episode_0017

What is a rebellion?

It refers to challenging absolute power at the risk of one’s life.

Yes, those who have gathered far away to overthrow the cult are called rebels.

“Hmm, the situation doesn’t look good.”

“So?”

Abel also hurriedly rushed over upon hearing the news of the rebellion while working with Veronica.

After quickly scanning the battlefield, he said that the situation was not favorable.

“Currently, this place is quite advantageous for them. Frankly speaking, we excel individually due to our limited resources. Of course, we also know how to deal with a larger group. Their situation seems quite dire.”

He could have extended his life by hiding a little longer, but it’s regrettable not to witness such a trivial extension of life.

He casually said so while adjusting his spear.

“Although news of the rebellion spread quickly, there was no need for such haste. With this level of opposition, one of Adel’s breaths should suffice.”

Certainly, it’s hard to believe that humans can face a dragon’s breath.

Especially someone who has reached the rank of Dragon Lord.

“However, I don’t feel good about viewing our cult as such a weak religious group. How dare they boldly mention rebellion in front of my father? It’s just child’s play to them.”

His criticism is severe.

If they had heard it, they might have immediately rushed in with tears in their eyes.

“Well, they must have come with their own intentions. In that case, we should instill as much despair in them as possible. Isn’t that the utmost respect for those who are prepared to face death and defy my father?”

“Indeed, that’s true. Then do as you wish.”

“For now, let’s pretend we know nothing and stay quiet. Although we couldn’t hide our sanctuary terribly well, we’ve managed to keep up appearances… I suppose they were planning to sneak in unnoticed.”

So, it meant pretending not to know anything.

“After that… it should be fine to kill them off slowly, one by one. Scatter smoke after each death, and once about half are gone, disperse the smoke.”

Yes, that plan is something you’ve worked hard on.

I went inside and lay down on the bed.

Calling them rebels made me slightly nervous, but as expected, the cult was the cult, and the rebels didn’t seem to have many exceptional individuals.

At least from the cult’s perspective, there weren’t any notable individuals worth considering, whether they were strong or not, who could enter this sect.

“There’s nothing to do.”

It’s always boring from the perspective of a demon.

The rebel army isn’t even a proper event, is it?

“Demon, it seems like I need to come down for a moment? Abel says there’s a hero among the rebels.”

“…A hero?”

Come to think of it, there was a hero.

I wonder if they’re doing well.

Although the demon practically got fired from the cult.

Surely it’s not about revenge related to that?

“Hmm, Abel. What do you mean there’s a hero?”

“You’ve arrived, Father. It seems there’s a hero involved between us. To harness one’s power so well, it’s unexpected.”

“How did you find out that a hero has come?”

“There was a holy sword of the contemporary hero. But it’s strange. We’ve never been enemies with heroes even once.”

Of course, he made the village where he lived disappear from the map.

Hey, man. That’s obviously the biggest issue here.

“But it’s strange. Originally, I remember the hero as a child who was abused in that village. To make such a village disappear…”

As if further pondering here was useless, Abel drew his spear.

What’s this? When I saw him on TV, a channel suddenly appeared after he turned 10, so I don’t know the story before that.

The appearance of the channel was a first-time surprise.

And I was additionally surprised that it was a hero.

“This is not very good. The heroes of that era are quite strong. Adele… might be weaker than them, but if you set the goal of not killing, Adele will have a hard time.”

Still, you managed to think you wouldn’t kill.

You’ve come a long way, well done. Abel.

“If possible, it would be nice to manipulate the spirit of the hero. There’s nothing easier to handle than a stupid doll.”

Of course, he lightly dismissed the rest.

Abel raised his spear and moved forward.

“Adele is off today. Calling her now would only lower efficiency.”

He said that and stepped forward himself.

“Fortunately, it seems we can somehow stop the hero. Right, Veronica?”

“Yeah…”

“Of course your father knows, but all the materials for the chair he sat in at dinner were provided by Veronica.”

That’s the demon skull.

How did you kill the demon?

This is crazy, it’s insane.

“In this case, well, there’s no need to torment, we should resolve it as quickly as possible.”

The two stepped forward.

I also followed them slowly.

Just the two of them to suppress those rebel forces.

