Chapter 167: First Conversation (2)

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The wind seemed to halt. Not a single rustle of grass could be heard. Beneath the burning crimson sky, two figures stood in the silent forest.

One was a lively young lady with a pinkish glow. The other was a colorless, utterly detached woman.

They faced each other. Even though the other hid her face, their gazes were palpable.

In the tense atmosphere, Sugar’s lips trembled faintly.

“The writing on Riley’s right arm… Did you do that?”

Only one person can escape.

“I merely told the truth.”

So calm and indifferent.

Sugar slowly approached her. Her expression was sharp beyond measure.

“Think rationally. If you had gone in alone, could you have overcome that trial?”

“When did I ever ask for that?”

With each step, she voiced her thoughts.

“You knew the rule—only one could leave. So why did you do such a thing?”

“How typical of you to not consider those left behind.”

She finally grabbed her by the collar, but the other woman remained composed, answering with an air of lofty dignity—like a superior.

As if she knew Sugar better than Sugar knew herself.

“Do you realize what would’ve happened if you failed? Your soul would’ve been ripped away, leaving nothing but an empty husk. That could never be allowed.”

“…”

“But you succeeded. Your rank has risen enough to converse with me, and you can now wield more of the Evil God’s power. You even heard the message—something ordinary people never do.”

“You’re becoming quite the splendid mage.”

She clapped softly, her expression genuinely pleased.

But her words didn’t seem to reach.

Though she wore a human form and pretended to be one, what lay inside was something else entirely—a being far removed.

“…If I keep growing stronger, will I become like you someday?”

“Hmm. I may not look it, but I’m quite sentimental.”

Sugar lowered her head.

“If I upset you, I’m sorry. It just happened to be morning—that was the best I could do. My influence is stronger at night, under the starlit sky.”

“Ha…”

“Besides, I believed you two could escape together. Isn’t the result what matters? I’ve watched over you for so long. So very long. And I’ve grown fond of you—that’s why I helped.”

In the end, only a good outcome remained.

Thanks to her interference, they escaped danger. Now, Riley could stay by her side.

Though furious at being dragged into this, Sugar found herself nodding faintly.

Displeased, she gritted her teeth at the repeated “so very long.”

“Ah, Sugar. That hairband is adorable.”

When the woman reached for her head, Sugar swatted her hand away.

“Even in a dream, you won’t let me touch it? Is it that precious?”

“Stop it. If something like today happens again… don’t interfere. Don’t disturb the real me. That’s the price for staying here.”

“Very well.”

The answer came easily.

Sugar turned away immediately, ready to wake and leave this space. She needed to sort out her thoughts alone.

“Just know this—I’m on Sugar and Riley’s side.”

As the traveler spoke from behind, Sugar vanished—awakening from the dream.

Yet this world didn’t shatter. Even though the dreamer had woken, it persisted.

Alone, the woman lifted her gaze to the sky.

The sun had set, and dusk had come. The brief moment when crimson faded into indigo—the most beautiful time.

A faint breeze carried whispers that tickled her ears.

In that fleeting solitude, the traveler murmured softly:

“It wouldn’t have mattered much if only you escaped… But since both of you got out, I can nurture you further.”

Then, her lips curled into a grin.

“You’ve done me a favor, Damutria.”

***************

Abyss

Its end could not be seen. Its depth could not be measured.

Just a pitch-black hole. Darkness.

Could anyone believe it was alive?

Was something lurking within that vast cavity, or was the hole itself alive?

Whatever it was, it seethed with fury.

Or perhaps—disgust.

“Eliminate—”

‘What does that mean?’

Given enough time, all things change. Inorganic or organic. Just as rock crumbles to dust, as water droplets bore through stone—nothing escapes the relentless weight of time.

Not even divine beings.

And the result stood before Claude.

Even this was but a fragment, yet its pressure threatened to crush him.

A being that, over the long passage of time, lost its reason and broke down—now obsessed solely with devouring color.

Yet, trusting only in the covenant made with the demon who descended alongside starlight—”I will hide you from them”—it was enshrined and worshipped.

Lately, however, this being has begun to speak.

To demand.

“Eliminate the—”

But what, exactly?

The same phrase repeats endlessly. Though it’s an improvement—until recently, it couldn’t communicate at all.

[If you desire the Saintess, I will bring her.]

A limiter to control that colossal existence.

Claude is both a fanatic and not. Though raised under near-brainwashed doctrine, his rationality remains sharp.

Even if that thing eroded the continent, only emptiness would remain. Hence, the Saintess is necessary—a safeguard, at least for their own survival.

The sole being in this world capable of enduring that power.

Yet for some reason, the god keeps acting strangely toward her.

“Eliminate—”

[…]

Is this a desire? A rejection? What must be eliminated?

During his brief absence, Claude learned of the contact between the Apostle and the Saintess.

Verut.

Given his temperament, there must have been a revelation—a desperate, godless command wrung from drained authority. He would have acted solely for that purpose.

His swift death suggests he sacrificed himself for something. Yet the Saintess remains unharmed, meaning she overcame him.

‘Could even that have been the god’s intent? For the Saintess to defeat an Apostle?’

That entity fusses over the Saintess so obsessively, even squeezing out commands from its eroded mind. Why refuse her now?

This incident cost one Apostle his life. Another, B-13, has vanished mysteriously.

The latter was critical—a key figure in the long-prepared Festival of Descent. Their disappearance is a fatal setback. Normally docile, why would it act independently now?

‘Louveci… I should have killed her outright.’

The emergence of the Black Serpent led to B-13’s disappearance.

