NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 152
152. Gathered In This Land
“You have something to say.”
With those words, I found myself stepping outside the headquarters with Jack.
From the main street, we entered a narrow alley, arriving at a deserted, small temple.
“I was brought here by a strange woman. Most likely, she has—skills from the same god as ours.”
Jack began to speak.
“Be careful. She’s a suspicious woman.”
“Oh my, calling me ‘suspicious’—how rude. I happen to be the wife of one of Adonis’ most prominent nobles, you know.”
A wry voice interrupted, suddenly.
Startled, I turned around to find a woman standing there.
Long, gently waving golden hair, a rose-colored dress.
A beauty exuding an air of nobility.
When had she appeared?
“A pleasure to meet you both, Jack, and Haruto as well.”
“You—”
Jack’s expression hardened.
“What is your intention? Why did you bring me to this country?”
…So, she was the one who brought Jack to Rudiloum.
“This is where it all begins. That’s why I called you here.”
The woman spoke, a smile playing on her lips.
Though her aura radiated noble elegance, an enigmatic allure mingled with it, sending a shiver down my spine just standing near her.
“All surviving skill holders will gather in this land—and the curtain will rise. The moment marking the beginning of the end.”
She announced as though reciting a poem, her smile deepening.
“I forgot to introduce myself. I am Vanessa Millet. A pleasure, Haruto Riva.”
“…A pleasure.”
As Vanessa gracefully bowed, I returned the gesture.
“And there’s one more person I’d like to introduce.”
With those words, a black hole-like void appeared before me.
“This is—”
I gasped.
I recognized it.
During the battle with Electra, she escaped through this very kind of hole.
From within, a small figure emerged.
Black hair in braids, a freckled, youthful face.
In stark contrast to the refined Vanessa, this girl had an unpolished air—she looked like a novice priestess.
“This is Sephiria Rize. Like you, she’s an adventurer.”
“Hi there~”
Sephiria greeted casually.
“It’s wonderful to see those with divine power gathering like this.”
“Why did you bring me to such a place?”
Jack’s expression grew grimmer as he glared at the ever-smiling Vanessa. Sparks crackled from his body.
What’s going on…?
“I apologize for the abruptness. There was no time to explain.”
Vanessa maintained her composed smile.
“A crisis looms over this land. Even with high-ranking adventurers gathered here, it’s not enough. That’s why we need those with divine power—like us.”
“In other words, we’re here as ‘reinforcements’, right?”
Sephiria cheerfully clarified, smiling.
“You’re asking me to fight demons—”
Jack groaned.
“I’ve heard your contribution was significant when you repelled the demon general Dialva, who attacked the capital.”
Vanessa chimed in.
“And they say you also fought valiantly against the three demon generals who appeared afterward.”
“How do you know that—?”
“My specialty is spatial control. Even in isolated dimensions, I can observe events as if I were there myself.”
Vanessa explained nonchalantly, leaving me stunned.
“I… don’t like fighting.”
Jack muttered bitterly.
“But if it’s to protect something precious, I won’t hesitate to fight.”
Vanessa’s crimson lips curved into a sly smile.
“Am I wrong?”
“That’s…”
“Killing is part of it, too—like when you fought Levin Hector.”
“…!”
Jack’s face twisted in anguish.
His eyes wavered, reflecting a complex mix of anger and sorrow.
“You haven’t met Levin, have you, Haruto? He was a skill holder granted the power of Domination by Gareza.”
Vanessa explained.
According to the story, Levin had attempted to use his skill to take control of the entire Kingdom of Adonis.
The repercussions reached Jack, leading to a fierce battle.
In the end, Jack defeated Levin.
A bitter expression lingered on Jack’s face.
The guilt of taking a life to protect oneself—
I understood it all too well.
It reminded me of when I fought Gregorio, who wielded the Massacre skill.
That same horrible feeling.
“Jack, it looks like you were cursed during that battle.”
Sephiria suddenly said, staring intently at Jack.
“A curse…?”
“I can see traces of Levin’s power. It’s gradually eroding your mind. Haven’t you felt something off?”
“…Something off, huh.”
Jack groaned.
He seemed to have an idea of what she meant.
“If this continues, it’ll negatively affect you. The skill will dominate you, and eventually, you might lose control.”
Sephiria grinned nonchalantly.
This isn’t something to laugh about!
If Jack, with his overwhelming combat abilities from the ‘Enhancement’ skill, were to go berserk—
The consequences would be catastrophic.
“Don’t worry~. I have the Restoration skill granted by Ada El. I’ll heal you.”
“Can you really do that?”
Jack asked in astonishment, and Sephiria nodded confidently.
“Leave it to me~. Ada El, dear, lend me your strength!”
As she raised her hand, a glowing emblem appeared.
It depicted a goddess with two faces and four arms.
The moment the light enveloped Jack, a pained expression crossed his face.
“Urgh, ahhh…!”
His agonized cry echoed through the temple—.