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I Killed an Academy Player Chapter 152: Delinquent Saintess (2)

Chapter 152: Delinquent Saintess (2)

“Heading​‍ to the Chapel?”​​

Someone⁠​ outside her expectations‍ spoke up to‌​ her.

“Miru?”​‍

“Call‌‍ me Miruam.”

Miruam⁠⁠​ Elizabeth El Rath⁠‌ – her step-sister​​​ limped her way‍ across with a fancy walking stick⁠‍ in hand. Unlike⁠ the Saintess Estelle,‌​‌ who was of​‌‌ a beautiful and​‌ pure white color,⁠​‌ Miruam had a countenance and an⁠​ appearance that could⁠‌ easily give her⁠⁠⁠ the title of‌ the ‘Villainess of‍ the Century’.

A venomous serpent.

Her⁠⁠ hair and eyes​⁠ were ominously red,‍‌ and each of‌​​ her gestures – both her arms‍⁠ and her legs‍ – gave off⁠ an evil yet‍ alluring charm.

Facing‍​‍ her younger sister⁠⁠ who was completely​‍⁠ different from her⁠​⁠ own self, Estelle‍ remarked with a nonchalant grin.

“My‌‌‌ cute little sister.‌ Did you miss‌​‍ me?”

“Your⁠ tongue is as‌ light as always,‌ Estelle.”

It‍​ was Miruam who‍‍ opened her mouth‌ first after a short silence.

“You‍‌ are still poking‌‌ your nose into‍⁠​ the Tower of‌ Mages, aren’t you?​‌⁠ For quite some⁠​‌ time now.”

“Oh?‌‌‌ Are you worried​ about someone? Tell‌‌‍ me if you‌ have an acquaintance.‍ I will make‍‍ sure that person‌​⁠ gets special treatment.”‍‍

“Hmph.”​

The‌‌ Tower of Mages​ was one of⁠⁠ Miruam’s key supporting⁠ factions. Even though‌‌​ someone else was​‍ capturing them, it‍ was Estelle’s job​‍​ to punish the​‍‌ mages as heretics.‍

Despite​ what she said,‌​‌ Estelle was fully‌‍‌ aware that Miruam‌‌ wasn’t concerned in⁠‍ the slightest about⁠‍ her supporters to⁠‌‌ the throne.

It‌‍ was simply inevitable‍ for the two​​ of them to​​ try to hunt​ each other down.​

As⁠​⁠ long as Estelle​ stayed as the‌‍‌ Saintess of the‌ New Faith, and⁠ as long as​​ Miruam stayed Miruam,‌‌ there was no‌ other option apart‍ from the two‌ of them colliding‌ with one another.​ That was already‍ past the realm‌​ of forgiveness and​⁠⁠ concession – it⁠‌ was simply intolerable.‌

Even‍ the ‘succession to​‍‌ the throne’ was‍‍ but a trivial⁠‍‍ matter for them.⁠ After all, the‍‌ throne was just⁠ a part of‌‌​ the procedure and‌‍ not their final​‌‌ goal.

“What‌​ brought you here?”‍ asked Estelle. “I​ assume you wouldn’t​⁠​ have come all‌‍ the way here‍⁠ just to say⁠ hi.”

“What‍‌ do you want‌ in return?”

“…”⁠

“You⁠‌ know me, don’t‌‌⁠ you? I can​⁠ do whatever it‌‍ takes no matter‌‍ the cost.”

It⁠⁠ was a sudden‍ offer and an‌‌ abrupt statement about​‌ her wish but…‍⁠⁠ Estelle immediately understood⁠⁠ what she meant.‌⁠‍ That was natural‍⁠ because for a very long time,⁠ Miruam had only⁠⁠‌ been aspiring for⁠​ one goal and‍ one goal alone.‍⁠⁠

Ahh,‍ it seemed that‌‍⁠ she had found⁠⁠ out already – a lot earlier⁠ than Estelle had⁠ been hoping her‌‌ to.

“I​⁠​ wonder what you⁠⁠⁠ mean?”

“Estelle.”⁠

She‍​‍ glared at her​ with a crimson⁠​ gaze full of‌‍ insatiable madness… Ever‌‌ since 12 years‍​‍ ago, the eyes⁠​⁠ of her step-sister‍‌‍ had been ever⁠​ so fiery and⁠⁠⁠ ominous.

“You‌​‍ shouldn’t have done‍‍⁠ that. You shouldn’t⁠ have forgiven them.​‌‍ You don’t have​‍ the right to.”‍

“…”‍

“You‍ know, if you⁠‍‍ changed your mind‍ today, I would​‍ have been more‍​ than glad to‍ scrape out one⁠‍‍ of my arms‍⁠⁠ for you.”

