Ch.3232. Please

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“The manifestation of demonic remnants isn’t actually that rare.”

Atalante began with those words.

“While the resurrection of demon bodies has been eliminated since the exploits of the last warrior who wielded the holy sword, their remnants are still scattered throughout the world.”

Fragments of demon bodies, torn apart and scattered across the world.

Most exist as thought forms before settling into objects or places, but the most dangerous ones take humans as “vessels” and seep into them.

Later, when all the “conditions” align, the fragment manifests through that vessel.

Just like how the Grey Demon’s fragment manifested from Elnore earlier.

‘The problem is…’

Once a demon fragment manifests through a vessel, other demon fragments tend to gather around that human by nature.

Through an almost forced inevitability.

That’s why vessels are both the most important and the most dangerous. They essentially become the medium for demonic resurrection.

“…”

I inwardly smile bitterly.

By the same logic, Elnore, who has already experienced a demonic manifestation, will likely undergo significant changes soon.

It will most likely appear as an extreme amplification of certain “emotions.”

Guiding that in the best possible direction is my job.

“Demonic fragments that manifest in the material world have always caused catastrophic disasters.”

Yes, I know that too.

There was something similar in the scenario.

The Red Night Incident. An accident caused when a human hosting several fragments of the “Red Demon” manifested them all at once.

It was also the incident that claimed the family of Elia, the current warrior candidate.

“…”

One of the Red Demon’s powers is “Karmic Fire,” controlling flames that approach infinity.

Of course, even with several fragments, they couldn’t properly imitate such power.

But even so.

When viewing it as game CG, it didn’t really hit home, but if this happened in reality, the devastation would be beyond description.

One human.

Completely erased several cities from the map.

In just a single night.

“So when the Grey Demon’s power of erosion manifested widely through the Tristan princess, I rushed here at full speed. The sooner we could suppress it, the more we could reduce the damage.”

Atalante says she was prepared to die at that time.

Not just any fragment, but a piece of the “Grey Demon.” Among the rulers of Pandemonium, one of the strongest beings.

Its power would make even thousand-year-old immortals anticipate death.

No, more than that.

“…Did you know Elnore was the medium for manifestation?”

“I had my suspicions. I only became certain this time because the evidence was so clear.”

Atalante smiled slightly as she continued.

“The Holy Empire and the Imperial Inquisition they dispatched are quite competent in these matters. While they may not be able to precisely identify which ‘vessel’ contains a demon fragment, they can certainly narrow down the candidates.”

She continued with a sigh.

This is quite impressive.

According to the setting, demon fragments seek out their own hosts.

They can remain hidden for long periods, and they make every effort to inhabit targets that will cause the most devastating damage to the material world when they eventually manifest.

Because of this, in the scenario, they acted as random variables, and which fragment inhabited whom was completely random from what I remember.

In other words, they’ve managed to compile a list of candidates with information that even I don’t fully know.

That’s definitely a significant help.

“But because of this nature, the ‘vessels’ containing demon fragments are all people who would cause major problems if handled carelessly.”

Whether through social status or personal power, most vessels are humans who have achieved high accomplishments.

Most of these individuals have personal circumstances entangled with complex national politics, making them difficult to approach. Moreover, if mishandled, the fragment inside might manifest and trigger a disaster.

So the basic approach to these vessel candidates is observation, non-interference, and light management.

“Yes, but this time, conditions aligned somehow, and we managed to gather all the likely candidates at this academy.”

That’s impressive too.

Even one potential vessel would be someone who could cause massive repercussions if mishandled.

“The timing was right, the targets were appropriate. Fortune was on our side. Among everything, your very existence is the greatest fortune.”

“…Pardon?”

“The Grey Demon fragment that manifested through the Tristan princess ‘helped’ you. Even using all its permitted time to do so.”

“…”

Well, so she knew that the manifested Grey Demon helped me.

Considering the circumstances, it would be strange if she didn’t know.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? It should know that exposing its existence is a weakness.”

There must be a reason.

It’s because of the extreme affection it developed for me due to my unlocked Special Gift, “Fatal Charm.”

I can’t think of any other reason.

“That’s the key point.”

Atalante continued, still smiling.

“The demon is unusually favorable toward you, Darwood Campbell.”

“…What?”

But what followed was:

“There’s only one hypothesis to explain it.”

I couldn’t help but frown.

“It’s a phenomenon I’ve seen rarely even in my nearly thousand years of life.”

Atalante declared.

Though the cause remains unclear, such phenomena have occurred a few times throughout history.

