Volume 6 Chapter 1.3: Chapter 1 Part 3

The following morning, Shin and the rest headed towards Kilmont . They took some time to say their farewells and give thanks to Hibineko and the others who fought in the battle of Balmel . That made them start later than the other adventurers and merchants . It also meant that their carriage ride was more spacious .

"It feels so slow now . "

Tiera muttered while looking out the window .

"It'd be inappropriate for us to go flying out of the city . "

Kagerou, as a horse, pulled the carriage just as fast as the other carriages on the road . Tiera felt like they were traveling even slower, especially after their rushed ride to Falnido .

"You know this is normal, right?"

"I feel like everything is different now after meeting Shin . "

Schnee's words sank in, and Tiera didn't know how to take them .

"Is that a bad thing?"

"It's not normal . "

Tiera glanced over towards Shin, feeling a little dumbfounded . It was silly to think that a carriage going at such a ridiculous speed was normal . Shin nodded in agreement, holding tightly onto reins which was only decorative .

They were heading towards Kilmont . Shin and company's journey to meet Shibaid had only just begun .

"I guess there isn't much traffic . Maybe we can speed up just a little... wait? A message from Wilhelm!"

A message had arrived for Shin, amidst everyone's convoluted thoughts .

Shin knew that Wilhelm wouldn't send him a message over nothing . Something dire must have happened .

He immediately opened the message .

"What!?"

"Shin? What is it?"

Ignoring Schnee's concerned voice, Shin quickly took out an item card and attached it to the message card .

He merely wrote "Use it," and immediately sent his response to Wilhelm .

"Shin?"

"What's wrong?"

"Hm?"

With Shin in a daze, Tiera and Yuzuha were also pressing him .

With his brows furrowed, Shin told them what Wilhelm's message said .

―Rashia had been stabbed .

◆◆◆◆

It happened on a beautiful day .

Sister Rashia had woken up, starting the day as usual; she made her bed, prayed, and went to wake the children . There was much work to be done in the church .

"I'm off now . Please look after yourselves . "

"Yes, ma'am . "

It was not unusual for a ceremonial occasion to be held in the church . Thoria was supposed to be at the church to make funeral arrangements for the recently deceased .

Rashia had nothing to worry about . It was just an ordinary day .

"I'm going to begin the treatment . Please relax . "

"Thank you as always . "

"Please, it's nothing . It's part of my duty to serve the community . "

"I can't believe how much you've grown Rashia . I'm happy for the church that you're here . "

"Yes . I owe much to Thoria, but I can only hope that I can repay my debts . "

Rashia smiled towards an elderly woman from the neighborhood .

She had gained considerable experience at the Wraith Plains and her healing ability also rose greatly . She was also quite skilled in giving medical attention to those in need . Sometimes, she was even able to cure those who had given up .

The issue with who would take over the responsibilities of the church was settled now . Everything was back to quiet . Or so she thought―― .

"May I come in?"

"...Father Bulk . "

The man stood at the entrance of the church . He and Rashia had argued heatedly over who would lead the church .

Father Bulk took a handkerchief to his oily face, wiping off the sweat and revealing a crooked smile .

"Hello my child . I beg your pardon, but we've got some matters of the church to discuss . Do you think you could excuse us?"

The words that came out of his mouth were polite, but the elderly woman was clearly left without a choice .

There was too much of a status difference between them; the father of the church and an elderly villager .

The woman left the church and closed the doors behind her . Rashia blurted out .

"What do you want?"

"Let's start with 'Hello,' shall we? Of course, I'm here to continue our little chat from before . "

Father Bulk feigned shock . His entire demeanor was condescending . This made Rashia uneasy and bitter .

"I'm certain that I will be leading the church . "

"No, it's too soon to call the shots . Besides, there hasn't been a legitimate decree yet . Did you really think that you were in control? Well, that's just hasty and careless . "

"...I've already received word from the other Fathers, that it's not an issue . Of course, since there's quite distance from headquarter, the official documents will be coming in any day now . "

"'Any day now'? What is that, tomorrow? Or the next day? I don't find it very reassuring that you don't have these details all in order . "

His voice lingered in Rashia's ears, giving her shivers .

What does he want? He's far too confident .

"Father . Is that why you're here? To tell me all of this?"

"Oh, heavens no child . This church will be mine eventually . I've merely come to see that things are still as they should be . "

"...I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean . Why would you say such a thing?"

Father Bulk made it seem as if he knew something she did not .

"Your sheer arrogance . This is why we really need to stop letting things slide just because of hereditary reasons . You know absolutely nothing . "

This time, Father Bulk became slightly more aggressive .

"Answer me . I've obtained [Purification] so I should be the leader of this church according to the rule . "

"Please don't raise your voice . Why don't you show a little modesty? The Sisters in the headquarter are gentle you know?"

"!"

The conversation was going nowhere .

Rashia was glaring at Father Bulk, when suddenly the door opened .

"Am I late?"

"Yes you are, Eline! Because of your tardiness, I've been through quite an ordeal . I encountered a golem during my trip, and..."

