I Have Become The Snow Maiden I Created

Translator: Marctempest

Editor/Proofreader: TempWane

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Chapter 60: The Descent of the Saint (2)

A hazy consciousness.

My entire body felt as though it was floating, but soon, as I touched the ground, a sticky fluid coiled around my ankles.

A hot gust of wind surged past me.

The stifling heat pressed against my body… wait. Stifling heat?

I flinched.

“…Am I feeling heat?”

At that moment, my awareness awakened.

It wasn’t the heat I perceived due to my elemental weakness, but the true heat I had experienced when I was human.

It was a sensation I had long forgotten.

As I hastily looked around, my eyes fell upon a barren and desolate land.

The place, which seemed uninhabitable for any form of life, was filled only with a purple miasma and a crimson aura of resentment.

It was obvious where I was.

“The Burial Grounds…”

Suddenly, memories from before resurfaced.

The sensation of my consciousness being sucked in after infusing my magic into the divine relic.

So now I was in a state of consciousness?

That must be why the long-forgotten sensations of the past had momentarily resurfaced in my memory.

─…O Winter.

“!”

At that moment, a voice reached me.

Although I was startled, I turned my head with a calm demeanor, and there stood a spirit.

─Have you been well?

“…You.”

It was someone I knew.

A ‘Will of the Spirit’ I had encountered ten years ago in the elemental dungeon.

Its long, white beard had grown even longer, and its form was now more complete.

─Let me introduce myself formally. I am Higares, a high-ranking spirit of the earth.

“A spirit of the earth…”

I was briefly surprised but quickly understood.

The being before me was not its true form either.

A high-ranking spirit could leave fragments of its will scattered across different places.

─And you, O Winter…

“Quellière.”

─Pardon?

I cut off the old spirit’s words.

Then, I corrected myself.

“Not Winter, but Quellière.”

─Ah… A-Ah, my apologies. I have committed a grave discourtesy. Please forgive me.

Though my connection with spirits often fit my settings well, I had no need for such grandiose titles.

I voiced my curiosity.

“You seem to have left quite a bit of your will behind.”

The only fragments I had encountered were the catalyst and now the Ring of Origin, but surely there were more.

Besides, these two artifacts were not ordinary items.

This implied the being was quite formidable.

In response, Higares—or rather, its will—gave a bitter smile.

─This is the last of it.

“…Ah.”

A little advance notice would have been nice.

The old spirit maintained its smile as it continued speaking.

─In truth, no one has ever wielded this ring. Not even the saints and paladins throughout history.

“Is that so.”

─Yes. It did not become a divine relic without reason. Of course, after becoming one, it was abandoned for a long time, eventually turning into a mere burden.

“Why were you in such a place?”

My tone, befitting the Snow Maiden, was cold.

Higares merely chuckled softly.

─The Origin of the World. Surely you know, Quellière, that this ring was crafted using that. Though faint and insignificant, it was something I could not overlook from the moment I first laid eyes on it, even as its luster has now faded.

“Hm.”

─Anyway, we had nearly given up after countless years without finding a suitable candidate… But if Quellière is the one it has chosen, then it was worth the wait.

“…”

The wrinkled smile was so benevolent that I couldn’t even muster the desire to argue.

Instead, I shifted the topic.

“So, what is it you want to say? Surely there must be a reason you resonated with my mana to the point of triggering this connection.”

The transition from a simple resonance to the migration of consciousness.

This act was a reckless one, rapidly consuming the power left in its will, and it was not something to be done frivolously.

The old spirit nodded and extended its hand.

─It is faster to show you directly.

The scene of the landfill immediately shifted.

Though still desolate, it was now a wasteland free from the resentment that had filled it before.

The fleeting peace was soon shattered.

Armed soldiers clashed violently.

─────!

Screams and cries filled the air.

Flesh was torn apart, and blood was splattered.

Mountains of corpses and rivers of blood were formed.

The piled-up corpses rotted, attracting swarms of insects, obstructing movement, and spreading plagues.

“Horrific.”

─…I am sorry. I should not have made you witness this again.

Higares lowered its head, looking deeply apologetic.

Around that time, the soldiers from both sides began burying their dead.

The ground, layered with death, grew increasingly bloated.

─This consciousness world is difficult for even me to control. That will do for now.

As he waved his hand again, the scene shifted, much like a cutscene.

The soldiers and corpses vanished, replaced by a swarm of the dead filling the space.

This must be the current state of the burial grounds.

Something in one corner of the area caught my eye.

I instantly recognized the metaphysical structure before me.

“An obelisk.”

Located in the far west, it was one of the only four Obelisks of the gods, and the only one claimed by the calamity.

The Obelisk was surrounded by a black and red current.

I had seen that aura before, back in the capital.

Its owner was none other than the Black Calamity Mahabharata.

“Is it provoking the Obelisk?”

─Indeed. It is poking and prodding at it.

Each time it tampered with the Obelisk, incomprehensible rays of indescribable color burst forth.

That must be divine power.

Even within this world of consciousness, it was evident how extraordinary that power was.

─The Black Calamity has clearly lost its reason. Likely because it experienced a crushing defeat for the first time in its life.

