Fienne couldn’t hide her surprise.
After losing her demonic powers, Rona had beco an ordinary human. To use an analogy, she’d beco a blank slate.
And yet...all of a sudden, Rona was wielding mana. A considerable amount, and far warr in nature than any demon’s.
A priest?
Fienne imdiately thought of the truth-seekers of the Church.
This holy power...if she’d closed her eyes, she might have thought a passing priest had bestowed a healing touch.
The thought was absurd.
But she’s a demon. A DESIRE demon.
Their very na spoke for what they were. Even criminals were closer to the Church in comparison. And yet, a demon was suddenly mimicking a priest.
Sure, she’s a forr demon...! And she’s a normal human now...!
Forr demon. Priest. A desire demon-turned-priest?
“...Ha.”
Fienne paused her thoughts, feeling as though she was becoming a fool for even considering it.
More importantly, Risir’s condition was visibly improving. His breathing, ragged and strained just monts ago, was stabilizing.
“Haa...haa...”
He sat up, supported by Fienne.
“Thanks, Fienne. And thank you, Rona. You saved .”
Rona had been staring blankly at her hand, feeling more bewildered than anyone else by her own un-demonic actions. Risir’s words jolted her back to reality.
“He... praised ...”
Rona’s expression twitched, as if it were on the verge of bursting with emotion.
Weren’t you going to show you’re a slave, not so girl? Why are you looking more feminine than ?
Fienne barely managed to swallow her words and addressed Risir.
“Risir, are you alright?”
“Better than before. Still, that was surprising. I didn’t know desire demons could use their power like that. Maybe they’re actually beneficial? As in, good demons like good bugs?”
Fienne nodded seriously.
“That nonsense proves you’re feeling better.”
“Isn’t that a bit harsh? I’m a sick patient, you know.”
“Then at least act like one and be quiet. How ridiculous. Do you really think desire demons possess such power?”
“Then what was it?”
“What else? I’m sure it’s because of you again.”
“I think you’re assuming too much. Being pretty doesn’t an the world revolves around you, okay?”
“Ugh. I wish you just kept coughing.”
Rona interjected timidly.
“I-I think so, too. This power. I think it was because of you, Risir.”
“Oh? Did you figure sothing out?”
“Mhm...I wanted to help you, and this happened...”
Uh, that’s not what I ant though.
Risir and Fienne were sorely tempted to point out the problem, but they held back. Rona looked too endearing, fiddling with her hands and looking down.
How is she so feminine?
She was so girly that it impressed the progenitor into taking detailed ntal notes for future reference.
anwhile, Risir tested his limbs, assessed his condition, and then attempted to channel his mana.
“...!”
He stopped seconds before doing it. Instinct warned him.
This isn’t gonna work.
His magic power and mana circuits themselves were fine. The problem was his body.
He noticed his hands were trembling.
My body...it’s afraid of resonating with mana.
Despite the lack of visible wounds, his body was most definitely damaged or strained. He explained this to Rona and Fienne, seeking their thoughts.
“Strain...overflux...”
Fienne started talking after a mont of thought.
“Co to think of it, I experienced sothing similar.”
“Similar?”
“It was about a year after I awakened my progenitor powers and learned to use mana. I was nearing the 5th rank.”
“You reached the peak of 4th rank in just a year...?”
Rona was astonished.
“Really? You’re surprised by sothing like this with that master of yours around?”
“Ah.”
Rona conceded the point.
“Anyway. One day, as I neared the 5th rank, I felt a sudden discomfort while trying to use mana as usual. I knew sothing was wrong with my body. Later, I realized my body couldn’t keep up with the rapid increase in magic power.”
“So what did you do?”
“I waited. Until my body adapted, I refrained from using mana as much as possible.”
“So I just have to wait and I’ll be fine?”
“Perhaps. Our situations are similar, but also different, don’t you think? My growth wasn’t as drastically rapid, and the side effects weren’t as severe.”
Fienne took out a handkerchief and started wiping the blood from Risir’s face.
“I think it best to see a specialist and get a proper diagnosis. Maybe your new friends from the mage tower can help?”
“...Now that I think about it...”
“Do you have a good idea?!”
“Fienne is kind of acting like a mom right—Mmf!”
Fienne threw the handkerchief in his face.
