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

### 138~The Goddess Descends Within the mountain cavern, watching Vanessa dominate these half-descendant demon pillars, Mirexia couldn't help but express her admiration. She thought to herself, had she not been poisoned, she might have been able to do the same. Had Wenny been hiding his true strength all along? But why would he do such a thing? Mirexia pondered this sudden realization. Why had Wenny concealed the fact that he had awakened his bloodline? Why hide his own strength? Thinking back to the Wenny she used to know—the eccentric one who always acted the fool, making ridiculous statements only to be publicly ridiculed—Mirexia suddenly considered a rather frightening possibility. Since she officially became the heir to the kingdom of Camellia, she seldom saw Wenny. This was initially to prevent him from causing trouble during her meetings with the nobles' offspring by saying odd things out of place. During that period, she wasn't aware of what happened to Wenny, but Mirexia's instincts told her that the critical change in Wenny's personality occurred then. Afterward, Wenny's behavior became even more bizarre. He would often compare himself to other nobles at banquets and then lash out when he came up short, resulting in extreme outbursts. Compared to other outrageous behaviors, spilling red wine on Aesphyra's dress seemed almost restrained. At the time, Mirexia merely felt that Wenny was becoming more and more extreme, worried that one day he would stray down the wrong path. But thinking about it now, was that really the case? Was his increasingly bizarre behavior and the narrowing path truly due to his extreme personality? No, Mirexia speculated that during the time they hadn't been in contact, something happened to Wenny that forced him to masquerade as an extreme fool for the public in the kingdom of Camellia, and possibly for those hidden in the shadows, creating a persona that made everyone think he was a worthless clown. This persona, which he constructed for years, was so convincing that even she, who grew up with him, was deceived. Everyone believed he was just a hopeless mess. In reality, she had been biding her time. She had awakened her family bloodline long ago, and perhaps, she was originally a girl. Clearly a gifted genius, she forfeited the chance to shine brilliantly, opting instead to conceal herself as a mad, despised outcast. It was evident there were compelling reasons behind this sacrifice. Earlier, when she asked Mirexia to keep her secret, it confirmed this belief. To portray an unappealing persona flawlessly for years, enduring contempt, must involve considerable personal trials, possibly known solely by him. Mirexia felt a pang of guilt, realizing her childhood friend had endured so much while she remained oblivious. She didn't feel up to par. No, perhaps it was excessive. Why didn't Wenny seek her help during difficult times? What else could it be? During the period Mirexia avoided him, Wenny likely understood her choices. Sensing her rejection, he might have grown despondent. Although their friendship endured, a sense of distance emerged. Still, to avoid suspicion, Wenny had to maintain his act in front of everyone. The realization struck Mirexia like a revelation, tying all the threads together. She finally glimpsed an outline of her childhood friend's complex journey. Yet, Mirexia remained puzzled about why Wenny went to such lengths. Why not reveal his awakened bloodline to the world, announce that the House of Fasyris had an heir, and resume his rightful place in the church as a Saintess? What was he hiding from, to maintain the clown persona in the kingdom's eyes for so long? Unbeknownst to her, so much had transpired. Though unaware of the consequences had Wenny been exposed, his years of meticulously cultivated persona surely had significant importance. Otherwise, who would undertake such a thankless task that severely tarnishes one’s reputation? Facing the risk of exposure and potential ruin of years' worth of meticulous planning, Wenny still resolutely chose to help her. He helped her, his childhood friend, oblivious to his struggles, ignorant of his hardships, adopting a cold attitude, even slightly rejecting him. Mirexia bit her lip, gazing complexly at the cherry-haired girl's retreating back. At that moment, her heart brimmed with guilt and regret. "Virtue +400." "Current Virtue: 4254." Meanwhile, at the sound of the command from the purple-robed figure, twisted faces formed on the bodies of the horned monsters opened their mouths and spewed foul-smelling orange-yellow liquid toward Vanessa. What was that scent? Vanessa felt a familiarity with the liquid exhaled by these half-descendants, as if she had encountered it somewhere before. Eurnes, through her [Alchemical Authority], transformed humans into her half-descendants, who inherited some of her powers, albeit slightly. Their bodies acted like perpetual alchemical crucibles, constantly synthesizing various alchemical compounds. Given Eurnes' [Alchemical Authority] specialized in poison creation, even though later recovery and disease-antidoting agents were Saintess Elysia's unique inventions, these half-descendants produced harmful toxins. Regardless of these compounds' effects, they posed no minor threat. Vanessa leapt away, continuously evading. These compounds' ranged attacks were swift and had splash effects, presenting more challenges than merely fending off close combat claw swipes. There were too many creatures, and the ability to attack from a distance and different angles with saturation tactics meant that, despite Vanessa's agility allowing her to dodge most of the attacks, she couldn't avoid the splashed liquid that landed on her boots. Although