CH 102

(Ichiko POV)

“Well, I must say, that’s just marvelous.”

“!!”

Accompanied by the dry sound of clapping, the God of Calamity emerges in front of us. An angelic smile surfaces on her face.

At the sight of her face, I unconsciously create four long swords with ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫ and empower them with ≪Monster Creation・Low Rank≫ to convert them into flying swords and infuse them with the will to charge at the opponent.

Lady Ryo, simultaneously, draws out the dagger she’s been carrying and hurls it at her.

Nonetheless, once the flying swords’ edges cross paths with the God of Calamity’s flesh, the solid blades disintegrate like liquid, and Lady Ryo’s dagger is suspended in mid-air. All those who are present are stunned by this spectacle.

“Hm? What’s wrong? Making such a face, how could you possibly harm me with the power I have bestowed upon you?”

The God of Calamity announces nonchalantly without a trace of change in her expression.

“Now, it has been roughly 12 years since I first meddled in this world, and apparently, the inhabitants of this world slow down their growth once they attain a certain degree of stability. Besides, it would be tough to find a suitable opponent to ascertain how strong you’ve developed.”

The God of Calamity spread her arms wide and delivers her lines as if she was presenting a speech.

“Therefore, as a gift to each and every one of you, I have cast a certain curse upon the whole world.”

Everyone in our present location must have frozen in their steps at that remark… no, the God of Calamity is most likely speaking to people all over the world right now, therefore the whole world population must have frozen in their tracks.

“The name of the curse is ≪Disaster Curse≫. It is a curse that transforms the afflicted individual into a monster that strikes indiscriminately at everything in its vicinity. As for their strength, it varies depending on the individual but yeah, even an ordinary human being can be stronger than the Demon King and their kin. However, owing to that strength, they have to kill at least one individual each day otherwise, their bodies would disintegrate.”

The God of Calamity continues her speech, seemingly very entertained.

“Now, about the crucial pathogenesis condition…”

At this point, the God of Calamity pauses a beat.

“It is random.”

I could feel the world completely freeze at that second.

“Now then, please endeavor to continue living in this world.”

Leaving those words behind, the God of Calamity dissolves into the void and departs.

The words of the God of Calamity are slowly ruminating in my mind. I then grasp the magnitude of the situation and weigh over what steps should be taken immediately.

The conclusion is,

“Lady Ryo.”

“What…?”

“First, let’s go back to ‘White Fog and Black Swamp Forest’. Everything else will fall into place after that.”

The plan is to return to Kurokiri’s labyrinth.

Kurokiri possesses the intention to oppose the God of Calamity. And even now, he must be conducting research for that end. Thus, there must be something we can achieve if we return to Kurokiri.

Furthermore…

“Yes, I suppose so. We need to bring back at least Houki’s bones too…”

We ought to return the remains of Houki-san as well.

(Izumi POV)

We have entered the “Magic Holy Land,” now. The reason is that we were invited by the “Priest of Absolute Peace”.

“So this is the ‘Magic Holy Land’.”

“But it’s not as bustling with activity as the rumors said it would be. Well, I suppose it’s unavoidable after being told something like that.”

The people of the “Magic Holy Land” have a bleak complexion. But then again, this is inevitable after the God of Calamity declared such a remark.

“We have arrived.”

And before we are aware of it, we are in front of a large shrine.

“Are you sure entering here would be safe, Izumi?”

“Yeah…”

I confirm Ichiko nee-chan question.

While I was on the ground like a caterpillar, I was told various things by the Priest.

About the God of Calamity. How Demon Kings arise. Why he had interfered with us. And as an apology, the Priest promised to take my companions and me to the destination we wish to go to via Long-distance Transportation.

That is why we have now reached the shrine where the Priest normally resides.

“Ah, you have all shown up.”

The Priest comes out of the shrine, greets us, and introduces himself to the group.

And as if to dispel any doubts, Ryo onee-chan and Ichiko nee-chan eagerly negotiate with the Priest.

In a flash, the conversation is wrapped up and they have concluded a negotiation with the Priest to have him fly us to the east.

“Well then, have a good day. Whether the day when we meet again is something to be looked forward to or not is unclear… but I’ll be waiting to meet you again.”

“Ngh… I understand.”

The Priest then sends us to the east from the “Magic Holy Land”.

From that point on, through the efforts of Kurokiri nii-chan and Ichiko nee-chan, all of us have returned to the “White Fog and Black Swamp Forest”.

On our return, Kurokiri nii-chan with an eye patch is standing before us and says only one phrase.

“Welcome home.”