugh on my own. The expression I had went straight out of my face.

"This is mercy."

"…?!"

I focused all my attention on controlling the aura.

Don't get excited. I can't kill them.

As I calmed down, my voice that followed was also extremely cold.

"Hey. Do you know what I saw in the Burst Dungeon?"

"Kuk! Cough!"

"Even if Thesilid divides the pain he suffered there by the number of your heads."

"Cough! Argh!"

"It can't be compared to anything like this."

"Arghhhhhh!"

"So, this is kind of merciful. Don't you think so?"

"Ugh, agh…"

It is obvious that the main character of the 17th episode, who is bound by discipline, will not be able to dream of revenge with his own hands. So, now that I have become a guardian, wouldn't it be okay to meddle with this level of physical interference?

If it's not me, who else will do it?

Puck!

"Cough…"

Sadly, Captain Gadville did not last long. I grabbed the back of his neck and threw him away.

"Hi-Hiiick!"

The location I threw him away was next to Vice-Captain Lecto. Terrified, he stumbled on the floor and tried to step back.

Don't forget that one we decided to double up.

"Do you think twice as much will do?"

I continued talking as if to let him listen.

"He dared to put a knife to my neck."

"Hic!"

My gaze went from top to bottom of the Vice-Captain. In the original, he was the main tank who was jealous of Thesilid.

"Since you are a tank, I guess you can last a little."

"Fo-Fo-forgive me! I won't do it again…arghhhhh!"

As expected, he endured well. Thanks to this, it was good to be able to beat him as much as possible, but there were also drawbacks.

"St-Stop it! Stop it, please!"

I thought his words were getting shorter and he suddenly raised his head. His puffy, swollen face was filled with evil.

"W-we! We just wanted to live! Do you think you would have been different in that situation?!"

"…"

I paused for a moment.

In the midst of all this, is he still rationalizing himself?

My eyes went cold.

I lowered the scabbard slowly. At this, Vice-Captain Lecto grinned as if he thought he had hit the nail on the head.

"Look, you admit it, right? You too…!"

"What do you think is the reason I keep you lot alive?"

"What?"

The excitement of making eye-level contact with the worm was gone. I put the Serpens back on my waist and got up. I looked down at the bewildered bug and said.

"It's about keeping you guys alive to go to court and testify. But you."

"…"

"I don't think you are going to testify how you should, it seems like you're just going to talk nonsense."

In other words.

"You look useless."

"…..!"

As if hearing his death sentence, the worm's eyes widened in astonishment. I lifted my index finger and placed it on Vice-Captain Lecto's forehead, right between his eyes

Peeing-.

"Wh-what are you doing…Huck?!"

"Shh."

Hispenril's Aura technique, which was passed down from my mother, began to take control of the body of the worm.

From hearing to touch, the senses and nerves of the whole body except for sight were sharpened with extreme sensitivity.

"Ugh…uh…arghhhhh…."

"Vi-Vice…Captain?"

"Arghhhhhhhhhh…!"

"V-V-Vice-Captain, sir…!"

His body was already covered with scars, so I didn't need to add anything more.

"Guok…"

The veins ruptured and his eyes were stained red. Instead of screaming, he collapsed, moaning and drooling.

"Wh-What did you do with the Vice-Captain…!"

"He's not dead."

"…"

"It would be more painful than death."

"…!"

Death would rather be liberation. However, it was difficult for an aura user in a tank position to die from shock. So if left like this…

He's going to become a wreck.

['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' cover its eyes in fear.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' clicks his tongue, asking why you are doing what the Heretical Judgment Bureau is supposed to do.]

'I think taking Lecto to the courtroom would be counterproductive.'

I almost forgot, but Vice-Captain Lecto had a history of driving Thesilid to death in the original work. Because of his trashy inferiority.

Vice-Captain Lecto was an evil human by nature, and his inferiority complex, which is the prime motive for murder, remains the same.

A person who has nothing to lose has no hesitation in dragging others down to the abyss.

Vice-Captain Lecto was about to be burned at the stake anyway, so while burning himself he was more than capable of blatantly framing Thesilid in the courtroom.

So, why should I give the villain another chance to do the wrong thing?

['The Creative Business Manager' appreciates the choice that leaves no chances for regret.]

['The World-building God' says that punishment is inherently harsh.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' agrees as a worker of the industry.]

Around the time I was watching Vice-CaptainLecto.

Suddenly, I felt a sign of uneasiness next to me, so I turned my head. It was seen that some of the members were trying to secretly use healing by raising their insignificant divine power.

I muttered quietly.

"Perform silence."

A haze of light flew like a butterfly from my fingertips. The target was the mouths of the Knights.

"Unh! Huh?!"

Their snouts were sealed with an advanced debuff skill. The knights who could not chant their divine spells were astonished.

"I want you to take this opportunity to feel the sad feelings of stigmata that has no healing powers."

"…!"

It had an unexpected additional effect of profuse bleeding.

"Cough…!"

"Cof, cof!"

Some knights started bleeding from the nose and mouth.

What's wrong with them?

"I guess their body is reacting to the first stage of the plague because the immune system is low."

Although they could resist by using the divine power inside their bodies, there was no one who had enough concentration skills to do this in the Order of the Pillar of Light.

Then is Thesilid okay? In the depths, the concentration of plague is much higher.

I was worried about that too.

"…Thesilid, how much strength do you think he regained?"

Aura Beginner Intermediate Level.

"Then 20 minutes is the limit. Even if he drinks the potions I gave him, it's 30 minutes top."

I think it's been about 15 minutes now.

The dungeon should only be closed by Thesilid efforts alone. Only then will he regain his strength.

So I tried not to intervene as much as possible.

I did…

"Ouch, uh…."

"Kuh huh…!"

The knights continued to vomit blood. Occasionally, I walked to give them a little bit of healing, but their condition was only getting worse.

I think there's about five stages of toxicity? So what's the state of the Thesilid who is wandering in the depths of the Canyon?

I waited, fiddling with the pendant on my necklace.

…Ellet.

Agnes's voice calling me was lower than usual. It was when I focused my eyes that had been released in the air on the necklace.

30 minutes have passed.

"Sigh…"

A sigh spontaneously went out.

"I knew it."

Right? I felt the same way for some reason.

"Let's go, Agnes. To find the lost child."

