"Young Frea."

  "Yeah ? What's up Van Goth ?"

  "Someone is here to see you. It's... complicated. The person wishes to see you near the borders of the deserts of Saand." the loyal vampire expined in an unusual tense tone.

  "Hm."

  "Miss Frea ?"

  "Lead the way Van. I assume that you know the way."

  The vampire simply conjured a teleportation spell from his cape and the duo burst in a flock of bats.

  After a few instants, the duo reappeared and Van Goth tiredly stirred from the effort. He took out a gourd of blood and greedily drank its content.

  "Ahhhh, that's better."

  "Where's the person who wanted to talk to me ? I don't see anyone there ?"

  The vampire opened his mouth to answer but a pilr of fmes erupted from the sky, near the two Elfortians. Both shielded their eyes from the hot air and debris blowing in their faces but noticed a human figure at the center of the fire.

  "It's her..." the vampire muttered and Frea's eyes widened at the sight.

  "Fufufu~ I apologize for scaring you, but as a follower of Wrath, I need to create explosive entrances. I hope that I did not shake you too much."

  Brown messy hair, caramel-colored skin covered by leather armor and thin-veils dyed crimson. Two Bedouin-looking sabers attached to her waist and a short wand in a hand.A woman from the territories of Saand, the eternal desert.

  Frea, however, knew her under another identity.

  "... Etoile ? The Spark Huntress ? You are... with the cult of Wrath ?"

  "Sorry young Shaman, she forbid me from revealing her identity to you." Van Goth apologized, looking bashful.

  She's not hostile but... She's not supposed to be here. She's a supporting NPC. A strong one... She should be looking for Ramiel at this moment. But she's aligned with... Raya ? The final boss ? that would expin why she has such strong fire magic... And why she disappear near the end of the story...Then why does she side with us for half of the game... ?

  "Oh~ Oh~ My reputation precedes me. Even in Elfort." the woman smirked as she caressed one of her bdes made out of bones and mana crystals. "But enough with the chit-chat. I have business with you. Not with you, vampire. Go away." the adventurer stated as she switched from cheerful to cold and commanding.

  "But... I can't just leave. You promised me you wouldn't try anything funny..." the man argued back, standing in from of the elf.

  "I know ! And I swear it, again ! Your shaman won't be harmed in any way. I'm just here to carry a message. A very important one. From someone very important !"

  What can I do... ? Even if she says that... I don't trust her. But she's an S-rank adventurer... She has stats in the five-digits if I remember everything right... There's no way I stand up to- Alright.

  The young elf cleared her throat, catching the attention of the two adults, who paused their stare contest to hear her."Fine. I'll listen to what you have to say. But be quick, I don't have all day."

  "Fufufu~ I get it. And I like your spirit. Let's get into business, shall we ?" Etoile asked rhetorically as the vampire vanished in a cloud of bats.

  "What do you want ? Elfort has nothing for your cult. We're already allying with the one of Gluttony. We can't give more than that. We know you are all trying to spread your influence..."

  "No, no, no... Nothing like that. As I said, I'm here to rey messages. This one is a plea from your former comrades. The Hero Ramiel, and RaviK and Margos from the Thassa Union ! They want to reconnect with you. They want to discuss about several things have happened. The empire has lost the war with the holy country after all. And that'll bring uncertainty in these trouble times.Moreover, the Sin of Wrath, my master, has freed Pride. And the Hero is preparing for the war with the Demon race. Ourselves, the cult of Wrath, has been advised to participate in the conflict. That's quite a lot, isn't it ?"

  "I am NOT going back with them. I just want my country to be left alon-"

  "Too bad for you~ The Demons will invade Elfort first, and you'll have to face your past eventually. The Hero and the twins will eventually come here to face the demonic invasion. And there is no doubt such important figures will not hold meetings with the leaders of Elfort. In short... You." she pointed with a finger.

  Tsk... the elf clicked her tongue.

  Everything was messy. This didn't make any sense.

  Raya and Ramiel are in the same country. But why isn't she trying to kill him ? The game made the pyer and her csh. So why ? Why is she helping the Hero with her cult ? Or does she have some sort of parallel agenda... ?Were the Demons a common enemy of Sins and Humanity ? But, weren't Demons sinful beings ?

  Nothing made sense. Nothing was logical in Frea's mind. But then again, there was so little in-depth lore of both the Sins and the Demons...

  "I... don't understand. Why are you aiding us ? You could kill us all. Demons and humans alike."

