The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"It's simple, because you were investigating them, weren't you? I've already parted ways with them. Although they kept their promise and didn't cause me any trouble after I left... but that's a bargaining chip, Naka."

As she spoke, Mitian opened her palm. It was a gesture as if she were asking Naka for something.

"I've told you everything you wanted to know... So, could you also give me what I want most? Give me Vilia's daughter... Tatia."

"Is it still about this..."

When Naka learned that Mitian wanted to speak with her alone, she already knew that this was most likely her purpose. Even when Mitian brought it up again, Naka's answer remained the same.

"You forced me to tell you a bunch of stories; I didn't ask you about it. In this situation, insisting on an equal exchange is just coercion, isn't it? Besides, I've already said that this matter requires respecting Tatsia's opinion. Neither you nor I have the right to decide who belongs to her."

Months ago, Mittian was rendered speechless by Naka's similar argument. But now it was different. She had anticipated Naka's response. Having come prepared, she had already devised a counter-strategy. She sighed in disappointment.

"Sigh, so you're still going to use this same excuse... Naka, don't you think that besides some kind of exchange or deal, there's nothing else I'm trying to say when I tell you these things?"

"Something else?"

"I made myself perfectly clear... You're not investigating Ijima alone... you're investigating a vast, unidentified organization with advanced magical technology and unfathomable abilities! Ijima is just a lowly henchman without even a code name, but even so, he's the person in charge who possesses a wealth of information about adventurers and can control their movements at will... Do you know what kind of people you're making an enemy of?! You, and Tatsia... you'll both die a horrible death!"

"..."

Mitian was indeed telling the truth about this. She and Tatia had once fallen for Ijima's scheme, tricked into a mansion teeming with modified monsters. If it weren't for "Elf Paradise," they would have perished there. The power and capabilities of this organization truly exceeded Naka's imagination. To be their enemy meant facing countless more dangerous situations in the future.

"Do you know what, Naka...?"

At this point, Mitian burst into tears again. There was something she had kept hidden in her heart. It was something she didn't want to tell Tatsia, but rather wanted to confront Naka directly. Because of that incident, she had developed serious doubts about Naka. And this doubt became the real reason Mitian believed Naka was unworthy to continue teaming up with Tatsia.

"The day she fought Oz and suffered a crushing defeat, she was taken to the infirmary, where the teachers were preparing to treat her... Do you know what that meant? Tatia's ear, and the fact that she was a girl, would all be exposed... Didn't you know that? But why weren't you there then?"

"ah..."

At that time, Naka was deeply disappointed in Tatya, who had lost her mind. She wanted to leave her alone to think things over, so she turned and left. But now, reminded by Mitian, Naka realized that she had forgotten something very important: leaving the injured Tatya there meant she was no longer actively protecting her secret.

But Mitis never forgot this.

"Before that day, I talked to Tatsia one night... She said that even if you despise her and treat her like a tool, she would never leave you... I wanted to try to respect her feelings. But do you really care about Tatsia that much? Do you really cherish her that much? She trusts you so much, and you just left her there unconscious and unable to move, ignoring her completely? Naka, maybe Tatsia won't blame you, but I want to say... you've betrayed her trust!"

"I...."

A profound sense of regret spread through Naka's heart. If Tatsia's identity were discovered, she would be expelled from school, or even be placed under house arrest and subjected to experiments—what would be the worst possible outcome? How could she face her and her deceased parents again? Faced with Mitian's questioning, Naka, knowing she was in the wrong, was speechless.

"She lost to Oz, and I saved her. I rushed into the infirmary when my teacher already had her hand on her headband, kicking her and everyone else out of the room, and treated her alone... because I was afraid her identity would be discovered... because I didn't want to lose Senior Vilia again... even if it was her own flesh and blood! I didn't want her to go with you to fight against that dangerous organization, to face countless acts of malice and crisis. I just wanted her to live a healthy and happy life... Everything I did was for Tatya's good! But what about you!"

Mitis, growing increasingly agitated, extended her index finger to Naka. Her finger was even trembling.

"You can't even recognize your own feelings for her; you just feel that being with her satisfies some kind of emotion and desire... Because of you, Tatsia has become a different person... Tatsia has become paranoid, confused, and impulsive because she misses you... Since you are the person she trusts most, shouldn't you have reached out to her in this situation? But you actually left her like this? I can't believe it... You are the one who doesn't consider Tatsia's feelings, imposing your own will on her, even turning her into the person she is now! Do you know that your so-called respect for her opinions will only harm her!"

"Is...it...me?"

