Pajiik.
"Huh?"
I felt a curious feeling and the place where my gaze was drawn was around my waist.
Pajijikikiki!
Small blue sparks flew from my satchel bag.
What's wrong with this?
It's time to change the bag. You should have bought that beige shoulder bag then.
If it's really about durability, I'm in trouble. I used up all my VIP shop points to buy a floppy disk and the holy grail of ancestral rites.
With a serious face, I lifted the satchel bag and examined it.
Again, a strange spark that could not be called static electricity occurred.
I didn't feel much when I brushed it on my fingertips, but the way it flowed on the surface of the satchel as if groping for something was suspicious.
'Are there any problems with the items I'm storing?'
Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've cleaned up the inventory. When I tried to unlock it to check inside.
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' tells you to stop.]
Huh? A new god has appeared.
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' aims at your satchel bag with the pipe.]
Pasut!
The electric current in the satchel bag disappeared. It was a quick solution as if they had just caught an irritating fly.
The word 'Pipe' gave me a sense of who the new god was.
'Are you the VIP Point Shop Grandma?'
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' savors a herbal puff of smoke as a positive.]
As expected.
['The World-building God' has just comes running and asks 'The Supreme Merchant of All Things' what's going on here.]
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' says she visited because there was a minor problem with the goods she sold to the transmigrator.]
['The World-building God' requests a detailed explanation.]
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' says that some suspicious being tried to trick the transmigrator.]
Huh? A suspicious being?
['The World-building God' is surprised and indignant at what kind of a bastard it was.]
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' says that he won't do anything stupid anymore because she beat him up with a pipe.]
['The World-building God' relaxes his expression.]
So, there's no problem now?
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' asks you to stop by the Point Shop when you have free time.]
['The Supreme Merchant of All Things' hastily returns to her business.]
I organized my mind in a slightly bewildered mood.
An item I bought at the point shop became a problem, and a suspicious entity groped my satchel bag, which caused the sparks.
I had a memory that went right through my mind.
'The dungeon I went to get the floppy disk. The owner of that place.'
When I recalled the obsessive search messages that popped up, I got goosebumps, and I suddenly felt wronged.
'Isn't this floppy disk a stolen item after all?'
It was a save point, so I bought it with great enthusiasm to give as a gift, but now I got afraid of the original owner's tracking, so I couldn't even take it out.
"Whew…"
What is that sigh? What's going on?
"I'll tell you later…"
Yes. Because there are a lot of people around now.
Once again, I felt very grateful and fortunate that Agnes was by my side.
Who else can I complain to if not her?
At that moment.
Surururu.
The glass windows, which had been dark as if the night had fallen, regained their transparency. It was a phenomenon that signaled the end of the battle in the boss room.
All eyes, including mine, turned towards the entrance.
Soon the door opened and Thesilid appeared.
"The…"
I was about to say that he had worked hard without hiding my pleasure.
"El…let…"
Thesilid was barely standing on the doorframe, the corners of his mouth and chest were all dyed red.
"Cough!"
"…!"
Unable to overcome the recoil of vomiting blood, his body lost balance.
My body moved first before I thought about anything and when I came to my senses, I had already closed the distance in an instant and hugged him.
"Thesilid!"
"Sir Thesilid!"
While the paladins panicked, I slowly lowered my posture while holding Thesilid. After using my lap as a pillow, I poured heals.
The internal wounds were severe and there was a lot of bleeding. I leaked a potion into his mouth to replenish lost blood.
"I'll do it."
He struggled to raise his upper body and drank the potion himself.
"What happened? Was the battle that fierce? What about the 9th Circle scroll? Could it be that it was useless magic?"
I was sorry after I finished talking. I unknowingly poured out a series of questions out of desperation.
Thesilid stared at me for a long while.
He must have been surprised at how I behaved unlikely my usual self. Just as I was about to become embarrassed, he opened his mouth.
"It was a real 9th Circle, so there was a little bit of recoil. Anyway, I caught the Boss, and I'm fine now because you healed me. Don't worry."
He gathered his energy and smiled kindly.
But I saw the darkness underneath it.
The reason was guessed.
The answers given by the Bible of Truth would not have satisfied him.
When asked why he was regressing, he would get an abstract and vague answer that he was given a mission to save the world.
Inevitably, another question is bound to arise.
So how do I save the world?
In fact, after using the right to answer questions for the first time, he can only await for the next return to ask the second question.
He briefly contemplated suicide but was dissuaded because of doctrine, however after that, he lived very roughly through that episode.
…Is it still like that?
What if he has a bad heart?
As I watch Thesilid, who had a bad complexion, an urge rose in my throat.
Because I, the Transmigrator, know all the answers to his questions.
But…
['The Spoiler Inspector' sternly warns you that it is not acceptable to reveal to the main character a future he has not yet experienced.]
['The World-building God' urges you not to be swayed by impulses and follow Inspector's warning.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' watches you anxiously.]
I haven't experienced the penalty for a heavenly leakage yet. I only narrowly crossed the line to the level of warning.
If World God stopped it and even Ms. Libra was worried about it, the price must be heavy. It was right to be a good listener this time.
When I tightened my grip to resist the urge.
"Eli…?"
A slightly shaky voice filled with confusion struck my ears. Only then did I realize that I was unknowingly holding onto Thesilid's hand.
"Oh sorry."
"…No."
I carefully let go of his hand.
"Khu-hm."
"Hm-uhm."
Loud coughing sounds evoked the atmosphere.
It was Rex and Clovis.
Feeling the attention focused on Thesilid, and me I was quite embarrassed.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' is sad because the atmosphere just now was good.]
Thanks to Ms. Libra's playful words, I completely came to my senses.
After shaking off my thoughts, I saw something I hadn't seen before. I found an object in the hand opposite the Thesilid.
"What is that?"
"Ah, this…"
What he showed out in his large palm was an antique key. The shape was slightly different from the one Elantia had.
Did you get it from the Boss's room?
As far as I know, this dungeon doesn't give items or skill books other than the rights to Q&A the Bible of Truth.
"They told me to go to another library."
"…?"
It was a surprise.
'This is not in the original story?'
['The Spoiler Inspector' tries to deny the shameless sense of strangeness coming from the destroyer of the original herself.]
['The Creative Business Manager' complains about using the expansion pack without purchasing it again.]
Thesilid asked with a dumbfounded face.
"Is something wrong, Eli?"
"Hm, no."
Clearing his question made it clear that there would be more to explain on my part.
Then a rather peculiar system message popped up.
[The System Dungeon's Temporary owner, the Chief Librarian, resigns, and the S-class dungeon 'Library of All Things' will be closed.]
Elantia was a temporary boss, and this place was the Demon King's territory. As long as the boss is gone, the dungeon returns to the owner, Inferinos.
From our point of view, a situation similar to the forced closing we experienced in the Millennium Ice Castle will unfold.
The bronze embossment, which I thought was a decoration on the wall, opened its mouth.
The 'Library of All Things' will be closed soon. I threaten you to exit quickly and in an orderly manner like a cultured demon.
Right after the announcement was heard over the mural.
Dutu…dugugututu…!
Thick walls began to slowly descend from the ceiling at regular intervals. Like a firewall that works in case of a fire.
"Y-Your G-Grace! W-Walls! The walls are coming down!"
"We're going to be trapped like this!"
Raising Thesilid up, I said.
"Don't panic. Just like in the Millennium Ice Castle."
"Ye-yes!"
"Come on, run! Depart!"
We kicked the floor vigorously towards the exit gate created at the end of the hallway.
The Library of All Things has little difference between reality and the flow of time.
Therefore, when we got out of the dungeon, the reality was around lunchtime in Elpenheim.
I looked back at Rex and Clovis among the tired paladins.
The two paladin captains were neatly straightening up their uniforms with solemn faces after having run for dear life.
"Captains, let's report the subjugation and then go eat."
"Yes, Your Grace."
We left the forbidden book storage and went back down the long underground corridor.
"Your Grace, there is only one dungeon left."
"Your Knight's Order will be recognized soon. Congratulations in advance."
Clovis and Rex were happy as if it was their own business. This was also part of social life.
"If you need to increase the number of people, please just say the word to our Ministry of Doctrine."
"There are many talented people from the Sacred Sheep like Thesilid in the Inquisition Office. If it's for Your Eminence, I'll transfer them right away."
"Yes, I will think about it."
We reached the end of the underground corridor and climbed the stairs to the ground level. Clovis asked cautiously.
"May I ask where the next dungeon is?"
"Next…"
When I stepped on the last step from the stairway on the first floor, I had to stop what I was about to say.
"Hurry up! Supplies this way!"
"It's been a while since an emergency call was issued. Why aren't the troops gathering?!"
"We have the approval of Congress! Send additional personnel now!"
Busy people.
Confusing noises.
The atmosphere in the parish hall was unusual. Rex grabbed a priest passing nearby.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Oh, I'm busy to death why are you grabbing people to talk…omg! Y-Your Eminence, The Holy One!"
The priest who met my eyes over Rex's shoulder was startled.
I stepped out.
"I just got back, so I don't know the situation. Please give me an explanation."
The priest opened his mouth with a bluish face.
"Half an hour ago there was a report that a Dungeon Burst had occurred. The Boss has left the gate, so the damage is severe. The measured demonic energy is about SS class."
"What! Is that true?"
"Oh my god!"
I took a small breath.
"Where did it burst?"
"In the border with the Magic Republic."
"…"
I had a hunch.
'It's his job.'
The final boss began to move. Much faster than the original.
Chapter 23. The Funeral Procession of Chaos
The Dungeon Burst happened in Kasaka Village where the 'Lair of the Flame Behemoth' is located.
The situation in the village, which suffered a disaster head-on, was miserable. Swept away by the advance of the Demon Beasts, the collapsed buildings lost their shape and were burned by the flames.
The ground was literally scorched.
However, humans were resilient beings, and even in such a terrible situation, there were people who did not die yet.
"Sa-save me…"
"Please help me…There are people here…hung, hic."
"Please…, please…"
Those bleeding in the rubble desperately looked in one direction and begged for help.
Tak, tak…
There was a man who leisurely walked between the dark red sparkles and the black smoke.
A tall man with long black hair and black robes. His gaze, looking straight ahead, was impermanent, as if he had seen the twilight of the world.
"Why…! Why are you just going…!"
The moment a young man crawling in a pool of blood shouted resentfully, Reed stopped walking.
He just rolled his eyes and looked down at the young man. At this instant, the young man should have realized.
That the opponent to hope for salvation was very wrong.
Reed stood up straight towards the young man. His low-pitched voice contained disillusionment of unknown depth.
"You always beg for salvation. I'm sick and tired of it."
"…"
"Even when your limbs are intact, you guys have no intention of doing anything yourselves. It's beyond being passive and more live utter inactivity. You're only 'to be saved'."
