Looking around the place, Allen let out a breath.

　Akira is slammed into the wall and looks pretty badly hurt, but he's not in critical condition.
　Akira will be able to manage on his own.
　If you try to help him out, he'll be angry.

　The demoness doesn't seem to have any wounds, so there seems to be no problem in letting her go.
　Although Henriette and Milene, who are behind you, seem to want to say something, Allen has no idea what to do since their actions were practically mutually agreed upon.
　You'll be able to see why they're looking at you with a surprised look, but you shouldn't worry about it.

　Although I was confident that Leeds and Noel would be ...... there, I still breathed a sigh of relief when I saw them in person.
　It's a relief to see that they don't appear to be injured or injured, and they seem to be in good health.

　And.

How is it a pleasure to meet you, Your Holiness?
...... Sure, it's nice to meet you. But you are ......

　Although I thought so from the atmosphere that emanates from his standing position, it seems that this man who looks like a young man in his early twenties at first glance was not wrong about the Pope.
　Considering his background, he is obviously too young, but he must have been given a gift or something.
　I've never seen him in this world, but I've seen him a few times in past lives, so it's not unusual.

　The pope is looking at Allen as if he's looking at something strange, but he ignores him and looks around further.
　Considering the location and the fact that the devil who said he was going to the back is here, there's no doubt that this is the back of the cathedral.
　Although it's smaller than the chapel we were in earlier, it's still spacious enough.

　However, unlike the chapel, there are no ornaments here.
　Instead, there is some kind of pattern painted on the ground, though it's hard to tell since it's all over the floor, it's probably a magic circle.
　If you look up to the ceiling, you'll see a similar pattern there as well, and this one is clearly recognizable as a magic circle, perhaps due to the distance.

　At the far end of the cathedral, there are two magicians' corps.
　Moreover, considering the words of the devil, only a handful ...... or possibly none of those who can enter the cathedral are able to enter here.
　It's not just a place for bad rituals and rituals, it's also a place for bad rituals.

　But whatever this place is, it doesn't matter as long as it doesn't affect us now.
　I returned my gaze to the pope, looked at him as he was still looking at us with searching eyes, and then gave a sideways glance to Leeds and the others.

Is that ...... the source of a lot of things?
...... That's not to say that you've been listening to ...... here, is it?
Well, I had something to do earlier. I was very busy, and you didn't hear me talking about this place.
"I have a feeling it wasn't you who was busy slamming down ......?
"...... rather partner?

　A comment from behind me made me shrug my shoulders and wonder what it was all about.
　It's true that the other party was busy, but we were also busy because we had to defeat them before they could see our faces.

　Slapstick may not be the right word, but it makes no difference because we were busy.

How did you find out that it was all happening when you were busy?
"Huh?　Hmmm, well, what do you think of the situation?

　Although we've heard some of it from the devil, he has probably only told us the bare minimum that we need.
　The cooperation is only temporary, and no one would be foolish enough to hand over unnecessary information when there is a high chance of hostility afterwards.

　But when you combine that information with the current situation, it's not hard to see that the pope was the source of a lot of things.
　It seems that whatever the demon wanted to do was the pope himself, and Akira was apparently fighting the pope.
　You will find that the eyes of the pope are very strict when looking at the pope, and when it comes to Noel, all he does is shoot with his eyes, he has a general idea.

Normally you wouldn't know: ......
You're really the same as always. ......
...... It's amazing that you've found out what's going on, but I'm just as surprised as I am that you're here. I wonder what happened to the people who were supposed to be on their way to you, the suppression team?　They were capable of fighting back when the devil and I attacked here, but ...... don't tell me that you alone defeated them," he said.
"Well, I guess that's what it comes down to?
"No, we didn't do anything?
"...... Allen alone was killing people in the blink of an eye.

　That word is correct, but I don't think they were that strong to begin with.
　It may be that their movements were not bad, and they might have been capable of being called an elite, but I don't think they were strong enough to resist a group of demons.

　Or, were they the kind of people who could show their strength in a group?
　If that was the case, although I don't say it's impossible, then they should have formed a group capable of exerting their power beforehand.
　The fact that they couldn't even do that much means that they were inexperienced anyway.

...... That's right. It's a good thing that I'm not going to be the only one who can do that. ...... Or was it a knothole?　But ...... is no different, either way it's a lot of fun, isn't it ......?

　Instantly, the devil's eyes, which had been looking at me, changed to something suspicious.
　I'm sure it gives you chills when you look at me with those eyes, or something like that ...... apparently gave you unnecessary information.

　But soon after, a murmur that reminds us of the current situation echoes through the air.

You've beaten them, right ......?　Are you ......?

　With his words, his eyes narrowed as if he was searching for you.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

It's not just that there are a few things that can't be explained just by saying that there's Master Leeds. I'm sure it's not the same as what happened in the kingdom of Ad Astera, but ...... I thought it was because of the foolishness of the foolishness, but perhaps you did something?

　I knew somehow who the word "fools" referred to.
　And the fact is that they were indeed fools.
　That is an undeniable fact.