"Bulk-san, that's your fault . You are the one who said that you wanted to visit some ancient sites . I had my own matters to attend to, so please, do not yammer on about that anymore . "

The man who stepped in wore a suit of armor .

It wasn't unusual to see someone with blonde hair blue eyes from Bayreuth . His hair that came slightly below his shoulders was neatly tied back . He smiled, and looked like a picturesque knight in shining armor .

However, Rashia saw him as anything but that . He was an intruder, for all she knew .

"Anyways . You know what to do, don't you?"

"Yes, the men outside filled me in . Is she the one we're taking?"

"No . We're taking the child of the beast . I understand the child's name is Mily, or something like that . I'm sure she's in the orphanage . Bring her to me . "

"Yes, sir . "

Father Bulk commanded with no hesitation .

The man named Eline was headed towards the orphanage .

"Wait! What are you going to do with Millie!!"

Rashia stood in his way, but Eline did not budge .

"Bulk-san . What should I do with her?"

"Do as you wish . The area is surrounded . "

"Then"

It was a matter of seconds . Eline tilted his left hand, unsheathed his weapon and took the short sword .

The speed was clearly not the capability of a commoner . If this had worked, Rashia would have gone down in the blink of an eye .

"Kya!"

"Hm?"

Except, it didn't . A clear barrier generated between Rashia and the short sword . A spark could be seen where the forces met, and Rashia was thrown back .

The short sword fell to the ground with a clang .

"How interesting . You seem to have equipped a shield item of some sort . Even my sword couldn't stand against it . It'll be even more interesting to find out, if you made this item yourself, or if you received it as a gift . "

"!!"

Eline looked intrigued, but Rashia could only stare back with fear .

She had no idea what had happened .

Rashia was at level 151 . She was quite strong as a common woman . Her kinetic vision was far from average .

Yet, she could not have dodged Eline's attack on her own .

After fighting alongside Shin and Wilhelm, she had grown accustomed to sensing murderous intent . Everyone -no matter how strong- should be emitting some sort of will . It could be murderous or violent . Either way, it was a guide for Rashia to use when dodging and defending herself .

Yet here was this man, with neither murderous intent or animosity . To kill must be as natural as breathing for him . He showed no hesitation towards the act of killing . Here was true terror, in the form of a man .

"Won't you answer me?"

"N... . no . "

"Oh well . I guess I'll just have to find! Out!"

Before he had finished his thought, he drew his other sword and ran towards Rashia . Yet again, Rashia's barrier stood against his force .

However, unlike the last time with the short sword, sparks were flying more dramatically and the sword was struck deep in the air .

"It's much tougher than I had anticipated . What would happen if I hit repeatedly?"

Eline couldn't hide his excitement . He was thrilled to have found a worthy opponent . He drew his sword again and again .

With every strike, Rashia's barrier shrunk .

"Eline, stop horsing around . "

"But sir, I think I'm close . "

"Just use that other thing . Hurry up . "

"You leave me no choice . I've already tested it on a monster . Let's see how you fare . "

Eline turned his sword into a card . He reached in his pockets for a different one . It materialized into a 2 meter long giant knife .

A single edge had to be longer than 15 cemels . The blade shone bright red . The brim had the emblem of wings, and a giant fist sized jewel fit neatly .

The onyx jewel was a stark contrast to the blood-red blade .

"Isn't she a beauty? I'm afraid all I know is that her name is 『Exvaine』 . "

Eline looked proudly at his possession .

"It's more than just a pretty face . Just look at this!"

He seemed satisfied that Rashia couldn't take her eyes off of his weapon, as he grinned and thrust it upon her .

You could hear the swish of the blade cutting through the air as it left a red afterimage . It was almost a shriek as the sound of shattering glass pierced through the ears of those in the vicinity . The knife cut through the barrier like butter, slashing Rashia's cheek . The blade stopped at her neck .

Rashia peered over at the deadly tool . Should Eline gesture his hand even the slightest bit, her head would be chopped off . Blood dripped down her face, and Rashia sat there shaking .

"So . Do you feel like answering my question now?"

"........."

She put all of her might into not screaming . She had lost all words .

Eline looked smug . It wasn't a very pleasant expression . It was the face of a violent child . One that enjoyed picking off the legs and wings of a bug .

"No . Please . Leave us alone . "

'I will probably die . ' Rashia was filled with sorrow at the thought .

She stared into Eline's eyes . She knew that no matter what she had said, it was all up to his whim . That is why she felt resolute to not share any information .

"That's a pity . It's fine though . I'm here on a mission anyways . "

Millie and the other children were indeed in the orphanage . No matter what happens, Rashia must warn them of the dangers . She was about 10 steps away from an item that would heed them .

Rashia was about to run for it, when the worst case scenario had unfolded . Luck was on Father Bulk's side .

"Shia-nee, I'm done cleaning . "

It was none other than Millie, who had come into the church building . She was alone . She must have finished her chores before the other children .