her high heels weren't corroded—indicating these compounds weren't corrosive—her [Plate] offered anti-corrosion and anti-toxicity. What then, was the purpose of these compounds? While contemplating this, Vanessa's left leg suddenly felt numb and lost sensation, as if it ceased to exist, causing her to buckle under her weight. Vanessa knelt, looking sharply at the patch of orange-yellow liquid on her thigh that was seeping into her skin. Her [Plate], being knee-high boots paired with a pleated skirt, left her thigh exposed, lacking any fabric protection. Was it softening toxin? In alchemical textbooks, she had read about such a poison, capable of penetrating the skin and temporarily softening body parts. While most alchemical poisons needed ingestion or bloodstream entry to affect, this one worked by mere skin contact, making it highly prized on the black market despite its transient effects. However, it had limitations, such as high cost, short efficacy, and ease of treatment—serving only minor hindrance. "Hahaha, yes, just like that. Keep your distance, let her stay down!" observed the purple-robed figure, realizing Vanessa excelled in strength and close combat. Engaging her in melee combat meant suffering a major defeat. With one leg immobilized, Vanessa’s movement was greatly impeded. Following the commands of the purple-robed figure, Eurnes' half-descendants sprayed the potion onto Vanessa’s remaining leg that was keeping her upright. "Snap." Vanessa’s legs buckled weakly, losing balance as she fell to the ground. Vanessa used her hammer to support her upper body, preventing herself from collapsing entirely. “Hallowed Saintess, how do you find the taste of the Softening Elixir bestowed by my master, Eurnes?” the purple-robed individual sneered. “You all, tie her up with ropes, bind her tightly hand and foot. This girl has quite the strength; ordinary ropes might not hold her.” This was bad. Inside the cavern, witnessing the scene unfold, Mirexia clenched the coat in her hands. She tried to stand, legs trembling, hoping to assist Vanessa, but the effects of the [Fallen Dragon Potion] continued unabated. She had initially believed the poison would dissipate over time, but it proved to be a potion whose potency increased with time. Without an antidote, her body was too weak, her muscles too limp to straighten up. What should she do?? Quivering, Mirexia slowly stood, her complexion pale, sweat dotting her skin, rendering her already porcelain features almost translucent. This was her limit; were it not for the support of the cavern walls, she couldn’t maintain her balance. Seeing the half-descendants advance with ropes, Vanessa frowned slightly. Ultimately, her magical offensive was minimal, relying heavily on melee combat. With numerous enemies employing hit-and-run tactics, she needed to break the stalemate quickly before succumbing to disadvantage. Magic, if only she possessed powerful magic. Vanessa opened her Virtue panel, aware of how little time she had, and unhesitatingly spent 1,000 Virtue to acquire [Holy Radiant Barrier]. It was one of the few large-scale attack spells she could currently learn. She recalled its basic requirement was an outstanding [Affinity for Light Elements]. Though unsure whether she met this criterion as there were no comparative metrics, her intuition from observing her own light magic thus far suggested she might succeed. "Virtue Deducted: 1000." "Current Virtue: 3254." "Learned [Saint Envoy] Spell, [Holy Radiant Barrier]." "Heh heh heh, beautiful little Saintess, if you beg for mercy now, I might grant you a chance.” The purple-robed figure was elated watching the pristine cherry-haired girl slumped yet stubbornly supporting herself on the ground. The thought of seeing a look of submission on that immaculate face was tantalizing, an idea both irresistible and exhilarating! Mirexia’s breath came in ragged gasps as she anxiously watched Vanessa, who was unable to move her legs, while monsters approached. Her heart was in her throat. Facing impending danger, Vanessa showed no signs of panic or despair. Her expression was calm. Eyes closed, hands clasped in prayer, she lay there, even with her paralyzed legs, like a devoted nun or a martyr. Suddenly, Mirexia felt as though the cavern wasn’t as dim as before. Was it daybreak? No, this was the extension of a demon god's domain. Besides lacking a demon god, it resembled a true demon god's realm—crimson skies without the concept of day or night. How could it be daylight? A blaze of dawn light pierced the sanguine gloom above. The half-descendant monsters abruptly halted, and the purple-robed man stood agape, speechless. Brilliant light filled the dark cavern, dispelling the eerie pall over Mirexia. She looked up, momentarily dazed by the pure light. Behind Vanessa appeared a towering six-winged angel, crafted entirely of light elements, hands clasped in prayer, the very embodiment of celestial presence. It was as if a goddess had descended upon the world. The immaculate six-winged angel unfurled its wings, capable of stirring mountains with ease. Its flowing locks emitted divine particles of light. Its majestic form was both sacred and inviolable, a living testament to the concept of [Holiness]. What an overwhelming visual impact! The most devout followers would offer their sincerest reverence, willing to kneel in worship. The fiercest evildoers would tremble in fear, folding to the ground, unable to resist, inwardly repenting their sins and surrendering to justice. Just like the Eurnes half-descendants before them, involuntarily capitulating to primal fear and submitting to absolute power, they lay prone, not daring to raise their eyes. "Is that a goddess?" Mirexia murmured to herself, staring blankly at the heavenly figure