As he spoke, Higares glanced at me.

It wasn’t a crushing defeat at all.

─Its reckless meddling with the obelisk is proof of that. It craves power more desperately than ever.

“It’s lost its mind.”

─Yes. The ‘Origin’ is the strongest force in this world. Even that calamity feared destruction and couldn’t fully utilize it.

Even a minuscule fragment of it could elevate a mere creature to the status of a minor deity.

That was the nature of divine power, and an obelisk, which stored such immense energy, was not meant to be tampered with.

So, that thing must be truly cornered.

It seemed it had made quite the miscalculation.

─If the calamity fails to handle the power it covets and ends up obliterated, that would be the best outcome. However…

“On the other hand, if it succeeds in absorbing even a fraction of it, that would be the worst.”

─Yes… precisely. I came to inform you of this.

Watching Higares bow his head again, I quickly grasped the situation.

So that’s what was happening.

I’d known it wouldn’t stay quiet, but I hadn’t expected it to be plotting something like this.

“Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind.”

─Thank me…? Your words are far too kind. I have simply fulfilled my duty.

I couldn’t go to the calamity’s home turf, so for now, all I could do was hope it failed.

As I let out a shallow sigh, the spirit’s solemn voice echoed once more.

─Quellière.

“Yes.”

─This is my final will, and my body has long since returned to the earth.

His calm words continued.

─May I have your permission to watch over from the heavens?

“…”

It was quite the grand statement.

Perhaps because this was the world of consciousness, I felt a slight ache in my stomach.

“Why would you need my permission for that?”

The sheer weight of his gaze made my whole body break out in figurative hives. Waving my hand, I dismissed him.

“Do as you please.”

─Thank you, truly… I pray that this grace may extend to this continent as well…

With a sorrowful smile, Higares vanished.

What remained was the writhing demonic landscape and a world growing blurry.

─────!

A nauseating roar echoed from the calamity’s current.

As I stared at it, the world around me began to crack and shatter like glass.

Just as I felt my consciousness being pulled away again, I blinked.

I was back in the treasure vault of the grand cathedral.

The gazes of those around me were intensely fixed upon me.

“…”

“…”

The fleeting afterimage quickly faded.

I forced myself to look at the ring now resting in my palm.

The divine relic, now fully mine after passing the trial.

The moment I slipped it onto my finger, a brilliant light erupted.

Hwaaak──!

A dazzling radiance surged, forming a luminous halo that moved through the air and settled directly behind my head. It poured forth like a divine flood.

It was one of the ring’s abilities, the “Halo.”

“…!”

The effect was overwhelming pressure against the impure.

However, my expression stiffened.

The looks on people’s faces were quite a sight.

Targal stood frozen, his mouth agape, while the two High Priests stared with wide, incredulous eyes.

“Quellière…!”

“Saint… Saintess…?”

Nell and Lucia were no different in their reactions.

Their eyes brimmed with reverence and awe, which made me feel unbearably burdened. Another pang of discomfort hit me.

Ah, so it wasn’t just phantom pain after all.

*

The vicinity of the grand cathedral was abuzz.

The public was ablaze with excitement over a series of hot topics.

The subjects ranged from the Saintess, the Undead Uprising, the Seat of Proof, the High Priests, to the Apostle’s Society.

Yet these distinctions were meaningless because they all traced back to one person.

“Is it true? The rumored Saintess?!”

“It’s true. I was there. When she defeated the Undead Uprising, everyone present would agree. It was like a dream—she froze the tidal waves themselves…”

Among them, a man went about spreading tales of the Saintess.

Already extraordinary feats were further exaggerated, making the stories feel even more vivid.

The atmosphere, already heated, was further inflamed by his storytelling.

“That’s not all. She even personally judged the nation’s enemy, the leader of the Apostle’s Society. That story is so famous I’m sure everyone’s heard it, but not the full details.”

“True… not many could attend the Seat of Proof.”

“That’s why it’s such a shame. If everyone had witnessed it, no one would dare call the rumored Saintess anything less than a goddess.”

But something felt off.

As the man continued speaking, the people’s eyes began to glaze over.

This wasn’t something that could happen simply because of good storytelling.

It was tied to the man’s abilities.

From afar, Adein watched him carefully and gave a small nod.

“That’s him, Jehak.”

Though Jehak wasn’t wearing his usual robe adorned with a ‘tongue’ emblem, he was one of the Seven Apostles like Adein.

His ability was “Morale Infusion.”

This power, which reduced fear and instilled courage, wouldn’t normally work on just anyone. However, in a state of clouded judgment, it was perfect for instigation.

“Have you heard? During the Seat of Proof─”

“Of course. Who hasn’t? To think that High Priestess Clavia was an undead…”

And now, it was the perfect time for his power to shine. The entire city was caught in a feverish excitement, its rationality eroded.

It wasn’t just Jehak. Other members of the faction were moving to assist as well.

This was Adein’s strategy.

“Spread it further. Broaden the reach. Let chaos ensue…”

Draw all attention to a single point.

Let the frenzied believers clamor to see the Saintess, the Savior, the divine being herself.