  The woman let out an exasperated, heavy sigh and rolled her eyes."I can't... Why does everyone think the Sins aim to kill people just for the fun of it ?! It's your fault to begin with ! If you didn't bath in sins to begin with, we wouldn't have to purge you all ! You are unbearable sometimes ! You are you so stubborn ?!" the cultist screamed out.

  What ? What is she talking about ?

  "Anyway !" Etoile cut-off, returning to her... eccentric and cheerful persona. "I've passed my message. It's up to you if you want to make the first step after ditching everyone, or stall until everyone reunites in bad conditions. The Hero and his friends are growing. Also, I'm adding my won two cents into the mix as an adventurer... While you are powerful, you would benefit from him. He is exploring dungeons left and right. He's gathering actual battle experience. And Training too. Unlike you who grows stronger by collecting lost relics and artifacts."

  "You spied on me ?!"

  "Who knows..." the Beduin adventurer replied with a foxy grin. "See you next time~ Little otherworlder~"

  "WHAT ?! Wait !" Frea screamed out as her interlocutor vanished in smoke. "NO ! COME BACK !"

  When Van Goth found Frea after a while, she was sitting in a clearing, biting her nails from anxiousness, muttering about 'going or not going'.

  As expected. The students fled. From me, or from the war ? In any case, that's disappointing. And I doubt any of them are willing to come back now. Also... What happened here when I was in the front ? Why is everyone so tense ?

  "Raya... I think that's because of me. I'm a Sin after all." Manticore pointed out in an amused tone. "You told me that they acted like this when you first arrived. This must be... stressful for them. To see another Sin."

  Ah. Right... Raya coughed awkwardly. By the way, I need to check up on some people. I count on everyone to... show Manticore around. But there are things we'll have to talk about. We've encountered... problems on our way home. she continued, gncing at the reunion of padins and the Pope with eyes even sharper than usual.

  She took off and went north, in the direction of the academy as a few citizens looked up at her form in amazement as she flew over the city. There was no need for Raya to not show herself now. No need to hide. Word of her involvement in the war had surely spread by now.

  Now, where's that Hero- some heard as she went away.

  Meanwhile, the Sin of Pride turned his feline head to look at the slightly nervous women and men of faith. The clergy hadn't really expected Raya and the one named Manticore to drop from the sky in BncheVille. And even though the war was over, this had understandably created quite the commotion. Some expining had to be done in order to appease everyone but the situation had resolved itself pretty quickly.

  The remaining issue was to know how to properly address a Sin. As a former normal Wyvern, Raya was straightforward and didn't really like titles. But Manticore on the other hand... was Pride. A misstep was not something that could be tolerated.

  "..." Thankfully, the Sin himself seemed just as confused as the rest of the gathering.

  "She's leaving you with a cliffhanger, just like that ? No. I should probably Tell you right away." the chimera began. He coughed up a few times before some scraps of metal and other junk fell off his throat. Some padins widened their eyes, recognizing some objects in the growing pile.

  "Isn't that..."

  "Cellphone- ?"

  "Why's it here..."

  "Impossible..."

  "Sadly no. It is possible, padin. Raya and I have encountered a troupe of otherworlders in the very forests of this nd. They were numerous. And sadly... powerful. It seemed like they were able to kill monsters of moderate threat. Not enough to stand up to a knight or padin... but their numbers were worrying.They were most likely pests who cheated their way in this world. Pests who were given powers because they wished for them... We killed them all."

  "But this is a warning, right Sin of Pride ? If even the nation of The Divine is unprotected from the otherworldly taint from appearing inside of our holy barriers... The we must imagine what the rest of the world could be under very soon." Pope Kari deducted, and Manticore nodded.

  "Oh no..." a bishop facepalmed.

  "But worry not. As long as you preach the Faith of our Father, I believe that you can stop the appearance of these intruders. You will be able to erect new holy barriers in your country. And besides... you are protected by her. My young, but powerful Sister."

  "What do you mean by that ? O Pride ? Will you not stay in our nds ?" Sun Mane finally interjected, sweating buckets from speaking to the king of all beasts.

  The chimera shook his head, purple mane majestically swaying in the air."No. I cannot stay with you. I am... forbidden from staying too long with another of my siblings. Their presence hurt my Pride. And while I promised Raya to help her with her powers, I must ultimately stay lonely with the beasts under my reign. For I am their King."

  "But... where will you go ?" Pope Kari pondered out loud.

