132 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

### 132 ~ Look at Yourselves, Human or Ghost “Your Highness, Princess, our initial intention was simply to invite you for a conversation to discuss matters mutually beneficial to our sides. Unfortunately, the sins upon you are too heavy, and your misconceptions too deep, making it impossible for you to distinguish right from wrong due to the goddess's manipulation. Thus, we're left with no choice but to use our own methods to achieve our goals.” The man in the purple robe shook his head. “Do you really dare to defy the will of the God of Truth? Did you think our visit today was on a mere whim?” “The omniscient true god, Eurnes, has already anticipated all possibilities and seen through your thoughts.” “As the princess of Camilla, you surely have many protective treasures on you. Alas, they are useless here. This is not the Terra Lysithia continent, but an extension of our lord Eurnes's domain. Your safeguarding artifacts can neither cure you nor inform others of your plight outside, only delay the inevitable by some time.” The man in the purple robe smirked. “Everyone, let the lamb witness our resolve and faith!” Even before he finished speaking, many cloaked figures retrieved bottles identical to the one used by the prior figure, pouring the gray-black liquid into their mouths with fervent eyes. “Lord Eurnes, protect us!” “Hahahaha!!” “Once we were worthless, but now we offer ourselves in service to truth!” As the worshippers' skin grew black and chitinous, they screamed in pain, laughing maniacally, as if hosting two personalities within one body. Soon, the black chitin engulfed them, transforming them into monsters, their compound eyes fixated on Mirexia. A normal person would find such a sight physically repulsive. “Princess, do you think you can still escape?” Among the black chitinous creatures, the man in the purple robe smiled serenely, a smile so calm it was cruel. Humans under a human guise are not always human. “I’m curious, when did you poison me?” Despite being cornered, Mirexia remained calm. Even knowing alchemy of the demon god Eurnes couldn’t render toxins invisible and undetectable, Mirexia knew this poison likely worked orally — a method she couldn’t understand considering all her meals were at the Academy of Cariliman, never eating unknown foods or drinking from suspicious sources. Could someone close have betrayed her? “That, I won't disclose.” The man in the purple robe ordered the creatures not to harm Mirexia but to capture her alive. The many-legged black creatures surged forward under his command. Without her spiritual powers or the favor of the saints, and now weaponless, Mirexia stood no chance against these thick-skinned creatures. Though skilled in martial arts, they proved futile against creatures impervious to giant swords — how could human fists deal any damage? Mirexia was pushed back against a wall, with nowhere left to retreat. Injured amidst the struggle, the creatures were clearly ordered to avoid harming her, else she might have already been subdued. A sense of helplessness arose within her as she faced the despairing wall of monsters, her lips pressed tightly together. As royalty, she possessed protective enchantments, but as foretold by the man in the purple robe, stepping unknowingly into this trap ensured no one would learn of her ambush. The place of the demon god differed in dimension from the Terra Lysithia continent — no one there could know of her attack here. What would become of her now? Would she turn into a puppet of the demon god? Rather than face such a fate, perhaps... Mirexia silently grasped a dagger hidden behind her. She didn’t intend for it to kill her enemies, only to offer herself a dignified end. Yet her intent was clear to the man in the purple robe from the moment her hand reached behind. Prepared, the purple-robed man launched a pebble as Mirexia drew her dagger, knocking it from her hand. The dagger was sent flying, embedding into a distant wall. Her jewel-like azure eyes widened in disbelief. “Your Highness, we’ve gone through great lengths to capture you; you can’t do something to let it all go to waste?” The purple-robed man grinned, shattering her last hope. “Thinking of suicide? Unacceptable. You’re a gift personally chosen by Lord Eurnes, who will conduct your purification ceremony, allowing you to awaken to truth, reborn anew.” “I would rather die,” Mirexia gritted her teeth. “It’s of no concern. You may resist now, but after Lord Eurnes enlightens and educates you, you’ll be devoted to him, hahahaha!” What to do... For the first time since learning the truth of her mother’s death, Mirexia found herself so helpless and desperate, unable to see a way out. As the purple-robed man continued his cruel psychological assaults, even her firm will wavered, wondering what would happen under the demon god’s influence. Eurnes, the alchemical demon god, could brew potions stripping the Holy Family of its sacred favor and spirit, so what alchemy could she not achieve? In Eurnes's hands, alchemy is divine power, not mere skill. Would the demon god control her, turning her into its accomplice, making her do despicable things? The thought filled her with disgust and rejection. Losing all she relied on, Mirexia felt unable to do anything, reduced to a helpless child grieving her mother’s passing. Or perhaps she was always that child, only layered with duties and talent, forming a facade of the perfect future queen, carrying