Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 52: Priest(?) Rona

Fienne couldn’t hide her surprise.

After losing her demonic powers, Rona had become an ordinary human. To use an analogy, she’d become a blank slate.

And yet...all of a sudden, Rona was wielding mana. A considerable amount, and far warmer in nature than any demon’s.

A priest?

Fienne immediately thought of the truth-seekers of the Church.

This holy power...if she’d closed her eyes, she might have thought a passing priest had bestowed a healing touch.

The thought was absurd.

But she’s a demon. A DESIRE demon.

Their very name spoke for what they were. Even criminals were closer to the Church in comparison. And yet, a demon was suddenly mimicking a priest.

Sure, she’s a former demon...! And she’s a normal human now...!

Former demon. Priest. A desire demon-turned-priest?

“...Ha.”

Fienne paused her thoughts, feeling as though she was becoming a fool for even considering it.

More importantly, Risir’s condition was visibly improving. His breathing, ragged and strained just moments ago, was stabilizing.

“Haa...haa...”

He sat up, supported by Fienne.

“Thanks, Fienne. And thank you, Rona. You saved me.”

Rona had been staring blankly at her hand, feeling more bewildered than anyone else by her own un-demonic actions. Risir’s words jolted her back to reality.

“He... praised me...”

Rona’s expression twitched, as if it were on the verge of bursting with emotion.

Weren’t you going to show you’re a slave, not some girl? Why are you looking more feminine than me?

Fienne barely managed to swallow her words and addressed Risir.

“Risir, are you alright?”

“Better than before. Still, that was surprising. I didn’t know desire demons could use their power like that. Maybe they’re actually beneficial? As in, good demons like good bugs?”

Fienne nodded seriously.

“That nonsense proves you’re feeling better.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh? I’m a sick patient, you know.”

“Then at least act like one and be quiet. How ridiculous. Do you really think desire demons possess such power?”

“Then what was it?”

“What else? I’m sure it’s because of you again.”

“I think you’re assuming too much. Being pretty doesn’t mean the world revolves around you, okay?”

“Ugh. I wish you just kept coughing.”

Rona interjected timidly.

“I-I think so, too. This power. I think it was because of you, Risir.”

“Oh? Did you figure something out?”

“Mhm...I wanted to help you, and this happened...”

Uh, that’s not what I meant though.

Risir and Fienne were sorely tempted to point out the problem, but they held back. Rona looked too endearing, fiddling with her hands and looking down.

How is she so feminine?

She was so girly that it impressed the progenitor into taking detailed mental notes for future reference.

Meanwhile, Risir tested his limbs, assessed his condition, and then attempted to channel his mana.

“...!”

He stopped seconds before doing it. Instinct warned him.

This isn’t gonna work.

His magic power and mana circuits themselves were fine. The problem was his body.

He noticed his hands were trembling.

My body...it’s afraid of resonating with mana.

Despite the lack of visible wounds, his body was most definitely damaged or strained. He explained this to Rona and Fienne, seeking their thoughts.

“Strain...overflux...”

Fienne started talking after a moment of thought.

“Come to think of it, I experienced something similar.”

“Similar?”

“It was about a year after I awakened my progenitor powers and learned to use mana. I was nearing the 5th rank.”

“You reached the peak of 4th rank in just a year...?”

Rona was astonished.

“Really? You’re surprised by something like this with that master of yours around?”

“Ah.”

Rona conceded the point.

“Anyway. One day, as I neared the 5th rank, I felt a sudden discomfort while trying to use mana as usual. I knew something was wrong with my body. Later, I realized my body couldn’t keep up with the rapid increase in magic power.”

“So what did you do?”

“I waited. Until my body adapted, I refrained from using mana as much as possible.”

“So I just have to wait and I’ll be fine?”

“Perhaps. Our situations are similar, but also different, don’t you think? My growth wasn’t as drastically rapid, and the side effects weren’t as severe.”

Fienne took out a handkerchief and started wiping the blood from Risir’s face.

“I think it best to see a specialist and get a proper diagnosis. Maybe your new friends from the mage tower can help?”

“...Now that I think about it...”

“Do you have a good idea?!”

“Fienne is kind of acting like a mom right—Mmf!”

Fienne threw the handkerchief in his face.

