Chapter 4: The “Holier-Than-Thou” Ritual

"Centenarian Loli..."

Nanako's small fist trembled. She clenched her teeth so hard they might crack.

I swear to the Gods... every time I hear that nickname, my blood pressure spikes!

This two-faced disciple of hers needed a "correction." A physical one. Preferably involving a large hammer.

[ Location: The Sacred Veil, Deep within Winterspring Valley ]

Thirty minutes later.

They stood inside a magnificent, colossal palace. Holy light radiated from every surface, and their footsteps echoed through the vast, empty hall.

Nanako walked in front, clutching her spellbook to her chest, eyes closed in concentration. Her twin-tails bobbed up and down rhythmically, looking light as smoke.

[ Inner Voice ] [ Isn't this the Sacred Veil? The most restricted zone in Winterspring? Even high-level players usually can't access this map. Only the Seven Deacons have the key. ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Why did the Loli Master bring me here? ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Is this... a Dungeon Play? ] [ Bondage in a holy sanctuary? That’s... kind of kinky. A bit taboo for me, but I respect the hustle. ]

Nanako’s ahoge (the cowlick on her head) twitched violently, slapping the air in frustration. She used every ounce of her willpower to resist turning around and drop-kicking him.

Calm down, Nanako. Maintain your dignity. Be elegant.

Her goal was simple. The Sacred Veil was built on top of the resting place of an Ancient Being. It was an entity of pure light and holiness. Consequently, this hall had the highest concentration of Holy Energy in the world.

She brought Lynn here to "stress test" him.

Nanako peeked at him from the corner of her eye.

No reaction? No smoke rising from his skin? No screaming in agony? So he isn't possessed by an Evil Spirit... nor is he a Demon Projection.

Or... is his Level just too high for the passive aura to affect him?

Nanako felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Deep down, she really hoped her disciple—the boy she had raised for three years—wasn't some eldritch horror in a human skin suit.

[ Location: Central Altar ]

They arrived at the heart of the palace. The Holy Energy here was so dense it was almost liquid, manifesting as floating particles of light.

"Master? Why did you bring me here?" Lynn looked around, feigning confusion. "This seems like end-game content. Is a Level 1 scrub like me allowed to be here?"

[ Inner Voice ] [ What is this Long-Haired Loli plotting? ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ She’s been acting super weird lately. Moody. Distracted. ] [ Is it... "that time of the month"? ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Makes sense. Even Centenarian Lolis have hormonal cycles. It’s only natural. ]

Nanako: "?????"

This dog disciple. I really, REALLY want to strangle him.

YOU are the one with hormonal issues! Your whole family has hormonal issues! I am going to die of anger before I even cast a spell!

Nanako took a deep breath, forcing down the urge to commit violence. She stared at Lynn’s face intently.

"Do you feel... anything strange?"

Lynn rubbed his chin and smiled innocently. "It feels warm. Cozy. Like a heated blanket."

[ Inner Voice ] [ Why is this map so familiar? It feels like... being licked by a giant dog. ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Wait. I recognize this aura. It smells like That Guy. I think I saw him once about a thousand years ago... ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ That can't be right. Didn't the Gods farm him for loot already? ]

Nanako froze.

A thousand years ago? That Guy? Farmed by Gods?

Her heart started pounding. She had just stumbled upon some horrifying lore. My disciple has lived for over a millennium?!

She swallowed hard, suppressing her panic. She had to focus.

"Disciple," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I brought you here to ask the Holy Lord for a Blessing."

"With this buff, even if your aptitude is trash, your affinity for Holy Magic will max out."

This was one of the perks of being a High Deacon. Once in a lifetime, they could request a buff from the Ancient Being. She had saved this cooldown for years.

If Lynn had any evil energy in him, the Holy Lord would purify it instantly. If he didn't, he would get a Legendary Buff. Win-win.

"A Holy Blessing?" Lynn blinked. "Master, do you have a fever? Wasting a Legendary Cooldown on me? Is that wise?"

[ Inner Voice ] [ Holy crap. Is the Loli Master actually serious? ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ I gotta admit, I’m touched. She really cares about me. ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Even though my Holy Affinity is already maxed out at 9999, a little extra buff never hurts. ]

[ Inner Voice ] [ Wait... is she in love with me? ] [ It’s possible. I mean, look at me. I’m gorgeous. ]

Nanako: "?????"

I hate him. I hate his narcissism. I hate his face. I want to punch him.

She ground her teeth. But at least... he wasn't scared. That meant he probably wasn't a demon. She let out a frustrated sigh.

As long as he isn't Satan, I can deal with the rest.

"Stay here. Don't move. I will begin the summon."

Nanako puffed out her small chest and walked to the center of the altar. She began to draw a complex magic circle.

Watching her, Lynn’s expression turned strange.

[ Inner Voice ] [ This summoning ritual... it looks suspiciously familiar. ] [ Is it really... That Guy? ]

Nanako clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and began to chant.

"Oh, Sacred and Pure Lord..." "Supreme Ruler of All Light..." "By the Pact of Winterspring..." "I, Nanako, beseech thee! Awaken and grant us thy Blessing!"

ZHOOM!

The magic circle ignited. The offerings she placed on the ground dissolved into particles of light. A holy storm swept through the hall.

The air shimmered, and a massive, blinding sphere of light materialized before them. Inside the sphere, a colossal silhouette of a winged beast slowly took form.

"INSIGNIFICANT HUMAN."

A voice, devoid of emotion, boomed through the hall, shaking the very foundations of the palace.

"I HAVE AWAKENED ACCORDING TO THE PACT. SPEAK. UPON WHOM SHALL I BESTOW MY BLESSING?"

Nanako fell to her knees, trembling. This was it. The Holy Lord. An Ancient Spirit. The closest thing to a God in this realm.

She bowed her head, her voice humble and pious. "Oh Great Holy Lord! In the name of the Seven Deacons, I beg you to bless my humble disciple! Purge him of all illness and evil, and grant him your divine protection!"

Lynn stood there, looking at the glowing ball with a weird expression. Nanako, with her head bowed and eyes closed in reverence, didn't see his face.

Silence. Five seconds of heavy, divine silence.

Then, the indifferent, god-like voice spoke again.

"PACT ACCEPTED. I SHALL GRANT YOUR WISH."

The massive figure in the light turned its infinite gaze toward Lynn. It prepared to cast its spell.

"..."

"..."

Another silence. But this time, the silhouette inside the light froze. It stiffened visibly.

Then.

"HOLY FUCK!!!!"

A scream—filled with pure, mortal terror—erupted from the ball of light, completely abandoning its majestic, god-like tone.

Abandoned

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