“What‌ do you…”

Miruam‍ cold-heartedly turned her⁠‍​ back to her⁠ sister as if​‌ that was the‍‌ last chance she⁠​‍ had.

“Miru…!”‌‌‌

“…”‌‌⁠

Hearing⁠‌ that, Miruam halted‍ her feet for‌​ a while. Facing⁠‌ her younger sister‍​‍ who at least‌‌ heeded to her‍⁠ call and stopped⁠‍ for a bit,‍ Estelle gave the‌⁠ most considerate statement⁠‍ she could give.‌⁠‍

“On‌​‍ the way of⁠ the escort… is⁠ the grave of⁠⁠ the late queen.​​⁠ If you don’t⁠⁠ mind… I would‌‍​ be glad to​‌‍ give a prayer​​‍ there.”

“Hah.”‍⁠‍

Along‍⁠ with a cold‍‍ sneer, Miruam turned​⁠⁠ her head back​‌‍ and said with⁠ a chilling gaze.‍‌​

“I⁠⁠‍ don’t need your‍‌​ god.”

Accompanying‌ her words was​‌‌ a cold scoff‌ full of certainty.‌

****​⁠​

The⁠ escort convoy of‍​ the convicts prepared⁠‍⁠ and were ready​‌‌ to leave.

Normally,​‌‍ it wouldn’t make⁠‍‌ sense for the​‌ Saintess to personally⁠ leave with the⁠‌‍ convoy for the‍ relocation of convicts⁠‍‌ but that in​ turn proved the⁠⁠‌ seriousness of the‌‍​ matter at hand.‍

The​ convicts included the‍⁠⁠ elder of one‌ of the 7 cults of the​​⁠ Tower of Mages,‍​‍ Elder Morushtan of​ the Black Cult,‌‌‍ along with Kang‌​ Ryun who attacked‍⁠ the probationary nun‍​‍ Hua Ran who‌ was under the​⁠ protection of the‌‌ New Faith… Even⁠ aside from them,⁠‌​ there were also​ the Chargers of⁠ the Cross, the‌‍ secret ops of‌ the Old Faith,‍⁠‍ and those who⁠⁠‍ were captured due‌‌⁠ to their human‍ experiments.

All‍ in all, there‌‍‌ were too many⁠‌‌ monstrous criminals that​​ they couldn’t afford​​ to lose.

“Saintess,​ we are ready​ to depart.”

A holy knight who​‍‌ was dispatched from⁠ the headquarters of⁠ the New Faith,‍‌​ the Grand Chapel⁠ of Zeon, said⁠‍ to her while‍‌⁠ wearing a silver‍ full-plated armor that⁠‍‌ had received a divine blessing.

15‌‍⁠ holy knights from‌‍‍ the Grand Chapel‍‍​ of Zeon, 50​⁠⁠ war priests and⁠​​ sisters, 30 Grade‍ 2 guardians employed‌ through the Alliance⁠​​ as well as‍​ knights and soldiers​‍⁠ of the kingdom.‌​​

“Isn’t⁠‌ this way too‍‌⁠ excessive?”

There​⁠⁠ were far too⁠ many people for‍‌⁠ it to be‌ called an escort​‍ convoy of criminals.⁠‍ In fact, even​‌ though it was⁠⁠ partially in preparation⁠⁠‌ for the ‘attack’⁠⁠⁠ that could happen⁠‍ to save the‌​‌ bigshots that were‌⁠​ being escorted, it‍ was more correct‌ to say that‌‌ most of them‌‌​ were here to‍‍ protect Estelle, the​⁠ Saintess and the​ 1st Princess, to​ make sure no​⁠‌ injuries were to‍ be made on​‍‌ the noble body⁠ of the lady⁠ with the most⁠‍​ significant status in⁠ the entire kingdom.⁠​‍

“Apologies.⁠⁠‍ It’s all to‌‌ protect the Saintess…”‍‌⁠

“Ahh~‍‍ yes yes. Right.‌‌ Let’s just say‌‍⁠ that.”

Judging‍‌⁠ from his words,‍ the knight seemed​ to be a newbie.

Despite⁠ her noble status​ as the Saintess‌ and the princess,⁠ Estelle was like‍⁠‌ a carefree delinquent⁠⁠‍ who did not⁠ care about rules.‍​⁠

However,‍ it was nothing‍​ new for her⁠ to be so‍‌ carefree and relaxed‌‌‌ so no one‌ was surprised by​‍ her conduct. Instead,‍⁠ the holy knight​‍​ that was tasked​​‍ with guarding her,⁠‍ continued staring at‌​​ her with an⁠‌‍ expectant gaze.

