of the tail was thrusting towards my throat.
“I lost…” was all I could manage to utter, feeling the sharpness against my skin.
Even amidst this fierce competition, I couldn’t help but admire the elegance of her movements. She had effortlessly turned the tables on me as if this was all part of her plan.
“Submit, Master, and accept your defeat.”
I had underestimated her, thinking I could land a solid punch without consequence. The glimmering black leather of the ‘Demonic Armor of the Fallen Palace’ glinted in the light as it clung to her form. There was a fierce beauty in her confidence, a sense of power emanating from her.
“This isn’t over,” I grumbled, trying to reclaim my pride, though I knew the reality.
“But it is,” she countered. “Know well that every defeat is a lesson, and one day, you will overcome.”
With that, she retracted her tail and stepped back, allowing me to regain my composure. There was a strange mix of frustration and admiration swirling within me.
“Next time, I won’t be so easy to defeat,” I vowed.
“Next time, I shall eagerly await your challenge,” she replied, a smirk dancing on her lips.
The day continued, but that moment would linger in my mind, a constant reminder of the battle between us and the strange connection woven amidst our competition.
A tail stands upright. I heard that this tail is not just an ornament but has the function of being flexible and can harden like steel by channeling magical power. When was it that I learned this? Right, it was when I tried to put a collar on Sariel in this outfit, and Fiona just happened to come back. As a result of futile misunderstandings and sad miscommunications, it turned into a huge mess when Sariel spoke proudly about the functions of the “Demon Armor of the Corrupted Palace.”
Now it feels like a nostalgic memory. It could also be called a horrific experience I want to forget.
In any case, Sariel’s attacks using this succubus tail are valid in the current rules of sparring with armor. I’m using the spirit propulsion of the armor to its fullest as well.
Nevertheless, I thought I had become accustomed to the rapid movements of the “Tyrant’s Armor,” but it seems Sariel has gotten even faster at using the “Demon Armor of the Corrupted Palace.” It seems I’m not the only one growing.
“Hah… I really thought this time I could win.”
“There isn’t that much of a difference in abilities between you and me, Master. Once you get a little more accustomed, the match will be evenly matched.”
Indeed, recently I’ve finally stopped getting overwhelmingly beaten by Sariel. The reason is simple. I’ve gotten used to it. After being punched, kicked, and thrown around, experiencing painful sensations akin to a mobile experiment, I’ve started to understand, almost intuitively, how Sariel moves.
And upon further reflection, I’ve only grasped a tiny part of that intuition. Finally, I can vaguely see the basic form that Sariel uses.
“No, I still don’t feel like I can catch up for a while—Release the helmet.”
I take off the helmet and let out a sigh. With the new sun of June just around the corner, a refreshing breeze reminiscent of summer brushes against my cheeks.
Sparring with Sariel requires a concentration akin to that of actual combat, so even a short amount of time is tiring. I’ve worked up quite a sweat.
“Here you go, Master.”
“Thanks, Hitsugi.”
From the shadows, a pitch-black tentacle writhes and hands me a bottle of cold water. It sports a label proclaiming it to be “Asbel’s Natural Spring Water,” with a magnificent illustration of snow-capped mountains in the background.
“Please have some too, Sally-chan.”
“Thank you, Head Maid.”
Though Hitsugi initially had a competitive spirit with the new maid, discussions concluded that Hitsugi is undoubtedly my first maid and thus holds a higher standing. Therefore, Hitsugi is technically Sariel’s superior, that is, she has become the Head Maid, and after mutual agreement, the relationship between the two has improved considerably.
It’s a strange thought. The Seventh Apostle Sariel is my slave, Fiona’s maid, and has also become Hitsugi’s subordinate. While I wouldn’t say it’s entirely correct, I do wonder if Sariel’s position is truly appropriate.
Setting aside thoughts that won’t help, let’s consider something that’s currently on my mind.
“Hey, Sariel… you heard about what we talked about yesterday, right?”
“Yes.”
I sit down in the middle of the grass in the backyard. Facing me is Sariel, sitting straight in an outfit akin to underwear, while I’m sitting cross-legged in my heavy armor, which must look surreal from the outside.
However, the halfling couple next door has become completely used to our daily sparring in this manner. On occasional holidays, it seems they enjoy watching the intense sparring between me and Sariel, filled with blood and sweat, alongside their child. It’s not a show, but—well, let’s not get into neighborly discussions now.
The main topic is something much more serious.
“Is the Aria Monastery a pawn of the Crusaders?”
“There’s no evidence. However, it is undoubtedly connected to the Crusaders.”
The incident that led me to acquire the “Tyrant’s Armor.” At that time, Fiona showed me a Bible held by a member of some new religious group attempting to destroy the cursed armor during transportation.
It was unmistakably a Bible of the Cross Religion. So, I investigated the source of this Bible. Where, or from whom, did they obtain it?
Fiona requested an investigation through an information dealer who was close to Lily. I also posted an investigative quest at the Adventurer Guild.
However, as the saying goes, “snakes know their own kind”; the information dealer was the first to provide leads.