  "In the Wild Pteaux. The ancestral territories where beasts and monsters thrived. This will also allow me to look at how the demons are doing in these times. And if I'm fast enough, I could corner the Demons when the war against them when the war will start. We would just need to coordinate."

  "That is thoughtful. And your presence near the Demon's realm might even deter them from ever trying to unch another war in the future." the holy woman theorized. "But we first need to understand why the Demons suddenly got the idea to cross the Frosty Death when they never did so before."

  "Indeed. A strange behavior you will need to investigate."

  ...

  Is he here ?

  "A-a-ahem ? Yes ? I could call him for... on your behalf. Miss Raya ?"

  Please do. I can't fit though the door and I can't form my scaleless body for now. And please, fetch the heirs of the Union while you're at it.

  "Ah, yes, I'll do that too." the orcish janitor stuttered before turning around and walking away in a hurry.

  Thank you.

  -

  A few minutes ter, footsteps echoed in the corridor of the boys' dorms of Stallion and the main door opened to reveal the Hero Ramiel and the two other male otherworlders, all of them drenched in sweat and covered in crass.

  ... Were you training ?

  "Yeah." the three acquiesced.

  I see. Just as you asked me, I have sent one of my followers to carry my message and now, we just need the Shaman's answer. However... I don't control what the woman I sent, said to her. I just hope she doesn't weird her out. Or freak her out.

  "Still ! That's great !" the Hero excimed with a smile. "We've got a huge thorn out of our feet now. We can spend the rest of the month training ! And get experience. Thank you again."

  "Don't forget about gathering more equipment too. It'll be the only way to get skills once we reach our limit." Margos added.

  "I think the Empire has plenty of strong armors and weapons." the second twin followed. "If I remember correctly, the Empire has lots of magic and non-magic gear. The non-magic one will be very useful against Demons."

  "But... they are expensive." Cire de Lune countered.

  They won't be. The Empire lost the war. They suffered a crushing defeat. They will need to pay the Papal States back. Moreover, I have conversed with Liz'a de Wandermer. She is willing to agree to all our demands. That will surely include any military compensation.

  "Wait, how come-"

  The true Liz'a de Wandermer took back the reins of her body. The spirit of the outworlder fled somewhere and the heiress realized the wrongdoings of her nation. She will send support. As much as she can.

  "But then..."

  But then ? Oh, right. I know you are going to participate in the negotiations between the two countries. You will not be able to converse with the one you've known. It's too bad for you, but maybe for the better.

  | That's... not it... | the Holy Sword whispered. | It... foils some of our pns to stop that girl's madness. There are things we wanted to confirm. And now that she escaped, we won't be able to... |

  Hm ? What did you want to confirm with her ? Why she did that ?

  | Not exactly. Well... We... Sin of Wrath ? |

  Yes ? You seem disturbed.

  | Do you- Is the name Jean Fernan familiar to you ? In any way ? We found it on the altar of your people's tribe. It had a date with it. The otherworlder passing as Liz'a reacted violently to it. |

  I- What ?! I don't... Why would... I- ?

  | It was just a hunch. I'm sorry. It was not worth-it. | Sky responded slowly to hide its disappointment.

  The three teens also shared a resigned look and Raya sighed.

  Sorry to disappoint you guys. But I'm- No. Actually. I do remember that name. I do remember that... One of us hatchlings wrote this. The adults thought this was gibberish... We wrote this on a wall of the altar. But who was it... ? Dammit. I'm sorry... The memories of my first years are... fuzzy. I don't remember much before becoming Wrath.

  Everyone gnced at each other. Hope in their eyes, but Raya cut them off.

  Holy Sword, you've told me about this already. That the impostor believed her lover was living among us. I understand what you think. But... The Divine wouldn't just allow an otherworlder to become one of Their children. It would be utter nonsense.

  | I know. But still. What if ? What if by chance ? |

  Hm. I can at least help you do some more research. If that can cheer you up.

  "Thanks. It's nice of you to spend some time for us." Ramiel shrugged, still dejected.

  "Miss, what else did you want to speak about ? We kinda drifted off from the topic but I'm not sure you came here just to tell us... that our message has been reyed, right ?" RaviK asked while his brother was drying everyone from their sweat with wind magic.

  That's right. Two things. First is obvious. I was wondering how you were doing. But it seems that you are preparing accordingly to the incoming Demon invasion. Second is that we've got a huge problem. Something happened. And I feel... worse and worse. Over time. I kept silent because there were many people in BncheVille's pza. But... I'm starting to feel... Otherworldy presences. Lots of them.