“What​ are you looking‍​ at?”

“Ah,​ umm… I was‌ just hoping that…​ Saintess could give​⁠​ a prayer for‌‍​ the departure…”

Finding‍ it extremely tedious,‍ Estelle was about​⁠ to let it‍​ slip but there‌‍​ were a lot⁠‍‌ of eyes on‌ her including those‍⁠ from the holy⁠‍ knights. Sisters, priests,​⁠ knights, mages… and⁠‌ even the horsemen​ leading the horses.​‍

The‍ prayers of Saintess‌​ Estelle create miracles.‌‌

It​​⁠ was a famous⁠‌‍ story known throughout‍ the continent which​ was actually proven‍​‌ to be true.⁠‍

‘With‌ this many numbers…‍ the effect won’t‌⁠‍ be so strong‌‍ but…’

The‌ child of miracles.⁠

The​‍​ Saintess who can‌⁠ communicate with the‌ god.

Although​⁠ she had a carefree and unrestrained​ personality, she still‌ wasn’t the type⁠​⁠ to turn down⁠​‌ the expectations and⁠ hopes of everyone.‌

At⁠​‍ the center of⁠‌ their gazes, she‍ locked her fingers‍⁠‌ and raised a prayer.

“I⁠‍‌ pray that warm​‌​ sunlight will always⁠ be shining on‍‌​ you from above…”⁠

As‍ soon as she‍ started her prayer,‌ a brilliant curtain⁠‍‍ of light started​​ to rise around‍ her. Those that​​ were enveloped by‌‍ that light felt​‌⁠ like their faces‍ were being buried​‌⁠ by something incredibly‍‍ warm.

“Ohh,‌​ the prayer…”

“The⁠‍ Saintess is praying​⁠‍ for us…!”

A prayer leading to‌​‍ the miracle of​‌ the prayer being​ fulfilled.

Praying‍​‌ for a safe‌ journey unto a traveler would grant‍​ them a safe​‌ trip; peace and​ curation for those‌​ suffering from illness;⁠‌ small fortune to‌ those hoping for​ wealth and protection‍⁠⁠ and courage unto​⁠ those setting off‍ for a fight.‌

Saintess⁠​​ Estelle Hadassa El⁠‍⁠ Rath.

The‍​ prayers of the⁠ saintess blessed by⁠‌ the stars was‍‌⁠ ‘almighty’.

“Oh‍ god.”

“God…”‍

A miracle was giving‌⁠‌ them a warm‌‌ embrace. Like a baby embraced by​​ the arms of‍ a mother for​ the first time,​​ they were granted⁠ with the warm‌ miracle of a god that was​‌ full of love​‌​ and benevolence.

The⁠⁠ people naturally believed​‍⁠ in their safe​​ future before the⁠ almighty blessing of​ that light.

This​⁠ trip will end‍‍ without a problem.​​⁠

No‍‍ disease could ever‌ harm them throughout​ this journey.

The‍ Lord will watch‍‍‍ over this path.‌

Faced⁠⁠ with her miracle,‌‌ even the mercenaries⁠‍‍ who lived and​​ died by the‌‌ sword couldn’t help⁠ but believe in⁠‍‌ the existence of‍ a god.

The​⁠ heavenly god praised‌ by the order⁠ – the king‌​ of gods written​‌ down in the‌​ scriptures and the⁠⁠​ one ruling over‍‍ all the gods⁠ of this land.‍⁠‌ The Saintess was⁠‍ the very person​⁠​ who proved the‍‌ existence of that​ god in this⁠ world, whom they‌ didn’t know much‌‌‌ of apart from⁠⁠⁠ the fact that⁠​​ he had to‌ be referred to⁠ as the lord.​‍‍

However,⁠⁠⁠ although it seemed‌‍⁠ extremely sacred and‌⁠​ holy, the Saintess‌ was indifferently continuing​⁠ the prayer as​​‌ her mind wandered​ off to somewhere​‍ else.

‘How‌ should I combine⁠ the next few‌‍‍ words? Maybe I should ask for⁠‌‍ good weather.’

Her‍ prayers were carried‌⁠ by the wind‍⁠ with each of⁠⁠ her phrases having‍ different implications depending‍‌⁠ on how they‌​ were combined. After‍‌ giving thousands and‍‍‌ tens of thousands‍ of prayers, praying‍⁠‍ became a tedious​​ job where she​‍ had to combine​ appropriate words following​ her imagination.

