The face of a woman is a symbol of beauty.
The more beautiful she is, the more it becomes a source of pride, power, and identity. Especially if she possesses a beauty that carries ‘charm’, it becomes even more significant.
So surely, for Misa, the most important thing was not the power or status of the apostle, but rather her own ‘face’ that had come to embody the ideal beauty she desired.
“I-i-iiiyaaaaaaaah!?”
A piercing scream that could be called madness.
The mark on her face was nothing more than a mere scratch. However, for Misa, her face was as precious as a dragon’s reverse scale.
It was an existence that made her forget herself in a fit of rage just by touching it, and if it were to be harmed— it wouldn’t just result in anger. The power of the apostle that resided in Misa overflows with a torrent of intense emotions.
This is a power that, originally, Misa, still immature as an apostle, could not fully control. It was a miracle that should be on a higher level than she could currently reach.
“Ugh, have I stepped on an incredible landmine?”
Chrono judged that Misa, shrieking as if losing her sanity, was too vulnerable to pursue further, and he clicked his tongue as he created some distance.
Misa herself had completely lost the sense of being in a battle. However, an explosive amount of white magical power surged forth from her body, swirling with such intensity that it was more akin to a tornado than mere aura.
Even for Chrono, recklessly diving into the raging vortex of white magical power was too great a risk.
“Then for now, I’ll just have to shoot.”
If close combat was dangerous, then he could attack from a distance. Since Misa was motionless in the center of the whirlwind of glowing aura, he easily drew out ‘The Greed’ from the shadows and aimed its barrel.
He had finished charging his magical power to intercept the approaching ‘Fortress Sand Whale’. With a pull of the trigger, he could fire immediately.
“If I can just disperse the tornado aura, that’ll be enough. Piercing through, ‘Charged Particle Cannon’!”
And the compressed projectile, resembling pseudo-thunder, attacked Misa—and amid the roar of a tremendous explosion, a voice reached her ears.
“I shall bestow upon you, this is your Holy Weapon Grimoire ‘Hiyoku Renri’.”
That was a memory from many years ago, when Misa was granted ‘Hiyoku Renri’ as the Eleventh Apostle.
As she extended her hands, a holy scythe was handed over by the Third Apostle Michael, who had served as her mentor as an apostle.
She wore a gentle smile, truly befitting her title of ‘Saint’, and bestowed upon the still young girl Misa, a weapon to hunt down heretics.
“Listen carefully, Misa-chan, the Holy Weapon Grimoire is indeed a very powerful weapon, but its essence is an artifact meant to offer prayers to the White God. Therefore, it is called a grimoire, not a weapon.”
“Huh?”
Back then, just as now, Misa had little interest in the deep doctrines and teachings of the Cross Religion, responding disinterestedly to Michael’s complicated explanations.
It was merely a scene from a distant memory.
Why, at this moment, does this scene come to mind?
While engulfed in rage and despair from having her face harmed, why does this memory replay so vividly… Misa, having lost her sanity, had no room for such doubts.
“As Misa-chan just became an apostle, you will not be able to draw out the power residing within ‘Hiyoku Renri’.”
“Then what should I do? I don’t want to train.”
She had no interest in fighting. If it wasn’t in the course of her job, she wouldn’t do it.
She absolutely refused to experience the grueling days of training like the Holy Knights, fueled only by faith.
“To grow stronger, training is very important. I am merely a nun, but I understand how much effort and faith the knights put into their training.”
“Just a nun…? I heard from the hero that Michael-sensei used to be a berserker.”
“Oh dear, hee hee.”
Realizing her slip of the tongue under Michael’s gentle touch, Misa was determined not to bring up the topic again.
“For apostles, there is great significance in honing oneself. For instance, Sariel-chan has undergone very strict training under Bishop Judas and has acquired her current strength.”
“Hmph, I can handle that much easily. I’ll catch up in no time.”
Although she hadn’t received many opportunities, she had sparred with the Seventh Apostle Sariel a few times. Sariel, a senior apostle of her age, was just the right target to aim for.
However, the current reality was that Misa, being a novice, was no match for Sariel, who had honed her combat skills, including swordsmanship and magic, to a masterful level.
“However, what is most important for an apostle is not the daily training… but opportunity. You could also call it fate.”
“Huh?”
“When a strong desire is born that reaches the heart of the White God, an apostle gains further power.”
“So you’re saying I should pray? I’m not really into that…”
“Hee hee, one day a time will come for you, Misa-chan.”
The calm smile of Michael was a memory of the distant past.
Yet, her pure ice-blue eyes surely pierced Misa.