There was no way this young man could understand the memoirs of his long years.
The young man wanted to shout what bullshit he was talking about, but his tongue was tightly tied.
The languid voice continued to sink unilaterally into the young man's ear.
"No more cheap salvation."
Reed looked around. In addition to the young man, there were several dying villagers nearby.
A dozen of people were watching him and Reed said so they could all hear.
"Let's do this."
Whooooah.
Black, evil flames rose from Reed's feet.
It was scattered in many directions as if an invisible fuse had gone off. Some stopped right in front of the survivors' noses and others swallowed corpses.
Tadadak…
The black flame burned the corpses layer by layer, turning them into charcoal. A long time passed while the flames savored their meals. The corpses were being slowly dissected.
"H-Hic…!"
The residents who had those same evil flames right in front of them were lost in thought. Someone even spoke with belated enlightenment.
"Th-The Devil…"
That same devil thoughtlessly showed mercy.
"If even one of you can touch the flame, I will save everyone else."
"…"
"Everyone I'm talking about is anyone who is or will be involved in a dungeon burst. With one weak life, you can save a lot of lives. Isn't that a good condition?"
A slight anticipation lingered In Reed's meaningless red eyes. However.
"…"
Humans just rolled their eyes in dismay and look at others. They were still hoping to be saved.
Reed's expression changed.
"It's unfortunate."
He said so as if he was genuinely sad.
Black flames spread in an instant.
"Ugh, aaaagh!"
Screams of pain filled Reed's surroundings. Even then, the flames continued to spread and turned Kasaka Village into hell on earth.
"…"
Reed watched everything with calm but insane eyes.
As time went on, the screams that had been echoing over time finally stopped. After the slaughter, Reed started walking again.
His arrival was in front of the burst gate.
Boom, boom, boom.
The heavy impact echoed at regular intervals. It felt like tapping the space with a pendulum.
Reed, who had been watching, opened his mouth.
"Come out."
The gate shuddered and the echo stopped. But after a while.
Quaaaaagh!
A huge wolf monster thrust its head out of the gate.
The Flame Behemoth struggled to get out of the narrow hole. It didn't go as planned, and a rain of flames came down in all directions with every occasional roar it let out.
"I don't know if you like dogs."
Reed, who said something incomprehensible, grabbed the air with his right hand and made a gesture to pull something out.
Khehe! Kyeheeg!
The Flame Behemoth, which had his invisible leash yanked, was forcibly pulled out.
"Go get some love."
It was the moment when a beast of disaster was released into the world.
I could feel the eyes of all the church members in the hall looking at me.
"Your Eminence!"
Just in time, I could see Cardinal Vesalius and Cardinal Decal approaching with leaping steps in the distance.
"I heard the news."
In my words, Decal delivered detailed and relentless news.
"Flame Behemoth appeared and destroyed five villages in the Cyrillic province. Our Glorious Knights and the Magic Army of the Republic are struggling, but the situation is not good. According to the report of the scouting party, the Boss's aggro is not caught."
Vesalius also helped.
"Our Sir Parvan and Princess Marcellion of the Republic are both first-class tankers. If they can't handle it, it's already at the level of a continental disaster. I've requested cooperation from Prince Hispenril and the Head of the Knight Academy a while ago, but I don't know when the front line will collapse. So…"
It was at this time that the two people, who were always feuding, said the same thing at the same time.
"Please Holy One, buy us some time."
"…"
To protect the allies and the front line in the midst of a fierce struggle until top-tier players arrive. That was the request and order of the Council of Cardinals.
It's something you have to accept, of course. But.
"What if I get rid of it?"
"That means…?"
"I want to replace the third S-class dungeon subjugation by defeating the Flame Behemoth."
You can feel the surprise all around you. However, Vesalius and Decal had a positive stance as expected.
"Of course, Your Eminence."
"As the situation is what it is, it doesn't matter if you receive the cooperation of allies."
An external crisis binds the internal sects together. Today the ministers of the two departments communicated well.
I looked around after I received the space transfer stone.
"Let's go, Terry."
"…"
"Terry?"
"…Ah."
With a deeply sunken face, he came to his senses belatedly.
"Sorry, I was just thinking for a moment."
"Tell me if you feel unwell."
I said it because I was worried that he had suffered an internal injury earlier.
"No, I can fight. So take me."
He held out his right hand to me first and I took it.
"We will follow soon, Your Eminence."
"It is the same with our Grace Knights. Take care of yourself, Your Eminence."
Clovis and Rex said quite resolutely. Behind them, two orders of paladins, numbering a little less than sixty people, took the curtsy of knights.
It was a solemn farewell.
"Then I will go."
Crack.
The space transfer stone was crushed in my hand. I closed my eyes and waited for the feeling of floating to come over me.
[System We moved to the border of Elpenheim and The Magic Republic of Ragneif, Cyrillic province. Adjust the current time according to the time difference.]
I took my first breath in a new place through the tip of my nose. My lungs sucked in the acrid, hot air and felt as if they were about to get burned.
We arrived in the middle of the ruins where a battle of fire ravaged the earth.
Inside the barely-made camp, the moans, pleas, and cries of the survivors resonate.
Healers sweat all over their bodies and poured in their divine power in order to somehow save the dying lives.
Outside the encampment, paladins wielded their swords with all their might toward the demons. If they collapse, this camp is over.
If even the rear is in such a bad situation. Then what about the front?
Kuowwwwwwwoooooooohhhh!
…Ah, how big is this thing?
There was a huge monster that distorted the sense of perspective in the distant horizon.
A beast-type monster that looks like a mixture of a wolf and a dragon. The flames attached to the fur of its body burned viciously, using the lives of its victims as fuel.
Kwaaaangh!
The monster raised its front paw and stamped on the floor. The earth's axis shook, and fireballs fell in all directions.
Screams came from everywhere, it seemed to tear the soul, not the eardrum.
[System Warning. Hellkaion, King Flame Behemoth, ranked 307th in the Demon World, has appeared in the human world. Under the influence of the SS-class boss, demonization is progressing in a 10km radius area.]
[System Warning. The demonized area follows the rules of the dungeon.]
[System Warning. 'Hell Ember Counter' begins.]
[System Warning. The use of the Space Transition Stone is restricted.]
Originally, this one was a B-class beast-type monster.
However, Reed used the powers he possessed to turn Hellkaion into an SS-class Burst Boss and he released it to a land full of people who are someone's precious family, lover, and friend.
"Reed, you crazy bast-…"
I managed to swallow the swear words that rose up without my knowledge. Suddenly, when I looked to the side, I saw Thesilid, who seemed shocked by the tragedy.
There was no time to be absent-minded.
"Terry."
"…Eli."
I explained the strategy.
"You only deal."
The aspect of this battle was no different from a war of attrition.
King Flame Behemoth, Hellkaion, was rampaging, spreading embers and sulfur fire in all directions.
He rushed here and there, biting at random, and rolling his front and hind paws to shake the ground and trample on small creatures.
Like a raging bull, the target of his attacks kept changing with distractions. This was the worst situation in which a tanker could not perform its role at all.
"Argh!"
"Heuk!"
A woman with a blonde ponytail and a brunette man were thrown in different directions.
Hellkaion's swinging tail only brushed them, but the results were devastating.
They were among the best of the best in the Republic and the Church, respectively. Even so, the reason why they couldn't get their game on was because of the 'Hell Ember Counter' debuff emitted by Hellkaion.
Right now on the battlefield, tiny sparks were floating slowly through the air like dandelion seeds.
These countless sparks polluted the sight and did not stop at interfering with the battle. It accumulated as embers in the body by entering the respiratory system or sticking to the skin and the higher the number of such counters, the more the Boss's attacks hurts.
It was impossible to erase the abnormal status by using auxiliary skills or opposite attribute magic.
So, after fighting for about an hour, Hell Embers accumulated in each tanker's body exceeded 10 Counters.
The title tanker was funny because now they were like glass sculptures.
From blow to blow, they went back and forth between life and death. Healing could not be used on corpses, so the tankers had to take care of themselves and focus on defense.
Because of that, it became difficult to build up even the minimum damage necessary to attack and draw out the Boss's attention.
Aggro was extremely unstable and dealers stopped all action early on. But the problem was Healing. Unlike dealing damage, they couldn't help but heal.
"Hic! A-A-Another aggro went to the healer…!"
"P-Protect the White Mage…Aww!"
Healers, who were attacked by the Boss, died in vain, or the dealer, who claimed to be a shield, was victimized instead, one after the other.
However, if you don't heal, the tanker will die, and the death of the tanker means the annihilation of the subjugation party.
Truly a bitter war of attrition.
It was an unwinnable fight. Everyone was just determined to hold out until Prince Hispenril or the Head of the Military Academy came to support as tankers.
"Shit. Ptiu-."
Princess Marcellion, Odellit, spat bloody saliva.
While the dealers used their own bodies to make a shield to protect the White Wizard's Unit, she also had time to reorganize.
That reorganization was…
"Ah…!"
"Cure."
It was to violently grab the hair of a female white mage and order her to heal.
No matter how much a white mage is treated as a heal shuttle in the Magic Republic, this was an excessive treatment.
However, it was familiar to a girl with frizzy platinum hair and a scrawny body.
She was placed in the most dangerous position on the frontlines and apart from the other white wizards, to be able to heal Odellit, the Leader of the Ragneif Subjugation Squad and main tanker, at any time.
"Huh, uph…"
Hilde, with tears hanging from the pain that felt as if her scalp would be ripped off, raised her arms, and a white light formed on her trembling hands.
An unrivaled healing, even among the white wizards, permeated Odellit's body. Her internal organs, which had been devastated, recovered quickly.
A powerful healing skill poured into the tanker that couldn't catch aggro properly.
Normally, this was a situation in which the Boss was provoked by white mages. However, Hilde did not attract the attention of the boss because she had a 'threat-free' constitution.
This was very a useful and convenient characteristic to have in the same situation as now. Odellit felt her mood improve as well as her physical condition.
But the next moment.
"Si-sister…it hurts. Please, let go…"
"…"
Odellit's eyes looking at Hilde were filled with killing intent.
"Shut up, lowly wench. Do you want to die?"
"So-sorry…I-I was wrong…Kyaaaagh!"
Odellit threw Hilde away like a piece of baggage.
"I'm rushing again. Even if it means cutting off your lifespan, pour heals."
"Y-Y-Yes, p-princess."
Odellit straightened her greatsword and glared at Hellkaion.
'If I just catch Aggro, I can melt such an unintelligent beast monster right away with firepower.'
It was humiliating that she had to ask for help from foreign countries because of her own incompetence.
Having her lofty pride wounded, she gritted her molars.
It was then.
Odellit, who was about to rush forward, hesitated when she saw the strange behavior of the Boss.