“A human toward whom all demons show obsessive attachment. Beings whose purpose is to destroy the material world, yet they’re willing to sacrifice themselves. Some souls are born with such qualities.”

She continued.

“One destined to be loved by all evil. Yes, in my view, you are such a human.”

“…”

My ability was that powerful?

-That’s a more powerful talent than you think. How you use it will be up to you.

The angel guys told me something like that before.

Now I’m starting to understand what Atalante meant by “the fate of the world” and such.

If everything this person is saying is true.

Then just by existing, I’m an incredibly powerful human who can influence all the forces of evil in this world.

“Personally, this is my first time encountering someone born with such qualities, and I’d like to research and uncover its principles, but there’s a more urgent matter at hand.”

Atalante sighed and rubbed her face.

She didn’t seem about to share pleasant news.

“Beings born with such qualities inevitably attract demons by fate. No matter what life they lead, they will always become entangled with demonic vessels. There has never been a single exception.”

“…Which means.”

“Yes. You too will inevitably become entangled with this generation’s demonic vessels.”

The story that followed was along those lines.

“Of course, most humans like you didn’t meet good ends. As you might expect.”

Most vessels are extraordinary humans, and demons by nature bring countless tragedies and disasters.

If all of them come rushing at once, it’s beyond what a single human can handle.

“However.”

However, she says.

Atalante smiled slightly as she continued.

“Just once.”

There was a case where a vessel containing a demon fragment and someone with a soul quality like mine met.

They bloomed with true love and survived until the end.

It must have been a miracle of miracles, breaking through all improbable odds.

“What do you think happened?”

“…”

“The demon fragment inhabiting the vessel completely vanished from the material world.”

As a result, without a “medium” to manifest through, that demon was essentially permanently sealed.

Without a vessel, even the possibility of other fragments gathering was blocked.

“The exact conditions are unknown. Some say the vessel must die while in love, others say only truly intense love for the other person can cause such a phenomenon. Since it only happened once, the specifics aren’t clear. But there’s no doubt that the ‘loving relationship’ itself is key.”

It’s a beautiful story.

True love eliminating the seed of destruction.

Yes.

“…”

But I don’t know why the back of my neck keeps feeling chilly.

“Do you know something, student?”

Atalante grinned.

“All the vessel candidates identified so far, well…”

It was an unpleasantly wide grin.

“By coincidence, they’re all female.”

“…”

The back of my neck feels even chillier.

Anyone who isn’t a fool can figure out where this conversation is heading.

“…So.”

“Yes.”

“You want me to seduce all of them and eliminate all the demon fragments?”

Atalante smiled calmly.

“It’s an opportunity blessed by heaven. Especially since someone with such qualities is a prodigy like you. Someone who seems capable of capturing any woman’s heart.”

“…”

“Of course, it won’t be easy. Demon worshippers seeking resurrection will constantly target you, and none of the vessels are ordinary individuals. But still.”

Atalante bowed her head respectfully.

“I beg you, Darwood Campbell.”

“…”

“Demon fragments continue to gather through vessels. As time passes, more and more fragments are collecting. If this continues, humanity’s extinction is inevitable, just a matter of time.”

“…”

“I earnestly implore you. I will help you with everything in my power. This old body will do anything it can. So.”

Please save humanity.

Those words echoed softly throughout the office.

●

When she opened her eyes, the first thing Elnore saw was a white ceiling.

It was quite familiar to her. She had recently been forced to see it after charging at Headmaster Conrad.

“…”

This was Elphante’s infirmary. Not in the outskirts where she had lost consciousness, but inside the main academic building.

Then.

‘What about Darwood?’

What happened to that man?

That was the first question that came to mind as she hurriedly sat up.

“…!”

Of course, it was a decision she immediately regretted.

It wasn’t an appropriate action for someone whose body was so severely injured.

The intense pain that followed made her let out a silent scream-

“…Hm?”

Elnore looked down at her body with slightly widened eyes.

It didn’t hurt much.

There was still some pain, but compared to the injuries she had sustained, this level was like a gentle breeze.

‘Has my recovery, accelerated?’

As the daughter of a renowned swordsmanship family, she had considerable physical abilities.

But even so, this recovery speed was abnormal.

“…”

Come to think of it, the sinister energy that always rattled in her heart seemed much quieter than usual.

If she recalled correctly, before losing consciousness, she felt something inside her consuming her entire body.

‘Something has changed.’

She looked down at her body, tilting her head.

As if the components of her body had completely changed.

As if her entire body had been affected by the energy that had previously been confined to her heart.

