Chapter 100

“Yeah.”

Glaria quietly spoke to me, and I answered just as softly.

“That princess, isn’t she rumored to have the greatest magic power in the kingdom? I thought she did when I saw her last time.”

“……”

“Right now…”

“Because—she had something to do.”

I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

Yeah. Things to do.

At least that person was someone who could give up something for what she wanted to do.

No, perhaps it was just that her shoulders were too heavy.

**

The attack came suddenly.

Even for me, who had anticipated what would happen, it was so sudden that I understood why in the original story they couldn’t respond.

Dark liquid, the very essence of that sticky magic power, flowed along the walls. It seeped in slowly, almost like water trickling between the tiles that covered the ceiling.

Drip. Drip.

With that amount of magic power, I could easily purify it with my Saint Power. Actually, this area had already been completely cleaned out with my ability, so that magic power was significantly weakened just by reaching here.

But, it didn’t mean that I could give up. Realizing that it couldn’t come smashing through the ceiling right away, the magic power quickly halted.

“…Siyoon.”

As I said that, Siyoon nodded and drew his sword.

The sword he wielded was an ordinary one used by Hunters. But it was clearly different from others.

The blade was shining.

This was surely the protagonist who had awakened his power. Maybe even the being above was now gazing down at Siyoon.

Following Siyoon, others also pulled out their weapons and turned to the door.

“… ”

How would we manipulate the magic sphere?

Even so, it was impossible to completely collapse this place. If it were, it would’ve definitely been done sooner.

Then, the second plan would be to create something out of that magic sphere and send it through the entrance.

For them, the most pressing target was me. To gather power and unleash a tremendous amount of magic was key.

With both me and the princess here, that should entice them; just defeating everyone in this room would secure their victory.

Since the path here was all clear, it should naturally lead to this spot.

…To put it simply, I had created a bait room with the most important people.

Was this a good idea?

I found myself thinking this often. No matter how many lives it was meant to save, was it really right to place my friends in such a dangerous spot, right next to me?

“…”

Light.

Since the moment I prayed while preparing for battle, the light that had not left my side gracefully settled on my face.

…As much as I hate to admit it—this being above clearly cares about me. Just by the way they encourage my actions so much.

Without saying it was the right thing, just ensuring I could believe in myself.

Was the concept of “right” something you don’t choose for yourself?

I’m not sure, but—

Thud.

“It’s coming.”

Ria murmured.

Something was hitting the door to the princess’s room.

“Everyone, remember what I said.”

“Right, even if visibility dims, stick close to those who have light.”

Ria said.

Whoosh.

The candle that had been illuminating the room went out. It wasn’t the only source of light, but the meaning of having even a single light source in a place like this, where sunlight couldn’t shine, was substantial.

There were magic flames burning, and we also each held a light source. And the manifestation of Saint Power visible from me, Ria, and Siyoon too.

Everyone appeared somewhat wary of the slight darkness.

“Princess, this way.”

“…I’m counting on you.”

Upon my words, the princess moved just a bit closer to me.

I knelt on the ground.

And then,

Bang!

The door trembled mightily once more before bursting open.

Siyoon shot out ahead.

Amidst the darkening area, swinging a sword of light, he looked just like a hero. Han Yu-ri and Glaria unleashing blue magic to extinguish other powers also matched the fantasy setting perfectly.

And then there was a knight standing before me.

Ria didn’t turn back toward me. But both of us knew that we could trust one another without even needing to see each other’s faces.

I clasped my hands together.

And closed my eyes.

Alright. I had to do what needed to be done.

**

In the original story, I had read that there were those who targeted the Saintess. And how the Saintess tracked them down.

Saint Power may look like light at a glance.

But that’s just how it appears to the human eye. In reality, it’s not the case. We think of the uncontrolled force pouring out as light.

So, what I had to do was simply focus and hope that they would lead me.

—This way…

Whether to call it a voice or thoughts resonating in my head, there was one thing I knew for sure: that voice was the same as the one that helped me last time. I knew it instinctively.

Slowly, I followed that presence.

All I could see ahead was darkness; it was too dark to illuminate fully with my own light.

Yeah, I was walking before I knew it. My body was made of pure white light, and with each step I took on the stone floor, the darkness wrapping the ground faded a little.

Not a sound could be heard.

“Yeah. That shouldn’t be.”

Responding to my thoughts, the other side answered.

“……”

I stopped in my tracks.

Beyond that darkness, something was lurking. It was watching me.

“You will all die.”

It said.

“Things that were beyond your reach will all perish.”

“You speak as if you’re already death itself.”

I replied calmly.

To be honest, I was a bit scared. Ria was always by my side. She probably still is now. Whether I’ve lost consciousness or am in a state of completely losing myself in another way.

