Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: White Shadow Church High Priest
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-My lord! We can't delay any longer! That blasphemous worm is starting to suspect me!
Rishir's group scowled as they mulled over Dangaleon's words.
'Blasphemous, huh?'
Even after driving his followers to ruin through betrayal and division, he still believed they rightfully owed him awe.
It was the true face of a demon, in every sense.
If not for Dangaleon's repeated proofs, they never would have believed the demon's words.
The incredible claim that a chance to oust a White Shadow Church high priest was right before them.
Shakan, Maldad, and Vallord exchanged complex glances.
"A high priest..."
If they'd learned of a high priest through normal channels, they wouldn't have dared think they could oust one with their own power.
The weight of that name alone could make one forget their contempt for cultists.
How many heroes had lost their lives to their vile schemes?
They weren't foolish enough to think "I'm different!" when it came to White Shadow Church high priests.
...But.
Maybe this time it was okay to think that?
"I'm different!"
"This time it's different!"
This time, they had fallen into the "vile scheme."
The demon they served was aiding them.
Blasphemous as it was, they felt a reassuring solidity.
They thought:
If a demon's help was this useful, maybe being a demon follower wasn't so—
Slap!
Their thoughts halted there.
They shook off the dangerous notion by slapping their cheeks and such.
Then, they looked at each other again.
"We have to do it."
At Vallord's words, they exchanged resolute gazes.
Rishir, watching from the side, spoke to Dangaleon.
"Tell us everything you know that could help take down the high priest."
-Perfect timing! I have some info to delight my lord! First, the bastard worships an entity called 'Maltiel,' the scream that cleaves the forest!
"Oh, so he's a black mage?"
Rishir perked up and asked.
"?"
The others couldn't understand Rishir's excitement.
Why was facing a potential black mage thrilling?
-Rest assured! At present, Maltiel's seal is firm! He hasn't fully accepted Maltiel's power yet!
"Meaning?"
-In lowly human terms, he's not a full black mage yet!
The three bigshots brightened.
Black mages were undoubtedly among the trickiest foes.
A high priest they were about to face not being one was huge good news.
"Ah..."
So why was that guy sighing?
-But don't get careless!
"What's next?"
-I sense clear fragments of Maltiel from him! Beware his hidden trump card! It's definitely Maltiel's power!
The three bigshots paled in horror.
Power directly bestowed from the demon a White Shadow Church high priest served.
Undoubtedly a fatal bad factor in the coming fight.
"Oh..."
So why was that guy pleased?
"Can you pinpoint his current location?"
Ignoring Rishir, Vallord asked Dangaleon.
-I never permitted you to question me, you worm!
"..."
"Dangaleon, can you pinpoint his location?"
-Of course, my lord! They didn't mention their lair by name, so no exact place like before, but they have my seal stone! Follow its aura, and you'll find their hideout! I'll guide you, my lord!
Dangaleon's attitude and words put the three bigshots in a bind.
His help was essential for this high priest takedown.
But he wouldn't aid humans unless speaking to Rishir from atop his hand.
Thus, Rishir needed to join the high priest takedown too.
"Rishir..."
Shakan hesitated, looking at him.
They'd originally planned to exclude Rishir.
His abilities were proven sufficiently through events, but they were non-combat.
The mystical spirit who knew how to handle demons, Berbande... choo? (She emphasized the pronunciation).
Could she help directly in a fight against a high priest?
The same for Dangaleon, sealed in the stone.
To them, Rishir was thoroughly vulnerable in a high priest battle.
He wasn't weak. Far from incompetent.
Just... the opponent was too strong.
If issues arose,
Could they protect him?
Probably not.
The fight would be desperate just to survive themselves.
"Is it okay to join this plan?"
Rishir had already fulfilled his role as a member.
More than enough—excessively so.
They didn't want to burden him more.
Especially with something as massive as joining a high priest takedown.
The three secretly hoped Rishir would refuse and convince Dangaleon.
It was plausible.
Who could stay calm before "White Shadow Church high priest"?
Rishir knew the risks.
"Of course. I have to stick it out to the end."
Yet he accepted without hesitation.
No fear showed on his face.
How much courage and resolve did it take to show that composure?
Bitter pride and admiration crossed the three's faces.