What was revealed was that the group calling themselves the “Aria Monastery” was a new religious organization from Avalon. The Bible is distributed as their holy text.
“I’ve heard it’s gaining popularity. It’s quite abnormal… They’ve only been around for less than six months.”
The name of the Aria Monastery became known in Avalon around the end of the Dawn Moon. Representing a noble family known as the Duke Arclight house, which is referred to as the leading family among the twelve nobles of Avalon, numerous nobles and wealthy merchants made substantial donations, skyrocketing their fame.
Initially, they resided in a shabby little temple renovated from ancient ruins in the outskirts, calling it a “church.” However, with mysterious donations pouring in, it gained attention, and somehow, without knowing how, they succeeded in acquiring a large number of followers.
Now, with further donations, they plan to build a large church, or more accurately, a sanctum, on the main street of Avalon.
“The founder is a boy named Rudel, who claims to be a saint. He is 15 years old, small in stature, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is said to have a cute face like a girl… do you know him?”
“No, I can’t think of anyone that matches that description. At least, no one occupying a position above Archbishop at the church fits that appearance.”
As an apostle, Sariel remembers the faces and names of the prominent figures in the Cross Religion. Moreover, she has many acquaintances from campaigns across various regions. However, the fact that even Sariel does not know this person suggests that a significant figure of the Cross Religion isn’t personally involved… but that cannot be completely ruled out.
“That boy named Rudel is merely a figurehead. It’s highly likely that there’s a mastermind manipulating the Aria Monastery to propagate the Cross Religion in Pandora.”
“Well, that makes sense…”
Last night, I received follow-up information from the information dealer Fiona had requested, confirming that the organization “Aria Monastery,” which is currently distributing Bibles in Avalon, is indeed rising to power.
Furthermore, the idea that the founder Rudel is just a vessel and that there is a mastermind connected to the Crusaders is also Fiona’s perspective.
“The problem is that they exist as Avalonians.”
In other words, I can’t just deduce, “You guys are pawns of the Crusaders!” and charge into Avalon to eliminate them.
The lack of clear distinctions in appearance or physical characteristics between the people of Sinclair and those from Pandora, like Spada and Avalon, works against us. There’s simply no way to tell if someone is from Sinclair or Avalon by looks alone.
Even if there are established traits among Sinclair people, like Barbado’s blond hair and red eyes resembling Reki, or the brown-skinned Ivrham people like Ursula with silver hair and blue eyes, in the mixed population of Pandora where all these colors of hair and eye are present, no definitive distinguishing features exist.
Incidentally, while there are many with deep Western features, there are also a few who resemble familiar East Asians like the Japanese or even some completely unfamiliar Arabs. In this different world, distinguishing races is extraordinarily difficult.
“The Aria Monastery has already built close ties with Avalon’s nobles and prominent figures, making any investigation difficult. They must have already established their groundwork.”
“Damn, to think we allowed such underhanded dealings while we were in Spada.”
“This isn’t a problem that can be prevented on a personal level. The responsibility lies with the agency in Avalon tasked with counterintelligence.”
Indeed, even if I were to move to Avalon and keep an eye out for spies, it would have no effect. Preventing enemy infiltration relies not on individual strength but rather on the organizational power of a nation. Particularly in matters of information warfare, I am entirely unqualified.
“Is it because of strict surveillance that they didn’t establish a church in Spada?”
“That’s quite likely. Nations that don’t stand on the frontline of war have a lower sense of crisis than the countries involved, and their counterintelligence capabilities tend to decrease correspondingly.”
It seems to be a lesson that those with experience could impart. No, since Sariel is always at the forefront, she likely just knows Sinclair’s history well.
“What about Avalon?”
“I still don’t know much about the nation of Avalon. Politics, economics, culture, religion—all of these combined make it unclear just how effectively Avalon can respond to crises. However, if we assume their crisis management capabilities are similar to the numerous small nations around the Sinclair Republic from ancient times…”
“They’ll be doomed.”
“The effectiveness of invasion through the spread of the Cross Religion, as I mentioned before.”
I had discussed how the Sinclair Republic came to dominate half of the Ark Continent during a conversation we had in bed in a frontier village. Yes, I am aware of how the Sinclair Republic managed to achieve that.
And the terrifying method of infiltrating enemy nations from within, which began with the spread of the Cross Religion.
“What should we do?”
“The Aria Monastery is a cancer cell infesting Avalon. Once you allow their existence, extermination is not easy. Addressing this is beyond the capabilities of an adventurer like you, Master.”
“All we can do for now is provide information and raise awareness about the threat.”
“Yes, any more forceful actions would—”
“I understand. I’m not that shortsighted.”
Turning the entire nation of Avalon against us is an immensely foolish strategy, far worse than a poor plan. In the worst case, we may be targeted from Spada, or conflict might arise between Avalon and Spada.
There’s little I can do right now… I guess I’ll have to consult Wil regarding these kinds of issues.
“However, it’s strange how quickly they’ve grown this large in such a short time. What kind of magic did they use? It can’t just be smooth talking, can it?”