The process became somewhat curious.

“It’s been a while, Hero Gerhardt. It’s ironic that you still carry such an ordinary holy sword.”

Abel spoke as if he knew him.

In turn, he looked at Abel with eyes full of immense hatred.

Oh, what’s this? Quite intriguing?

“I promised to destroy my village with my own hands. But, why. Why did you destroy it with your damn hands!”

“I told you, trying to solve your stupid anger with such means is something I can’t just leave alone, Gerhardt. If you’re a hero, resist like one.”

A crimson energy flowed from Abel’s spear.

It was a terrifying and eerie feeling that seemed to be deadly the moment it touched anyone.

In contrast, a bright yellow energy entwined with the hero’s sword, enveloping the sword.

It was clearly a sword imbued with holiness.

Is it a holy sword after all? Or do you believe in Lucia?

“Lucia is amusing too. Allowing someone without faith to use a holy sword to wield divine power.”

Abel coldly sneered and swung his spear.

The rough spear tearing through the air, and the hero dodging it with his massive sword.

The hero finally deflected the spear with his sword and fiercely swung back.

Meanwhile, Veronica, amidst the remnants of hundreds of rebel forces, swiftly dealt with many rebels.

“I entrusted revenge to my own hands! It was fine for me to destroy it myself! I did everything you asked. I let you escape, even sent you away from the village! But you can’t even give me that small chance?”

Hmm.

Was this the kid Abel used when he escaped the village when he was young?

No, she’s a girl.

“Oh, dear. Gerhardt. You revealed your identity so blatantly that even someone who wasn’t paying attention noticed. That’s not how it should be.”

Abel’s spear pierced the hero’s armor, but the hero, perhaps aiming for that, instead grabbed Abel’s shoulder.

Incredible strength. Abel’s shoulder, which had a durability that could hardly be considered human, crumpled like a tin can.

Despite the pain, Abel grimaced and said,

“Oh, this won’t do, Gerhardt. If you want to achieve what you desire, you must pay the price. Otherwise, it won’t be right, will it?”

“As you wish…”

“I saved them all. So, does that make sense now? You didn’t want a village, did you? Is that facade enough for you? Follow me. If you betray them, we will offer a sufficient price on our end.”

“A price is needed? I don’t trust those who have already dealt with me once.”

“Hmm… Should I trust you? If you want the thrilling revenge so badly. Since I brought the facade, it means you should take care of the substance. You foolish girl.”

Hmm.

Abel’s words are quite harsh.

Is this what it’s like for a son going through adolescence?

But how can one win in the end if being a hero and fighting means suffering? Well, did the hero lend a hand at least?

If there’s something to be found out besides having a superficial target, maybe that could work.

“Hoo… There’s no need to call it betrayal. We met some people who were hostile towards you on the way and joined them temporarily.”

“So, are you coming this way?”

“If the return price to me is certain.”

“Welcome to the Cult of Evil. Hero, Gerhardt. I am Abel, a saint and one of the leaders of the Cult of Evil. Do not raise your head disrespectfully in front of the great father, and it’s better to act like this at first. Father likes these kinds of things.”

“Father? Your father is….”

“He is the Evil One. The deity himself came directly to our sect. I’m going to meet him now. To bring guests, we need father’s consent.”

How did you know that I like such greetings?

I do like that kind of thing a bit.

Anyway, I noticed the change in appearance, but I can’t recognize the concealed appearance.

It seems more like my power is growing as time goes by rather than just not being able to see the appearance at all.

As days pass, the number of believers increases, and as the number of believers grows, my own power is significantly increasing.

With that in mind, I returned to my original position.

Even from here, it’s clear that many have died in front of me, dyed in red.

“I’m back, Father.”

“You’ve worked hard, children. But who is the child behind you?”

“Hello. I am the Evil One. I am the hero Gerhardt.”

“Ah, nice to meet you. Abel’s young friend.”

When I said that, he looked puzzled.

Abel’s young friend.

Hmm, is that correct? When I look at Abel, it could be someone I haven’t seen before.

There’s definitely a connection, but I really don’t know who it is.

“Come in. We can’t leave the guest outside.”

And so, the hero also entered the Cult of Evil.