Suddenly, Hellkaion stopped attacking and lowered his head to the ground, and he gave the impression of pulling his neck out again and lifting it.
Odellit's eyes widened.
'It's a roar!'
It was a terrible attack that wiped out 20% of her troops within 10 minutes of starting the raid.
Hellkaion's roar boils the blood and explodes the body from within.
If you get hit, you have to use one of the 3 main forces to withstand it, but it was dangerous in a state where the embers were stacking up like now.
"Sonomancer! Stop it!"
The wizards who dealt with sound hurriedly cast their magic. To prevent air as a medium from transmitting sound waves.
However, the opponent was an SS-class boss.
6th Circle Advanced Skill or below does not work. The boss's howl shattered the magic circles and unfolded.
Wuooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh-!
Continuous shockwaves hit people's bodies.
"Cog…cough!"
The heart felt like it would explode at any moment, and instead of blood, it felt like molten iron was flowing in the veins.
The body steaming from inside out all over was not an illusion.
Odellit used magic and aura with all her might.
It was luck that she was an ice wizard and at the same time, she used an aura with a cold temperament.
Even with more than 10 counters of Hell Embers, she endured.
However, the condition of her troops was the worst. People struggled and screamed in agony as they burned from the inside out.
The roar showed no signs of ending. When people were about to give up on holding on.
A figure crossed the battlefield.
"Sacred power enhancement. Target Stamping. Judgment Notice. Absolute execution."
A voice chanting divine assistance skills gently rang in the air filled with chaos. After the process of increasing power to the extreme, unifying the application of the target, and lowering resistance and defense.
Squeezing everything together, the final skill was activated.
"Perform silence!"
Whoooo, aoooh,… ──!
It was only an advanced skill, but it worked.
The roar stopped, and only a high-frequency sound like tinnitus echoed across the battlefield. Hellkaion, who was slow to grasp the situation as an unintelligent monster, could only croak with his mouth open.
This was good timing for a counterattack. The caster of the divine skills stretched out one hand forward and shouted.
"Pure Light."
Faaaat–
A flash exploded.
An ultimate skill that was strong enough to cut off other skills, hit the Boss's eye.
When interrupted during casting the blow was fatal. As if hit by a harpoon, Hellkaion stumbled and let out bubbles from his mouth.
Kugoong!
The giant lost its balance and sank down.
Those who had barely passed the life-and-death crisis lifted their heads with difficulty and a clear voice rang in their ears once again.
"Healing Field."
A haze of healing rose over the battlefield. Light clusters like fireflies were absorbed into people's bodies and erased their wounds.
Odellit's jaw dropped at the shockingly wide range of the area heal.
'Such divine power? Who the hell is that?'
The answer to that could be obtained through the cry of the Glorious Knights Order.
"Y-Y-Your Eminence The Holy One!"
"Your Eminence! The Holy one is here!"
"Saint!"
The last call penetrated Odellit's mind.
'The rumor that a Saint appeared in the kingdom not too long ago was true!'
A Saint who appeared after 200 years.
Her dignity was grandiose because she even led an escort party the size of two Orders of Knights.
However, Odellit's eyes, fixed on the Saint, soon grew cold.
'Stupid.'
Is the same trouble for everyone.
Kwuaaaaa!
Hellkaion, whose silent debuff had been removed, rose up in anger. The glittering eyes of the beast were fixed on the Saint.
It's a matter of course. A wide-range heal in a situation where the tanks couldn't catch aggro was the ultimate provocation skill.
The corners of Odellit's mouth were tinged with a blatant sneer.
Even if she is a Saint, isn't she a little better than a healing shuttle? As expected, she only knows how to heal, that's why she does stupid things like this.
She seemed to know the purpose of the knights she brought along.
'Meat shields in case this happens…huh?'
At that time, a strange sight flashed in Odellit's eyes.
Kaaaag!
The Saint was neither embarrassed nor intimidated by the viciously running Hellkaion.
"Holy Hymn."
She just calmly casts a support skill on herself.
"Don't heal. Never."
With a voice no one could refuse, she asked for everyone's cooperation.
The Saint stepped forward in front of Hellkaion.
As soon as Hellkaion lifted one of his front paws close to her, she swiftly took off the sword in an effortless action.
Kagagaga!
The blade carrying a pure white aura clashed with the monster's claws.
There's a need to put in as many attacks as possible in the early stages when the counter of embers was low.
I wielded Serpences to the limits of my body. Hellkaion was a boss with fearsome strength and unmatched speed for its size.
If you parry the Boss' teeth or claws in full frontal defense, arm bones may be crushed.
The boss's attacks must be unconditionally deflected.
It was a short confrontation time in which the sword blade and claws scratch each other as if brushing against one another. In the meantime, I concentrated on my skills.
"Divine Punishment."
A bolt of lightning pierced through the dark clouds and struck Hellkaion's back.
Kwagwagwang!
The spark in the air was like gunpowder, causing an explosion-like ignition over a large area.
Kwuaaaa!
He was a boss resistant to lightning and fire. However, divine power definitely dealt a blow.
Just in time, a useful skill I possessed was activated.
[System The chance of inflicting a fatal wound on an enemy increases due to the passive skill 'Reversal of Predation'.]
From now on, Hellkaion will be my prey.
Charleureuk!
The long, whip sword, Serpens, pierced Hellkaion's left forepaw.
As soon as I avoid his rolling paw that came down trying to crush me, his long, thick tail hit horizontally. As I stepped back, the next thing to attack me was a wide-open muzzle.
Bang!
Hellkaion's interlocking fangs created sparks like flint. I had already jumped high and his head stuck to the ground in his failed attempt to bite me.
I landed on the back of his snout and ran from the bridge of his nose to the middle of his head stabbing Serpences in the center of his forehead.
Kwaaaaaagh!
The aura pierced his hide, shattered the skull, and landed on his brain.
Even non-intelligent monsters have weak brains. At a valid blow, Hellkaion lifted his head and thrashed violently.
I held on to the stuck sword and hung about as much as I could. I trusted my sense of balance and focused on casting skills.
"Judgment Notice. Absolute Execution."
After building support skill that makes the target defenseless and lowers its resistance.
"Vanquish of Evil"
Pajik!
An irreparable crack formed on the forehead where the sword was inserted. I successfully made a weakness.
But the price was formidable.
Never mind. Now get off quickly!
"Yes!"
Don't answer nicely! Sparks are inhaled!
Hellkaion's fur was a hotbed of sparks. In return for super-close combat, weakening debuffs quickly accumulated on my body for a short period of time.
[Status 'Hell Embers (7 Counters)']
I slid on the bridge of his snout and jumped backward.
Indeed, it was a top-notch glass body debuff created by an SS-class boss. The moment I landed, I felt an electric current running through my ankles.
Ellet!
"…!"
Before I even had time to straighten my posture, Hellkaion's paws struck me.
"Ugh!"
The tip of his fur brushed my shoulder lightly. However, along with the pain as if I had been attacked by a direct hit, the feeling of burning flesh overtook me.
Damn, it hurts so much.
In order not to share the Boss's aggro, I had previously warned Thesilid not to use 'Guardian of the Beloved'.
Injury and pain were entirely mine.
Are you okay?
I was in tears.
Unfortunately, there was no time to answer.
I dodged a tail that flew straight away. The moment a long hissing sound rang out from close by, my right cheek was deeply cut and blood splattered.
Now, it seems that my body became so fragile that I can be injured even if the wind that accompanies the Boss's attack brushes against me.
[Status 'Hell Embers (8 Counters)']
It's worth holding up to single digits. I injected the aura into the Serpens.
Charararara!
The elongated sword ran amok like a predatory snake and focused its attack on Hellkaion's face.
At the same time, I busily stepped forward to avoid Hellkaion's feet, muzzle, and tail.
Injury even if rubbed, serious injury if touched. Risking life, I poured out attacks with minimal evasive action.
Like Hellkaion's fur, which was being hacked, wounds increased on my body. The white paladin uniform was stained red everywhere.
[Status 'Hell Embers (9 Counters)']
You have to heal once, you.
Healing has a long casting time. It wasn't easy to create the timing to use heal in the avant-garde with an SS-level boss.
Koooooooo!
I saw Hellkaion take a long breath. Sensing he would shout, I immediately kicked the ground.
Kwagwagwang!
I managed to dodge it by digging deep into the blind spot in the range of attacks. But.
[Status 'Hell Embers (10 Counters)']
The debuff broke through double digits. Now even the hot air was unbearable.
The feeling of heat penetrating through a body full of cuts and burns feels like turning into charcoal from the inside out.
['The World-building God' worries about you.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' worries about you.]
Ellet.
"I know."
I really have to heel.
It was then.
Awuuuuuuuuh!
In front of my eyes, Hellkaion, who roared long, lifted his front paws and stood as if walking on two legs.
'He's going to strike down!'
My body was in a state where blood would burst even if the wind brushed against me. If I get hit by a shock wave big enough to cause an earthquake, my intestines, and muscles will be devastated.
"…"
But I lowered my sword and waited quietly. I looked up at the boss and held my breath.
"Your Eminence?"
"Saint?"
The voices of the bewildered knights were heard.
"…Eli?"
And someone's voice was especially clear in my ears.
Whoosh!
A harsh air-waving sound fell to the top of my head. Two giant forepaws attacked at a relentless speed.
Goooooo!
The moment the earth shook.
"Ellet Rodellaine!"
A cry that had lost its composure ripped through the dust clouds and reached my ears.
For a moment, a solemn silence hung over the battlefield. But it didn't last long.
Kreureung?
Hellkaion, tamping the ground with his front paws, made a dumb noise. He finally noticed that the touch of the soles of his feet was strange.
The dust cloud that obscured the view had settled.
"I didn't ask for your paw. Take them off."
Kwauaaaa!
Hellkaion roared and tried to beat me relentlessly with his paws. However, it was blocked by a solid silver barrier, and it was all in vain.
In the meantime, a healing light enveloped my body. Having calmed down, I slowly turned my head.
"Why are you so surprised?"
"…"
Thesilid, who was about to run away, froze in the same position before he could start running.
He was breathless but suspiciously motionless. His gaze fixed on me across the far distance did not know how to fall. He must be really surprised.
['The World-building God' dislikes extreme directing.]
['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' carefully opens its tightly closed eyes.]
I looked straight ahead again. Now it's a chance to pick the timing to safely release Mercury's Barrier.
Kwuaaaa!
The boss roared and slammed the barrier like he was digging the ground with his front paws. As if he was going to die of anger, he brought his bloodshot eyes close to my face.
Seeing the eyes of an SS-class boss full of bloodthirst right in front of your nose is chilling. But I laughed.
This makes things easier.
I raised my left hand and put it on the barrier, exactly where Hellkaion's eyeballs were located.
"Pure Light."
A bright light exploded from the skill.
Kuuuuuaaagh!