  The Sin of Pride and I came across about two hundred of these guys near a city near. And unlike for your case, I could practically cw at the sins coming out of them. The air was reeking...

  "So you've killed them, yeah ? Ehhhh, I understand. It's your duty after all." one of the Unionians twins blurted out.

  ... I thought you'd take it a lot less well. But as I said, it's a problem I'm worried about. Because the more I will feel them, and the closer they will be to me, the less I will be able to control myself. Worst of all... these otherworlders seem strong forhumans. I overheard some of them boasting about something called levels. Some of them were.... twenty something. Is that even a thing ? How do you... define a numerical value to this ?

  Ramiel and the twins exchanged side-gnces awkwardly while Sky hummed. Luckily, this went unnoticed by the Wyvern,

  Levels... Are these guys pyers ? But why so many.

  Then, RaviK gasped in amazement.

  "Wait ! I have an idea ! We're otherworlders too. So, we could try to mingle among them. Learn their secrets, how they got here. Then, what if we gather these people after earning their trust... To direct them here, where you can stop them ? It's worth a shot, right ?"

  Hm...

  "What ?! What's that stupid idea ?!" Margos cried out. "Miss Raya just said these guys were strong ! What the hell ! We don't want confrontation dammit !"

  | Wait. Think about it, young Margos. This isn't a terrible idea ! Far from it ! You three are influential people in this world. My wielder is the Hero who will sy the Demon King. You two are rulers of a nation. You could intruduce yourselves as other outworlders who possessed the figures of this world... and promise to offer riches, skills, equipments, nds and titles to attract many of these people. They would blindly rush in the moment rumors spreads about offers of any kind of power and wealth. |

  How cunning you two are. This idea is a wonderful one ! And since Liz'a de Wandermer will now assist us, we could even include the empire in these lovely pns. Very good ! Very good ! It would allow you to avoid most conflicts ! And bring in masses and masses of these pests !

  The trio of buys shuddered at the ugh of the Wyvern, which sounded like a saw cutting a tree mixed with crocodile sounds.

  | I'm gd that at least someone respects my genius ! | Sky shouted in indignation. | And the negotiations that will take pce very soon with the Empire will be an excellent moment where we will be able to present this idea to everyone. |

  "Do I get a say in this ?!" Ramiel whisper-shouted. "What if these people are smart enough to figure out we're tricking them ?!"

  | Don't worry about it Ramiel. It's going to be fine. Just act completely lost and confused. And besides, you can always overwhelm the person's mind with your mana. To control their mind. But I can do that too if you're not willing to do it yourself. |

  "I'm still... unsure. I know that I have my duties here. I've already killed plenty of things. Even humanoids.... and intelligent stuff in the Academy's dungeon... But humans... that's a... a whole other thing. Maniputing them too... That's..."

  | How intriguing. My previous wielder was your absolute opposite. He was ruthless even before falling into madness. He never hesitated to kill. But that's a story for another time. However, I find your hesitation honorable, Ramiel. It takes guts to go against your own kin. Not everyone can instantly say yes to such things...|

  "Yeah, don't beat yourself over this. RaviK and I are used to uhhhh- get our hands dirty. We've already done mercenary work two years ago. We already know our way around. And to be honest... It still feels weird. Taking you first human life is... definitely something. It shakes you. You get nightmares... for days... RaviK couldn't sleep for a week and a half. But this world is not like ours. Strength is another form of justice here."

  He's right. I do not know of the circumstances of your realm, but in this one, killing is just another everyday activity for many. Especially since sins have been festering in every corner of Marka for the past millennia. Anyone telling you that taking a life doesn't impact you is a liar... or a monster, in the other sense of the term.Or... a Sin. If it weren't for the Wrath in my blood and mind, I would have crumbled under the guilt of the mass of lives I've cimed.That is why I am the most sinful being in all existence. Being unable to feel guilt after taking a life is disgusting sin.

  | And so far in the history of this world... The ones who partake in such joyful massacres of human and non-human are otherworlders. The ones we were able to converse with were mostly senseless. They did not even... see us as living beings. Mere objects. They thought they could sughter the people of this realm like cattle... They oftentimes never thought about consequences... |

  Your hesitation is surely a reason of why my Fires did not burn you. You did not carry this senseless sense of destruction, of hedonism, of blindness to the suffering you inflict. Raya nodded, following Sky's words.

  "Thanks for reassuring me everyone. I needed that."

  Lunchtime now. I feel like I could eat an ox... or two.

  What a way to kill the vibe... everyone thought.