“Don’t be so gross. Ugh, I can’t hit you because you’re injured...or maybe I just should? You can’t use mana, or that power of yours right now, can you?”

“I mean...you just gave off such an intimate air...Maybe like a wife then?”

“Wife?! Ew! Eww!!! I told you to stop being gross!”

Even as she feigned disgust, Fienne picked up the handkerchief and resumed cleaning his face, more gently this time.

“Honestly. A wife...How ridiculous. Seriously...”

Hmph. Tch. Hmph.

Hmph. Tch. Hmph.

She was so outraged that she went on snorting and scoffing...yet it almost sounded like she was in a good mood.

“So, how about it? Can your mage tower friends help?”

“They’re kind. Surely I can at least ask?”

“Then there’s no time to waste. Let’s go.”

“Go? You’re coming, too?”

“What. Can’t I come along? You just said I was like a wife.”

“No, that’s not it. It’s more that I don’t want to bother you. It’s the weekend, so shouldn’t you rest?”

“Of course it’s a bother! Totally! Incredibly! Tremendously! You say it’s the weekend and I should rest? Of course I want to! Do you know how busy I’ve been?!

But what can I do? You’re a selfish man who doesn’t care about my circumstances. No doubt you’ll drag me to the mage tower regardless of my opinion.”

“Y-you caught me...?”

“Well, it’s not like I don’t understand at all. When people are sick, don’t they want to be with the person they admire most?”

“H-how embarrassing...?”

“Besides, you probably want to show off that you know someone as amazing as me.”

“I’m so p-proud...?”

“So! I’ll make a special exception this time only and accompany you. Now, you may thank me.”

“Th-thank you...?”

Too embarrassed to simply voice her concern, Fienne used her mind controlling(conversational) powers to manipulate Risir.

“Hey.”

Rona timidly spoke up. She had been waiting for a chance to join them.

“Can I come too?”

“Do you agree, Rona? Am I a selfish man who doesn’t care for people’s circumstances?”

“What? No, I just. I’m just...”

Rona only managed to finish her sentence after averting her gaze, her voice barely a whisper.

“Worried about you...”

If you act like that, what does that make me? And just when will you show you’re a slave and not a girl?

Fienne gazed at Rona with sinking eyes.

Risir followed her gaze.

“W-what?! Huh, what?!”

Rona turned and scampered ahead, toward Bondalles’ magic district where the Gray Tower stood. Risir and Fienne followed.

***“By the way, are you sure about this?”

Fienne asked as they neared the tower.

“As far as I know, mage towers are exclusive and conservative like any other organizations.”

“What do you mean?”

“They’re sticklers for status and lineage. Do you think you’ll get the help you need?”

“Ah.”

Risir nodded, immediately understanding her point.

Despite his accomplishments in exposing the black mage, the tower mages didn’t simply view him favorably. Most of them were, as Fienne said, obsessed with status and lineage.

According to Meltas, they resented an outsider with no family name solving their problems. Some even openly expressed their displeasure, feeling their pride had been wounded. If not for befriending a few masters, Risir might have faced far worse than just a lack of respect.

“As you know, Fienne, I’m pretty blessed when it comes to connections. The ones I’m visiting are very open-minded in that regard, so there’s no need to worry.”

They soon reached the tower gates. Risir approached the guard.

“May I see your identification?”

“I’m here to see Master Meltas and Master Didoa.”

“May I have your name?”

“Risir.”

The guard’s expression hardened. He was one of those who disapproved of Risir.

“Do you have an appointment?”

If Risir answered honestly, the guard would have used it as an excuse to turn him away, despite the unwritten rule of showing leniency to tower mage acquaintances.

“Yes. They told me I could visit anytime today.”

However, Didoa and Meltas had anticipated this and told Risir to use their names freely.

The guard had no choice but to let them pass, albeit reluctantly.

Fienne gave a small giggle at the sight.

“You’re quite impressive, Risir.”

She had been ready to use her powers if needed. After all, what kind of bastard could freely enter and exit a mage tower?

Feeling genuinely impressed, she followed Risir inside with cheerful steps.

“Rona?”

But unlike her, Rona didn’t budge.

Catching their eyes, she mumbled an explanation.

“On second thought, maybe I should just wait here.”

“You don’t really need to mind.”

“No, it’s just...You know...”

Rona looked around nervously, then moved closer to continue in a whisper.

