165th Episode. Four Saints (2)

Once the strongest force of the Holy Cross Sect.

Paladins so powerful that one could believe they had received a direct blessing from the deity.

Even a single one could repel thousands of monsters, making them the literal shield of the gods.

The absolute guardians of the sect: the Four Saints.

Though they have long since disappeared, their achievements, as recorded in various scriptures, are never forgotten.

Even now, with four cardinals taking on their roles, the prevailing view is that they cannot compare to those four.

They were the symbols of the former Holy Cross Sect.

…That’s all I know about the sect’s background.

Sometimes, while playing games, after completing quests, I receive various items. Upon examining the item information, a background tale is often described.

Especially concerning items related to the sect, the name of the Four Saints frequently appears.

Typically, they are described as the spear and shield protecting the sect, marked as deceased at this point.

Tales of their brutal massacre at the hands of the Demon King Beelzebub.

And from the commemorative items, I could see the names of three of them.

——————=

[✞Kale✞] – A holy warrior who wielded a cold, fearsome blade yet was warmer and more passionate than anyone else. The spark of connection you ignited will never be extinguished.

[✞Acra✞] – The holy hunter who pierced through evil with a sharp bow. The children raised in the foundation you established will never forget your grace.

[✞Rima✞] – The mightiest priest who led the atmosphere of the sect with passionate laughter. Thanks to your blossoming smile, I could move my legs even through various hardships.

We are alive today because of your achievements.

And your will.

The moment the sect endures, revives, and brings a revolution will be a testament to what you have achieved.

✞May the paladins who dedicated themselves for us rest in peace✞

——————=

Although the game drags on for a long time, items like those have never been important.

At best, they are used for recovery, but they lack those grand descriptions.

Unless they are combat support items, they are easily forgotten.

Not to mention, since they aren’t valuable, many users just discard them. Honestly, they aren’t even special relics, so they waste bag space.

`Of course I can’t remember them. Unless I exclude the commemorative items that waste inventory space, I can’t see their names.`

Even then, only the names of the three dead appear. Tariel’s name is nowhere to be found.

Grand settings that are shamefully forgotten.

Since they are placed in a spot easy to overlook among users, remembering them is rare.

Their significance is less than that of extras, and no one knows what powers they might possess.

In times like these, there’s no choice but to borrow from the knowledge of those around me.

“Are those really the three of the Four Saints I heard about only through rumors?”

“Yeah, no doubt about it. If you’ve read the Holy Scriptures several times, you’ve seen countless pictures of those faces.”

As expected, Riplain, from a cleric family, knew a lot about them.

Cold sweat trickled down Riplain’s bald head as he explained.

Just that showed how significant the position of the Four Saints was.

“Be careful!”

At Tariel’s loud shout, the Four Saints’ sacred magic was unleashed. The tremendous heat from the flash magic of the once-great priest enveloped us.

Tariel instinctively wrapped himself in magic to block that intense heat.

Shoooosh—

A light reminiscent of the sun radiated widely. Trees around us and even the humidity in the air evaporated. The fog obscuring our vision had vanished without a trace.

Caught off guard by such powerful heat, we nearly melted as well, had it not been for the mercenary corps’ protective magic.

“Guh! Are you guys okay?”

“Uncle, are you alright?”

“Damn! Just blocking once used up most of my mana. There’s no doubt… that’s the real Four Saints!”

The mercenaries all seemed to collapse, utterly exhausted by a single instance of sacred magic. After pouring all their energy into protecting the students, it could be said they were practically annihilated.

That disastrous scene was not lost on Tariel.

“Oh no…!”

Having barely managed to withstand the heat, Tariel was used to countering the sacred magic that once belonged to a former comrade.

He had seen it countless times before, so defending against it wasn’t an issue. But that’s why Tariel felt something odd.

`Isn’t this the same power as Rima’s!?`

The brilliance and firepower all perfectly replicated the strength of when they were alive.

Having only countered once, Tariel, being a fellow holy knight, could discern the level of their ability.

This was a disaster. Even one of the Four Saints could easily command thousands of troops.

If the power from their past life was preserved, no one here would survive.

`I heard it was dangerous, but I never expected it to be this level…!`

I had never heard of the strong ones from the past reappearing. Given that it was a closed-off space, it made sense that information wouldn’t circulate, yet so many strange aspects remained.

The dead never truly resurrect. At least, that’s the assumption based on the spirits taking on the memories of their original selves.

Yet, if their living abilities are fully replicated, that’s practically a resurrection. They surpassed mere memory reenactment.

