Chapter 78
What happened?
Ahhh.
That’s right, none of you managed to stop anything. Of course, that doesn’t mean you didn’t gain anything at all. For a brief moment, you had a family, and for a fleeting instant, you believed there was hope to save the world.
Wasn’t there a moment when you felt like the hero in a story, your heart racing and adrenaline coursing through you? Didn’t you think that if you just saved the world, you could atone for all the wrongs you’ve done?
Even though everything you gained has turned to dust because you wandered down the wrong path. But still, you had that feeling in your hands, enjoyed it if only for a moment—shouldn’t that count for something? After all, everything is bound to fade away someday anyway.
Dreams, hopes, societies, humans—all will eventually dissolve into dust. This time, it just happened a little sooner. Niolle.
So there’s really no need to be sad… and honestly, you don’t even have the right to be sad. It’s the innocent people who have perished, not you.
I understand, Niolle. You did your best.
You pushed through the painful and unpleasant feelings, diligently studying the grimoire to help your friends. Although all you’ve done with the magic you learned is to kill people, perhaps things could be different in the future. Who knows, maybe you might even save someone?
You did well, Niolle.
You will continue to do well. Absolutely. I believe in you. Just sacrifice a little more of yourself, give a tad more, and bury your life in the muck, trampling it underfoot. If you can save others using the pain you’ve endured. If you can save them at all.
How gratifying that would be. Even as you waste away, the person you saved will be smiling right in front of you, yes? Wasn’t this… the justice you yearned for? That’s how I see it.
You find joy in tearing yourself apart and distributing the pieces, don’t you? Keep at it in the future. Well, you might end up a madwoman leading a miserable life, but at least Bennett and Tara, who will benefit from your sacrifice, will be happy.
As you know, there’s a tender atmosphere blossoming between them. Once everything is over, they will share a deep kiss over your grave. They’ll get married and later reminisce, saying, ‘Ah, once there was a pitiful fool named Niolle.’
What do you mean by “Shut up”?
You were the one who approached me first, asking for my support, remember?
===============================================================
The party hid inside the New Life Newspaper building with reporter Sally. Bennett peeked through a crack in the blinds to glimpse the outside world.
Everything had turned for the worse.
The sky screamed in agony, and various animals fled in a panic when celestial bodies shifted. Time and space fluctuated chaotically, defying the long-standing rules.
For instance, someone’s severed leg appeared out of thin air!
One ordinary citizen, strolling about, suddenly found themselves in an acute case of spatial teleportation. Somewhere, that poor soul was likely clutching their severed leg while screaming in horror.
In another situation, a ten-year-old girl instantaneously found herself transformed into an elderly woman.
Caught in a bubble of accelerated time, decades flashed by in moments, giving rise to an innocent old lady from a mere child.
Traps from this contorted space-time were spread all over, with monsters parading brazenly through the city. The police, realizing their grave mistake, attempted to retaliate with gunfire, but the monsters were simply too strong and numerous for mere pistols to handle.
The Evil God was still edging closer, with the city’s population dwindling by the second.
The party’s condition was equally distressing.
Niolle appeared to be suffering from severe auditory hallucinations. She would cover her ears, shake her head, or sometimes bang her head against the wall. Each day, more darkness built up behind her eyes.
Tara had lost all her strength. No longer the Saintess of the Goddess’s Church, she was just a delicate girl devoid of her family.
Bennett took the lead. His complexion was darkened too, but he hadn’t crumbled just yet. There were still things left to do.
Abraham’s legacy remained with them. By decoding his research, they might find one last opportunity.
If we can just work out the Alpha value and cast Unsummon…
“⋯⋯Niolle, can you still move?”
[Yes, Bennett. I’m fine. No issues here.]
“Abraham mentioned a math professor… Lot, wasn’t it? I plan to find him and ask for his calculations before it’s too late.”
Bennett double-checked his gear and packed the remaining rations. Niolle also stood up, albeit unsteadily, preparing to navigate the city.
Tara, fidgeting with anxiety, finally spoke to Bennett.
“⋯⋯Hey.”
I want to join too.
“Tara, you stay here.”
“⋯⋯I suppose that’s for the best?”
“You don’t need to wear that expression. You’ve done enough already. Just rest here for a bit… I’ll bring back good news. Please stay hidden and don’t go out.”
As various emotions took over Tara’s face, Bennett gently patted her head. Tara leaned into his touch, her worries dissolving, albeit a little bit.
That sweet moment passed quickly.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Bennett and Niolle exited the newspaper building, leaving only Tara and Sally behind.
Anxiously, Tara crouched in the room’s corner, waiting for the party’s return.
===============================================================
Time flowed in ways that were impossible to track.
There were instances when day and night would swap in mere ten minutes, or the setting sun would roll back up to hover overhead again. The only clock she could trust was the tattoo on her wrist that indicated their time of return.
Even in a situation where they had to limit light to avoid being discovered by monsters, continuous living in darkness led to clusters of gloomy thoughts. She pondered over how to help but felt guilty for being unable to assist the party.
