Chapter 109
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Cultists in the Sewers
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I decided to take the lead in explaining things on behalf of the group.
Claudy stayed quiet, chiming in occasionally with Meria and Kobson adding emphasis here and there. I described everything I'd felt and seen as accurately as possible, without exaggeration or fabrication—the pure truth, for the peace of this world.
"...So they were incredibly evil. Black smoke, black gargoyles, black eyes! The moment they saw us, they let out screams that didn't sound like they belonged to this world, then started chanting spells and attacking. They wielded wicked magic, and every time they swung their wands, darkness would overlay the air—it was utterly terrifying! It was like they believed doing so would plunge the world into darkness... That darkness! The darkness squeezed our hearts, Kobson! Kobsoooon!!"
Recalling that shocking memory, I tore at my hair and cried out Kobson's name. Then Kobson, looking as if all the evil of the world was clutched in his grasp, stared despairingly at his palm and spoke.
"That's right...! They were pure evil incarnate...! Reverend, can you feel it? This primal sin! Demons! They were demons, I tell you! There was an altar! An altar, and the path to it felt like walking the corridors of the Demon Palace—a nightmarish maze akin to the Abyss, Pandemonium, Hell, and the Infernal realms said to lie beyond this world! That altar blazing with flickering black flames...! Oh, hell! Altar of evil!!!!!!"
He too tore at his hair and fainted.
"Aaaah! Too horrific! I can't imagine it anymore! Those heads! That altar!"
Meria's outburst was the finishing touch. The senior priest, seeing our terrified states, began trembling. Even his steadfast faith couldn't suppress his fear. He screamed as well.
"Ugh, uwaaa!!! Verde! Please look upon these humble souls with mercy!!!"
He slammed his head on the desk and gripped his rosary tight, calling out to his god. We exchanged quick glances and smirked in satisfaction.
Not bad for an impromptu, over-the-top act—we synced up pretty well. I didn't know Kobson had it in him to talk like that. The guy was born with a natural talent for scamming.
White teeth flashed in the darkness. We mocked the trembling priest.
True to his religious nature, he had a vivid imagination for demonic things. His mind was probably swirling with all sorts of nightmarish creatures by now.
"Hoo... Hoo... So where did you find them?"
The senior priest finally regained his composure, steadying his shaking body before speaking. That was our cue—we clutched our hearts and cried out in fear again.
"The sewers! Where darkness swirls!"
"A horrific place! Filled with desperate screams!"
"Demons lurk there! The most powerful demons!"
Just as the priest reached to tear at his own hair (bald as it was), Claudy explained calmly.
"Mm... Sewer level 4. That's where they were. There were symbols too—you should check those out."
"Yes. That's exactly what we're saying."
Time to get to the point. We'd spiced it up enough. After hearing Claudy's monotone but precise explanation, the priest summarized and confirmed with us.
"So, you found these evil beings, gargoyles, an altar, and horrifying symbols matching the tattoos on their faces in the sewers on level 4?"
"Spot on. That's it."
"Hrm... This is a grave matter. For such creatures to hide in the city...! Lucky we caught it early. Very well. May Verde's blessings be upon you for aiding in this balance."
His expression turned serious as he held up his rosary and drew a bizarre holy symbol.
His hands still shook, and his practiced restraint showed in the motion. Seeing his genuine terror made me feel a bit guilty.
In reality, we'd just barged in and smashed everything without a word.
Not exactly righteous—more like pathetic murderers and thieves, really.
"I'll consult with Lord Isvant soon and investigate the sewers. No, I should go speak to him at first light. Gelmeiya, are you there?"
"Yes."
Switching tones, the senior priest called the name of the priest who'd just left. The priest promptly opened the door and returned.
"Give this to them. Four of you, so bring out the appropriate amount."
"Understood."
"Holy warriors. We'll reward your efforts, so please wait a moment."
At those words, I suppressed the urge to grin ear-to-ear and glanced at the others.
"...Heh."
"Kuk..."
They wore similar expressions. Laughter bubbled up inside us. Rewards? What kind of reward was this guy planning after all that gravity!
Stifling the laughs made sticky greed ooze from my mouth. Maybe we were the truly evil ones.
Anyway, looks like we'd done something big. I shot Claudy a cocky look. "Can't stop it," she murmured softly. Ah, fuck yeah. So damn good. My heart was bouncing like crazy, but she warned, "Don't make that dumb face. It's good, but... restrain yourself."
"I have it."
The door opened again, and Priest Gelmeiya entered carrying an ornate box.
It was a golden chest embedded with rubies that gleamed like they could set the world ablaze... No way they'd give us that; probably what's inside.
