Chapter XXI: The Birth Of The Celestial Hero (5)

Previously

“Defensive Positions!”

Leonard turned to the Humlic priest and his good friend, barking out orders in the front line, fear non-existent in his eyes even in the face of demons. He remembered how he used to make fun of the priest, calling him unmanly with how he kept his chastity and yet compared to him, John was far more of a man than him. Would he be a greater father than him too?

The guards all formed a defensive wall around the townspeople, shielding them with their iron shields blessed with holy water as they moved at a snail’s pace under the protective barrier casted by the priest. The barrier looked flimsy, weak, waning in and out of existence but it was strong enough to make the few low-ranked demons burst into flames as they were exorcised from the mortal realm. But it wouldn’t last forever. In fact, Leonard could clearly see the sweat dripping down John’s face as he gritted his teeth to hold on, at least until they could get into the church.

Leonard’s face turned dark, an empty smile forming onto his face. They were all going to be killed here. What was even the point of leaving behind his children then? Leonard could only let out a wry chuckle. 

This was his punishment. His life wasn’t nearly enough for his sin but if he could be so shameless, perhaps he could ask for forgiveness in Elysium. 

“It’s not going to hold!”

“I-I don’t want to die!”

“Mama, Papa!”

Even from within the circle, and the booming spells against the barrier, Leonard could still hear the multiple cries of fear from the people. Acquaintances, old friends and strangers all alike shared a single thought as they took a look at the situation they were in - we’re going to die.

Of course, Father John knew the voices of fear deep inside his people’s hearts, the very people he had sworn the Humlic God’s protection over yet he was failing his promise to them. His barrier infused with his emblem skills - [Purify] and [Repel] wouldn’t last long and he doubted the trembling shields of copper could push back the onslaught of demons that would be to follow. He had a vision right there and then, of his people - the same people that had followed and helped build him the church so that he and other devout acolytes of the Humlic Religion could pray - those very people lying dead under his promised protection, their blood filling the very ground he had helped build. 

But even as he knew his, and the fate of the people behind him, all he could do was watch as his barrier slowly cracks in front of his eyes. They weren’t going to reach the church at this rate. Not to mention how his prana reserves were nearly drained at this point. He did wonder however, if the town’s chief had briefed the young Celestial Hero of her duties, if she had already touched the book. If he did, she could - no, it was better if the young one ran away for now. 

Father John glanced at his surroundings, clenching his teeth as he felt like passing out anytime now. He sees that there was nothing short of a horde hovering above them - filling the blood red sky with their hunched over, repulsive forms. But these little demon spawns weren’t the problem - no - the reason why he hoped the girl ran is because of that menacing, powerful demon sitting on a throne of black, watching over their plight with a glass of human blood in his hands. 

“The Bloody House Of Vapula,” He couldn’t help the shudder that ran through his spine. 

As a possessor of a Bronze Rank Emblem and an acolyte of the Humlic Church, he knew of the 72 Houses of Hell, the Infernal Demons that served their Evil Demon God and the natural evil that casted it’s shadows upon the world once every thousand years. And a direct descendant of the 60th House was up there, dining over their fear. 

It was with his presence, the presence of a House of Hell that Father John had lost hope in their survival for if the vampiric demon wanted to, he could easily destroy the barrier with but a snap of his fingers. 

During that moment, the split second where he had lost faith in his God - during that split second of weakness, a flying demon nearest to the barrier hammered onto the barrier, causing a loud banging sound that reverberated throughout the place. It was also during that moment, Father John felt his vision shake as if someone had hit his head with a hammer, falling onto one knee with one of the guards quickly catching him, muttering his name and other mumbles that didn’t matter to him as his weary, tired form pointed to the barrier.

“The Bar-Barrier!”

Someone yelled out, causing everyone’s focus to turn to the barrier as a large crack appeared on the place the demon had hit, the crack quickly rippling across the barrier, joining with the other cracks before the barrier shattered to the people’s horror. 

Father John’s shaking hand latched onto the arm of the guard that had caught him, and could only mutter one thing, “R-run.”

All hell broke loose. It wasn’t even one minute before the townsguard failed their formation, with how they failed to keep the people in their protective circle while keeping the swooping demons out. It was a massacre, with the way the demons giggled in glee for every head they impaled, for every limb they tore apart and for every heart they feasted upon. One guy had the unfortunate luck to have been caught by two demons who had latched onto an arm each, swiftly carrying up before the other demons joined, cackling as their talons tore him limb by limb. His painful screech only served to instill fear and panic amongst the crowd, as family and friends held little meaning then, with thoughts of animalistic righteous-selfish survival being the only thing on their minds.

Leonard was not one of them, no, he, along with his wife had been the few people that had given up on running, as he simply pulled his wife into a hug, crouched under the mobs of people running amok. 

He had accepted it, his death was nothing more than an escape for him, not to mention, punishment for his betrayal to his children. How laughable. His decision to prioritize his wife over his children would all be naught in the end. 

He laughed one last time. He saw a demon with its talons out, sweeping down to kill him and his wife yet he did nothing but gave a tearful smile. 

“I’m sorry for being so shameless but,” Leonard cried, closing his eyes. “I hope you can let me meet you again, my children.” He surrenders his body to fate, and his soul to the Humlic God so that he will be judged fairly and casted upon the fiery pits of Hell to repent for his sins. 

BOOM!

A large explosion ran out. The demons no longer giggled. The people no longer fled in terror. From that explosion of warmth and light, the world stood in silence. Father John had a smile on his face, seeing the familiar unconscious face of the village chief beside him and the last images of the young girl in gold transitioned to darkness. 

Hope had arrived.

“E. . lm?” Leonard heard from his wife. His heart squeezed in fear but his stomach rolled with happiness and hope. Did he dare? With how he had abandoned her, did he dare to call himself a father, open his eyes and utter her name. Oh, he couldn't believe his eyes.

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