Chapter 461: The Witch Hunt

The damage turned out to be more substantial than anticipated. Even with the presence of the hero, the Sword Princess, and the Grand Sage, the devastation couldn't be considered minor when monsters were abruptly unleashed throughout the capital.

To be precise, it was fortunate that the damage was contained to this extent. Any magician, through their books or theories, would identify the magic that had been unleashed as the 8th Circle Mass Teleport. The issue was that there should have been nobody capable of using such magic.

The streets were strewn with monsters, human corpses, and grieving families clutching the departed. The situation was dire, with a horrifying odor of blood hanging in the air.

"Davey."

"What's the situation regarding the cleanup?"

"For now... too many lives have been lost... even though we were here..."

"Mass Teleport is an unstable magic. It's difficult to detect early on, and it's not easy to master either. One must overcome various challenges to make it feasible." Yet, in the capital of the Briouk Kingdom, multiple instances of Mass Teleportation had taken place, as if those constraints held no significance.

"But... you seem somewhat uneasy?"

"No, it's nothing."

The only individual Davey could think of as a suspect was the girl who possessed the magical tome. She appeared too mature to be merely a girl and too young to be classified as a woman. Dressed in a manner that epitomized innocence, she had disappeared with her flowing black hair.

"Did you see the perpetrator?"

"I'm not certain."

Illyna nibbled on her nails at Davey's words. "There aren't many who can consistently perform 8th Circle magic..."

"Likely someone we're unfamiliar with yet."

Given that the Giant Lich Clerorpan was an 8th Circle entity, this was a significant matter. It might mirror the undead outbreak that had transpired in the Pallan Empire.

"Ah! You're here!"

Approaching him was a sturdy nobleman.

"Greetings, Prince Davey O'Rowane. I am Horus, the Defense Minister of the Briouk Kingdom."

"A pleasure to meet you. How can I assist you?"

"We are deeply grateful for your assistance..."

"When there's a need before me, I'm compelled to offer help."

After all, that was the image of a Saint Davey projected. There was no justification for leaving people to perish.

"Without your aid, our predicament would have been grave. We extend our sincere gratitude to you." Horus chuckled heartily. "The main issue has been resolved. The monoliths have vanished, and the majority of the monsters have been dealt with. We're currently in search of the primary culprit."

"I understand."

"To express our appreciation for your contribution, we'd like to extend an invitation to the palace..."

"I'll come at a later time."

The nobleman appeared taken aback. "Why?"

"While the deceased may be gone, the living remain. If I can save them, I should."

The nobleman became flustered. "Ah, in that case, rest assured. The Briouk Kingdom boasts an exceptional medical team..."

"Are they prioritizing treatment for the uninjured nobles?"

"Pardon?"

"Observe your surroundings."

Upon Davey's suggestion, Horus hesitatingly surveyed the area. Peasants groaned in agony, yet those in the distance paid no attention to the wounded commoners.

"If you comprehend, then leave. I'll tend to their healing."

Subsequently, Davey began to emit a radiant glow. There were far too many critically injured individuals to heal one by one. Thus, he opted to bestow a divine blessing. Retrieving the divine spear, Longinus, from subspace, he transformed it into a cross. Holding it upright, he closed his eyes and commenced a prayer.

[I pray to Goddess Freyja.]

[High grace, a quick loan, please stamp it promptly.]

TWOONG!!!

Sacred magic began to flow out from Davey's entire body.

[8th Level Holy Magic]

[High Sanctuary]

This 8th-level sacred magic amplified the effects of the 7th-level Sanctuary. An expansive energy imbued with tremendous healing power radiated outward, gradually tending to the wounded.

"Wha... What?"

"The world's wounds are being mended!"

"It's a miracle! A miracle performed by the saint!"

The exclamations from all directions validated its efficacy. Yet, Davey experienced an unusual sensation. His strength was waning. With the diminishing influence of the Goddess Freyja, the potency of his magic also dwindled. The decline was significant in comparison to its initial impact.

Goddess Freyja had previously endured the repercussions of a taboo act, leading to a reduction in her influence. However, this decline in power felt disproportionately more substantial and difficult to accept.

Gazing at the monumental display of light ascending into the sky, Davey gradually closed his eyes. For the moment, only he perceived this change. If this weakening persisted, however, the continent would be thrust into turmoil.

* * *

After tending to the majority of urgent matters, such as searching for and treating the rampaging monsters, Davey accepted an invitation within the Briouk Kingdom. Among the distinguished figures present were Reina and the Great Sage Hellison Valestia.

"Master Davey, please provide Rinne with your directives."

"Play with Red Ribbon and Blue Ribbon."

"Ri...Rinne considers other missions more significant!"

"It appears the children are quite fond of you."

Davey's remark cast a shadow over Rinne's expression.

Upon entering the meeting room, Davey observed an ongoing dispute.

"It's the 8th Circle! 8th Circle! Look who's here!"

There was a powerfully built noble man engaged in a heated argument with nobles, veins protruding from his neck. "Tell us, Prince Davey! Was that ominous pillar of light, which spewed forth monsters, the result of 8th Circle Mass Teleportation?"

