Chapter 38: Avnche.
The snowy mountains spewed forth a torrent of white, swallowing everything in its path without a second thought. The avnche was growing rapidly, moving at a terrifying
speed. At this rate, we would all be swept away. If we were caught in an avnche of this magnitude, I was certain everyone would die, except for me.
I needed to halt the avnche, even if only for a moment. Was there a way to temporarily stave off this
I scanned my surroundings. The guards and mypanions were fleeing, heeding my urgent warning. My gaze
natural disaster? No, there wasnt.
There it was. I sprinted after her.
Lady Dachia!
Dachia, who was running without looking
back, heard my call and turned her head.
Yes?
Halt immediately!
What?!
Her voice wasced with confusion, but
she kindly obeyed mymand. I grabbed her shoulder.
Do you trust me?
What? Why are you asking this all of a
sudden?
Boom!
The enormous wave of snow was closing in at an rming speed. I was running out of time to
exin.
Listen to me!
Alright., alright!
I gestured towards the avnche.
Youve always wanted an opportunity to use magic, havent you?
Now is your chance!
Dachia-s pupils quivered.
What?! No magic
I know can stop an avnche of this size!
I met her golden
eyes and spoke with the utmost seriousness.
Channel as much
magical power as you can and focus on stopping
the avnche with a single
strike. Its
the only way we can all survive, including you.
But Ill be drained and pass out! Plus, I cant move while Im
gathering energy!
I tightened my grip on her shoulder.
I will protect you, no matter what.
Her trembling ceased. Dachia bit her lip and
shouted.
''Alright, PH try! But you better keep your
promise! Im putting my
trust in you!
I released her and smiled brightly.
I hope you do.
Okay!
Dachia stepped forward. The ancientnguage
she murmured filled the
air, causing her magic
powers
to fluctuate wildly. Her silver hair sparkled and fluttered in the waves of
potent magic, gathering more and more. The surging magic power began
to spiral out of her control
but Dachia didnt stop. She elerated. Control was not crucial here.
The target was so massive that it was impossible to miss. Finally, the spell she had been chanting
wasplete. Dachia gestured and yelled.
Dieeeeee!!!
I wasnt sure if it made sense to call for the death of an avnche, but somehow thepleted spell began to work.
BOOOM!
Waves of wild mes shed against the cascading snow. The wizards will stood against
an unstoppable natural disaster. She was pushed back, sliding on her heels, but her will
to save the others remained...
But it was still not enough. The snow began to engulf the fire.
I said dieeee!
The exertion of magical powers beyond her limits caused
Dachias veins to rupture. Blood
flowed
as tears streamed down her cheeks, but still, Dachia didnt stop drawing in mana.
Ahhhhhh! ! !
The mes of desperation red up once more. The snow
retreated under the
fire, barely
half a
step away.
fKill.
At this moment, Mother dered that Dachias worth had
increased by half a
finger. Three and a
half fingers in total.
Dachia took a step towards ten thousand divinity. Her body trembled. I held
her as she copsed. Her fading voice whispered in my ear.
Die...
Its enough.
''...Really?
She had done well. With the time she
bought, the
others would be safely out
of the avnches immediate reach.
''Absolutely.
Rumble!
The snow surged again. Now it was my
turn to use
my power. But first, one prerequisite was necessary.
Lady Dachia? Can you hear me?
There was no response. Thankfully, I
didnt need
to knock her unconscious.
Rumble!
The snow was dangerously close now.
Mother! Call it!
f Kill!
The air distorted, and a massive body fell. The Giant of Corruption roared.
Gaaaaaaaaaaah! ! !
Theres no time for yelling! Protect me, now!
Gaaaaaaaaaaah!
Recognizing the urgency, the giant dropped to its knees and shielded Dachia and me. The Corruption Arts activated in the darkness created by the giant. After epting divinity to
the limit, it lifted my body. I
held Dachia and braced for the impending impact.
I shielded her with my body. It
was crude, but it was the best I could do at the moment.
Booom!
The shock of the crashing waves
swept over us.
*
Rustle.
The Giant of Corruption roared violently as his body pushed through the snow.
