Chapter 279: Chapter 279: Turning Point (2)

Unless they were mutants, orcs were weak, and trolls had a cowardly side… but ogres were different.

As the pinnacle of greenskins, ogres possessed all the strengths of the other species.

The cunning of goblins, the bravery of orcs, and, though not as potent as a troll’s, they also had considerable regenerative abilities.

In addition, their massive size, overwhelming strength, thick and tough skin, and the blessing of the Reckless Roar granted them resistance to aura attacks.

They were the kings of close combat and a nightmare for knights.

So, what was this ogre doing right now?

“Rooaaaar!!”

It was retreating.

Considering the ferocious nature of ogres, this was unthinkable. But it wasn’t just the ogre.

Orcs, who you’d think had anger management issues rather than bravery, trolls who wouldn’t turn their backs until they faced a threat beyond their regeneration capabilities, and even cyclops, who might not be the brightest but whose strength was unrivaled—were all fleeing.

Even the minotaur, who might only be known for its charge, but whose durability was undeniable, was running away without exception!

It was like a green tide receding, and everyone present was momentarily frozen by the sight.

“…I’ve spent my entire life hunting cultists and monsters, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen such a thing,” said the white-haired elder, Pope Albaor, in disbelief. I shrugged in response.

“You’ll get used to it soon. As you know, while monsters are inherently ferocious… high-ranking cultists close to the Evil God can even override that nature with their commands.”

“I’ve never seen such a sight before…”

“Because they’ve been hiding it. They wanted to make it seem like the Evil God’s control over the monsters was weakened by his sealing.”

“So, you’re saying that they’ve been hiding their true strength this entire time?”

“Yes. For the past 300 years, they’ve stayed in the shadows, pretending to be weak… but they’ve already regained all their former power. In fact, they might be even stronger now, given how they’ve planted spies on our side.” Ŕ

“Hah. So, the reason they’ve stayed hidden all this time is because…”

“Yes. Just as you suspect, they’ve been prioritizing the descent of the Evil God. What matters to them isn’t their own victory but the victory of their god.”

If they had launched a full-scale war, they could have easily taken over at least half the continent. Perhaps even more.

But humanity wouldn’t just sit by idly. They’d pour all their resources and talent into protecting the Evil God’s seal.

While cultists and monsters could be defeated, no matter how overwhelming, an Evil God was an asymmetrical force beyond our means.

But if we could hold out long enough for one of the Good Gods to descend? Or even if a saint were sent in their stead?

That would mark the beginning of the counterattack.

The cultists and monsters hadn’t forgotten the time they were nearly victorious but ended up sealed away by the Hero Rahim.

“…So, the fact that they’re mobilizing such a large force now must mean the Evil God’s descent is imminent.”

“I don’t think so.”

Although they’d accelerated their plans, they were only executing what they’d already prepared.

The progress of breaking the Evil God’s seal probably hadn’t changed much. …Hopefully.

Of course, there was always the chance they could forcibly break the seal at the cost of losing some of their power, or they might sacrifice enough lives to bring the Evil God out earlier.

I had to remind myself that while I knew the scenario of H&A, I couldn’t predict the future.

Still… the reason they’d been forced to act in such a hurry was probably because of me and Helena.

Their plans had been disrupted several times because of me, and the appearance of the Saintess earlier than expected must have made them nervous.

“One thing is certain, though: this siege of Solaris will be a turning point.”

“Yes. Even if it’s not the Evil God’s descent, the cultists have revealed their hidden strength, and now they’ll begin to move in earnest.”

As Albaor let out a deep sigh, the paladins and battle priests had already gathered and were forming ranks.

Glancing at them, Albaor spoke with determination.

“Nevertheless, our duty remains the same. To eliminate the cultists, the monsters, and evil, and make the world a better place. That is the will of our Lord, and it is our will as well.”

He made the sign of the cross and headed to the front of the formation.

Even as a fellow man, I couldn’t help but find his back impressively dignified… It made me look at Helena beside me without thinking.

Standing atop the makeshift magic barrier among the shattered ruins, Helena held her medallion in both hands, her eyes closed in prayer.

It was a picture-perfect image of a saintess, but her lips, which were moving continuously, weren’t reciting prayers.

Thanks to a set of potions I had downed earlier, my sharpened senses picked up on her faint murmuring.