Naka's apology to Tatsia gradually turned into self-blame. Naka's heart was deeply shaken. She began to accept Mitian's accusations. Looking at her trembling hands, still shaken by fear, she too began to doubt herself.

Mitian was right. Naka could vaguely sense Tatya's blind trust and adoration for her. But what had she given her in return? Spiritual guidance was far more important than physical training. Naka realized that when Tatya needed help most, she had only considered her own feelings. She was preoccupied with what she hadn't yet said to Tatya, failing to understand her own feelings and emotions. She naively assumed Tatya should figure things out herself. She hadn't considered that Tatya was still young, at an age where guidance was crucial. Simply letting her wander wouldn't dispel her confusion; it would only lead her further down the wrong path. Naka hadn't paid attention to the most important thing, nearly causing the situation to escalate to an irreversible point.

Even more regrettably, Naka didn't know how to solve this problem. She couldn't reciprocate Tatsia's feelings, nor could she explain her own. This inability to open up to her would only lead them further astray. Whether continuing their cooperation would bring them good fortune or misfortune, Naka was now completely unable to judge.

Mitian, who had been very agitated in her words and actions, calmed down immediately upon seeing Naka's hesitation. She adopted a more composed tone.

"Naka, this isn't a deal. It's a plea to you. I beg you, please save Tatsia. Don't let her be in danger anymore. Also, I told you all this not so you'd cause them trouble yourself, but so you'd back down and not get involved with them anymore. I admire your talent and truly believe you can become the second goddess in this world... I don't want you to die so young! I'm begging you. Break off your partnership with Tatsia, go on your own adventure, and let her live peacefully with me... Wanting her is indeed my own selfish desire, but I don't want her to face danger, I don't want her to become less and less like herself by following someone who can't take care of her or reciprocate her feelings—and my feelings are absolutely genuine!"

"..."

She kept saying she wanted to respect Tatsia's opinions, but in the end, she made Tatsia into this annoying person. Naka knew she was just saying nice, high-sounding words. In reality, she couldn't understand Tatsia's inner thoughts at all. She had absolutely no right to say "respect Tatsia's ideas."

Furthermore, Tatia had indeed faced several life-threatening situations while following him, and he had been completely unable to help her at those times. She only managed to overcome them through so-called "miracles" and "coincidences." If it weren't for Mitian's help, Tatia would probably be imprisoned by now. And in the mock assessment a few days ago, she even nearly died at the hands of her own subordinates. And the only reason Farn sent assassins was simply because Tatia was following him.

Naka had caused Tatya a lot of trouble, and she hadn't been able to offer Tatya any help or support when she truly faced difficulties. Tatya herself had come to realize this deeply. Naka still wanted to continue teaming up with Tatya, but the reasonable grounds for doing so had almost completely disappeared. She was the Demon Lord, and Tatya was the Hero. Their fate together was destined to have no happy ending. Now, she had no reason to refuse Mittian anymore.

"Mr. Osider entrusted her to me before he died, but as you said, I am not capable of fulfilling Mr. Osider's last wish... I will go and talk to Tatia in a couple of days."

"That would be perfect, Naka. I believe you are a reasonable person."

"However... I still have a question. You must answer me truthfully before I will plead with Tatsia on your behalf."

"Ask away. As long as it's within my ability to answer, I will tell you the truth."

"...Where are those guys, where is that organization's secret base?"

Mitian was not only thinking of Tatsia's well-being, but also advising Naka against becoming enemies with the organization for her own safety. Naka appreciated this kindness. However, Naka had no concern for her own safety.

Because she is the Demon Lord of Level ∞. Even if she stormed in single-handedly, she has the ability and confidence to easily annihilate that organization. As the Demon Lord, rebels who attempt to overthrow her rule must be eliminated. She inquires about their base from Mitian, who has been to the secret location, and will immediately unleash "divine punishment" upon graduation. That's all Naka wants to do.

"Didn't I say I didn't want you to become their enemy? Why are you..."

"Teacher, don't worry, I have a way."

"I have a way... What way do you have...?"

In Mitian's eyes, Naka was nothing more than a saintess without any combat abilities. If she lost her combat-class teammates, how did she plan to face that organization? Yet, Naka's eyes held no fear, a confident and resolute expression. She didn't seem to be putting on a brave face or joking. Besides, she had promised to tell her everything she knew. Mitian could only sigh helplessly and then tell her the information she wanted.

"I don't know either. The priest only said that a magic circle for movement was set up under a big tree in Sunflower Town. As long as I stand in it and say the command, I will be teleported directly to the base. The same applies to returning to Sunflower Town from the base. So I have no idea about the exact location of the base."