Leaving the knights wriggling like worms, I strode towards the Black Arc de Triumph. and.

Shhwish!

Ellet! Are you crazy?!

I jumped into the darkness of the canyon.

Gravity dragged me along with the sound of ripping through the air. As I fell to the depths in an instant, my field of vision was engulfed in darkness.

"Pure Light."

Shaaa!

A ray of light shone down on the floor.

However, the darkness of the canyon had a predatory nature and the light of the ultimate skill was swallowed up in pitch-black darkness.

"Well, that was expected."

I couldn't tell the distance to the bottom with my eyes, but I wasn't too embarrassed.

Because there was another way.

[System Warning. 'Pandora's Plague' has reached stage 2.]

[System Warning. 'Pandora's Plague' has reached stage 3.]

[System Warning. 'Pandora's Plague'…]

The more I fell, the faster the message was updated.

Gradually, the air inhaled through my nose turned into poisonous gas. A fever vigorously rose in my airways and esophagus.

Ellet!

I didn't have time to answer because I was holding my breath.

More. A little more. Just a bit more!

[System Warning. 'Pandora's Plague' has reached stage 9.]

Yes, now!

Kwajik! Quadduck!

I cleaved Europe, which I had taken out after a long time, into the cliff face and set it as my brake. My arm muscles screamed as I resisted the staggering speed of the fall.

Dudududud…dut.

Soon the fall stopped. Having roughly estimated the height with my gut feeling, I pulled out Europe and landed on the floor at the same time.

Tak.

"Whoa, it was doable wasn't it?"

…Yes, indeed, my disciple.

[System Warning. 'Pandora's Plague' has reached the highest stage.]

With every breath I took, I could feel the aura of the plague trying to corrode my respiratory organs.

If I don't pour regular heals, I might end up with a ruthless show of bleeding my guts out.

"Heal."

Originally, Holy Power would emit a holy white light when cast, but that effect was removed due to the darkness of this light-eating canyon.

It was really dark. It was so dark that even if I outstretched my hands in front of me I could not distinguish them.

Even if you can avoid obstacles with your gut feeling, how can you find Thesilid in such a dark place?

"If that's the case, don't worry."

Huh?

"I've used my hands in advance."

I raised my left hand.

I can't see it because of the darkness, but now my fingers had a string wound around them like a thread.

One end of it extended all the way to the other side of the canyon.

"When Thesilid was free diving, I wrapped the Spirit King's Harp String around his wrist. We just have to follow this."

Wow, you did a good job.

['The World-building God' commends you for your cleverness.]

'The Scales that Judges the Soul' admires that all Transmigrators have plans.]

I pulled the wire with my fingertips and moved in the direction I felt the tension.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

"Ah. Come to think of it."

What?

"Right now, I'm connected to Thesilid by the string, right? Then wouldn't this be possible?"

What would?

"Heal!"

I could feel the healing power expressed in my hands flowing through the string.

Is it working? I think it's working. It will, right?

['The World-building God' tells you that things are flowing well.]

['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' says that the skill level is high and the ability to deliver is incredible.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' argues that it should be nerfed.]

"It's a success. I cured Thesilid."

Oh, that's great. Clap, clap, clap, clap!

Agnes applauded with her mouth.

"I should have used heals from above the canyon."

He would be glad enough if you used it even now.

"Right? In the first place, people feel more gratitude when they are on the brink."

When I was convinced that I had prevented Thesilid to bleed his guts out, my steps relaxed a bit.

I shouted as I walked across the pitch-black darkness.

"Terry! Answer me when you hear it. Terry!"

Right then, a fine vibration was transmitted to the fingertips connected to the string.

"Ellet…?"

"Terry!"

I immediately ran in the direction the voice was heard.

When I thought I had gotten close enough, I put a brake in my legs and stretched out my hands in the dark.

"Ellet…"

I touched soft hair at the height of my waist.

He seemed to be kneeling on the floor. I lowered my posture to match Thesilid's.

"Are you okay?"

The only senses that could feel his presence in the dark were hearing and touch. While waiting for an answer to come, I did not let go of my hand that had touched him.

And I slowly swept my hands down from his cheek to his shoulder…

…what?

Embarrassed, I lifted my hand a little.

What's wrong?

I just felt like his hair was running through my hand…

With a puzzled heart, I brought my hand to his face again. It felt a bit cold as if it were frozen, but the smooth texture of his cheeks was felt.

…Was it an illusion?

The momentary sense of incongruity quickly evaporated.

It was because Thesilid tilted his head and put his left cheek deep into my hand.

"Ellet…"

It was a muffled voice.

He doesn't look very good.

"You said that you could do it alone."

Well, it looks like he did find the core of the dungeon.

It was only after listening to Agnes that I realized it. There was a small metal box in Thesilid's hands.

I gave him a small scolding.

"If you found the box, come up quickly. Why are you spacing out here?"

In fact, I can guess why.

"Because it's dark."

"…"

"I can't move."

"…"

I thought that falling asleep with the lights on at night was just because he liked bright things. But now I see that he was afraid of the dark.

"So, I thought I was going to die while vomiting blood like this…but you came."

"You're thankful, right?"

"No."

…What?

['The World-building God' snorts, telling you to throw him away right away.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' likes the iron wall of the main character.]

"Plague, Death, Hope."

It was then that Thesilid spoke of the key keywords that made up this dungeon.

"Yeah, hope…vain hope."

"…"

"Ellet, are you a vain hope?"

"…"

I didn't know what to say to the sudden question. But one thing was certain.

"Calm down, Terry."

Darkness was consuming his mind.

"You have to get out of here. Get up right now."

"…Ah."

"You can't walk? Do you want me to carry you?"

"No, thank you."

I was relieved to hear his serious voice. He seemed to be much more spirited than before.

"I was acting ugly a while back. Forget it."

"Yes."

In the dark, I could hear him sweep his face with one hand. I patiently waited for him to regain his composure by washing his face dry.

Soon he brought up the story in an orderly voice.

"You must have come to find me because I was late."

"Yes."

"Thank you."

The shameless reply of not thanking me earlier would also be included in the ugliness, so I forgot about it with my broad generosity.

"It was nothing."

"I'm sorry, Ellet, but to get out of the canyon, I have to do it myself. That's the only way the hard work so far becomes meaningful."

"That's very frustrating."