“I know using a mace is more effective than holy spells in my current state. But it’s so hard to do… Even now, my legs feel weak… What? How would Clara, who’s reverted to being a virgin, know that? Other people’s stories? But they didn’t do it with Brother Yandel. He’s… a monster. A monster in bed. Isn’t it because the Righteous Radiance fainted that I managed to recover this quickly? Gasp! How can you say it’s because I’m lewd?! It’s not me—it’s Brother Yandel who’s lewd! I’ll make sure Clara understands that… What? Sexual harassment? But Clara started it first!”

Hmm. It seems like Helena and Clara were getting along well. Maybe a little too well.

After watching Albaor’s brief speech and explanation, I headed over to where Helena was with the rest of the group.

Sensing our presence, Helena hurriedly switched to reciting a proper prayer. I was sure Elisha and Iris caught her, though.

High elves’ senses were sharp enough to rival mine in an enhanced state.

Sure enough, Elisha’s face was bright red, while Iris nodded in understanding.

I tapped Helena’s shoulder and spoke up.

“Helena?”

“Though I walk through the valley of—oh, Brother Yandel? What is it?”

Helena tried to act as if nothing had happened, but her quivering lips betrayed her. Barely holding back a grin, I gestured downward.

“It looks like it’s time to head out, so we should go down.”

“Oh, I must have been too focused on my prayers. My divine power is fully restored, so I’m ready to fight whenever.”

Helena smiled as she tucked her medallion into her clothes.

Clara seemed like she had something to say, and the medallion vibrated with a faint hum… but after Helena tapped it, it fell silent.

What was that about? What just happened?

Ignoring my confusion, Helena led the way down the stairs, then spun around to face us.

“By the way… how about we make a bet? The winner gets to make one wish, but only within reasonable limits, of course.”

“Huh. You really want to make a bet?”

“Of course. There’s something I really want to ask of you, Brother. Would everyone else like to join in as well?”

The group’s reactions were mixed.

“Sure! Sounds fun! If I win, I want Master to… hehe…”

“Oh my? Large-scale battles like this are a magician’s playground, after all.”

“Hm… I’m a bit tempted…”

“Stop, stop. Let the kids play. No need for an adult to join in!”

Carla and Elisha seemed enthusiastic, but Iris and Iona were less keen.

Well, it made sense. Carla, Elisha, and I were still mid-level magicians, and although Helena was a saintess, she had only just begun to awaken her powers.

But if a fully matured high magician like Iris joined in? That would be a bit unfair.

Iris puffed out her cheeks in frustration, inflating them like a balloon. I poked her puffy cheeks and asked with a smirk.

“What did you want me to do so badly that you’re so disappointed?”

“Hmm. It’s nothing much. I was just hoping that next time you and I sleep together, you’d make an Elven-style vow.”

“Elven-style vow?”

“In simpler terms, a proposal.”

“Oh…”

I think I know what she’s talking about.

It’s that line that always comes up in the final part of the Elven heroine route.

As I nodded to myself, remembering, Iris grew uneasy, wondering what I was thinking.

“A vow might sound serious, but it has no real binding force! That’s why it’s so nice…”

“Got it.”

“It’s just a simple romantic gesture, nothing more… Wh-What?”

“I said, I got it. Not now, but later, when the time’s right, I’ll do it. But in return, Iris, you’ll have to indulge me in something I want. Deal?”

“Th-That’s alright with me.”

“There’s no reason why not, but…”

“But?”

I smirked at Iris, who tilted her head in curiosity.

“Waaaaah!”

“Kill the fleeing monsters!”

“Smite them with the Righteous Radiance’s hammer!”

“The only good monster is a dead monster!”

The sound of war cries and fierce shouts echoed in the distance.

Looking at the paladins rapidly closing in on the retreating monsters beyond the barrier, I said,

“For now, let’s focus on the battle.”

Somehow, the paladins, moving faster than I expected, were already catching up to the fleeing monsters, who had slowed down as they bunched together.

I hadn’t anticipated that things would kick off while we were still chatting.

But now that the bet had begun, there was only one thing to do.

“I’m going ahead!”

Using telekinesis magic to lift myself, I hurled my body toward the fleeing greenskins.

My body felt a bit stiff, but I moved faster than most flying spells.

In the distance, I heard delayed cries from the makeshift walls.

“Master! That’s cheating! Cheaatttiiiing!”

“Yandel! You can’t just take off on your own when we haven’t even officially started!”

“Brother?! Righteous Radiance! Help me with something, please!”

As expected, I won the bet.

Heh.