Chapter 57
Emperor Jezebel.
He was feeling deep anger at the letter that had just arrived before him.
And adding fuel to his anger were the remarks from the surrounding vassals.
“These… these scoundrels dare to…”
“Your Majesty, several lords have already sent similar opinions.”
“The series of events clearly reveals that this is a scheme by the Pope to strengthen his control over the Empire.”
“Please permit us to punish those wicked beings immediately!”
Not too long ago, the nobles had been focused on checking the Imperial family, joining hands with the Church.
Although they had been competing for dominance over their own territories, they couldn’t help but unite in front of the powerful common enemy—the Emperor.
However, the recent monastery raid incident had completely shattered this loose alliance.
The Church, which had already become far more arrogant than before due to the upcoming great enterprise, had been crossing lines even with its allies—the Nobles.
As Ba’al gains absolute power, the Church’s authority, being under his direct control, would naturally grow stronger.
Thus, they began to look down on even the nobles, expanding their influence and seizing lands, causing disturbances.
Because of this, the Church, which had already been subtly crossing the line against their allied nobles, completely severed ties with them after the recent monastery incident.
As a result, the nobles, who had been keeping the Emperor in check, now flocked under his rule.
Previously, the Emperor had been considered the most formidable enemy, but now, with the Church growing into the greatest power due to the great enterprise, the nobles, who had suffered considerable losses from this incident, had no choice but to ally with the Emperor.
Thus, the Ba’al Church became the common enemy of both the Emperor and the nobles.
Yet, despite the situation, the Emperor couldn’t hastily decide to attack them.
“Of course, I understand your anger, but as you know, Ba’al is behind the Church. You’re all aware of what happens if we provoke him wrongly.”
“Hmm…”
“However, Your Majesty, Ba’al has overlooked such punishments for the Church’s unjust actions a few times in history.”
“Well, that’s true…”
“More importantly, Ba’al has not intervened in any of these incidents. Doesn’t this imply that he is tacitly agreeing to our actions?”
Indeed, Ba’al would not remain silent for such incidents of this magnitude.
Even so, the fact that he made no movements on their side could be considered a tacit approval.
With this conclusion, the Emperor decided to act immediately.
“From this moment, I order an offensive against the Ba’al Church. It goes without saying that it must be executed swiftly and covertly, before they even notice.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“We shall carry out your command!”
The nobles and the Emperor, who had suppressed their rage until now, finally exploded.
Although they usually maintained an uncomfortable cooperative relationship, growling at each other while managing the affairs of the state, at this moment, they became completely unified in drawing their swords against the Church.
***
Salem, the Grand Cathedral.
The heart of the Ba’al Church, where the Pope and the high priests reside, spread across the continent.
Usually a place with a solemn and serene atmosphere befitting the priests’ headquarters, but at this moment, it was filled with countless voices.
“This is unforgivable! These filthy nobles, and the Emperor! How dare they challenge the authority of Ba’al!”
Pope Ahab roared in fury.
And the other bishops also began to show their rage without holding back.
Soon, this world would become Ba’al’s, or rather, the Pope’s and the Church’s.
Yet, those foolish beings, instead of bowing their heads and grovelling at their feet, dared to show such petty defiance by massacring loyal priests and even directly attacking the Church.
“Even though Ba’al remains silent, it is clear that he silently approves of our actions, is it not?”
“That’s correct. Especially now, with his great enterprise on the verge of completion. Isn’t it common for wicked heretics to rise during such times? We shall sweep away these vile traitors who dare oppose his will!”
Thus, Pope Ahab officially declared war.
Normally, they would not have taken such drastic measures.
Their principle was to resolve problems through dialogue and compromise, especially when their opponent was the Emperor of the Blackset Empire, who could still be considered an ally.
But now, they no longer had the leisure or patience to do so.
The sweet fruit they would gain as a result of the great enterprise.
For them, who were blinded by it, there was no longer any reason to compromise with anyone.
Then…
-BOOM!!!
“!?”
“What… What’s going on?”
“What’s this commotion?”
“P… Pope! S… Something terrible has happened!”
Unfortunately, they did not realize.
The one they so devotedly worshipped, Ba’al…
What he left for them was not salvation, but destruction.
“What… what did you say? W-What did you just say?”
“It’s a demon! The seal in the underground has been broken, and demons are pouring out!”
“T-That can’t be…”
“There’s no way… That seal was placed by Ba’al himself to block the path to other dimensions. Unless something has happened to him, it shouldn’t break for no reason… Gahh!!!”
