Chapter 227: Scenario Dungeon (3)
Chapter 227: Scenario Dungeon (3)
A Saintess is a vessel that allows a god’s spirit to descend.
But what happens to the spirit residing within the Saintess if the god has already descended upon the earth in their true form?
The answer is simple. The spirit returns to the main body, and the resulting vacuum is filled with Holy Power.
Since they remain connected to the god, they can exchange thoughts at any time, and the god can bestow additional power. Aside from a slight delay, there isn't much of a difference.
Nevertheless, the spirit that once shared a single body is technically separated.
“The evil gods exploited that very point.”
Atlantis fell after being besieged, a result of delayed support caused by the structural problems of the Humanity Union.
Triggered by this, Soaring Blue fell from grace due to Meandering Leisure. As a result, a massive hole was torn in the defensive line.
Not only had one of their gods—their greatest strength and their everything—turned into an enemy, but they had also completely lost control of the sea.
The Union at the time was in a state of absolute emergency.
It was only natural that Righteous Light, who fought at the very front, became overwhelmed… and it was just as natural for her Saintess to fight even harder for her god.
“Saintess Clara, the Saintess at the time, led the Holy Knights to another strategic point to lighten the burden on Righteous Light… and they were surrounded.”
They weren't just surrounded by monsters. A barrier was erected—fueled by the sacrifice of countless lives—to temporarily sever her connection with her god, isolating her in the truest sense of the word.
The moment the connection was cut, Righteous Light naturally noticed and tried to rush to Clara’s side.
However, the evil gods weren't about to let that happen.
Confused Unity, the master of the Chimera Legion, personally stepped forth to stall Righteous Light.
“Of course, Righteous Light didn't just take it lying down.”
Though she couldn't go herself, she sent reinforcements multiple times. The problem was that they couldn't break through the wall of monsters surrounding the Saintess.
Ten days passed like that.
Even without any response from their god, Clara and the Holy Knights following her fought on in silence.
But in this world, faith alone cannot solve everything.
Before the countless claws of malice, the Holy Knights and priests fell one by one, until finally, the Saintess was left to hold out alone.
It was the only thing she could do, and because those who died before her had wished for her to live.
However, even Clara’s seemingly infinite Holy Power eventually hit rock bottom.
It was inevitable, as the Holy Power that should have been infinitely supplied through her connection with her god had been severed.
And so, Clara made a decision.
She knew that a corpse falling into the hands of an alchemist who did nothing but create chimeras would never meet a good end.
Clara scraped together her remaining Holy Power and cast a self-sacrifice spell.
A final miracle that burned not only her flesh but her very soul.
By the time Righteous Light finally arrived, all she found were the traces of massive destruction—and the medallion Clara had cherished.
Clara, and the Holy Knights who followed her. They had vanished without leaving so much as a single remains.
In Clara’s case specifically, because she had used a self-sacrifice spell, even her soul could not be found.
In the Eurelia Continent, where gods truly exist, Heaven exists as well. Of course, it’s not quite the eternal paradise people speak of on Earth.
Souls that have existed for a long time eventually disappear somewhere, and Heaven is more like a resort where they can enjoy themselves comfortably until that time comes.
Usually, the sanctuary where the god’s true body resides is used as Heaven.
Anyway, in such a world, the souls of those who die as martyrs naturally head to the sanctuary… but Clara’s soul had already been incinerated.
Unable to be saved in life, and unable to find salvation in death.
For the end of a Saintess, of all people, was it not far too pitiful?
That is why this is a painful chapter in the history of the Church of Righteous Light.
“…And that’s how it happened.”
A brief summary for those who didn't know the details. Helena and Gilbert, who had listened intently despite already knowing the story, nodded their heads.
“You are well-informed, Brother. You are correct. Saintess Clara, our final Saintess, turned into light while taking countless enemies with her.”
“They say the Cassis Valley fortress was reclaimed afterward, but unable to overcome the gap in military strength, the front line was shrunk and the fortress was given up again. I heard it later became an enemy forward base and was blown into the far reaches of the sky….”
Gilbert trailed off.
He likely never imagined it would remain as a dungeon, much less that Saintess Clara’s lingering regrets would be the cause.
Amidst the somber atmosphere, Helena’s eyes began to sparkle.