A powerful ultimate skill directly hit Hellkaion's retina. It was a waste to use it as a flash grenade, but the effect was great.
Coo-goo-gung!
Hellkaion took a step back and fell to the side. It was the moment when his left front paw, which had been targeted in the beginning and had an exposed bone, was easily visible.
I lifted Mercury's barrier and inhaled to fill my lungs.
The amount of damage I made was enough and as if showing off, I healed the injuries on my body at once, making Hellkaion extremely angry.
Currently, the Boss's threat against me was explosive.
I shouted with a big exhalation.
"Everyone, attack!"
It seems the dealers have been waiting for this moment. Magic, divine power, and aura immediately poured into Hellkaion.
It was the beginning of relentless and massive fire support.
I fulfilled my duties as a tanker again, being careful not to get hit by the skills of my allies and moving the boss' wide-area attack to the side where there was no one.
[Status 'Hell Embers (12 Counters)']
Unlike before, I focused on defense, but the state of my glass body only accelerated. However, there was only pain and no wounds.
It looks like Thesilid used 'Guardian of the Beloved' earlier.
By earlier, I'm sure she's referring to the time when Hellkaion raised its front paws in a bipedal stance and tried to crush me.
It was then.
Chaeeng!
Someone parried Hellkaion's front paw slash attack with a sword in front of me.
My eyes widened at the tall, straight back and silver hair that was disheveled by the wind.
"Terry?"
Why are you coming next to the tanker without dealing damage?
"What if I come this way? You'll be under attack."
"…Eli."
The voice was so low that it seemed to sink below the floor. The face that looked back at me was expressionless as if it was barely suppressing various emotions.
Kwuaaaaa!
Hellkaion's opposite paw swept across the floor. We backed off at the same time and our landing location was as close as promised.
He opened his mouth. With a slightly choked voice.
"I'm glad you're okay. For a moment, you… I thought you were going to die."
"You thought I was going to die?"
Chaeeng!
This time, I asked back while diverging the boss attack.
"You mean you used 'Guardian of the Beloved' while thinking I could die?"
"…"
His active skill was extremely self-sacrificing.
As a partner, he has to take all of my wounds and bear them alone.
So what happens if I get an instant-death injury?
Instead, it will result in his death or both deaths.
Did you use it knowingly?
I peered at him, interrogating him with silence. He finally lifted his heavy lips, however, what came out was not the explanation or excuse I was expecting.
"Then don't get hurt."
Kwaaaaangh!
Thesilid went to the front line and blocked the attack instead of me.
['The World-building God' is dumbfounded, asking if he thinks he is the only superstar tanker around.]
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' says that there are people with protagonist disease everywhere.]
'That's not it.'
It was necessary. I trusted Thesilid and raised my divine power. Agnes, who noticed mine and Thesilid's intentions, advised.
Don't use divine punishment. When the sparks explode, the knights in close combat will get caught up in it.
"I know."
I built up support skills and drew at Hellkaion with my fingertips.
"Vanquish of Evil"
I used it in succession. I poured out skills with the momentum to shatter the beast into pieces.
And finally.
Kheuuuuu…
The huge body of the Flame Behemoth tilted. When everyone was preparing for the shock, I lowered my hand vertically once more.
The moment when the longest straight line cut through the air.
Coo-goo-goo-goo-goo-goo!
The shock wave that would destroy internal organs never happened, as the body of the Boss extinguished itself in sparks before hitting the ground.
[System Congratulations! You have defeated 'Hellkaion, King Flame Behemoth', ranked 307th in the demon world.]
[System Demon Territory 'Lair of the Flame Behemoth' belongs to the dungeon conqueror 'Ellet Rodellaine'.]
Thanks to Thesilid's help, I was able to deliver the final blow with a burst of damage and the dungeon safely belonged to me.
"Ahh…"
Those who participated in the war were overwhelmed by emotions and shouted one by one. The beginning was in tears, but at the end….
"Whoaaaa!"
"We have done it! We killed the monster!"
"Hurray! Hurray-!"
Emotional cheers shook the battlefield.
Survived and won.
Their cries proved this. I could feel the shudder that thumped my heart.
"Your Eminence The Holy One!"
"You worked hard, Your Eminence!"
Clovis and Rex came over and shouted.
Behind them, a paladin I had never seen before gave me a courtesy.
"Thank you for your support, no, for your salvation, Your Eminence."
"The Dame is?"
"I am Layla Zickel, vice-captain of the Glorious Knights. Forgive me for the disrespect of greeting you on behalf of Captain Parvan, Your Eminence."
"…"
Realizing the reason for the rudeness, I stopped breathing for a moment.
He was swept away by the roar and lost his life.
Cardinal Vesalius said that Sir Parvan was a tanker on the side of the Church. It seems like he was not able to withstand the stacking Hell Embers effect.
"You have worked hard, Dame Layla. Thanks to the Glorious Knights risking their lives to protect the front line, a disaster was prevented."
"…Thank you."
In her suppressed voice, I could feel the grief at the loss of a respected superior and a cherished colleague.
When Rex placed her hand on Lila's shoulder and offered silent comfort.
"Excuse me to interrupt while you are talking."
There was a person who came this way, breaking through the solemn atmosphere. It was a woman in armor with a blonde ponytail.
A magic swordsman was also a knight. She gave an abbreviated curtsy of a knight by pressing her right hand to her chest with her fist clenched.
"Greetings to the Saint of the Church. I am Odellit Marcellion, commander of the 1st Magic Army of the Republic of Ragneif."
"I'm Ellet Rodellaine. Nice to meet you, Princess Marcellion."
Actually, I wasn't happy at all.
Odellit Marcellion.
A strong, beautiful, and arrogant sadistic psycho.
She was one of the villains who did terrible things to the main character in the original story.
I quickly took a step to the side and hid Thesilid behind my back. Even if I did, he was so tall that the most important thing, his face, would not be covered.
Fortunately, Odellit was concentrating on me without looking around.
"Anyway, that's really amazing."
"What do you mean?"
"I never imagined that a person called a Saint would be active in the avant-garde. I thought you'd normally be in the rearguard in a safe place."
I guess so.
Odellit was more of a healer-hater than Helcion O'Drek.
She must have been surprised when the Saint who she thought was a high-performance heal shuttle even tanked.
I only stared at her without changing the look on my face, but Odellit turned the topic around as if she was stabbed by showing her hateful feelings in the open.
"Hmm. Rather, I have something to say about post-war processing."
Beside us, Rex and Layla made puzzled faces. It was because there were still a lot of things to deal with before post-war processing began.
I got the gist of her roundabout words right away.
"You mean a distribution problem."
"Yes."
You can't get it all for yourself like in a dungeon.
This was a raid in which two countries participated together and many victims came out. A delicate agreement on distribution was necessary.
Odellit showed signs of teasing her tongue, so I jumped ahead.
"The Council of Cardinals will send someone else, so please discuss it then. I am not in charge of diplomacy or negotiations."
"Is that so…"
It seems that she was trying to coax me into making a verbal promise in their favor, but there's no chance it goes that way.
"In addition, it's too early to talk about the post-war process. As you can see, the situation is still chaotic."
As with any battlefield, the surroundings were brutal.
Moans and cries echoed throughout the burning ruins. Even the howling of the demon beasts that remained was heard all around.
When I gave Odellit a glance, she flinched and nodded.
"The Saint is right."
"We share roles. It would be good if our Church would take care of the injured and rescue survivors, and the Republic would take care of dealing with the remaining monsters and putting out the fire. What do you think, Princess?"
"All right, I'll do that, Saint."
It was surprisingly easy to come to an agreement?
"Thank you for your cooperation, Princess. Then let's get started…"
It was then.
Ellet.
Agnes's low call stuck in my ears like a warning.
I was taken aback by the sensation that overtook my whole body making the hair stand on its end.
"Your Eminence?"
"Saint?"
"What's wrong?"
Eyes clang to me with anxiety or wonder, but I couldn't make eye contact with them. A shadow wriggled under my feet and wrapped around my legs.
It was a powerful binding skill.
The target was only me.
"Yo-Your Eminence!"
"Don't come closer."
I gave a command in a voice disguised with calmness and raised my head.
The one in the direction I raised my gaze was…
"…"
A sky full of dark clouds and a man looking at the world against the gray-blue sky.
Final Boss, Reed.
It was my second encounter with him.
['The World-building God' is nervous.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' is nervous.]
I stared at him with eyes that forgot to even blink.
A wind mixed with ashes blew from the west.
The image of his long black hair and flowing robes was slowly embedded in my retina like slow motion. It feels like the concept of time was forcibly distorted.
I clenched my fists as if to hide my trembling fingertips.
"Reed…"
I thought we might meet so I saved Descent.
But.
'I don't have the means to deal with Reed yet.'
I moved before the dungeons were created to get those means. Perhaps, my existence has accelerated the events.
"… "
"…"
I got the feeling that his and my gaze were connected through the distant space. His calmness of just calmly staring at this side made my instincts whisper to me.
Can't be stimulated.
Never, ever provoke.
But then.
"Who are you!"
A sharp shout tore through the air. It was Odellit.
At the same time, everyone's eyes that were on the battlefield went up to the sky.
"Ahh! Who is it?"
"A floatation magic? Wizard?"
"Is he with Ragneif?"
As if answering no to the paladin's question, Odellit shouted.
"I am Odellit Marcellion, commander of the 1st Magic Army. Come down and reveal your identity and affiliation, Wizard! Otherwise, I will consider you an enemy."
"…"
"Seems you are an enemy. All Republic troops, attack the enemy…!"
At that moment, I felt that Reed was trying to open a spell.
I didn't hesitate.
"Descent of Divinity!"
As soon as I melted the restraining shadows with light, my body floated high.
"Omnipotence. Mercury's Barrier!"
The ultimate barrier was spread over the maximum area possible. A huge silver citadel was built over the ruins of war.
Just in time, Reed moved his right hand and a wave of destruction hit the whole area.
Shwooooooooaaaaaaaaaa!
Red rain poured down all over the battlefield. It was strong acid rain that immediately melted the body upon contact.
"7th Circle Dark Magic…!"
One of the wizards of the Republic who recognized the identity of the magic shouted.
It was not a 9th Circle transcendent magic, it was a 7th circle ultimate magic. For Reed, it was a light skill that can be exchanged in place of greetings.
However, having to defend a wide area, I had to concentrate with my teeth clenched.
If I don't hold out, everyone under the 6th Circle of Magic, Advanced Aura Experts, or Bishop-level priests would end up at least seriously injured.
"Wh-What the hell is the identity of the enemy?"
"Monster? Demons?!"
"We subdued the boss, but why…!"
A muttering of confusion came from under my feet.
I struggled to open my mouth to the people on the ground.
"Everyone…!"
"Your Eminence!"