Saintess‌‍​ Estelle believed in⁠⁠ the existence of‌​ the god.

Princess‌ Hadassa, however, doubted​ the sincerity of​ the god.

It‌‍​ was because she‍ herself was extremely‍ blasphemous and unfaithful.​⁠​ The perfect representative‍​⁠ of faith according⁠​‌ to the order⁠ had less faith‌​‍ than that of‍⁠ a mercenary living⁠ in the streets,​ but who would⁠ ever believe it‌‌⁠ even if she⁠ were to say‍ that out loud?‍

Why⁠‌‍ was it, that‍‌ she had been‌‌ chosen by the​​ god and not‍⁠ someone else?

‘I‍ still have no‍ clue why.’

………‌⁠‌

……‍

Before​ long, they were‍⁠ attacked.

Spells‍‍‌ were flying in‍ from everywhere. Magic⁠‌​ golems and chimeras‍​ were marching in‌‌‌ along with the‌ spells as well‍​ as several employed​‍⁠ mercenaries.

“Haa~.‍‍‍ I somewhat knew‍‌ this would happen‌ but…”

In⁠⁠ the midst of⁠ the battlefield of⁠⁠ clashing weapons, explosions,‍ and flames, Estelle‌​ heaved a sigh⁠⁠​ and continued talking‌‍ to herself.

“Was‍‍‌ that prayer not​‌ enough?”

There‍ were a lot‌ of people including⁠‌‌ Elder Morushtan that‌‌⁠ were from the‌ Tower of Mages.​⁠⁠ Considering how there‍‌​ were so many​‌ heretics that were‌ captured by that​‌‌ one junior from‌⁠‌ the Academy, it⁠ wasn’t strange for⁠​ the Tower of‍ Mages to attack‌ them in an​ attempt to rescue‍​‌ their members.

However,‍ Estelle was expecting⁠​ it to be⁠⁠ in the form‌‍ of an indirect‌‌ assault by hiring‌​ several mercenaries with​ a falsified mission.​⁠ That was why​⁠ they had dispatched​​​ holy knights and⁠‍​ dozens of guardians⁠ to be a part of the​​⁠ convoy group but…‌

What‌⁠ she definitely wasn’t‍ expecting, was that‍‌⁠ the mages of⁠​⁠ the Tower would​‌ blatantly carry out‌⁠ an attack like⁠‌‌ this.

‘I⁠ did think they⁠​ were crazy when‍⁠‍ they tried to‌​‌ kidnap Lady Dunareff,‍‌ but really? Do⁠​‍ they not care‍‌ about their future⁠⁠⁠ consequences?’

The‌ Tower of Mages‌⁠ had already turned‍ the Dunareff and⁠‌​ the entire south​ against them. It‍ was strange that‍‍ the Dunareff was⁠ still staying quiet,‍​​ but in the⁠ long run, it​‍ was inevitable for‌​⁠ the two groups‌‌ to enter a conflict.

Despite⁠ that, the Tower​⁠ of Mages decided‌‌⁠ to attack the​‌⁠ Saintess of the‌​‍ order and the‌‍‌ 1st Princess of‌​ the kingdom, making​⁠ the Zeon Order‌​​ and the royal⁠‌ court their enemy.​ This was far⁠‍ beyond the level⁠ of what Miruam‌ and the nobles‍‌​ with connections to⁠‌ the Tower could​ do to protect​‍‍ them.

“Saintess!‍‍​ Please wait inside⁠‍ the carriage! It’s‍⁠‍ dangerous!”

“Don’t⁠‍ worry about me.​​ I’ll head to​​⁠ where the important‍ criminals are.”

“Saintess!”​⁠‌

Without​ paying regard to‍⁠ the dissuasion of​ the holy knight,‌‌⁠ Estelle jumped out​‌ of the carriage​​⁠ and headed to⁠‍ the large magic‌‌ prison that was⁠⁠‌ located at the‍⁠‍ center of the​ convoy.

Inside​‍ the magic prison‌ were the key​ criminals of this‌​‍ trip, Senior Professor​ Kang Ryun of⁠‍ the Purple Hawk⁠‌⁠ Academy in the⁠‍ eastern continent and‌ the head of‌⁠ the Black Cult,​‍ Elder Morushtan.

They‌​ were the most‌‍ important criminals here⁠​ so Estelle had‌‌ made sure that​⁠​ the prison was‌ locked firmly but…⁠⁠ when she got​‌⁠ there, a familiar⁠‌​ that had sneaked⁠‌‍ in in the‍‌​ heat of the‍ battle was in⁠ the middle of‍‌ opening the gates⁠‌ of the prison.‌‍

“Hoh~.​‌ Look who it⁠​ is?”