　But however true it was, it was also a little offensive to say it.

What if that were the case at ......?
If that's the case, then ...... yes, it finally makes sense.
"Convinced ......?

　Just when I was wondering what he was going to say, the Pope looked really radiant.
　It's as if the inexplicable has been resolved.

Yes. I've been wondering. There's no way Master Leeds would stand in our way. Because they, too, are the chosen ones of the gods. They can help us, but they will not stand in our way. It would be more convincing if it was you who had interfered with us. No, on the contrary, wasn't it you who had a bad influence on our brave men?　If so, what a revelation this is: ......!　Destroying you will surely bring the brave man to his senses. If that happens, yeah, what a good day it will be: ......!



　I took my gaze off the Pope, who suddenly started shouting something unintelligible, and looked at Rees and the others as if to ask them what that meant, but they too seemed confused.
　Well, it's only natural.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it happen. It's really a helpless thing to do. I can't stand it.
"I don't care what you think, it's the truth. Isn't it?
The truth is," said ......, "Well, sure, from one point of view, Allen isn't God's chosen one. After all, Allen hasn't been given a gift.
"...... Henriette?

　I wondered what he was going to say all of a sudden, but as I looked closer, I could see the dismay and, above all, the anger and contempt in his eyes.
　Apparently, the Pope's words were not very acceptable to Henriette, a former apostle of God.

　I think I'd better let her say what she wants to because she seems to have some ideas.

What a ...... abandoned by the gods. It makes sense that it would be a hindrance to us. And so this was a revelation. And this is also a revelation.
Well, from the point of view of the gift being proof of God's choice. In fact, it's the opposite, in fact, Allen was chosen by God more than me.
"...... yes?　What are you talking about?　The gift is the power that the gods have given us. It is a sign that the gods have blessed us with--
That's why it's a mistake. God isn't busy enough to bless or choose each individual. Gifts are blessings, but they are just aids. It's only given because it's hard to live without it.
Ha, ha, ha ...... really, what are you talking about?　It's not supposed to be ......
The fact that you haven't been given a gift means that God has decided that you don't need any help. The fact that you haven't been given a gift is proof that you have been chosen by God to live in this world.

　In fact, Allen has that God-given power of three principles.
　So it doesn't fit that definition by any stretch of the imagination: ...... probably on purpose.
　The story is probably an expansion of various other things, not a fact in itself.

　But the fact that Henriette speaks openly, as if it were the only absolute fact.
　Although the pope has said that this is not true, he looks pale and confused at being confronted with a fact that he did not know before.

　Well, from what I can tell, even if what Henriette says is true, I'm not sure it matters.
　It's only because I was chosen by God in a previous life that I can say for sure.

　It's a trash thing.
　It was a mere trifle, and it didn't matter.
　Whether you are chosen by God or not, you can do whatever you want with your own will.
　If you don't, ...... will probably only regret it in the end.

Hahaha ......, is that how you intend to mislead me?　But it doesn't work for me. I have a strong belief, a conviction. But some of the people who have not yet reached that point may take your story seriously. Don't be tempted by such wickedness. ...... You will have to get rid of it, too.
When it's inconvenient for you, you get rid of it. The gods have a way of working things out for you, don't they?
That's why I said it too. It interprets everything to suit itself. Indeed, we should learn from our demons. We certainly hold a grudge against the world and fight with it, but we don't blame ...... for anything. We are always willing to go against the world.
"I'm not going to listen to any more nonsense. No, you should have done so all along. After all, an evil being should be dealt with immediately.

　There was a definite murderous intent in the pope's eyes as he said this.
　It seems he was seriously out of control.
　Although he is an old man by nature, his boiling point is quite low.
　Or maybe it's because he's an old man.

　But the fact that he didn't intend to give any more questions and answers was just what he wanted.
　No matter what was said from the beginning, in Allen's mind, the answer was already decided.

　If it's the culprit, then we'll destroy it here and take Leeds and the others back.
　That's all.

Now that it's conveniently motivated, let's get it over with: ......

　He muttered and kicked the ground.








　Just as he swung his sword down, a high-pitched sound rang out and his arm stopped in an unnatural position.
　You're so close to reaching the pope that you can't move forward as if you were blocked by something invisible.

...... no matter how powerful you are, I have the blessing of the gods. You can't have a single scratch on my body--

　--The power of the sword, World's End: Zanma no Tachi.

　As I said this, I put my strength into my arm and swung down again.
　This time there was a slight resistance, but it came off easily, leaving a slanting slash mark on the Pope's body.

　Immediately after, blood spurts out.

...... Yes?　What does this mean for ......?　I have the blessing of the gods--
"Even if they say it's a divine blessing or something, ...... that's just a spatial distortion in essence, right?　Someone was able to do the same thing with the devil: ...... Does that mean that the devil has God's blessing?


"eh ...... bullshit!

　With a shout something occurred around the Pope, perhaps a shockwave of sorts.