appearing behind Vanessa. The colossal silhouette wasn’t unfamiliar; she had seen statues of it countless times in the church. That was Fasyris the Dazzler, resembling the statues in the church—with the difference being the divine majesty and sacred aura these statues could never capture. "F-Fasyris the Dazzler!?" The purple-robed man hurriedly abandoned reproaching his subordinates for bowing before their greatest threat. Instinct screamed that if he didn’t flee, it would cost him his life. “Master Eurnes, help me!” He exclaimed, pulling all alchemical concoctions hidden beneath his robes and ingesting them one by one, layers of alchemical protection accumulating on his skin in hues of blue, green, yellow, and black, among others. Having reached this point, conserving these items seemed pointless. Life was at stake—everything had to be used! Confounded by events, he mistook the apparition as a divine descent of Fasyris the Dazzler and panicked in terror. On the ground, Vanessa, hands still clasped, slowly lifted her eyelids. The six-winged divine image in the sky mirrored her actions, opening eyes unsullied by earthly dust, filled with compassion and mercy for all beings, favor for the faithful, blessings for the benevolent, and firm judgment and intent to punish wickedness. The air seemed to freeze. The goddess, eyes cast downward, issued her decree to her supplicants on earth. Where rules govern the cosmos and laws dictate existence, transgressions unworthy of pardon will be stripped of life, facing purging fires of purgatory, purifying the soul’s corruption, before rebirth. The monstrous forms, devoid of humanity and mercy, basked beneath the radiant sanctity. The divine image kindled within them long-extinguished humanity; they knelt, willingly surrendering to judgment. The goddess expanded her six wings, divinely radiant light engulfing every shadowed corner of this blood and fire-shrouded domain, inefficable corruption swept away. She cast her gaze downward, enacting divine retribution. Once human, these half-descendants cast a network of golden, floating runes; surrounding them, these runes spun faster like turning cogs. The once unredeemable creatures, trained by the demon pillar, now resembled nuns and priests in their devout prayer to a goddess. As the sacred runes spun, the forms of these creatures blurred, as if ground to fragments. The radiant rune cage compressed, shrinking until it became tiny points of light. Under the goddess’s recitation, each point exploded with pure, intense light elements. A blinding storm of light erupted, while the colossal six-winged goddess remained unmoved, maintaining her prayerful posture like a heavenly arbiter cast divine wrath on irredeemable corruption, sending all filth to hell for repentance. In an instant, the earth quaked, and Mirexia grasped how warm, soothing light elements could surge so fiercely and aggressively. It could either be a goddess's grace and blessing upon creation or transform into an instrument of unrivaled retribution against sin. Mirexia, unable to steady herself amid the shaking, tumbled back to the ground inside the cavern. Outside, the goddess's resplendent figure shone so brightly she couldn’t open her eyes. Yet, she seemed to glimpse those demon pillar worshippers undergoing purification in the holy light storm, reverting to normal humans before vanishing into thin air. They had to atone for their sins. The goddess appeared intent on tearing this sin-laden realm into two. As the trembling of the ground gradually subsided, Mirexia slowly opened her eyes. To her astonishment, she discovered that the towering mountains outside had been leveled, leaving behind a landscape littered with the fragmented remains of the monsters. The very fact that there were any remnants at all amidst such a powerful bombardment of light magic was a testament to the remarkable resilience of these Eurnes half-descendants. It also indicated the presence of numerous alchemical potions within them, gifts from Eurnes, no doubt. Nonetheless, those supposed blessings couldn’t shield them from divine punishment. None escaped unscathed. Curiously, only this mountain cavern seemed untouched by the devastation, as though it had somehow been shielded. With dust settling and visibility improving, Mirexia caught sight of a beautiful silhouette. The figure stood amidst the monstrous remains, unsullied, as though worldly impurities could leave no stain on her sacred form. Surveying the scene, Vanessa held her hammer silently, observing. Were all the monsters truly vanquished? Mirexia’s eyes widened in astonishment. The goddess, she just descended, didn’t she? What a miracle this event had been. Gazing at Vanessa’s back, Mirexia opened her mouth, momentarily at a loss for what to say. As Mirexia mused over this, the cherry-haired girl turned, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and called to Mirexia within the cavern. “Princess Mirexia, do you have any mana recovery potions?” “Mana recovery potion?” Mirexia retrieved a blue potion from her cloak. Indeed, she had brought one, though with her spell soul sealed, it served no purpose for her. “My mana has been depleted, which is a bit troublesome,” Vanessa admitted with a playful wink. Understanding Vanessa’s request, Mirexia tossed the potion to her. “Thank you, Princess Mirexia,” Vanessa said, taking the potion and unscrewing the cap, drinking it graciously as if savoring wine at a banquet. Only as the angelic girl gracefully sipped the potion did Mirexia recall a crucial detail, causing her cheeks to flush. Oh no, she nearly forgot! That potion—she had drunk from it herself, meaning… Watching Vanessa drink the potion unaware, Mirexia hesitated to speak. It was too late to mention it now! So, did this count as...?