“Don’t be so gross. Ugh, I can’t hit you because you’re injured...or maybe I just should? You can’t use mana, or that power of yours right now, can you?”
“I an...you just gave off such an intimate air...Maybe like a wife then?”
“Wife?! Ew! Eww!!! I told you to stop being gross!”
Even as she feigned disgust, Fienne picked up the handkerchief and resud cleaning his face, more gently this ti.
“Honestly. A wife...How ridiculous. Seriously...”
Hmph. Tch. Hmph.
Hmph. Tch. Hmph.
She was so outraged that she went on snorting and scoffing...yet it almost sounded like she was in a good mood.
“So, how about it? Can your mage tower friends help?”
“They’re kind. Surely I can at least ask?”
“Then there’s no ti to waste. Let’s go.”
“Go? You’re coming, too?”
“What. Can’t I co along? You just said I was like a wife.”
“No, that’s not it. It’s more that I don’t want to bother you. It’s the weekend, so shouldn’t you rest?”
“Of course it’s a bother! Totally! Incredibly! Trendously! You say it’s the weekend and I should rest? Of course I want to! Do you know how busy I’ve been?!
But what can I do? You’re a selfish man who doesn’t care about my circumstances. No doubt you’ll drag to the mage tower regardless of my opinion.”
“Y-you caught ...?”
“Well, it’s not like I don’t understand at all. When people are sick, don’t they want to be with the person they admire most?”
“H-how embarrassing...?”
“Besides, you probably want to show off that you know soone as amazing as .”
“I’m so p-proud...?”
“So! I’ll make a special exception this ti only and accompany you. Now, you may thank .”
“Th-thank you...?”
Too embarrassed to simply voice her concern, Fienne used her mind controlling(conversational) powers to manipulate Risir.
“Hey.”
Rona timidly spoke up. She had been waiting for a chance to join them.
“Can I co too?”
“Do you agree, Rona? Am I a selfish man who doesn’t care for people’s circumstances?”
“What? No, I just. I’m just...”
Rona only managed to finish her sentence after averting her gaze, her voice barely a whisper.
“Worried about you...”
If you act like that, what does that make ? And just when will you show you’re a slave and not a girl?
Fienne gazed at Rona with sinking eyes.
Risir followed her gaze.
“W-what?! Huh, what?!”
Rona turned and scampered ahead, toward Bondalles’ magic district where the Gray Tower stood. Risir and Fienne followed.
***“By the way, are you sure about this?”
Fienne asked as they neared the tower.
“As far as I know, mage towers are exclusive and conservative like any other organizations.”
“What do you an?”
“They’re sticklers for status and lineage. Do you think you’ll get the help you need?”
“Ah.”
Risir nodded, imdiately understanding her point.
Despite his accomplishnts in exposing the black mage, the tower mages didn’t simply view him favorably. Most of them were, as Fienne said, obsessed with status and lineage.
According to ltas, they resented an outsider with no family na solving their problems. So even openly expressed their displeasure, feeling their pride had been wounded. If not for befriending a few masters, Risir might have faced far worse than just a lack of respect.
“As you know, Fienne, I’m pretty blessed when it cos to connections. The ones I’m visiting are very open-minded in that regard, so there’s no need to worry.”
They soon reached the tower gates. Risir approached the guard.
“May I see your identification?”
“I’m here to see Master ltas and Master Didoa.”
“May I have your na?”
“Risir.”
The guard’s expression hardened. He was one of those who disapproved of Risir.
“Do you have an appointnt?”
If Risir answered honestly, the guard would have used it as an excuse to turn him away, despite the unwritten rule of showing leniency to tower mage acquaintances.
“Yes. They told I could visit anyti today.”
However, Didoa and ltas had anticipated this and told Risir to use their nas freely.
The guard had no choice but to let them pass, albeit reluctantly.
Fienne gave a small giggle at the sight.
“You’re quite impressive, Risir.”
She had been ready to use her powers if needed. After all, what kind of bastard could freely enter and exit a mage tower?
Feeling genuinely impressed, she followed Risir inside with cheerful steps.
“Rona?”
But unlike her, Rona didn’t budge.
Catching their eyes, she mumbled an explanation.
“On second thought, maybe I should just wait here.”
“You don’t really need to mind.”
“No, it’s just...You know...”
Rona looked around nervously, then moved closer to continue in a whisper.