One of the high priests who was in disbelief.
But in the next moment, he was pierced through the neck by a black blade, unable to finish his sentence. He let out a final scream and died on the spot.
Then, what appeared before their eyes.
It had suddenly appeared, accompanied by countless low-ranking demons, and vaguely resembled a human.
Its face was handsome, yet it bore a cunning and sinister expression.
But at this moment, everyone present knew that this creature was not human.
Apart from its handsome face, its hideous arm, revealing crimson muscles and bones, and its massive black wings.
And a pair of horns on its head resembling that of a goat.
Seeing this being that was clearly announcing its identity as a demon through its physical characteristics, a look of bewilderment and fear began to spread on the faces of the Pope and the high priests.
“W-Who are you?!”
“D-Do you have any idea where you are right now?!”
Despite their fear, the high priests tried to raise their voices and shout.
At that moment…
Looking at them,
The demon spoke with a deep smile on its lips.
=“Nice to meet you, human priests. My name is Mephistos. I am one of the Great Demons of Hell and have come to the Material Realm for the first time in a while, just for a little amusement.”
“G-Great Demon…?”
“You! Do you realize that this is the Grand Cathedral that serves Ba’al? By the name of the Pope chosen by Ba’al! If you don’t leave immediately, I will invoke divine judgmen… Agh… Gahhhh!!!!”
“!!”
“P-Pope? A-Are you oka…”
“Guhhhhh! M-My god! B-Ba’al… Kaaahhhh!!!!!”
-POP!!!
The Pope’s head exploded, scattering blood everywhere.
And amidst it all, the demon Mephistos still wore a composed smile.
In just a few seconds since his appearance, he had already ended the lives of the high priests and the Pope.
Only then did those in the room begin to recognize the gravity of the situation.
Though it was far too late.
=“My apologies. Personally, I’m not very fond of noise. So, I’d appreciate it if the rest of you could cooperate as well.”
“W-What are you doing?! Kill that filthy demon!”
“C-Call upon the Holy Knights immediately! We must avenge the Pope!”
“You vile demon! Kneel before the might of Ba’al!”
In chaos, the high priests commanded the Holy Knights, who rushed forward in a frenzy.
They unleashed powerful divine energy and courageously charged at the demon.
No matter how powerful the demon may be, they were Holy Knights who served the god.
They were confident that in the face of the god’s glory, demons would be crushed without a fight.
Facing these Holy Knights,
The demon slowly stretched out its arm.
And then,
-POP!!!
“!?”
“Ugh!”
A black flash occurred in an instant.
As if all light had been swallowed up, the entire room was engulfed in complete darkness.
Moments later,
As the darkness subsided and the light returned,
“Eek!”
“T-The Holy Knights…?”
The Holy Knights, who had collapsed and been wiped out in an instant, lay scattered on the floor.
And standing casually among them was Mephistos, lightly tapping his hand.
“Ugh…”
All the Holy Knights here had reached the level of Heroes.
Yet this demon had erased the lives of fifty such knights with a single blow.
Those who were still breathing had clear fear etched on their faces at the sight of the demon.
And… as he read the emotions of fear,
A cold smile formed on the demon’s lips.
=“I never expected such a lack of manners. While I do appreciate your level of wickedness, which is enough to summon me, it seems I cannot stay among you, who lack any sense of refinement.”
The demon then slowly drew a sword from the air and moved.
Seeing this, the remaining priests and clerics were filled with an overwhelming sense of fear.
This was the last moment they would experience such an emotion…
***
{W-What is this?}
Detecting a suspicious presence emanating from the Grand Cathedral of Salem.
Isera descended swiftly to the ground and arrived in front of the cathedral.
This was within her jurisdiction, and after Ba’al’s death, she had taken on the role of receiving his faith.
Upon arrival, what greeted Isera was a swarm of beings.
Demons.
Seeing countless demons gathered like a swarm of bees, Isera realized that the situation was veering off the path she had planned… and that her plan to handle the Church was spiralling out of control.
And then.
=“Hehe! It’s a god!”
=“A goddess!”
=“A delicious-looking goddess! Let’s devour her!”
The demons turned towards her.
Isera, her voice tense, tried to use the transmission spell.
-{Seraphim, there’s a problem… Guh!}
But before she could finish her sentence…
Seeing the thousands of demons charging towards her, Isera had no choice but to cut off the transmission.
—
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