Chapter 13. A busy day in San Ilia
Having finished their business in Port Natalia, the party made their way to San Ilia. Naturally, they encountered a variety of monsters on the road. Ilias, having been weakened considerably when she was transformed into a loli, definitely regained some strength and also learned some new skills as she fought the decently powerful monsters of Sentora.
"Savage beast... Perish!"
Ilias fires a beast-slaying arrow, Beast Slayer!
"Rawr... I can't fight anymore..."
Grizzly Bear Girl was defeated!
"Evil flower... Perish!
Ilias fires a plant-slaying arrow, Flower Hunt!
"You got me..."
Pitcher Plant Girl was defeated!
"Arrow of ice, freeze the wicked!"
Ilias fires an icy arrow!
"No... How could I..."
Lamia was defeated!
"Arrow of fire, burn the wicked!"
Ilias fires a flaming arrow!
*Swaying* *Collapses*
Seaweed Girl was defeated!
And just like that, she defeated any monsters that came along, changing her method of attack accordingly.
"I see, so this is what it feels like to become stronger... I can certainly understand why some people become completely absorbed in their training."
Having never had any equal other than the Dark Goddess, Ilias used to simply obliterate lesser opponents with a bolt of lightning. Expending effort like this and growing stronger as a result was a new and enjoyable experience.
"Maybe it's because your opponents are fairly strong, but that rate of progress is still quite something..."
"That is only natural. After all, I am the Goddess," she bragged, but it was hard to see it as anything other than a little girl puffing up in pride. Although she would surely get angry if anyone said as much.
The Monster Lord, on the other hand, was not in such a good mood. Being unable to fight together due to her status, she instead crunched on some walnuts growing nearby, shell and all.
When it became night, however, their positions inverted. Lolias, not having any skills to impart, sulkily puffed out her cheeks as she watched.
Three days of that cycle later, the party arrived at San Ilia. Just like in the other world, it was a beautiful city filled with water. However, there was no sign of any monsters.
"No monsters after all, huh..."
"Of course not. Why would any monster approach a place reeking of Ilias?"
"Filthy monsters have no place in a holy city such as this."
The two retorted. It was probably common sense in this world, but still...
"In my world, traveling monsters visit this city just like any other. Some monsters have also become nuns and work at the church."
It was not the norm for Luka.
"What..."
"Did you say!?"
The two were utterly astonished, to little surprise.
"Wait, wait, wait! Didn't Ilias disappear thirty years ago over there!? Why would monsters still become nuns despite that!?"
"I guess it's because the prohibition of having intercourse with monsters was forgotten, and they mingled with human society. Even if the faith of humans waned, the number of monsters joining the Ilias faith increased, on the contrary. Weary of the law of the jungle, they were attracted to a religion in which all were equal beneath the Goddess."
"Impossible... That cannot..."
"To think monsters would worship me in lieu of humans..."
The two of them were apparently dealt a considerable shock. However...
"Well... For me, it's actually quite surprising to see so many cities and villages without any monsters..."
Due to the difference in common sense between worlds, the culture shock was mutual.
"...Humanity was fine even after not having me watch over them for thirty years?" Ilias asked with a somewhat sad expression.
"Y-Yes. There are a number of issues in the world, but ultimately, they are doing well. The angels have also been leading quite fulfilling lives since they fell from Heaven, cultivating fields, raising animals, and eating proper meals."
"..." A forlorn yet also slightly happy expression made its way onto her face. It was one Luka had seen before in his world.
"Hmph. Obviously. Neither humans nor monsters nor even angels, I suppose, are that weak," Alice interjected unexpectedly. Was she pointing out Ilias' overprotectiveness, or maybe just following along?
"...Speaking of which, I have not shown myself here for a while either. The upper echelons of the church must be in turmoil; we should go check on them."
And so Ilias immediately headed for the castle without doing any sightseeing. Having hidden her wings just like Alice hides her non-human parts while within a city, she did not receive any special treatment and was told to wait three days to be granted an audience. Naturally, Luka, not even registered as a Hero this time around, did not receive special permission for an audience either.
"Grr... Making me wait three days... If I just showed them my true form..."
"Please don't. It's going to end up a huge deal if they think an angel has descended."
"Still, having to spend three days in this city that reeks of Ilias? Are you trying to kill me through boredom?"
"I would ask you to go die in a ditch, specifically the sewers, where you won't bother anyone... but it certainly is boring; that much is true."
The two complained. Well, even Luka, despite being impressed by the magnificent architecture the first time around, had long since grown numb to it after coming and going so often.
"There is no casino around and not a lot of trade going on either... Ah, but there is a whole bunch of Ilias-related souvenirs."
"As the Monster Lord, I cannot buy such things... which is strangely lamentable at a time like this." Of course, the option was immediately rejected.
As the trio aimlessly wandered the castle, looking bored out of their minds, the guard captain frantically approached. Apparently, they had been given top priority for an audience.