Gaaaaaaah!!!
With Dachia in my arms, I walked out along
the path made by the Giant of Corruption.
Be careful. There might be people around.
First, take out the rocks.
The giant pulled out the sharp rocks stuck
in his flesh. The open wounds healed quickly.
What was my
next move? The Giant of Corruption had helped me escape the worst of the situation, but the question of what to do next
loomedrge. The avnche had obliterated the
surrounding
area, rendering thendmarks Id memorized utterly useless.
Ugh...J
At Dachias
groan, I swiftly gestured to the giant. The Giant of Corruption tore through the air, returning to its origin.
She regained consciousness shortly after. Her eyes fluttered open, and my reflection danced in her molten gold irises.
Priest Marnak...?
Yes, its me.
...Am I still alive?
You were unconscious, but for now, youre alive. Can you move?
After
attempting to move, Dachia responded in a somber tone.
No...I
cant move at all.
Your
condition will improve gradually.
It was clear that her magic was drained. An experienced
wizard could move even when their magic was depleted, but this seemed to be
her first experience with such a state.
By the way...J
Yes, feel free to speak.
I saw everything.
What?
Could it be? Dachia stared
You summoned that ominous
directly into my eyes.
giant.
A chill ran
down my spine.
I had summoned the giant too
hastily and should have ensured Dachia was unconscious.
''Kill!!!
Mother said
it worked out for
the best since
she didnt
particrly like Dachia anyway, and she urged me to kill her
while she was
immobilized. But did I really need to kill
her? Should
I
take the chance
now, while she
was unable
to move, to end her life?
Dachia smiled
bitterly as she
saw that I was
struggling
with some decision.
As expected
Priest Marnak isnt a priest who worships
the Goddess of
Maintenance.
That bothered
me.
As... expected?
Dachia slowly nodded.
Yes, as expected.
Can I ask you why?
Priest Marnak, Ive seen a few
other Priests of Maintenance, and they
are very different from you. First, they dont
fly around with swords full of power like you.
It is the result of individual
training.
Its not just that.
She looked piercingly toward my
chest pocket.
The hand you carry. You
hold it and talk to yourself a lot.
You think
youre doing it secretly in a ce no one can
see, but someone patient like me, sneaking around, can
notice
everything.
It is
a prayer
I make.
Dachia
narrowed
her eyes
at my reckless excuse and red at
me.
Obviously, the
things I
said just now are nothing more than
assumptions, but Ive seen it. You shouted ''Mother! and
an ominous giant appeared out of the
You must have seen things given your magic exhaustion.
No. I saw it right. Perfectly, even.
I shook my head.
Stop insisting. It will be troublesome for me if you keep
whining like that.
I was still pondering whether I should really kill her.
As expected, youre an evil g...-
I covered Dachias mouth. In order not to kill her.
Lady Dachia, I will give you one piece of advice. A white
lie is
necessary for a smooth rtionship, and a golden silence sometimes saves peoples lives. Mydy
at least while
youre recovering. No, you should have kept pretending you
didnt
see anything past that.
I removed my hand, covering her mouth. I looked into her eyes and
asked.
Mydy did not
see anything. Nothing. Youre someone who knows faithfulness, so I believe you will listen to my request for saving your life from being swept away
by an
avnche...
I dont care! I
dont care if youre an evil god worshiper! I meant to say that!
What?
The words poured
out of her like a waterfall.
Priest Marnak, youre a good person! Sure, there are
times when you can be a bit ruthless, but at
your core, youre decent! Im not just saying this on a whim. Im
saying it
because I thought youd be more receptive to my words
in my current weakened
state.
Before I had the chance to respond, she carried on.
In my opinion, the true measure of power lies in how
its used. Moreover, I
dont really hold any
faith in gods. Being born a wizard, Ive grown weary of the unwarranted contempt
and hatred in peoples eyes. I think I can understand
you a little!
I slowly opened my mouth.
What do you want to say?
Two golden eyes stared at me, and there was a clear conviction in them.