“What if they find out I used to be a demon?”

“You’re worrying after coming so far?”

“...Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m not scolding you.”

“Are you okay, Fienne?”

“Do I look so out of my element?”

“Figured. You are a master deceiver who fooled an entire noble house.”

“Could you pick your words more—Ha...forget it. They won’t find out unless I use my powers.”

“Then wouldn’t Rona be fine, too?”

“Correct. She has no demonic power left.”

“So she says, Rona.”

“Honestly, I don’t care about me. I’m more worried about causing trouble for you two...”

Seeing her genuine concern, Risir nodded. It wouldn’t be right to force her.

The other two left Rona behind and entered the tower.

***Meltas immediately sent a message to inform Didoa of Risir’s arrival.

Moments later, a wolf came barreling towards Risir.

“Hnnn...”

To feel his presence more closely, she shifted to human form, not forgetting to shed her clothes in the process.

Fienne stared coldly as Risir was embraced by a naked woman.

“Just making it clear, but I didn’t do anything.”

“Indeed, you’re doing absolutely nothing. Are you so happy to see that woman again?”

“Risir, Risir. Me, butt, butt. Do that thing.”

Feryn wiggled her hips against Risir.

Fienne stared at Risir, aghast by the sight.

That thing? What thing?

Feryn glared at Fienne as if she were a nuisance.

“Who are you?”

“Me? I’m—”

Fienne hesitated. Would it be strange to feel a sting of wounded pride if she introduced herself as merely Risir’s acquaintance?

Her voice wavered as she finally answered.

“I-I’m the person who Risir considers like a wife?”

“Risir! You had such a lovely wife?!”

“You mustn’t fall for her wordplay, Sir Meltas.”

“Wordplay?! How could you say that, Risir. You make it sound like I conjured up a total lie.”

“I think it’s actually worse than that...”

“Haha, a remarkable young lady, just like Risir’s other acquaintances. By the way, Miss Feryn. Where’s Master Didoa? Why are you here alone?”

“She’s out.”

“I see. She’ll be disappointed. Anyway, back to the matter at hand...”

After hearing Risir’s explanation, Meltas immediately gave his diagnosis.

“Overflux. That’s what’s happening to you.”

“Overflux?”

“Indeed. From the 5th rank onwards, the effect of magic power on the body increases exponentially. Those who reach the 5th rank unprepared, like yourself, often experience overflux.”

“I never knew...Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t know!”

Meltas sounded distraught.

“I didn’t think you’d reach the 5th rank in just a short week! It’s not like a year has passed!”

“...I’m sorry.”

Meltas looked so emotional, aggrieved, and troubled that Risir automatically apologized.

“Haa. Don’t mind it. I lost myself for a moment there. As you said, I was careless. I underestimated you too much indeed.”

“You say that like I’m some kind of natural disaster.”

“Then what are you if not a mage’s calamity? I’m warning you, do not be careless and go bragging outside about how quickly you reached the 5th rank. Half the mages will hang themselves, and the other half will curse your existence.”

“Come on, it’s not that bad.”

“Oh but it is.”

“It is.”

“Yeah.”

The old man, the progenitor, and the elemental all stared seriously at Risir.

“...I’ll be careful. Speaking of overflux, though. Does everyone who reaches the 5th rank experience this?”

“Most do. However...”

Meltas examined Risir and shook his head.

“It’s extremely rare for it to be life-threatening, like in your case. In fact, it is practically unheard of. I guarantee even someone who drinks elixirs like water wouldn’t experience this. Do you understand how bad your condition is? If not for that priest you mentioned, you might have fallen into a coma, or become crippled.”

“Eh? Did I say she was a priest?”

“Your body is practically fractured from head to toe, on the brink of shattering to bits. How many do you think are capable of fixing that? It would take at least a high priest to heal you.”

“A high priest...”

That was a position of significant authority within the Church, capable of leading the clergy in a mid-sized city.

Risir and Fienne imagined the former demon in such a role and chuckled.

“Honestly, I’m a little surprised myself. I know you’re well-connected, but to think you’d know someone from the Church!”

“Right? I’m shocked as well.”

“Why are you shocked? Well, anyhow. You asked how to treat the overflux, yes? I’d say the first priority is healing your body.”