In response, Davey nodded calmly. "You're correct."

"See! Only an 8th Circle mage or someone of comparable power could cause this!"

Reina raised her hand at his exclamation, her expression furrowed. "However, there are no 8th Circle mages on this continent. Davey has already vanquished the First Lich Nyx and Clerorpan."

"Why wouldn't there be? One is right here."

Upon hearing Count Horus' words, Reina's expression tightened. "What are you implying?"

Horus, with his imposing stature, approached and exclaimed, "Prince Davey, surely you're aware."

"What are you trying to convey?" Davey inquired.

Horus frowned. "On this continent, you are the sole individual capable of wielding power beyond the 8th Circle."

"So, are you suggesting I caused that pillar?"

"There's evidence pointing in that direction. You stand to gain much from such an act."

"Hold on, Count Horus!!" Illyna shouted in anger. "Is that what you're suggesting?!"

Not only Illyna, but Yulis and Perserque sitting on Davey's shoulder also looked displeased.

"But doesn't it raise questions? How can a non-existent entity suddenly manifest? It's a valid skepticism, something that requires verification! Surely, you're not proposing that a monster wielded 8th Circle magic."

Count Horus's argument held a degree of validity. The notion of a monster utilizing 8th Circle magic was implausible. If not the monster, then someone else must have done it, and the gravity of this responsibility could not be taken lightly. Ultimately, Davey emerged as the most plausible suspect.

"Why would I engage in such an act?"

"Well, if you assert it to be the case! The truth will be uncovered." Horus's demeanor toward Davey clearly carried a tone of hostility.

'But why?'

Up until recently, Davey had shown considerable favor.

'Could his demeanor be a result of my disregard for my own status in favor of tending to the commoners? If that's indeed the reason, his survival prospects wouldn't be promising.'

Whooosh!!

As Davey pondered, an eerie sound from somewhere caught everyone's attention.

"His Majesty apologizes. I apologize for the inconvenience caused by this thoughtless individual." A stern-faced man entered and bowed deeply.

The noble man, trembling with a pained expression, received a cold glare, and soldiers were ordered to drag him out.

The stern man then bowed quietly once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, it was unexpected, but our Briouk Kingdom and its people will never forget your assistance, even until our bones turn to dust. Thank you very much."

Following him, a man in royal attire entered. With a disheveled beard, he bore the appearance of a weary middle-aged man. He quietly took a seat and said, "As the prince mentioned, we genuinely appreciate the efforts of all the heroes gathered here."

In response to the king's composed tone, Reina inquired, "Do you have any leads on the culprits? The continental-scale terror isn't solely an issue for the Briouk Kingdom."

The victims hailed from various countries. After all, the magic tournament was a festival that united nations. Targeting this event meant declaring the entire continent as an enemy.

"I apologize. We lack leads... but we are conducting a rapid investigation..."

"Your Majesty, what more needs to be observed?"

At that moment, the young man who had previously subdued Count Horus spoke with a chilling tone. "The sole mastermind behind all of this is that woman."

"Prince, as I've reiterated..."

"Why, Your Majesty, do you persistently overlook her? She's a witch! If left unchecked, she poses a threat that could decimate the nation!"

The term "witch" caused Reina and Davey's expressions to harden, but for different reasons. They had previously discussed the existence of a witch. At that statement, all eyes in the hall turned to him.

"A witch?" Yulis, who had remained silent, raised the question.

The prince sighed. "Yes, I am certain. The cause of this predicament is undoubtedly the witch residing in the forbidden forest beyond the kingdom!"

"Prince! Exercise more caution with your words!"

Despite the king's admonishment, it seemed the prince wielded the most influence in the country.

"Why hesitate, Your Majesty? Numerous nations have already suffered. If we persist in neglecting this, we will be held accountable! Deploy the soldiers to pursue the witch immediately! Put her on trial, and if found guilty, bind her in the capital square and burn her!"

His outburst garnered agreement from some nobles representing the nation, while others leaned toward the king's approach: conducting a thorough investigation.

Amidst the fervent debate, Davey's thoughts converged on a single young girl from his memories.

With a youthful visage, the girl was dressed in white, her hair cascading down to her calves. She was also clutching an old spellbook that seemed mismatched for her. If she were indeed the witch, it would make sense for her to emerge as the source of this crisis. But why did the King appear so distressed?

"That king is attempting to shield the witch, Davey. It seems Reina was right all along."

Reina had shared two pieces of secret information with Davey. Firstly, she knew that the witch had saved the king's life. And secondly, she also spoke of the possibility that the witch was Verdandi.

A witch who allowed Davey to apprehend her while she attacked the kingdom, and a king who appeared to be shielding that very witch...

'But if rumors are true, the witch has no reason to attack this country.'

A witch who would go to the extent of saving the king would not abruptly instigate such a rampage.

Ultimately, they needed to uncover the truth firsthand. Although Illyna, Reina, and perhaps Yulis suggested further observation, Davey was resolute in joining the pursuit of the witch.

"Let's trace her steps."