countless hopes and aspirations. To her people, she was their unflinching, outstanding princess, unparalleled in conduct. Yet everyone has their fears; none are exceptions. Powerless, she wept quietly in the darkness. “Finally, we’re here, but where is this place, why the stench? It’s like a pigsty... Wow, who had the guts to smash the statue of the goddess?! Aren’t they afraid of the church’s wrath?” Just then, a discordant, unfamiliar voice shattered the silence. All eyes moved to the blue-haired young man standing at the courtyard’s entrance, awed by the broken statue. That voice?! The familiar tone stunned Mirexia, making her doubt her ears. In her most vulnerable moment, appeared her peculiar childhood friend. "Virtue +100." "Current virtue: 1654." “Gosh, what is this gross thing? Quite the bizarre creature, huh?” Shifting his focus from the shattered statue, Wenny gaped at the chitinous monsters in the courtyard. Having trailed a scent to this place, Wenny blinked, finding himself suddenly here. What’s going on? This clearly isn’t the original location. Where am I? Is this some system glitch leading me to the boss area? "...Wait, Mirexia, Your Highness? What are you doing here?" Wenny finally noticed the blonde girl surrounded by the creatures. He was momentarily stunned but quickly grasped the situation, narrowing his eyes at the monsters and the figure in the purple robe among them. "Hey, what exactly are you creatures supposed to be?" If they were demons, why was that purple-robed figure clearly human, and why weren’t they attacking him? For some reason, ever since stepping into this place, Wenny had sensed a strong dissonance. Also, why did these monsters smell so bad? The man in the purple robe gave a signal, and one of the creatures opened its maw, spewing a fireball at Wenny. Wenny tried to dodge, but though his mind screamed to move, his body didn’t react in time. “Watch out!” At the crucial moment, Mirexia, seizing the opportunity when attention wasn’t on her, moved in front of Wenny and released her soul art. [Dragon Scale Shield] The golden-scaled shield intercepted the fireball, though the explosion's aftermath still impacted Mirexia. “Oh?” The purple-robed man smiled faintly and activated a magic stone. “Oof!” Mirexia collapsed, weakened and unable to move. “Mirexia, Your Highness!” Wenny hadn't anticipated this turn of events and rushed to support her. "Princess, I did warn you not to use [Dragon Eyes], didn’t I?" the purple-robed man said melodiously. "What are you exactly? Do you know where we are? Do you have any idea who I am?" Wenny shouted back. "Foolish boy, you could've remained unscathed. Entering here only shows your misfortune." The man scoffed. "Wrong, it wasn’t a mistake." Wenny raised his eyebrows. "You've got some nerve, daring to harm the student council president of Cariliman Academy and future heir of Camilla Kingdom?" "Now I’m giving you a chance to leave. Otherwise, don't blame me if I get rough later." “Wenny, stop talking and run. They are the Bronze Bloods!” Mirexia, barely able to speak, still urged him to escape. "Mirexia, Your Highness, I have nowhere to run," Wenny observed, glancing back at the dense thicket, now obscuring his path. "But rest assured, these small fries are nothing to me." Stepping forward, Wenny addressed the purple-robed man with an emphatic gesture: "You, mind your beasts. Don't let them bite, understand?" “Oh? Foolish, ignorant boy. Do you believe this is your chance to play hero?” the purple-robed man mocked. “Hahaha, just because you’re wearing a cloak doesn’t make you a villain. Compared to me, you’re just a weed on the ground,” Wenny laughed, pointing a thumb at himself. “Cloaked clown, do you even know who I am?” "Oh? And you are?" The purple-robed man looked Wenny up and down with skepticism. This blue-haired boy had an unclear spiritual art, and at most, seemed mage-level, yet he faced the desecrated followers unafraid, his manner honest, his speech bold. Either he was incredibly ignorant or genuinely capable. Yet if he were truly someone important, why was there no recollection? "You, along with those mongrels, listen up. I’m the notorious rogue of Camilla—a lone blade felled foes from Camilla Kingdom to Tyriel Empire, calming crying infants," Wenny boasted dramatically. "Compared to me, you’re not even qualified to compete in wickedness." "Oh, it’s you," the purple-robed man noted with understanding. “Hmph, now that you know my name, why aren’t you retreating?” “You’re the imposter descendant of the false goddess of dawn?” The man sneered before Wenny could continue. “Had you been authentic, I might’ve spared your life, offering you to Lord Eurnes to decide the fate of the enemy's heir. But alas, you’re a worthless counterfeit.” “Ha, you small fry don’t even recognize the big cards from little ones,” Wenny taunted, breaking a token that exploded in midair with dazzling firelight. “You were given a chance, but since you freaks aren’t grateful, prepare for a brutal beatdown!” Wenny coldly smirked. “Wenny, this is the demon god's domain extension. The signal from your token won’t reach the instructors,” the weakened Mirexia couldn’t help speaking, making Wenny's confident demeanor turn rigid. “I thought you might be a real threat, yet you’re merely a clown. A waste of time,” the purple-robed man shook his head. “Lord Eurnes only requires the princess of Camilla. Don’t harm her — capture her alive. As for the imposter blue-hair, dispose of him utterly.”