“Th-the patient has regained consciousness! Bring the attending physician!”

As she was pondering this, one of the nurses saw that she had awakened and shouted in astonishment.

Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who thought these injuries shouldn’t have healed so quickly.

At the same time as those words were spoken, the door to the room burst open.

Before she could even think that the doctor had arrived quickly, the curtain beside her bed was violently pulled aside.

“Hey, are you okay?!”

Beatrix, with urgency painted across her face, fired off questions intensely.

“Do you remember everything? Can you move properly? How, how are you actually…!”

“…Calm down.”

Elnore sighed and tried to calm her.

“I’m perfectly healthy. All my memories are intact.”

Beatrix, breathing heavily, looked Elnore up and down.

Indeed, she seemed fine. Both in speech and appearance.

“Really? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

As soon as Elnore answered, Beatrix’s palm struck her back.

“…”

Being born a civil official, Beatrix’s blow wasn’t particularly powerful.

Then, with tears almost welling up in her eyes, Beatrix continued while huffing.

“You had me so worried, really! You! I seriously thought you were going to die this time…!”

“…Was it that serious?”

“When I saw you, I thought you were heading straight for the morgue!”

“…”

Indeed, she had been quite battered.

“More importantly, what about Darwood Campbell? Where is he now?”

But right now, his condition was more important than her own.

When Elnore asked urgently, Beatrix looked at her with an expression of disbelief.

“You nearly died and that’s what you’re worried about? If that guy died, would you cause some major incident-“

Beatrix stopped mid-sentence.

The light disappeared from Elnore’s eyes as soon as those words were spoken.

For a moment, thinking it might actually be possible, a chill ran up Beatrix’s spine.

“No! He’s not dead! He’s not dead, so calm down!”

“…His condition?”

“He’s fine! Much better than you, so please!”

Seeing the light return to Elnore’s eyes, Beatrix sighed in relief.

“…Anyway. It’s quite a commotion, really. A little more and you might as well set up house together-“

Beatrix stopped again.

This time because Elnore frowned at her words.

Not that she seemed particularly upset by what Beatrix had just said.

It was more like an atmosphere that made her close her mouth for a different reason.

She seemed to be seriously contemplating the statement.

“…Hey?”

“…”

“Why are you suddenly so quiet? It’s scary.”

“No, someone else said something similar before.”

Elnore replied with narrowed eyes.

“If two people have said such things, it can’t be a coincidence, can it?”

“…”

No.

It seems like a coincidence.

You’re just interpreting it however you want.

‘Isn’t this a bit strange?’

It really is.

She always paid a lot of attention to Darwood before, but thinking only of him as soon as she regained consciousness is a bit odd.

There were signs of this before, but this is, well.

‘…Is her obsession getting worse?’

I wonder if something triggered it. It’s a bit concerning.

Beatrix thought as she ran her hand through her hair.

Of course, while that was concerning, there was something she needed to convey right away.

“Stop thinking unnecessary thoughts. Things are hard enough these days.”

“Seems you’ve had a tough time while I was gone.”

“Tough doesn’t begin to describe it. It’s been incredibly difficult. They say someone’s suddenly coming to attack.”

“…Coming to attack?”

Beatrix sighed.

“Two people. Two major figures who really make people anxious.”

Elnore tilted her head.

Beatrix was a seasoned secretary of the student council. She had met all kinds of important figures countless times.

So who could make her this stressed?

“First is the Holy Maiden. The one who was supposed to enter next semester is suddenly coming next week. The Holy Empire pushed so strongly that even the Empire was surprised and approved it.”

“Did you hear the reason?”

“They say they have something they must investigate. They say someone of the Holy Maiden’s caliber would be able to do it flawlessly.”

“…”

“I’m talking about that incident involving you and Darwood Campbell. It seems the Inquisition is also eyeing it. Everyone’s in an uproar.”

Seeing Elnore frowning and listening silently, Beatrix sighed.

Indeed, it’s not a light matter.

The Holy Maiden of the Holy Empire is a celebrity known to everyone on the continent.

The representative of God. Unlike the Pope and Archbishop, she doesn’t have actual power, but in terms of “symbolism,” she could be considered the most legitimate authority on the continent.

If such a person is “coming to investigate something,” no one would feel pleased.

Because of this, Beatrix hesitated to share the next piece of news.

“And this, I was going to tell you later, but since we’re on the topic, I’ll let you know.”

“What is it?”

“Your father is coming to the academy. Lord Gideon.”

Sparks flew from Elnore’s eyes.

●