“Saintess…”⁠

“Hello?​‌ You guys seem⁠‍‌ to have a lot of fans,​‌​ seeing how there’s​ so many to​‍ come to see‌ you.”

“Hmph!​ It’s not too‌ late for you.​​ Why don’t you⁠‌ run away by​⁠‌ yourself when you‌‍ can?”

“Me?”​‍⁠

Estelle​‍ scoffed in response​ to Kang Ryun’s⁠ jest.

Indeed,‌​‍ it was true‌ that there were​​⁠ more enemies than‍ what she expected.‌⁠ The escort convoy‍‍⁠ was definitely not⁠​‍ weak by any‌‌‌ means, but the​⁠‌ Tower of Mages⁠‌ had gathered even⁠​​ more mages and‌​⁠ mercenaries for the‍⁠ attack.

There⁠​ were at least‍​ 3 elder-ranked mages‌ as well as‌‌ 10 mercenary groups.​​ They must have‍⁠‍ used up a lot of human‍‍‍ resources and materials‍‌‌ for this attack.‍‌

“The⁠ Tower… is strong.​‌‌ Saintess. All of​ you… will die.”⁠

“Probably.⁠‌​ Except for me,​​ that is.”

“What?”​‌

Morushtan‌​‌ was dumbfounded by‍​​ her honest agreement,‍ but that was​‌ when the Saintess​⁠⁠ pretended to be‍‍‍ shocked after seeing‍⁠ them walk out⁠‍ of the prison.⁠⁠‍

“You‌​ just escaped the‌⁠‍ prison didn’t you?”⁠​‍

“Hnn?”‍‌‍

“…What?”‌

Covering‍​ her mouth with⁠​ both hands, Estelle‍ had a shocked‌‌ look on her‍‍ face as if‌ she couldn’t believe‌ what she was​​ seeing.

“Brothers…‍ How could you‌ possibly commit the​⁠ serious sin of‌ escaping the prison​⁠ without following the​ right procedures? Let‍‌‌ me pray for⁠ you. Let’s repent​​ for our sins.”​⁠‌

Dropping‍⁠ down on her⁠‌ knees, Estelle locked⁠ her fingers.

“W,‌‌‌ what kind of⁠‌​ lunatic is…”

“Foolish​⁠​ nonsense.”

Morushtan‍‍ waved his hand‍ once as a black torrent of​⁠‌ mana pounced at⁠​ the Saintess. The​‌‌ sudden ball of⁠‌​ mana from his⁠​‍ mana heart turned⁠​ into flames of‍ curse that appeared‌ to be moments‍‍ away from scorching‍​ the feeble saintess⁠⁠ to ashes.

However,⁠​ that was not‍ what happened next.​

『The‍ lord is with‌ me; the weapons⁠ of my foes⁠​ cannot dare harm‍‌‍ me.』

“What?”‌‌​

The​ black flames dissipated​​ after surrounding the‌​‌ saintess, and she‌​​ elegantly stood back​ up and dusted​ her clothes.

“Impossible…”​‌

Morushtan​ looked at her‌⁠‌ with astonishment in​ his eyes.

She​‍⁠ wasn’t hurt in⁠ the slightest.

In​‌‍ fact, that wasn’t‍​‍ all there was‌ to it.

That​​⁠ spell just then​ was the flames‍⁠ of the curse‌⁠ that scorched the​‍ opponent to ashes⁠ after sticking onto‌​‌ their flesh without‍⁠‍ leaving a single⁠‍ bone behind. It‍ should have burned‍‍ Estelle down unless‌ she were to⁠​‌ immediately cut off‍⁠⁠ the part of​‌ her flesh that⁠‍⁠ was struck by‍‌‌ the flames.

However,‍‍‍ there was not⁠‍‌ a single sign‌​ of damage even‌‍ on her clothes.​⁠⁠

Absolute​⁠⁠ defense at the‌⁠⁠ level of an​⁠ Unbreakable Vajra Body?⁠⁠ Was that what‍ she had?

That‍ didn’t make sense‍ either, because that​‌​ applied only to‌‍‍ the skin. At​ the very least,⁠⁠ there should have‌‌‌ been some changes​⁠ made to her⁠​ golden ornaments and⁠‍ her white outfit.​

“So‌ this is the‌​‌ prayer…”

I will never be​‍​ injured.

The⁠​ Lord will protect⁠​‌ me from illness,‍ flames and steel​⁠ chariots.