"Here, take it. It's something our church made with special care. I hope it serves as fitting recompense for your efforts."
With that, the priest opened the box.
Inside was—
"Oh my!"
"No way!"
The two idiots burst into joy.
What the hell could it be? My expectations skyrocketed, mixed with fear—I couldn't even open my eyes. It felt like waiting for the lottery draw after swearing up and down I'd hit the jackpot this time.
—Fwoooosh!
Peeking slightly, a dazzling glow assaulted my eyes!
Gems? Gems?! Oh, magic crystals! Giant ones! Unknown excitement surged, and my eyes snapped wide!
What lay before me was!
"Our order's pride: superior holy water."
No, holy water, you fuck!!!!!!
Fuuuuuuuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You bitch, this is holy water, you bastard!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before me was holy water in small glass vials the size of cosmetics. The sky-blue hue looked just like skin lotion. You fucking asshole. Ah, fuck, seriously.
This fucking prick!
I swallowed the boiling curses instead of spitting them out. Then it felt like my insides were rotting away instantly. Natural result of gulping down that rage.
"S-Superior holy water!"
Kobson dumbly took the glass vial. Greedy joy poured from his eyes like waterfalls.
"Oh my, oh my! Holy water, holy water!"
Unlike me—on the verge of madness, jumping in frustration—Meria and Kobson gaped, drooling. They seemed thrilled.
From long experience, I knew holy water was just water that fucked ghosts specifically. Hadn't I gotten smacked by mid-grade holy water just recently?
But my two friends were isekai folks who dismissed practicalities for superstition, so they were over the moon just hearing "superior holy water."
"Superior holy water holds the power to melt evil beasts in an instant. Even just carrying it repels evil spirits... though there's a time limit. Please accept it with joy."
"Thank you! Truly!"
"Thank you so much!"
The idiots expressed fervent gratitude. This wasn't an extension of our earlier altar drama. They'd transcended acting, pouring out real emotion. It was almost holy, but my mood soured.
Because holy water fucking sucked.
"Barbarian, let's head back now!"
"Yeah, yeah! Let's go!"
They grabbed my hands and dragged me. I was in shock, like a jellyfish. Claudy steadied me and whispered in my ear.
"Hehe, irresistible urge? Not doing that this time?"
"Je... fuck..."
We left under the priest's escort.
Fine, fuck... At least we got something...
"Barbarian, what about that dagger now?"
"Oh, the dagger? Fuck, gotta sell it quick, but at this hour, not sure if I can."
"Mm, got a specific buyer? It's a special dagger—selling it to just any smithy means getting shortchanged. Magic Tower or Alchemist Guild, maybe?"
Meria hit on a key point. But alchemist guild? Short-sighted. As I always say, they're vicious scammers. Kobson, who'd sold a staff cheap before, nodded.
"Well, there is a good spot. Not sure if they're open now... Or even if visiting this late isn't rude."
"The witch's shop we went to before? Scary as hell, but it screams ritual dagger—perfect for there."
"Witch's shop? What's that?"
Kobson told Meria how I'd sold a dungeon staff at the witch's black magic shop for peanuts. Meria covered her mouth and jumped back.
"N-No way... Then we should go there?"
"It's late—waving a dagger to wake her might piss her off."
"Nah, witches are nocturnal, right?"
"Think so?"
Convinced, we headed to Lisha's shop.
Claudy grimaced at returning to that creepy place, but wrapping my arm around her waist soothed her enough to say it was fine.
We plunged back into the slums' alleys.
Too dark—we needed lanterns even here. As we walked, vagrants with menacing glares started eyeing us from the shadows. Half were probably thugs. One grumbled about the lantern light hurting his eyes; another muttered why outsiders were here so late.
"What're you staring at, you fucking punks? Piss off and sleep."
A sharp retort sent them scattering quietly.
"Sleep early."
We arrived. I'd been enough times to know the way by heart. Meria spoke up first, but she looked scared of the dismal building, just like Kobson.
Claudy leaned silently in the corner.
"Hey, Meria. Come in with me."
"C-Can't you go alone, Katt?"
"Why? You suggested it."
"Well..."
"Fucking coward. Same as Kobson."
"I'm not scared at all."
"Then come in."
"Actually, I am."
Anyway, I ended up going in alone again.
But standing at the door, it felt awkward. Think about it logically—this was dawn. Knocking now made you an unwelcome guest, no matter what. Who'd welcome that?
...She did say come back, so maybe.
I agonized over knocking. Glancing back, Kobson whisper-shouted to hurry up. That fucker.
Then—
—Creak.
The door opened on its own without a touch. My heart dropped to the floor—I bent to pick it up. A cold voice whispered in my ear.
—Come in.