"Don't worry. I'll be right up."

"How?"

"Your string, can I borrow it for a moment?"

"Sure, I guess?"

I gladly handed the Spirit King's Harp String. Thesilid took it over with his free hand.

Having recovered his aura to some extent, he had no problem handling the string.

Shh!

I could hear the wire cutting through the air. After a while, he spoke in a slightly embarrassed voice.

"Excuse me, Ellet."

"Yes. I know roughly what you are asking for."

I hugged the neck of the most handsome man in this faithful and conservative worldview.

"Let's go up, Sir Thesilid."

"…Yes."

Soon after, the wire contracted and pulled us up. After feeling the motion against gravity, I could see light soon after.

Whirlik.

As we came up to the ground, the dying Knights of the Pillar of Light greeted us.

"…!"

Still with their snouts sealed, they found Thesilid and their eyes widened in astonishment.

"Wow, hoops?! Cof! Whoops!"

"Koo-eup, cof…Kueup! Hmng!"

It seemed like they were voicing evil remarks about how Thesilid came back alive, not believing it, telling him to die, why didn't he die, and so on.

It was fortunate that the Push Over Free Pass filtered it out because of the silent debuff.

Thesilid, who was looking into the face of the Knights, opened his mouth.

"Ellet, I knew you were going to use your hands, but I didn't expect this much."

"Oh, it's a bit unfair to say that. It's not my fault that their immune system fell due to bleeding from wounds and they got sick."

"I said this after seeing Vice-Captain Lecto."

Lecto had all of his senses maximized due to the Hispenril's Aura operation method.

He was now wriggling on the floor and groaning. He seemed to be 'savoring' the pain.

I pretended not to know and changed the subject.

"More than that, Terry, you should close the dungeon."

"Oh, right."

"Go on. I'll be taking care of these guys."

"Okay."

Thesilid obediently nodded and headed towards the Black Arc de Triumph.

If you look closely at the center of the arc, there was a small groove. It was a kind of puzzle hole, and the puzzle piece was none other than Pandora's box.

The dungeon is closed by simply inserting the box into the groove. It was a simple task, but it was time-consuming because of its slow progress.

From now on, Thesilid will be held up in the closing ceremony for a few minutes. In the meantime, I had work to do.

They couldn't die, so I approached the 18 members of the Knights, who were still holding their breath.

The silence debuff that had been on them was lifted with a single gesture of stirring my hand.

I said in the coldest voice I could make.

"Now that Thesilid has come back alive, all you guys have left to do is go to the Inquisition."

"Hick …!"

"Th-the Inquisition…!"

"Go and confess that you have dishonored Thesilid with false testimony, and reveal what happened in the dungeon in detail. Understand?"

"Oh, no…I can not…"

"Oh, that's right. When the case of that dungeon is made public, your trial will be supervised by the Inquisition Office, more precisely, the Heretic Judgment Bureau. Because you guys made a deal with the devil. Right?"

"Gulp…!"

"Ho-how do you know about that…!"

"B-be quiet, punk!"

Gadville, who had come to his senses before I knew it, shouted in anger.

"Ev-Everyone, shut up! W-we…! Cof! We've never had a deal with the devil…! This is a conspiracy…!"

"Enough with the excuses. There is evidence."

"Evidence…?"

"I know that the gold coins you lot got from selling Thesilid cannot be thrown away."

"…!"

At that moment, fear and despair were clearly spread in the eyes of the Knights, including Captain Gadville.

"Th-That g-gold coin… th-that is…is…"

There was no room for excuses.

Captain Gadville, who was trembling, was unable to keep up with his words.

On his behalf, the members showed an honest reaction. They started pulling at their hair or scratching their cheeks.

"N-no, t-the way things are going…I didn't mean to…ah ah ah ah ah…"

"Oh, oh, no…never… anything but he-heresy interrogation… … !"

"S-Sir, I don't like it….I, I don't want to be tortured…"

"'Strict Order and Goodwill', please! please forgive me…!"

Their wicked tongues reinforced each other's despair and fear. They hurt each other and screamed in pain.

It's time to wrap this up.

"Then, since we all have to go to The Vatican together, shall I fix your legs?"

"…!"

Divine power seeped into my hands. Just before I could heal everyone with an area heal.

A mad glow shone in the eyes of the Knights. As if they had made a promise beforehand, many jumped up.

"Aaaaaaa!"

With a shout to raise their spirits, their legs kicked the ground, and in the direction they ran at full speed with all their strength…

"Quaaaaaagh!"

"Aaaaaagh!"

There was a cliff.

The screams receded from the dimly-lit bottom of the canyon. Dozens of Knights of The Pillar of Light chose to flee to death.

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' clicks his tongue, saying that the Inquisition was that terrifying.]

The necklace rang.

You watched their suicide from the sideline.

I could've stopped it if I wanted to. But I didn't.

I gave them a choice in the first place. Well, in fact, it was practically close to aiding and abetting, still, there were six members of the Knights in front of me.

Excluding Vice-Captain Lecto, who had become a disabled person, the other five people who were trembling because they did not even have the courage to escape were enough witnesses to stand in the courtroom.

I was stunned when I looked at one of them.

"If you pushed others to death, at least you should have the courage to kill yourself in the same way."

"Hick, suck…I, I…"

"It's all the same, Captain Gadville. I wouldn't have let you die anyway. Because you are the most important witness."

"Uhmm…hic…uhhh…"

I turned my gaze away from Gadeville who was in tears.

At the same time, I felt a presence that was getting closer. After finishing inserting the box into the Black Arc de Triumph, Thesilid approached me.

"Ellet."

It was a softer voice than expected.

While he was tied up in closing the dungeon, I did my own thing. He wouldn't be very angry, but I knew he would at least nag a little.

However, it seems that my interpretation of his character was wrong.

"I finished closing the place."

"H-Hm, I see."

"It's all thanks to you. Now that the ban is being lifted, I think I will regain my strength in a little while."

"I'm glad."

"And…"

"Yes?"

He smiled lightly. It was a smile that somehow felt bittersweet.

"Is it because you're a Saint? You're merciful, giving them a chance to end their life in comfort."

I didn't expect this misunderstanding.

"Well, it's not really like that."

"No?"

"Yes."