　But before you can catch it, Allen easily jumps back from the spot.
　I let out a breath, watching the Pope's face contort in pain or anger.

It's true that he is powerful enough to say that ...... is somewhat prickly, isn't it?　It's not like I'm not familiar with it.
...... It's no wonder. The Pope's gift is to take other people's gifts. It seems that there are some conditions, but that's why they are so powerful. But at the end of the day, it's someone else's power, so it can't be handled perfectly, and that has led to a lot of misunderstandings.
It's a common occurrence for people who have acquired usurper abilities. It's a good idea to have a combination of abilities to match your aptitude for the job. ...... Well, that's not something that a person who is intoxicated with his or her own power can do.
Let ...... tell you what to do and you can do whatever you want. Okay, I didn't want to get too serious with my surroundings, but if ...... breaks, we can just rebuild it again. After I destroy you, I'll get to work on it slowly.

　The moment he said that, the Pope's body swelled up.

　In a literal sense, that huge body changed into a body that was more than twice its original size, nearly five meters long.
　Moreover, his skin color was even darker than that of Amazons, and his eyes were tinted red.
　And the changes don't stop there; its claws and fingers become sharp as if they were one, and two horns grow on its head, and even its wings grow in.

　Not a single trace of its original form remained in any way.

Wow, ...... this is ...... again.
"e ...... devil ......
Oh, did I call you?　I'd like to say that ...... is exactly what I would call a devil, even for me.
"The devil's horns were supposed to be a lie for the sake of clarity: ...... Maybe that figure inspired you?
"The Lord of the Church in league with the devil was actually the devil, right?　It's too common and too cliché, don't you think?
But isn't that disgusting figure perfect for your disgusting mind?

　As he was saying all this, the Pope glared at me.
　The eyes are not human, but almost reptilian.

You're going to be able to get the most out of it. But I would not have chosen any means to defeat an enemy of the gods.
"Allen, when did you ...... become the grudge enemy of the gods?
"I don't know if I've ever heard of it. Maybe it was just now.

　I was lightly spoken to, and I returned the flippant remark, but there was such a fright in Leeds' eyes.
　No doubt it was just a show of strength, and it was a natural reaction considering the fact that you are seeing such a thing.

　As for its size, it's only a huge body, and there are plenty of demons bigger than this, but it has a tremendous sense of intimidation due to its inherent ability.
　If it was only a sense of intimidation, it was even higher than the dragon we fought some time ago, and a normal person could have fainted.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just the fright in their eyes.

　The trust in the gaze directed at Allen is palpable.
　The eyes, without needing to be spoken, told me eloquently that the reason I can bear this intimidation is because I know Allen is here and I trust that he will take care of it.

　And a man would be d*mned if he didn't respond to such a look.
　And the Pope's intimidation is real.
　He still doesn't seem to know how to use his power as well as ever, so I can see how uncontrolled power can run wild.
　It's not a gesture of strength, but rather a cathedral that could easily be turned into rubble.

　If this is the case.

It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with them. So I'll let ...... decide in a moment.
It is a good thing that you are able to say such a thing, even if it's just to put on a show for me ....... Yes, that's the enemy of the gods. That's why I'll show you how serious I really feel. Go away, grudge enemies of the gods. Today is a memorable day to show that I was rightly an apostle of God. ......!

　With those words, the pope raised his arm.

　The power contained in it is so great that if it were to fall, the cathedral would be blown apart, no joke.
　It's doubtful it would even be reduced to rubble.
　You're going to have to make sure that you get Leeds and the others involved, but apparently they've already forgotten about that as well.

I'm sure you can call it a grudge when it comes to ....... I'm sure he was really thinking about doing the world a favor at the beginning, but after he got to that point, there's no turning back. It's a good idea to end this while your heart is still in the shape of a human being.
What are you talking about ......!　I am a man and an apostle of the gods. ......!　So I am ...... I am ......!
"I'm sorry, but I can't hang out with you anymore, I can't even watch you. So I'm going to say it again, okay?

　It's over," he said, and the Pope swung his arm down at the same time.
　With a clear view of the tremendous rush of power approaching him - and

　--The power of the sword, "World's End": the end of the world.

　But it did not destroy anything.
　Only a gust of wind, as soft as the gentle breeze, remained, and everything was long gone.

　All that remained was the result.
　The Pope's body, cut in half, is the only thing that exists beyond Allen's gaze.

I am ...... I am ...... of the gods!

　With those last words, the Pope's body shredded and vanished without a trace.
　Letting out a slow breath, he put away his sword.
　A light sound echoed in place, signaling the end of the battle.

...... Why did you wipe them out without a trace?　I didn't have to go that far, did I?
It's not that I had any hard feelings about it, and it would have been easier to explain things if I had left the body behind. It's just that I was just thinking about leaving a body that looks like a monster at the end of .......


"...... You're still as sweet as ever,
But I also think it's typical of Mr. Allen.
"...... sure?
Yes, ...... really, apparently.

　Shrugging his shoulders at everyone's words, Allen turned around on the spot and walked straight to everyone.