"Well what do we have here . She seems to be Millie-san . How convenient that the target came to us . Is this because I behave well everyday? "

"Yes, it must be God smiling down on us . Eline, you know what to do . "

"Of course, my lord . "

Eline and Father Bulk shifted their attention to Millie . At that chance, Rashia attempted to run to the organ, to activate the item hidden between the keys .

However, Eline did not miss a beat .

"Are you going to do something? That's no good at all . "

Eline stood between Rashia and the organ .

"Hurry up Eline . "

"Please don't rush me, Father!" Eline blocked Rashia and inched towards Millie . It was then that a strong barrier burst between Millie and Eline .

Eline could sense that this force was much more powerful than that of Rashia . He swung down his precious 『Exvaine』 .

Except it was different this time . 『Exvaine』 bounced off of the barrier with a jolt .

"What!?"

Eline's eyes were slits of rage . He took his weapon and lashed out towards Millie . The barrier held up .

"Shit!"

"Ah!"

Eline put more might into his vicious attacks .

Millie was crouched to the ground, and only a little crack appeared in her barrier .

"...Well what do you know . My High Human weapon doesn't seem to be doing its job . "

"!?"

"Eline!"

"Oops . Just a slip of the tongue . "

Rashia could not hide her surprise . A High Human weapon- one forged by the likes of God . It wasn't just that though . It was the fact that the little Millie even stood a chance . The item from Shin seemed like a simple necklace . It was truly a God-given gift .

"This is a waste of time . Let's try this . "

"Agh!?"

Eline took the 『Exvaine』 and destroyed Rashia's barrier . She was thrown to the ground as the blade was placed right at Rashia's neck .

"No!!"

"Millie, Millie, Millie . If you don't want her to die, please discard your barrier item . "

"No! Millie don't! Gah!"

Eline shut Rashia up . She could no longer produce any words .

"S-Shia-nee..."

Millie didn't know what to do . She stood helplessly, uttering Rashia's name .

"You don't seem to believe me . Then, how about this?"

Eline briefly released Rashia from the holds of 『Exvaine』, and effortlessly slid the red blade into Rashia's right rib area .

"Ah... . "

Rashia didn't know what had happened, until the blood started coming out of her mouth .

"Shia-nee!!"

Millie ran towards her .

However, her barrier stopped her, because it knew how dangerous Eline was .

"Look what you've done Millie . You can stop all of this right now, you know?"

"Ah...no... Don'...t..."

The pain was excruciating, but Rashia didn't want Millie in the wrong hands . All that came out of her mouth though were shallow breaths and sounds .

"No! Release Shia-nee!!"

"All you have to do is unequip your barrier item . The more you resist, the more pain she will be in... . like this . "

His tone was gentle, as Eline chanted spells into the 『Exvaine』 still inside Rashia .

The blade turned red-hot .

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!"

The burning sensation made Rashia cry out .

Her scream was too much for Millie .

"Stop! Stop it..."

"Look . All you have to do is take off your item . Put it on the ground . "

"........."

Tears dripping down her chin, Millie placed her necklace on the floor . The moment her hand and the necklace weren't touching, the barrier was released .

"That just took far too long . Off we go . Come . "

Father Bulk shook his head .

"Please . Please help S-Shia-nee..."

"If you come quietly, she won't die . If you even let out a peep, who knows what will happen to your precious sister . "

"But..."

"This is why I hate children . Eline . "

"Yes, Father . "

Eline hit Millie's gut . She fell noiselessly . They had knocked her unconscious .

"We're done here . Let's go . "

"Shouldn't we clean up?"

"Leave it . But don't leave any traces . "

"As you wish . "

Bulk carried off Millie, while Eline activated his clearing skills . He took 『Exvaine』 out of Rashia .

"!?"

She was in so much pain that all she could do was lay there quivering .

Eline looked up towards the beautiful stained glass .

"...By the way . Another question: an adventurer comes here often, carrying a magic spear . What class is this man's weapon in?"

Eline was thinking of Wilhelm of course . He looked over at Rashia .

There was no response . This was only natural . Even if she could, she had no will to respond to him . Her wounds were deep and painful .

"Ah . My apologies . I really ought to have asked beforehand . What a pity . Until next time . "

Eline lowered his gaze .

Father Bulk had already left with his men .

――Except, another presence had filled the room .

"What a lucky day indeed . "

"Whose blood is that on your sword?"

Wilhelm's voice was cold .

His hand squeezed 『Venom』 even tighter .

"I mean . I was having a friendly conversation with the sister . It really didn't pan out the way I wanted it to though . By the way, how did you get here? I thought I had activated my clearing skill here . "

"What did you do to her?"

"Why do people never answer my questions?"

"You're the one who's got questions to answer . "

"My my . So hostile . Fine . I stabbed her . She doesn't have very long to...!"

Wilhelm charged before Eline was finished .

『Venom』 had released a bright red light into the air .

It was a single shot with all his might . But Eline took his 『Exvaine』 and cut the blaze . The two weapons' forces caused some large sparks .

"What did I ever do to you?"

"A whole lot!!"