"This Order had no future other than to be tortured and then burned at the stake, I thought that you at least had allowed them to choose the method of death for themselves…"

Is this the same guy that saw Vice-Captain Lecto earlier and said it was too harsh?

As if he had heard Agnes' blunt remark, Thesilid hurriedly added more words in an apologetic tone.

"Vice-Captain Lecto …I thought you did it for me…"

"Oh, that's true."

I only confirmed what he said, but his sea-blue eyes widened.

Did he say that in half doubt?

A bit more of an excuse followed.

"Anyway, I didn't mean to criticize you earlier. I just thought it was too much for me to receive…"

"I see."

It seems that the experience of having someone come forward in his instead is very embarrassing.

I ended the conversation because I thought it would be awkward if I continued to listen. I have to start by clearing up the misunderstanding about my overrated benevolence.

I took out a polished stone from my satchel bag and showed it. It was a space transition stone that warped to the capital of Elpenheim, where The Vatican's central government was located.

"Since this is for eight people, now the numbers are just right."

"…I see."

I felt awkward for breaking his expectations.

While putting back the space transition stone, I took out a food flavor pill.

"Want some?"

"Every time you do this, I feel like I am being treated like a child."

He complained but did not refuse. However, he did not eat it right away and put it somewhere in his bosom.

He avoided the punishment of sparrow-poop flavor.

It's a shame.

It was time to tie the six remaining members of the Knights with the Spirit King's Harp Strings and prepare to leave the dungeon. Thesilid called me indirectly.

"But Ellet."

"Yes?"

"I forgot to tell you earlier, but I can't see to open the closing gate."

"Oh, right."

"Did you forget to say something, too?"

"Yes."

There was one more reason for letting the members of The Pillar of Light jump the cliff.

Rumble…!

Just in time, the Black Arc de Triumph began to vibrate.

[System Warning. The seal of the A-class dungeon 'The Bottom of Pandora' will be unlocked by satisfying the 'sacrifice of 10 or more fallen believers'.]

[System Warning. The difficulty of the dungeon is upgraded to S-class.]

[System The hidden master of the dungeon, Sentinel of the Apocalypse Grelius, 791th in the Demon World, has appeared.]

The darkness of the canyon came together to form a gigantic shape.

A giant reaper with a scythe. Whenever it fluttered its black robe, corrosive dust, red flames, and a dark green plague scattered wildly.

The boss named Sentinel of the Apocalypse was the lord of the Grim Reapers.

He was a king in his own way, and the skull shaped like a crown was studded with colorful jewels like a tattoo. The skull moved its jaw joint.

I will give you rest.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is looking forward to the performance of the hidden boss.]

['The Creative Business Manager' complains about using the expansion pack without purchasing it.]

"Hic…"

The knights who were overwhelmed by the appearance of an S-class Boss had trouble breathing. I spoke to Thesilid without much tension.

"It was a pity to just leave, so I called the boss."

"You really know everything. It's amazing."

"It's not to the point of admiration. Let's get rid of it quickly, loot, and leave."

My hand gripped the handle of the whip sword, but Thesilid gently blocked the sword with one hand.

"Ellet, step back and rest."

"What?"

"I'll do it."

He walked towards the Lord of Grim Reapers with his straight back turned to me.

Oh wait, Thesilid is still…?

I could see a dark energy rapidly dissipating from the edge of Thesilid's left arm. Along with that, the energy he radiated changed.

Tesilide's power had been restored.

Shaaaaaa.

As he walked, a sword was summoned in his right hand. It was Libra, the beautiful holy sword of judgment studded with impressive dark blue square jewels.

"Long time no see."

His modest steps stopped ten steps away from the boss.

It was within the area of ashes, flames, and disease created by the fluttering of the Boss' black robe.

Grelius, the gigantic god of death, looked down at Thesilid, who was approaching.

The scythe, which was slowly lifted, cast a shadow over Thesilid's head.

Mortal creature, worship and accept true rest.

"If it's true rest, you mean death."

Yes.

"Sweet words, but unfortunately."

Divine aura dwelled in Libra's straight blade. A special aura that only the main character can handle emitted the purest light in the world.

"Your scythe gives me no true rest."

Cheeky.

As if in response, Grelius' scythe was filled with black and evil energy.

In the next moment, the holy sword and the sickle of death clashed.

Chizuzuzuk! Kwaaanng!

The ground could not withstand the collision of forces and gave out.

Thesilid removed his body before the gorge collapsed and swung his sword in succession.

Following the path of his sword, aura turned into dozens of blades of light and fired at Grelius.

Arg! Rude being…!

Grelius's black robe which was bombarded by the divine aura became tattered.

"Oh…"

Oh…

Agnes and I were amazed. The performance of the main character, who has reached the highest level of Aura Expert, was excellent.

I was even surprised inside.

The main character in episode 17 is much stronger than I thought!

['The World-building God' is pleased to say that he will make a great tank shuttle for you.]

It might take some time, but I felt like he was going to catch the S-class boss with ease.

It was possible to watch comfortably, so I chatted with Agnes.

"How many minutes will it take? Fifteen minutes?"

Same bet.

Agnes, who was examining Thesilid through the eyes of an instructor, spoke.

Anyway, it's a pity.

"What?"

Sacred sheep always awakens divine power first, but if his main ability was aura, he would become an even bigger vessel.

"That's fine. Growth on the aura side will continue."

Really?

Thesilid's divine power would stop at the cardinal level, but aura would reach the level of a master.

The fact that his secondary ability surpasses his main ability is understandable given that he is a Sacred sheep.

"I guess he's an exception because his divine power was forcibly awakened through the stigma."

I see. I'm glad.

It was then.

"…Cough."

A low, distant coughing sound caught my nerves.

Thesilid was bleeding from his mouth.

He seemed to have internal injuries after inhaling the air of corrosion, flames, and plague created by Grelius's robe.

Stigmata, who had no healing power, were vulnerable to such physical damage caused by afflictions. In other words, the compatibility was bad.

It seems that the ability to withstand using the aura and divine power within the body was also at the limit.

Thesilid ran his thumb over his mouth, glanced at his sword, Libra, and spoke to himself.

"A Holy Sword doesn't help at times like this."

Then it was time for me to step out.

"Cure."

Using a wide range skill, I poured heals on Thesilid, who was far away.

Thesilid, whose body had been restored in an instant, turned to me in surprise.

