Chapter 117

Dawn breaks. Yet there are still darknesses that no dawn can dispel.

Your symbol is already lost. The royal house you worship is gone.

And yet, the soldiers on the front lines know nothing of this. They simply throw themselves into battle, believing in their nation’s victory, in their justice, in their king.

That, too, is a kind of faith. Blind devotion, one could say.

A bundle of faith—so laughable, so endearing.

This battlefield that still rages on is itself a darkness. And how endearing are the soldiers who, having lost their way within that darkness, still continue to fight.

“Stop! This area is under active operation! Civilians are forbidden from entering!”

“Oh my, so the war is still raging here as well?”

“It only began yesterday, of course it is. Damn Lendia has declared its invasion of our nation.”

“My, how dreadful. So that’s why the royal capital ended up in such a state.”

As the side that received the declaration of war, Golda can always claim to be the victim.

They’ve been granted a righteous cause. And that fact drives them deeper into their blind faith.

A grotesque yet beautiful logic—this faith whirls inside these humans.

“Wh-what are you saying…? The royal capital… a disaster…?”

“Yes. I had been attempting to conduct missionary work in the castle town when a sudden massacre forced me to flee. I barely managed to make my way here toward the border…”

“Wha!? Impossible! There’s been no report of the front being broken through!”

“I do not know… only that it was terrifying, and there was nothing I could do…”

“…We’ll need to verify this. Thank you for the valuable information.”

I watched as couriers on swift horses were dispatched urgently, one toward the front and one toward the capital.

…Now it’s only a matter of time before word of the capital’s calamity reaches the front lines.

Even if the source of the war was snuffed out in a single day, there will be a time lag before that fact spreads to the battlefield and the fighting ceases.

…Menial errands like this should not be mine to handle.

But my master declared this war would be ended in a single day. Assisting in that is my mission… after all.

By courier, the news should reach the front by evening today.

Truly, it’s puzzling why nations so close together remained divided at all.

One should have simply conquered the other long ago.

Because they failed to, they left themselves vulnerable to exploitation by a third party.

Though perhaps the truth was that “the faith of each nation” clashed too fiercely, making reconciliation impossible.

That too is, in its own way, a beautiful faith.

“Well then… Though it may be a touch improper during wartime, I shall continue my journey of preaching. Now then, soldier, I’ll be taking my leave.”

“Wha—! I told you, this area is under active operation—!”

“No one can halt faith. I’ll simply head for some corner of the border, so as not to obstruct you.”

“…Well, I can’t exactly forcefully stop someone who’s leaving the country rather than entering it. Wait here a moment, we’ll designate a safe route for you.”

“My, how very kind of you.”

The soldier gave me directions to the border along routes that would not interfere with their operation.

No doubt others had already attempted to flee the country. Not to defect to the enemy, but simply to keep distance from both nations until the war subsided.

Hmm… perhaps the Lendia side anticipated this, and gathered adventurers along the old mountain paths at the border in advance.

To safely accept those fleeing. To safely see off those departing.

Most likely adventurers from both sides act under the orders of Bark, one of Lindblum’s directors, the head of the Adventurers’ Guild.

Neutrality? Hardly. They are plainly “a flock guided by a single leader.”

Is this also a form of faith? Or mere infatuation? Or perhaps “a technique of control through exploiting desire”?

“Well then, thank you for your assistance.”

“Yeah… but that talk of disaster in the capital—it’s hard to believe.”

“Of course it is. Even I, who saw it with my own eyes, can scarcely believe it was real.”

“I see… Maybe this war… maybe something truly is off about it.”

“My, what an odd thing to say. But then, war itself is strange, isn’t it? Humans attacking and destroying other humans. Both sides understand this, yet still they clash, not with words, but with violence. There’s nothing normal about it.”

To discard wisdom, dignity, and social bonds as humans—that is war. That is faith.

Perhaps at their roots, “war” and “faith” are born of the same essence.

It gives one pause. It fascinates. This march toward the frontlines—perhaps I am, in truth, striving to grasp the very essence of faith itself.

“…Well, for this occasion, my position is already decided, though.”

Since this is Golda, I’ll look the other way.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”… not quite, but this is Golda’s land, after all.

And you are nothing but believers in your nation and its justice.

So it was that, though somewhat unlike me, I made use of my abilities, and before the sun had fully risen I had already slipped deep into the forest, walking the old road that led to the mountains and the ancient border.

“If I recall correctly, once past this border, one emerges in eastern Lendia… near the site of that subjugation mission.”

Surely, many people must feel a sense of crisis about this war.

Startled by the sudden declaration, nobles of Golda too will no doubt seek to hide away until the chaos cools.

