Ch 184
White Shadow Cult High Priest Dedof.
For him, who wanted to help revive the High-Ranking Demon ‘Embracing Nightmare, Srahan’ and receive that Power, the current Bondales was a place of Opportunity.
The successive deaths of stars are causing internal and external Confusion-
At the same time, high-quality Prey is gathered in one place.
Dedof was certain that there could be no better place than this to perform the Ritual he had been planning for many Years.
In fact, Dedof was in Ecstasy that his Judgment was correct, even when the Ritual had just begun.
The outbreak of the Nightmare that began at the same time as the Ritual was performed.
The Demon’s Power is being restored through him.
The degree and speed far exceeded expectations.
I knew that Talent was gathering in Bondales recently-
‘I never thought it would be this much!’
It was truly a happy miscalculation.
If the Ritual continues like this, he will achieve his intended purpose without difficulty.
It was no exaggeration to say that Dedof already had a toast of success in his hand.
“What on earth is going on…!’
However, the problem arose from an unexpected place.
“The Ritual, the Ritual is faltering!!!”
Dedof predicted that it would take at least several nights for the entire City to find a Countermeasure to the Nightmare.
But interference came as soon as the Ritual was performed.
“How, how on earth-…!”
It was a Situation where he had to immediately take steps to resolve the situation.
Nevertheless, Dedof was just blankly staring at the Crystal Ball.
The Energy of the Demon Srahan, fluctuating unstably due to the disruption of the Ritual.
This was because it was a Situation that he could not understand with his Thinking Style.
“They are shaking off the Nightmare, That person’s Power, with their own power! It’s impossible!”
Soon.
The Elder’s Gaze, who was chasing the Cause, turned a Gaze of Distrust towards another Man in the place.
“Unless they foresaw the Attack and prevented it in advance…!”
The Man’s name was Kadin.
He was also a High Priest of the White Shadow Cult.
The two High Priests were not very trusting of each other.
Rather, they did not understand each other, who had different ways of following Demons, and even held Contempt for each other.
As did other High Priests of the White Shadow Cult.
Nevertheless, the reason they are working together now is because their interests coincided.
Kadin also had Business in Bondales like Dedof.
The Heroes currently gathered in Bondales-
I’m talking about the Holy Sword they possess.
Ritual and Holy Sword.
The Content of the Plan that they had negotiated in advance to efficiently achieve their two goals was as follows.
First, Dedof performs a Ritual to cause Confusion in the City-
Kadin takes advantage of the Confusion to attempt to seize the Holy Sword, thereby causing further Confusion and hindering those who try to stop Dedof’s Ritual.
That was the Reason Kadin was waiting at the Ritual site.
He was waiting for the Right Path, Dedof’s signal.
The moment Bondales began to resist the Nightmare Ritual in earnest.
The moment the Confusion reached its peak.
To carry out the seizure of the Holy Sword at that moment.
But what is this.
As I waited quietly, what came back was not the starting signal from my collaborator, but a look of Suspicion.
“Foresaw the Attack and prevented it in advance… Dedof. What are you trying to say?”
“Heh heh━ Don’t play dumb, Kadin. You know what I’m trying to say, don’t you?”
“Of course I know. I’m just asking about the intention. Do you really think that I, this I, have betrayed you?”
“If not, tell me!!! How could they resist the Nightmare Ritual!”
“Are you now asking me to explain your incompetence?”
“No. I’m asking you to explain the enemies’ inexplicable competence.”
“…”
“…”
The Energy of the two High Priests, who had reached the Realm of Superhuman, collided quietly.
They knew.
The moment cooperation breaks down at this moment, their Relationship will immediately lead to catastrophe-
A Combat that would not end until one of them died would begin.
It was a matter of course that the initial Plan and goals would all be in vain.
“Tsk.”
In the end, the one who backed down first was the one who was even more disappointed.
The Ritual has already been performed.
Dedof, who did not know how many more Years he would have to spend if he missed this Opportunity, clicked his tongue and somewhat softened his Presence.
It meant that he wanted to kill you right now, but he would hold back.
Kadin also softened his Presence with the same meaning and said.
“Think about it, Dedof. What Reason would I have to betray you? In that case, what do I get?”
“Wouldn’t a bait that can be used conveniently be better than a collaborator with room for Distrust?”
“If I were going to use that bait, I wouldn’t have used it now at least. Dedof. You know it too, don’t you? That now is not the Right Path time to betray.”
“…Then, what on earth is it? How could they shake off the Nightmare━ That person’s Power?”
“Can’t we do anything until we find out?”
“…”
Crunch.
The sound of teeth grinding leaked out from between Dedof’s dry lips.
Soon, he suppressed his anger and spoke sarcastically.
“Isn’t that why you’re here in preparation for times like this? Why. Are you changing your mind because the Situation isn’t going as planned?”
“Are you seeing me as your birth mother who is just trying to take care of you? I am a cog that only works when you have done your part. If I step in now, what else will it be other than sacrificing myself in your place?”
“You’d better start being careful with your words, Kadin.”