"Healing during a battle, how long has it been since?"

It is a fraudulent heal that has even been amplified by five times at level 67. Taste the thrill to your heart's content.

But a little problem arose.

…Was there a healer?

Grelius's empty eyeholes flashed at me.

['The World-building God' shouts, criticizing the male lead about losing agro while being a tanker.]

['The Spoiler Inspector', befitting of the main character hated by the whole world, his ability to pull agro was excellent, but he wonders why this happened now.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' explains that it happened because the healer's heal is OP.]

It was. Thesilid was innocent. I just got the boss's attention because my heal was too strong!

"Sigh, I've become an overly competent healer."

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' advises you not to be proud and reflect on yourself if you are not trolling others.]

['The World-building God' is angry, telling them not to throw cold water on his child.]

In the meantime, Grelius' weapon evolved.

Chararara!

Healer, I smell the rotten blood and bone powder of my people from you. You're guilty of daring to harm those who belong to the Clan of Death. I'll get rid of you first.

Dozens of chains sprang from his scythe and rushed at me with great speed.

Of course, I never had a chance to step out.

Thesilid immediately blocked the path and he broke all the black chains with his holy sword.

Kang! Caang! Can-can!

"Oh."

Oh.

It was a time when I admired his wonderful performance.

Shiwwwsh!

The last remaining chain turned left and aimed at me.

Thesilid immediately snatched it up with his left hand and at that moment.

Chararara! Clap!

The end of the chain twisted and wrapped around his neck.

Kwak.

"…"

The strangled man's handsome face frowned slightly, but instead of groaning, his lips let out something else.

"Blue Torch."

A bright blue divine flame rose from the left hand holding the chain.

The chain became a fuse that carried the torch to Grelius.

Whoaaaa!

K-Kuuuuuaaagh!

Grelius, who was been executed as if he was at the stake, struggled in agony.

When his left hand broke the chain, Thesilid was immediately freed from the stranglehold.

Grelius, who had been hit hard by the torch, was furious.

I can't forgive you! You will no longer be given a merciful rest!

Thesilid kicked the ground after confirming that Grelius's target had returned to him. It was a frontal breakthrough.

Chararara! Charara!

Dozens of chains attacked Thesilid at different times, obstructing his path. He could only dodge them by stepping swiftly on the ground letting the chain stuck in vain at the place where he had passed.

Thesilid climbed onto one of the chains. With an amazing sense of equilibrium, he stepped on the chain and approached Grelius at high speed.

How dare you, a puny mortal creature.

Swiiiishhh!

The scythe of the reaper swung wildly towards Thesilid, who raised his holy sword without slowing down his approach.

Gugugugugu!

The blade of the sword made the sickle's blade slip out of the way.

No…!

Thesilid managed to burrow into the gap of the scythe. From there on, Grelius was defenseless.

Thesilid leaped high and stretched out his right hand. It was an empty hand with the Holy Sword missing.

Tok!

…!

He grabbed the forehead of the giant skull with a fierce grip and with the holiest face on earth, he recited the final blow.

"Baptism of condemnation."

O-Oh no! Stop…!

WHOAHH!

With a roar, the Black Death was killed by an explosion.

[System Congratulations! You have defeated the hidden owner of the dungeon, 'Sentinel of the Apocalypse Grelius', 791th in the Demon World.]

Koo Goo Goo.

The wreckage of the crumbling god of death sank into the gorge. Thesilid had stepped back just before the explosion and landed in a safe place.

He killed death. That's pretty good.

I approached Thesilid.

"Good job. Are you hurt somewhere?"

"There's nothing."

"What do you mean there isn't?

The marks on the neck where the chain had been wound were clear and red. I immediately reached out and healed him.

Thesilid flinched briefly, perhaps because his throat was sensitive. Then he soon relaxed his expression and smiled.

"It's good to have a healer."

"You know?"

"What?"

"Actually, I became a healer to heal you."

"I see. Thank you so much."

The smile couldn't get brighter than this. However, apart from the positive visual effect, his inner mind was read.

This guy, he doesn't seem to believe you?

"It's because he lived only being deceived by others."

Upon hearing my crooked reply, Thesilid briefly opened his eyes wide.

I didn't want to talk about it anymore, so I told another story.

"But it's true that you and I are a good combo."

Because Thesilid became a tank-dealer, and I became a dealer-healer.

He agreed and measured the combined strength of us two.

"Yes, if I'm with you, we might be able to subdue SS-class dungeons alone."

"You look confident after completely regaining your strength. It's good to see."

"Completely…"

"Why?"

"No. Rather than that, you can go loot now."

"Me? Do you want me to have it?"

"Yes, because I owe you a lot of things."

Without hesitation, I picked up the shiny things from the edge of the cliff.

The loot was a skill book and one item.

[Skill 'Dance of Extermination'

A useful swordsmanship technique for digging into the middle of enemy defense lines and slaughtering enemies. It is graceful as if you were dancing, hence the name 'Dance'.

Note: This is for women and has the added effect of improving dance skills.]

[Item 'The Scythe of Harvest'

The sickle used by the god of death was improved for farmers. It doubles the yield probability.]

"Whoa!"

As expected of a hidden boss, the rewards were great.

The Dance of Extermination was a skill not for sale in the Cash Shop. As it happened to be for women, I learned it right away without any hesitation.

I'm already feeling stronger. Good, good.

Thesilid, who was looking at the loot together, asked.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes. I think this swordsmanship skill seems to be useful in many-on-one battles, and this sickle is perfect as a gift for someone I know."

When I was thinking of the joy of increasing the harvest by giving it to the dungeon farm manager, Epiden.

"What kind of guy is he?"

Thesilid showed interest.

"Epiden is a guy as tall as you, with a pretty skull, shoulder blades, and iliac bones."

"…."

"…Why do you look like that?"

"Shoulder blades aside, how do you know that the iliac bones are pretty…?"

For reference, the iliac bone is below the waist.

His blue eyes seemed to sway slightly.

Apparently, he was showing off his wild imagination, so I hurriedly explained.

"Epiden is an undead. It's a skeleton, so you can only see bones."

"…Ah."

['The Spoiler Inspector' wonders what the main character would have imagined.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' laughs mischievously.]

Averting his eyes to the side, Thesilid swept his face as if to wash it dry, then covered his mouth. True to an inexperienced, conservative, and faithful paladin.