And where would such people go? The answer is this old road.

As expected, I soon saw a large number of carriages halted ahead.

“Clear the way! I am of House Gustav, Count Gustav himself has decreed we pass this road!”

“Then we are of House Henselve! We too are to take this road to the port—!”

How vile. Truly vile.

These fleeing nobles have neither loyalty nor faith left in their homeland.

But they cannot pass here. Why should Lendia accept nobles of a wartime enemy nation and let them through?

Did they truly believe that a country without a port could ever win against Lendia?

Did Golda’s nobles truly believe they could escape their own nation?

No doubt, compared to Lendia, this country had grown soft and complacent, lost its ability to think.

…In that sense, creating the “Great Forest of Dreams” dungeon was a fool’s move.

Had they passed through that forest, they could have reached the sea.

…No, perhaps it was deliberate, making that forest a dungeon precisely to block such escape.

To completely isolate Golda.

Now then—shall I lend a helping hand? Or perhaps, in this whirlpool of confusion… shall I add fuel to the fire?

“Oh my, everyone! So you’re fleeing as well? What luck that we’ve all survived! Are you unharmed? That massacre in the capital! The sudden collapse of the royal castle! Who could have dreamed it would come to this! I do hope your estates are safe!”

As I passed by the halted carriages, I spoke loudly, exaggeratedly, ensuring all could hear, while heading toward the gathered crowd.

Most likely, it is adventurers enforcing this roadblock, already in communication with their Lendia counterparts.

And the people swarming here are the coachmen of nobles fleeing from Golda.

Now then—let’s see how they react.

“You there! What you just said—was it true!?”

Almost at once, the window of a carriage opened, and a man who appeared to be a noble leaned out, poking his head through.

Then, one after another, more nobles revealed their faces.
No… that nation is already finished. These fools are no longer even nobles.

“Yes, in fact, I saw it clearly myself when I fled the royal capital. It was as if… divine punishment had struck. The castle suddenly collapsed. If only it had ended with the castle alone, but…”

The moment I said this, the men hurriedly called their coachmen back, and the line of carriages filling the old highway all turned about at once, racing away.

It had been a sudden outbreak of war. They likely hadn’t had the chance to gather up much wealth before fleeing.

For such lowly people—those who care more for their possessions than for their loyalty to their country or even their own safety—this kind of story works wonders.

In every age… the ones even more foolish than the so-called “common rabble” are those low-born nobles.

“My, it has grown quiet, hasn’t it. Now then…”

I turned toward the old checkpoint that led into the mountain road, where a group of what looked like adventurers were blocking off the great, weathered stone gate.

But I realized they weren’t mere adventurers.

…Was it coincidence, or had someone judged this place to be a strategically vital key point?

Adventurers were indeed among them, but the ones clearly leading the effort were members of the Killcrawler Clan, an explorer guild unit dispatched from Lindblum.

Truly, I seem fated to cross paths with strong ones. Or perhaps it is inevitable.
As long as I step further into the whirlpool of war, I’ll surely continue to encounter them.

“Sorry, but could you stop there?”

“Yes, what is it?”

The one representing those guarding the checkpoint was… yes, someone my master had once met within the artificial dungeon.

If I recall, his name was Garc. He was the vice-leader of the First Assault Team.

“Your quick thinking just now was helpful. But… can we agree that story you told is just a fabrication?”

“No, not at all. Everything I’ve said is true. I am nothing more than a humble priest who fled the royal capital. Not of some grand sect like the Elkud Church, but a small, scarcely-known creed. I was staying in Golda’s capital to seek patronage for my order, but when the dreadful roar and enemy assault came, I fled in terror.”

Explaining myself each time was becoming tiresome.

If I could just kill them all… how much simpler everything would be.

“…I shared this very information with the Golda soldiers stationed along the road to the border earlier. They rushed off to confirm the capital’s condition, and they also sent fast horses toward what seemed to be the front. I’d say it’s only a matter of time before Golda’s battle line collapses…”

“…Who exactly are you?”

“Just a priest, a missionary. I know, I must look suspicious beyond compare. But from what I can see, you aren’t Golda’s people yourselves, are you? Most likely you were guarding against enemy soldiers sneaking in among fleeing Golda nobles, weren’t you? Rest assured. I doubt Golda has the luxury for such tactics. What I saw was truly a hellish sight.”

In this world, we can so easily reproduce hell.

And the moment I recognized that fact, I didn’t deny the dark craving—the curiosity—that sprouted within me.

But for now, I must uphold the promise I made my master. To protect his peace… I must see this lie through to the end.

“…Let me pass. My mission of preaching is not yet complete.”

“…Let me think on tha—”

“No.”

