Ch.518518. Intensifying Flow (2)

Saint Artena, chosen by the Goddess of War and Law.

She was looking down at the imperial map spread before her desk.

“A demon that has devoured and occupied an entire marquisate of the Empire.”

Unlike the public perception that the Saint always showed a benevolent smile and tolerance, Artena’s expression was so cold that even a perfectly fine child would become frightened and burst into tears.

However, despite this uncharacteristic demeanor, the clergy standing by her side did not utter a single word of complaint. Such an appearance was fitting for a Saint who symbolized the church’s righteous punishment and holy war.

“I heard that after the kingdom repelled the demon, it had been lying low. This must mean it has finally completed its recovery to some extent.”

“That is correct. The counties and imperial regular forces in the path of the creature’s advance are preparing to resist, but the outlook is not particularly promising.”

“…I don’t like this.”

It was natural for the Saint to feel strong anger toward demons above all else.

But soon, some priests couldn’t help but show agitation at her following words.

“I don’t like the demon, and I don’t like the Empire’s lukewarm attitude either.”

Even though they were among their own people, they hadn’t expected her to express such discomfort toward the Empire.

The clergy naturally focused more intently on Artena’s voice.

“The Empire wanted us to eliminate the Demon of Corruption first. That’s why our punitive force, the most powerful in the Holy Nation, has been heading toward the northern front where the enemy is located, along with those mages who seek to usurp divine power.”

The Demon of Corruption.

According to information provided by the Empire, it was the worst existing demon, more threatening than the Demon of Illusion and commanding a massive army, which would soon endanger the continent.

To purify the corpses it manipulated and prevent the rotting land from spreading further, most of the Holy Nation’s support forces had been deployed to the northern front.

“But look at this situation. The Empire assured us they understood our concerns about the east and promised to deploy more troops and establish a war footing there accordingly.”

The Empire had not kept its word. Or more precisely, it was trying to cleverly sidestep its commitment.

“Worried that the Demon of Deception might change course, they mainly deployed their forces near the expected clash points. Haven’t we heard that most of the key figures from the targeted county and other houses have already evacuated?”

“……”

“Of course, regular troops have been organized and stationed where direct combat is expected. But I’ve heard that most of these are new recruits gathered under the pretext of a holy war.”

Her holy knights deployed to the eastern front had sent reports.

They reported frequent subtle pressure in unpopulated areas, with many mages and troops monitoring them, despite the enemy’s smaller scale.

And the imperial troop deployment she had somehow managed to learn about was enough to grate on her nerves.

“In truth, while they say that, if you look at the number of troops deployed to the clash points, it is indeed quite large. Can’t you who follow the holy will now see what cunning thoughts the Empire harbors?”

“…If our brothers and sisters haven’t been deceived by false information. No, if the imperial battle mages aren’t deployed to that front, they will inevitably be pushed back helplessly.”

Imperial battle mages.

A group of geniuses and madmen filled with the determination to imitate divine power through magic and ultimately control it.

They could dispel demonic illusions without the aid of divine power, but according to the secret letter sent by allies, they were merely stationed at intermediate points to prevent route changes, supposedly to block advances and drain strength through flanking attacks.

“If the demon advances in the direction we’re seeing now, that vile thing will surely set foot on Holy Nation territory.”

At this, Artena swallowed a sigh and looked down at the spot marking the imperial palace in the capital.

‘The Empress of the Empire is a woman who turns chaos into opportunity.’

And the greater the chaos, the more her situation control and ability to turn crisis into opportunity shines.

‘Could she possibly be aiming for a demon to invade the Holy Nation?’

Just as her stress was reaching its peak, the sound of drums was heard.

Boom─! Boom─!

“Corpse soldiers are attacking the outpost!”

“About 300! They’re heavily decayed, so they shouldn’t be too strong! Even regular priests should join in and pour out divine power!”

At this, Artena grabbed her mace and began to move.

“Saint Artena, such simple matters can be left to us─”

“No. Destroying evil is the most natural and greatest duty of a priest. Moreover, I should not avoid battle for the sake of the Goddess who chose me.”

Despite her words, it was ultimately to vent her anger.

Her powerful mace swung down, striking an undead’s head.

Crack─!

“Haah….”

Artena sighed as if finally relieved of her indigestion by the intense vibration of the impact transmitted through her hand.

She trampled the fallen corpse with her foot and ignited holy fire.

‘If the Empire is going to act like that….’

It would be good to give them a small warning.

‘If the Empire has mages, the Kingdom of Aicilia has knights.’

Just as there’s a saying that mages and knights fight viciously over which is superior, even in jest.

The Empire also keeps the kingdom in check and considers it a difficult opponent.

‘The Empire wanted to bring the Third Princess… though there are many issues with the First Princess.’