Worries about the well-being of the two who went outside filled her mind.
Occasionally, her thoughts drifted to Bennett’s touch. Tara placed her hand on her head. Even when mimicking the gesture, it didn’t quite feel the same.
“When will they come back⋯⋯?”
“They’re people with superpowers! They’ll get through the monsters in no time⋯⋯! Right?”
Sally, her fists clenched tightly, radiated hope as Tara merely nodded in agreement. The difference in strength between the trio and the pair was significant. Would they be alright without me? What if they were hurt?
As those thoughts enveloped her, it felt like a whole day had passed.
Tara began to grow anxious. What could have happened? Does it take that long to find a mathematician named Lot? Did they get dragged into a fight? What if they encountered the Cult Leader?
Tara, trembling in fear and uncertainty, twisted her expression.
Finally, she took out her Holy Emblem, hung it up on the wall, clasped her hands together, and awkwardly began her prayers.
Dear Goddess, please watch over both of them. Grant them safe return, unharmed. If you could show pity on me, your once Saintess…
How many years had it been? After feeling disappointed when the Goddess didn’t grant a single wish, Tara hadn’t prayed since. Perhaps her lack of devotion led to her Divine Power being stripped away?
Only after losing everything did Tara earnestly pray to the Goddess for the party’s safe return.
Time felt as if two days had passed before she blinked.
===============================================================
“Hey, uh, Miss Tara?”
“⋯⋯Huh?”
Tara, engrossed in her prayers, lifted her gaze at Sally’s voice. Sally cautiously gestured towards the window.
Tara crawled toward the window, and Sally lightly pulled back the blinds to point outside.
“There’s someone… trying to get in.”
“⋯⋯What?”
Outside stood a man with a wooden bat slung over his shoulder, poking around the newspaper building. In comparison to other busted structures, this building stood intact as if he was checking for any hidden resources.
“It’s okay to feel safe here, right…? Miss Tara, your fists were glowing and all!”
Sally sent Tara a trusting glance. Tara, however, instinctively avoided her gaze. After all, she didn’t know Tara had lost her Divine Power and was currently as vulnerable as a kitten.
After a moment of hesitation, Tara spoke.
“Y-Yeah… leave it to me.”
Tara inhaled deeply.
Having attended classes at the Academy, she wasn’t entirely ignorant about hand-to-hand combat. Moreover, before this mess began, this world was peaceful and free from monsters. She had heard there were hardly any people professionally trained to fight.
So if she focused, couldn’t she take down at least one guy?
Driven by the urge to act rather than take cover, Tara decided it was time to confront the intruder.
She opened the door and made her way down the stairs, climbing over the barricade before stepping outside. The man turned, eyeing Tara as he whistled.
“Whew, so there was someone here.”
“⋯⋯Yeah, there are a lot of people here. If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t even think about doing anything and just scram!”
“Oh, you’re absolutely right. This place looks worth the trouble.”
Tara’s threat proved useless. The man contentedly scratched his ear with his finger and looked up at the sky, conversing with the clouds before casually announcing,
“A real man would’ve stepped out instead of a ragged lady like you wearing all those holes.”
The man leered at Tara with lustful eyes. Disgusted, she stepped back, covering her chest defensively.
The man swung his bat threateningly overhead.
“Just stand still and don’t try anything. I might let you live, considering I happen to need a woman right now.”
“You lousy scum.”
“First, I think I need to fix that mouth of yours. Come over here.”
A deep breath.
“⋯⋯Heub!”
Tara hurled a rock she’d smuggled behind her back, aiming for his head.
Whack-
It hit!
“⋯⋯Kugh!”
The man’s head snapped sideways, the rock tearing through his brow. Blood burst forth, staining one side of his face.
⋯⋯Now!
Seizing the chance while the man was dazed, Tara charged forward and struck with all her might, landing a punch squarely on his jaw.
Crack!
Then, with her left hand, she aimed another blow to his face before quickly pulling back her right to target his gut with a body blow.
Smack!
Crunchhh!
Accompanied by the sounds of impact came the sickening noise of bones shattering in Tara’s hand.
“⋯⋯Ugh?!
It seemed the man had concealed some iron plate-like armor under his shirt. This caught her off guard, and as pain surged through her, he swung his fist at Tara.
If I infuse Mana and dodge…!
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!”
Smack!
The man’s fist connected powerfully with Tara’s abdomen. The blow was so deep and fierce she couldn’t even scream, only gasping for breath. A body that lacked magical powers felt terribly slow and fragile.
I must move. This isn’t the time to be frozen in pain! I need to act!
Determined to push through the pain and take action, Tara was already too late. The man’s heavy hand struck her cheek.
Slap!
With an audible smack, a ringing sound echoed in her ears. When she finally regained her senses, Tara found herself on the ground, unable to muster strength in her arms or legs.
Tara must move…
“⋯⋯Cough!”
“You filthy little bastard…”
He was choking her!
“⋯⋯⋯⋯!!”
Tara clawed frantically at the man’s hand, trying to pry it off as she thrashed in vain. The weight of his hand bore down on her, and she could see rage and lust swirling in the man’s eyes.
Is this how I meet my end…?
Just then, the grip around her throat loosened enough for her to gasp a thin breath. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a good sign.
The man clutched Tara’s clothes. At that moment, Tara understood what fate awaited her. A disgusting sensation washed over her, like insects crawling on her skin, and she felt the sheer helplessness of being powerless.
No, please, stop!
Regardless of how much she screamed inside, it fell upon deaf ears. Tara finally realized the cold terror that comes with helplessness.
Her consciousness began to fade. But there was nothing she could do. Is it better to succumb to despair like this?
Then, at that moment—
Clang—!
The man’s head dropped forward as dirt cascaded down. It seemed that reporter Sally had struck him over the head with a flowerpot from behind. After kicking the groaning man off Tara, she shouted,
“Get up here!”
“Cough, heh… heeek…”
Sally pulled Tara back behind the barricade. Together, they shoved the barricade back into place to block the entrance. However, relief was far too premature.
Thud thud thud—!
“──Come out NOW! I’ll kill you!”
Seemingly recovered from the pain, the man began pounding on the barricade. He kicked, punched, and swung his bat furiously. Tara and Sally strained against the barricade with every ounce of strength they could muster.
“⋯⋯What about your powers, the superpowers…?
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Sally… cough, I can’t…”
“You should have told me sooner…! Wouldn’t even have asked that otherwise!”
Savage violence bore down upon them. Tara cried, praying desperately. She appealed to the Goddess, wishing for the strength to overcome this overwhelming situation and finding luck in the idea that the man might get tired and leave.
Creek!
The barricade squealed in protest, furniture splintering as the baseball bat jabbed through. Tara could see the man’s eyes peering in through the narrow gap.
Tara quaked in terror like a rabbit just moments away from being caught by a predator.
In her final thoughts, Tara recalled Bennett. She shut her eyes tight and screamed.
“⋯⋯Please, please help me. Bennett…!”
“Bennett? I don’t know who this guy you’re talking about is, but if he arrives, I’ll—”
“Then, go ahead and try.”
The man’s words were silenced by the voice that stepped in.
He turned around, startled to see a figure with half their face covered by hair, glaring at him with piercing eyes.
“When did you get behind me…?!”
“I said, go ahead and try.”
A wiry frame. Though he held a blade, it didn’t seem particularly strong. The man thought he would easily crush him if he could just get into close range.
Ignoring the voice in his head urging him to target the woman, the man lunged at Bennett.
“Sure, I’ll make you—”
Slash.
Those were his last utterances. Before he could move another inch, he was cleaved into three pieces, tumbling down the stairs.
[I’ll take care of the mess.]
As Niolle softly uttered a spell, countless mouths burst from the ground, devouring his blood and flesh. The staircase was restored as if nothing had ever happened.
Rumble. The barricade was jostled aside, revealing Bennett’s figure. Tara let go of her tense body and stared up at him.
“⋯⋯Bennett.”
“Tara, are you hurt?”
“⋯⋯I took a hit to my stomach. And my cheek. It hurts.”
“I should’ve beaten him up more. Sorry for being late.”
Regret flashed through Bennett’s eyes. A closer look revealed haggardness etched onto his face. Tara gasped, waving her hands as if to insist it wasn’t his fault.
“No, it’s my fault… I thought I could win.”
“In normal circumstances, you would have. But some individuals in the city… are enhanced by the Evil God. That guy who just died—I suspect he was one of them. Not someone who could be taken down by someone who lost their Mana, so don’t worry overly much.”
Tara nodded, forcing back her emotions.
Bennett and Niolle had just returned from a treacherous journey. Both seemed to carry wounds here and there, and Niolle’s dark under-eye circles conveyed her exhaustion. The vibrant expression she usually wore was entirely gone, replaced by a rigid, emotionless mask.
Regarding those who had undergone so much struggle, Tara knew she couldn’t act spoiled. She couldn’t be the extra weight when they had already been through so much. So she stifled her emotions.
Sniff, she drew in a breath and wiped her eyes with her sleeve, manifesting her usual, confident demeanor before addressing Bennett.
“⋯⋯What happened? How did it go? Are you both alright, Niolle?”
[It went smoothly. We met the mathematician Lot in secret and were on our way back after handing over the materials.]
“He mentioned he would contact us after finishing the calculations. He also gave us a walkie-talkie.”
It seemed they had accomplished their objective. Looking at each member of his party, Bennett clarified their next steps.
“As soon as we get the Alpha value from the professor, we’ll utilize the magic circle set by the Order of the Silver Twilight to execute the Outer God Eviction Ritual.”
He was rushing forward for one last shot.
And I won’t be able to join them. Tara glanced at Niolle standing beside him, then lowered her head, feeling mixed emotions that were hard to articulate.
The distance between her and the party felt as though it was widening, the chill settling in.
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