Chapter 370: Scouting the location

Chapter 370: Scouting the location

It turned out that Cinthia's chat was completely clueless as to what was happening, but Hatred wished Sofia good luck either way and Death sent one of his usual random faces. Sorrow was not present for some reason, leading Sofia to think she might be looking after Ihuarah at the moment.The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

Led by Beryl, Sofia and Astelia entered Beligenus office in the highest tower of the academy. The headmaster was already there, behind his desk and fiddling with some kind of elaborate mithrium contraption which held in place small dragon scales fragments each engraved with a different piece of ritual circle which could be moved around. He looked up from his contraption and welcomed the two young teachers.

You come early. Sit, I will explain. Beryl, you may go and activate the defenses with Saint Tartaros, the old Dragon in Exidian form told them.

Beryl left with a nod, while Sofia and Astelia silently sat opposite to the headmaster.

As you might have guessed, you two will not be taking part in this weekends event. Your target has shown itself, the pawn of Scripture. He has already started sabotaging your next planned event location, Beligenus explained while he focused his attention on the contraption again.

How come Scripture knows of the event location? Sofia asked.

It is a complex subject which has to do with his domain, Beligenus started explaining, his head still buried inside the strange contraption occupying most of his desk, We found a few students worshiping religious texts within the academy grounds. Using this along with the proximity of His Essence which you bear, it created a sufficient link for Him to spy on the happenings within the Academy. We have since removed all religious writs in the near vicinity, but the event locations were planned long in advance.

Scripture can spy on things happening near me as long as there are religious texts being worshiped nearby? I see. No wonder the elf prepared such a complex trap last time, Scripture really knew about Leverles charm. Of course there would be religious texts in Deaths Church!

So this is what this was about! Astelia said like she just understood something, I was wondering why Beryl was so insistent on asking if I had texts from Moon.

No one asked me, though? Sofia wondered aloud.

Asking you would only alert Scripture that something was going on, we acted fast to prevent any actions from His part. We know that you carry no religious text, however, Beligenus told her.

How?

We asked your skeleton.

Oh. That would work. When, though? Not that it matters but Hmm. When I was busy reading through the library probably, Pareth did wander off on his own a few times Is that it?

No secrets from the level 500s huh. So the elf is full of mind parasites How like Scripture to do that. Can he really be saved, though? The sinner Paladins and Templars were all already beyond saving

So, we go there pretending to just come to scout the location, you cut Scripture off, then we free the pawn, right? Sofia asked for some clarification. Will they not fight back?

Oh they will, absolutely. And they are much stronger than you both as well. But without Scripture pulling the strings, they will be acting purely on blind instincts. I am fully confident that you can handle it. If not, I will be saving you, but it will cost the pawn their life, Beligenus explained.

I still dont get why we should care abo- Sofia started saying, but she stopped herself mid-sentence. Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle were starting to all fit together in her head. She looked at Astelia.

Oh fuck

Sofia and Astelia were teleported to the event location. It was the remnants of an ancient dilapidated city, surrounded by steep rocky mountains on all sides. No dungeon this time, the actual event for the students was an archeology trip, during which they were meant to search for old relics and try to understand what had led to the citys downfall. Of course, no archeology would be done today.

Astelias mood was terrible, Sofia had never seen her this stressed and angry. So much so that she wondered whether the small Vampire could actually fight. The enemy was a hundred levels above them, after all, not a gap easily crossed. Only because of the mind parasites infesting the enemy did they stand a chance.

On the bright side, they now knew the enemy very well.

Sofia looked around, they had been teleported directly within the ruins, only carved stone blocks in vaguely square formations on the ground were left of whatever this place had been. Astelia turned to look in a certain direction, she couldnt prevent her sharp canines from showing, she growled, Hes here. I can smell it.

Sofia placed a hand on her shoulder. Try to calm down, Asty. Weve got this. Were prepared. Play your role, and everything will be alright.

This calmed the shaking of the young vampire somewhat, but it failed to dispel her tense facial expression.

Out of nowhere, the blue sky disappeared. The entire mountain range had suddenly been enveloped by a bright pink shield pulsing with energy, like an impenetrable dome of flowing mana obscuring the sky. The transition had been instantaneous and silent.

Violent screams resounded from the other end of the ruined city. Deformed screeches of rage and agony. It was Scriptures pawn being cut from the divine hand controlling him.

Alright Mr. Scribe, its on you, on my signal!