54. The Domain of Grace

“Everyone, have you heard the legend of the ‘Saint’?”

If the emergence of this white-haired fairy was just a “script idea” that only I knew, then what she said next were familiar words that both Kephiel and Nilu had experienced!

My reminder only needed to be said once, for from that moment on, Kephiel and Nilu already knew what the other intended to do! However, even if they wanted to interrupt the strange action of the white-haired elf, who knelt as if “praying” before her “preparation” was complete, it was unlikely they could do so immediately.

After all, when the layers of chains chose not to attack or kill me, but instead provided “protection” for the elf, no matter how Kephiel swung her sword to cut through them, or how many times Nilu used Jias’s power to burn them away, each time one layer disappeared, a new one would block their path!

“Nilu! Bring Kephiel back, that’s an order!”

Waiting for the opponent’s “big move” was certainly passive, but recklessly charging in knowing it might be impossible to stop was even more dangerous! Concerned for Kephiel and Nilu’s safety within the script, I immediately had Nilu pull Kephiel back to my side.

“Yes… Kephiel, the opponent is holding back, let’s be cautious.”

“……”

As Nilu, who had already sensed the danger, returned with a seemingly reluctant Kephiel, my gaze fell upon the chains receding, and the white-haired elf spoke in a calm voice.

“The power of the Holy is a ‘gift,’ a ‘curse,’ not something granted by you humans, because… from the very beginning, this matter has been turned upside down by you.”

“It is not because someone has become so powerful that they transcend their class and break their shackles that they become a saint. Rather, it is precisely because they have been ‘bestowed’ this ‘curse’ that the power belonging to the saint is triggered, just like… a fairy that has recognized its master.”

Previously, whether it was Ludwig or Urasilu, they would always spout a few words about the “matters of saints” before truly unleashing their “big moves,” yet the words of this white-haired elf sounded even more “astonishing.”

What does it mean that “one does not become a saint because they are too strong, but rather becomes strong because they have ‘become a saint’?” Power, magic—aren’t these things only improved bit by bit through talent and strength!?

The tense atmosphere before me left me no time to ponder further!

Because…

In the next moment, the white-haired elf lifted her head.

“The three of you, the moment you saw me ‘preparing,’ immediately dodged—have you… encountered other ‘saints’?”

Not only have they encountered them, but they are also currently hunting me down, just like… you, who also has a “death script” for me in the narrative.

“Under this ‘gift,’ are they doing well? Are they… still alive? If you survive this time and meet them again, please remember to send my regards.”

The elf’s words carried a strange undertone that I could sense but couldn’t quite grasp at the moment; while there was no contradiction, the content just felt somewhat unreasonable!

“Of course~ The premise is that you can survive~”

The moment before, she had been ready to flee, yet now she was undoubtedly “fixated on me.” If it could be called a “cornered beast’s struggle,” that would be one thing, but at the final moment when everything turned dangerous, she looked deeply into my eyes.

“Sorry~”

I didn’t have time to ponder why this was happening; a familiar scene had already begun!

【No will to think.】

Suddenly, from the white-haired elf, numerous chains emerged, resembling spider legs. However, these chains were not meant for attack or defense like before. Just as Kefir had begun to be on guard, they all… buried themselves into the ground around the white-haired elf!

【No body capable of transformation.】

Allowing the opponent to “prepare” like this was clearly not Nilu’s style. She immediately transformed Ignis into a longbow, aiming at those chains that anyone with keen eyes could see were strange! However, these black arrows, without exception, collided with the chains wandering around the elf and vanished!

【No memories sufficient to hold onto.】

The familiar words also made me understand the elf’s intentions. What surprised me was that this elf actually possessed a domain as a “Saint”!

【Born of the goddess and the hand of order, you must cleanse the filth from the world’s will.】

Thus, both Kefir and Nilu, who understood the situation, couldn’t help but feel tense!

So… don’t be afraid.

Even if this is another “Saint,” I won’t let you be afraid again. This plan is my idea; this time, I intend to actively disrupt the “script of death.” The elf before me has activated her domain to deal with me, so… I will certainly seize this best opportunity with due respect.

Come on, as long as I’m still standing here, as long as Kefir and Nilu’s “aura” can still protect me, I don’t care how strong you are; in my sight, no one is allowed to touch them even a little.

This time, I won’t evade like before, causing Kefir to get hurt and nearly pushing Nilu to choose self-sacrifice!

【You are the gifts of the goddess.】

【You are the will of the gift.】

As my gaze fell, the “strangeness” in the white-haired elf’s eyes flickered with a purple light, and then her scythe swung down towards the ground!

“Domain · Gift!”

The chains shattered completely, transforming into purple light spots! Accompanied by the script that suddenly appeared!

【Necromancer Ilushir’s domain activated!】

Nothing happened, but… having thoroughly experienced both realms, how could I possibly let my guard down now!?

“Nilou!”

“Yes.”

Since I couldn’t charge in recklessly, I would use Nilou’s strengths to probe!

“Ignis!”

Drawing the bow, Nilou shot several black arrows at the motionless white-haired elf.

The emergence of a realm must be accompanied by strange powers, unpredictable and unstoppable. I knew that this “probing” method would naturally not harm the opponent in the slightest, but…

The means the elven sorceress used to “defend” was rather beyond my expectations.

It was then that I fully understood: why the white-haired elf before me, clearly wielding a strange scythe chain, was referred to in the script as a “necromancer.”

“…”

She… didn’t move at all!

Because something else was shielding her from danger!

Two figures, radiating with purple light—no, they should be elves! The silhouette of the white-haired elf in light armor appeared! With a delicate sword, she effortlessly deflected the black arrows, then stood firm, sword held horizontally, and then…

With almost identical movements, they advanced in perfect unison towards us!

“White Knight!”

A surprised shout from Rose reached my ears, and at the same time, some scripts I simply couldn’t evade appeared!

【Ilushir defeated Kfeir and Nilou in the realm!】

【Ilushir killed Oqilid!】