When she finally revealed herself, it was so that countless shields of flesh could be raised.

“······The Leader of the Dark Holy Society has passed away.”

This will shake the Dark Holy Society to its core.

They’ll never recover their former power again. This is the only chance to eliminate our enemy.

Even then, Jehak was busy flapping his tongue.

“We must go to the Great Temple!”

“The Great Temple···?!”

“It is to convey our sincerity to God before His departure! To show that we have never once betrayed Him!”

“Oh··· Ohhh······!”

The long-awaited manifestation of God.

At the mention of the true pinnacle of the theocratic nation, the mob psychology twisted further.

Watching the frenzied crowd, Jehak allowed himself a calculated smile.

*

I took some time in the sanctuary to inspect the divine artifact.

Sensing something in my demeanor, the others tactfully left me alone.

“It’s going to take some time to get used to this.”

That was the conclusion I came to after inspecting the ring for a while.

It was far more advanced and functional than a talisman, making it difficult to utilize immediately.

“Hmm.”

But that wasn’t a big problem.

I was heading back to the Snowfield soon, where I could train with it at my leisure.

While I was carefully handling the ring, there came a knock at the door.

Knock, knock─

“Come in.”

Nell burst in urgently the moment she entered.

“···Quellière! Did you see what’s happening outside?!”

“Outside?”

“Yeah. It’s complete chaos out there. Everyone’s gone mad.”

“···?”

I tilted my head in confusion.

What was she talking about?

I replied nonchalantly.

“Don’t pay it any mind.”

“Uh···? Oh, o-okay.”

She fell silent, and I continued testing the halo.

I had tried it once before, but it wasn’t easy to control. After several trials and errors, the radiant glow reappeared.

The sight of the bright light lifted my spirits.

At that moment, hurried footsteps approached, and Lucia appeared with an expression similar to Nell’s earlier.

“Saintess!”

Her voice trembled with agitation.

“There’s trouble! Look outside!”

“···Outside.”

“Yes! They’re looking for you, Saintess! It’s a commotion!”

“They’re looking for me···.”

I glanced at Nell.

So that’s why she came running here in a panic.

But how could she forget to mention the most important thing?

“······They’re looking for me.”

There were too many possible reasons.

However, there was no need for me to reveal myself unnecessarily.

“Don’t pay it any mind.”

“Uh··· Oh. Y-yes······.”

I gave her the same response and turned my attention back to the ring.

Whatever the commotion was, I figured it would settle down eventually.

Apparently, I underestimated the citizens of a theocratic nation.

A few minutes later, the next messenger arrived.

“Saintess!”

It was Targal, the commander of the Radiant Knights.

This time, I spoke first.

“The people are in an uproar.”

“Outside······! Uh, yes.”

“They’re searching for me.”

“······That’s correct. So, you already knew.”

He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

Clicking my tongue lightly, I rose from my seat.

It seemed the commotion wasn’t going to die down on its own.

As I walked down the corridor, the three who had come to summon me followed. Further ahead, Sariel and Netah were having a serious discussion. They ran over as soon as they saw me.

“Explain what’s happening.”

I asked first.

The two, who had been about to launch into another repetitive exchange, froze with their mouths agape like goldfish.

After regaining her composure, Sariel spoke seriously.

“Word of the Saintess has spread at a terrifying speed.”

“And?”

“The believers are calling you their savior and flocking to catch a glimpse of you.”

At her words, I quietly exhaled in relief.

At least it wasn’t a crisis.

I had prepared for the worst-case scenario, but this wasn’t anything major.

It was, in fact, a rather plausible development.

“The Radiant Knights have been fully mobilized to hold back the crowds, but they won’t be able to last much longer. We can’t harm the believers, so······.”

“Naturally.”

“Saintess, please forgive them. They act not out of malice but out of overwhelming reverence for you─”

“I understand.”

I nodded at Netah’s words.

Even in modern times, a divine appearance would incite such behavior.

In my case, I wasn’t a real god but a false one born of coincidences and luck.

“······Hmm.”

Of course, it was a bit troublesome.

I had intended to eliminate Clavia and flee immediately, but I hadn’t expected things to escalate this quickly.

It seems my exploits were more significant than I thought.

“What to do······.”

Fleeing now wouldn’t be a good idea.

This wasn’t mere interest but fanatical fervor. Ignoring it would only cause more problems.

Some effort to subdue the frenzy was necessary.

After a moment of contemplation, a good idea struck me.

“The terrace of the Great Temple.”

“Pardon?”

“Gather everyone there.”

It wasn’t hard to calm their excitement.

After all, why were they reacting so intensely?

They saw me as a transcendent being and hoped for salvation.

“Make sure anyone causing a commotion is removed. Tell them to remain orderly and composed.”

Now, what if I wasn’t an extraordinary being?

What if I showed no intention of being their savior?

Upon seeing my ordinary self, they’d surely feel disappointed.

I grinned mischievously.

“They want to see me, don’t they? So dearly.”

“······!”

The two High Priests’ eyes widened.

I had two tasks, and they were interconnected.

Calm the excitement and leave the theocracy!