Chapter: 485
Karia and Prete stood on the roof of a building, observing the fierce standoff between the Followers of the Evil God and the priests of the Jushin Church surrounding the hole made by Yuden.
The two groups, which were utterly hostile towards each other, seemed evenly matched.
Considering that the Followers of the Void were in a more advantageous position, it should be assumed that the power of the priests of the Jushin Church was stronger than that of the Followers of the Evil God.
“That’s strange. Our employer looked convinced that the church would be at a disadvantage.”
Karia, who had been asked to maintain the standoff, raised an eyebrow at the scene.
“Even the Young Lady makes mistakes sometimes, don’t you think?”
“That’s true, but when our employer is so certain, it’s usually right.”
While pondering what was different, Karia shrugged and thought, “What does it matter?”
“Let’s take a break. Soon enough, we’ll have to run around like crazy.”
If what the employer said actually happened, it would be complete chaos. It’s better to save energy for that time.
As Karia relaxed her body, Prete cautiously spoke up.
“Karia, do you really think what the Young Lady said will happen?”
“Uh… I don’t know. Honestly, it feels absurd.”
The story Lucy told was a bit nonsensical, even for Karia who trusted her.
“But it was our employer who said it.”
If someone unknown had said that, Karia would have easily ignored it, but this time it was Lucy.
A girl blessed with the love of the Lord, a hero who had fought countless battles against the minions of the Evil God.
“We have to believe.”
“…I guess so.”
*
Yuden drew her sword and turned her gaze outward.
Three figures wearing bizarre masks, just like those sprawled inside, stood outside.
“This is interesting. Do you really think you three can stop me?”
Yuden openly looked down on them, but instead of responding, they used their powers.
The ominous energy that had spread throughout the academy seeped into the masks worn by the Followers of the Void, and their forms began to change.
“Is it too arrogant to say that it’s not entirely impossible?”
The first to speak took on an old man’s form. Judging by his built muscles and posture, he was likely someone who relied on martial arts.
“What does it matter? If we’re talking arrogance, you guys should be high on that scale too.”
Next, a woman wielding a staff larger than her body spoke. The magic circles she created, as naturally as breathing, were so beautiful that it was hard to believe they were conjured by the Followers of the Evil God.
“Those two… don’t seem like opponents we can leisurely converse with.”
And lastly, the third follower took on a face Yuden knew very well.
Luca. Her friend and benefactor who had guided her to greater heights.
“Hah, these bastards have crossed a line.”
Upon seeing the familiar face, Yuden’s blood boiled, ready to leap at them, but Phoebe urgently called out.
“Wait, Sword Saint! Don’t take them lightly!”
“Why?”
“Those are powers used by individuals of a certain rank among the Followers of the Void. They can somewhat replicate what the person they mimic possesses.”
The degree of imitation is determined by the power of the follower and the surrounding environment.
Considering everything Phoebe had learned while fighting against the Followers of the Void, their imitation was about 80%.
“Those folks are among the professors of the academy, well-respected in their fields.”
The head of Combat Studies, the head of the numerous magic departments, and even Luca, who despite being somewhat lacking, excelled in strategic thinking and leadership.
If they could replicate most of what these professors possessed, then facing them wouldn’t be an easy task.
“Sainthood, I know this well enough to ask. Is the life of the person they imitated intact?”
“Rather, because they’ve been imitated, they’re safer. For a perfect replication, the opponent’s life Must be intact.”
“Then that’s fine.”
Yuden’s aura enveloped her sword. Her aura was a deep, fiery red, fiercely burning bright.
With that intense aura, which seemed like it would turn everything to ash upon contact, Yuden looked at the others and smiled ferociously.
“I get what the Saintess is worried about.”
“Then…”
“But you see, the reason I became a Sword Saint is that I successfully smashed all those high-flying people, including the previous Sword Saints.”
Yuden swung her sword through the air, and the aura contained within spread out, setting the world ablaze.
The space that was once filled with the power of the Void transformed into Yuden’s flames, where she stood in the middle, displaying a bloodthirsty grin.
“Bring it on, you bastards.”
It’s fine to provoke, but there are lines you shouldn’t cross.
Damn it. Do you think you can mess with someone else’s friend?
Did you think I’d hesitate to swing my sword just because you’re wearing Luca’s face?
If you had such a stupid thought, you’d regret it.
You’ll realize why they call me a beast!
The moment Yuden’s feet left the ground, her form vanished from existence.
The head of Combat Studies and Luca noticed something flying, but Yuden’s appearance resurfaced even faster.