When it comes to demon hunting, and even cooperating with the Empire while irritating them on the surface.

If the interests align, the First Princess of the kingdom is certainly more reasonable to deal with.

Artena thought.

Besides her issues with the Empire as a saint of the church, she also harbored deeply personal grudges against the Empire from before she joined the church, when she was just Artena.

“…I should check with my loyal servant sent to the county and the kingdom side as well.”

She needed to let the Empire know that they shouldn’t underestimate the Holy Nation and try such futile schemes.

* * *

The Great Elder of the Great Forest, Edelin.

As the only High Elf remaining on the continent, she had lived a long, long life.

Unlike the old tales that High Elves never age until their lifespan ends, white strands of hair had appeared here and there on her head, adding a dignified maturity of years.

She was offering prayers in a quiet shrine beside the World Tree.

“World Tree, you must feel that my ember is gradually fading away.”

As a cool breeze blew into the shrine, numerous presences emerged.

Spirits. They each resonated with the World Tree, serving as its eyes and ears. They were witnesses to the contract between Edelin and the World Tree.

“The final day we discussed a thousand years ago is drawing near.”

Saa-ah─

The World Tree’s leaves rustled in the wind, making a sound.

Somehow, the sound of rustling leaves resembled a sorrowful voice.

“Throughout the long years, my will has not been broken, and now it has become more firm than ever.”

Edelin slowly rose from her seat and placed her sword and bow on a small makeshift altar.

“Please do not consider what the young elf said a thousand years ago as mere whim, and I earnestly request that you fulfill our contract.”

After a moment of silence, the World Tree finally agreed to Edelin’s words and blessed her.

As the World Tree’s divinity enveloped Edelin’s body, the symbols of aging that had settled on her disappeared.

The white strands of hair that had appeared vanished, and the faint wrinkles around her eyes also disappeared completely. Not only did her appearance change to how she looked when she fought day and night against demons, but her vitality from that time was also restored.

“……”

Even her weapons placed on the altar.

The abilities she had sealed away because her aged, frail self could not easily wield them had returned.

Feeling healthier than ever before.

“…Thank you for granting my presumptuous request.”

Conversely, she was only wary of the remaining time that would burn away more quickly to maintain this youth.

“Now that I have received this grace, for the remaining time─”

Soon, from an expression befitting her image as the calm leader of all, her lips gradually curled up mischievously.

Then, glimpses of the past flashed in her pupils.

“……”

Edelin imagined the first head of the county who always enjoyed exchanging intense jokes with her, the inadequate northern spearman who knew nothing but harsh words and alcohol, and the first king of the kingdom who was a scatterbrain who seriously spoke nonsense every day.

“I will spend the rest of my life in the youthful form that you, World Tree, once favored.”

Before she knew it, she had returned to being hot-tempered and talkative, unlike the calm and meticulous elf she was supposed to be.

* * *

How did it come to this?

I was clearly having a conversation about the royal family and the Lephelia Duchy─

‘A large jewel containing divine power saved from the demon realm.’

I had been saving that precious item until now.

I wanted to discuss who to use it on, whether to increase my divine power or unlock Sione’s potential abilities.

“…Why are you stating the obvious?”

Sione, who had suddenly snatched the jewel from my hand.

As if she were a drunk threatening to hit someone’s head with a rock.

She was gripping the jewel tightly and menacingly holding it up to me.

“Of course it should be used on you!”

“Wait, I understand, so put that down first…!”

“That won’t work! You’re going to try to use this on me again, aren’t you…!”

“I said I understand! You’re going to really hurt someone, just calm down─”

“Someone who always charges into danger alone and gets carried back half-dead as a daily routine. I can’t trust you anymore. I’m going to use it on you myself.”

Well, I understand the sentiment, but…

“Hitting me on the head with it won’t make it work. I’ll absorb it, so let’s calm down first, Sione.”

If I get hit by that jewel wielded by Sione with her master-level strength.

A blow to the head would kill me instantly. A hit to my arms or legs would injure my body so severely that I’d need a priest’s close-range healing and potions poured all over me.

And finally.

“…I’ll be watching, so use it on yourself.”

After handing over the jewel insisting it must be used on me, Sione stepped far away to ensure I couldn’t use it on her.

Under her thorough surveillance.

「Using the Crystal of Divinity.」

After absorbing the ancient divine power contained within.

The jewel lost its radiant light, cracked, and shattered.

「Divinity grants you your original power.」

「The power engraved in your soul takes root in your current body.」

「Your physical form changes to match your past capabilities.」

Finally, as the long-awaited change arrived, I felt rising elation and…

“No, shiiiit…!”

“R-Ray…!”

A cursed intense pain washed over me.