Chapter 24: Our Sins
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☆Exorcism Barrier☆
A type of barrier created by Saintess Mika. Within this barrier, the abilities of designated individuals or monsters are significantly diminished. The more malevolent the target, the greater the effect. Due to its immense power, the difficulty of using this barrier is extremely high, and it consumes a vast amount of mana. Moreover, only Saintess Mika could possibly create an Exorcism Barrier large enough to encompass the vast space of the Throne Room.
☆Outer Material Mana☆
Mana that exists within the body, released externally without being converted into magic. Angelica manipulates the mana released outside her body to manifest it as magic, allowing her to use pseudo-advanced magic without being limited by her extremely small Mana Emission Aperture. By applying this technique, she can utilize her original magic, Reflector, a spell that reflects magic. Currently, a very low concentration of Angelica’s Outer Material Mana is dispersed throughout the entire Throne Room.
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Mika turned her gaze towards Angelica and Eris. Their eyes met for just a fleeting moment, but it felt as if something passed between them.
“I am Mika of the Klaatel Church. Please allow me to speak on behalf of the three of us here.”
Mika bowed deeply, and her every movement drew gasps from the crowd.
“Then, Saintess Mika, please continue your discussion,” Madison nodded in response to her proposal.
“I have served alongside him—Hero Ryuguin—for a long time. Therefore, I am fully aware of all the details regarding the Hero Party during that time.”
Ryuguin wore a confident smile, certain of victory. There was no hesitation on Mika’s face.
“All the achievements attributed to him thus far… are nothing but lies.”
“───What?”
In shock, Ryuguin’s jaw dropped wider than anyone had ever seen, almost cartoonish. He struggled to recover, repeating “Huh? Huh? Huh?” as if he had forgotten how to breathe.
“The one who truly conquered the Newly Constructed Ultimate Labyrinth was not Hero Ryuguin, but rather the Holy Knight Yamada, who was summoned alongside the Hero, as Chancellor Madison mentioned earlier.”
Her voice carried a sense of determination. What that meant was—
“This is a scam!!”
Finally recovering, Ryuguin shouted.
“This is absolutely wrong!!”
He began to rant in front of many people.
“It’s wrong! It’s wrong! This is all wrong! This is a malicious setup!!! Hey! Mika!!! What on earth is going on here?! I will forgive you now! I will forgive you, so hurry up and take it back!!!”
An unusual aura emanated from him, making everyone present hesitant to move. However, Mika did not even glance in his direction.
“Saintess Mika, Hero Ryuguin is saying this,” Madison asked lightly, mocking Ryuguin.
“My testimony is the truth, sworn in the name of Klaatel,” Mika declared, cutting through Ryuguin’s outburst.
“Angelica!!! Help me!!! Help me! Your Hero is about to be framed! Your wisdom is meant for times like this!!”
It was futile. Angelica remained silent. Sensing this, Ryuguin turned to Eris next.
“Eris!!! Your master is in a crisis! You must do something, even if it costs you your life! Do something!!!”
Ryuguin stomped his feet in frustration.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! You guys! Say something instead of just standing there!!!”
With bloodshot eyes, he glared at the three of them.
“You three!!! I will never forgive you! How dare you oppose me, the Hero!!!”
Spittle flew from Ryuguin’s mouth, but a barrier created by someone from the church was finally placed over his mouth, silencing the uproar. As Ryuguin quieted down, Mika resumed speaking.
“We three have committed sins that are difficult to atone for, just like Hero Ryuguin. Just as he fabricated his achievements, our accomplishments are also steeped in lies.”
“Lies, you say?”
“Yes, that is correct. In truth, I only contributed to the conquest of the Mirror Labyrinth among the Seven Labyrinths. Furthermore, Angelica, another member of the Hero Party, only contributed to the conquest of the Light Labyrinth, and Eris only to the Blade Labyrinth.”
“Saintess Mika says this, but…?” Madison questioned Angelica and Eris.
“That is correct.”
“Saintess Mika is right.”
Both answered without hesitation.
But this is wrong… I, who was summoned to this world, conquered seven labyrinths that had never been cleared before. In the process, I faced countless near-death experiences. My motivation was indeed to return to my original world. However, it is also true that I dedicated myself for the sake of the unknown Arcana Kingdom.
So I can’t help but think. Perhaps this is an arrogant thought. But if I were to put it into words, it would be, “I explored and conquered the labyrinths on my own. You have no right to say anything.”
That’s right. That’s why I told them that there was no need to report to the kingdom anymore. Yet… they chose to expose everything to the light of day of their own volition.
“I ask Saintess Mika as a representative of the three. Do you understand the meaning of what you are saying? You have claimed the achievements of conquering the Newly Constructed Ultimate Labyrinth as your own, falsely accusing the true conqueror and driving them out. Not only have you deceived the kingdom and its people, but you have also committed acts against humanity—this is what you are saying.”
The future awaiting them is bleak. Exile? Whipping? Or perhaps—why must they, who have already suffered so much, endure even more pain?
As I am strictly ordered to remain silent until the time comes, what should I do?
“I understand. We are prepared to accept any punishment. That is the only atonement we foolish ones can offer…”
Mika’s expression was oddly bright. But that is wrong. It’s not right. Because the one at fault is all—
“The one at fault is me!!!”
Ryuguin, having had the barrier removed from his mouth, shouted with tears in his eyes.
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Is this the conclusion?!?