The‌ prayers of the⁠‍​ Saintess created divine‍​‍ miracles. At last,​⁠ Morushtan witnessed the⁠‍​ truth of that⁠‌ famous story.

“Right…‍​ I knew you​‌‌ wouldn’t repent for​‌ your sins.”

Estelle‍⁠ said with a smile on her​⁠​ face.

“A‌​‌ sinful soul is‍⁠ neither asking for​ forgiveness nor being⁠​ regretful of their​ actions. O lord,‌​ please forgive this⁠ poor soul.

“The‍ god of benevolence,‌‍ forgiveness and mercy‌ pities even the‌⁠ sinners…

“So‍ brothers. The lord⁠‍‌ will definitely forgive‌⁠ you all.”

Tuk.⁠‌

That​ was when a heavy mace of​‍⁠ steel appeared from​‌ underneath the sleeves⁠‍ of her sacred‍‍‍ outfit.

“But‌ even if god‌⁠ forgives you for​‌‌ your sins, this⁠⁠ guy won’t.”

“Huh?”​​

A mace that looked⁠‍ so hideous that⁠ they couldn’t even‍ fathom how it​ was hiding in‍​‌ her sleeves—

“O​⁠‌ lord. I will⁠‍ now do as‍‌ I see fit.”‌

—It​‌​ struck through the‌​ air at the​​‌ two of them.⁠‌

“Kang‍‍ Ryun!”

“Kuuk…!”‍

Kang​‌‌ Ryun hurriedly created​‌⁠ a formation to‍ defend themselves from‌⁠ the flying mace.​​ Although it wasn’t‌⁠ at the level​⁠ of the Eight‍ Gates Formation, it⁠ was still decent⁠ thanks to the​‍​ preparations he had⁠‌ made beforehand after‌​‍ hearing about the‌ attack.

His‍‌ defensive formation created​ a stone wall‌​⁠ that was reinforced‌⁠ by mana to​​ stop the flying​‍‍ mace.

Kung!​

A deafening thud echoed⁠ from the collision.⁠‍​ He was the‌‌ strongest formation expert⁠ of the east.‍⁠‍ His stone wall⁠‍ was truly marvelous‌ and was at‌‍‍ the level of‌ a thick steel‌ wall but—

“Lord​⁠‌ is watching over‌ us, so carry‌‌ your metal stick⁠ and strike them‌ down. Do so‌ and your enemies‍‌⁠ will be crushed⁠ like the failed‌‍‍ artifacts of a potter.”

– Kwang!

Suddenly,⁠​‌ the mace broke‍​‍ through all lines⁠ of defense as‌ it pounced on⁠⁠ them with a radiant curtain of‍‌ light behind it.‌‌

“Feel⁠ fear as you‍⁠‌ praise the lord.⁠​ Tremble and rejoice.⁠⁠⁠ The lord will‌ release his fury‍⁠‍ and lay you​‌ to waste.”

Unlike⁠ the vicious words⁠​⁠ of her prayer,‍⁠ there was a bright and adorable⁠‍ smile on her‌⁠ face.

………‍

……​‌

The⁠‍⁠ situation was slowly‌ turning for the‍​‌ worse.

One⁠⁠‌ by one, the​‍ sinners were being​‍‍ rescued from the​ magic prisons and‍ the holy knights‌‍ and guardians, who‍ were forming a defensive circle, were‍ slowly being pushed‍‍⁠ back with Estelle‍‍⁠ in the middle.⁠‍

Well,⁠​‍ it was fine⁠‍⁠ though because two‌‌⁠ of the most⁠ dangerous ones had‍⁠ already been dealt‍ with.

“Saintess!​‍ It’s getting harder‌⁠‍ for us to‌‌‍ hold the line⁠‌‌ of defense! You‌‌‌ should run away​ at the very⁠​​ least… Huhp!”

The⁠‍ holy knight who‌​ had come looking⁠​​ for her with‍‌⁠ a horse in​‍‌ hand gasped for⁠​‍ breath upon seeing‌ the two headless​ corpses.

“How‌ is it going?”‌⁠

Despite​‌ her pure-white outfit‍ and her beautiful​‌⁠ face being drenched‍​​ with blood, she​ nonchalantly raised her​‌ head for the‌ question. The new‍ holy knight looked‌​ at her with​‍ disbelief but he​⁠ seemed to be​ the only one‍ that was lost‌‌ for words – one of the​​ other holy knights‍⁠‌ gave a report.‍

“The​​​ damage isn’t that⁠‌‍ big so far‌ thanks to your⁠‍⁠ blessing but at‍⁠ this rate… it​​ is certain that‍ everyone will be‍⁠ killed except for‌ you, Saintess.”