"So where is that tree with the magic circle, and what's its slogan?"

"That tree is next to a restaurant not far from my place, and its slogan is..."

Mitian was about to open his mouth and say the slogan. But just as he uttered the first word "J", something unexpected happened.

Mitian suddenly convulsed, her mouth gaping open as if her jaw had dislocated and she couldn't close it. She clutched her neck in pain, only managing to utter weak moans like "ga, gu."

"Ms. Mitterrand? What's wrong?! Hey! Are you alright?!"

Naka leaned closer to examine her and found that Mitian's eyes were instantly bloodshot, the whites of her eyes turning blood red. Blood began to slowly seep from her mouth, nose, and ears. The veins all over her body bulged abnormally and even began to burst. Then, Mitian's entire body was covered in bruises, and fine blood began to ooze from every pore. She collapsed to the ground, her pale lips parted, her eyes staring wide-eyed as if they were about to bulge out of their sockets.

Even when Naka immediately cast an intermediate-level healing spell on her, it had absolutely no effect. This spell was inherently fast and efficient at healing, and after six months of study, Naka's mastery of it had become impeccable. But even so, it couldn't stop the strange changes occurring in Mitian.

"What happened? Why did this happen? Damn it, what should I do..."

Mitian's injuries spread rapidly throughout her body, eventually affecting her internal organs. What had initially been a mere "seep" was now "gushing" from her face. Despite Naka's best efforts to stop the bleeding, Mitian's life was rapidly slipping away.

Her entire body felt as if it had been completely torn apart. In this hellish agony, Mitian, with her last ounce of strength, gripped Naka's sleeve tightly with her hands, already stained with her own blood and with all her nails falling off. Burning her own life force, she pieced together each word into her final sentence.

"As expected...those...guys...won't...forgive...the...leaker......"

In the revolving lantern light, Mittian saw the scene from that day three years ago. The words of the "knight" echoed in her ears once more.

"We will not kill anyone who knows the truth to silence them, nor will we threaten them into staying in places they don't want to stay."

That's right. She only said she wouldn't kill anyone who knew the truth to silence them.

It did not say that they would not kill the "leaker" to silence him.

"Takia... Senior Vilia... I guess I'm still not lucky enough to find happiness... is that it?"

At the end of the revolving lantern display, the figure of the last person she longed to see appeared. She seemed to beckon her from not far ahead. Mitian knew she couldn't go, yet she couldn't stop the steps she hadn't actually taken in her dream.

"Cough!"

That scream, spitting out copious amounts of blood, was Mitian's final lament in this world. In an instant, all her organs burst open. Her frail body collapsed into a pool of blood, like a puppet with its strings cut.

The author's words:

This chapter is quite long. I originally intended to release it as two chapters. However, considering that the plot of the second volume is indeed somewhat tedious, and the word count is already quite high, I don't want to drag it out any longer. I've decided to conclude the second volume's story as quickly as possible with more words and fewer chapters. But I will absolutely not compromise on quality or rush the work because of this. I will do my best to present the best possible ending. Please rest assured, readers.

I will begin writing the content for the third volume at the end of this month as scheduled.

What Mitian left behind

As the sun rises again, it marks the beginning of the countdown to the departure of this year's freshmen from the Sunflower Town Adventurers' School. From this day forward, the graduation exams, which will test their learning achievements and progress over the past six months, officially begin. All the students gather in their classrooms or at their usual meeting point, awaiting the teachers' explanations regarding the exams.

However, in the beginner Saintess class, no matter how long the students waited, their homeroom teacher, Mitis, refused to show up. According to the school, Ms. Mitis had disappeared after class yesterday.

The students were anxiously discussing in the classroom. Although Mitian was quite strange as a person, she had indeed imparted knowledge and skills to them. There was no generation gap between her and the students; they could get along well and had much in common. Many of the young saintesses liked this teacher very much. As graduation approached, they wanted to express their heartfelt gratitude to her for her guidance over the past six months.

But this seems... no, it's already impossible. One of the petite, short-haired saintesses sitting in the classroom is the only one who understands the final outcome.

Because last night, Mitian died in front of her in a gruesome manner that defies description.

Naka crossed her legs, looking at a tarot card in her hand stained with blood. The card's name was written on the front: Death. The Grim Reaper.

After Mitian died, the tarot card spilled from her bosom, blood streaming down her face. Naka picked it up casually. She noticed the back of the card was covered in writing. The handwriting was identical to the blackboard notes Mitian had used in class. It was Mitian's final message to Naka.