“Er, can I keep asking my high prfft—priest friend for help?”

“That would be ideal. But would it work out? It will take a considerable time to heal, and a high priest is certain to be very busy. Surely she won’t be able to stay by your side constantly?”

“I think it might be possible if I ask nicely.”

“Well, well.”

Meltas exclaimed in wonder, stroking his braided beard.

“Taking a high priest as your personal physician? Risir, just who are you? And I’m starting to grow curious about this high priest as well.”

I’m a bastard, and she’s a desire demon.

Risir and Fienne struggled to contain their laughter throughout the whole conversation.

***Meanwhile, Rona was waiting near the Gray Tower.

She was extremely bored...until someone approached.

“Miss?”

Rona had short, blonde hair the color of ripe barley, tanned skin like the setting sun, and clear, blue eyes resembling the autumn sky.

Thanks to her androgynous beauty, strangers were very prone to approaching her. During her shifts at the cafe, she encountered desperate attempts at courtship several times a day. Each time, she fended off the unwanted attention with her signature delinquent glare.

She tried to do the same now.

“...!”

But before she could even try, she found herself intimidated instead.

It was a middle-aged woman and a young man. Both had unusual black hair, and wore pristine white robes with a unique crest.

Rona knew exactly what those robes signified.

***

■Bardros

Level: 60

Race: Human

Class: Priest

***

■Takla

Level: 45

Race: Human

Class: Paladin

***The clergy of the Church.

As a desire demon, they were figures of terror to Rona. If they discovered her true nature, they would immediately perform a purification ritual—burning the subject with holy fire for as long as possible, while simultaneously healing them to prolong the agony.

Thump. Thump! Thump!!!

Rona’s heart began to pound rapidly with fear.

The clergy woman smiled enigmatically, as if she could hear it.

“Did I frighten you?”

The intense darkness of her eyes made them unreadable, deepening Rona’s unease.

“How strange. The symbol of our Church usually brings comfort, yet you, Miss, seem to have the opposite reaction. Per chance, do you have a reason to fear the Church?”

“...Wh-what do you want with me?”

Rona managed to squeeze out her voice. The one good thing was that she didn’t have to act afraid. The tremor in her voice and the frantic darting of her eyes were impossible to hide.

“Your true nature has captured my interest, you see.”

Thump!

“T-true nature...”

“Yes. Your true nature, young lady. I must say, you are a fascinating being.”

Thump!

“Your name?”

“...Rona.”

The woman’s lips moved silently for a while, as if savoring the name.

Then, she finally spoke it out loud.

“Rona.”

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Like a criminal awaiting sentencing, Rona waited for her next words.

“Rona. Have you considered joining the Church?”

“?”

“It’s sudden, I know, but I hope you’ll understand. It’s just that your pure vessel has captivated my heart. You possess the qualities of a guiding flame, a beacon in these troubled times.”

Rona was purely bewildered. Was this a flowery, Churchy-way of saying, “You’d make a great bonfire”?

Probably not. Those of the Church didn’t mince words, nor did they deceive the tainted. They simply burned.

Rona grew certain they didn’t know her true identity.

“Was that too abrupt after all? Or perhaps, do you already serve another?”

“Serve another...”

Rona instinctively thought of Risir, and the woman nodded in understanding.

“I see. So your vessel is already filled with realized faith. A shepherd to an unknown god.”

“...”

Faith? Shepherd to an unknown god? But I’m just a slave with a master...

“One who is already living out their faith is impervious to sway. I understand. No matter whom you believe or which path you choose, I pray that at its end, you find salvation and peace.”

As the woman walked away, Rona couldn’t help but wear a look of pity.

***“High Priest Bardros.”

Takla, the young paladin, cautiously addressed the priest.

“You may speak.”

“Should we not have guided that woman?”

“She requires no guidance.”

“But is she not a heretic?”

“Not all who stray from the Sacred Flame are lost. Did you see her vessel?”

“...I did.”

“Could such a vessel be forged by misguided faith?”

The paladin remained silent. The high priest continued, her voice filled with conviction.

“She must have walked a noble path, one even we cannot fathom.”

Her eyes shone with awe as she imagined the woman’s journey and the god she served.

Before long, the pair arrived at their destination: the mage tower.

The Great Holy Flame had revealed that a vile apostle of the Parasite lay hidden within.