Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: Trust of the Reclassed Supporter (3)
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Devil Worshipper.
No one knew when these revolting traitors to humanity had first appeared, but they were true scum who couldn't even be called heretics.
Yuseong occasionally hurled insults like "trash" at Alicia or Leon, but compared to devil worshippers, they were practically fairies.
That was why devil worshippers had to be executed on sight, and the moment even the slightest suspicion arose, they became "hunting targets."
They weren't treated as human until the accusations were cleared, enduring torture and endless humiliations with no guarantee of their rights.
People showed mercy even to beasts, but for devil worshippers, that was a luxury!
And Valian was a hunter who had slain more devil worshippers than anyone else.
A man feared more than anyone by both demons and their worshippers.
That was Valian.
Yet...
"Me, a devil worshipper...?"
The number one contributor to devil hunts was now suspected of being a worshipper himself and facing an inquisition.
What irony!
"I never thought my past sins would come back to haunt me like this."
"You think that was a sin?"
"It's the original sin we all carry. Inquisition hunts have caused their share of tragic injustices, after all."
Inquisitions were praised as service to humanity, but temples often used them to solidify their power.
Valian and the others had been exploited for such purposes many times, inevitably leading to innocents suffering.
Even if unintentional, dragging the weak into it was something Valian's pride couldn't allow.
"Temples are all the same. Religion's a necessary evil no matter the world."
"Blasphemy that'll earn you divine punishment."
"Not my problem."
"...Still, thanks for the sympathy."
"Bullshit. That sounded like sympathy to you? Need a hearing aid already?"
"I heard it just fine."
"Damn... Tch, just surrender quietly. It'll all blow over."
"Hmm..."
His comrades closed in, herding him like prey.
Leon led the way, with Mirni and Alicia flanking the sides. Luxy prepared her magic. Sylvia just fidgeted, staring at him anxiously.
As if begging him to come quietly!
He understood Sylvia's feelings and even felt grateful, wondering if he should just give in...
"...Just one question."
"What?"
"Is there any chance... the kids are involved?"
"......"
"I see."
The silence was answer enough.
Valian made his choice without hesitation.
Whoosh!!
"Can't let myself get caught, though...!"
"...Damn it, perceptive as ever."
Yuseong raised his hand like a signal for battle.
"Beat his ass."
A quiet evening.
The streets were starting to empty of people.
The residents had been enjoying a peaceful moment.
Rumble!!
"Kyaaah!!"
"W-what is it?! An e-earthquake?!"
"Get down! Drop and cover, you idiots!!"
Terrified by the ground-shaking like an artillery barrage, they flattened themselves. The quaking didn't stop.
...But was this really an earthquake?
"D-did a war break out somewhere?!"
"Why do I hear shells exploding?!"
Among those with military experience handling mortars, some even mistook it for artillery fire.
Fearing a northern invasion, they trembled—but luckily, the explosions soon ceased.
"I-is it over?"
"...We don't have to run?"
The sudden end left everyone confused, exchanging uneasy glances. A few, numb to danger, even stepped outside.
Curious despite the blasts? Suicidal, but that's indifference for you.
More ventured out, and soon relaxed.
"What? Nothing happened."
"Embarrassing. We freaked out for nothing."
"Pussies."
"You panicked first."
"N-no, I didn't... uh..."
"What's wrong? Piss yourself?"
"......"
"Hey!"
"......"
"What're you staring at? See a ghost or...?"
"......"
"......"
His friend froze too, gaping at what used to be the road.
A sight so unreal, a ghost would've been more believable!
The world had...
Crack...!
Sizzle...!
...collapsed, hadn't it!?
The road and sidewalks were utterly cratered, like a meteor strike.
Was this the apocalypse!?
More witnesses gathered, trembling violently.
"W-why'd it collapse?"
"H-how about yours...?"
"...No idea."
Staring at the split, gouged earth, they just shook.
Fear of the incomprehensible scene? Or of whatever caused it?
Or both?
They simply trembled.