Wanting to make fun of him, I deliberately picked on him.

"It's the 17th episode of your life. Show me your years of experience."

Thesilid retorted as if it was a bit unfair.

"That…It has nothing to do with the number of turns. Maturity is not about the quantity of experiences, but the quality."

It's a wonderful line, but if you translate it, it's like a confession from a natural-born soloist.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' says that the Transmigrator speaks like it's easy, but has not done anything formidable.]

['The World-building God' defends that the Transmigrator didn't do it because she didn't want to, it's that she couldn't do it.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' encourages you to change the genre quickly.]

['The Creative Business Manager' says it's a good idea to help sales.]

Right before I could tell the gods to stop watching from somewhere in the sky.

"And."

It seems Thesilid still had something to say. When our eyes met, he spoke something like a whisper.

"I probably can't keep my cool like you."

"…"

Thesilid didn't say anything more, he just stared straight at me.

I was embarrassed for nothing, so I coughed instinctively.

"Shall we go to The Vatican?"

"Yes, Eli."

The affectionate air from a moment ago had disappeared and the gate opened at Thesilid's gesture.

"Ladies first."

"Yes."

It's a national rule that the person who closed it, is the last to leave the dungeon.

I woke up the stunned Knights, pushed them into the gate like throwing garbage away, and entered myself.

After Ellet exited the dungeon, Thesilid remained alone in a desolate space.

Out of sight of anyone, he rolled up his left sleeve.

A white stigma was engraved on the inside of his sturdy arm and black lines like barbed wire wrapped around it.

The prohibition had been greatly reduced, but it still existed.

"Half…Is the rest a problem that time will solve?"

With a strange noise, he turned his head. There was a canyon in the place where his gaze, that crossed the air, was directed to.

"…"

His eyes darkened as he recalled the place that seemed like an abyss.

He has been weak against darkness since a long time ago. In particular, darkness that came along with silence was fatal to him.

The bottom of the gorge met those two conditions.

In a space where sight and hearing died together, his mind was on the verge of being eaten by darkness.

So he thought he was moving on to the next round. But.

– Terry! Answer me when you hear me. Terry!

She returned the sound to him. That alone awakened his spirit, which seemed to be buried in death.

Ellet Rodellaine.

Why do you always appear in the form of salvation?

Over and over again.

How long has it been since the last time he relied on humans? It was so funny that he could almost cry.

The ending of the people he trusted or cared for was always the same.

Betraying him in the most wicked way, or lost by his side in the most grievous way.

At some point, he became numb to many things.

However, only the threshold of what could shake him had risen, but there would still be room for twisting and breaking him.

He thought Ellet Rodellaine's existence was one of two things.

Either a rare reward that 'Strict Order and Goodwill' gave to him who was tired.

Or a vain hope arranged to effectively despair him.

If it's the latter.

If 'Strict Order and Goodwill' was to play with me again.

"No."

He swung the holy sword.

Kwakwagwagwang!

A powerful aura swept across the land like a tidal wave and crashed into the gorge. Due to the tremendous power, the cracked ground was filled with spilled debris.

The bottomless pit ceased to exist.

"Ellet Rodellaine."

He chanted.

"I hope you won't betray nor be lost."

The back of the handsome man chasing hope disappeared into the gate and the shadow that dragged along was as dark as a disaster.

Chapter 20. Promise with the World-building God

Thesilid Argent is back alive!

A person who was disgraced just a few days ago and had a funeral without a body.

He came to the main gate of The Vatican looking fine and confident. Rumors spread within an hour and there was an uproar everywhere.

There was constant gossip from those gathered here and there in groups of threes and fives.

"What is going on? I heard he entered the dungeon alone trusting only the Holy Sword, then caused a Burst and died?"

"I heard that he captured six Knights from the Pillar of Light and came back. It seems that the circumstances are different from what is known."

"We have to listen to both sides of the story."

Like this, ordinary priests gathered in the backyard and waited for the following news.

"Sooner or later, a Heresy Judgment may be held. Lord Thesilid claims that the Knights of The Pillar of Light made a pact with the devil and dumped him in the dungeon."

"Whoa! A paladin made a contract with the devil! Is that really true?"

"You know Lord Thesilid's affiliation, right? If the Heretic Judge has accused heresy, it should be certain."

"Huh, this is an unprecedented incident. The Ministry of Doctrine took the Knights side with such zeal, even trying to hold Sir Thesilid's funeral in haste, but it might backfire on them."

"That is what I think. There is no way that the Minister of Prosecution and the Pope would miss this opportunity."

"Sir Thesilid seems to be holding a public trial just to restore his honor, but the repercussions of this incident can't be weighed."

Those in power above the bishop rank exchanged political talks based on information power.

"By the way…"

At the sound of a cardinal's voice, the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed. There was a story that everyone wanted to talk about.

"Is it true that Sir Thesilid came with a woman from outside?"

"I saw her. She was a pretty girl with pink hair."

"Isn't the absence of Sir Thesilid more than a fortnight? I heard that he caught the Knights today…"

"Well, then Sir Thesilid has been alone with a woman from outside for 15 days…?!"

"Oh no! How could an unmarried paladin behave so promiscuously? It's something I couldn't have imagined when I was young!"

"That's right. I'm afraid to even hear such things."

The conservative officials rattled all over the place.

On the other hand, in secret places, there were those who showed outright hostility to the news of Thesilid's return.

"Father, did you hear? Older Brother's enemy is said to have returned alive. What kind of woman did he bring along?"

"I know, Helcion."

Father and son were talking in a well-soundproof confessional room.

They were Cardinal Carnoil O'Drek and his son Helcion O'Drek.

Because of Eleon, who became the host of the Magic Sword, the O'Drek family suffered hardships.

At least, the prestige of Valcus Odrek, the previous owner of the Holy Sword, and Cardinal Carnoil's position as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Doctrine prevented the family from being punished.

Otherwise, he might have been sentenced to death for having an apostate son.

It has already been four months since the loss of his eldest son Eleon. He had enough self-reflection, so he was about to resume his activities.

The news of Thesilid Argent's return came just in time.

"I thought 'Strict Order and Goodwill' would have handed fair punishment, but it wasn't."

"Are you just going to watch, Father?"

"As Chief Resident, don't act rashly, Helcion."