Soon, they nodded solemnly, resolved.
To protect him no matter what in this plan.
To ensure he never felt like a burden.
-Master... you must awaken... Our enemy draws near you... closer than I...
High priest Dranoph only realized the truth after slaying his disciple with his own hand.
Dangaleon. They'd been dancing in the palm of his hand.
He still couldn't fathom it.
For what purpose?
For whose sake?
It didn't matter now.
He wouldn't yield to the interference.
He'd carry out the grand plan as scheduled and revive Maltiel.
For that, eliminate interferers and traitors.
An abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Bondales.
Even sunlight through the broken ceiling barely pierced the gloom, making the place eerily sinister now.
Power from the entity the demon follower served dominated the area.
The moment enemies entered, it would become a barrier devouring them.
Dranoph, fully prepared, awaited his foes.
-They're here...
Dranoph tried to say.
-Urk...
The three bigshots groaned at the ominous aura permeating the place and his presence.
The moment their eyes met, tension strung taut.
"Huh? What's this... Ah! Everyone! That thing Dangaleon warned about—it's gone! No more alien aura from the place! So focus on the fight without worry!"
"""..."""
...The taut tension slackened limply.
Dranoph blankly looked around, dazed.
Familiar to the three bigshots.
Instead of panicking, they launched a simultaneous assault.
"Wait...!"
The high priest helplessly lost control.
Maltiel's gift suddenly vanished.
-As expected of my lord!!! Trash demons like Maltiel are nothing to you!
And the deranged demon's nonsense.
Dranoph struggled to stay composed but ultimately failed.
The high priest lost control of himself and his mana, falling into a specific state.
Mana reflux.
The state familiar to novice mages.
It happened shortly after the combined assault.
"Urk...!"
Cornered against the wall, he groaned and slumped down.
The most wronged face in the world.
"..."
"..."
"..."
At Dranoph's sight, the three felt an unexpected pang of conscience.
Of course, that didn't mean they'd wait for him to recover.
No mercy for demon followers.
Especially if that mercy led to a reversal.
Thus, as Shakan stepped forward for the killing blow—
"Hah, why'd things turn out like this."
A deep sigh cut between them.
"...!"
At once, Shakan—who'd been at the front under Vallord and Maldad's cover—suddenly flew back from the line.
-Boom!
The belated explosion signaled she'd been struck.
By a white long-haired man.
He gripped Shakan's neck, pinned to the wall.
Vallord and Maldad moved to act, but—
"Move, and this woman's neck snaps without delay."
"..."
"..."
Vallord and Maldad silently retreated.
Then, recognizing the intruder, their eyes widened.
White long hair and eyepatch over left eye.
Overwhelming power.
Those three iconic traits revealed the man.
"Rodan..."
Everyone who wielded a sword knew the name.
Even those who didn't.
For he was "Outer Sword," one of the continent's seven swordmasters.
"Sorry, friends. Gotta ask your understanding. I need to fulfill this guy's wish to save my friend."
The man flashed a friendly smile.
"Urgh—"
While tightening his grip on Shakan's neck.
It made a precarious sound.
"Rodan, what's happened?! For one of your caliber to side with cultists!"
"Told you? Need to fulfill this guy's wish to save my friend."
"Snap out of it! They're demon worshipers!"
"Yeah? Then the non-cultists over there can help my friend?"
"...!"
"Shall we see?"
Rodan rattled on unilaterally, ignoring reactions.
As if saying, "You think I don't know that?"
Vallord and Maldad's faces darkened.
"Urk...!"
Shakan's face darkened too, despite breathing issues.
She realized Rodan would never let them leave alive.
And his "friend's" state was—
"I'll help you!"
Then, Rishir raised his hand and shouted urgently.
"No conditions! Even cleaner...!"
Like a merchant stealing a neighbor's customer.
"...Hah."
Rodan scoffed.
His friendly smile tinged with subtle anger.
The swordmaster saw the young mage's words as desperate improvisation to escape.
If a kid like that could solve it, why would he cling to demon cultists?
His problem could only be helped by demon cultists like Dranoph—
-Insolent human! Dare not judge His power!!! Remember, I, Blazing Black Flame Dangaleon, watch you!!!
"..."