episode_0007

To sum up her development in one word…

She totally hit the jackpot.

“Savior of Matop! Oh, my, you are a god. It seems you are bestowing another blessing upon the Sacred Empire! Oh, you are a god…”

Yeah.

I am a god.

Although I’m completely opposite to you guys, being a demon and all.

First off, what I bestowed… should be right, right? Probably?

“Teacher, isn’t this fun? The side of us coming from the Demon Cult that those who don’t know anything about it will soon be turned upside down. Hehe, I’m already looking forward to that moment.”

You’re not quite normal either.

Well, among those who came here, there might be someone without a backstory.

“Well then, let’s finish preparing slowly.”

“Teacher, have you packed everything you need? I didn’t think we would just be sent to a better place from here like this. Surely we wouldn’t act so impulsively with a war on the horizon…”

Indeed, I got a rapid promotion with a war looming.

Of course, there was that aspect of diverging paths that made it possible because of the impending war.

It was quite an interesting point to observe.

“The Pope is waiting for you. Adolf, Ray.”

Adolf.

Hmm, it has a pretty good ring to it.

It’s also a pseudonym I happened to acquire, and one of the most famous names worldwide.

…Of course, it wasn’t intentional.

“Welcome, young heroes of the Holy Empire!”

The old man sat on his throne, legs crossed, chuckling heartily with his long beard flowing.

Beside him, a hammer even larger than the throne, the sacred hammer he used back in his prime to slay demons.

The people around him were seasoned hunters with high ranks like archbishops and exorcists.

Overwhelming determination felt as soon as they entered.

And the head that seemed to tighten even more as they entered.

Surely standing in front of the pinnacle of triumph where the most divine power gathered had something to do with it.

My mind buzzed as if it couldn’t properly comprehend.

“Your great research results are the blessings of the Holy Empire, and furthermore, Lady Lucia’s…”

Triumph continued to say something endlessly, but I couldn’t hear properly due to my buzzing head.

The only fortunate thing is that I know how to endure the pain without showing it outwardly.

Thanks to that, she could uphold this atmosphere and not ruin the plan she had set.

“Well, heroes. Is there anything you desire?”

Ray.

Theresia, smiling widely like a devoted follower, elegantly spoke.

“What could be happier than serving the gods? If through my humble research, I can create something that pleases the holy gods, wouldn’t that be thanks to the help of the Sacred Empire?”

She was surprisingly good at making exaggerated statements.

Just a while ago, when she was in the lab, she complained about having to waste blood on such trivial matters.

Thanks to the exorcist’s well-spoken words to Triumph in just a week, they were able to arrive faster than expected.

I was prepared for about 8 to 9 days, you know.

“Hahaha! Yes, heroes need such big hearts! Nowadays, the world is so noisy with demons and whatnot…”

Even when watching on TV, it was clear that Triumph, the man who slew countless undead and demons, received the blessings of the goddess and the saint marks.

And the woman next to him must be the famous saint with a calm demeanor.

The saint, Rebecca.

One of the key figures, a saint of this side’s Celestial Faith who believes in Lucia.

“Do you know about the recent heresy called the Demon Cult? A group that doesn’t believe in Lady Lucia. Because of the Demon Cult, we’ve been having headaches lately…. Oh, right. You want to greet me? Come forward and greet me.”

With Triumph’s words, Rebecca walked over step by step.

The feeling that the brain vibrates more and more as it approaches me.

Instinctive disgust flows from the chest, and an unknown nausea is engraved.

However, I did not even flinch.

Instead, I gave a slight smile.

That way, I can carry out her plan as it is.

It seems that the influence of the saint is greater than that of the emperor after all.

The statement that I am receiving God’s love was definitely not wrong.

“Hello, eternal glory to God.”

She greeted with a stiff tone, bowing her head slightly.

I bowed deeply and said,

“Hello, Lady Saint. My name is Adolf, conducting research at Matop.”

“You give me a strange feeling. It feels like I feel nothing as if facing a god. You seem to be receiving a lot of love.”

I don’t know what nonsense this is.

Well, since it’s a god, it’s normal not to feel anything, but does that mean that you feel something for people who are not gods?

Well, she’s a saint. Something can be felt… Wait, then does something also feel for Theracia?

“And you, too, seem to receive a lot of love from God. To be able to give such earnest faith. May God love you enough.”

Ah.

Rebecca seems to be able to see how much one believes in God.

Contrary to the perception of smashing heads with a known club outside, she is infinitely kind to her side and infinitely cruel beyond the fence.

That was roughly her disposition.

If I had known what god she believed in, I would have already gone crazy trying to kill Theracia.

But I didn’t even know this fact despite watching her all this time.

“Pontiff, these two also have unwavering faith in God, and they are loved by God just like anyone else.”

Theracia glanced at me as if asking if it was true, but I ignored her cleanly.

When the saint stepped back, my head felt a little better.

Is it because my head is dizzy and my stomach is turning, feeling grotesque as if my intestines are tearing apart?

Even now, it still hurts a bit, but it just felt like nothing.

