Ch.103103. Divine Avatar (2)

●

In the Sera universe, there are various divine beings.

These include ancient entities from the depths of the sea that Tatiana serves, gods who command angels from the Otherworld worshipped by the Holy Empire, and even the demons of Pandemonium.

In terms of power, the beings from the Otherworld and Pandemonium are the strongest, but there are many other elements that make up the world besides them.

And Vessels are beings chosen as the “closest ones” to these entities. They are selected by the deity to best wield their power.

The most commonly encountered example in the original work is the Vessels who have gathered all the demon fragments, especially Elnore Erinarise la Tristan who became the Vessel of the Grey Demon.

For the final boss, having all the fragments gather in their Vessel is a predetermined progression that doesn’t require meeting any conditions.

‘…They’re also the only beings I can interact with.’

Perhaps because she was chosen from the beginning, Elnore, who gathered all the fragments, is among the Vessels with the fewest “side effects.”

Very few among such beings successfully settle into that state. You could say it’s beneficial to the chosen one.

Cases where one maintains their personality or body intact are extremely rare.

Allan also became the Vessel of the Inverted Tide, but in exchange, he transformed into something that could never return to its original form.

And those who successfully reach the realm of Vessels often easily cause inexplicable, absurd events that defy any laws.

For example.

Despite having completely died once, coming back to life again.

“That’s an interesting-looking amulet.”

Faynol Leiphec said this while looking at the Soul Linker that was sporadically emitting light.

This phenomenon is because of Calivan Chrysanyx. He still can’t believe that the person before him is someone he once killed.

“…You don’t need to worry about it.”

I say this while hiding the Soul Linker behind me.

Right now, there’s nothing good about revealing this person’s existence. After all, I’m currently seeking Faynol’s cooperation.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect you to come looking for me first.”

Faynol said this while elegantly sipping her tea.

Considering her background, she is indeed from a noble family.

The problem is that she’s not from just any noble family, so she dismisses anyone she doesn’t consider her equal.

“You’ve been deliberately avoiding me until now, haven’t you?”

“…”

“You don’t need to look surprised. I’m always hearing information about you.”

She said with a slight smile.

“I mean I can see what intentions you have toward me.”

Why does every woman I meet have such an abnormal interest in me?

Even with my disposition, isn’t this a bit much?

“Still, someone like you is quite decent. Compared to the vermin crawling around nearby.”

“…”

“Especially in this barbaric place. A primitive nation that blindly worships anything called tradition, without a shred of rationality?”

Every statement she makes would earn her a knife in the back if it spread among the Tribal Union.

In this area, tribal traditions hold a status close to religion. Even though Allan Va-Thor’s seizure of power was clearly absurd, everyone acknowledges his rule because it’s tradition.

But Faynol’s voice as she utters these insane sentences is calm, even composed. As if she’s simply stating facts.

‘…Above all others, only I exist.’

I inwardly groan as I recall the sentence that best describes Faynol.

She is an egalitarian in the truest sense.

Because she views everyone except herself as trash.

At least Yuria and I have our reasons for having crossed her threshold.

‘…That’s why she went berserk as soon as all the fragments gathered.’

As seen in Elnore’s example, demon fragments have the property of increasingly amplifying the negative aspects of the subject’s personality as they gather.

The Crimson Night incident probably happened because, unlike other Vessels, she had no intention of suppressing the negative effects transmitted from the fragments.

[…Then we should kill her right here.]

‘…Calivan.’

[Damn it, you know it too. This woman is a walking catastrophe. I don’t know how she came back to life after dying once, but if we leave her be, later…!]

‘You promised me.’

That you wouldn’t do anything reckless.

I could feel Calivan gritting his teeth and falling silent at my words.

Yes, I know.

Calivan’s concern is spot on, as this person is indeed the final boss of Chapter 4.

But aside from the fact that I’m here to request cooperation, killing her now is simply absurd.

‘She won’t die.’

[What?]

‘I’m saying she can’t be killed.’

Until she hands the holy sword to Elia in Chapter 4, there is absolutely no way to kill her.

That’s just how these bizarre Vessels are.

‘…And I probably don’t need to take action myself.’

If my thinking is correct.

She’s probably not too happy about returning from death either.

There’s a reason she’s called Death Wish.

“…I came to request your cooperation.”

But that’s beside the point.