"This is the result of my divination before I left home. I've always been confident in my divination results, but now I desperately hope I'll be wrong this time. The true meaning of this card represents the misfortune of death. But I'm wishfully interpreting it as another possibility, believing that my life will undergo a huge change and advancement. But if you, Naka, see this card, it means my divination has come true once again, and I... I guess I'm no longer alive."

From the moment I left that organization, I was prepared to face this fate. But they haven't contacted me again in the past three years, which made me feel that it was all over, that I could sever all ties with them forever, and that I could live the life I wanted... Of course, you'll probably think I'm naive, that I underestimated them... That's true. If you want to laugh, Naka, feel free to mock me.

Not being able to have Tatsia, to give her happiness and peace, is a regret I can never die in peace. I tried everything to take her away from you, but reality always goes against my wishes. When you, Naka, see these words, it means that I was never able to give her anything I thought I could give her from the beginning. Even if she had followed me, she would only have been in more danger. My thinking was completely wrong. In that case, after I die, there is only one person in this world who can help Tatsia, and that person is probably you. I hate Senior Vilia's husband, Osider. But for some reason, if I had to entrust Tatsia to someone outside of us, you are the only person I can think of. It's strange that I'm inexplicably on the same page as the person I hate most, isn't it?

Naka, this card foreshadows not only my fate, but also yours. I don't want you to suffer the same fate as me; I hope you can embark on a path of "another possibility," transforming into an unparalleled goddess. I trust my judgment, and I believe in your talent. So, don't act recklessly, and don't be overly curious. Never provoke those you cannot handle. Remember, you are not alone; you also have Tatya by your side.

Also, if my sister asks about me, please don't tell her, because she has absolutely nothing to do with these events. She's my most important sister, and I don't want her to...

The back of the small card was densely covered with the words mentioned above. It didn't seem like a final signature, but rather that there was simply no more space to write. It seemed Mitian had so much more to say, but could only say so much more. Naka found nothing else on her with any other messages. And so, Mitian died, burdened with endless regret.

Although she was indeed a troublesome person to Naka, Naka felt sorrow for her painful and desperate death. She was hateful, but she didn't deserve to end up like that.

The cause of her death remains a mystery.

The strange, unnatural death wasn't caused by a direct magical attack, nor was it a sudden illness. It was as if a time bomb planted inside her had suddenly exploded. But as far as Naka knew, such magic didn't exist. To find out the cause, she undressed Mitian. She discovered a huge, blood-red emblem on her stomach, surrounded by wounds, resembling some kind of magic circle. And the emblem's design was exactly the same as the pendant on the necklace Naka had found on Vilia.

"It was that organization's doing..."

Naka recalled that Mitian's sudden outburst occurred when she attempted to utter the code that could teleport people to the organization's secret base. Although she didn't understand the exact mechanism, Naka initially deduced that it might not cause any problems if used in a secluded or designated location. However, if someone attempted to utter the code outside of a teleportation magic circle, or to a completely unrelated stranger, the magic already implanted within her would activate to silence them, instantly killing the informant.

Even though Naka was a demon lord who had committed far more heinous acts, she couldn't help but gasp at the ruthlessness of this organization. "An organization that doesn't do shady things"? Naka thought that was nothing but self-deception.

If we leave Mitian's body there unattended, the school will be in chaos. The school will definitely notify the kingdom's law enforcement, and every teacher and student will be investigated. Graduation exams and other important events will certainly be postponed. Furthermore, Naka still has Mitian's blood on her sleeve. If things escalate to that point, Naka will be an indelible suspect.

Therefore, Naka had no choice but to clean up the mess herself. Moving the bloodied body downstairs and burying it in a pit was feasible, but it would inevitably leave bloodstains, and the dug ground would look very unnatural. How to dispose of Mitian's body made Naka hesitate for quite a while.

Although it was a great disrespect to the deceased, she could only ultimately use the Demon King's powerful attack magic to completely obliterate Mitian's body, leaving no trace of her remains. She then washed away the bloodstains on the floor. In this way, in the public eye, Mitian was merely missing, not murdered. Without any physical evidence, law enforcement wouldn't be alerted, and the situation wouldn't escalate for the time being. This unfortunate accident thus came to an end.

"But... what exactly is that organization?"

Mitian didn't reveal the organization's name. Aside from Ijima, which Naka had already confirmed, there wasn't much more valuable information. Of the "priest," "soldier," and "knight" mentioned in her story, one's characteristics and whereabouts were impossible to ascertain, and the other two's descriptions were too one-dimensional and ordinary. Tall, thin men and voluptuous women—such features are countless in the world.

