Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 207

Chapter 207. Hunting the High Pontiff (1)

Even after seeing 'Angelica', Zahard paid it no particular mind, and Felkhor, although surprised, chose not to feign shock.

I showed 'Angelica' to them once more.

"Hmm."

As expected, Zahard looked at the 'demon' with a displeased expression. Though the reason for this wasn't unknown, I decided not to delve into it.

"You want to know if the demon is safe, right?"

It was a natural question.

The 'demonic energy' emitted by a demon can enthrall humans, leading them towards a path of 'demonization'.

On that matter, I could answer with certainty.

"I've used this creature since before I first met you, Sir Zahard."

'Demonization' from 'demonic energy' doesn't take much time. For those with the ⟨Vessel of the Demon King⟩ trait, they are nearly immune.

'The Sword Saint is a peculiar case.'

Even without the trait, him maintaining sanity is remarkable.

'If my master becomes a demon, he'll surely be strong.'

Perhaps it's best to nip this in the bud before that happens.

'But isn't he strong already?'

Oh well, whatever.

"From the start?"

"Yes."

"...... If an ordinary person is undergoing demonization, not even a day would be manageable."

Zahard seemed to understand the implication of my words.

Considering how much time had passed, it's fair to say there was no 'demonization' due to 'demonic energy'.

"That's fortunate. When drawing this sword, I intended only to cut down those who weren't destined to be my friends."

Though the tone hinted at personal circumstances and risked inducing a somber atmosphere.

"Then, I'm of such a fate with the sword that it needn't be drawn against me?"

"...... What exactly are you trying to hear?"

"No, I was wondering if it would turn into a situation where I'm the only one getting hit."

Felkhor's unnecessary joke helped lighten the atmosphere.

Zahard merely clicked his tongue at Felkhor's jest.

Having cleared up some doubts about 'Angelica', I turned my gaze to the chair.

Looking at what had become of the 'Genin,' I murmured inwardly.

'This has crossed a line.'

No matter how much the 'Dawn Society' operates with numerous nobles and strong influence behind the scenes, this was going too far.

'If they exhaust nobles like this, the military police won't stay quiet.'

Saying so, I noticed something shining, wrapped around the neck of what was once 'Genin.'

"This is...?"

Felkhor was the first to react.

"Isn't this a subordinate's mark?"

The Dawn Society's mark.

As Felkhor said, it's a mark used by lower-ranking members who aren't even at the 'Monsignor' level.

"A bishop like Genin wouldn't need to carry something like this."

Felkhor casually reached out towards the coiled snake of the Dawn Society's 'mark.'

"Felkhor, stop."

"Yes?"

At my words, Felkhor stopped reaching for the 'mark.' At that instant, faint 'demonic energy' began to ooze out from the mark.

"This is?"

The two watching also seemed to notice the abnormality.

"What kind of phenomenon is this...?"

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue internally.

Having the 'Bishop' Genin carry a 'mark' in the first place was strange.

"It's odd, Sir Yulian. Regular members carry it to recognize each other, but beyond Monsignor, there's no need..."

Carrying a 'mark' can serve as evidence that one is part of the 'Dawn Society'. Hence, those beyond 'Monsignor' do not require a 'mark.'

However, there was a situation in 'Zmizuk' where Tenelon mandated all members carry a 'mark.'

'A planned event.'

It's the event of 'Sword and Mask.'

Tenelon, desperate to eliminate his nemesis the 'Sword Saint', resorts to extreme measures, even turning members into the Demon God's Chalice's materials. Such was the event.

'This mark serves as a signpost.'

The relic 'Demon God's Chalice' can store more 'Residual Thoughts' within, as it absorbs more 'horns' and 'demonic energy'.

And the range encompasses perhaps the entire system.

'Demons dying in the capital become material to fortify the Demon God's Chalice.'

However, within the Adraatan Empire's capital, 'demons' seldom occur.

Thus, Tenelon began producing 'demons' outright.

'He decided to sacrifice the members.'

This has become troubling.

If Tenelon isn't halted soon, it nears the endgame's 'Demon God's resurrection.'

Of course, it's not impossible to stop him.

'The capital has the Sword Saint and many formidable fighters.'

The timing and intent are ill-conceived. Perhaps, the rush comes from no longer hearing the 'Voice'.

'Hm?'

A sudden thought.

The fallen members outside likely have 'marks', too.

"Oh, hmm."

Almost as if on cue, 'demonic energy' subtly seeped out from outside.

Zahard and Felkhor also sensed it, scanning around and clicking their tongues.