In that instant, I felt something hard pressed against my back.

From behind came a short voice, that of a young girl.

“Leader…”

“This guy is suspicious.”

“My, my… such an adorable young lady. But really, this won’t do—you mustn’t point weapons at a man’s backside. Why, my rear is already split neatly in two, you know?”

How charming. This rudeness, even the blade pressed against me—I’ll forgive it.

For I know who you are. Rivana, the young heretic.

A warrior whose strength rivals even the Thirteen Knights.

I’ll forgive you. Because… you are my comrade.

“Tch! Joking won’t get you out of this.”

“My, what a pity.”

When I turned, I saw a petite woman draw back her dagger. As I expected—Rivana stood there.

You, like me, are one who reveres our master, Shizuma. A true companion.

Not the false body he sometimes wears, but Shizuma himself—that is who you seek.

So let me speak truthfully.

“I’ve told no lies. I really did flee that ruined capital. And… I intend to continue my missionary work toward Lendia. War is a cruel thing that wounds people. But faith is the power that can heal them. I don’t mean to exploit the broken-hearted. I only wish to offer the power of healing. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to Golda’s front lines…”

A convincing lie, mingled with truth.

Yes—that is why I move: to heal.

To slowly spread the name of this aberration, Stil.

“You’re a healer!? Then—Leader, we should let him through. Our field hospital is still overflowing with wounded from the skirmishes.”

“…But this one is dangerous.”

“Oh, I’m not dangerous at all—just a slightly shady fellow, really. Young lady, would you be so kind as to tell me your name?”

“…I won’t.”

“Ah, a shame. So then, what will you do? My healing is modest, but it may help.”

As I said this, I invoked a spell upon the adventurers guarding the checkpoint: the technique known as God’s Curse, a form of Holy–Evil Inversion.

…I possess no healing magic of my own. Until I mastered this Holy–Evil Inversion, the only one I could heal was myself.

It must be because I was judged unworthy of miracles meant to heal others.

So I am left with this roundabout method, the only way I can heal another.

“God’s Curse”

• “All stats reduced by 20%, plus random status ailments applied.”
• “Deals slip damage equal to 50% of maximum HP and decreases MP recovery speed.”
• “Action speed is halved, and field movement speed is also halved.”

The wicked curse is converted into a healing miracle, into God’s blessing.

…It doesn’t reach the highest-tier recovery magic, but even so, this power is reversed and granted.

For me, it’s more than enough. As healing power, it’s extraordinary.

“Wh-what’s happening!? My strength, suddenly…!”
“H-hey! My leg! The sprained leg is healed!?”
“…No way, my old wound… it’s disappearing…”

Apparently, the adventurers were more worn down than I had imagined.

Seeing this power displayed before them, even Lady Rivāna was forced to reconsider.

“…Still suspicious.”
“You’ll let me pass now, right?”
“Of course! I’ll mark the location of the field hospital on the map right now, just wait.”
“…So shady though…”
“Fufufu, please don’t say that. Let’s get along, shall we? Here, a token of friendship.”

It seems this comrade still harbors doubts about me.
If it’s come to this, then I’ll use the last resort.

I pretend to take something from my pouch, but instead pull out from my Item Box a ‘Radiant Holy Amber Candy +15’.

…Apparently, it’s my favorite treat. For some reason, this was the first thing I instinctively pulled from the menu.

“It’s a very delicious candy. Since it’s my favorite, I can’t give you all of it—ah!?”
“I’ll be taking it.”

What a disaster…! The whole tin was taken from me!

…Well, I still have about eight stacks left, but still.

…It’s really good, you know. It’s so powerful that if you accidentally used Holy-Evil Reversal on it and ate it, you’d die instantly.

“…Delicious!”
“…Fine, please, savor it properly.”
Crunch, crackle “…Got it.”
“…!”

If she weren’t an ally, I’d have smacked her upside the head.

…She doesn’t understand. This girl truly doesn’t understand.

“Sorry to keep you waiting! It’s just a rough map, but will this do?”
“Hmm… Yes, I’ve grasped the general location. Then, if I say I came because you told me to…?”
“That’s right. My name is Gaarc. Gaarc of the Killcrawler.”
“Hmm, and this young lady here? She just received a gift of my snack and became my friend.”
“Not a friend.”
“That’s sad. Please return the candy.”
“No. …Rivāna.”
“Oh, Lady Rivāna, is it?”
“Hahaha… Looks like our leader has taken a liking to you… maybe. Anyway, regarding the field hospital, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, leave it to me.”

…Well, that’s fine. If my name has reached a capable person, that alone is enough of an achievement.

…But biting through amber candy is sacrilege. The supreme way is to slowly savour it while drinking tea—

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