The fateful day is July 14th.

 

So, what should the team do before then? There was insufficient information for Tarra and Neo to figure things out. Since they couldn’t know exactly what was being planned, reducing the numbers in advance seemed like the only reasonable idea.

 

So, Bennett opened his mouth.

 

“⋯⋯Do you remember the contents of the report? The stamp the investigator found.”

 

[⋯⋯You mean the one that was engraved?]

 

Niole omitted Abraham’s forehead from the words. Nevertheless, the meaning seemed to have been conveyed, as Tara’s expression flickered briefly like a candle flame.

 

“Considering the location where the stamp is engraved and the current situation, it seems like preparing a magic circle of this form.”

 

Bennett took out a map and drew a line on it.

 

Then the appearance of the stamp was revealed.

 

“⋯⋯Overlap?”

 

[It’s too coincidental to call it luck.]

 

“A huge magic circle leaving stamps across the entire city. The Eun’s Twilight Sect intends to summon a god with this. So, what we need to do during the preparation period is to destroy this magic circle.”

 

If Bennett’s expectations were correct, and if their method of hiding the huge magic circle was similar to that of the dark wizards, there were eight stamps left in the city, one at each point. To stop the function of the magic circle, at least 50% of them needed to be damaged.

 

So.

 

“It concludes that we need to erase at least four stamps from here.”

 

Watching Bennett point to the points on the map with his finger, Tara tilted her head.

 

“But, can a magic circle work in this way? Putting several dots and claiming it’s a magic circle like this?”

 

“It connects the magical power between each stamp. Drawing invisible lines like that. I’ve seen it operate directly like that, so don’t underestimate it.”

 

“Where did I see something like this before⋯⋯?”

 

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

 

Bennett avoided eye contact. Not wanting to answer, he made it clear, and Tara didn’t insist. Even though she acted tough in various ways, in the end, she trusted him to some extent because he cared about her.

 

[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]

 

On the other hand, Niore was carefully examining the map.

 

“Did you find something?”

 

[No, not really. It’s the shape of this seal. Doesn’t it resemble a goat?]

 

“…Where?”

 

[Here, here are the eyes.]

 

Niore drew a rough sketch on the whiteboard.

 

A crudely drawn goat. Tara exclaimed in amazement.

 

“…You’re really bad at drawing, aren’t you?”

 

“No, I just drew it quickly because there’s no time. The meaning got through, didn’t it?”

 

[…I did my best to draw it!]

 

Niore, seemingly embarrassed, wiped away the goat drawing with his sleeve. Bennett felt uneasy about the goat’s drawing and tried to recall. There must have been a mention of it.

 

It was an unpleasant memory when he recalled it. At the moment of Abraham’s cremation, the written words in blood said:

 

‘Since you have given us a blemished female goat, we gratefully offer our thanks.’

 

As this didn’t seem like a mere coincidence, Bennett asked Niore. If the symbol of the Vice King was associated with a goat through the stamp and magic circle, there must be significant magical meaning.

 

“Is the symbol of that Vice King creature a goat?”

 

[No, not exactly. But there is an indirect connection. Among other foreign sources, there is a person referred to as the ‘Black Goat that spawned madness,’ and this person is considered the wife of the Vice King.]

 

“Wife…?”

 

“That side also seems to have no decent gods. Even the name sounds ominous… If she’s a wife, do they have children between them?”

 

[Yes. One prominent example is a pair of decaying twin deities… but.]

 

As Niore began to write down knowledge about the horrifying and blasphemous being, Bennett quietly pressed his hand over Niore’s mouth. It didn’t seem appropriate to delve into something so unpleasant and unhelpful.

 

Of course, Neore had no trouble moving his hands, but he understood well enough that it meant “Stop explaining, Neore.”

 

Bennett’s strong argument determined the group’s course of action.

 

First, they planned to erase the stamps engraved all over the city and destroy the magic circles. Even if it meant annihilating the entire Silver Twilight Sect, it was no different from being defeated the moment the demons’ invasion succeeded.

 

And taking advantage of that invasion, the demons might invade their world as well. It was necessary to block it off as a priority.

 

Abraham’s research data was kept in a secret safe. If they could calculate the alpha value, it would become a powerful weapon to counter-summon foreign beings, but there would be no need to use it if they could prevent the invasion itself.

 

So, Bennett’s opinion was to prioritize destroying the magic circles over processing the research data.

 

Tara couldn’t help but poke at Bennett.

 

“Why do you need to worry about another world that isn’t even ours?”

 

“…There’s a reason for it.”