"Return with a transition stone!"
"What?"
After defeating the boss, the demonization of the area has stopped and people could use the Space Transition Stone again.
You can only live by running away.
I shouted again.
"Leave the battlefield! Now!"
Just by saying a few words, the barrier was shaken. Part of the highly acid raindrops broke through the barrier.
"Aaaagh!"
Screams from the ground forced me to focus.
Was it too much of a wish to ask for understanding and have my words followed?
Odellit's roaring cry hit the back of my head.
"The subjugation is not over yet! All of the Republic forces, prepare for battle!"
…That crazy woman.
It seems that a 7th Circle dark magic was not enough to imprint Reed's fear.
"Now is the time when the Saint is in charge of defense! Wizards are good at catching wizards! Drag him down!"
Madness dwelled in the eyes of Odellit, who was giving orders. Strategic calculations to make up for the credit lost in this Boss subjugation were clear.
I should have sealed that woman's mouth first. It's my mistake.
Everything happened in an instant.
Magic chains extending from various directions wrapped around Reed's body and pulled him down to the ground.
Reed gently descended to the floor.
"The opponent is a high-ranking wizard! It will be weak in close combat!"
Just then, the red acidic rain stopped.
"Now!"
I saw the magic swordsmen rushing with Auras on their swords and as soon as I lifted the Silver Citadel, I shouted.
"No! He is…!"
Knowing very well that I can't hold them back.
"He's a magic swordsman…!"
The moment when my scream-like cry split at the end.
Sururu.
A sword formed in Reed's right hand. A magical jet-black sword with red beads embedded in the hilt.
Dozens of Aura Blades of the same type were created in the air.
As if escorting him, they revolved around Reed once and spread out in a radial direction.
Dozens of aura blades traveled through the air and pierced the enemies. Every time he drew a trajectory, blood splattered and bones were pierced.
It was a festival of slaughter.
The magic swordsman unit rushing to the vanguard was annihilated in an instant.
"Oh my…god…a-aura m-master…how come…"
Odellit sat down in a puddle of blood with a devastated face.
I fixed my sword. I know my opponent was an Aura Master, but I need a sword.
Instead.
"Omnipotence. Sacrosanctity."
I charged at Reed with an absolute defense buff.
Chaeeenggg-!
Reed's sword and my sword rang a long cry of iron.
At the moment of the collision, each person's hair was scattered in disarray due to the shock wave that exploded.
Silver and black hair that obstructed the vision sank down. His face, which I saw while confronting him at close range…
"…."
"…."
I gritted my teeth when I saw his softly smiling lips. I put all my strength into the sword.
"Omnipotence. Divine Hymn!"
I placed a higher-level buff and wielded my sword. Reed, who was pushed back in a momentary power struggle, stepped back into the distance.
I quickly closed the gap and caught up with him again.
Kang! Chaeeng! Chaeng Kang!
With maximum speed and maximum power, I poured out attacks and drove him, swinging my sword without stopping.
Because we have to finish it before Descent ends.
"Omnipotence. Divine punishment."
An ultimate skill that was cast instantly. Dozens of thunderbolts hit the ground with a second of difference.
I used it to keep Reed's Aura Blades in check and at the same time deftly guide his movement. Before I knew it, Reed and I were far away from our original position.
Over Reed's shoulder, I could see the place I was aiming for.
I hit him with all my might and built up my support skills.
Sacred power enhancement. Target Stamping. Judgment Notice. Absolute execution.
And shouted my target skill.
"Omnipotence. Restrain."
An advanced bondage skill was activated. white thorns wrapped around Reed's body and I pulled him to where I intended.
There was a gate behind Reed. The very burst gate that I have the right to close.
The vortex inside the gate sped up as if to announce that the closing had begun. Reed, who glanced at this, parted his lips in admiration.
"Ah."
"…"
"Are you trying to abandon me?"
My heart pounded at the first voice I heard.
I gritted my teeth and swung my sword again to rush him into the dungeon.
Chaee-Aeng!
Finally, his back touched the gate.
A little bit more. More. Just a bit more. A bit!
However, he tried to break free from the bondage of thorns, as if he did not want to flow into the garbage dump of the demon world.
His Aura Blades, powered by his will, cut through the dry bushes that restrained him as if hacking. The speed at which the thorns were destroyed was faster than the speed at which the branches could wrap around him.
At this rate…
It was a time when I felt disillusioned.
"Eli!"
"…!"
Thesilid's cry stuck in my ears.
Did he chase us?
Why! In this dangerous place!
In the moment when my unrest was read by Reed.
Whoosh!
The Aura Blades all flew towards Thesilid.
He quickly swung the Holy Sword, but could not block all of the Aura Blades. Three black aura blades pierced Thesilid like a harpoon.
"Terry!"
"You need to focus."
Reed turned my gaze back to him.
He fell deeper into the gate because he used the Aura Blade on Thesilid. He asked with a devilish grin on his face.
"Why are you around a bug like that?"
"…"
"That is not the place for you. With me…"
"…"
"Let's fall into the abyss."
"…!"
My wrist was hot.
A bleeding hand came through my sacred inviolability. Reed's hand was holding me as if he couldn't go alone.
A conditional offer to enter the dungeon where the closing started.
"…"
My head went cold.
Just in time, I could see the color returning to my hair, which was flying in a mess disturbing my vision.
Soon, a fever penalty will be imposed. Will I be able to survive in the demon world's garbage dump like that?
"…It's a question with a laughably obvious answer."
I straightened the corner of my mouth that was about to twist. I did my best to smile brightly at Reed.
"Go ahead, Reed."
"…"
After spitting it out, I corrected my tone and opened my mouth again. With the sweetest voice I could muster filled with respect and love.
"Agnes."
…
"Thank you so much."
What, you can't…
"Bye."
W-wait, no, Ell…!
Tuk.
I took off the cross pendant and threw it away. I was very sorry for the harsh treatment, but I can't let her get swept into the Demon World's dump.
Let's go now.
It was time to relax in order to fall into the deepest, darkest, and coldest pit of the demon world with Reed.
"…"
It suddenly came to mind.
Thesilid.
What about Thesilid?
The image of him bleeding from a piercing wound from an aura blade filled my mind.
I was trying not to look back so as not to provoke Reed, but at this moment all my nerves were on Thesilid.
I should be the one to heal him.
It must be me.
Without me, Thesilid dies.
Tak!
Reed's red eyes bulged. It was because I shook his hand while he was off guard.
Right then.
Whuwiiiii!
The gate, which had swallowed Reed halfway, shrank in size and spun wildly like an abyssal whirlpool. Unbelievably, the dungeon closing was accelerating. Reed's body quickly sank into the entrance of subspace by an irresistible force.
"…What is this about? You're being arrogant about a dungeon that was promoted with my authority."
"…"
"Well, okay. The intended purpose has been achieved."
Even in this situation, Reed was relaxed. He just rolled his eyes and looked to the side.
Where his gaze landed, there was my hair, which had regained its color and was fluttering in the wind.
Alas, I see.
He had been hanging out here with the purpose of finding out the duration of Descent from the beginning.
When I realized that horrifying truth.
"See you later, Ellet Rodellaine."
Sururu.
Reed's last traces were gone. Together with the gate that has been condensed into small holes that disappeared.
"Ah…"
I did it.
I blocked Reed.
A shiver ran through my whole body. It felt like my head was shaking with delirium and heat. I felt like I was about to collapse at any moment, but I persevered and turned around.
"Terry…"
In the distance, I saw him with his head down in a kneeling position. Everything under his silver head was red.
[System You suffer from 'God's Fever' as a result of unreasonable use of the Divinity. Sleep is recommended for recovery. Remaining time 1 day 23 hours 59 minutes.]
I struggled to lift my wobbly legs and walked out.
[System Warning. Resistance to 'God's Fever' will damage your body function. Sleep is recommended. Time remaining: 1 day 23 hours 59 minutes.]
My body felt like a cotton sack soaked in hot water. I don't know if I'm walking or if I'm dragging myself.
[System Warning. Vision is impaired by resisting 'God's Fever'. Sleep is recommended. Time remaining: 1 day 23 hours 59 minutes.]
A terrible high fever clouded my eyes. The shapes and textures of objects were blurred and crushed and only colors were barely distinguishable.
Red spot. I just have to go to the reddest place.
[System Warning. Hearing is impaired by resisting 'God's Fever'. Sleep is recommended. Time remaining: 1 day 23 hours 59 minutes.]
"──."
The world had become peaceful and quiet.
I kept walking, thinking it wasn't bad.
Is it about ten steps ahead?
Hang in there. Move a little more, Ellet Rodellaine.
[System Warning. The function of body parts is blocked by resisting the 'God's Fever'. Sleep is recommended. Time remaining: 1 day 23 hours 59 minutes.]
Thump.
My legs collapsed helplessly.
Oh, how come? Why now?
I can't.
I crawled on the floor with both arms.
[System Warning. The function of body parts is blocked by resisting the 'God's Fever'…
It was clear what was going to be taken next.
I wonder if he will be listening.
'World God, sir, I hate you…'
Instead of giving up approach, I reached out.
The wire carrying Aura stretched out. Just by using this little amount of power, blood flowed backward.
I hope the end of this thread will reach him.
I prayed earnestly and let the power of healing flow. I poured out divinity while vomiting blood.
With only one wish.
You can't go to the next round, Thesilid Argent.
Please, stay on this timeline where I am.
[System Warning. All body functions are blocked.]
It was a limit beyond the limit.
My mind went black.
Chapter 24. Reward vacation
"Your Eminence! Are you awake?!"
"Ellet, can you see me?"
The voices of Captain Rex and Cardinal Cattleya buzzed in my head.
The sound was distant as if both ears were submerged in a viscous fluid. My vision was opaque as if someone had put frosted glass in front of me.
I always woke up refreshed and full of energy after suffering from the fever penalty, but this time it was different.
['The World-building God' mutters in a melancholic voice that you can be relieved because you will be fine soon.]
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' pats 'The World-building God' on the shoulder.]
It was just as World God said.
I could feel my vision slowly returning to focus and static noise dissipating.
I checked the location first. It was the dwelling of the Holy One provided by The Vatican.
People from the church surrounded almost the whole bed I was lying on.
Could it be that the weakness of getting a fever for two days when I use Descent was revealed?
When I was holding my breath, Clovis said something strange.
"I was worried because you didn't open your eyes for half a day."
"…Half a day?"
"Yes. That's how long it's been since the battle at the border. It's night now. It was frustrating because every doctor and priest who visited could only tell us that there was nothing wrong with your body, but I am glad that you opened your eyes like this. Perhaps it was due to battle fatigue."
Do you mean it's only been 6 hours?
Besides, they diagnosed that there was nothing wrong with my body?
If you've seen symptoms of high fever, there is no way you could say that.