They were called into the throneroom, where the Pope was waiting for them. Luka strained his eyes and ears but was unable to notice anything unnatural, not even the slightest mechanical noise, as the Pope moved; he seemed to be entirely flesh and blood.
Upon hearing that Luka was unblessed, he appeared delighted that all was as Ilias foretold.
"...Coming to think of it, I did tell him about you on the day you departed."
"Well, it's certainly nice he prioritized us and seems willing to help."
The two whispered to each other as the Pope went on about the path of a Hero and three sages. The power of San Ilia and the church of Ilias wasn't to be underestimated. Just as Luka was wondering what kind of aid he might receive...
"This blade will only be entrusted to someone who has received the approval of the three sages!" He declared, gesturing toward a beautiful, highly decorated sword beside the throne. Being covered in gold, silver, and precious stones, it certainly seemed to be valuable, but...
"Um... Ilias? It looks kind of weak... despite being called the Goddess Sword. It was only made of mithril over in my world and still seemed more useful than this..."
"...Ultimately, it was only intended to serve as a symbol. I had intended to bestow a blade made of meteor steel to you at a later point," the Goddess said, awkwardly averting her eyes.
However, the Pope was likely unable to even conceive of doubting the prowess of a blade associated with the Goddess. The sight of the Pope proudly declaring that monsters would bow down at a mere glance of it, and even the Monster Lord would flee in fear, was rather pitiable.
"...Ilias, let's just go along with it, okay?"
"...Of course. A most wonderful life awaits such faithful adherents in Heaven."
Even the Goddess seemed to have her conscience gnaw at her when it came to her most fervent believers. She watched the Pope continue his spiel, a few drops of sweat rolling down her face, which looked truly uncomfortable.
"Now go forth and obtain proof of the three sages' acknowledgment. Then, this sword shall be yours."
"I shall not stand for this farce to continue any longer." And amidst it all, Alice slowly approached the sword, easily shattering it.
The King of San Ilia's face went ashen, quivering as his mouth remained open. "Oh Ilias... I can see time..." he muttered as his eyes stared into empty space. It was frankly difficult to watch.
"Alice... that was excessive."
"Quiet. Obviously, I would be upset when someone says I would run away in fear due to seeing such trash."
"Ah, how lamentable that I cannot stop the Monster Lord's cruelty..."
With the king having suffered tremendous mental damage, the guard captain rushed inside, his expression changing as he beheld the sorry state of both king and sword.
"S-Sir Luka... this... What happened here!?"
"Uhh... The Monster Lord came out of nowhere and shattered the sword," he answered with complete honesty. The information caused quite an uproar, which the trio used to slip away.
Although there was initially a lot of panic, the soldiers gradually calmed down, seeing no hint of further trouble.
"Let's get out of here before things calm down completely."
But just as they were about to start running, a massive boom shook the castle.
"W-We're under attack!?"
"We already knew that!"
"N-No wait, the one attacking us is one of the Heavenly Knights, Granber—Ack!?"
"W-What did you—Oof!?"
Both the commotion and the soldiers' voices quickly faded, and the person it was centered on appeared before the trio.
"No way..."
"How dare she attack my holy city!?"
Not even giving the other soldiers and knights another glance, Granberia proceeded straight toward them.
"Curse you, Granberia! Trying to take not just Iliasville but even this holy city, your insolence knows no bounds!"
"...So you are that angel that follows Luka around. Move, you are not a worthwhile opponent. I do not care about this ostentatious castle. My interest lies in Luka, and Luka alone." Even now, she looked like she was itching for a fight.
"Y-You—"
"Everyone, get her!" But everyone who attempted to attack her was sent flying all at once. Lolias, unwilling to suffer her words, also shot a number of arrows at her, but all of them were blocked with ease, making her unable to do anything but grit her teeth in frustration.
"It seems you have yet to get your equipment in order," she noted as Luka stepped forward to block Ilias' line of fire as well as prevent her from being attacked.
He had begun to customize his sword and enhanced the Enrikan clothes to the point they were worthy of being called Pandemonium... but ultimately, they were still just clothes. With Granberia as an opponent, he'd really wanted some heavy armor.
"Hmph. It seems you were having fun with the other Heavenly Knights, drawing even the gaze of Alma Elma and being taken care of by Tamamo... as well as the Monster Lord. You also appear to have messed with quite a few local monsters... allow me to have a turn," she said with a somewhat scary look.
Luka heaved a sigh, seeing she had no intention of holding back, and got into a fighting stance with both Angel Halo and his Custom Sword.
"Oh, dual-wielding? A stance you seem quite familiar with, no less. Interesting."
"I'll take care of Granberia! Take the wounded and stand back!"
"B-but..."
"You will only get in his way!"
"Step back already; you may die if you get caught in the crossfire."
Despite being reluctant to leave Luka alone, the guards drew back at Lolias and Alice's behest.
"That takes care of the hindrances. Now, let's get down to business."
"Right!"
And so the battle between two very unusual swordsmen began, one wielding a great sword, the other two blades.
