Chapter 58: The Hostile Takeover of Faith
"Rimuru," I say, adjusting my obsidian gloves as I stand before the tactical map. "Go meet your Saint. I'll handle the 'Luminaries'. I've been looking for a reason to test my new [Total Liquidation Logic], and these ancient relics seem like the perfect test subjects."
Rimuru nods, his golden eyes glowing with a mixture of resolve and weariness. "Just... don't kill them if you don't have to, Shinji. We need a clean ledger after this is over."
"I make no promises on the survival of bad debts, Rimuru," I respond, my voice porcelain-cold. "But I will ensure the optics are manageable."
[Shadow Step]
I vanish from the war room and emerge five kilometers to the west, hovering silently above the primary trade road. Below, the vanguard of the Holy Knights is moving through the canyon. But they aren't alone. In the shadows of the cliffs, seven distortions in space-time mark the presence of the Seven Luminaries—the hidden "Board of Directors" of Lubelius.
Notice. [Universal Perception] has locked onto seven high-density spiritual signatures. They are preparing a 'Trinity Break' class ritual to seal the area. Analyzing the Holy-Demonic interference... Probability of successful containment: 0%.
Zero percent? I think, my internal persona smugly checking its watch. Good. I'd hate to think my recent hardware upgrade was for nothing. Azathoth, initiate the [Transaction Domain]. I want to charge them a movement tax they can't pay.
[Transaction Domain]
The air in the canyon instantly turns to lead. The Holy Knights below collapse as the gravity increases by 1000%, their "Holy Armor" creaking under the sudden market correction. From the shadows, the Seven Luminaries emerge, floating in their ceremonial robes, their faces hidden by masks of gold and light.
"Who dares interfere with the Divine Will?" one of them booms, his voice a distorted, artificial frequency.
"I do," I say, descending slowly. My silver-white hair flutters in the wind, and my [Dragon Spirit Haki] flares, a cold, oppressive void that makes their 'Holy' light flicker and dim. "Shinji Satou Tempest. I'm here to inform you that your 'Crusade' has been rejected due to insufficient collateral. You are currently trespassing on a True Dragon's named territory."
"A monster... claiming the name of the Storm?!" another Luminary screeches. "Blasphemy! We shall erase you from the records!"
They raise their staves, a blinding white light coalescing into a series of [Disintegration] beams. It's the ultimate "Holy" audit—a spell meant to erase the soul itself.
[Obsidian Aegis]
I don't dodge. I don't even raise a hand. The beams hit me directly, the white light washing over my obsidian suit. For a moment, the canyon is brighter than the sun.
Notice. [Holy-Demonic Attack Resistance] is at 100% efficiency. Negating informational erasure. Conversion of incoming energy to magicule reserves: Successful.
As the light fades, I am standing exactly where I was, not a single thread of my manifested silk singed. The Luminaries' shock is almost palpable.
"My turn," I say.
[Black Flame] + [Spatial Thinning]
I snap my fingers. Seven pillars of dark, inextinguishable flame erupt directly beneath them. Because I've thinned the space around them, the flames bypass their magical barriers entirely, attaching to their spiritual bodies.
"AGGGH! The fire! It won't go out!"
"It won't go out because I've dictated that your regeneration is currently 'Out of Office'," I state, walking through the air toward them. "Now, let's talk about the Seven Luminaries. You've been manipulating the Western Nations for centuries. That's a lot of back-taxes you owe the world."
Below, Rimuru has reached the clearing where Hinata Sakaguchi waits. I can see the blue flash of her [Moonlight] rapier through my [Universal Perception].
"Master Rimuru has engaged the Saint," I observe. "Which means I can finish this audit without interruption. Azathoth, initiate [Soul Eater]. I want to see how much 'Divine Grace' these relics have left in their accounts."
"Wait! Stop!" the lead Luminary cries, his mask melting. "We can negotiate! We can give you Lubelius!"
"The Holy Empire is a failing asset," I respond, my eyes turning a cold, predatory sea-grey. "[Heartless One]. Since you're begging for your lives, the transaction is already closed."
A wave of crushing despair ripples through the canyon. The Luminaries' very will to exist is repossessed. One by one, they begin to dissolve, their souls being pulled into the dark void of my [Stomach].
Current Magicule Reserves: 110% (Overcharged). Location: Western Canyon. Status: Seven Luminaries: Liquidated. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, that was surprisingly efficient. Now, let's go check on Rimuru. If he's actually talking to Hinata, I need to make sure he doesn't sign a contract that favors the Church. I have a very specific set of 'Reparations' in mind for this little crusade.
Chapter End.