Especially perplexing is the initial donation made by the prestigious noble family that brought the Aria Monastery into the spotlight. How did they extract such a substantial financial contribution? Even prior, how did they establish those connections?
“It might not be magic, but a curse…”
“A curse?”
When curses come into play, I can’t stay quiet either. What intrigues me is that Sariel, who generally avoids vague expressions, explicitly said “it might be a curse.”
“Three years ago, a priest was put on trial for heresy and executed.”
The allegations for heresy trials are always sins against the divine. And the punishment is always death.
The problem is, what act led to such a grave sin being stamped upon them?
“It was judged that the priest, by presenting research results indicating that a kind of curse is placed upon the Bible of the Cross Religion, committed the sin of heresy.”
“What kind of curse is that?”
I haven’t read through it entirely, but I’ve skimmed it enough to remember standard phrases used in greetings and daily conversations.
However, I’ve never felt anything particularly off about it. At most, I’ve deepened my suspicions that it really does have a Christian-like narrative. I don’t feel any Aura of Curse at all.
“The closest effect would be charm.”
Sariel explains just how beneficial the Bible of the Cross Religion is for humanity.
The Bible speaks of how superior humans are as a species.
The one and only absolute Creator God, the White God. The only completed and supreme race created by them. Those referred to as the “Demon Race,” a slur applied to others, are but a mixture of the remnants of chaos prior to the creation of the world—an impure, wicked existence. They are irreconcilable enemies of humans.
The Bible continues to declare the holiness of humans and the wickedness of the Demon Race. Which is just and which is evil? For ages, the Bible has continued to whisper its sweet words to humanity.
“And thus, humans become entranced by the allure of the Cross Religion. Once they acknowledge it, everything they previously believed becomes a lie. The veil is lifted. Their eyes are opened. Hence, the priest referred to it as ‘awakening.’”
“But I never felt like I awakened?”
“The priest’s research has not been proven. I’ve never seen anyone who has reached that so-called ‘awakening.’”
I see, nobody suddenly cries, “Oh, this is the true teaching! Hooray, God!” with tears of joy the moment they read the Bible. Well, if such a state were to arise with high probability, it would unequivocally confirm that a curse of “charm” is at work.
“It’s said that while the Bible does not dramatically induce ‘awakening,’ merely reading the text can subconsciously influence and guide one toward faith in the Cross Religion—essentially a form of hypnosis.”
“Hypnosis from simply looking at it? Is something so convenient possible—”
There is, without a doubt, something like that.
The Fourth Trial, Last Rose. The thorny pattern that they spread throughout the cave. That indeed functions as a magic circle that exerts a deep hypnotic effect purely through visual effects. I still shudder at the memory of that terrifying world of lewd dreams.
“A curse of the Bible… It’s strange that it has become apparent recently enough for you to know about it.”
“No, there have been records of over a thousand individuals being executed for claiming the curse of the Bible. Throughout history, those presenting similar research results have existed in every era.”
“Hey, wait, is that… really true?”
“It is a fact that some magical effect is concealed within the Bible. The executions for the curse of the Bible were all carried out in secrecy. The official records I know of were also secret documents that one could not access without the status of an apostle.”
Due to the betrayal of the Seventh Apostle Sariel, classified information of the Crusaders is rapidly flowing out. Well, I’ve always thought it was a suspicious religion, so regardless of how many facts that undermine the legitimacy of the Cross Religion come to light, my response would simply be, “I knew it.”
“So, did those who attacked the armor go insane from the Bible?”
“I can’t say for certain. Confirmed are some small religious groups rooted in the Cross Religion that have existed in Spada for some time. It might be more realistic to think that without the Bible, they were prompted to take extreme actions through contact with the Aria Monastery.”
It seems immediate effects from the curse of the Bible are unlikely. Perhaps the effect gradually strengthens as belief spreads, permeating deeply over time.
“The problem lies with the Aria Monastery rather than the Bible itself…”
“Mr. Chrono, it’s time.”
Just as I was about to get caught up in a spiral of thoughts without any solutions, I heard Fiona calling for me.
Looking up, I see Fiona, clad in a black jacket and pleated skirt, wearing a blazer-style uniform from the School of the Gods.
“Oh, is it already that time?”
“Yes, if we don’t set off soon, we won’t make it to the graduation ceremony in time.”
Actually, today, the thirty-first of the month of Far Thunder, is also the day of the graduation ceremony for Fiona and me.
Just the other day, I finished earning the necessary credits and passed the graduation exam, finally completing the Adventurer Course. The school’s main graduation ceremony is held in spring, but as long as you complete the required credits and exams, graduation can happen at any time for the Adventurer Course.
So, well, it’s merely a procedural matter of receiving a diploma rather than a ceremony, but… let’s call it a graduation ceremony.
Now then, to bid farewell to this lengthy yet short learning institution in another world, let’s be off.
As for fallen heroine themes, they often involve sexy bondage-style outfits! Those who believe in the heroine experience tremendous emotional damage from the NTR attributes of their attacks. Everyone knows that!
May 20, 2016
I forgot to announce the update of the activity report in last week’s afterword. If you’re interested, please give it a read.