Chapter 272: The Price of Becoming Stronger

Chapter 272: The Price of Becoming Stronger

Traitors are despised by any organization and are seen as a nuisance that needs to be dealt with swiftly. No organization would ignore a traitor, not only for the sake of revenge but also to assert the organization's authority. The Holy Church is no exception. In fact, as a religious authority, they have always been the most relentless in dealing with traitors.

Typically, such matters are handled by operatives, utilizing high-caliber forces like Riesbyfe. This traitor must be formidable.

'Should I try to get involved and see if there's anything to gain?'

The Church's rebels could potentially be a weapon against the Mage Association. Given Shinji's relationship with El-Melloi and Barthomelloi, there might be some room for manipulation.

However, the Church is not to be trifled with. In some ways, they are even more ruthless than the Mage Association. Caution is necessary.

After careful consideration, Shinji decided to observe for now. After all, he wasn't sure about the nature of Riesbyfe's mission or how many forces the Church had deployed. Rushing in could lead to more losses than gains.

He would have Fujino keep an eye on the new headmistress. If she discovers anything, that would be ideal. If not, there wouldn't be much of a loss. Oh, and he should ask Touko as well, to see if she has any clues.

Having asked most of the questions he wanted to, Shinji didn't plan to waste any more time with Riesbyfe, whom he barely knew. He addressed the unfamiliar Holy Shield Knight, saying, "I'm leaving."

"Wait, let me see that shield before you go."

Riesbyfe still had her eyes on Athena's Shield, but little did she know that the more she insisted, the faster Shinji would run. By now, Shinji had flown out of her reach.

"Let me remind you new headmistress of one thing: the incident involving Hideo Hayama has already been leaked to the police. If you don't want it to affect the reputation of Reien Girl's Academy, gather the school's higher-ups immediately for an emergency PR. If you don't understand, ask the Chairman. The world of ordinary people is also quite complex. Learn well, Miss Riesbyfe. Well then, until we meet again if fate allows."

Shinji's body soared higher and higher, disappearing into the vast night sky.

Riesbyfe stood alone in the place, muttering to herself, "Affect the reputation of the academy? Emergency PR?"

It seemed that the new headmistress had much to learn.

During the descent, Shinji had already deduced the source of the pain - the Śarīra reinforcement. The golden body state he entered during the battle with Riesbyfe was temporary. In the golden body state, Shinji's physical abilities would be greatly enhanced. Once the state ended, not only would his body revert to its original state, but it would also suffer a backlash from excessive use, along with a rejection reaction.

"It seems that becoming stronger does come at a price."

Although he was lying motionless on the ground, Shinji didn't harbor much discontent in his heart. Scathach had already told him that everything came with a price. Compared to what he gained, Shinji's sacrifices were relatively light. He just didn't know how long it would take for his ability to move again to be restored, hoping that no one would see him in this state.

Then, Shinji heard hurried footsteps.

Damn, why do bad things work and good things don't?

Just as he had this thought, he heard an incredibly familiar voice - "Brother?"

It was the unique and irreplaceable voice of his little sister.

"Brother, are you okay? Don't scare me."

The footsteps quickly approached, and a pair of tender hands turned Shinji's body over.

Only at this moment did Shinji see his sister's face and those slightly reddened purple eyes.

"Sakura, why are you here?"

Tortured by pain, Shinji hardly had the strength to speak. But seeing his sister, feeling her presence, Shinji seemed to be infused with a whole new vitality.

As an older brother, he should protect his little sister. As an older brother, he couldn't let his sister see his weakness.

That had always been Shinji's determination.

PS: It's okay you're not getting bald.