 

“Then why don’t you tell us the reason?”

 

“……..”

 

Bennett sealed his lips like a clam.

 

He was still conflicted. Between revealing his true identity or not, stuck between the two choices. Unable to decisively choose either side.

 

“Then where should we start?”

 

“I think it’s best to start by erasing the stamps on Carter Street. There’s no reason not to aim for something right in front of us.”

 

They didn’t ask for permission. Though they had a subtle urge to poke deeper, they didn’t try to delve too deeply. Perhaps they already had suspicions about his true identity. Or maybe they thought they were already enemies and saw no need to find out more.

 

But when they looked into their eyes.

 

“Why are you just standing there? Bennett. It’s your plan, isn’t it?”

 

“Let’s gather our strength and make it a success.”

 

Favor.

 

That warm and somewhat lukewarm silence conveyed consideration. Bennett’s contemplation deepened inexplicably.

 

The situation where the companions didn’t inquire but believed in him was the best. No risk, only returns. It was enough to continue like this.

 

However, the feeling that he should talk about himself, the desire to speak, was gradually growing.

 

—–

 

※ July 10th.

 

“What about the fanatic observers?”

 

[Eaten through a spell.]

 

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

 

Carter’s alley stamp removed.

 

※ July 11th.

 

“Use some defensive magic!”

 

“⋯⋯No, I don’t want to!”

 

Attacked by a fanatic disguised as an ordinary citizen in the densely populated apartment area. After about an hour of combat, victory in the skirmish. Tara suffers a twisted right ankle. Bennett picks up Tara.

 

“Don’t shake me so much.”

 

“It’s uncomfortable, that’s why. Trying to find a comfortable position.”

 

“You’re making me extremely uncomfortable⋯⋯!”

 

Apartment area stamp removed.

 

※ July 12th.

 

“⋯⋯As the exposure increases, it seems the fanatic attacks are missing more.”

 

[Really?]

 

“No, it’s not a strange story. We were fighting earlier, and my chest area of the clothes got torn. After that, the fanatics’ gazes kept⋯⋯ even when my fist was flying in front, they dodged in a different direction. Should I dig deeper into the sternum⋯⋯?”

 

[Wouldn’t it be safer to block it with a sacred spell⋯⋯?]

 

Language violence by Benett passing by.

 

“I’d rather fight naked.”

 

“⋯⋯Benett, you’re noisy!”

 

The removal of the stamp engraved at Miskatonic University is complete.

 

—–

 

July 13th.

 

The slums seemed to be deeply involved with the Twilight Sect of Yin, making the difficulty two levels higher compared to other areas. The enemy’s numbers were too many, and the streets were complex, making it even challenging to locate the stamp.

 

The group diligently reduced their strength through hit-and-run tactics and gradually proceeded with the exploration.

 

Being in the position of the attacker, Tara’s attire was a great help. Just her walking could attract aggro like a pied piper, making it possible to gather enemies easily.

 

After another round of battles, reducing the number of opponents, the group hid in a nearby building for a short rest.

 

A tilted cross, mostly broken chairs. Traces of looting that took everything worthwhile and a wooden room untouched by someone even in the midst of chaos.

 

[Looks like a religious facility, right?]

 

“Seems like it.”

 

“Oh, isn’t that⋯⋯ a confessional? It looks a bit different, though.”

 

Tara pointed to the most intact thing in the abandoned church. A small wooden room with two doors on each side. A place to confess sins and seek forgiveness before God.

 

Tara pushed Benett’s back and said, “Hey, Benett. Go in.”

 

“What?”

 

“Don’t frown all day; come in. I’ll confess and apologize. You too, Neore.”

 

[Yes.]

 

Tara and Neore held hands as they entered the confession room. Beneath hesitation, Venet opened the door and stepped into the confessional.

 

A narrow room with space for only one person. Seated on a chair, facing forward, there was a hole in front of it, covered by thick curtains. It was Venet’s first time receiving a confession at the Confession Hall.

 

Silence. In the quiet room, where the sound of one’s own heartbeat was audible, even small sounds echoed clearly. Beyond the curtain, the rustling of clothes could be heard, along with soft laughter.

 

Then, a white hand appeared beneath the curtain, accompanied by a cheerful voice.

 

“Whose hand is it?”

 

“…Neore’s hand. Is this how confessions usually go? I heard priests aren’t supposed to share the stories they hear with others.”

 

“Neore is a priest too. Just appointed with the privilege of a saint.”

 

The protruding hand raised the thumb.

 

The saint behind the curtain spoke, “Reach out your hand.”

