Thy Excellency's Reply

His master had told him before, during the weeks Yuushin was training. The reason he couldn’t sense any mana.

“It’s because you busted your channels like an ogre would stomp on pumpkin-pear.”

Yuushin had no idea what a pumpkin-pear was, yet he had fought an ogre. And the imagery made him shiver.

“No need to get so depressed over it, really. This means that mana users can’t get a reading of your power either, so it’s easier for them to underestimate you.”

“But isn’t it bad? The fact I can’t feel mana at all.”

The old woman thought about it for half a second, before replying in a flat tone. “Nah.”

Even then, Yuushin hadn’t believed the Sapphire Fang completely. Because how wouldn’t it make a difference? Yet only in that moment, watching that scene unfold before his very eyes, the man could say—

I’m sorry for ever doubting you, master.

There was no need for Yuushin to feel.

The air itself was crackling.

After dispersing all the primeval magic from their surroundings, it was as if something had been robbed of the space. It felt colder. Somber. Ominous, even. Not welcoming or soothing at all. And Veritux’s Arch Bishop, the one responsible for the entire region of Khunar, was trembling.

“Wh-what is the meaning of this? Something li-like this shouldn’t, a low creature like yourself could not—”

Vel raised her free hand, her eyes burning with disdain and rage, and not a second later Decimus was grabbed by a dark shape—an energy that started to take form little by little. A hand with nails so long and sharp, they were practically claws, tightening its grip more and more, making the man gasp and flinch.

“You should thank the human from the Beyond. The one you tried to kill.”

The confusion in the Arch Bishop’s eyes lasted only for a few seconds, his gaze shifting to Yuushin. And there was so much loath—so much indisputable hatred and unreasonable scorn—it made Yuushin feel sick for being in the same space as him.

“I…was right about you…”

A laugh escaped his lips, the sound hollow and filled with indignation. Then, the younger man smiled.

“Your Excellency never disappointed me either.”

As Arch Bishop Decimus was about to reply, his face twisting, his nostrils flaring, Vel moved her hand and suddenly Decimus was thrown into the wall right behind Yuushin, the force of the impact making the entire room shake.

“…things are not looking good, huh…”

Those words were spoken in such a low voice, Yuushin thought he was hearing things at first. But then he met Jay’s gaze, the man’s green eyes lost in their own thoughts. When he finally noticed Yuushin’s stare, Jay gave him a brief smile.

“That was Soulchant, right?”

Still a bit out of breath, Yuushin gave a small nod. “Will and intent, right?”

Jay’s smile grew just a bit brighter, the man looking at him almost as if impressed.

*rumble rumble*

Coughs followed by the sound of rubble falling stole their attention, the Arch Bishop struggling to pull himself free from within the wall. His face was covered in cuts, his hair completely unruly and messy, his robes tattered, stained, and dirtied.

Then Arch Bishop Decimus turned to Jay.

“Y-you, you were also enlightened by Veritux’s Truth—you swore our oath. It…it is your duty to save me, the Hallowed Hero’s Emissary, a Delivery of the True Light.” The man spoke between coughs and wheezes, his face pale, his hands shaking.

Jay stared at him, silent.

What are you thinking, Jay?

Yuushin stood up, grabbing his sword. Fixing his stance.

What are you going to do?

When Jay turned back to him, there was no hostility. No tension.

Only Jay’s warm smile.

“You may not believe me, but it was good seeing you, Yuushin.” He spoke with a lighthearted tone, his hand going for one of his pants pockets. “I’m glad things didn’t turn out for the worst, this time.”

And when Yuushin saw what Jay took from his pocket, he lost his breath.

I know this thing—this scroll.

“W-what do you think you are doin—ack!” Decimus’ voice failed at the end, the sound cracking, weak, as the Arch Bishop clenched his side—face twisting in pain.

“Forgive me, Your Excellency, but I have no plans of wasting my life in a losing battle.”