While questioning inside without making an expression, Rex opened his mouth as if he had been waiting. It was a somewhat disgruntled tone.
"I looked for Your Eminence for a long time on the battlefield. Do you know how worried I was because you were nowhere to be seen and the gate was gone? I thought you had been tied up with that suspicious demon at the garbage dump in the Demon World."
"…"
"It wasn't until three hours later that I heard the news that Sir Thesilid had returned to The Vatican with Your Eminence. Back then, I really… I felt the strength in my legs loosen up."
Thesilid brought me here directly.
Only then did the situation become clear.
He must have done something during that three-hour gap that he disappeared with me.
Maybe…
Thesilid took you into some strange dungeon. He spent two days there, but in reality, three hours had passed.
…Ah.
The partial explanations finally made sense and I raised my upper body as if bouncing.
Still half-conscious, I hurriedly pulled back the blanket and looked down at my chest.
A pure gold cross studded with amethysts was in its original place. The pendant I had thrown away, was threaded back into a chain and hung around my neck.
"Your Eminence?"
"Are you having any difficulties?"
"…Excuse me, can everyone please leave for a moment?"
When everyone hesitated at my request, a low-pitched voice encouraged them instead of me.
"I will keep guard."
Only then did people move into the parlor.
After the door was closed, the bedroom was filled with a quiet air.
A halo of light shone in front of my eyes and before I knew it, Agnes was embodied, sat down on the bedside, and looked at me.
You.
It was the first gaze I had ever seen her make. It was resentment disguised as anger.
How…can you throw me away?
"…"
How much do I… … .
"…"
Bye? What the hell do you mean by BYE…!
I caught my breath and the hand holding the blanket was strong.
"I'm sorry, Agnes."
…
"Really…sorry."
…
"Sorry."
…Promise me you won't do that again.
"Sorry."
I said with an embarrassed smile.
"I can't promise."
Agnes' expression, which seemed to have loosened up a little, hardened again. She spoke in a voice that suppressed her emotions as if conversation further was difficult.
Call me if you change your mind.
"…"
The image of Agnes was scattered.
It must mean that she wanted to be alone, so don't call me for a while.
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' sighs, saying that you should have talked better.]
['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' rub his eyes, wondering if he heard something wrong.]
I was left alone with Thesilid in the bedroom.
Sitting on a stool by the bed, he was as motionless as a plaster statue. Silent, with an expressionless face. However, the gaze, which must have been reaching me for a long time, was so intense that it seemed to pierce my heart.
I stared carefully at his face, which seemed to have forgotten to even blink.
"Pendant, did you find it for me?"
"Yes."
"It must have been hard to find, but thank you."
"Yes."
"Uh, um, Agnes says I passed the time in the dungeon for two days because of the fever…"
"Yes."
"Thank you. It was a witty decision."
"Yes."
"…"
No matter what I said, only one answer came back. There seems to be no will to talk.
But it didn't seem to be a protest in anger against me as Agnes did. It was as if his mind was half blown away.
I lowered my gaze slightly and looked at the area around his chest, in the place where he was pierced by Reed's three Aura Blades.
As long as he's sitting on a stool chair without a backrest, he's probably fine. I couldn't take off his clothes to check, so I could only guess.
Then Thesilid slowly opened his mouth.
"I thought the same thing as Sir Rex."
"…"
"I thought you were leaving with that guy."
His voice trembled as he said 'that guy'.
Reed, the Last Boss endowed with overwhelming power.
Did Thesilid recognize that he was the person who tried to kill him in the 'Sculptor's Atelier' dungeon?
I felt his trauma in the trembling that seemed to come from his lost composure. I felt like I had to calm him down first.
"It was like that at first."
"…"
After uttering just one word, Thesilid stopped breathing. His shallow blue eyes were like glass on the verge of breaking.
I hastily added.
"Listen to the end. I quickly changed my mind."
"You changed it?"
"Because when I started thinking, I thought that I needed to heal you. You were seriously injured then. So in the end, I shook off that guy's hand with all my might. You know, I became a healer to heal you."
"…"
I thought that this would make him feel better, but it seems to be a mistake.
Thesilid's expression collapsed silently in front of his nose as if he had been subjected to severe torture.
Soon, he dropped his head. Through his spilled silver hair, the image of his right-hand covering and pressing down on his eyelids was reflected.
"Yes, to heal…"
"…"
"In a state where God's fever was rampant…why, why go so far… … ."
"…"
Ah.
At that time, you were conscious.
I thought he had lost his mind because his chest had been completely pierced.
How did my figure as I approached him, resisting God's fever, reflect in his eyes?
Why on earth is he suffering so much?
Before I knew it, he lowered his hand from covering his face and grabbed his left arm as if tearing it apart.
"Sorry."
"Calm down. Don't beat yourself up."
I grabbed his right wrist and pulled it off.
"I'm just healing, because I'm a healer. It's not your fault that you got hurt."
"No, it's my fault."
For chasing me and Reed where we're fighting one-on-one and getting injured?
It was definitely an act that hadn't been properly looked at. However, considering the results, it was not without help.
Thanks to him holding Reed's attention for a moment, I was able to push Reed through the gate faster with the bondage skill.
In other words, I got a favorable result in exchange for his serious injury, which I neither intended nor wanted.
Then he spoke as if pouring out.
"Because I am weak, because this is the 17th episode, because I have sinned…so it's my fault, all my fault…"
"Terry, calm down."
"…ah."
The focus returned to his empty eyes.
Every time I see his unstable mental state, which is revealed from time to time, a corner of my heart is chilled.
"There is nothing to blame you for. As a result, everything worked out well, and you and I both survived."
"…"
"He was an abnormal being to the extent of twisting the laws of the world. Just by going against a guy like that, you've done a good job."
"…"
Fortunately, the gentle persuasion seemed to work. Thesilid gradually showed a stable appearance.
So I laughed and added words from a more positive point of view.
"Coming to think of it, I guess I was lucky. The dungeon closing sped up at the end. Thanks to that, I was able to get rid of him much easier."
"Yes, lucky…"
Thesilid lowered his gaze and replied.
His tone was a little rusky, perhaps because he said a word that had a great sense of distance from his life.
'Come to think of it, I really don't know what kind of phenomenon that was.'
Acceleration of a dungeon's closing. There was nothing like this in RUWS.
Is it because the difficulty level going up to the SS level made bugs rampant? In that case…
'I acknowledge this nice bug.'
Still, I reported the bug like a model transmigrator.
['The Spoiler Inspector' wounders.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' asks the 'The World-building God' to talk separately for a while.]
['The World-building God' is watching you with gloomy eyes and unwillingly ignores you.]
Well, they'll take care of the rest and I also hope they will take care of the bug report reward later.
Around that time, Thesilid's voice evoked my mind.
"I think I am too weak."
He's still depressed, but there was no sign of mental instability like before.
So I answered with ease.
"Ah, I thought that too."
"…"
His eyes darkened as if he had been hurt. I hurriedly corrected the misunderstanding.
"No, no! I am weak, not you. I think I need to get stronger, but I'm at a loss what to do."
I sighed and let my shoulders down.
['The World-building God' is distressed to see your drooping figure.]
['The World-building God' goes to work listlessly.]
['The Spoiler Inspector' snatches the back of the 'The World-building God' and drags him into the conference room.]
Oh, World God.
I couldn't even say goodbye. I felt apologetic that he seems to have worried about me a lot this time.
At that time, Thesilid, who had recovered from his heartache, spoke.
"It won't be easy to become stronger above the sacred power of the 8th rank and 7th-level aura."
"That's right. Still, if I have to fight I will have to try something."
"Are you going to fight? With that guy?"
"Of course."
Thesilid's voice did not tremble when he mentioned 'that guy' just now.
Wouldn't it be a good time to bring it up?
"I don't know if you remember it because it's been too long ago for you, but there's a prophecy Carpeus made in the dungeon where you obtained the sword of the Sacred Demon. He spoke of a 'Newborn Chaos and Evil' that will come out and destroy the world. That chaotic evil is him."
"…"
"There is no appeasement or compromise with him. His only goal is the destruction of the world."
"…"
"So we have no choice but to defeat it by force."
Thesilid, who had been quietly listening, opened his mouth.
"Right. That guy…he's an enemy to you."
"Because he's the enemy of the world. There is no choice but to save the world."
At this time, I thought that Thesilid would listen to me and respond positively.
Using the Q&A book obtained from the Library of All Things, he must have asked the question, for why does he returns.
The answer must have been 'because he was given a mission to save the world'.
So what I just said is a firm declaration that we were on the same side.
but.
"Right. You are on the side of the world."
"…"
Thesilid smiled bitterly and turned his head to the side.
His eyes colored similar to the deep sea-like night sky outside the window, were terribly empty.
At that time, in a conference room in the divine realm, two male gods were talking.
[What's going on, inspector?]
[We need to find out about the dungeon closing acceleration bug].
In the blunt voice of the 'The Spoiler Inspector', a blood vessel jumped from the forehead of 'The World-building God'
[It is a world built by me, a God specialized in world creation. Do you think there will be a bug?]
Pajijijik!
Divine sparks bounced off by his revealed Godhood.
However, 'The Spoiler Inspector' was as firm as his large body.
[This is a bug reported by your apostle.]
[…]
[And strictly speaking, what you did was 'reconstruction', because this world had a predecessor.]
[It was a broken world on the verge of extinction. Except for the core, it is nothing different from a new creation.]
[Then, is it possible that a bug occurred in the soul of 'Thesilid Argent'?]
As if deep in thought, 'The World-building God' buried his body wrapped in a three-piece suit deeply into the chair.
Soon the two Gods came to an agreement.
[Certainly, there are a lot of unclear things for the 17th episode.]
[It is definitely not the 17th round.]
[If the Original Geek says so.]
Due to the nature of infinite regression, it is a bug that can cause a butterfly effect.
The variables had to be identified so that the huge new world project would not be disrupted.
[I'll ask The Eyes to find out. In the meantime, I'm going to create a bug report reward.]
To speak with Cardinal Cattleya, Rex, and Clovis again, I went over to the parlor with Thesilid.
Five people, including me, sat around a table with simple refreshments.
Soon, Clovis' voice reporting the situation rang through the room.
"The number of victims of the dungeon burst is estimated at about 800 holy citizens and 200 republicans. Currently, relief forces are being sent from both countries to carry out rescue operations and recovery of remains, and a joint funeral and memorial service for more than a thousand people is scheduled to be held in five days. There will be no borders in the world of the dead."
"…"
"The damage to the punitive force is serious on the side of the Republic. Because the black magic swordsman annihilated the vanguard of the Republic's army. How is it even possible to become an Aura Master while already having that level of magic skill…anyway, Princess Marcellion will have a hard time avoiding being blamed for this incident."
"…"
"Ah, regarding the black magic swordsman, a special investigation team will be launched sometime tomorrow."