The Ministry of Doctrine was in charge of one of the two pillars of The Vatican's power structure.

Befitting of a person serving as Vice-minister there, Carnoil was cold-hearted.

"Do not view him as your brother's enemy, but as Argent's godson."

"…Yes, Father."

For the O'Dreck family, the most important thing was the fight for power rather than revenge for the eldest son.

As the denomination formed a nation, the Vatican was not free from politics. Its power structure has been divided in two and has long been at odds.

To this day, it has continued to be divided into factions based on which line they took between Doctrine or Prosecution.

The current pope hails from the Ministry of Prosecution, which advocates judgment on heresy, and Cardinal Vesalius Argent was a representative from the pro-papal faction.

As an opposing faction, the Ministry of Doctrine prioritized missionary work and church expansion, and Cardinal Carnoil O'Dreck was on that side.

As is often the case with political battles, both groups could not be classified as good or evil.

One side dreamed of extreme doctrinal enforcement and exclusion, and the other dreamed of pragmatic and secular expansion of power.

Which is the worst and which is the lesser depends on the point of view.

However, one thing was clear to all. The pro-Doctrine sects had many regrets about the Sacred Sheep.

Under the leadership of the Pope, it was only natural that the children were raised to become Heresy Inquisitors who collaborated with the Ministry of Prosecution.

"The arrested knights will be under an inquisition. It's not enough that Argent's godson was brought back to life, and if his honor is restored, the Ministry of Prosecution will rise again."

"The bastard is growing up too fast. It would have been nice if our side had raised some useful orphans from long ago."

"It's too late to regret it now."

"At this rate, the power balance will be completely tilted to the Ministry of Prosecution. Are there really no means of checking them?"

"There is. Don't you know?"

Cardinal Carnoil's old eyes flashed.

"The Saint."

"…"

"We have to find the Saint before they do."

In fact, the Doctrine sects have secretly searched for the Saint for quite some time.

The knights to which Helcion belonged also pretended to be dispatched to subdue dungeons several times while gathering information about the Saint from the villages Clovis stopped by.

Helcion spoke rather skeptically.

"The last time Descent of Divinity happened was 10 years ago. Is she alive?"

"As long as there is no evidence of death, she is alive. So…"

Hope shined in Carnoil's eyes as strong as his desire for power.

"First, we must find the Saint and bring her to our side. By all means."

Currently, Thesilid and I were waiting in front of the main gate of the Holy Church.

"I waited for over two hours. How long do they plan to make us wait?"

At my dissatisfied words, Thesilid couldn't hide his apologetic expression from his handsome face.

"It's my negligence. I didn't know they wouldn't let me in until a decision was made from above."

"I don't mean to blame you."

It was within the expected range that the conservative and bureaucratic Vatican fed sweet potatoes to us over the issue of Thesilid's survival.

But no matter how much I expected bad treatment, I didn't know that we would be blocked from entry like now.

['The Spoiler Inspector' snorts, asking if you had underestimated the dryness of the original work.]

No, it's not a matter of underestimating, but of plausibility right?

"Does this kind of treatment make sense? You are the owner of the Holy Sword."

"The owner of the Holy Sword that is hated by the world."

"…"

His self-objectification gave complicated feelings.

Our current location is in front of the flower bed, a little far from the main gate. There was some distance from the guards.

Since the Vatican's garrison took the Knights, no one was seen.

It was not possible to estimate how long this wait would be.

I was about to sit down on the flower bed, but Thesilid stopped me. He took off his uniform coat and laid it on the base of the flowerbed.

"Sit down, Eli."

What? Is this Rofan?

"Because it is my duty."

When I heard the reason that was lightly added with a refreshing tone, 'The Commandments of the Seven Holy Virtues and the Seven Deadly Sins.' came to mind.

I quickly sat down to help him farm his divine power.

Thesilid smiled bitterly as if in trouble.

"You also have a connection with Cardinal Cattleya, so I thought there was no need to prove your identity. If I had known I would cause such trouble for you, I would have gone separate ways when we arrived."

"I'm fine, never mind."

In fact, this was not the time for Thesilid to care about others, he had to worry about himself first.

It is not a good sign that the conversation between the superiors is prolonged because the original has always fed sweet potatoes that are in proportion to waiting.

And finally, the paladins belonging to the garrison showed their faces. It had been three whole hours of waiting.

What kind of decision would they have received from the upper ranks?

The man presumed to be the leader opened his mouth as if he was very sorry.

"Sir Thesilid Argent, the decision of the Council of Cardinals has been made."

"I will obey."

A prime specimen of a Pushover Free Pass that sticks to obedience first without asking or arguing.

At the glance of the garrison leader, two paladins timidly approached and took out something.

It was chain handcuffs.

The captain said

"Sir Thesilid is accused of causing a burst in Greenwall's Class A dungeon by his own will. Therefore, Sir Thesilid, like the Knights of the Pillar of Light, should be investigated and tried as a sinner."

The Vatican was a huge fan of the principle of presumption of guilt!

Agnes burst into anger.

What the hell are they talking about? There's clear evidence that the knights made a contract with the demons so of course they should be arrested, but to arrest Thesilid under the false charges that were laid by those same sinners?!

That's what I'm saying.

"…"

Thesilid's silence made the garrison nervous.

They seemed to be aware that it was unfair to treat the owner of the Holy Sword like this.

"Eli."

The voice calling for me had subsided a little.

"Yes, Terry."

At this point, I just wanted Thesilid to quit everything, so I was willing to punch his way out with all my might if he asked for help. But.

"Can you turn your head?"

"…"

I turned my head to the side. Hearing a clanking sound, it seemed that he was being restrained by holding out his hand.

The Captain cleared his throat as if embarrassed.

"Ku-hmm, I thought Sir Thesilid would understand the decision to be fair. Thank you for sticking to the principles."

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

"Hold on a moment. May I ask you one thing, Captain?"

"Yes, yes. Please speak."

"I ask for my companion. She is a person who has awakened divine power and came to be ordained a priest."

"I see. Leave it to me."

The voice of the leader coming from the back of my head shows a strong sense of rejoicing.

After completing the request, Thesilid was immediately taken away and quietly disappeared.

There were no final greetings because I didn't want to turn my head.

