episode_0104

“If you don’t want to flaunt your status as the heroes’ party, then the best course of action right now is to keep your mouth shut.”

“…Got it.”

Christine seemed about to say something more, but Elia’s firm words silenced her, leaving her to mutter indistinctly.

“A dramatic reversal requires some sacrifices. And if possible, we’ll need to rein in Cecilia as well.”

“Cecilia? What are you even saying?”

“This whole affair—you weren’t the one who devised it, were you? Even if you agreed to go along, it was Cecilia who first suggested we strike Fairchild earlier than planned. And as a result, she and Eric are now buried side by side underground. Her faith is unpredictable now. We must leash her while we still can.”

“Calling it a leash—that’s too far!”

“Not at all. You fought beside her—you know exactly how strong her devotion is. Right now, it’s not directed at the Goddess but at one man: Eric Gravel. A little fondness for him is fine, but excessive obsession will only destroy him faster.”

Elia rose from her seat and lightly draped her outer coat over her shoulders.

“It’s unfortunate for Eric and Luciella, but this is unavoidable. You trusted me to make the judgments, didn’t you? I’m simply doing the same for Cecilia. Unless… you’re fine with another incident like this? If so, then sadly, our collaboration ends here.”

As Elia strode toward the door without hesitation, Christine grabbed her wrist.

“Wait.”

“……”

Swallowing hard, Christine met Elia’s expectant gaze.

“If things go like you say… then Eric won’t be hurt, right?”

“Of course. His safety has always been my top priority.”

“Really. No matter what happens?”

“This world exists because of Eric’s sacrifice. His worth is equal to this world itself. Others may not see it that way, but to me, that’s the truth.”

“His worth is equal to the entire world?”

“Hmm. Let me put it in simpler terms.”

Elia gently placed a hand on Christine’s shoulder.

“For Eric’s sake, I wouldn’t care if this empire burned to the ground. Does that answer your question?”

—

### Day 2 of Isolation

No significant changes yet. Being buried so deep underground has blurred my sense of time, but at least we’re managing to sleep and wake at roughly the same intervals as before. Our experiences from the previous loops weren’t entirely wasted—we’ve maintained a somewhat stable routine.

Forcing myself to sleep, even if just to ration food, has kept me going so far.

### Day 3 of Isolation

Cecilia confidently tried to expand our confined space, only to give up within minutes.

She tested the limits, just as she had on the first day, confirming again that it couldn’t be done. I told her not to waste energy pointlessly and to just rest instead.

### Day 4 of Isolation

Hunger and thirst are worsening. Humans can die after just a week without water. Cecilia is converting moisture into water using sacred energy, but even that has limits.

She’s already exhausting herself just keeping this space intact. Asking her for more would be foolish.

### Day 5 of Isolation

No changes.

### Day 6 of Isolation

I couldn’t take it anymore and asked Cecilia for water. Since our space has a little give, I begged her to shrink it further and use the remaining energy for water.

Now, with a clearer mind, I realize how reckless that was. Exceptions lead to endless demands.

### Day 7 of Isolation

Nothing happened today. Our sense of time is slipping. Cecilia and I lie on the floor, exhausted, waiting for sleep to take turns “waking” the other.

### Day 8 of Isolation

Cecilia made water for herself and shrank the space further. Since I was the one who begged first, I have no right to complain.

### Day 9 of Isolation

I don’t even know if it’s truly Day 9. We force ourselves awake, drink the bare minimum, and sleep again just to endure.

The faint hope of rescue is all that keeps us clinging on.

Maybe it hasn’t been nine days yet. Maybe it’ll just take a little longer. Maybe pinpointing our location in the church basement is harder than we thought.

These “maybes” justify why we’re still trapped.

—

### Day 12 of Isolation

“……”

“……”

“…Cecil.”

“Yes, Eric?”

“How much sacred energy do you have left?”

“If we keep using water like this… no more than four days.”

“Haah…”

I rolled onto my side with difficulty. What was once a decently sized space is now barely enough for us to lie side by side. Cecilia initially resisted shrinking it further out of embarrassment, but within hours—no, minutes—she relented.

At least she can control bodily functions with sacred energy. Small mercies.

“Rescue is taking too long. Something must have happened.”

“Who knows… maybe there are circumstances outside too.”

“What if… if no one comes by tomorrow—”

“I’m not listening.”

“I didn’t even finish—”

“I already know what you’ll say. If you even try, I’ll stop you.”

“……”

Her sharp tone deflated me instantly. I had braced myself to speak, but she was already three steps ahead.

Not that we really have options left. And among them, mine would be the least viable.

“It’s not surrender. Just… the only choice I can make.”

“There are things you should never say. If you’ve fought to survive this long, suddenly giving up here is nothing but selfish.”

“Right…”

I stretched out limply.

“Then let’s talk about something else. If we’re going to die anyway, I should vent what’s left in me.”

“A confession in a place like this? I can’t grant absolution, but it’s a unique request.”

“Wrong. I have nothing to confess.”

This isn’t about sins—just grievances.

“So? Will you listen?”

“I am technically a saint. If it helps even a little, I’ll oblige. Even here, psychological stability matters.”

“Alright. The truth is—”

Just as I was about to unload the weight pressing on my chest, I stopped.

“Never mind. Lost my nerve.”

“Huh?”

“It wasn’t important anyway. Just… life’s been hard. Thought I got a lucky break, but no—insanity, imprisonment.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Not your fault.”

(It is.)

But saying so changes nothing. Dredging up the past won’t save us now. At best, she’d realize I remember everything and suffer guilt—but what good does that do?

Even if she cried and begged forgiveness, it wouldn’t fill our stomachs. Besides, she already knows how horrifying this loop has been.

Just because we’re not in hell doesn’t mean the fire doesn’t burn.

I didn’t want to be so pathetic as to indulge in useless drama. Secrets are better kept buried.

Maintaining the status quo is already exhausting.

And if—if—rescue comes, or if she survives, my words would shackle her for life.

She’s already burdened enough by invisible chains.

The thought of her suffering even more after my death sent a chill through me.

“If you’re holding onto something, please tell me. As a saint… it’s all I can offer now.”

“I said drop it.”

Ignoring her worried gaze, I turned away and forced myself to lie still.

Sleep didn’t come easy, but the hunger dulled enough that my eyes shut anyway.