"Okay."
I casually nodded my head.
Unfortunately, I had no expectations from the investigation team, because Pope Benedict had already become Reed's subordinate.
The investigative team will try to disrupt information about Reed or reverse investigate those who dig into Reed.
So I drew a proper line in the next questions asked by Clovis.
"Does Your Eminence knows anything about that magic swordsman?"
"I ran into him in the village of Greenwall. There was no skirmish. That's all."
Following me, Cardinal Cattleya unraveled the information obtained as Secretary of State.
"Recently, there are reports from the dungeon subjugation teams. It seems that the demons speak as if they revere a person called 'Newborn Chaos and Evil'. For some reason, I have a feeling he might have something to do with him."
"…"
"Come to think of it, the town of Greenwall where the black magic swordsman was witnessed, and the Cyrillic province both have one thing in common: the place where a Dungeon Burst happened. It's a terrifying thought, but he might have the ability to forcibly cause a burst."
That's the answer, it was the power of authority received from the demons.
Cardinal Cattleya turned to Thesilid.
"Sir Thesilid entered the dungeon that broke out in Greenwall Village. Do you know anything about that magic swordsman?"
"I'm sorry. I can't remember."
"…Right. It's a dungeon where the Order of Pillar of Light and an accident, and I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories."
She immediately talked about an alternative as if she didn't expect much.
"The execution of those paladins at the stake has not been carried out yet. I'll have to do some more interrogation."
She was indeed one of the main players who had an active role in keeping Pope Benedict in check in the 17th timeline that was destroyed, although she could not prevent world destruction.
Around that time, the topic of conversation shifted.
"And the items…"
As soon as Clovis stopped talking, Rex got excited and intercepted his words.
"Your Eminence, you will be pleased. It was an artifact, not an item that came out. It's called 'Portable Sanctuary', and it is said that you can create an area to safely protect allies in the dungeon. It's like an outpost!"
"Ohhh, that's great!"
I know it thanks to the original, but I pretended to be surprised.
'Portable Sanctuary' was a great artifact that anyone who was participating in a subjugation party would pay attention to.
You can safely collect information about unfamiliar dungeon environments, and you have the option of retreating when your allies are pushed back in a boss fight, giving an advantage in a long-term battle.
The survival rate of the subjugation party would increase significantly.
'Even though I don't have much use for it.'
Since I'm a transmigrator who knows most of the dungeon strategies, there is no need for information gathering. The possibility of a long-term battle should be countered by increasing the power and making careful preparations before entering the dungeon.
Clovis said.
"Artifacts are something to be pleased with, but the dungeon resources have turned out to be ugly and sinister."
The atmosphere became serious again.
"An open-air mine of blood-stones has been created in the demonized land. Blood Stones have the property of eating human blood, so it is a mineral that the Church defines as an evil substance, but the Republic strongly wants it."
"I guess so. The magic bloodstone has the effect of increasing the efficiency of the mana circuit."
"It's complicated because the border is located in an uncertain place. We should have destroyed it quickly, but Princess Marcellion started a sit-in while we were searching for Your Eminence The Holy One…"
Hey, don't blame me. Even in the original work, the church was slow, this has nothing to do with me, you know?
Anyway, one side is trying to destroy and the other side is trying to have it. This is more dangerous than both sides wanting to have.
If the Ministry of Prosecution, which is as sincere in destroying evil as executing Heresy Judgments, tries to use radical measures, armed conflict may occur.
'Reed was also aiming for this.'
From the beginning, this Dungeon Burst was Reed's plan to pit the two countries against each other over resources.
These two countries are already on bad terms. It must be difficult to come up with a good ending to a problem where political interests and religious beliefs are entangled.
In the middle of the talk, a priest who is in charge of catering for me came in and informed me.
"Your Eminence The Holy One, His Grace Cardinal Vesalius, and His Grace Cardinal Decal ask to see you for a while."
Before I had time to think about it, Clovis and Rex hurriedly got up from their seats.
"I'll leave now, Your Eminence."
"I think I should go too."
But Cardinal Cattleya quietly drank her tea.
"I can stay."
It will be to take my side when I am in trouble.
"Yes, captains, please go carefully, and guide the two Cardinals who are waiting outside."
Not long after I dropped permission, Vesalius and Decal came in.
While they were sitting in the exact same chairs Clovis and Rex were sitting in, Thesilid moved and stood behind my back.
It must have been because the rank of the people gathered at the table had risen above that of a cardinal.
Decal first brought up the story using his benevolent face to the fullest.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine."
"I'm glad to hear that. Then would it be all right if we could talk for a while?"
"Of course."
I straightened my back, showing a posture of listening.
"First of all…"
"First of all, congratulations on the official launch of your Order of Paladins, Your Eminence."
Decal's words were quickly intercepted by Vesalius.
"Oh…"
While I let out a small exclamation of joy, Decal, who had been deprived of the role of bringing good news to me, trembled.
"Thank you."
A system message popped up while I was holding back my laughter and trying to keep my manners.
[Quest Accomplished Step 2 of 'The missionary work of the Leader from the World Order Denomination' (Difficulty: Unknown)']
[System Would you like to receive the quest success reward '?' ?]
I was curious about the completion reward and about the details of the renewed quest. However, now there were a lot of eyes around.
It would be better to put it off for later.
['The Creative Business Manager' says that the product prepared by 'The World-building God' is small and it's okay to receive it now.]
Hoo, if you say so.
When asked if I would like to receive the compensation, I chose 'Yes' and at that moment, I felt a piece of cloth graze my hand as it fell under the table.
[System You got a bag scarf.]
I glanced down and saw a small silk fabric of good size to tie a ribbon.
[Item 'Bag scarf'
A high-end functional decoration that allows you to summon and reverse summon bags. This makes it easier to carry a bag.
Note: 'The World-building God' was prepared to further enhance your uniform looks.]
I can't believe I don't have to carry a bag now. In other words, this is a real top-of-the-line inventory.
I was impressed.
'My Lord!'
But my God didn't answer.
['The Creative Business Manager' says that the head of the development division is currently working like crazy.]
['The Critic who adjusts the balance' is wary of making products that give a sense of balance destruction.]
World God seemed to be suddenly inspired and was devoted to his main job. While thinking about how wonderful of a God he was, I checked the renewal quest.
[Quest Step 3 of the missionary work of the Leader from the World Order Denomination (difficulty: unknown)
Now the church with deep-rooted evil won't be able to mess with you. Since you have a lot of time, let's start with the basics.
A Saint is a person who has received the ordination of a bishop. Furthermore, it is outrageous that you, the leading representative of the World Church, do not have a parish in charge!
Let's designate a parish and build a magnificent temple on it.
Success Reward: ?
Failure penalty: None]
It's a reasonable quest.
Anyway, I'm also a bishop so I need my own parish and church.
That way, I can preach the wonders of World God, hold various ceremonies, and receive donations.
'The question is where do I build my parish?'
Before starting to think of a niche market that other bishops had not yet preoccupied, an aesthetic low voice dropped from the side.
"Thank you for your hard work, leader."
As if he was conscious of the cardinals, Thesilid used formal speech. It was strangely pleasing to hear such a new title in his voice.
"Yes. Terry too. "
"Did you decide on the Order's name?"
"I'll think about it slowly. If you have any opinions, please feel free to tell me."
"And the Vice-captain?"
"There are only two of us, so I and you have to be the Captain and the Vice."
His eyes, which revealed a moment's wonder, soon bent softly.
"Promotion, that's not bad."
Watching him made me laugh as well. We have time to smile at each other like this, too.
"Kh-hmm."
"Hm-hmm."
Vesalius and Decal coughing in vain were a scene I could not understand.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' hates disturbers.]
I will talk with Thesilid later, as I should pay attention to the two Cardinals right now.
"Now, then…"
I leaned deeply against the backrest and clasped my hands together.
"Since you threw me a carrot, it's time for you to tell me what you want, right?"
"Khg-hum!"
For a moment, there was an eye conversation between Vesalius and Decal, and after a silent agreement, Vesalius cleared his throat.
"I have something to talk about the artifact earned from the subjugation, the 'Portable Sanctuary'."
"Yes. What is it?"
"Everyone in the denomination acknowledges that Your Eminence's contribution was the greatest one in this subjugation. But 'Portable Sanctuary' is too great of an artifact to attribute to an individual. It is believed that using it as a public good of the church will maximize efficiency."
Well, it's better to harden my expression here without saying a word.
"We are well aware that according to the universal rules of distribution, Your Eminence, the greatest contributor, has ownership priority. So we are not forcing you, but we'd like you to give up your priority to the church for the sake of the cause and the public interest…."
At this point, I should tilt my head at an angle and narrow my eyes to add to the mood.
Vesalius's tone became slightly impatient.
"Of course, the denomination will appraise the value of the artifact and provide compensation befitting of Your Eminence's merit for this subjugation. We will also try to prepare separate rewards that will be satisfactory with giving up the priority of ownership."
For some reason, it was a serious attitude where they left nothing to be desired. Now it's time for me to open my mouth.
"Good."
"Your Eminence might not…what?"
Vesalius and Decal blinked as if my willing acceptance was very unexpected. Even Cardinal Cattleya, who kept her seat to stand by me in any case, seemed to be puzzled.
Anyway, it was an artifact that was not very useful to me. I also have to pay an astronomical amount of money to own it and I was not the only one who worked in the subjugation.
Rather, it would be better to negotiate to get something else.
"You said you'd give me a satisfactory reward, then I'd like you to exempt me and my Order from article three for the dungeons we are going to subjugate."
"A-As you wish."
Vesalius and Decal furiously nodded.
Article Three is about dedicating one-third of the income earned in dungeons, it's similar to taxes in other countries.
Seeing that they are willing to give this duty-free privilege right off the bat, it seems they are coveting the 'Portable Sanctuary' as nothing else matters.
"Is that all you have to say?"
In my question, Vesalius and Decal's gaze met again.
This time, Decal opened his mouth.
"This subjugation is expected to spread the existence of Your Eminence throughout the Serentra continent. Then, naturally, there will be many people who will want to meet Your Eminence in each country. I know you don't like it, but…we'd like to ask for the minimum external activities."
In a world where divine power is falling, a Saint who knows how to use Descent of Divinity appeared after a long time, so they would like to promote the status of the denomination by promoting me. I understand.
Just in time, the third stage of the quest came to mind.
"Do I get paid for a business trip?"
I thought they'd be surprised by my relentless materialism.
"We will budget the dignity costs according to protocol!"
"Then I'm glad."
"We're glad you accepted it."
"I want you to decide where to visit in consideration of my intentions."
"Of course."
This seemed to end Vesalius and Decal's business. It's my turn now.
"I have a request from my side, too."
"What is it?"
"I want to go on vacation before the missionary service."