Whiiiii!—

Kruuum!—

Lost in thought, a blue slash and a sacred cross flew toward me.

Kale’s “Blade Wind” severing the ground.

Rima’s “Cross of Alignment,” annihilating everything it touches.

Those powerful forces swept towards the ground. Tariel gathered all his strength, preparing to block them.

He was the only one who could stop this.

-Swoosh!

-Boom!

But something moved before Tariel’s spear. From behind, something suddenly appeared, absorbing that mighty blow entirely.

“Truly the Four Saints.”

“That was quite painful.”

The advanced wind spirit Dolgan, resembling a cheetah.

The advanced thunder spirit Blitz, resembling a tiger.

The two spirits materializing trembled as they blocked the strike from the Four Saints.

Then, the small girl who summoned those spirits stepped up next to Tariel.

“I’ll help.”

“You are…”

Mary Ryudshiel, hair swirling like a sakura tree. Though she was small, her confident demeanor felt far from immature.

To me, her back looked entirely different. It was as if she bore some “heavy burden.”

“Are you Miss Taili’s daughter?”

“Do you know my father?”

“I owe him a debt from the past. But let’s talk later.”

The resurrected Four Saints were once again aiming their weapons at us.

Their doll-like faces revealed that they could never lose their emotions. It was not merely a spirit of the dead, but the aura they emanated was clear.

Killing intent. And grievance. Tariel felt another sense of unease.

The intensity of the aura felt the same, yet it was far more potent than before.

It was an emotion one might emit when facing a formidable foe with whom one shares a significant grudge.

“I guess I can’t just stand here.”

I gripped Leviathan and spoke.

Though I didn’t know the detailed backstory, they were known as the strongest beings of the sect.

Against such opponents, it was only right for me to join in.

“Don’t, Radon!”

“Why suddenly?”

Riplain suddenly extended his arm to block my path. He spoke with a seriously distorted expression.

“I heard you made a pact with a spirit. And it’s an advanced one at that. But think about who those are.”

The spirits I had made contracts with were at least advanced.

Just moments ago, the two spirits that had defended against the Four Saints’ attacks were on par or stronger.

Given the current situation, having that level of power was undoubtedly necessary.

However, they had gotten the wrong idea.

“Not just ordinary paladins, but the Four Saints! Given your primary force is spirits, the compatibility is terrible.”

“Yet standing by idly won’t change the situation.”

Of course, it was possible to fight using just my “Illusion Sword Technique” and magic without spirits. I had learned how to fight without relying on them to some extent.

Still, facing them head-on was dangerous. There’s no need to elaborate on the vast difference in strength if they were to fight at their full abilities.

“We’re in a situation where we must survive; worrying about straightforward methods is pointless!”

“What then do you plan to do?”

In response to Riplain’s question, I looked around to find a solution.

Exhausted mercenaries who had barely managed to block Rima’s flash, and Trisha, who was currently preparing with her staff.

“Senior Trisha, can you lend me that staff?”

“What? Why this?”

“And everyone, come here and listen to me!”

I explained as concisely as possible while sticking to the main points.

Although Mary and Tariel were barely holding on, it wouldn’t be for long. It was apparent that the odds were heavily against us.

Still, everyone knew the gravity of the situation. With their instinct for survival, they had no choice but to trust my brief explanation.

They didn’t know how the Four Saints would combat. In a situation where they couldn’t gauge the strength of their opposition, stepping forward confidently would be imprudent. They had to precisely target the backline.

This was not the authentic originals. Even if they are identical to the originals, they won’t resurrect as they were.

Even if their power remains, there would undoubtedly be weaknesses from their resurrection.

“Guh!”

“Aah!”

Holding the spear, Tariel dropped to one knee.

The barrier he had erected shattered, and Mary rolled helplessly on the ground.

No matter how skilled they might be, it was impossible to reverse the situation of a 3-on-2 fight.

It was only thanks to the prodigious talent of Mary that they were able to hold on this long.

Most importantly, the fact that Tariel wasn’t in his prime contributed greatly.

“Mary Ryudshiel, are you alright?”

“Ugh…”

It seemed she had overexerted herself trying to fend off their attacks. She was soaked in sweat and looked as though getting back up would be challenging.

Tariel thought this was all his fault. If it continued like this, not only would they fail the mission, but everyone would be wiped out.

If that were the case, sacrificing himself might be the better option.

“Ugh…!”

Meanwhile, the fallen Mary felt suddenly tense. A sinister energy surged through her chest where she was being stabbed.

For some reason, something ‘sealed’ within her was rampaging.

