I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods – Chapter 156

Chapter 156. Preparation for War (2)

“When people think of Dionysus’ followers, they often imagine them getting drunk and causing chaos.”

Boom!

My body was lifted effortlessly and slammed into the ground as if in a wrestling match.

“But those who lack self-discipline are subject to punishment. The teachings say to drink and revel, but without causing havoc.”

I got up, regenerating my twisted back.

The writings described Estevan as cheerful and mischievous, but that wasn’t the vibe I got.

If throwing and twisting me mercilessly into the ground was considered a joke, I had no words.

“Berserkers follow Asgard’s faith, a path different from ours.”

“I see. I’m somewhat familiar with Dionysus’ faith, but isn’t the key ultimately about properly releasing pent-up anger and frustration?”

“Exactly. But it’s not about running wild without thought.”

Estevan gestured for me to come at him again. Despite being slender and graceful, his martial skills were overwhelming.

‘Without Gluttony, should I resort to miracles or Heretic Magic? But why am I even learning through physical combat?’

While pondering, my leg was twisted in the opposite direction this time.

“I have some questions.”

“How do you even manage a single groan… What is it?”

“I’ve just been getting beaten up; how am I supposed to learn this way?”

Though I thought he’d teach me how to enhance attacks through madness, he just kept beating me up.

“Hmm… Judging by your situation, it seems the order was wrong. You should’ve come to me before Atra.”

“What does that mean…?”

“When you throw and pin a normal person to the ground, they get angry, but you’re as calm as a monk. Try to draw out some anger.”

“Even if you suddenly say that, who just becomes angry on the spot?”

Estevan chuckled, seemingly incredulous at my response.

“Are you really an envoy of a Foreign God?”

“Can you at least teach me those martial skills first?”

I coveted Estevan’s martial prowess, but he shook his head.

“If you’re a 4th rank envoy and your physical ability is that poor, this isn’t for you.”

I guess I really have no talent outside of the priestly path.

“If you feel like you’re just getting hit, observe closely. I am definitely teaching you something.”

“Is this one of those things I need to realize myself? Can’t you teach it verbally?”

Estevan chuckled while shaking his head.

“No? It’s a friend’s request, but teaching an envoy of a Foreign God isn’t something I like. Figure it out yourself.”

So it was personal after all. It did seem somewhat emotional.

‘But he seems to be teaching something… Do I really have to pick it up while getting hit?’

Surely, it wasn’t just about taking out his frustrations on me. No hero would vent on someone unrelated.

“What? Still not angry? Are you a saint or something?”

“I’m not angry because I won’t be able to observe well if I am. When the time is right… I’ll get angry then.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Get up and assume your stance again.”

I recovered my body and took my stance before getting beaten up by Estevan all over again.

* * *

『Aren’t you resting?』

In a deep forest, a place often used for training, Eldritch asked Mary as they felt the chill of the early morning air.

“You?”

『I didn’t feel like resting either. I guess we’re in similar moods.』

Eldritch unfurled a magic array.

『May I join?』

“Sure.”

Pop!

Multiple blue spears struck the spot where Mary had been standing.

“Hmph!”

A rapid exchange ensued as blue and black liquids constantly collided.

‘Ethnos’ advice is certainly helpful.’

In combat, Eldritch felt a slight sense of achievement from being more adept than before.

Mary felt the same. However, they both reached the same conclusion.

‘This still isn’t enough!’

They were about to charge again when a new presence made them step back.

“Are you two sparring without taking a break?”

『Was it too noisy? I cast a sound suppression spell around us…』

“Oh, no! After hearing what the old man said today, I couldn’t sleep either.”

“Sleep early. Otherwise, you won’t grow tall.”

“I’m way past the age to hear that kind of thing!”

Talia grumbled about being treated like a child and raised her shield.

“Let me join. I need to practice handling my gear.”

Talia possessed formidable divine relics, but her handling was poor.

She’d only fought using miracles up until now.

『Very well. Let’s make it a one-on-one match.』

The three of them entered combat again.

Eldritch’s magic swiftly attacked, and Talia struggled to make awkward use of her shield.

She attempted to retaliate with her bow, but her clumsy string-pulling allowed Mary’s sudden strike to connect.

“Don’t try to use it blindly. There are proper timings for everything.”

Mary advised Talia, who was gasping after being hit.

“How do you even know something like that?”

“That’s part of being skilled.”

The sparring continued for quite a while, but none of them wished to stop.

‘Just a little more, and…’

‘I feel like I’m nearly understanding something.’

Eldritch and Mary couldn’t stop, as they felt on the cusp of ascending to the 4th rank. Especially Mary, who despite her unwell body, simply couldn’t afford to pause.