 

“Why?”

 

“You need to hear Neore’s words too. Neore, as a priest, will write something good on your palm.”

 

“…Fine.”

 

As Venet hesitated with his hand on the table, Tara’s hand swiftly appeared, grabbed Venet’s hand, and pulled him inside. And a moment later…

 

Neore’s gentle fingers scratched Venet’s palm as they wrote. In the meantime, Tara played with Venet’s index finger, folding and unfolding it.

 

[Can you hear me well?]

 

“…Yes, I can. And don’t play with other people’s hands, Tara.”

 

“It feels weird touching calluses. Neore, want to try too?”

 

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

 

Bennett wiped his face with his free left hand, the hand of unshackled freedom. It felt like the heat was rising, but he was young, after all. The situation where girls were playing around with his hand was embarrassing and ticklish.

 

Tara, holding Bennett’s thumb, suddenly spoke.

 

“Come on, say what you want.”

 

From Noble mtl dot com

 

“What kind of talk is that out of the blue?”

 

“70% of the duties of a saint involve counseling. Many people who want to donate and seek forgiveness for their sins come. Your face had the expression like you were going to show up with a spinning wheel to find me.”

 

[Your expression seemed like you had a lot of stories you wanted to share.]

 

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

 

He had control over his expressions. Getting caught by Neore with his monstrous intuition was unavoidable, but being caught by Tara. It meant his expression had crumbled, indicating something.

 

Maybe the tension had just suddenly eased.

 

What if it had been before they got along? If that were the case, he would have perceived the current situation as extremely dangerous. If he raised the dagger behind the curtain and struck, Bennett’s right hand would be severed and it would all begin.

 

As affection built up and he witnessed all their laughter and tears, he might unknowingly melt away too.

 

In that case, fear would only grow. If he mentioned that he was a dark wizard, and this relationship crumbled⋯⋯.

 

“⋯⋯Ha.”

 

“You’re not going to say anything?”

 

“No, I’ll say it. If hearing it is your wish.”

 

“I don’t mind if you boast till the end⋯⋯ Hey, do I even need to hear it?”

 

Snap. Tara slapped Bennett’s palm. It seemed quite amusing, and Neore also lightly slapped him as he passed.

 

Bennett burst into laughter, hesitated for a moment, and then spat it out.

 

“I am a dark wizard. Sent to demolish the academy.”

 

“⋯⋯⋯⋯Huh?!”

 

My heart fluttered with fear and unease. But I wanted to speak. I wanted acknowledgment. Perhaps I didn’t even know if I wanted to confess to someone.

 

“It won’t be such a long story. The happy days I wanted to keep in my mouth, they’ve been forgotten because too much time has passed.”

 

He calmly testified about his life.

 

—–

 

#0: Bennet’s Reflections

 

Imagine the simplest form of a cabin that can be made from logs. The sight of dozens of such cabins haphazardly clustered together.

 

And if you could plant a lush vineyard next to it, you’ve successfully envisioned my hometown.

 

I lived with my younger sister in a village near the forest, where hunters gathered. Our parents were hunters too, good people, but they left too early. I remember they were killed by an ogre that crawled out at the edge of the forest.

 

I survived by catching rabbits and small birds with the skills my parents taught me. Missing a day of hunting meant going hungry, but I could endure it as long as I had my sister with me.

 

If the game I brought back wasn’t enough for both of us, I made sure my sister ate her fill. I knew I should prioritize replenishing the nutrition of the one who brought back the catch, but I just couldn’t⋯⋯. I couldn’t do that.

 

If my sister was full, I ate too. I desperately wished for my sister to live as happily as possible. After all, that’s what I learned from my parents. Family protects and cares for each other.

 

If I dedicate myself to you, and you dedicate yourself to me, our lives become rich and overflow with joy. It was true. I was truly happy.

 

Then, one day, there was a cold winter. Yes, that’s right. It was a year when many people froze to death. My sister fell ill, and I had to earn money in a winter with no game.

 

I entrusted my sister to the village healer and alchemist. He said if I brought back a pouch full of coins, he would make a cure.

 

I hunted hibernating beasts in the snow-covered mountains, sent money to the alchemist one by one. Sometimes, I thought about checking on my sister’s face, but I endured it because I needed to earn more.

 

I felt that if the treatment was delayed, something terrible might happen.

 

Finally, when I paid the full amount the alchemist had demanded and went to his house, he said last night my sister’s illness had worsened, and she died. Worried about infection, he cremated the body, and he would return half the money you sent.

 

I could feel it. The alchemist was lying.