This happened while Claude was busy disciplining Louveci’s followers. He expected her to come to their rescue—instead, she ignored them and struck elsewhere.

‘How ruthlessly non-sentimental of her. Every time, she interferes perfectly.’

For now, the plan is on hold.

With a sigh, the Apostle bowed to his god—still muttering the same phrase—then turned away.

[On the day you descend to the earth, act as you wish.]

That day may be delayed, but please endure a little longer.

**************

Holy City at Dusk

Sugar woke groggily, having slept all day, her body warm against Riley’s. Lifting her head slightly, she saw him breathing steadily, eyes closed.

A peculiar scent lingered—sweet yet bitter, like medicine.

She reached out to stroke his cheek, her touch as delicate as handling glass.

‘…What is that woman hiding?’

Touching someone precious, she recalled the conversation in her dream—her first dialogue with the presence now nested within her.

‘If she just wanted rest, why insist on raising my rank?’

Had she stayed silent, Sugar would never have noticed. A transcendent being, adrift for who-knows-how-long, could’ve come and gone unnoticed for years.

Yet she wanted to talk.

To communicate.

Why? Hunger for connection? A wish for Sugar to grow stronger? A safe haven?

‘Or are all these just side effects…?’

What if the act of ascending ranks itself was the goal?

“…”

She couldn’t decipher the motive.

Given the interference in the trial, and her words, she seemed an ally—for now.

‘…Assume the best.’

Maybe she’s just a bored, lonely traveler.

Sugar doubted she’d leave even if asked. For now, she’d use what she could.

The woman’s arrogance was infuriating, but rationality prevailed. Sugar knew she grew overly emotional around one man in particular—a flaw to correct.

Especially after these emotionally charged days.

Sighing, Sugar glanced at the nightstand. Beside medicine and water bottles sat a package of snacks.

‘That witch.’

Ah, right—she’d visited this afternoon. Left these when she found Sugar asleep.

A smirk crept up.

‘She must’ve seen us cuddled up. How furious she must’ve been.’

‘You’ve never done this, have you? Lived together outside, but never held him like this?’

…Right?

A sudden chill made Sugar scrutinize Riley’s face, suspicion simmering in her gaze.

“…”

Then she relaxed her stare.

“Ugh, I’m being so childish.”

She’d gotten emotional again. Her face twisted in self-disappointment.

Gazing at her peacefully sleeping friend, Sugar gently pressed her face closer.

Haaah… The quiet exhale of the boy’s breath brushed against her.

Breath that had cycled through Riley’s lungs. A byproduct of his body.

She pressed her nose against his and inhaled.

The warm, heated air flowed into her, the sensation so sweet it made her crave more.

Huu… Huuu… Her head grew foggy from the lack of fresh oxygen, yet she kept breathing him in, clinging to his scent.

Then, his eyes fluttered open.

“…”

“…”

No words. Just staring.

Close enough to see the intricate patterns in each other’s irises. Observing, exchanging breaths.

This isn’t the time for this. We have evening plans.’

‘But she just wanted to stay like this a little longer.

“You’re pretty…”

“What is?”

“Your eyes. So blue. Like the ocean.”

“You’ve seen the ocean?”

“A long time ago.”

With every exchanged word, their lips trembled, hovering just shy of touching. The mingling of their breaths tickled.

“How long ago?”

“A dream-like long time ago.”

“What does that even mean?”

Riley suddenly grinned.

“It’s break. Wanna go together sometime?”

“The ocean?”

“Yeah.”

“I have thalassophobia.”

“Since when?”

“Mmm. But just looking is fine. So…”

Struggling to breathe, Sugar finally pulled back.

“Let’s go. I’d love that.”

Then, they both gulped air, dazed gazes locked, preparing for what came next.

The mood had shifted. No words were needed—the flow between them was natural.

Riley moved first, eyes half-lidded as he cupped Sugar’s chin.

She squeezed her eyes shut. ‘This is bad. This is so bad.’ Yet her body was honest.

Their breaths drew closer again.

Anticipation swelled—both eager to taste the affection lingering on each other’s lips.

Just before they met—

SLAM!

Like cold water dumped over them.

Riley clicked his tongue. Sugar had already burrowed under the blankets, her reaction automatic.

‘Who the hell—? If it’s Leon, I’ll kill him.’

His sharp glare shot toward the door—then widened in shock.

The last person he expected.

“A Question.”

None other than Her Holiness stood there.

The noblewoman had appeared out of nowhere and uttered a single, abrupt word.

At her voice, Sugar peeked out, face flushed.

“Uh… Yes, Your Holiness?”

Then Ione, her face veiled, continued:

“What do you do when there’s a man you dislike?”

An unexpected question. Did this stone-cold woman even have people she disliked?

Sugar, ever nonchalant, answered immediately:

“Ohhh, for that? I grab garden shears. Rusty ones are even better— Mmmpf!”

Riley clamped a hand over her mouth. Precious as she was, right now he wanted to thunk her on the head.

Who talks like this in front of Her Holiness?!

His gaze flicked to the door, where Ione tilted her head slightly.

“…Your Holiness, with all due respect, this is… not a normal reaction. Please disregard it.”

Ione stood there, pondering for a long moment.

“……?”

Then, as if reaching some conclusion, she straightened.

“!”

Without another word, she glided out of the room, vanishing as smoothly as she’d arrived.

Leaving behind a sweat-drenched Riley and a squirming Sugar, still muffled.

“Mmmph! Mmm!”

Somewhere outside, thunder rumbled ominously.