“You’d better keep in mind that this is giving in and giving in again, Dedof. Come up with a Countermeasure right away. Even while we’re doing this, time is flowing meaninglessly, and our goal is getting further away.”
Damn it.
Dedof reluctantly began to examine the state of the Crystal.
“Although a few have escaped the Nightmare, everyone except him is still wandering in the Nightmare. There is also no possibility of escaping the Nightmare.”
“Then?”
“…Based on this, I will try to build a new Ritual. So that their Nightmares spread to the surroundings. This will attract ordinary Citizens and increase the Confusion.”
Dedof looked very displeased throughout his speech.
This was because the new method was far less efficient compared to the existing method.
Dedof could see the revival of the Demon moving further away from him.
‘Who am I doing this for…!’
On the other hand, Kadin, unlike himself, was unwilling to accept even the slightest loss.
Dedof’s Dissatisfaction and Distrust, which he is currently hiding, are growing in size even at this moment.
“Building a new Ritual. Is it okay? Right now, they must be burning their eyes to find the mastermind behind the Event.”
“Have you forgotten where you are now?”
Dedof stomped his feet nervously.
“This is the Base and Barrier that I have painstakingly built for today! Even if they notice the Existence of this space, they will not be able to reach this place.”
Dedof recalled the Mechanisms that protect the Secret Location where he is currently located.
In order to reach this place located in the basement of the City Outskirts, one had to pass through a complicated Back Alley-
The Back Alley was being guarded by the Demon ‘Enticing Companion’.
Unless you are a Black Mage, you will not even be able to sense its Existence, and you will be caught up in its trickery and wander endlessly through the Back Alley like a Maze.
That wasn’t all.
Why did he judge the current time, when the stars are dying one after another, to be the Right Path time?
Dedof, a High Priest of the White Shadow Cult, had various talents besides Black Magic.
Astrology, which deals with the power of the stars, was one of them, and the Barrier that makes up the current place was built using the power of that Astrology.
The Starland, the spiritual world.
The real world.
Somewhere in between.
That was the space where Dedof was currently located.
For example, in order to grasp the exact location of this place, one had to read the Star Trails using the power of Astrology.
That process, which was similar to deciphering a Grimoire, required advanced Astrology knowledge.
“What Wizard would volunteer to chase the Star Trails in this City right now! And also, who can accurately follow my Trace among these Confusing stars!”
“…”
Kadin, who had heard about the Existence of the many Mechanisms that protect the place from Dedof, inadvertently clicked his tongue.
Magic, Astrology, Black Magic, Demon-
How many methods were mobilized?
It could be said to be almost obsessive caution.
Even he, who is looking at the answer sheet that is spread out in front of him, is getting tired of it, so how much more would the pursuers who have to solve the problem from beginning to end and reach the answer be?
Kadin admitted it.
As Dedof said, it seemed that he did not have to Worry about the Situation where the place would be discovered.
“From now on, I will prepare to rebuild the Ritual.”
✦✦✦
After Dray escaped from the Nightmare.
Pallag explained to Chender in detail the Reason why that was possible.
“I can’t understand what you’re talking about at all.”
That was Chender’s response.
“An Existence like the nemesis of Demons…”
Pallag reduced Lisir’s Ability in that way to help Chender understand.
‘He should be able to accept this much!’
That Expectation was betrayed.
Chender’s ordinary Thinking Style, which did not ask Lisir, was rejecting the concept of ‘nemesis of Demons’ itself.
“Where are the nemeses for those transcendent Existences? In the first place, if such a thing existed-…”
“Hmm…”
Pallag thought while looking at Chender’s appearance.
‘This Man is hopeless!’
Pallag understood Chender, who could not accept Lisir’s Ability, within the bounds of Common Sense, but on the other hand, he was frustrated.
Is it because he has recently come into contact with Lisir’s excellent students（?）.
There was an Archmage who felt that Chender, who could not accept Information about Lisir, was dogmatic.
“Anyway. You can understand it that way.”
“…I understand for now. That’s not what’s important right now.”
Chender glanced at the Party who were still asleep and continued.
“Then this is it. The only way to escape from the Nightmare that has been revealed so far is to encounter Lisir in the Nightmare. Did I understand correctly?”
“That’s right.”
Chender had no choice but to believe that ridiculous story.
Dray woke up from his dream and soon after-
His Secretary, Maisy, also shouted ‘Lisir!’ and jumped up.
Chender’s Anguish deepened even more as he recalled that scene.
“Then… what should those who do not know of Lisir’s Existence do?”
“Hmm…”
Pallag paused for a moment and said.
“Lisir. Could you possibly enter those people’s dreams and help them?”
“Me? I understand. What should I do?”
“I don’t know either. I was just wondering if you might know.”
“I’m sorry for not meeting your Expectations…?”
Chender’s Expression as he watched the Conversation was truly a sight to behold.
‘That Frozen Breath is… treating him like that…?’
He had to work hard to equate the eccentric and picky Wizard that existed in his Memory with the fool in front of him.