“What if they find out I used to be a demon?”
“You’re worrying after coming so far?”
“...Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m not scolding you.”
“Are you okay, Fienne?”
“Do I look so out of my elent?”
“Figured. You are a master deceiver who fooled an entire noble house.”
“Could you pick your words more—Ha...forget it. They won’t find out unless I use my powers.”
“Then wouldn’t Rona be fine, too?”
“Correct. She has no demonic power left.”
“So she says, Rona.”
“Honestly, I don’t care about . I’m more worried about causing trouble for you two...”
Seeing her genuine concern, Risir nodded. It wouldn’t be right to force her.
The other two left Rona behind and entered the tower.
***ltas imdiately sent a ssage to inform Didoa of Risir’s arrival.
Monts later, a wolf ca barreling towards Risir.
“Hnnn...”
To feel his presence more closely, she shifted to human form, not forgetting to shed her clothes in the process.
Fienne stared coldly as Risir was embraced by a naked woman.
“Just making it clear, but I didn’t do anything.”
“Indeed, you’re doing absolutely nothing. Are you so happy to see that woman again?”
“Risir, Risir. , butt, butt. Do that thing.”
Feryn wiggled her hips against Risir.
Fienne stared at Risir, aghast by the sight.
That thing? What thing?
Feryn glared at Fienne as if she were a nuisance.
“Who are you?”
“? I’m—”
Fienne hesitated. Would it be strange to feel a sting of wounded pride if she introduced herself as rely Risir’s acquaintance?
Her voice wavered as she finally answered.
“I-I’m the person who Risir considers like a wife?”
“Risir! You had such a lovely wife?!”
“You mustn’t fall for her wordplay, Sir ltas.”
“Wordplay?! How could you say that, Risir. You make it sound like I conjured up a total lie.”
“I think it’s actually worse than that...”
“Haha, a remarkable young lady, just like Risir’s other acquaintances. By the way, Miss Feryn. Where’s Master Didoa? Why are you here alone?”
“She’s out.”
“I see. She’ll be disappointed. Anyway, back to the matter at hand...”
After hearing Risir’s explanation, ltas imdiately gave his diagnosis.
“Overflux. That’s what’s happening to you.”
“Overflux?”
“Indeed. From the 5th rank onwards, the effect of magic power on the body increases exponentially. Those who reach the 5th rank unprepared, like yourself, often experience overflux.”
“I never knew...Why didn’t you tell ?”
“Because I didn’t know!”
ltas sounded distraught.
“I didn’t think you’d reach the 5th rank in just a short week! It’s not like a year has passed!”
“...I’m sorry.”
ltas looked so emotional, aggrieved, and troubled that Risir automatically apologized.
“Haa. Don’t mind it. I lost myself for a mont there. As you said, I was careless. I underestimated you too much indeed.”
“You say that like I’m so kind of natural disaster.”
“Then what are you if not a mage’s calamity? I’m warning you, do not be careless and go bragging outside about how quickly you reached the 5th rank. Half the mages will hang themselves, and the other half will curse your existence.”
“Co on, it’s not that bad.”
“Oh but it is.”
“It is.”
“Yeah.”
The old man, the progenitor, and the elental all stared seriously at Risir.
“...I’ll be careful. Speaking of overflux, though. Does everyone who reaches the 5th rank experience this?”
“Most do. However...”
ltas examined Risir and shook his head.
“It’s extrely rare for it to be life-threatening, like in your case. In fact, it is practically unheard of. I guarantee even soone who drinks elixirs like water wouldn’t experience this. Do you understand how bad your condition is? If not for that priest you ntioned, you might have fallen into a coma, or beco crippled.”
“Eh? Did I say she was a priest?”
“Your body is practically fractured from head to toe, on the brink of shattering to bits. How many do you think are capable of fixing that? It would take at least a high priest to heal you.”
“A high priest...”
That was a position of significant authority within the Church, capable of leading the clergy in a mid-sized city.
Risir and Fienne imagined the forr demon in such a role and chuckled.
“Honestly, I’m a little surprised myself. I know you’re well-connected, but to think you’d know soone from the Church!”
“Right? I’m shocked as well.”
“Why are you shocked? Well, anyhow. You asked how to treat the overflux, yes? I’d say the first priority is healing your body.”