Even though she recognized that existence, she felt no abnormalities in her body. So why was her insides churning now?

It was as if her insides were trying to tear out.

“Ugh…”

“Are you okay? Stay focused!”

Tariel thought it was the pain she received from fighting them. However, as she held on until her mana ran out, Mary didn’t have any significant wounds on her body.

This problem lay within herself.

Before Mary’s eyes were the resurrected Four Saints. As she blinked, suddenly a different vision unfolded before her.

She found herself in an unknown location, and the ones who had stood unharmed were terrifying corpses sprawled before her.

-Where is this?

-I was just fighting a moment ago.

-But why are they dead?

-Did I defeat them already?

-But I wouldn’t kill like that.

The sensations felt too vivid. At this point, it could be said she experienced it directly.

I, Mary Ryudshiel, was seeing this for the first time. Yet for some reason, I felt I had some knowledge of it.

It felt as though someone else’s memory fused with her own. That was probably that existence hidden within herself.

“Ugh…”

“What’s wrong, Mary Ryudshiel!”

At last, Mary fainted. Tariel shook her, trying to wake her, but she did not respond.

In the meantime, the resurrected Four Saints drew near. Once again, they prepared to swing their weapons or engage their sacred magic.

Crash!—

Kale, aiming to swing first, suddenly had something lodged in his leg.

“…”

A small staff had appeared suddenly, piercing Kale’s ankle.

Kale hesitated for just a moment. He wasted no time glaring at Tariel and Mary.

He didn’t even care about how it had come to be.

“Just as expected, a fake!”

A voice suddenly emerged from the shadows cast on the ground. And I sprang up from inside it as if emerging from the water.

-Shadow Cloak Lv2

A skill that allows one to hide in shadows, similar to diving underwater. The higher the proficiency, the easier it gets to conceal one’s presence.

My connection with Muto has improved compared to before, enabling me to develop this new skill. Recently, I hadn’t had a chance to use it until now.

“…”

In that moment, Kale turned his head toward me.

Only after I revealed myself did he seem to notice me, leaving me to wonder if he was truly one of the famous Four Saints.

Honestly, it wasn’t surprising. Through “Ma-ahn,” I could tell that he wasn’t an authentic Four Saint at all.

But whether or not they were reproduced, Kale’s sword began to bristle with fierce magical energy.

In the very moment he was about to unleash a slashing attack.

“Now, Senior!”

“Got it!”

Suddenly, from beneath Kale’s feet, Trisha appeared and kicked the sword away.

The sword meant to strike flew off and lodged into a tree.

Trisha was a magician with teleportation capabilities. The condition for her movement was marking the spot with her staff, and fortunately, it had been lodged into Kale’s ankle.

“Gotcha!”

Without missing a beat, Trisha seized Kale’s neck. Then she performed a grotesque twist… a very gruesome scene unfolded.

Whoa…

I nearly let out an involuntary curse. Kale’s neck twisted like a faucet and he collapsed like a doll.

Given how broken it was, that was only to be expected.

From here on, I’d have to act well before Trisha. At the same time, I threw a Trans Card to Rima.

Just then, she was preparing sacred magic with one hand, leaving her open. But with her other hand, she conjured a defensive spell, cancelling it out.

Her reaction speed was astonishing. At the very least, it was evident she had replicated her past abilities.

However, what she had just nullified was merely an illusion created by a replica. The real deal flew from the sky along with black feathers.

“Well done, Aisha.”

『….』

I didn’t have only one contracted spirit. I had yet to fully master the techniques, so I could only manifest multiple feathers, but I could manipulate them like arrows.

Moreover, attaching a Trans Card to it and shooting it away was not out of the question.

After getting hit by the Trans Card, Rima was transported somewhere. She ended up right in the middle of the mercenary brigade where I had originally been.

Thud!—

“I beg your forgiveness.”

Standing there was Riplain, who had been waiting patiently, stabbing her in the chest with a dagger.

And once again, Rima fell, collapsing.

“Now there’s just that guy left.”

Despite two comrades falling, Acra remained unfazed. His indifference while aiming his bow sent chills down my spine.

He pulled the bowstring taut, imbued with monstrous magical energy. Just as he was about to release it, a piercing sound filled the air.

Crash!—

A mechanical arm popped out of Acra’s abdomen.

Having been ambushed by something, Acra fell in defeat, and behind him stood the top student of the alchemy department, donning glasses.

“Don’t forget me.”

With a sharp metallic arm fashioned from alchemy, he appeared quite disgruntled.

Survive as the Academy Scammer.

 

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