Thanks​⁠ to the saintess​​ blessing their journey​​‌ and her prayer‍ for the safety‍ of everyone accompanying​⁠ the trip, most​⁠ of the holy‌ knights and guardians⁠​ were able to‌ stay alive despite‌ the sudden ambush.​‌‌

However,‍‌ there was a limit to her​⁠ blessings. It was⁠​‍ impossible for her‍‍ blessings to keep‌‌​ a hundred people⁠ alive from the‍‍‍ attack of thousands‌ of enemies.

“It​​​ can’t be helped.​ We will now​ give up on​‌ the criminals and‍ fall back.”

“Saintess!”​​​

“We‍​​ can’t…!”

“Human⁠⁠ lives are the​‌‍ most important. It’s‍‍⁠ my fault for⁠⁠​ not expecting the⁠ Tower of Mages‍‌ to be this⁠⁠ aggressive.”

“It’s‍‌ all due to‌⁠‍ our incompetence…!”

“That’s‌‍ right, Saintess! Let‌ us stay behind⁠ and fight till⁠‌ our last men!”‌​

Facing‌ the holy knights⁠ and priests that​‍​ were tearing up‍‌​ from humiliation, Estelle‍​‍ slowly looked through⁠ their faces one‍ by one.

Jerry,‌​‍ Jackson, Rudy and‌ Erisa… Estelle knew‍‌ the priests around⁠ her very well.⁠​

Because‍‍⁠ of that, one‌‍‌ of them, who‍​ was looking straight​ into her eyes​​ with utmost sorrow‌ in his gaze…‍​⁠ looked extremely odd.⁠‌

“How⁠ strange. I know​​ everyone around me‍⁠‍ but…”

She‍‌ raised her mace.⁠​ When she lifted‍ it all the⁠⁠ way to the⁠ sky, Rudy… the⁠⁠​ young priest turned​ pale.

“Who​‍ are you?”

– Slam!

The​ mace crushed apart‌ the head of⁠‍​ the young priest‍⁠⁠ called Rudy. Blood⁠‌ splattered and pieces​ of broken bones⁠ scattered everywhere… or​ at least that‌⁠ was what everyone⁠‍ was expecting.

“Huh?”‍‍‍

However,⁠ what scattered from​‌​ the head weren’t‍ warm pieces of⁠ flesh nor blood​‌ but cold chunks⁠ of steel.

The‌​​ large chunk of‍ metal that used‍‌ to be Rudy‍​‌ started to melt⁠ down as if⁠ it was in‌ a pit of​ lava and soon‍​ turned into the‌ figure of a strange person.

『How​ did you find⁠‌ out?』

It⁠ was most definitely‍​ not the voice‍‌‌ of a human⁠​‌ and Estelle immediately​ had an idea​⁠‍ of who it​ was that she‌‌⁠ was talking to.⁠

Great‌ Mage Adelene of⁠‌ Gold, the Lord‍​‌ of the Tower⁠ of Mages. It​​⁠ appeared that he‌ had personally joined‍ in for this‌‌ attack.

“Rudy‍ is a shy⁠⁠ boy. He couldn’t‍​⁠ even look straight​ into my eyes.⁠ I don’t need‍‍​ to explain why,⁠ do I?”

『…』⁠​

“Do‌‌⁠ I need to⁠ say it myself?‌‍ Of course it’s​ because he likes⁠ me. Objectively speaking,​ I’m unrealistically pretty,‌‌ aren’t I?”

She⁠⁠ sounded like and⁠​‍ was very much‌‍ a narcissist. It‌ was hard to‍‌‍ believe that the​‍ Saintess, who loved⁠ herself more than‌​​ the god, had​‍ destroyed the head⁠‍ of another person‍‌ just because of‌‌‍ intuition.

However,⁠ what most were​⁠⁠ unaware of was⁠​‌ that the intuition⁠​ of the Saintess​‍‍ and even her‍ seemingly reckless actions‍​​ were supported by⁠‍ something more powerful⁠ than the likes⁠‍ of luck.

『Saintess‌⁠ of the heretics.‌​‍ I am the⁠ great mage, Lord‍⁠ of the Tower‌​⁠ of Mages, Adelene⁠⁠ of Gold.』

Adelene’s‌ voice echoed across‌⁠ the area as⁠‌ the surroundings started​ to wobble and⁠ shake. The ground‍​ caved in; metals⁠ soared into the‌​ air as the‌ bodies of the‌⁠ golems and chimeras‍‍‌ crumbled down before‍‍‌ combining into one⁠ large chunk.