“That time is now.”
Michael said.
Not to the past self in her memories… but to the present self standing here now.
“Now, unleash it. Now is the time for the power of ‘Hiyoku Renri’ to become yours.”
Her mind went blank.
Past, present, future. Even her sense of time was vague; she couldn’t distinguish whether she was dreaming or in reality.
However, the uncontrollable rage surging within her was real—and she vaguely began to understand.
Yes, Misa’s anger had reached the White God.
Thus, she could become stronger.
She would receive power.
To defeat that detestable black-haired demon.
“Eguzekyu, taaaahhhhhhh!!”
With a cry of awakening, Michael continued to watch over Misa with a motherly smile until the very end.
“Congratulations, Misa-chan. It seems that you have finally regained the power of the execution scythe that ‘Hiyoku Renri’ originally served. There is nothing more for me to teach you. From now on, just follow your heart—may God’s blessing be upon you.”
“…W-what happened?”
The ‘Charged Particle Cannon’ I fired struck the whirlwind of white magical aura created by the screaming Misa… and it seemed to blow away most of it.
The dense aura, which had concealed her figure, indeed vanished, but I couldn’t believe that all of it was scattered by my attack. Rather, the intense sensation tingling on my skin suggested that something was happening to Misa that wasn’t good.
“…”
Beyond the shimmering aura, Misa’s form became clearly visible.
She had an expression devoid of energy, as if she had turned into a shell, completely opposite to the screams she had been emitting just moments before. The pink eyes that carried ‘charm’ seemed to lack their former shine.
In a disturbingly lifeless manner, Misa, with a scythe gripped in her right hand, raised it up—then with a flap, she took flight.
What was it, you might ask? The only answer would be that giant scythe. Suddenly, the prominent white wing-like decorations that clung around the blade spread out their wings. Wait, that thing can move? I shouldn’t be thinking such relaxing thoughts right now.
The intent to kill was sharper than anything, penetrating like it physically stabbed through me.
“—I’ll kill you.”
“Whoa!?”
Before I knew it, Misa had swung the scythe down at me with wings spread wide.
That was close, I couldn’t react in time to evade it after seeing it. Half reflexively, I managed to backstep to avoid it, but it was a very close call.
The forceful downward swing missed me, but it sank deep into the stone-paved deck. She was now out of sync to perform a second strike.
It was a moment of opportunity, but it was more than enough to cleave me down. Without much thought, I swung my ‘Decapitation’ in a counterattack—but what? My hands wouldn’t move?
No, they’re moving, but the reactions feel strangely dull. It was as if I hesitated to strike Misa. As if she was someone too precious to bring harm upon with my own hands.
“Die!”
Damn it, before I realized it, the moment of opportunity had quickly passed, and Misa unleashed a second strike with her cloudy gaze.
“Thunder Demon King!”
I managed to read her subsequent strike with the scythe and evade just in time. Had I not used my Blessing, I would have been split in two at the waist.
Even as it narrowly breezed past my chest, the ferocity of that slash was a stark reminder. The sharpness of that blow was incomparable to before.
Damn it, Misa’s specs were clearly rising at this moment. Moreover, her movements had become incredibly precise. Everything about closing distance and swinging that scythe was clearly refined. It was as if she had transformed into a different person.
A novice turning into a master in an instant sounds like a change I’ve heard about somewhere.
“I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you… dieeeeeee!!”
“What’s holy weapon grimoire? It’s practically a cursed weapon—’Black Smoke’!”
Then I activated my fifth Blessing, ‘Demon King of the Storm.’
While Misa screamed and swung the impossibly powerful scythe, I obscured my vision with ‘Black Smoke’ and swiftly retreated using the speed of the ‘Demon King of the Storm.’
Although I was trapped within the Sky Mother Ship Peaceful Heart, the deck here was quite spacious. With a wider area than Shangri-La, it certainly gave off the impression of a carrier.
Naturally, there were no fighter jets to be found, but instead, there was a magnificent white castle that appeared to have been built as an addition.
Even with a massive castle built on top, the Peaceful Heart remained spacious. There was ample room to escape and flee. Facing off with Misa in her current state and charging straight in would be far too dangerous.
Her enhanced abilities, skill in wielding the scythe. And more than anything, that mysterious sensation that dulled my attacks.
“Is that the upgraded power of ‘charm’?”
The feeling of not wanting to slash at her must be exactly that. It seemed likely that a significantly potent ‘charm’ activates just by getting close to her.
