Chapter 127: Don't Hit the Face
"I see, so this was an operation targeting the Re-Estize Kingdom?" Hayashi propped his cheek on his hand, feigning nonchalance. "Indeed, Gazef is a key figure in the kingdom. His death would deal a significant blow to both the soldiers' morale and the kingdom's elite combat strength."
"Divine One is most wise—"
Nigun pressed his forehead tightly against the ground, his expression twisting with perverse delight. To him, Hayashi's words affirmed the necessity of his actions—it was praise! How could he not be overjoyed?
"However, I now have a far more important task for you—" Hayashi's voice rang in Nigun's ears, making him straighten up instantly. He thumped his chest and declared, "Divine One, please command us! We will spare no effort to fulfill Your divine will—"
"Good." Hayashi nodded in satisfaction. "Return to the Slane Theocracy at once and deliver news of Our arrival!"
Nigun nodded reflexively, only to see an octahedral pendant tossed before him.
"A little trinket. It boosts all your attributes by about thirty percent." Hayashi waved a hand dismissively. "Call it divine blessing or mission reward—interpret it however you like."
"I-I understand—"
Nigun trembled as he picked up the pendant, immediately feeling his various powers surge. His grin twisted even further.
Only one thought dominated his mind now—
'I am favored by the Divine!'
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...
After ordering Kayle to escort Nigun away, Hayashi's previously rigid posture instantly relaxed. He then let out a whimper and sought out Erina, burying his face into her ample bosom and inhaling deeply. With a sigh, he murmured, "In this cold, unfeeling world, only Erina's—"
"Idiot!"
Flushing crimson, Erina tightened her arms around Hayashi's head, muffling the rest of his words against her chest.
No—she wouldn't let him finish!
"Mmph—!"
Hayashi first gave Erina a thumbs-up, then remained frozen in that position, eerily still—as if something had gone terribly wrong.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
One minute, two minutes, three minutes...
Soon, five minutes passed. Hisako, standing to the side, spoke somewhat helplessly, "Young Master, I know you can hold your breath, but we still need to discuss our next steps. Could you perhaps stop enjoying yourself for now?"
Hearing Hisako's words, Hayashi patted Erina's shoulder with a disappointed sigh, then looked up at Hisako with a resentful gaze, muttering, "Damn it, where's the promised assist? How come you're turning into a third wheel now, Hisako?"
Hisako stared coldly at Hayashi and said, "Young Master, did you know? Erina has already passed her twentieth birthday."
"Cough, cough—"
Under Erina's blushing stare, Hayashi coughed awkwardly, then said with visible discomfort, "Ahem, well, let's discuss our next plan first—Hisako, the higher-ups of the Slane Theocracy aren't as easy to fool as Nigun, right?"
Hisako rolled her eyes and replied, "Of course not! Nigun doesn't know about the Player, but the Slane Theocracy's leadership is fully aware of the Player's existence—even possessing 'Godlings' who inherit the Player's bloodline."
That's right—the black-and-white-haired "loli" twisting a Rubik's Cube at the start of the second season of the anime, and the handsome armored man who approached her—the former is the Black Scripture's extra seat, Zesshi Zetsumei, the most powerful "Godling" in the entire Slane Theocracy, while the latter is the Black Scripture's captain.
By the way, does anyone feel like the name "Black Scripture" sounds familiar? A friendly reminder: the comedic woman from the first season of the anime was originally the Black Scripture's ninth seat, bearing the title "Windstride."
Hayashi stroked his chin and said, "So, if we let Nigun go back and report, wouldn't that be like voluntarily exposing our whereabouts to the Slane Theocracy?"
"Exactly. It's intentional—to test their reaction," Hisako nodded and explained. "The Slane Theocracy is a nation that preaches human supremacy. Since we aren't heteromorphs, we don't have direct conflict with them."
Hayashi nodded in realization. "So, you're planning to cooperate with them?"
Hisako smiled and clarified, "Whether it's cooperation or conquest depends entirely on the Theocracy's response."
If they approach with a cooperative attitude, Hisako would naturally advise Hayashi to center their next plans around the Theocracy. But if the higher-ups prove blind to reason, then perhaps more forceful measures would be necessary.
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...