‘I don’t know what’s missing for the final piece.’

Mary appeared calm outwardly, but she was deeply anxious inside.

‘I was rank three from birth.’

This meant that Mary had hardly grown all her life. She could ascend immediately if she gained some enlightenment, but she’d been unable to grasp that one crucial aspect for ages.

‘Perhaps… I’m at my limit.’

Since she was born so uniquely, Mary wondered if this was her boundary.

As an artificially created organism that only existed in records of another world, was she becoming a disposable entity, with the role given to her by Dowol nearly over?

‘… No. I wasn’t made to be such a powerless existence.’

Mary reinforced her resolve and focused on her actions. Meanwhile, these three were not the only ones unable to sleep.

‘What am I even doing?’

Lyla set aside the enchanted item she was working on, sighing.

She often watched Talia soaring and Eldritch’s magic and then turned her gaze back to her desk.

‘With Master coming…’

Given the seriousness of the matter, Cernun had replied that he would come, even if it meant exerting himself more than usual. He even resorted to drastic measures, teleporting repeatedly to reach the Haggios Archipelago.

‘… For the sake of a foolish disciple.’

Lyla’s letter included the information Ethnos had conveyed and her struggles with a blocked Awakening Ritual.

Cernun had hinted gently in a single line,

“You fool.”

“What does he mean ‘fool’? I’m dealing with a serious situation here!”

Cernun treated Lyla with an unserious demeanor, having cherished her as a disciple.

Who knew he’d respond to such a genuine concern with just a jab?

“How could he not say anything helpful!”

Lyla reached for the enchanted item she was crafting.

The gathered gems dwindled as various items to protect the sanctuary sprang up.

Yet, despite the successful attempts, no clues towards the Awakening Ritual emerged.

“Seriously… I’m pulling off these complex ideas, so why is there no growth?”

Surveying the completed enchanted items, Lyla recalled Ethnos’ words,

—Think calmly and reflect on yourself.

“Reflect? What am I supposed to reflect on, you insufferable jerk!”

Reflecting on her past, Lyla realized she had never once experienced a blocked Awakening Ritual.

“Not once. I’ve navigated my path freely…!”

Reviewing her thoughts, she sensed something amiss.

Under Cernun’s guidance, she learned magic focusing primarily on the four elements, then she mastered transformative magic.

Her growth never halted.

“Maybe there’s no Awakening Ritual specifically for enchanters among wise men’s rituals?”

With no other enchanters around, this fact remained unnoticed. Her Awakening Ritual might be unrelated to enchantment.

“Right, considering that enchantment is essentially a branch of transformative magic. A warrior might work tirelessly with iron, but they never experience an Awakening Ritual as a blacksmith!”

Since her progress was so smooth, she failed to notice this. A mage’s Awakening Ritual is about recognizing and awakening one’s magic. Until now, Lyla’s Awakening Ritual had nothing to do with enchantment.

“Aagh! That’s why Master called me a fool! He hit the nail right on the head!”

Lyla slammed her desk in frustration.

Why had she been so oblivious to something so evident until now?

It was her fear of becoming increasingly vulnerable, driven by the pressure to create more potent enchanted items to protect herself.

“You idiot! Moron! It doesn’t matter if another enchanter is more talented than me!”

In reality, she needn’t have been concerned about such things.

A mage’s Awakening Ritual ultimately emphasizes self-discovery.

Whatever others did bore no significance to her.

Wearing her cloak, Lyla hurried outside.

“You three!”

She rushed to where the three were sparring. In a flurry of intense combat, the trio stopped with puzzled expressions.

“Lyla, sis?”

“Let me join.”

“Huh? But you’re an enchanter. Battle skills…”

“I have a remarkable win rate in Academia’s magic duels, you know?”

Upon reflection, Lyla was quite versatile.

Excelling in using various magic centering on transformation and effectively developing applications.

She effortlessly handled those who belittled or envied her, monopolizing her master’s favor.

“Eventually, I learned enchantment slowly but successfully!”

Lyla took out her staff, a self-crafted staff laden with enchantments to enhance magic.

“I originally dealt with transformation magic. Enchantment was just a facet of that. You get it, Eldritch?”

Lyla crafted a magic array in the air, her eyes no longer clouded with fear but sparkling with anticipation and passion to advance her magic.

“So, I intend to go wild with my magic after a long time! Be cooperative!”

『How could I, as a fellow mage, refuse?』

“I’ll help.”

“Of course!”

Despite their words, they exchanged slight, knowing smiles. They couldn’t bring themselves to confess they had been intending to rest soon.

“Underestimate me, and something might go flying.”

Finally, Lyla was a step away from her Awakening Ritual.