Although Jay spoke with a smile, there was no real sympathy or warmth in his voice or gaze. And as he ripped the scroll, a portal tearing the air a few meters behind him, the Arch Bishop gasped and choked, his hands desperately trying to pull him out.

“No! You can’t abandon me—you cannot turn your back on Veritux’s Light! Do you not fear divine retribution?!”

Jay walked toward the portal, sheathing his sword, not bothering to turn back to give his reply.

“I do not answer to this world’s god. And since things here are over, I will get my answers elsewhere.” Right before stepping into the portal, however, Jay looked back. Those green eyes meeting his. “Hope to see you around, Yuushin.”

Then Jay was gone.

Yuushin stood there, staring at the spot the portal had been. Silent. Conflicted. Yet before he could decide how he felt, and what he would do next—

“Are you a believer in divine retribution, Arch Bishop Decimus?”

A voice pierced his ears. One that was so gelid, one that carried so much within, it sent shivers crawling down his spine.

Decimus whimpered, moving his trembling hands and whispering incomprehensible words, light failing to gather around him. Vel did not fly—she walked. Step by step, with no rush or impulsiveness, she walked toward the man.

Although Yuushin hadn’t known her for long, he knew the things the demon ruler was capable of. How she knew of pain and sacrifice. Of standing for what she believed in, of keeping her composure and elegance.

Yet until then, he had never realized. He imagined, however he couldn’t quite grasp it. Just how deep ran her hatred. Just how much had been taken from her.

Now I can see it…

Burning coldly in those lilac eyes.

“What should you be punished for first, Decimus?” When the man gave no answer, Vel sank her sword into his left shoulder, her face impassive. “Tell me.”

Clenching his teeth, the man only glared at her, his neck getting redder, his hands clenching around the ebony blade.

“I…am to be blamed…for nothing. Vile fiend.”

Vel face did not change. Not when she pulled back the sword, not even when it pierced the man’s other shoulder—Decimus’ swallowing back his cries.

“Is that so? Memory must be failing you, then, due your decrepit body. Let me remind you.”

When the sword was pulled back that second time, the man was able to bite his lip and remain silent. Yet when the blade went through his thigh, the Arch Bishop screamed.

“You plighted demon—!”

“My brother.”

He screamed when the blade pierced his arm.

“If you think such brutal methods will change anything—”

“Our parents.”

In and out. Again and again, through arms, legs, shoulders, Vel pulled her ebony sword only to sink it again into the Arch Bishop’s flesh.

She never raised her voice.

“Our home.”

She never flinched.

“G-God will…our Hallowed Hero will…co-condemn you…”

“Our people.”

Not when Decimus dug his nails into her arms, not when his blood splattered across her face. And even when Yuushin could see all the memories Vel was fighting to keep at bay—all the rage she was holding back—there was that one note being carried through her voice he could not ignore.

No matter how weak and faint it was, Yuushin could hear it all too well.

“Veritux’s Hallowed Hero, the prosperity of Ekkarys. We all lived in this world, prayed to the same god. So why did my kin have to suffer due your pitiful ego?”

That heart-wrenching pain.

That sorrow.

“What mattered to you, whether we existed in isolation or we breathed the same air as you? When we said we would live quietly, why didn’t Veritux leave us alone? Why?”

“Vel…”

She turned with a gasp, not when Yuushin called to her, but when he touched her. And in her eyes, he saw questions that would never be answered. An ache that could never be forgotten.

Yuushin took her hands, making her let go of the sword. Vel’s skin felt cold, damp. Her fingers shaking, her tears falling.

“He can’t hear you anymore, Vel…he won’t answer.”

Vel did not glance at the Arch Bishop’s body to confirm Yuushin’s words.

“…do you know the answer, Retsugo Yuushin?” Her lips started trembling. Her voice failed.

“…I don’t.”

She nodded once, slowly.

Then Vel’s body gave out, her hands grabbing and holding on to Yuushin like he was her lifeline. And as she cried in his arms, burying her face on his chest, the only thing he did was hold her tighter.

To try to, at least, take some of her pain away.