It wasn't a metaphor; her golden eyes were literally glowing. At the same time, ears and a tail made of light sprouted from her head and backside.
“Uh…? Lady Light? What is….”
Helena looked flustered for a moment before nodding to herself. She offered a short, reverent prayer and then spoke slowly.
“Um… Righteous Light says she wishes to quickly recover Saintess Clara’s final traces and soothe her unfulfilled regrets, Brother.”
“Ah, I guess you can hear her clearly even without drawing out her power. Then let’s get straight to the briefing. This part is important, so listen carefully.”
The story of the past ends here. Now it’s time to talk about the present.
“The period that repeats is the final day, when all the Holy Knights have fallen and Saintess Clara is left alone. If she reaches the point where she uses the self-sacrifice spell, it’s considered a failure and we return to the beginning.”
“Is the clear condition to break through the chimera siege and reach Lady Clara, Master?”
“No. Just breaking through isn't enough. We have to join forces with her afterward and completely annihilate the chimeras to clear it. …Probably.”
“Mm-hmm. I suppose so. Since the clear conditions of a scenario dungeon depend on the owner’s heart, even you would find it hard to be certain, Master.”
Carla nodded. Actually, I was certain rather than just guessing… but since it was awkward to explain, I just nodded along with her.
“Anyway, now that we know the goal, we need to make a detailed plan. First, look at this. The terrain at the time would have looked like this, right?”
I infused mana into my fingertip and traced it through the air.
Thanks to my Excellent Memory trait, I could vividly recall the mini-map as if it were right in front of me.
A rough map was completed at high speed. The party members who knew about my 'secret society' persona took it in stride, but Helena and Gilbert, who didn't, stood there with their mouths agape.
Even if they aren't related by blood, they’re like father and daughter. They look strangely alike.
I chuckled and continued the explanation.
“First, the most important task is obviously to link up with Saintess Clara. So it’s true that we have to break through first, but since there are so many monsters on this side….”
Two High Magicians, three Intermediate Magicians, one high-ranking Holy Knight, and one Saintess—though she’s a bit inexperienced.
With this much power, we could easily pour out firepower from the start, but the problem was the sheer number of monsters.
There were an absurd amount of them. To make matters worse, they were specifically specialized in defense and regeneration.
They were incredibly persistent, having been created with the sole intention of grinding the Saintess down to her death.
If Iris and Iona poured out High Magic, we could break through, but they would waste so much mana that it would hinder us in annihilating the rest.
Therefore, route selection was crucial. Once we joined up with Clara, we could receive various forms of support and fight much more efficiently.
I carefully explained the standard strategy that would minimize initial consumption.
Everyone seemed to agree, and the explanation ended quickly. All that was left was to put it into action.
Before entering the dungeon, Helena cast buffs on everyone.
She said that while she would use group buffs in an emergency, individual buffs were much more effective and lasted longer when she had the time to cast them one by one.
Perhaps she had already activated her Holy Armor, as she looked quite impressive in her glowing armor and fur-lined cloak.
I admired the sight for a moment, and when it was my turn, I whispered softly to Helena as she approached.
“Lady Helena. You’re keeping the medallion I gave you safe, right?”
“Of course. Even though I carry a mace now, the divine object you gave me is still a great help, Brother.”
“Make sure you never lose it.”
“Pardon?”
“It might fall off during battle.”
When I shrugged, Helena tilted her head before offering a soft smile.
“Do not worry. I will fight while clutching it tightly in my spare hand instead of a bible.”
She looked at me as if she were watching a boyfriend fretting over whether she might lose a gift he gave her.
What? Has Righteous Light not told her yet?
I saw the lion ears that had popped out twitching. Seeing her strangely urgent movements, I gave a slight nod of understanding.
Then, I focused my mind on the medallion hanging around Helena’s neck.
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【Roaring Lion Medallion】
A large medallion carved in the shape of a roaring lion.
Though it has lost its original luster after being neglected for a long time, something still remains within it.
A warm heat that puts those who touch it at ease. And whose traces are those faint bloodstains?
Remember.
In the most desperate moment, humans are bound to cling to something.
…Even if it is a prayer that does not reach.
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Well, Helena will find out soon enough.