Standing before the head of the magic department, Yuden tightened her grip on the sword’s handle, looking into the bewildered eyes of the magic dean.
This is it.
“%&$#”.
Sensing death solely from her intent, the head of the magic department stumbled backward, but Yuden did not swing the sword she feared.
Just before that, Yuden unexpectedly leaped back.
“Fking bastards. Are all the Followers of the Evil God just like you little sh*ts?”
The one mimicking Luca responded to Yuden’s new curse.
“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“Don’t play dumb. There’s a person tied up near you. You filthy bastards.”
Upon hearing her rebuke, Luca chuckled silently.
“Yuden, what does that mean?”
“It means what it says, Saintess. Those bastards have someone tied to them. If they die, that person dies too.”
“…Who would do something so insane?”
What they had done was so horrendous that even Phoebe had to curse. Yet the Followers of the Void remained unfazed.
“What does it matter? Everything will eventually rest in the embrace of the Void; what’s the point of earthly sins?”
“Could you stop rambling with that flashy mouth? You’re starting to sound just like Luca.”
Even what they were doing started to annoy her.
They purposely showed their changing forms to instill a sense of security, only to dig yet another trap beneath it.
If you realize it, you’d hesitate, and if you don’t, then they can use you as meat shields while creating emotional turmoil.
It resembles the devious plans Luca naturally brought forth.
Can the imitation really reach that depth?
“Do you know this guy well?”
“Fk, I know him too well. I traveled with him for years. That’s why I’m warning you. Don’t act up any further. Luca might be quirky, but he’s not insane.”
The moment she showed goodwill towards Luca, a subtle laugh escaped among the Followers of the Void.
Seeing that as a provocation, Yuden tightened her grip on her sword, yet she couldn’t swing it.
She couldn’t pinpoint exactly where or how the person was tied. Until that was revealed, she couldn’t recklessly wield her sword. While fighting, she might gauge it eventually, but…
“If it’s hidden by the power of the Void, that’s easy.”
Just when Yuden was seriously considering swinging her sword to slice off an arm or leg, Joy stepped forward, confidently raising her voice.
Boasting a confident smile, she displayed her magic for all to see.
The magic of giving existence to something out of nothing.
However, Joy’s magic bore no fruit.
As she cast her magic, the head of the magic department countered, overriding it with their own spell.
“…Huh?”
“Young Lady Partlan, please think a bit. Do we look like golems just standing here?”
Thinking it was indeed the real magic dean chiding her, Joy furrowed her brow as she recalled what had just happened.
The composition of the magic had disrupted midway. It twisted the structure by interrupting while it was being formed.
“Joy. Does it seem impossible?”
“Just a bit more time, please. A little will do.”
If she knew how the opponent countered, she could reverse the situation.
If it had been the real head of the magic department, she wouldn’t dare think of this, but right now, the person was merely a mimic, wasn’t she?
I can do this.
Since I’ve received guidance from Lord Erginius, surely!
“Young Lady Partlan, see that you resolve this within five minutes. If that’s not possible, I’ll think about slicing off a limb.”
“I’ll do my best!”
Hearing Joy’s determined voice, Yuden shrugged and changed her stance.
From the stance of a beast ready to leap forward to the stance of a knight protecting those behind her.
“Bring it on. I’ll play with you, you trash.”
Yuden’s fierce voice barely left her lips before the Followers of the Void surged into an offensive.
*
The fanatics of this reality were much worse than I had imagined.
Did they really think they could sacrifice innocent people as meat shields? Just like that, the pleasant feeling that washed over Yuden when she talked about Luca had vanished.
[They are scum wishing for the world’s destruction. What can’t they do?]
‘Did your grandpa see stuff like this too?’
[Oh, plenty.]
From the indifferent words of grandpa, there was an unspoken weight.
So I stopped asking questions and instead watched Yuden fight against the Followers of the Void.
It’s truly overwhelming. If it weren’t for the meat shields, I’m sure those followers would have lost their heads by now.
This feeling of awe is the first I’ve experienced since Benedict and Lasha.
As I focused intently on Yuden’s blade, I felt her gaze lock onto me, causing me to freeze.
Did I get caught? I shouldn’t join in yet?!
A cold sweat broke out as I realized my mistake, but thankfully Yuden quickly averted her gaze.
It seems she didn’t spot me. Or is she pretending not to see me?
…I’m grateful, but I won’t tell Benedict about this. I would willingly save another man though.
Thinking that if I stayed here any longer, even Phoebe might catch on to me, I cautiously moved my feet elsewhere.
For some reason, I needed to wake up the sleeping actress.
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