They had already established a considerable size and discipline three years ago, and now they've likely grown even stronger and more disciplined. What they're plotting in the shadows, and what abilities and magic they possess, are all unknown. Even the Demon King, Naka believes, should not underestimate this opponent lurking in the shadows.

Although Mitian had instructed her not to antagonize them again, this matter was inextricably linked to her rule. Naka couldn't stand idly by. But this also meant she really needed to seriously consider the issues between herself and Tatia.

When Naka decided to help Tatya investigate the truth behind her mother's death, she didn't anticipate facing such a deep and ruthless organization. Mitian's message to her urged her to abandon the investigation. If Naka didn't give up, it would mean bringing even more danger to Tatya.

Furthermore, just as Mitian had said before her death, Naka couldn't understand her own feelings, nor could she reciprocate Tatya's feelings for her. She looked at the Death card in her hand, and at the words Mitian had left behind: "This is not only my fate, but also your fate."

"Is this the end of my relationship with her...?"

Naka fiddled with the blood-stained tarot cards, lost in distress.

"Naka, the exams are about to start... what exactly was the method you told me about to help me get first place?"

Just then, Jasmine, who had been discussing Mitian's whereabouts with the other classmates, suddenly came over and asked about what Naka had promised her earlier. Although she didn't believe it, Jasmine was very concerned about Naka's intentions since she had said so.

Naka quickly put away the tarot cards. She calmly replied...

"Well... I can't say. But believe me, I'm not lying to you."

"real?"

"Really. You'll find out during the exam."

"...How suspicious."

The more confidently Naka made baseless promises, the more Jasmine felt she was being played. She squinted at her pretentious friend, her expression clearly showing disbelief.

But Naka knew she wasn't just being perfunctory or mocking Jasmine. She had already prepared a plan. This plan would never be discovered by the school. But at the same time, it was a plan she absolutely couldn't reveal to anyone. Even after the exams, she had to keep quiet. Even if Jasmine didn't believe her, Naka could only laugh it off.

"that..."

The instant Naka and Jasmine finished their conversation, a timid voice appeared at the door of the Saintess Class. All the Saintess turned their gazes in unison, and saw a woman who looked remarkably similar to Mitian, but whose height and temperament were slightly different, standing there at some point, and then pushing open the door and walking into the classroom.

Her complexion was not good; she looked nervous, anxious, and somewhat haggard. But after clearing her throat to check, she loudly announced her identity and purpose.

"I am Misha, your class's homeroom teacher and Ms. Mitian's younger sister. My sister, Ms. Mitian, has... disappeared."

Upon hearing Misha's identity and the concrete evidence of Mitian's disappearance, the classroom erupted in chatter. Speculation flew. But everyone quickly realized it wasn't appropriate to discuss this in front of the person's sister. The classroom soon quieted down again.

Misha bit her lip. Although she was very reluctant, she continued speaking, her voice choked with emotion.

"My sister... hasn't come home since yesterday, and we can't find any clues at her current residence... I'm very worried about my sister, but her work can't be left unfinished. So I'm here on her behalf to explain the relevant information about this graduation exam..."

She originally wanted to say "related matters," but because she was too worried about her sister, Misha was unable to make a sound at this point.

Even though she's always being mischievous, doing annoying things, and saying incomprehensible things, and even when criticized, she doesn't repent but instead becomes even more irritating... yet even this kind of sister is Misha's only sister. Misha has been with her since she was very young. She doesn't believe her sister would be the kind of person to leave without a word. And on the day she saw her sister for the last time, her sister's suddenly fading figure as she left gave Misha a very strong sense of foreboding. She finally couldn't control her emotions and wept bitterly in front of the saints.

Most of the saintesses, including Jasmine and Pais, rushed forward to help Misha, who nearly fell, and offered her comfort. Naka, however, remained seated, motionless. It wasn't that she was cold-blooded. Seeing Misha in such sorrow, even she, the Demon Queen, felt pain. But Mitian had instructed her before her death not to tell her sister about this. She couldn't reveal the truth to Misha, nor could she utter comforting lies against her conscience. She could only choose to remain indifferent.

Even with the students' encouragement, Misha couldn't recover. She couldn't continue explaining the graduation exam instructions. Finally, supported by her students, she left the classroom, leaving behind only the school-printed exam instructions she had brought with her. Naka opened the document in the classroom where she was alone.

In short, the graduation exam process is roughly as follows: