Chapter 127: A Battle Within the Temple

Chapter 127: A Battle Within the Temple

We steeled ourselves as we gave the temple’s door a gentle push and got ready to make our way inside.

(Person sighted.)

Peeking through the resulting crevice allowed our eyes to catch a figure within the building’s deepest depths. The temple was dark, but we were able to make out the small framed individual regardless.

『Yup, that’s definitely Rynford.』

(Woof woof!)

He’d yet to notice us. The old man had probably never in his wildest dreams imagined that we would be so quick in chasing him down. It looked like we were going to be able to blindside him again, but we were going to have to mix up our method of attack. The whole fire and wind based thing we had going earlier was a fairly solid tactic, but it wasn’t applicable given the strength of his protective barrier. I also held the sneaking suspicion that destroying the temple wasn’t exactly the best course of action. The Gods probably wouldn’t be so happy with us if we did. There was a chance that they might not consider Rynford’s evil deeds as something of enough note to counterbalance completely blowing up one of their places of worship.

That said though, we couldn’t just wait for him to leave or anything. Who knew what he’d do if left to his own devices?

Besides, our eyes had managed to catch themselves a little something of interest.

『Those crystal thingies he’s got are looking pretty suspicious.』

(Nn. Definitely of value.)

Three massive crystals sat around Rynford, each giving off an evil, bluish purple glow. They were probably why the temple’s energies seemed so off and misaligned.

『You two focus on the crystals. I’ll get Rynford.』

(Got it.)

(Bork!)

(Master.)

『What’s up?』

(No holding back. Will kill him. Here and now.)

『You sure? He might be able to give you some info on evolution.』

(I’m sure. Master promised, will make me evolve. So, will definitely evolve some day. Won’t need to rely on information from him.)

Right. I did tell her that when we first met. I’m glad she remembers, and that she trusts me so much... I-It’s not like I’m moved or anything! Whatever! Who cares! Either way, my motivation’s hit its peak.

『Yeah, you’re right. I’ll definitely make sure you evolve.」

(Nn.)

(Woof woof!)

『See, even Urushi says he’ll help you out.』

(Thanks.)Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

(Ruff!)

『So yeah, let’s do this. Short Jump!』

Rynford dashed towards Fran, his body cloaked in a layer of flame.

「Damned girllll!!!!」

However, I’d long predicted that this would happen. I knew he was eventually going to switch to suicide bomb mode, and so, I’d already plotted my next move in advance.

『Take this!』

I repeated the action I’d taken at the battle’s start, and teleported above him before releasing a bunch of telekinetic energy.

「Ggagargghghajh!」

Blood splurted from Rynford’s mouth as he let loose a pained scream. I had landed a direct hit, and my blade had pierced right through his torso.

The man had been split in two by the attack’s force. The angle from which I hit him had made it so that the upper portion of his body almost kind of looked like the busts you’d find at art exhibitions.

I had applied a bunch of telekinetic force in order to hit the brakes the moment after I collided with Rynford, and so, I had luckily managed to avoid giving the floor anything more than just the slightest nick.

Technically, I had caused a bit of damage earlier as well. I tried to stop Burst Explosion’s flames from spreading, but, I had ultimately ended up leaving the floor a bit scorched. Just a bit though! The Gods won’t mind. I mean, I’m working against the Evil God’s followers here, so they shouldn’t, right? Right...?

I gave the sculptures in my vicinity a bit of a fearful glance, but it didn’t look like they’d reacted in any which way. I guess that made sense. They hadn’t even done anything to Rynford after all, and normally, you’d expect his actions would incur all sorts divine wrath and punishment, so I’m sure I’m still safe.

...

I’m really sorry. Seriously, I swear I am.

「You sons of b*tches! You’re not getting away with this!」

Rynford began screaming curses as I took my sweet time apologizing to the Gods above. Wait, the hell? How’s he not dead? The old man should’ve long been turned into a corpse, but it looked like he was still just full of energy.

「I swear I’m going to foocking break that sword, put it on an altar and sacrifice it to the Evil God himself!」

We immediately tried to finish Rynford off, but he’d already deployed his defensive barrier, so our attacks were unable to reach him. Moreover, he had even begun to regenerate. It looked like he truly had long become something inhuman.

「Zerrosreed! Get the hell over here, right this instant! Summon Clan!」

Rynford had realized that he was at a disadvantage, and thus, he opted to summon one of his subordinates. I’d planned to focus fire said summon the moment it arrived, but was denied the option altogether. The sneaky old bastard had managed to cast the spell within his barrier’s confines.

And of all people, he had to have summoned Zerrosreed. We’d yet to meet the guy, but I knew for fact that he would be our toughest opponent yet. He, as a human, had been powerful enough to considered as strong as a B ranked adventurer.

But now, he’d likely transformed into an Evil Human and become even more powerful. It’d probably be best for us to retreat. We couldn’t match something on that level by ourselves.

Or so I thought...

「What!? It didn’t work? Summon Clan: Zerrosreed!」

Huh, interesting...? The spell had managed to generate a magic circle, but once again, summoned... absolutely foocking nothing.

「What the hell do you mean, he refused!? Could he have betrayed me!?」

Apparently, the old man and his companions had had some sort of falling out.

『Well, I guess this our chance to finish him off.』

「Nn. Will defeat here and now.」

「Growl!」