['The World-building God' criticizes the 'Strict Order and Goodwill' denomination, saying that it's full of deep-rooted evil in many ways.]

I know, right. It's a deep-rooted evil that I want to clean up.

"You came to be ordained a priest, right? What is your name?"

"It's Ellet Rodellaine."

Even if it was my voice, I heard a cold tone popping out. It was only then that I realized that I was feeling pretty low right now.

The Captain of the garrison led me to the place where prospective priests lived.

As we followed in silence, he explained various things.

"Those who have awakened the divine power from the outside will be granted preliminary priesthood qualifications after passing a simple test. Healing, consecration, and purification abilities are checked under the supervision of an initiate. You don't have to worry too much about the test because these are abilities that can be used as soon as you awaken your divine power."

"Yes."

"However, we need to keep our body and mind in order to take the test. That is why you are qualified to take the test only after you have been devout in mind and body by eating only bread, wine, and water in solitary confinement."

What? Bread, wine, and water? Who controls my diet?

That part was the most annoying, but the more important thing was somewhere else.

This is the first time I've ever heard of a procedure like this. Does it make sense for The Vatican to feed and put an outsider, whose divine power has not been confirmed, to sleep in a room for three days? They have other intentions.

Yes, this is someone's ploy to isolate me.

The mood was completely subdued, but the expression on my face steadily faked innocence.

"Thanks for the explanation. I will faithfully follow the procedure."

"Good. Now that you have arrived, please go to your room."

I was assigned a small and shabby room for a low-level priest.

Lastly, the Captain disappeared, asking not to go outside unless it is unavoidable.

A room with an old wooden bed, a wooden stool chair, and a small worship platform for prayer.

Agnes looked around and expressed displeasure.

This is a room where apprentice priests are confined to reflect on themselves when they have an accident.

Information was added to reinforce rage.

Yes, it's better to know and suffer rather than be unaware.

I sat down on a wooden stool. It was time to take a break and try to control my mood.

Tap tap tap tap tap.

I heard fast, nervous footsteps coming through the wall. It was clearly getting closer to where I was.

Tok, tok, tok! Clack!

A young paladin broke into my room.

He was a blonde man in his early to mid-twenties, but for some reason, he looked familiar.

What is this guy?

As I watched in silence, he set the heavy basket down on the podium with a thud.

"Today's meal is served."

Looking at the black, hard bread and sour wine, I feel bad again.

Then the other person looked at me from top to bottom. It was a judgmental look.

He pulled one side of his mouth, laughed, and said.

"I came to see because it was a woman brought by Thesilid Argent, but there's nothing special. I just wasted my time."

At this point, I thought I should remember the name at least.

"Who are you?"

"Helcion O'Drek. I am one of those who will be present when you are tested in three days."

"Ah, Sir Helcion O'Drek."

O'Drek. With just one family name, all hostility toward me was understood at once.

I smiled brightly, as I preferred things that are exact so I can get a clear distinction between things.

But the reaction of this guy called Helcion was strange.

Suddenly, his face stiffened and he scolded me sternly.

"Keep the good manners in order."

"…"

"That simpleton fool might have been snatched that way, but this doesn't make me bat an eye."

For a moment, I almost established a bad prejudice against the people of this conservative denomination.

What is he talking about?

Thanks to the laughing Agnes, I was able to keep my calm.

['The World-building God' yells at who is this guy to tell you what to do.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' mocks and laugh at the excessive self-consciousness of the ignorant man.]

Helcion began to give a speech.

"Listen carefully. After the confirmation of your divine power in three days, you will receive catechesis for one month. Then you must again serve the order for one more month before you can be ordained. During this service period, you will be taking care of chores along with the Knights of Grace, to whom I belong."

What? What nonsense is he talking about? There is no service process like that. Most of all, what kind of preliminary priest do you want to put into action and roll like that?

"As the vice-captain of the Knights of Grace, I will tell you in advance. I hate incompetent healers. In particular, I despise those who want to be treated pridefully like healers while boasting of their insignificant healing power."

This punk dares?

Eventually, curses came out of Agnes' mouth.

"That heal, it would be wise to use it on the strongest among the Paladins. If you come under me, you'll behave yourself. Then I'm done."

Bang! I stared at the closed door.

['The World-building God' is indignant at the fact that you have to pretend to be under this underhanded show-off bastard.]

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' beats his chest in frustration.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' massages the back of his neck.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' is disappointed that you didn't say a single thing back.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' watches you without saying a word.]

I reached into the basket.

What are you going to do now, Ellet?

"Good question, Agnes."

My hand picked up the wine bottle and opened the lid.

Gulp.

E-Ellet?

"Ha!"

After emptying the bottle, I wiped my lips with the back of my hand.

"I was originally thinking about two plans. The first plan was to quietly be ordained a priest and, as a healer, follow Thesilid through the dungeons he was going to subdue."

['The World-building God' is dissatisfied with the plan of being part of the evil denomination.]

Aren't you uncharacteristically passive?

"Can't you say it's moderate?"

Then is the second plan radical?

"Yeah."

Oh my.

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is looking forward to hot cider.]

My eyes sunk.

"In fact, I feel really bad today."

I waited for three hours, witnessed the live-action version of the sweet potato in front of my eyes where Thesilid was treated unfairly, and got into a stupid quarrel that was unilaterally raised by a crazy idiot.

Above all, bread, wine, and water. This church was really bent over in crossing the line.

This time and experience were enough to radicalize my moderate plan.

I laughed by pulling the corners of my mouth.

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' likes your 'I'm going to screw-you-all' smile.]

['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' likes your eyes filled with energy.]

So what's your plan?

"It's simple."

If you conform to the system and discipline as a low-level person, I will explode with frustration. I felt like I could do something only if I had power.

"I should become a Saint."

Ohh!

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' expects an unprecedented Heretic Saint.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' is dumbfounded at the signs of you destroying the original work, asking if you are trying to take the heroine position of the Saint.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' welcomes the job change optimized for a +19 reverse harem romance.]

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' agrees with your plan, saying that the higher the tower and the higher the position, the better.]

As always, the gods encouraged me by making use of their individuality. Except for the most important one.

['The World-building God' hardens.]

['The World-building God' is shocked and questions whether you are trying to become a Saint of a God who left the house.]

['The World-building God' says this is an act of apostasy and runs away with a broken heart.]

"Ah, my Lord!"