"This is, well, no matter how much it helps to lend a hand to the Dawn Society's matters, it seems premature."

"Did you receive a mark, Sir Zahard?"

"I didn't get one. I was just on standby as a newly entered low-ranking member."

I got appointed to the 'bishop' position right upon joining. Perhaps Tenelon has an eye for talent.

Or is it that lacking such an eye led to this chaos?

"The ones we took down outside, they're destined to turn into demons like Genin, correct?"

"That appears to be the case."

"This has grown vexing. I had hoped for a peaceful evening, you see."

I deeply empathized with Zahard's brusque remark.

With the 'demonic energy' growing stronger.

As I began to display signs of trouble organizing the rising 'demons'.

"Hm?"

The demonic energy gradually began to settle down.

Simultaneously, as the 'demonic energy' dissipated, a torrent of fierce 'mana' poured down like a waterfall.

'This mana...'

It was familiar.

A fragment of the 'mana' I had encountered before. To find out, stepping outside the mansion, I saw 'blade magic' flying between the shadows.

The flickering 'blade magic' began striking down members who were transforming into demons.

"Sir Yulian!"

The owner of the familiar mana vaulted over the wall and approached.

It was Pintel Obradin.

"Are you alright!?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"That's a relief!"

Pintel exhaled a sigh of relief.

"How did you know I was here?"

"I received a report from Eleanor. You were to meet with Genin."

"Ms. Eleanor told you?"

Pintel nodded, pulling a pendant from his pocket.

It held a 'communication magic'.

― Can you hear me?

A small voice echoed from the pendant.

Eleanor's voice.

"Yes, I can hear you."

― By now, Sir Yulian must have realized, but the movements of the High Pontiff are strange.

Strange indeed. Extremely so.

No, that guy's always been strange.

"What happened?"

The Archbishop, Eleanor, likely knew more about this phenomenon.

With that thought, inquiring, Eleanor's voice from the pendant carried a hint of hesitation.

― The bishop selection we discussed before, it has begun.

"The bishop selection?"

― Yes.

Wasn't that tomorrow?

"What does it have to do with this situation?"

With that question in mind, Eleanor clarified.

― The High Pontiff seems to have caught wind of some secretive maneuvers among the bishops.

That figures.

― So, he issued orders to the low-rank members and Monsignors. Kill a bishop and bring evidence, and anyone can be appointed as 'bishop'."

What?

I couldn't help but feel a tinge of bewilderment at Eleanor's revelation.

I knew about the event to strengthen the Demon God's Chalice with the 'mark.' However, moving to eliminate even the 'bishops' was unprecedented.

'Genin's movements extend from that bishop selection, it seems.'

For him, though, it signifies a step towards the 'Archbishop' position.

Anyway, seeing so many members gathered by 'Genin' indicates a tangible effect from the bishop selection.

'Nevertheless.'

I've already prepared all necessary countermeasures against the Demon God's Chalice.

The relic 'Bell of the Silent Night', stored within Angelica. It's purely intended for Tenelon's 'Demon God's Chalice'.

"What are you going to do, Sir Yulian? Until the commotion settles, relocating elsewhere might be a viable option."

"No, I won't relocate."

"What?"

It's about time to conclude this troublesome bond.

"This is the chance to replace the High Pontiff."

***

"Huu."

Rinne took a deep breath and scanned the fallen members of the 'Dawn Society' with her eyes.

The members adorned with the mark she saw on the 'Resonance Train'.

As they unexpectedly barged in, their marks began to glow, transforming the fallen 'members' into demons.

Of course, I've already suppressed those as well. The transforming members, just entering 'demonization', were weaker than uni-horned demons, and her mentor, the Sword Saint, was also here.

"Are you unharmed, Rinne?"

"Yes."

Rinne responded curtly to Hayden's inquiry. Sebion, while brushing off some blood, looked perplexed and spoke.

"What in the world is..."

"It seems the Dawn Society is planning to make a serious move."

"The Dawn Society!?"

Flustered, Sebion sought to ask more, but Hayden, with a vacant expression, looked at his own hand.

"It seems to be starting."

"Yes?"

Rinne tried to ask something, but Hayden spoke with a resolute gaze.

"Sebion, Rinne, you both return to the assembly point."

"Are you not coming with us, Sword Saint?"

"I have something I must do."

"What could that be!?"

Hayden smiled faintly.

"It's to put an end to an old bond."

Clacky's Corner:

I'm thinking, maybe after Tenelon, Yulian will have to fight Hayden as well.