“Well, then we must grant the young heroes what they desire. Archmage Melak, guide them to the treasure vault.”

“What? P-Pontiff! That place is…”

“Oh, Archmage Melak. I wonder where the newborn went 40 years ago and who is defying the present name.”

“…Pontiff, I understand, so please stop talking about the past.”

It seems quite a free atmosphere here.

If it were an emperor of another country, the servant speaking like that would have lost their head by now.

Well, it’s natural not to casually kill believers of God in a divine empire.

As believers of the same god, it’s somewhat inappropriate to kill each other.

“Please follow me. I will guide you to the secret vault of the Holy Empire.”

The archmage even used honorifics.

Certainly, it seemed that the item she made was so good that it could drive the Holy Empire crazy.

Well, a bomb that can slaughter long-time enemies of the divine empire, such as demons and the undead.

Even I would want to hold onto such a good thing.

“This is a place where the Pontiff does not easily permit entry. Even the Archbishop may only enter once or twice a year, if at all.”

He started guiding us to the warehouse while spouting such small talk.

But, from the Pontiff to the Archbishop, the Archmage, and the Saint.

If they all know about the secret warehouse, is it really a secret warehouse?

I was having such useless thoughts when Theracia quietly spoke to me.

“Teacher, is what the saint said true?”

What the saint said?

At that time, my head was pounding and hurting so much that I couldn’t remember exactly, but it seemed like she said it correctly.

Ah, I see. That’s right. Loved by God. The saint saw that.

“I love all of you. There are no exceptions.”

“…I thought so. Since God must always be fair. It’s fine for the teacher to show favoritism.”

“Well, I’m not sure. I have emotions too, and I think, so I do show favoritism towards you all. For example…”

Your main characters.

I don’t know many others except a few.

But I’ve watched and supported you for 20 years, a very long time.

In your case, I can’t help but show favoritism.

For such a long time, during that long time I’ve watched over you.

Like children, how could I not show favoritism?

“Isn’t it okay to show favoritism to the leaders?”

“Indeed, teacher. Then it seems fitting to say that I am showing love. Remember that.”

She whispered quietly with a big smile.

Of course, since I used power, the chief priest in front of me wouldn’t hear any voice, but well, whatever.

There’s something called atmosphere, you know, atmosphere.

“We have arrived. Feel free to take one item you desire from here.”

He infused sacred energy, and soon the door shone brightly with a trembling sound as it opened.

From the perspective of the saint, from the perspective of the Pope, they had each seen it once.

It was definitely an incredible atmosphere.

“You have one hour, so take your time.”

There was no hesitation.

I know what the most outstanding item here is.

Not choosing what I need, but our main characters.

The items for the high-ranking members of the Evil Spirit Sect must be decided in advance.

“Well then, this should be good.”

When we first came to this world, each of us was given a gift we desired, but something that everyone could use together.

“Indeed, there’s nothing like this here.”

What I held in my hand was a chessboard.

However, this one was a special magical item.

A game where players actually possess the king and strategically operate their military forces when starting chess.

So, it’s like a virtual reality VR medieval strategy game.

They can enjoy playing together and study strategies.

Moreover, this chessboard is equipped like reality, with various unique features and hidden potions.

Wow, where else can you find such a great game?

“Teacher, have you chosen everything already? I think this would be good.”

Sang-hwang guided the saint through all the items here.

I also watched at that time.

Thanks to that, I understand how this door opens, where it is, and what items are inside.

Among them, the item chosen by Terasia… I don’t remember the name well, but it was a quite unique dagger.

A dagger that, when used to cut someone, prevents the wound from healing.

It suits someone like Caesar, who is an assassin of the church, but not someone like her, an alchemist.

Instead…

“I think this would be better than that.”

I gave her an emerald tablet.

It was difficult to find as it was tucked away in a corner, but luckily, I found it faster than expected.

“The emerald tablet was hidden here… This is unexpected. In the distant past, only alchemists tortured themselves, so this information was unknown.”

She seemed quite pleased with the item I chose.

Yes, alchemists love things like this emerald tablet.

Of course, I can’t properly figure out what it is, what it’s for, or what is written on it.

“Hmm, you all have chosen items that are useful to each of you. Now, everyone. The Pope will host a banquet tonight, so please attend. You can prepare here.”

We finished preparing to be dragged straight to the banquet before even delivering the information that we had met the Pope.

They provided clothes and dressed us up.

It feels quite strange because it’s the first time.

Thinking back, for 20 years, I might have been too lonely during all that time alone.

Just watching the key figures live was the only thing in life.

Being a god’s body made suicide impossible, and escape was also impossible.

Perhaps preventing the return of the corrupt world tree sap was a blessing.

“Teacher, you’re dressed nicely. It’s probably best to be careful about dressing up in front of others.”

She said that and casually walked down.

She has an ordinary face, but when dressed up, it’s just a well-dressed ordinary face.

On the other hand, she was quite beautiful even in my eyes.

“Well then, please enter.”

That way, we stepped into the banquet hall.