 

I gouged out his eyeballs, severed his left arm halfway, and only then did he confess. He sold my sister a long time ago. I started tracking down slave traders to get her back.

 

Alchemist? Of course, I killed him.

 

I killed merchants, I killed stable boys, I climbed up by killing those connected. At the end of the pursuit, there was a dark sorcerer who had reached the pinnacle of myths.

 

He wasn’t an opponent I could touch. I was defeated and captured. He said, swinging a torch across my half-burned face, that my younger sister would be used as the vessel for some great dark sorcerer.

 

On the large altar, my younger sister lay with closed eyes. No matter how loudly I shouted her name, she wouldn’t wake up. As the dark sorcerer cast his spell, a dense green light spread.

 

When my sister opened her eyes, I could realize that she was no longer my sister. It was the ‘Dread-Eating Corpse Flower’ that had taken over her body.

 

I was almost mad, spewing out hatred and resentment.

 

She listened silently to my resentment and then proposed a deal. If I helped with their plan, they would return my sister’s body. That’s how I became a dark sorcerer. I lived for their sinister purposes.

 

The ‘Dread-Eating Corpse Flower’ aims to use a spell called ‘Nightmare Summoning,’ feeding on the negative emotions of the Academy. And what she is summoning is a spirit of this world.

 

A gigantic magic circle drawn around the symbol, the uncontrollable actions of the mad sorcerer… everything points to that fact. If we can’t prevent the advent of the spirit here.

 

The spirit might descend upon the Academy.

 

I wanted to tell this story.

 

—–

 

[So, chasing the sorcerer with us, participating in the lecture…]

 

“I planned to carry out a disruptive maneuver in the middle. A royal dispute will bring great confusion to the Academy.”

 

“…………”

 

Venet closed his eyes quietly, like a convict awaiting judgment.

 

Tara put her hand on Venet’s hand and lightly squeezed it. Then, in a voice not much different from usual.

 

“Have you ever tasted someone else’s soul?”

 

“…………”

 

“When dark sorcerers use others’ souls, remnants linger, staining the soul bit by bit. That’s why it feels like… like a patchwork. But you were clean.”

 

“…Can you see that too?”

 

“You have to spend a long time together to see it.”

 

Tara wrapped her hands around Beneath’s hands. She tapped his backhand. Closing her eyes, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Then, she cautiously spoke.

 

“Perhaps you killed people for the Dark Wizard?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“But in my opinion, if you could have avoided it, you would have. You would have come up with various reasons, saying that not killing is more efficient. Am I wrong in thinking this?”

 

“You are wrong.”

 

“No, my thoughts are correct.”

 

“……”

 

While Beneath remained frozen, Saint Tara made her proclamation.

 

“The sin of the pitiful young man who tried to save his younger sister… will be pardoned by saving the world. Do you understand?”

 

“What an absurd condition for clemency… Don’t you have any doubts?”

 

[We have seen Beneath long enough. You’ve suffered. Until now.]

 

Niole’s hand also rested on top of Beneath’s hand. The warmth felt from their overlapping hands seemed to melt the long winter.

 

“You’ll be a double agent, Beneath. With the Saint covering for you, you won’t be caught by the Inquisitor.”

 

“……”

 

“Is this enough to repay your debt from the dungeon?”

 

Tara released her hand and stepped out of the confessional. Just as Beneath had helped her in front of Abraham, this time she wanted to help him. She didn’t think that what he had done in the situation where his family was taken hostage was a great sin.

 

The only concern was the diminishing sacred power. If she were to be stripped of her position as a saint, she wouldn’t be able to cover for Beneath anymore. Then, should they hold hands and run away?

 

Niole also came out and stood beside her. And they quietly waited for Beneath. After about five minutes, he emerged with a clean face.

 

“Did you cry?”

 

“I’m not a crybaby like you.”

 

“It seems like you’re troubled. Neore, what do you think?”

 

[I’ll keep it a secret for Venet!]

 

That’s your answer. Venet sighed inwardly. Then, raising his hand on the hilt of the longsword, he walked forward at a brisk pace.

 

“I haven’t erased the stigma yet. We need to move quickly.”

 

“Don’t be nervous. Neore, shall we go?”

 

[Yes.]

 

After the ritual, perhaps there was a change in their feelings. The group felt more cohesive. If they could fully trust their companions, the scope of their tactics would greatly expand.

 

Although they suffered some injuries, the group found the stamp in the public laundry of the slum and could deal with it.

 

Stamp on the slums removed.

 

—–

 

And── July 14th.

 

Isaak celebrated his birthday.