CH 40

“Let’s go to the place where you last parted with Randy-kun. Thomas-kun, the chapel is fine, right?”

“Yeah. I’m sure we’ve been to all the places except that one …… unless there’s a hidden passage.”

In the course of the journey from Ilstadt to the fort, Souya was shown a map of the interior of the fort by Thomas.

It is a parchment drawing that was surveyed in the village a long time ago, and according to it, there is a chapel of the god of war, Ragacia, at the back of the fort.

“The Bud guy was pretty pissed off about it …… of all things.”

“He probably thought that the chapel of Ragacia would be defiled by the Dark Priest of the God of Destruction Ragnus.”

One of the Windbreakers, the shaved-headed man named Bud, was a monk of the God of War, Ragacia. His brave and belligerent nature made him a good warrior, but it also contributed to his choice to raid the fort.

“Many of the soldiers and warriors were devotees of the god of war, Ragacia. This is the most common chapel in the fort …… I don’t deny the idea or teaching of being brave, but…”

Souya paused for a second, and then continued.

“There is a difference between bravery and recklessness. You should never confuse the two of them.”

The Rock Golem A was sent ahead, and the group proceeded to the back of the fort’s passage. At the far end of the line, Rock Golem B stood guard to protect Mia and Rebecca. The disadvantage of the rock golem, which is useful as a decoy or escort, is that it cannot creep and can only walk with a loud noise. The enemy inside would have known that we had entered the fort.

On the way, we saw the bodies of several goblins that Randy and the Windbreakers had probably killed. I wanted to gather the horns as evidence of their defeat for a reward, but that would not be a problem until after we had rescued Randy, Bud, and the three villagers.

We arrived in front of the chapel without encountering any living enemies.

“…… Here, too, are the dark letters of the God of Destruction Ragnus. It seems certain that the Dark Priest is here.”

On the wooden door of the chapel, the curse of destruction was again written in red and black letters. Could the kidnapped villagers have been brought here?

Souya turned and looked around at his companions, and saw that Rebecca’s complexion had turned pale. She was also breathing very hard. I’m sure she’s worried about Randy’s safety, or maybe she’s remembering what happened when the spell was cast on her.

(Rebecca-kun looks like she’s in a lot of pain. We don’t know if there are any enemies in the chapel yet, but I guess it would be better to get her to use her magic while she can.)

“Rebecca-kun. Can you use countermagic? There may be a Dark Priest of the God of Destruction Ragnus in the chapel.”

In response to Souya’s question, Rebecca nodded and clutched her magician’s staff with trembling hands.

“…… Be, Be a force to resist evil. [Countermagic].”

In the middle of the chanting, Rebecca stuttered, but somehow managed to complete her magic. When the wand shines, a protective curtain of pale magic surrounds the bodies of Souya and the five others. 

Improved resistance to magic. Considering Rebecca’s skill in magic, the effect may be only temporary, but of course, it is much better than nothing.

As she finished her chanting, Rebecca staggered and almost fell, but Mia supported her with one hand. If Rebecca could afford it, I’d like to have Enhance Weapon, but at this rate, it’s going to be tough.

“Thank you, Rebecca-kun. You just have to operate the lighting …… And, I’d like to borrow your magician’s staff.”

Souya has received the Magician’s Staff from Rebecca. It’s a magical device that can enhance and boost the effects of magic, and it’s quite expensive, so I have to use it carefully. 

Souya also thought that he would have to procure a magical device somewhere sooner or later. For Souya, who sometimes fights with a sword, a ring would be more convenient than a staff.

“Souya. What we should do?”

“Of course, I’ll have Rock Golem A charge ahead. Merylou-kun, please be prepared to summon the Wind Spirit Sylph.”

Merylou nodded and aimed her short bow at the door. Thomas followed suit and placed an arrow in his longbow and aimed it at the wooden door.

“Order. Rock Golem A. Destroy the door in front of you and take five steps forward towards inside.”

Just like the entrance door of the fort, the wooden door was smashed to pieces by the stone fist of Rock Golem A, opening a space leading to the chapel.

Rebecca threw a ball of light created by the magic of lighting into the chapel.

The magical light illuminated the inside of the chapel. The interior of the chapel was rugged and unglamorous, as if it had been built for a fort.

On the floor was a ritual formation. The dark letters of the God of Destruction Ragnus were written all over the floor. In the back of the room, a statue of the god of war, Ragacia, was pulled down and smashed to pieces.

(Is this smell …… the smell of death?)

Souya held his nose and held up his magician’s staff, which he borrowed from Rebecca, as he searched his surroundings and found the bodies of three goblins lying in the corner of the room. I wondered if they were the ones Randy and the others had killed.

And in the center of the room, on top of the ritual formation of the God of Destruction Ragnus, lay humanoid figures. There are six of them.

“…… Mia-kun. Stay with Rebecca-kun’s side. You shouldn’t come here.”

When Souya looked to the side, he saw Merylou holding the short bow and staring at it with a blank expression. Thomas, who was holding his longbow, was trembling slightly and frowning regretfully.

One of those lying on his back. The one who stands out the most is the one with the elegant-looking blond hair. The hero Randy had a ceremonial dagger, Kris Knife, at his throat.