Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 84 ────────── [Title: But seriously, what the hell are these White Shadow Cult bastards?] Content: They call themselves priests and high priests, but they're just fucking war machines? Looking at it, priests are at least 6th Rank, and high priests are at least 7th Rank At this level, the brain drain is literally world-ending, right? How is the world not collapsing? Just two high priests could completely fuck up a small city -: Fact) That's why it is collapsing -: Two high priests< This is impossible to begin with -: High priests are roughly faction leaders Each faction is basically a separate, independent group yeah -: Except for sucking demon ass to gain power, they have absolutely zero common ground -: These high priests hate each other like crazy, and the reason is 'because they're demon worshippers' -[OP]: ? -: What they do is good demon worship that they're forced into, right yeah -[OP]: Truly average cultist behavior for real -: 'Infidel', 'Dishonored', 'Usurper', 'Pervert', 'Traitor', 'Trash', 'Bitch', 'Bastard' You can really feel how much they fucking hate each other just from their titles -: When you see quests with two or more of those bastards, demon worship takes a backseat and they have a blast screwing around until they wreck everything nearby -: If a bishop-level doesn't play babysitter, they literally can't function with just one around ────────── ────────── [Title: Hey, what's this?] Content: Found this place while looking for Dangaleon's summoning ritual site, but Martael resurrection ritual? Shit, what's this now? Move aside, crazy bastards, this is Dangaleon's spot -: You see that High Priest named Dranoff there? He's the mastermind behind that Dangaleon Fate Quest -: He used Dangaleon's Sealing Stone to lure other faction priests and made them draw aggro while performing Martael's sealing ritual -[OP]: So if I kill these guys here, the Fate Quest just clears? -[OP]: Haha I'm dead -[OP]: I died -[OP]: What the hell, why are these bastards so strong -[OP]: I died without even being able to do anything -: 'High Priest' -: High priests that appear early on are basically just bullshit difficulty spikes yeah Each one is like a mid-to-late game Fate Quest boss, so just give up and accept the bullshit -: Just take whatever Dangaleon they give you yeah, we'll just resurrect Martael and leave -[OP]: So there's absolutely no way to beat this? -: It appears again later in mid-game areas yeah, you can beat it then -[OP]: Then why the hell don't they show it then Why bother showing it just to make us feel shitty -: To remind us that clearing Fate Quests means jack shit from a macro perspective. -: To let us know that our character's efforts are being thoroughly wasted -[OP]: That's probably actually the reason and it gives me chills ────────── *** -Master! There's no time to delay! That impious worm has begun to suspect me! Risir's group frowned as they mulled over Dangaleon's words. 'Is he really the impious one?' Even after driving his followers to ruin through betrayal and manipulation, he still expected them to revere him. It was truly the image of a genuine demon. If not for Dangaleon's repeated proofs, they would never have been able to trust the demon's words. That tremendous claim that an opportunity to expel a High Priest of the White Shadow Cult was right before their eyes. Shakan, Maldad, and Valrod looked at each other with complex expressions. "A High Priest..." If they had obtained information about a High Priest through normal channels, they would never have harbored the arrogant thought of expelling a High Priest with their own power alone. The weight that name carried was enough to make one forget even their contempt for cultists. How many heroes had fallen victim to their wicked schemes and lost their lives? They weren't foolish enough to think 'I'm different!' when it came to matters involving White Shadow Cult High Priests. ...But now, wouldn't it be okay to have that thought? The thought that 'I'm different!' The thought that 'This time is different!' Because this time, they were the ones employing the 'wicked schemes.' The demon they served was assisting them. Though impious, they felt they might experience a sense of reassurance. They thought: If demonic assistance was this useful, then being a Demon Follower might surprisingly be worth- Slap! Their thoughts stopped there. They shook off such dangerous idle thoughts by slapping their cheeks and other methods. Then they looked at each other once more. "We must do this." At Valrod's words, they exchanged determined looks. Risir, who had been watching from the side, spoke to Dangaleon. "Tell us everything you know that might help in defeating the High Priest." -As it happens, I have several pieces of information that will please Master! First, he serves an entity called 'Martael,' the Screaming