This body isn’t my real one. It’s merely a projection created from Saint Power. It’s not without substance, but since it’s Saint Power, if I lose my consciousness, I can simply return.

I wanted to go back, but I couldn’t.

If I don’t resist, that thing will kill us all. Even if I survive, I would remain the only one left.

“Ah, death.”

It responded as if it was impressed by my words.

“That wouldn’t be so bad. Yes, transcending death itself. That’s our goal as well. Once we achieve our purpose, we might become death itself. Or perhaps truly eternal beings, devoid of meaning.”

“……”

Hmmm, I don’t think I need to hear more.

“Your power.”

It said.

From beyond the dark, yellow eyes stared at me. Beast-like eyes.

From a far higher place, it looked down at me.

“Do you think that power is divine?”

“Well, that’s a bit complicated.”

I chuckled lightly. Somehow, hearing that made me relax a bit. I had heard such stories multiple times already. And because of that, I could feel I understood the story that would follow.

“Is the light comforting? Is that why you’re following that power? There’s no right or wrong with power—”

“Haha.”

I laughed.

“You’re truly stating the obvious.”

“……”

“Power has no right or wrong. This could very well be the right thing to think you’re wrong; it’s a typical line you might say. You might try to point it out, talking about how my Saint Power wipes everything away as slaughter and whatnot.”

The entity looked down on me. Its eyes betrayed no emotion.

“I’m just moving according to my own desires.”

Yeah.

I have no religion. No deities I believe in.

Therefore, I am not bound by the words of any organization or deity.

Even if it meant negating my own beliefs to save dying people, no one could say anything. To begin with, my beliefs are mine alone. Whether I say there’s no god or there is one, it’s all just in my head.

But—within that, I still have my own stubbornness.

My stubbornness is one.

Far in the future, even if all my flimsy actions were pointed out, there would be just one thing I could say.

That is, “I helped someone.”

My mistakes were merely not following someone else’s demands.

My wrongs were simply a lack of belief in a deity—just repeatedly losing faith.

My thoughts are entirely my own. Changing them or not, it’s simply my freedom. What’s so wrong about that?

I was simply living for others.

When I stand before the judgment, that’s all I would have to say.

“Let’s make one thing clear.”

I raised my hand toward those eyes.

“I do not believe in deities.”

Yeah, now I really feel I understand.

Why someone like me was brought to this position.

“I’m just trying to save those I care about. At the same time, everyone around them, and eventually, everyone else when there’s time.”

“… Then, your purpose for today is mistaken.”

As it retreated, following the fading of darkness in my light, it said.

“Do you think this place is reality? What we can achieve—”

“Didn’t you know? I heard just how high the ceiling of the Dwarf Royal Palace is. I’ve seen it myself.”

I spoke while smiling at those eyes.

“Have you gotten too arrogant? Did you grow too large? You’re in a position that you would never reach in the Dwarf Royal Palace. If it was just your eyes, you might have been able to scrape through, but if it’s your head there, you’d definitely bump it hard and the brain fluid would flow!”

And don’t you dare ignore me.

To begin with, I had read the original story and I know how magic works.

It’s possible to control people with magic. If you control all the air they’re breathing—that’s how strong it gets.

To be more precise—I can plunge someone into the dream world, just like I did with that presence above.

“… Then, hasn’t your choice turned out to be mistaken?”

“Are you flustered?”

I laughed.

“I’ll at least answer that question.”

I said.

“There’s no way it could be wrong. The voice that brought me here is the voice I usually pursue. What do you think happened for me to come here?”

Well, my body might take a toll.

But there are sounds coming from my surroundings.

Not everyone, but I hear some voices crying out in agony. I may or may not recognize those voices.

Is it possible there are already others who have entered the same mind state?

If so, then there’s only one thing left for me to do here.

I knelt down on the ground.

And clasped my hands together.

“What—”

“I’m a Priest, you know?”

I declared.

“I don’t believe in gods, but at least I know there’s a being up there.”

A being that cherishes humanity.

Thus, perhaps they sent someone like me, who doesn’t believe in themselves and constantly doubts and despises myself.

Since they could calculate the future, they probably thought that having me here was the best option.

Now, I seem to have started to understand a little.

“So at least that being will lend me their strength.”

Light fell from the heavens.

As I thought, there was no ceiling.

Cascading black clouds dispersed, revealing the starry sky densely scattered overhead.

The starlight wasn’t as bright as the sun. Maybe there are limits to the powers sent from spaces made by others.

But still,

There was light.

And for me, that was enough.

“… What!?”

Oh, those in the heavens.

I don’t know how to pray. I have no intention of learning either.

But still, I know how to ask someone for something.

Please, help me.

This is a problem that cannot be solved without you.

If you command me to serve a deity, from today onward, I will be your follower.

As long as that plea is sufficient as a means.

—There’s no need for that.

I smiled upon hearing the returning answer.