Papal Perspective "So the Nightmare has been destroyed?"
"Yes. The perpetrator remains unidentified, but the area that served as the Nightmare's territory has been completely obliterated. We conducted a covert search of the surrounding region, but no Monster resembling the Nightmare was found."
"However, it is said that the Nightmare can use teleportation. Isn't it premature to declare it destroyed?"
"It is. Though this is still unconfirmed, there are reports that traces of Abyss Magic were found at the scene."
"Abyss Magic, you say."
"It is said that a direct hit from a spell that destroys even the soul and reduces everything to nothingness would make it extraordinarily difficult to avoid destruction, no matter how capable of teleportation the Monster may be. That is my humble opinion."
"Understood. We may proceed on the assumption that the Nightmare has been destroyed. Now then—what is the situation with the Saliera Kingdom?"
"That country is steadily advancing its war preparations. Troops are currently massing near the border."
"They fell for our misinformation. Or perhaps they knew exactly what we were doing and chose to ride our wave regardless. Either way, it suits us perfectly. Send reinforcements to the Outz Kingdom as planned."
"That has already been arranged."
"I'm glad you're efficient."
"This is precisely the opportunity to destroy the Goddess Church, our enemy of many years."
"Indeed. The God of the Divine Word would surely be pleased. Do you intend to join the ranks yourself?"
"Yes. I wish to personally pass judgment upon the heretic who dares call herself a goddess in place of the God of the Divine Word."
"Is that so. I look forward to it. You may go."
"Then, with your permission, I will take my leave."
After dismissing his subordinate, the Pope sank deep into his chair.
How absurd.
As if the God of the Divine Word would ever desire such a thing.
He skimmed through the report.
It was a dossier on the creature known as the Nightmare—something that had suddenly appeared in the dungeon and been carrying out bizarre actions.
The first sighting occurred when the Empire investigated anomalous activity inside the dungeon at the Outz Kingdom's request.
The survey team encountered the Nightmare and retreated.
After that, the Empire launched a subjugation operation with an elite unit.
The result was a massacre—virtually every member of the unit slaughtered.
Furthermore, the Nightmare pushed to the surface, apparently following a local guide who had fled.
It destroyed the fortress guarding the entrance to the Great Ello Dungeon.
Alongside these acts of slaughter and destruction, however, there were also incidents where it saved people.
At first, it rescued adventurers who had been attacked by Monsters within the great dungeon.
Later, it appeared in the Saliera Kingdom and saved Lady Seras Kellen from bandits.
It then made a nest in the Kellen County and began operating from there.
It also drove out the bandits in the Kellen region.
The loss of our covert operatives—planted among the bandits in disguise—was a significant blow.
The creature appears to be capable of highly advanced healing magic, and has even been seen treating the common folk.
Because of these actions, some have identified it as the Spider's Divine Messenger spoken of in the Goddess Church's teachings, and within the Saliera Kingdom, it is beginning to be venerated as a Divine Beast.
Based on intelligence extracted from the Empire's classified files, the Nightmare's estimated threat level is Over S.
It possesses multiple Skills of unknown nature, and Appraisal was reportedly disrupted midway through assessment.
If the claim that it disrupted Appraisal is true, that is an extremely grave matter.
It would mean the birth of a new Ruler—and one that is a Monster, no less.
That said, based on the report we just received, the Nightmare appears to have been destroyed.
A being capable of wielding Abyss Magic independently.
The only one that comes to mind is the Oldest Ruler.
But he couldn't understand the reason for her involvement.
The Nightmare was a spider-type Monster.
Did that mean it wasn't one of her subordinates?
Why would she need to crush her own subordinate—one that had even risen to the rank of Ruler?
She had been hiding her form and remaining inactive this whole time.
So why act now, of all times?
There were too many things he couldn't fathom.
In the worst case, there was even the possibility that she might intervene in this war.
If that happened, no amount of effort on humanity's part would make a difference.
The only one who could stop her was an Administrator.
These days, there were far too many variables.
The circumstances behind the previous Hero's death remained unknown.
The Demon race was growing more active.
And yet, the person newly appointed as Hero was
The oldest Divine Beast was stirring.
A mysterious new Ruler, slain by that very Divine Beast.
The world was in chaos.
No matter how vast and capable the Church's intelligence network was, there were limits.
What on earth was happening in the world?
"Pardon the intrusion. You have a visitor."
A voice came with a knock.
"Ah, wait—?!"
Before the Pope could respond, the door opened and a woman wearing a hood strode into the room.
The secretary scrambled to stop her, but the woman barged straight in.
"It's fine. You may withdraw."
He sent the secretary a signal and had him leave.
"So? What business brings you here,
The woman removed her hood.
Revealed beneath it was a beautiful face and pointed ears.
She was an elf.
"Despite this being a reunion after so long, you're rather cold, aren't you?"
"We're not close enough for a trip down memory lane.
If your main body were standing before me, I might give you a warmer welcome."
"That would be terrifying."
Potimas showed not the slightest reaction to the killing intent directed at her.
"So, what do you want? I'm a busy man. I don't have time to deal with the likes of you."
"Then I'll get straight to the point. The two humans you're protecting—hand them over to us."
"What?"
"You do know, don't you? That you're sheltering a child with a mysterious Skill."
At Potimas' words, the Pope crossed his arms.
It was true. He had taken two children into protective custody, both possessing the mysterious Skill "n％I＝W," and was monitoring one of them.
It was a Skill of unknown effect that had surfaced just when things were getting hectic, and he had been struggling with how to handle it. But why would an elf want it?
"What's your reason?"
"For us elves, those who possess this Skill are... unwelcome. At the same time, we cannot simply kill them. So we've determined they should be kept alive but contained."
"Do you know what the Skill does?"
"It's only speculation."
"Would you tell me its contents?"
"If you promise to hand over the children, I'd be willing to explain."
Hmm.
There was nothing to think about.
"I refuse."
"Are you quite certain?"
"I will do nothing that benefits you elves. Know that I intend to give no further aid to the blight upon this world."
"What a terrible thing to say. We only wish to live in peace."
"Which mouth is saying that drivel? How disagreeable. I could have your vessel executed right here and now, and no one would fault me."
"That would be inconvenient. Then I'll take my leave. Should you change your mind, you know where to find me."
"If I ever stand before you of my own accord, it will be to kill you."
"How frightening."
The Pope watched Potimas' retreating figure as she departed.
Those elves, devouring the world.
Someday, he would shatter that barrier and drive them out.
But for now, the Goddess Church took priority.
That religion was dangerous.
Because the legends it spoke of were the truth.
He wanted to crush it while he still drew breath.
That was his mission as Pope of the Divine Word Church.
Truly, both the Divine Word Church and the Goddess Church worshipped the same God. How absurd.