that Cuts Through the Forest! "Oh, so he's a Dark Mage?" Risir asked with delight. "?" The others couldn't understand Risir's reaction. Why was potentially facing a Dark Mage something to be excited about? -Rest assured! At this point in time, Martael's seal is firm! He has not yet fully accepted Martael's power! "What does that mean?" -To explain from the perspective of lowly humans, he is not yet a complete Dark Mage! The three powerhouses were delighted. Without a doubt, Dark Mages were among the most troublesome enemies to face. The fact that the High Priest they were about to confront wasn't a Dark Mage was tremendously good news. "Ah..." But why was that man sighing? -However, you must not let your guard down completely! "What else is there?" -I can sense clear fragments of Martael within him! Beware of the ace he's hiding! It's surely Martael's power! The three powerhouses were alarmed. Power directly granted by the demon that the White Shadow Cult's High Priest served. Without a doubt, it would be a critical disadvantage in the upcoming battle. "Oh..." But why was that man looking pleased? "Can you pinpoint his current location?" Leaving Risir behind, Valrod asked Dangaleon. -I never granted you permission to question me, you maggot! "..." "Dangaleon, can you pinpoint his current location?" -Of course, Master! They never mentioned the location of their hideout by name, so I cannot tell you a specific place name like before, but they have my Sealing Stone! If you follow that energy, you'll find their hideout! I shall guide Master there! Dangaleon's attitude and statements put the three powerhouses in a difficult position. Dangaleon's help was essential for this High Priest subjugation. However, unless he was speaking to Risir from his position on Risir's hand, he wouldn't provide any assistance to humans. In other words, Risir also needed to participate in the High Priest subjugation. "Risir..." Shakan looked at him hesitantly. They had originally planned to exclude Risir from the subjugation. Though his abilities had been sufficiently proven through the series of events, those abilities were non-combative in nature. The mysterious spirit Bervande...jju? (she emphasized this pronunciation) who knew how to handle demons. Could she provide direct assistance in battle against a High Priest? The same applied to Dangaleon, sealed within the Sealing Stone. In their minds, Risir was thoroughly vulnerable in combat against a High Priest. It wasn't that he was weak. He certainly wasn't incompetent. It was simply that the opponent was too strong. If problems arose, would they be able to protect him? Probably not. Battle against a High Priest would surely proceed in a framework where they'd be hard-pressed just to take care of themselves. "Would it be alright for you to participate in this plan?" Risir had already fulfilled his duties as a member. More than enough—excessively so. They didn't want to burden him any further. Especially not with the tremendous burden of participating in a High Priest subjugation. The three powerhouses secretly hoped Risir would refuse and persuade Dangaleon for them. It was actually quite a likely scenario. Who could remain calm before the name 'White Shadow Cult High Priest'? Risir would be aware of this plan's dangers. "Of course. I should see this through to the end as well." Nevertheless, he accepted without hesitation. Not a trace of fear could be seen in his expression. How much courage and resolve would he need to maintain such an appearance in his position? Bitterness and pride appeared on the faces of the three powerhouses as they contemplated this. Eventually, they solemnly nodded and resolved: They would absolutely protect him in this plan. They would never let him feel like a burden. *** -Master... you must open your eyes... our enemies are close to you... closer than I am... High Priest Dranoff only reached the truth after killing his disciple with his own hands. Dangaleon. The fact that they had been dancing in the palm of his hand. He still couldn't understand why. For what purpose? For whom? At this point, it no longer mattered. He would not succumb to that creature's interference. He would accomplish the grand plan as scheduled and resurrect Martael. What was needed for that was the elimination of meddlers and traitors. An Abandoned Warehouse located in the outskirts of Bondaless. That place, where sunlight didn't reach even through the broken ceiling, presented a particularly sinister scene at this moment. Power granted by the entity that the Demon Follower served dominated the location. The moment the enemies' feet touched the ground, the location would transform into a barrier and devour them. Dranoff awaited his enemies with such thorough preparations. *** ────────── [You have resisted.] ────────── *** -Have they come... Dranoff was about to say that. -Ugh... The three powerhouses