Chapter: 364
After the duel between Lucy Allen and Lasha ended, a momentary break was declared for the repair of the damaged arena. The Church’s informant, who had been hiding in the audience, bit his lip while recalling the various miracles Lucy had just displayed.
When His Holiness commanded that Lucy Allen be observed during her fight in the arena, I took his order as a precaution.
It’s well-known that Lucy Allen harbors hostility towards the Church. From the numerous atrocities committed in the past by the Church in the Allen Territory, to her brazenly belittling the Great Lord Jushin in public venues even now, she seems to have been somewhat reformed thanks to the Saintess’s grace.
The Great and Merciful Lord shows love even to such unbelievers, granting them the ability to wield Divine Magic and even gifting them with the legendary Holy Knight Ruel’s mace. Yet, instead of gratitude, Lucy continues her blasphemous actions, leading to her being deemed an irredeemable figure among the Church members.
Some radical individuals even raised their voices to claim that Ruel’s mace is excessive for such a little brat who knows nothing of the Great Lord’s grace, gaining some support among a few.
The problem, however, lies not just in Lucy being an unbeliever, but in the fact that she possesses immense talent.
Her overwhelming ability could overturn public perception of being the shame of the Allens. Not only is she capable of reproducing the feats displayed by Benedict Allen, but she is also seen as someone who might achieve even greater glory in the future, someone who would have a significant impact on the continent.
Thus, the informant thought it was his duty to observe what kind of results Lucy Allen has achieved, and whether there’s a possibility for reconciliation or if she needs to be dealt with before she becomes a bigger threat.
However, after witnessing the battle between Lasha and Lucy, he realized he had been greatly mistaken.
The divinity displayed by Lucy while blocking Lasha’s attack was nothing like the sort that a believer could wield. It was far more warm and comforting, reminiscent of the divinity demonstrated by past heroes.
In retrospect, it’s not too strange. Would the Great and Wise Lord Jushin provide a weapon used by heroes solely to show mercy to an unbeliever?
Lucy Allen is not merely a blasphemer. She’s someone who conceals her inner self beneath her blasphemy.
Perhaps the Saintess remained by Lucy’s side because she sensed this.
Well, I won’t delve further into that. Making that judgment is the role of the many cardinals residing in the Holy Land and His Holiness the Pope.
While the commotion among the audience over the astonishing sight just unfolded continued, the Church’s informant quietly slipped out of the arena, eager to relay this information through the Church of Jushin.
“Hey! You there, stop!”
As he stepped into the alley, a woman’s voice echoed from behind. It was more akin to a beast’s growl than a human voice.
Having heard a similar voice not long ago, the Church’s informant broke out into a cold sweat and cautiously turned his head.
“…Strong Person Hunting.”
Lasha. A madwoman who would do anything to satisfy her thrill for fighting strong opponents.
Why is she talking to me?
She has attacked Church knights or clergy members to satisfy her own interests many times. But compared to those she’s attacked, I’m weak as they come. There’s no reason for Lasha to be interested in me.
Why? Why is Lasha…
“You’re one of the Church’s pawns, right? What’s your rank?”
“I’m sorry, but what do you mean?”
“Don’t try to deceive me, you idiot. Keep this up, and I’ll make you spill it the hard way. So annoying.”
With Lasha’s threat, the Church’s informant swallowed hard. If she were to get serious, I wouldn’t even be able to struggle before getting my neck twisted.
Normally, I would have readily accepted eternal silence, but not now. I have information I need to convey to the Church. So for now, it’s best to acquiesce to whatever Lasha wants and then back off.
“Your guess is correct. I’m here at His Holiness’s command from the Church…”
The Church informant’s voice was cut short. Before he could finish, Lasha’s hand had seized his neck and twisted it abruptly.
His life ended without him even realizing he was about to die, and after lying lifelessly on the ground, Lasha stretched and trudged out of the alley.
Hah! It’s been a satisfying day.
Later on, when I met that little brat who would give me more exciting fights than Benedict when all her skills bloom. And the raw power she showed far exceeded my expectations. Plus, I once again faced off against a few rare opponents who had defeated me in the past; none of it was unpleasant.
If only the fools hunting me hadn’t been around, I could have left with a laugh.
Lasha had noticed their presence the moment she entered the arena to fight Lucy. She discovered those who were intently watching Lucy just as she would evaluate other strong individuals.
They were diverse, to say the least. There were at least five who possessed the Great Lord’s grace. Two tied to black magic. And several others with various ulterior motives.
Having noticed the gazes on her as she fought, Lasha didn’t bother to mention it. Considering the value of Benedict’s daughter, it was only natural so many would take an interest. And for the time being, Lasha felt there wasn’t enough reason to concern herself with Benedict’s daughter.
However, as the fight progressed and her evaluation of Lucy rose, Lasha decided to take on what Benedict could not do, just as she had resolved.
Ordinary fools didn’t matter. They would play it safe, fearing Benedict while trying to use his daughter.
But the trash from the Church of Jushin and the black magic users were a different story.
The rotting Church of Jushin doesn’t praise the Lord’s apostles but instead denies, denigrates, and seeks to burn them. The black magic users would gladly stake their lives to sacrifice Benedict’s daughter to fulfill their own selfish ambitions.
Not wanting the sprout she had marked to be crushed by other trash, Lasha killed all the Church informants and the black magic users after leaving the arena.
She wasn’t worried about future repercussions. If they sent people to kill her, Lasha would simply greet them with a smile.
As Lasha hummed, thinking about enjoying a drink after a long time, she furrowed her brows upon hearing a voice echoing in her head.
“Can you tone it down a bit? Who the hell breaks branches before fruits have even ripened?”
“Hah. Keep flapping your gums and I’ll use your name to smash the other trash. Got it?”
“Think you can? If you can regain that kind of strength, I’d welcome the fight. If you can’t, just shut up and live as a tool.”
Having thrown sharp words into the void, she soon found herself nodding with satisfaction while making her way out of the city.
“If there’s someone interesting down by the military side, maybe I’ll go check it out next.”
*
Once my fight with Lasha concluded, I was granted ample rest time.
The damage caused by the clash between Benedict and Lasha was so severe that it took a long time to recover. As a result, I managed to rest my body and replenish my depleted divinity throughout that period.
Of course, I had only recovered to a certain extent and was still far from being in peak condition, but it was not too problematic.
Most of the genuinely dangerous participants had already been taken care of by Lasha. Plus, the insights gained from fighting her made it easier to deal with other opponents.
The remaining challengers were all individuals I had faced endlessly during their attempts to set speedrun records in the arena.
Their strategies were so clear that I could write them with my eyes closed, and in front of me, who had sparred against myself hundreds to thousands of times, they’d undoubtedly feel a sense of powerlessness.
Thus, I successfully claimed victory without much difficulty.
‘…I had vowed never to step onto the podium again!’
Who would have thought the devilish procedure of giving a winning speech still awaited me?
[The winner must make a speech. Isn’t it common sense?]
‘That’s true, but…’
Do you have any idea how much it pains my heart to be getting back up there after that fiasco not long ago!?
I’m totally on edge right now!
I’m more scared now than when I faced off against my final opponent!
[It’s fine. Didn’t you say this place respects the strong? Even if you call those trash, shouldn't it pose any issue since you're the winner of the arena?]
‘M-Maybe…?’
[And if it gets too dicey, wouldn’t your father step in to resolve the matter?]
…You told me I’d have to fend for myself! Now you’re encouraging me to act blindly? Is it okay for a legendary holy knight to have such a fluctuating attitude?
[You’ve asked me to respond how you wish, so what do you want me to do?]
‘Ugh. Fine. This must be why Grandpa was never popular…’
[How many times must I say it’s not that I’m unpopular!]
Hearing the old man’s outburst was surprisingly comforting.
Phew. It’s alright. There’s no problem. If things escalated, I could just make a quick escape.
As I reassured myself and stepped onto the podium, Count Bardronel placed a leaf-made crown on my head and handed me a copper token from his robe.
“Your armor took quite a beating. Use this to stop by the north forge of the territory.”
This wasn’t a reward found within the game. Did Count Bardronel put in extra care?
But either way, I didn’t see a reason to refuse, so while storing the token in my inventory, Count Bardronel briefly commended my efforts.
“Now, as a victor, please share your thoughts on participating in this arena.”
After receiving the sound-amplifying crystal ball, I took a deep breath and cautiously opened my mouth.
“Hello. I’m Lucy, the eldest daughter of the Allen family.”
“Hello to all the shoddy trash who got beaten by a little girl. Lucy!”
With my greeting barely leaving my lips, I noticed the atmosphere in the audience growing cold and hurried to wrap things up.
“I’m happy to have won. That’s all.”
“I was pretty glad to let those trash know their place. That’s all I’ve got to say. I don’t feel like saying more to the pathetic pigs who can’t even retaliate when attacked by a girl.”
Well, here it goes again.
Having recently experienced something similar, I chose to flee before others could regain their senses instead of stuttering in embarrassment.
[Quest Completed!]
[Rewards will be distributed!]
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