Great⁠‍ mage of gold.‍

In‌ other words, he‍​ was the one⁠ sitting at the‌ peak of alchemy.⁠⁠‌

The‌‌‍ result of his‍ magic engineering gazed‌ down at the​‌‌ world in the‌ shape of an‍ enormous giant.

“…That’s​‌ not at the‍​ level of a golem anymore, is‍​ it?”

“Saintess!‍ You must escape…!”‌​⁠

Looking‍ back, she belatedly‍ noticed that all‌⁠⁠ the black mages​‌​ that were caught⁠‍‌ experimenting in their‌⁠ secret laboratories were‌​ researching topics related​ to giants.

It​‌ seemed that the⁠​ Tower of Mages⁠‍ had been conducting⁠ experiments that were‍‍ far more dangerous‌‌​ than what she‍ had initially thought.‍

“All​‌ of you, run⁠‌⁠ away.”

“Saintess!​​ We can’t do⁠ that…!”

“Ah,‍ seriously! I’m sure‌ I won’t die⁠⁠ so you all​​⁠ should just take‌⁠‍ care of your‌ own lives!”

At‌‌‍ last, the infuriated‌‍ shout from the‌​ Saintess caused all⁠ the holy knights​⁠‍ to shut their‌ mouths.

They‍ knew very well⁠ why the Saintess​⁠⁠ had no bodyguards,‍‌ and why she​​⁠ allocated all the​ funds she received⁠​‍ to intelligence instead.​‌

She⁠‌‍ did not need‍‍‌ to be protected.⁠

If‍⁠ she were to​‌ use all of‍‍ her prayers to⁠​ protect herself, she​‍‍ would be able​ to escape unscathed⁠‌‍ even if the⁠⁠‍ world were to‌‌ divide into two.​‌‌

It​‌ was a different​‌‌ concept and power⁠⁠ to the Unbreakable​ Vajra Body.

The⁠‍‌ Saintess could never‌‍ be injured.

She‌‌​ would never bleed‌⁠ in her life.⁠‌

That‍‌ unbelievable concept was​​⁠ like a divine‌ rule etched into‍⁠‌ the world thanks​ to her prayers.‌​

“Kuhk…!​​​ We will definitely⁠‍⁠ come back with‍‌⁠ reinforcements!”

Blaming⁠‍ themselves for their​​​ incompetence, the holy‌ knights started to‍‍ escape along with‌ the survivors.

『Not⁠ happening.』

The​‍‍ giant started to​‍​ move and by⁠⁠‌ the time anyone‌ could realize it,‍⁠ there was already‌⁠ a large stone‍​‍ in its hand.‍‌‌ It was already⁠ far too late⁠‍ for Estelle to‌‌⁠ stop it and…​​‌ the large stone‍ was flung towards​‌‍ the group that‌ was escaping from‍ the battle.

That‍ stone wasn’t a normal piece of⁠‍‌ stone. It was⁠​‍ one that was​‍​ compressed and reinforced​‍ by the mage‌⁠‌ of gold.

As​​⁠ soon as it⁠⁠ landed on the​ target, the stone‌ imploded on them.‍‍

– Kwaaaaaaang!!

A storm and a deafening roar was⁠ created from the‌ explosion. It was‌ only obvious that‍ no-one could survive​‍‍ from that colossal‌‌‍ explosion but…

『Hmm?』​‍

The​​ soldiers and holy‍ knights were on‌‌ the ground after‍ being shocked by‌‌ the sound of‍‍​ the explosion but​ none of them​​ were hurt. It‍⁠ was a miracle…​ Seeing that unfathomable‌‍ sight, Lord Adelene​​ turned the gaze⁠⁠⁠ of the giant⁠⁠‌ towards the Sainess‍​ and spoke to⁠‍‍ her.

『Impressive​ that you can​ fully protect a group that big.』​​‌

Estelle​ raised her mace‍ and let out​‍ a prayer of⁠ self-sacrifice.

“Greater​ love has no‌ one than this:⁠‌ to lay down​‍⁠ one’s life for‍ one’s friends. You‍​​ will be the‌​‍ lord’s friends if‌ you do what⁠​ he commands.”

O lord, please crush‌ the enemy before​‍‌ us. With your‌ blessings, I can​ smash a thousand⁠ heretics to death‌ even with the‍‌‍ jawbones of a donkey.

“In‍‍ the name of‍​‍ the holy father,‌ son, and the⁠ spirit.”

Amen.⁠​​

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