Ecstasy

“Whoa, it’s enormous…”

I stared at the black giant’s head that had made a shockingly destructive entrance by collapsing the Papal Court’s buildings.

It was much bigger than I’d imagined. I guess seeing something in a game versus reality really is different.

The overwhelming pressure from its colossal size was immense.

“Orca, was the demon inside you this ugly too? If so, I might need to reconsider our friendship.”

“I’m pretty! And that thing isn’t even that ugly! It looks cool?!”

“…If you say so?”

“A demon’s aesthetic sense…”

…Why are these kids so nonchalant? That’s the final boss of the church route.

I asked the students joking around while watching the demon:

“Aren’t you scared?”

“That’s an obvious question.”

Stella shouted at me with a triumphant expression, as if I’d asked about basic common sense.

“It’s super scary!”

“?”

“Its head is so huge that if we accidentally get stepped on, we’ll be squashed like bugs under a palm. Ugh, I imagined it.”

“Hey! Why’d you say that?! Now I imagined it too!”

Who makes such confident declarations about being scared…?

I was slightly taken aback by Stella’s uncharacteristically weak statement.

“But whatever. We’ve got some decent fighters here, right? Two Sword Saint successors, the world’s foremost demon expert, and yours truly – a princess!”

“…So you trust your friends.”

“Well, yeah. I’d have run if alone, but with these guys, I believe we won’t die at least! …If things go south, I’ll just abandon you and run.”

“You little brat, your words have been suspicious since earlier?”

“Haha, hope you’ll forgive me. This way you’ll all stay alert.”

“…”

My heart warmed at the sight of the students bantering noisily.

The scene I’d wanted to see was unfolding before my eyes.

Facing adversity without yielding, joining forces to overcome hardship.

A scene that couldn’t have happened if I’d stayed passive.

…I became certain my actions hadn’t been wrong.

“Alright then. How should we handle that thing? Anya seems to be holding it off well but…”

“Not sure. Eileen. Can you cut that down?”

“Hmm. Maybe in the past, but now I lack the power to slice clouds…”

“You could do that before? You’ve been slacking off with that talent.”

“I just copied my dad. It only left a small scar on the cloud.”

“That’s still amazing…”

But even when students cooperate, some things remain impossible.

That’s when the teacher must guide everyone.

“Hey, Haze. Don’t just stand there – tell us quickly. You know how to defeat that giant, right?”

“Grrk… Won’t tell…!”

Haze, currently sharing her body with Orca, convulsed and scrambled away from me.

Tch, why so stubborn? I need you to share this info.

Of course I knew the solution from countless playthroughs, but saying it myself would raise suspicion.

I’m already under enough scrutiny. More suspicion could be dangerous.

“Shouldn’t this feel good?”

“Urk.”

“Imagine it. Being praised as a hero by the congregation, Anastasia, and everyone here.”

“W-wait. Stop…!”

Had she imagined the scene I described?

I brushed aside Orca-no, Haze’s flustered attempt to stop me. Her hand had no strength. She genuinely didn’t want to talk, but seemed close to breaking.

“Being celebrated as the one who eliminated the demon that infiltrated the church for centuries must feel wonderful… Now, will you save everyone?”

“F-fine! I’ll do it! Just stop…!”

“…Who’s the real demon here?”

“Who knows.”

Trembling, Haze collapsed and revealed the creature’s weakness.

“Last I heard, enlarging itself doesn’t increase its durability.”

“…Meaning?”

“Attack power rose, but defense stayed the same. Its bigger size means more vulnerable areas. Dodge and strike. Eventually we’ll subdue it.”

“Thanks. Only Haze could know this.”

“Ngh…! D-don’t praise me!”

“Good girl.”

I vigorously ruffled Haze’s blushing head.

Our contract made her feel happiness from good deeds instead of evil acts. Naturally, helping us was her best option now.

But why had she resisted? Because the enemy was her kin.

Demons, ostracized by all, maintained strong bonds among themselves. Her attempts to save her kin were understandable…

But the body is honest.

Bound to feel joy from good deeds, she must be experiencing indescribable bliss now.

“Alright. Anastasia looks exhausted – shall we go help?”

***

The congregation forgot they were mid-battle, lost in ecstasy.

…As if personally witnessing the miracles described in ancient texts.

Before ascending to the lofty heights, the Noble One embraced humanity’s sins alone, rendering Himself powerless.

Then, among His passionate followers, some volunteered to become God’s limbs.

Those who would be God’s Eyes.

God’s Ears.

God’s Hands.

God’s Feet.

God’s Mouth.

Though most lineages had faded, knowing Watchers still existed was one thing – witnessing their majesty was another.

“Beautiful…”

“You there! Stop gawking! Keep fighting!”

“Y-yes! Sorry!”

The spectacle felt mythically grand, like participating in a divine battle.

While most shared this sentiment, not all were overwhelmed.

“…Damn. Our attacks aren’t working.”

The High Priest commanding the clergy sweated coldly.

He wasn’t worried about the collapsing Papal Court – buildings could be rebuilt. His concern was the people.

With the demon unharmed and priests collapsing from Sacred Power exhaustion, total annihilation seemed inevitable.

Though Watcher-nim held firm, her endurance was unknown. More priests fell unconscious as he looked around.

He desperately wanted to punish this church-defiling demon, but continuing meant certain defeat.

…Retreat seemed unavoidable.

Just then, the demon staggered for the first time when something struck its head at tremendous speed.

“Ah, damn… Almost had it.”

“A Demon Possessor?! Priests with energy, subdue…!”

“Don’t bother. I’m here to help, so don’t interfere.”

“What nonsense…”

“Like this.”

The sudden Demon Possessor picked up a suitably sized fallen rock, tossed it experimentally, then swung hard.

“Gyaaak…!”

“Huff, doesn’t seem hurt at all… Hey, isn’t your friend being dramatic?”

“Stop talking nonsense. Any demon would hurt when sharp rocks pierce their skin at high speed.”

“That so?”

“Demons feel pain and dislike things too.”

Whoosh, whoosh.

The Demon Possessor girl casually tossing rocks like a child playing showed bizarre disinterest in the congregation.

As if solely here to eliminate this demon.

“Who… are you?”

“Me? …What was I supposed to say again?”

“Can’t remember? Idiot.”

“Ah, shit. Wait, got it.”

The Demon Possessor girl, who’d been racking her brain to recall someone’s message, answered brightly:

“Ah, right. They said you’d understand if I said ‘Hand’.”

“…!”

The High Priest stared dumbfounded.

Though teachings said demons could be redeemed, none truly believed it – considering it mere allegory about God’s mercy.

But behold! God continually proves His existence through impossible miracles.

Teaching humanity that nothing is impossible.

“Ooh, God…”

“What’s with this guy?”

“Religious folks are like this. Let’s finish our job.”

The High Priest fell into ecstatic rapture.