I don’t have much time. I need to devise a way to stop the Apostle of the Inverted Tide within a day at most.

I mentally calculate, organizing every negotiation card that might come out of her mouth—

“I accept.”

“…”

I blink at the unexpectedly smooth response and look at Faynol.

What’s this?

Considering her personality, I thought she would put all sorts of shackles on me since I came asking for help first.

“…Judging by your expression, I can guess what you were imagining.”

Faynol continued with a smirk.

“Do you know what position you hold in the Inquisition, Darwood Campbell?”

“…I doubt it’s a favorable impression.”

They’re a group that rejects anything related to demons with extreme prejudice.

It’s obvious what impression my existence—which attracts demonic entities just by breathing—would make there.

That’s why I’ve been gritting my teeth and avoiding the Inquisition all this time.

However, Faynol’s subsequent response completely defied my expectations.

“The Inquisition wants to protect you from any threats with all their might.”

“…”

What?

“Shall I tell you something, Darwood Campbell?”

Her voice continued evenly.

“The Inquisition carefully tracks Demonic Vessel holders. To do their best to prevent them from going berserk.”

Therefore.

“It was a bit difficult to figure out that the Grey Demon went berserk recently, and then its Vessel reversed the timeline.”

It took me a moment to react to those words.

“…”

As I looked at her with slightly surprised eyes, Faynol continued with a smirk.

“You seem to wonder how I know… I’m a Vessel too, in my own way. Even if I don’t know exactly what happened, it’s not difficult to deduce that something was ‘twisted’ by applying the Grey Demon’s abilities.”

She put down her teacup elegantly and looked straight at me with those red eyes.

“And what’s more surprising than the ability itself is that a demon that once went berserk regained its ‘reason’.”

Undoubtedly.

Those were eyes full of interest and “possessiveness.”

“Because of your influence.”

“…”

“It’s unprecedented. A demon’s power belongs solely to the demon. There has never been a case in history where its direction was determined by another’s influence.”

That’s right.

During the Crimson Night incident when Faynol went berserk, the only way to stop it was to kill her.

“And the Inquisition believes that such a miracle occurred because you and the Vessel formed a kind of ‘relationship’.”

My eyes narrowed at those words.

Atalante had said something similar before.

That my relationship with the Vessels was the only means to seal them.

Faynol took a breath before continuing.

“…In short, a Demonic Vessel that has ‘fallen’ for you gives you ‘control’ over its power depending on how much it cherishes you. That’s the conclusion.”

Atalante had said something similar.

That while the process was unknown, it was possible to seal a demon by forming a relationship with me.

What this person just described is the process of that phenomenon.

“…”

Right.

I understand that.

Now that I’ve heard this far, I also know what’s coming next.

And that it’s definitely not something I’ll welcome.

“…Given your disposition, I believe you already know this, but I have returned from death once.”

Faynol continued in a monotone voice.

“You might experience this later, so let me tell you in advance. It was not a pleasant experience at all.”

“…Death isn’t pleasant for anyone, is it?”

“No, not death.”

Faynol smiled emptily.

“…This ‘life’ of… nothingness… after death.”

“…”

“I was ‘resurrected’ through part of my authority as the Vessel of the Red Demon. But in exchange, I lost something… precious.”

Yes, indeed.

I know well what this person “lost” through that process.

I mentioned earlier that this person is a rare case among Vessels who reached that state without side effects.

I should probably add another note to that.

This woman does have a “defect.”

“…”

And that defect.

It’s more terrifying than I thought.

Terrifying enough to fear living more than death.

It’s strange when you think about it.

The Inquisition, which rejects anything related to demons, has a completed Vessel beyond just a container.

But.

The Inquisition wants to capture and punish all demons.

Faynol knows she’s included in that category.

And the conclusion they both reached.

Is that I am the most convenient “tool” for achieving both their goals.

Then, what this person will demand from me is also painfully obvious.

“Darwood Campbell. I’ll cooperate with whatever you ask. As a deputy inquisitor from the Inquisition, I’ll use my full authority to help you. But. I’d like you to do just one thing for me.”

Faynol opened her mouth with a grin.

“Would you seduce me?”

“…”

“Make me fall in love with you. Help me suppress the demon within me through such a relationship.”

Those words settled softly in the reception room.

“So that I can die again.”

●