Isn't it natural to take a reward vacation after conquering this many dungeons? It was a perfectly reasonable requirement.
At that time, in Hispenril Palace.
Aaron Jake Hispenril, Prince of the Hispenril Principality who heard the belated news about the dungeon burst because he was stuck in a C-class mine dungeon, rushed back.
"Boss! Where is the damned boss! "
"Welcome back, sir?
"It's not time to say greetings, Edgar! I'll go to the place where the dungeon burst occurred, so just give me a transfer stone! Sheesh, how can this happen while I am working on physical training for a moment?… "
"It's not only for a moment. Moreover, about that dungeon burst, I was told that it was safely subjugated several hours ago. "
"What? Was it Marquis Lecandro? "
Marquis Romina Lecandro.
She was the headmaster of the Military Academy, and among the knights, she was the next strongest after Prince Hispenril.
Chief adviser Edgar denied it.
"It was said that The Holy One stepped up."
"The Holy One? Who is that? "
"You don't know anything because you were only in the dungeon, but not long ago, a Saint appeared in the Holy Country, and she is being called The Holy One because she is a special Saint who can use Descent of Divinity."
"Descent of Divinity?"
"Yes. It's said that she's even an Advanced Aura Expert, so she was at the forefront of this subjugation. "
"No way…"
"Is there a problem?"
"No, no! More than that, tell me more about The Holy One! "
The eyes of Prince Hispenril were twinkling.
Edgar continued to explain, thinking that it was a similar reaction to when he announced that he had found the traces of Princess Elthea ten years ago.
"I heard that she is a young woman. In fact, the information that a Saint appeared in the past has been unconfirmed for so long that no one was sure, but this performance made everything clear."
"Edgar, is it true that few people know how to use Descent?"
"Yes. It's really unusual. In fact, an ordinary Saint is just a title for those who achieved the 8th rank in divine power, much like an Aura Master or the 8th Circle of Magic. Such status is like an honorary job appointed by humans. "
"I see."
"But the story is different if the person can use Descent of Divinity. That means the person is an agent or a prophet who is connected directly to God. This is the first time in 500 years that a Holy One has appeared, so the continent is buzzing."
"Kh-hmm!"
For some reason, the advisor felt a proud relish in the empty cough from the Prince. Edgar went on, wondering if it was just his imagination.
"Sooner or later, invitations and requests will come flooding to the Holy One. I think she will also visit our Principality at least once. "
"Really? Refurbish the palace right now! You have to finish within a week! Hurry!"
"Calm down, Your Excellency. Don't be in such a hurry. The Holy One will probably start with the Kingdom of Vinchester. Unfortunately, our Principality has few connections with the Church of Elpenheim. This is all because the Ivory Tower keeps checking the church and there's no parish designation here for fear of potion sales going down.…"
As it was the same medical industry, the Golden Ivory Tower, which was the big boss in the area, was extremely wary of healers entering their realm.
Despite this estranged diplomatic relationship, Prince Hispenril was firm.
"No. I am sure The Holy One will be visiting our Principality first. No, I'm more than sure."
"Yes, well, if Your Excellency insists, I will execute the budget right away. "
If the Lord wants you to do so, you should just follow.
In addition, Edgar thought it was not bad because the Prince who gave the order looked strangely excited.
At the same time, in the Kingdom of Vinchester.
It was raining in the royal capital, Wilhelon.
A wagon from a merchant went through the back gate of the splendid and magnificent palace.
The guild was externally known as one of the favorite merchants in providing luxury goods to the 1st Princess, but in reality, it played a role in secretly delivering news from all over the continent.
The person who managed it was the noble lady, Bianca Gillette, who was said to be the closest aide to the 1st Princess.
Bianca, who had made contact with the intelligence network, crossed the dark hallway of the palace. In the tight grip of her right hand was a piece of paper with words such as subjugation completed, Descent of Divinity, and resource dispute.
Among them, the word that definitely bothered Bianca was Descent of Divinity.
"Eli…"
The tone of her voice was filled with worry as she unknowingly recited the nickname of a close friend.
Bianca regained her senses and quickened her pace.
She had to report the dangerous trends flowing along the borders of the Holy Country and the Republic.
"Where are you going in such a hurry, Young Lady of Count Gillette?"
A figure slipped out of the corner of the hallway and called Bianca to stop. The opponent was a boy in his late teens with pale white-blonde hair and piercingly blue eyes.
The way he smiled with the corners of his mouth stretched was gorgeous and aristocratic, but the terrible coolness in his eyes could not be hidden.
The boy's name is Ligares Ezentel Vinchester and he was…
"Greetings to Your Highness the 3rd Prince."
Bianca took off her hood and bent her back.
Long, bluish-black hair poured out while she presented a curtsy in the manners of the royal palace without flaws.
"You're going to sister, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right, Your Highness."
Ligares was the youngest prince who Ellet had previously advised not to provoke because he had a brother complex.
Currently, there is only the eldest son the 1st prince, and Ligares the 3rd prince in the royal family. However, Ligares was obsessed with another older brother.
An older brother from the same womb who went missing after being involved in a kidnapping accident with Ligares when he was very young. He was the second prince who was accepted as dead as an established fact in the royal family.
Ligares had no doubt that the Church of Elpenheim was behind the tragic accident. So he has developed a hatred for the Church as much as a longing for his one and only older brother.
It's like that even now.
"Did you hear the news? It's a pity that the dungeon burst that happened in Cyrill province was completed quickly. It would have been nice if the Boss had moved a little more south towards the Vatican."
"Your Highness's irony is still the same."
"As much as your cheeky cunning skills."
He was a warlike royalty with no intentions of hiding his pure malice. It was self-evident that if such a person came to power, bloodshed would pour across the continent.
'He is a person who should never become king.'
At that time, Ligares' voice, which was rarely filled with joy, rang in Bianca's ears.
"Oh, that's right."
"…"
"As far as I've heard, the Saint played an active role in the subjugation. A Saint… I'm really interested in this. I have to hurry up and ask her for a visit to the royal family."
"…"
A sadistic interest based on hatred for the Church. It was showing signs of focusing it all on the Saint.
Deep hostility arose in Bianca's red eyes, which fell towards the floor.
Three days later, County Gillette.
Elthea's eyebrows wrinkled as she read the letter.
The sender of the letter was her father, Prince Hispenril, and it contained the latest news from the continent.
Thanks to this, Elthea, who learned about the Dungeon Burst incident in detail, let out a deep sigh.
"Haa, my daughter said she was going on a trip, so what the hell is she doing now…"
"Elthea?"
The face of his lovely wife was dim. Putting a macaron in her mouth, Leonard asked.
"What does father-in-law say? Is Eli in big trouble?"
"That's not it…"
Elthea thought of what to talk about.
'Actually, our daughter is a Saint who can use Descent of Divinity, right? And even if she didn't get formal schooling she was good enough to beat an SS-level boss!'
…It was not a story that is easy to believe. It seemed like it would be a good idea to let the daughter in question speak for herself.
"I guess she just became a bit famous inside the Church. If Eli is really going to do something big, I wished she had told us, even if it was not discussed in advance. To hear about it belatedly through her grandfather. I'm sad, what about us?"
The more she spoke, the more it turned into complaints.
Eli, whom she thought would live in her arms for the rest of her life, has suddenly grown up and is taking care of her business without her parents.
They had no choice in the matter and it was the heart of a parent to have ambivalent feelings of being proud while feeling sad.
"Elthea, you are too…"
Leonard soothed his wife gently.
"She didn't bring a man yet, right? You don't need to be this sad."
Right then.
"Dame Elthea! Mr. Leonard!"
In the distance, Maid Melda, who ran out of breath, called to the couple. Elthea and Leonard instinctively felt that something serious had happened to the manor.
"Melda, what the hell is going on?"
Arriving in front of the couple, Melda took a shot of the water from the tea table and shouted.
"It's a big deal, Dame Elthea! Ellet is back!"
"Stay calm, Melda. That's a happy thing, not a big deal."
"It's a happy occasion but it's also a big deal because she came back with a good young man!"
"…!"
At that moment, the couple's eyes gleamed.
"Now Ellet is giving the young man a tour of the courtyard…oh my! Dame Elthea! ! Let's go together!"
Elthea and Leonard started running in search of their daughter who had returned home.
Leonard, who is a scholar, almost died because Elthea, a sword master, held her husband's hand tightly and ran.
Anyway, right when Melda arrived at the destination she saw a picturesque scene. A courtyard full of green and neat hydrangeas under a lush green tree.
There, the couple found a silver-haired young man.
A sanctified and handsome face, innate moderated gestures and manners, and a friendly and genuine atmosphere. The young man who seemed to have everything in the world soon spotted the couple and smiled.
"You are Eli's mother and father. It's a great pleasure to meet you. My name is Thesilid Argent."
"…"
"…"
Even his voice was perfect.
Elthea and Leonard, who had been mesmerized for a while, greeted politely at the same time.
"Welcome, Son-in-law."
"No, nothing like that!"
Ellet's panicked cry filled with embarrassment echoed loudly in the courtyard.
"Hmm, I see. You're the owner of the Holy Sword?"(Leo)
"Yes, Father."(Terry)
(Note: Yes, I can die happy. Terry calling Leo father, omg.)
Dad ended up catching a goose and roasting it. Is that all? The lunch table set in front of me was so full its legs were bending under the weight.
['The Scales that Judges the Soul' laughs heartily, saying that this feels like a meeting between the bride and the groom's family.]
['The Eyes that watch over the chaos of all things' is crying while working overtime.]
My mother asked, glancing over at Thesilid with her keen eyes.
"Lad, you must use a sword then?"
"I'm an Advanced Aura Expert."
"Pass!"
"Mom, what are you passing…"
I sighed deeply, cut up the roasted goose, and put it on Thesilid's plate.
I had to go through the process of handing over food to him to prevent Terry from committing Gluttony among the Seven Sins. Mom looked at us and smiled quietly again. Although she was my mother and very pretty she was mean.
On the other hand, perhaps because of the conversation a moment ago, Dad lowered his eyebrows sullenly.
"I wished for a scholar type. Like an alchemist or a wizard…"
"…"
Come to think of it, everyone in the family is a sword master except for my dad.
At this point, I nailed it one more time.
"Don't make fun of me. Terry is uncomfortable."
"Okay."
Only then did my parents stop playing. Dad looked at Thesilid with a lot of doubt and asked.
"May I call you Sir Thesilid?"
"Just Thesilid is sufficient."
"Hmm, I can't do that yet. I'll call you Sir. Rather, if you are the owner of the Holy Sword, you are quite a high-ranked acolyte in the Vatican, right? Why is such a person going around with my daughter?"
Here's my cue.
"Dad, I came here to tell you about that."
"Hmm?"
"I awakened my divine power and became a Saint."