Chapter 81

As the ghost that appeared before them was cut down by Blitz, the finishing blow was delivered by Tarte’s “Potion Throw” and Tithia’s “Merciless Judgment.” However, none of them took their eyes off Rodney.

"Wha—Pope—!!"

Rodney immediately noticed Tithia. His face was filled with shock, clearly not expecting anyone to pursue him this far. He gritted his teeth.

"Protect His Holiness Rodney!"

"But the 'Fallen Nuns' appeared from the front!!"

"Can’t you take care of that quickly?!"

It seems Rodney is in a dire situation, with monsters in front and us behind. What a pathetic predicament.

However, I suddenly noticed a grand door nearby. This is the room where the dungeon boss, Luluyé, is waiting.

...It might be worth praising Rodney for getting this far with this group.

The exhaustion of the “Cathedral Knights” is evident, so perhaps some of them were lost along the way... but Rodney likely believes that a few sacrifices are necessary.

When the knights finally managed to defeat the nuns, Rodney fled to the back first. He leaned against the door and barked, "Don’t come this way!"

What should we do? But before I could think, Tithia stepped forward and looked straight at Rodney.

"Why did you do this?"

Tithia’s voice, clear and stern, different from her usual gentle tone, echoed through the abbey. Some of the “Cathedral Knights” flinched at her reproachful voice.

"Why...? What will the goddess Flordia bring us? Lady Luluyé is the one who should lead this country, this world! Finish them off!!"

It seems Rodney is not willing to listen. He ordered the knights to dispose of us here... but we won’t go down that easily.

"Is it not shameful for a 'Cathedral Knight' to act like this! — 'Flash of the Goddess'!!"

When Mimosa easily cut down the knights, Rodney took a step back, gasping. But the door behind him prevented him from escaping further.

Seeing this, Tithia’s expression twisted.

"...I haven’t heard many voices in my ears. But I’ve heard that the room for praying to the goddess Flordia is locked, that many 'Knights' and 'Cathedral Knights' are imprisoned, and that the priests and priestesses of the cathedral are now demanding exorbitant prices for healing... I’ve heard many things."

What Tithia said was based on what I had seen and heard in Tsire, and the information Blitz managed to gather from his contacts. The person who provided the information to Blitz is still inside the Great Cathedral.

However, Rodney let out an obvious sigh and spoke as if explaining to a child.

"You wouldn’t understand, Lady Tithia. Running a country requires money. We’ve been too lenient with the people!"

So now, Rodney believes that the people should repay the country for the benefits they’ve received.

"Is that really what you think is right!"

"I am the Pope! I won’t be lenient like you! Those who oppose me are unnecessary in Erentz!!"

"——!"

Rodney had ambitions to be the top. He wanted to be the most important. Tithia trembled at his words.

"I won’t allow that!"

With Tithia’s cry, Blitz lunged forward, raising his sword—but was stopped by one of the “Cathedral Knights.”

—No way! How can he block Blitz’s attack so easily after his level has increased!?

As I was surprised, Leroi narrowed his eyes.

"...You’re not a 'Cathedral Knight,' are you?"

"“““—!?””"

Leroi’s words made us all widen our eyes in shock. The man who was thought to be a “Cathedral Knight” chuckled and asked, "How did you know?"

"I remember everyone who belongs to the Great Cathedral."

"I see, so you have a memory like a monster. I didn’t expect to be exposed for such a reason..."

The man then attacked us with a sword with a black blade. Before it reached us, Blitz prepared himself.

"Shield of the Cross!!"

"Bloodstained Malice!!"

The black sword struck the shield that appeared due to Blitz’s skill, but Blitz was slightly pushed back and fell on his buttocks. It seems the man is stronger.

...I didn’t expect such a hidden ace.

The skills the man used were familiar to me.

He is a special class, a “Dark Knight.” I know a few player friends who are “Dark Knights,” so I’m familiar with their skills and combat style. They often use status-altering attacks to gradually wear down their opponents.

Seeing Blitz being pushed back, Mimosa stepped forward to protect Tithia. Leroi also positioned himself to protect Tithia at any moment.

"Master! There are monsters behind us...!"

In response to Tarte’s almost scream, I said, "It’s okay," and cast “Guard of the Goddess” on myself before heading towards the newly spawned monks. I then cast “Blow of the Goddess” on Tarte and had her throw potions. Two more.

...This isn’t a place for a conversation.

Moreover, since Rodney and his group are backed against the door, the monsters will spawn on our side, putting us at a disadvantage. If we could change our positions, it would be better... but as I was thinking this, the man swung his sword and sent Blitz flying!

—Well done!

I would like to retreat and level up if possible, but that doesn’t seem feasible. Because Rodney is reaching for the door to the boss room.

...What is he planning to do?

At Rodney’s level, he can’t defeat Luluyé. Even with the strong “Dark Knight,” it’s impossible for him alone. The “Cathedral Knights” also seem to lack the firepower.

But before I could think further, the man came towards us. He cut down Mimosa and charged straight for Tithia—!

"I won’t let you! 'Guard of the Goddess'!"

Leroi instinctively protected Tithia, but it’s difficult for a healer, who is not specialized in combat, to withstand an attack that Blitz couldn’t block. Leroi and Tithia were both knocked back—

"Huh?"

I gasped at the scene.

Leroi and Tithia were thrown into the boss room that Rodney had opened.

"Tithia, Leroi!! —Ugh!"

"It’s bad, nya—nya!"

As Tarte and I were about to call out, the man attacked. I managed to block it, but was kicked and sent flying. Now, Tarte and I are also in the boss room.

"“Lady Tithia!!”"

Blitz and Mimosa hurriedly followed, determined to protect their master, Tithia.

"Hmph, you’re troublesome. ...You should become sacrifices for Lady Luluyé."

"Rodney!!"

But Rodney closed the door to the boss room.