Meanwhile, after leaving the Sky Citadel, Nigun wasted no time leading his squad back to the Slane Theocracy and recounted his experience in exhaustive detail.
From the descending army of angels to the mysterious Sky Citadel, the overwhelming presence of the "deity," and the "magical artifact" Nigun presented as definitive proof—the entire Theocracy's leadership was thrown into an uproar.
After a heated discussion, the higher-ups reached a simple consensus—
First, dispatch the Black Scripture's captain to investigate the Sky Citadel's strength.
If they are weak, then "protect" them and attempt to have them produce offspring, seeing if there's a way to create a second "Zesshi Zetsumei";
If they are strong, then ascertain their thoughts and intentions. If their attitude is friendly, seek ways to cooperate. If they are evil at heart, have Zesshi Zetsumei take action and attempt to kill them with a single strike.
"Do you understand the importance of this mission?"
The Chief Justice looked down at the armored captain holding a spear and inquired.
"Yes, I understand perfectly," the captain nodded with a faint smile. "I will thoroughly investigate their strength and attitude. Please rest assured."
"Good. Then, set off immediately!"
Any further delay would be impolite!
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...
It must be said that the Slane Theocracy acted swiftly. Within less than a week after Nigun left the Floating City, the captain of the Black Scripture arrived at the so-called "Divine Realm" reported by Nigun, leading a squad of cavalry (not Black Scripture members, but ordinary Theocracy soldiers).
"Is this the place?"
Jumping down from his horse, the captain glanced around with a hint of amusement. "I wonder when that angel will appear?"
At this moment, Hayashi, seated on his throne watching the live feed, smacked his thigh in irritation. "Tch, why is this guy so full of himself?"
He, Hayashi, despised show-offs the most!
Hisako glanced at Hayashi, then at the exceptionally handsome captain, suppressing a chuckle.
Young Master, is it his arrogance or his looks that bother you?
Hayashi keenly noticed Hisako's gaze and turned to her. "Hisako, what's with that look?"
Holding back laughter, Hisako replied, "N-nothing! cough Nothing at all! Kayle, go and escort them up."
"Yes—"
Kayle, standing by the door, nodded and turned to leave.
Soon, the Black Scripture captain and his cavalry were led to the first-floor hall, where they saw Hayashi seated on the throne, flanked by Hisako and Erina.
"Greetings, Your Excellency—"
The captain obediently knelt on one knee, observing Hayashi's expression as he spoke. "I am the captain of the Black Scripture, a special unit under the Slane Theocracy."
"You're from the Black Scripture, while that blond man earlier was from the Sunlight Scripture," Hayashi feigned ignorance. "So they're different units?"
"Exactly," the captain nodded. "The Black Scripture is our nation's most elite force, far surpassing the Sunlight Scripture in every way."
In short, the Black Scripture's recruitment requirement was reaching the realm of heroes (Lv. 30)—a unit where every member was on par with Gazef. Wait, why was the Warrior Captain being used as a power benchmark again?
Hisako smiled sweetly from the side. "In that case, as the captain of the Black Scripture, you must be exceptionally strong, right?"
"Naturally."
"Then, how about a spar with Kayle?"
"Gladly!"
The captain and Hisako exchanged glances, both smiling.
Captain: What luck! I can complete the mission right away—assessing the Floating City's strength.
Hisako: What luck! We can immediately show our might and make those fools from the Slane Theocracy understand who's in charge!
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In the grand hall of the first floor, Kayle in armor stood facing off against the equally armored Captain.
"Angel-sama, I shall make my move—" The Captain wore a relaxed smile as he tightened his grip on his spear, charging toward Kayle with extraordinary speed while thinking, 'This angel doesn't emit any aura that makes me apprehensive. Her strength must be nothing special.'
Kayle watched as the Captain "walked" toward her at an excruciatingly slow pace and thought, 'According to Supreme Being Hisako's orders, now should be the time to unleash my aura, right?'
Kayle took a step forward, and the aura she had concealed for so long instantly erupted. The previously composed Captain immediately looked like he'd been struck by lightning—as if he'd been stripping in class only to turn around and see the homeroom teacher standing at the door with his parents.
"W-wait a second…" He wanted to raise his hand in surrender, but as Kayle drew nearer, the Captain could only force a bitter smile and wail, "At least… don't hit the face—"