Chapter 125 (1/2)

Translator: Wawaa

Editor: WilsonWilson

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

The messenger sent by Acerus brought Lara to the castle.

“The saintess is here.”

“Bring her in!”

Acerus jumped from his seat and greeted Lara. Like someone who got caught gossipping, the aide could not make eye contact with her and left the room with an awkward smile.

Lara came inside and sat opposite Acerus, she said.

“You said you had something to say, right?”

“Yes, I was thinking of contacting Demian.”

“Is it urgent?”

“It’s important.”

Lara nodded and took out the long-distance magic receiver she was wearing around her neck and calmly cast a long spell. A red light emanated from the diamond embedded in the middle of the necklace.

Acerus had already used Lara’s receiver once, but his eyes were still filled with deep curiosity and admiration. At that moment, he became more curious about the identity of the alchemist that Lara had.

“Has Valac given you some useful information?”

While waiting for Demian’s answer, Lara asked. Acerus asked her how she knew and told her what Valac said.

“When I talked about the eastern border, he said he didn’t know. But after knowing the characteristics of the Eastern Union and the demon worshippers who appeared there, he told me his speculations about this and that.”

“What did he say?”

“If it was a hot-headed demon, Valac was sure a city would have already been turned into a wasteland by now. But seeing how this demon had only been growing his power rather than actually using it, he seems to be a sneaky and gullible demon.”

“Valac must know him.”

Lara smirked. Acerus also smiled after her. Then, Demian’s voice came out of the necklace.

『Lara?』

“It’s me, Acerus!”

When the impatient Acerus spoke first out of joy, Demian muttered a swear word.

『Damn it.』

“You son of… If you think I can’t say anything because I’m in front of the saintess… you’re right… But still, you scoundrel! You don’t have much left for me to let you off.”

『Around 80 times?』

“Less than that!”

『I still have a long way to go.』

Demian’s voice was a little excited, it did not sound like he was drunk nor was it because he was in a good mood. Acerus did not notice it at all but Lara noticed that he was a little excited.

Lara spoke.

“Where are you now? Have you arrived at the border?”

『Not yet. We were attacked on the way there…』

“What? You were attacked? How did they know where you were passing by? Was there an information leak? Huh? Say something!”

『Shut up. How do you expect me to speak when you’re talking this much?』

Acerus was flustered.

After his rebuke toward Acerus, Demian said to Lara.

『All the demon worshippers were killed, but the black sorcerers ran away so we’re chasing after them. According to what we checked on the way… They have been focusing their attacks on remote farmhouses. Because the residents don’t even know how to send a messenger or use a carrier pigeon.』

“What will they get from attacking a farmhouse?”

『They’ll capture people and brainwash them with hallucinations. The grain in the warehouse will be used for food. And occasionally, livestock will be offered as sacrifices to hold rituals.』

“What ritual?”

『The ritual where the demons lend their powers to the black sorcerers.』

For the demons to use their powers would cause the Gods to intervene. To avoid that, they would use the expedient they came up with. Just as Abraxas exerted his influence through Lara, the demons lent powers to those who performed rituals by offering sacrifices.

Lara blinked her eyes.

“Are you okay?”

『Don’t worry about me.』

Perhaps because of the influence of the subsequent battles, Demian sounded out of breath.

『By the way, Acerus, what are you two doing at this late hour?』

Demian asked. Finally getting the right to speak,  Acerus spoke solemnly.

“Look closely at the black sorcerers. The spells they cast over and over again, or the symbol they use for rituals… Look at that.”

『Why?』

“Valac will tell us what demon is there. It’s good to know his weaknesses or have countermeasures.”

『I can just kill him.』

“Oi! You may be able to do that, but it’s not the same for us. At least do it for others!”

『A skull covering its eyes.』

“What?”

『It is a symbol of a skull covering its eyes.』

Even though Demian begrudgingly spoke as if it was troublesome, the demon’s symbol was a very important clue. Acerus jumped up and looked at Lara. She held the necklace and told Demian.

“I will get back to you.”

『Be careful.』

After contacting Demian, Lara got up, following Acerus.