“Er, can I keep asking my high prfft—priest friend for help?”
“That would be ideal. But would it work out? It will take a considerable ti to heal, and a high priest is certain to be very busy. Surely she won’t be able to stay by your side constantly?”
“I think it might be possible if I ask nicely.”
“Well, well.”
ltas exclaid in wonder, stroking his braided beard.
“Taking a high priest as your personal physician? Risir, just who are you? And I’m starting to grow curious about this high priest as well.”
I’m a bastard, and she’s a desire demon.
Risir and Fienne struggled to contain their laughter throughout the whole conversation.
***anwhile, Rona was waiting near the Gray Tower.
She was extrely bored...until soone approached.
“Miss?”
Rona had short, blonde hair the color of ripe barley, tanned skin like the setting sun, and clear, blue eyes resembling the autumn sky.
Thanks to her androgynous beauty, strangers were very prone to approaching her. During her shifts at the cafe, she encountered desperate attempts at courtship several tis a day. Each ti, she fended off the unwanted attention with her signature delinquent glare.
She tried to do the sa now.
“...!”
But before she could even try, she found herself intimidated instead.
It was a middle-aged woman and a young man. Both had unusual black hair, and wore pristine white robes with a unique crest.
Rona knew exactly what those robes signified.
***
■Bardros
Level: 60
Race: Human
Class: Priest
***
■Takla
Level: 45
Race: Human
Class: Paladin
***The clergy of the Church.
As a desire demon, they were figures of terror to Rona. If they discovered her true nature, they would imdiately perform a purification ritual—burning the subject with holy fire for as long as possible, while simultaneously healing them to prolong the agony.
Thump. Thump! Thump!!!
Rona’s heart began to pound rapidly with fear.
The clergy woman smiled enigmatically, as if she could hear it.
“Did I frighten you?”
The intense darkness of her eyes made them unreadable, deepening Rona’s unease.
“How strange. The symbol of our Church usually brings comfort, yet you, Miss, seem to have the opposite reaction. Per chance, do you have a reason to fear the Church?”
“...Wh-what do you want with ?”
Rona managed to squeeze out her voice. The one good thing was that she didn’t have to act afraid. The tremor in her voice and the frantic darting of her eyes were impossible to hide.
“Your true nature has captured my interest, you see.”
Thump!
“T-true nature...”
“Yes. Your true nature, young lady. I must say, you are a fascinating being.”
Thump!
“Your na?”
“...Rona.”
The woman’s lips moved silently for a while, as if savoring the na.
Then, she finally spoke it out loud.
“Rona.”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Like a criminal awaiting sentencing, Rona waited for her next words.
“Rona. Have you considered joining the Church?”
“?”
“It’s sudden, I know, but I hope you’ll understand. It’s just that your pure vessel has captivated my heart. You possess the qualities of a guiding fla, a beacon in these troubled tis.”
Rona was purely bewildered. Was this a flowery, Churchy-way of saying, “You’d make a great bonfire”?
Probably not. Those of the Church didn’t mince words, nor did they deceive the tainted. They simply burned.
Rona grew certain they didn’t know her true identity.
“Was that too abrupt after all? Or perhaps, do you already serve another?”
“Serve another...”
Rona instinctively thought of Risir, and the woman nodded in understanding.
“I see. So your vessel is already filled with realized faith. A shepherd to an unknown god.”
“...”
Faith? Shepherd to an unknown god? But I’m just a slave with a master...
“One who is already living out their faith is impervious to sway. I understand. No matter whom you believe or which path you choose, I pray that at its end, you find salvation and peace.”
As the woman walked away, Rona couldn’t help but wear a look of pity.
***“High Priest Bardros.”
Takla, the young paladin, cautiously addressed the priest.
“You may speak.”
“Should we not have guided that woman?”
“She requires no guidance.”
“But is she not a heretic?”
“Not all who stray from the Sacred Fla are lost. Did you see her vessel?”
“...I did.”
“Could such a vessel be forged by misguided faith?”
The paladin remained silent. The high priest continued, her voice filled with conviction.
“She must have walked a noble path, one even we cannot fathom.”
Her eyes shone with awe as she imagined the woman’s journey and the god she served.
Before long, the pair arrived at their destination: the mage tower.
The Great Holy Fla had revealed that a vile apostle of the Parasite lay hidden within.
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