were about to groan at the ominous energy felt from the location and his presence. The moment they faced each other, the string of tension was pulled taut. "Huh? What's this... Ah! Everyone! That thing Dangaleon warned us about seems to have disappeared! I no longer sense any Alien Energy from this location! So don't worry and focus on the battle!" """...""" ...The tautly stretched string of tension went slack powerlessly. Dranoff looked around in bewilderment, his soul drained. It was a relatively familiar situation for the three powerhouses. Instead of panicking, they launched a coordinated attack. "Wait...!" The High Priest helplessly lost the initiative. *** ────────── [Title: High Priest so fucking weakkkkkk] Content: When the Religious Order, Magic Tower, Adventurer Guild, and City Council team up to gang up on you, what can you even do hahahahaha die you fuck hahahaha Where did all those bastards who said you couldn't beat high priests even if you beat them to death in the early game go hahaha -: They didn't go anywhere, they're probably doing just fine... -: Damn, your reaction is so fucking tasty hahaha -[OP]: ? -[OP]: Ah shit -[OP]: Don't tell me there's more fucking bullshit here? ────────── *** Martael's Gift that had suddenly vanished. -As expected of Master!!! Indeed, a minor demon like Martael is nothing to Master! And the crazed demon's nonsense. Dranoff tried desperately to maintain his composure but ultimately failed. The High Priest lost control of himself and his mana, falling into a particular state. Mana Backflow. A condition familiar only to magic beginners. This happened not long after Dranoff began receiving the enemies' coordinated assault. "Ugh...!" Driven to the wall, he groaned and slumped down. His face showed the utmost injustice. "..." "..." "..." The three people felt an untimely pang of conscience at Dranoff's appearance. Of course, that didn't mean they intended to wait until Dranoff regained his composure. There was no mercy to be shown to a Demon Follower. Especially if that mercy could lead to a reversal of positions. Just as Shakan stepped forward to deliver the final blow to Dranoff. "Sigh, why did things turn out this way." A deep sigh cut between them. "...!" Simultaneously, Shakan's body, which had been at the front under Valrod and Maldad's cover, suddenly flew away and was ejected from the battle line. -Bang! The delayed thunderous sound indicated she had been struck by something. It was a white-haired man. He was gripping Shakan's throat as she was pinned against the wall. Valrod and Maldad immediately tried to take action, but- "If you move, this woman's neck will be broken without delay." "..." "..." Valrod and Maldad stepped back silently. Then, their eyes widened as they confirmed the identity of the intruder. White hair and an eyepatch covering his left eye. Plus overwhelming power. Those three symbolic elements revealed the man's identity. "Rodan..." All who wielded swords knew that name. Even those who didn't wield swords knew that name. For among the continent's Seven Swordmasters, the 'Outer Sword' was his title. "Sorry about this, friends. I'll ask for your understanding. This friend needs to accomplish what he intends, so I can save my friend." The man produced a good-natured smile. "Ugh-" While doing so, he applied more force to the hand gripping Shakan. Shakan's throat made a precarious sound. "Rodan, what is the meaning of this! How could someone of your stature join hands with cultists!" "I told you, didn't I? This friend needs to accomplish what he intends, so I can save my friend." "Come to your senses! They are Demon Followers!" "Is that so? Then you, who aren't cultists, can help my friend?" "...!" "Well then, shall we hear what you have to say?" Rodan began speaking unilaterally, not caring about his opponents' reactions. As if asking, 'Do you think I'm doing this because I don't know that?' Valrod and Maldad's expressions darkened. "Ugh...!" Shakan's face also darkened, separate from her breathing difficulties. She realized that Rodan would absolutely not let them leave this place alive. And for good reason, considering the state of the friend he mentioned- "I'll help you!" Just then, Risir raised his hand and shouted urgently. "Without any conditions! More cleanly...!" He looked like a merchant stealing a customer from next door. "...Ha." Rodan let out a bitter laugh. Subtle anger was contained within his good-natured smile. The Swordmaster regarded the young mage's statement as a desperate expedient, spoken carelessly to escape the situation. If such a brat could solve the problem, why would he have groveled to Demon Followers? The problem he faced was one that only Demon Followers like Dranoff could help with- -Lowly human! You'd best not dare to judge that person's abilities!!! Remember that I, Dangaleon the Burning Black Fire, am watching you!!! "..."