Nothing will change, even if you are a worshiper of an evil god! Ill treat
you the same tomorrow
as I did yesterday. Naturally, Ill keep this a secret.
fKill!!!
In a sh of dark light, Mother transformed into a girl. She leapt up and pummeled Dachia with her tiny fists.
''Kill! Kill! Kill!
She swung her fists with fervor, silentlymanding her to die without uttering another wicked word. However, no one would perish from Mothers cotton-like blows.
K-Kyahh?! Priest Marnak! Stop her! Where the hell did this kide from?!
f KILL!
I let go of one hand holding Dachia and took Mother with the other, who was struggling to shut her up.
Mother. Please calm down for a moment.
f Kill!
Mother looked into my eyes and pointed her finger at Dachia. The message was simple, that she was no doubt saying these things to survive and that she was going to tell everyone
when we reached the rest.
She seems serious to me.
''Kill!
People are unreliable, but Mother, I am also human. Do you not believe
in me either?
fKill?!
After a moments bewilderment, Mother vigorously shook her head.
I know Mothers feelings, too. I know its all because you worry about
me. But I will try to trust people just as Mother trusts me. From what Ive seen during this trip
she knows what faithfulness is. And since Dachia is a wizard, I n to
make her swear.
f Kill...
With a sigh of relief, Mother dered me hopeless. She turned her head, stretched two fingers towards Dachia, poked her own eyes, and then pointed back at Dachia in a threatening
manner.
Dachia, looking confused, turned to me.
What does that mean? she asked.
It means shell be keeping a close eye on you, so tread carefully.
Dachia paused
her lips moving as if she was carefully choosing her words. Then she asked me again.
Can I ask you
something?
Of course.
Is she really
your mother? Priest Marnaks mother seems so young.
*
I had Dachia swear in the ancientnguage, vowing to keep the information secret until her death. Once I was certain she wouldnt reveal the secret to anyone else, I provided her
with some basic information about Mother
and myself.
Dachia was stunned for a moment, but she
eventually managed topose herself and asked her question.
But I could have made a false oath. Why
did you believe so quickly?
I understand the ancientnguage.
What?! Really?! Is Priest Marnak a wizard like me?
No. I only understand the ancientnguage.
Thats impressive! Really! Even though youre not a wizard!
Dachia was just as surprised to hear that as she was to
discover that Mother was a god with
sealed powers. Maybe it was because she was a wizard.
I put Mother, who turned back into a hand, in my pocket
and lifted Dachia up again.
We cant stay here forever, so lets move on.
Good. But in which direction are you going? We have to
find Carmen and Sajita.
Im feeling divinity from a little far away. For now, Im going to go toward it.
Carmen and Sajitas physical abilities were enough to get them out of this avnche.
Dachia asked in a slightly excited voice.
Are you on your way to finding the holy relics that the evil god worshipers are targeting?
I think my body is improving, so Ill help you!
Ill take care of the relics. Hide nearby when you can move again.
I said Im going to
help you! Do you really not need the help of
the wizard who stopped an
avnche for a second?
Indeed, there was no
need to choose my means to
find the relics.
...If you really need
to, please, help me.
I continued in the direction of the divinity.
*
This... is a piece of gold.
Golden shells littered the floor, remnants of a
fierce battle. It
was evident that Aurelius
and the evil god worshipers had shed here. The lingering sense of divinity suggested
that the fight was still ongoing.
Aurelius seems quite capable.
And whats your n?
I responded with a grin.
What do you think? Its time to repay them for
all the suffering
theyve caused. Mother!
''Kill!
Space distorted as the Giant of Corruption emerged.
Gaaaaaaaaaaaah!! !
It was a relief to be able to harness her powers without
restraint. I nced up at the giant, instructing it.
Go ahead and strike the evil god worshipers. If it gets
too intense, retreat without hesitation and strike againter. I intend to harass them with gueri warfare. Do you
understand?
The giant thumped its chest in affirmation. It was truly
dependable.
Im counting on you.
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah! ! !
With a thunderous roar, the Giant of Corruption charged towards the evil god worshipers. It was time to give back as much as I had received from these worshipers. As a bonus, Id
also steal their relic.