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 .

Itd 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 .

Schnees words sank in, and Tiera didnt know how to take them .

Is that a bad thing?

Its 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 companys journey to meet Shibaid had only just begun .

I guess there isnt much traffic . Maybe we can speed up just a little wait? A message from Wilhelm!

A message had arrived for Shin, amidst everyones convoluted thoughts .

Shin knew that Wilhelm wouldnt send him a message over nothing . Something dire must have happened .

He immediately opened the message .

What!?

Shin? What is it?

Ignoring Schnees 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?

Whats wrong?

Hm?

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

With his brows furrowed, Shin told them what Wilhelms 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 .

Im off now . Please look after yourselves .

Yes, maam .

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 .

Im going to begin the treatment . Please relax .

Thank you as always .

Please, its nothing . Its part of my duty to serve the community .

I cant believe how much youve grown Rashia . Im happy for the church that youre 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 weve 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?

Lets start with Hello, shall we? Of course, Im here to continue our little chat from before .

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

Im certain that I will be leading the church .

No, its too soon to call the shots . Besides, there hasnt been a legitimate decree yet . Did you really think that you were in control? Well, thats just hasty and careless .

Ive already received word from the other Fathers, that its not an issue . Of course, since theres 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 dont find it very reassuring that you dont have these details all in order .

His voice lingered in Rashias ears, giving her shivers .

What does he want? Hes far too confident .

Father . Is that why youre here? To tell me all of this?

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

Im afraid I dont 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 . Ive obtained Purification so I should be the leader of this church according to the rule .

Please dont raise your voice . Why dont 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, Ive been through quite an ordeal . I encountered a golem during my trip, and

Bulk-san, thats 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 wasnt 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, dont you?

Yes, the men outside filled me in . Is she the one were taking?

No . Were taking the child of the beast . I understand the childs name is Mily, or something like that . Im sure shes 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 didnt . 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 couldnt stand against it . Itll 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 Elines 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 .

Wont you answer me?

N . no .

Oh well . I guess Ill just have to find! Out!

Before he had finished his thought, he drew his other sword and ran towards Rashia . Yet again, Rashias 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 .

Its much tougher than I had anticipated . What would happen if I hit repeatedly?

Eline couldnt hide his excitement . He was thrilled to have found a worthy opponent . He drew his sword again and again .

With every strike, Rashias barrier shrunk .

Eline, stop horsing around .

But sir, I think Im close .

Just use that other thing . Hurry up .

You leave me no choice . Ive already tested it on a monster . Lets 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 .

Isnt she a beauty? Im afraid all I know is that her name is Exvaine .

Eline looked proudly at his possession .

Its more than just a pretty face . Just look at this!

He seemed satisfied that Rashia couldnt 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 Rashias 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 wasnt 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 Elines 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 .

Thats a pity . Its fine though . Im 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 Bulks side .

Shia-nee, Im 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? Thats no good at all .

Eline stood between Rashia and the organ .

Hurry up Eline .

Please dont 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!?

Elines 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 doesnt 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 wasnt 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 . Lets try this .

Agh!?

Eline took the Exvaine and destroyed Rashias barrier . She was thrown to the ground as the blade was placed right at Rashias neck .

No!!

Millie, Millie, Millie . If you dont want her to die, please discard your barrier item .

No! Millie dont! Gah!

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

S-Shia-nee

Millie didnt know what to do . She stood helplessly, uttering Rashias name .

You dont seem to believe me . Then, how about this?

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

Ah .

Rashia didnt 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 youve done Millie . You can stop all of this right now, you know?

Ahno Dont

The pain was excruciating, but Rashia didnt 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 werent 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 wont 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 Millies gut . She fell noiselessly . They had knocked her unconscious .

Were done here . Lets go .

Shouldnt we clean up?

Leave it . But dont 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 mans 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?

Wilhelms voice was cold .

His hand squeezed Venom even tighter .

I mean . I was having a friendly conversation with the sister . It really didnt 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?

Youre the one whos got questions to answer .

My my . So hostile . Fine . I stabbed her . She doesnt 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!!