The sensation felt distinctly different from that of the ‘Holy Love Charm’ that had once made my eyes sparkle with pink. Instead, the source of the ‘charm’ was likely the ‘Hiyoku Renri’ that had spread its wings.
Just the blade passing by me felt like it was forcibly enforcing the effect of ‘charm,’ and what would happen if I were to allow a direct hit? Even if I’m not a masochist, the moment I’m wounded, I feel as if I’d be struck by an overwhelming pleasure and vow eternal submission. Seriously, that’s no joke.
“Not even one scratch can be allowed, and if I get close, I get slowed down?”
That means that if I step into range to hit Misa now, I will need the mental defense of the ‘Demon King of Love.’
Blessings can only be used one at a time. If I allocate my Blessing to mental defense, it means I won’t be able to use it for attack or evasion. Even if I switch quickly… that sensation that dulled my attacks, along with Misa’s masterful combat motions, would make it quite dangerous.
“It seems I can’t win using straightforward methods.”
If things had remained as they were, I could have cornered Misa and killed her.
However, Misa has entered a state of awakening. To be precise, she has handed over her will to the curse of ‘Hiyoku Renri.’
Misa in that state is remarkably similar to the pitiful adventurer Johto, who wielded the cursed ‘Fang Sword “Devourer”‘ and killed consistently with Spada.
Along with a clear transformation in the form of spreading wings, the ominous presence that the scythe wields has undeniably grown. Meanwhile, Misa, as the wielder, has lost her sanity, yet she attacks with enhanced power and skills.
Cursed weapons can force their inexperienced wielders to use the experience and techniques contained within the curse. The goblin wielding the cursed ‘Cursed Hatchet “Tsuji-giri”‘ was notably strong, and I too learned the martial art ‘Black Stillness’ by continually using a cursed hatchet—this is all due to the system of curses.
Thus, Misa is currently inheriting that experience and skill from ‘Hiyoku Renri.’
According to Sariel, holy weapons are generally passed down through successive apostles, and ‘Hiyoku Renri’ is no exception, having been wielded by apostles for centuries.
While the essence of a curse may differ, it’s undeniable that she has effectively gained the same nature as a cursed weapon. The reason that she, who was just a novice a moment ago, can now move like a master is just like this.
In the first place, Misa’s combat strategy was built upon this awakening from ‘Hiyoku Renri,’ rendering any need to teach her combat techniques unnecessary… or perhaps, there’s a possibility that she intentionally wasn’t taught, so she could one day find herself in a pinch against a strong adversary who could threaten apostles.
If that’s the case, I must be a conveniently advantageous opponent for Misa’s awakening. What a mistake.
“Fortunately, her reason should be barely intact.”
I could proceed to evade throughout the interior of Peaceful Heart and buy time for Lily and the others to arrive… but they have the Twelfth Apostle Mariabel there.
Her ability concerns some immensely powerful monster referred to as the ‘Spirit Beast.’ She’s known to be dutiful and serious in her duties. That means she’s likely handling Lily and the others more calmly than the emotional Misa.
The superiority of the apostles lies in their unlimited magical power. There’s no risk of running out of stamina. In contrast, Lily has a time limit to her transformation. Fiona’s magical power isn’t infinite either, and neither is Sariel’s physical strength.
In a prolonged battle, we would have the disadvantage. Instead of waiting for their reinforcements, it would be better to take the gamble and strike—
“‘Fly (Enter)’—die!”
“Damn, she can use teleportation!?”
From the smoke I released, Misa appeared before me not by running, but by teleporting.
Of course, this is her base; it’s like she’s in her own belly. As long as we’re within Peaceful Heart, Misa can freely teleport down to me.
I realize now that escaping and buying time here is impossible.
“In that case, I have no choice but to brace myself—’Black Smoke’!”
Once more, I slipped away from Misa while shrouded in smoke.
Fortunately, she shouldn’t have any tactical thinking due to the holy curse. She behaves as a simple murder machine, seeking out and killing, following straightforward logic of search and destroy.
While I can’t hide indefinitely, I have plenty of room to operate while evading and setting things up amid the smoke.
Misa, you may have indeed become stronger in your rage. But even if your target is someone you hate, losing your calmness could lead to defeat. No matter how strong you are, you’ve left openings for a lesser opponent to exploit.
“The blade of vengeance will be thrust by me.”
December 28, 2018
Finally, this is the last update of the year. I feel like the end of the year usually comes at a good stopping point, but this year seems like a new year’s eve amid a battle.
However, as for the New Year’s break, there won’t be any interruption in updates as I plan to resume on January 4th, keeping the weekly update schedule.
Well then, everyone, have a happy new year!