"The story of a hero. Traveling the world, bonding with spirits, and defeating evil. His name was..."
Luka told an Epic Tale! The party is filled with courage!
"Damn, I couldn't stop it!"
At first, it was a complete replay of their first battle. Even a rapid thrust from Granberia was unable to connect before he finished buffing himself.
Luka took 889 damage!
However, the damage he took had certainly decreased. Moreover, his weapons had changed drastically since the last time.
"Sword which fell to earth, tear down the heavens from whence you came! Shine bright! Heaven's Severance!"
Luka unleashed a powerful slash filled with holy energy! Granberia took 98863 damage!
He used the skill of a fallen angel, using both the sword of the Angel Killer and a blade blessed by an angel. That holy power directly struck Granberia. Empowered by Luka's support magic, it was stronger than any attack she had ever received from a fellow swordsman. Yet, despite the blow ravaging her body, one could only see delight on Granberia's face.
"Dance within flame, blade of the supreme dragon! Dragon Emperor's Flame Slash!"
Granberia unleashed the Dragon Emperor's Flame Slash! Luka took 2881 damage!
In return, Granberia utilized one of the dragon tribe's ultimate skills. The flames imbued within her blade became an overwhelming barrage that assaulted Luka. It may have been because he now had stronger defensive gear, but Granberia's attacks seemed to show even less mercy than before.
"Hmm, those clothes seem to, at the very least, be equal to orichalcum armor."
"Still doesn't feel like enough against you, though!"
The last time they'd fought, it was in an open plaza. This time, they were inside a castle's corridors, which meant both walls and ceiling were within reach, allowing Luka to play to his strong points.
"Pierce, spear of heroes! Demon Skull Beheading!"
"A harpy skill!?"
Taking advantage of his low weight, Luka leaped about, using walls and even the ceiling as footholds as he attempted to strike from outside Granberia's field of view. However, she had been brandishing her sword in preparation. Even though her reaction was slightly delayed, she was able to repel his attack without suffering fatal damage.
Every time their blades clashed with a shout, a shockwave was created that cracked the floor and walls. All but the best of warriors would perish simply approaching the corner of the castle where their battle was happening. Words ceased as they communicated only in blades.
A different terrain, a different fighting style, different weapons, different armor—it was like fighting another person altogether, one that was far stronger to boot. Granberia could not help but enjoy herself.
"Not bad... Luka..." Granberia said between breaths.
"Same here... as expected of a Heavenly Knight..." Luka responded, just as out of breath.
After crossing swords for the umpteenth time, the two separated, looking for an opportunity. Though their wounds were deep, both of them were ready to continue.
"That is enough." But Alice suddenly intervened.
"Wha-!?"
"Y-Your Majesty!?"
Fortunately, due to the intensity of the battle, no other humans remained within earshot to hear that form of address.
"...As sorry as I am to interrupt your fun, the headquarters of the Ilias faith is not a fitting place to settle your fight. Furthermore, you have already reduced your surroundings to rubble."
Glancing around themselves, the immaculately carved walls, the quality furnishings, and, to top it off, the statue of Ilias were all in utter disrepair.
...
Luka's face paled, cold sweat running down his face. Meanwhile, Granberia still appeared dissatisfied.
"B-But..."
"But what?"
Faced with Alice's glare, Granberia stared back, undaunted.
"...It seems a bit unfair for Your Majesty to monopolize him."
"What!? Why would you even say that!?"
"Your Majesty has been traveling with Luka all this time. Aren't you only able to say such a thing because you are already having fun with him every day?"
The Monster Lord flinched at the unexpected counterattack by her subordinate. It seemed Granberia was growing imposing...
"A-Anyway! If you want to go on a rampage, then do it somewhere you won't bother anyone!"
"...Understood," Granberia finally said with a grudging nod after about half a minute of awkward silence and then turned to Luka. "...Well then, make sure to prepare proper armor for next time, Luka. Let us meet again."
"R-right."
Though a somewhat lackluster ending, Luka was finally able to catch his breath. He once more glanced around himself, his surroundings looking like someone had bombed the place.
"Now then. Let us have some words, Luka."
"Eep!?"
Along with a bone-chilling voice, Ilias' hand landed on his shoulder. Her tone was enough to tell she was in a very poor mood.
"W-What might you be upset by, Ilias?"
"That," she said, pointing at a statue of herself that had been split in half. Additionally, paintings and stained glass depicting Ilias and her angels were also in pieces.
"Uhm... well... I was absorbed in combat and... didn't notice? W-Won't you please forgive me?" he asked, making a cute face.
"No~."
Naturally, there was no way he would be granted mercy. Ilias forcibly seized the best room in the castle, saying that Luka had to rest after his battle with Granberia, and dragged him there.
"AAAHHH!"
"N-No way!"
"Mercyyy!"
"P-Please let me let it out already!"
No such edging-induced screams were able to escape the room, which was soundproofed by a barrier.