It wasn’t easy, and a lot of Confusion followed, but one thing was certain in the meantime.
‘If that Frozen Breath treats him like that…!’
The only person he can rely on in this Situation is a Man named Lisir.
“Sir Lisir! Do you have any idea how to wake up the others!? It doesn’t have to be certain, so if anything comes to mind, please━ share it with me! I will assist you with all my Heart!”
“…Well, one of the most certain methods comes to mind.”
“Oh…! Can you tell me what it is!?”
“Find and resolve the person who caused this Event.”
“Hmm…!”
Chender was startled.
He thought he would come up with an extraordinary Opinion, but he came up with an extremely Orthodox Method Opinion.
‘Maybe he’s not as extraordinary a Man as Frozen Breath says…?’
His Ability may be extraordinary-
His Thinking Style is as ordinary as his gentle appearance.
Chender was able to continue the Conversation with him with a more comfortable attitude.
“That’s the Right Path. But… in the current Situation, that Right Path doesn’t seem to be of much help. How on earth do we find the source of the Nightmare and destroy it?”
Demon.
Chender shuddered as he recalled that name once again.
How mysterious and powerful is the power of that Nightmare that dominates people-
Even the Divine Power that had defeated countless denials and healed people had no meaning in front of it.
Chender glanced at Pallag, just in case.
Then Pallag shook his head.
It meant that he had no idea even with the power of Magic.
“What means should we use to track down this mysterious Demon’s Power…!”
“…Since it’s a Demon’s Power, wouldn’t the same Demon know it well?”
This was also the Right Path.
However, Chender was slowly feeling frustrated.
What will change if we just list the Right Path that anyone can say!
Since it’s a Demon’s Power, the same Demon will know it well.
That was something he could say too.
Not only himself?
Perhaps even if he grabbed any Passerby, he would be able to say that much.
If you want to say that in this Situation-
At least he had to know for sure how to mobilize the Demon’s Power.
Of course, it was absurd.
Humans borrowing the Demon’s Power.
The way those transcendent Existences look at humans-
It was the same as the way humans look at Pests.
The Reason why Chender is feeling frustrated with Lisir-
“Then Lisir, how about getting help from your Demons?”
“I was just about to do that.”
Squeak.
Chender’s brain shook once again.
Following the nemesis of Demons, a combination of vocabulary that he could not digest came into his head once again.
‘Your Demons?’
Later.
Lisir seemed to be Summoning a gray-white Spirit, and then had a Conversation with him.
-Hmm…! I can definitely feel the Trace of another Demon in this City! Master! I will guide you!
Afterwards, they headed to a Back Alley located in the City Outskirts-
There, they subdued a Lesser Demon who was guarding the alley.
-Master! According to what that Worm said, they are now cleverly hiding among the stars!!! An ordinary Nunchi won’t be able to find them, so if you give him Power, he will guide you!
“…No, I think it’s okay.”
-You don’t trust him! That’s a wise choice!
“No, I just took a look and I think I know where it is.”
Afterwards, they followed the cleverly hidden Star Trails and headed to an underground space hidden under an abandoned building.
-Master!!! It’s a Barrier made with the Power of Black Magic!
“Where?”
-Ah! It disappeared just now due to contact with Master!
After passing through a door that looked shabby at first glance but was being guarded with strict defenses-
They encountered two High Priests who were performing a Ritual there.
“?”
“?”
The two High Priests who discovered them blinked their eyes.
It was a similar reaction to Chender next to him.
‘Why are those guys here?’
Just like the High Priests were thinking that-
‘Why am I here?’
Chender was also thinking that.
After that fleeting Confusion passed-
High Priest Dedof.
He made every Effort to understand the current Situation.
He thought of a way for the pursuers to break through the many Mechanisms and reach him in this short amount of time.
Soon-
Dedof’s face created the image of a demon with Wrath.
He let out a boiling roar.
“Kadin!!! You damn bastard!!! Did you finally betray me!!!”
“Ugh…!”
Thick murderous intent.
Along with it, a vast Magical Power rises.
Lisir inadvertently took a step back at Dedof’s Wrath.
‘What are these guys…!’
Lisir recognized the power of the enemies at a glance.
The unique Energy felt from the strong who have reached the Realm of Superhuman was also felt from them.
He could be certain because there was Pallag, a clear comparison target, next to him.
‘There are two strong people at a similar level to Duke Pallag? I’m going crazy.’
If a Combat were to take place against those two in this place.
Can he and his Party all return safely?
That was when Lisir was assuming the Worst possibility.
“Hmm…?”
Lisir noticed a sense of incongruity.
One of the enemies was wary of not only the Intruder but also his Comrade.
“Kadin!!! Say something! Keep talking!!! You must have had an intention to bring those guys here!!!”
“…!”
Lisir felt a flash of inspiration at that moment.
“Mr. Kadin! What should we do from now on!”
-Kadin! Good job! Now leave the rest to us!
“Wait, wait a minute…!”
What are these guys saying!?
Clear bewilderment appeared on the High Priest’s Expression.
✦✦✦
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