Scenting violence beyond resistance!
Fortunately, no property damage or casualties beyond the road and walks—but it scarred every witness.
And...
"No reason?"
"Yes. CCTV, satellite photos—nothing explains it."
"...Nothing at all."
"Exactly. Like... a ghost passed through."
"What...!"
A new urban legend was born.
Nearby hills.
The five who birthed the legend panted heavily.
Bruises covered them, but no serious wounds.
"Huff! Heave! M-monster bastard..."
"He broke through after all."
"Valian..."
"Sylvia. You should head back."
"I'm fine, Leon. He won't attack me."
"Still..."
"I won't get in the way."
"You're already in the way."
"......"
"Luxy..."
"Am I wrong?"
"......"
Luxy was spot on.
No matter the worry, a powerless woman joining was a burden, pure and simple.
The others stayed silent, thinking the same.
Mirni was bolder.
"...She's right. Sylvia, go home."
"B-but...!"
"You can't help right now."
"!??"
"Sorry. But it's true."
Mirni said it harshly on purpose.
Playing the villain, but someone had to.
So here—
Thwack!
"Kyaaah!!"
Mirni's ass erupted in flames.
Kicked mercilessly, she rolled. Her kicker stepped into the moonlight, revealing himself.
"Pathetic losers. Five of you can't handle one? Go die, all of you!"
"Lu-Luke! T-this is sexual harassment!"
"Want more, bitch?"
"......"
"Why can't you useless shits tear each other apart... Worthless lot."
"So mean..."
Mirni teared up, indignant. Alicia eyed the scolded Mirni enviously. Sylvia awkwardly hesitated. Leon just panicked.
Luxy...
"......"
Spaced out as usual.
"Trusting trash like you is my shame, fuck."
Yuseong had to clean up after Valian and these idiots. He'd trusted them to subdue him, but they'd deliberately betrayed that faith and let him escape.
Unbelievable!
Rubbing her sore ass, Mirni started the excuses.
"C-couldn't be helped. Even outnumbered, how do you stop a guy dead set on running...?"
"S-sorry, Luke. No excuses."
"I-I'm sorry, Luke...!"
"Sorry."
"Uh, well..."
"Shut up, you useless hero."
"!!"
"Haa...!"
Why couldn't these idiots ever handle anything right?
...One excuse: this world was too peaceful.
They were busy, short on training time.
Mirni juggled modeling, SNS, YouTube editing, ads—all day. Alicia poured hers into painting and curator meetings.
Sylvia had no holy power, studying 12 hours daily—gaining pudge lately.
Leon? No need to say.
Luxy alone studied magic diligently, but too long since real combat.
Each led such lazy lives, outputting less than half their prime. They were weaker, no doubt.
But Valian was different.
Daily training, constantly renewing his peak—that was Valian.
So of course they couldn't stop him...
"Bullshit. You just got lazy. End of story."
"......"
"Useless fucks. My fault for believing in the 'hero party.' Mine!"
"...Stop cursing. Hurts deep."
His words cut deeper than blades.
Yuseong vented fully, then calmed, chewing a twig.
"...Sylvia."
"Y-yes?"
Sudden call startled her.
Was he about to harsh her like Mirni?
"One question. If you had 'holy power,' could you take down Valian?"
"...Pardon?"
"Do you have the confidence? Leave now if not."
"......"
"Answer—?"
"I-if I had holy power..."
Sylvia was cautious.
Ignoring the intent, she replied coolly, confidently.
"...I could do it, no problem."
"Yeah? Good."
With that, Yuseong rummaged and tossed her something.
Sylvia caught it reflexively, eyes widening.
How is this possible!!
As she fidgeted in confusion, Yuseong warned:
"No excuses after this."
"B-but we don't know where Valian is?"
"Like hell we don't. Obvious spot."
"Huh...?"
Not Yuseong, but this answered Mirni:
"Heard that?"
"...Yeah."
They weren't so dumb as to refuse a free meal.
...Probably.