How the Cult Saves the World

Chapter 99

Above the tranquil waves of the Kettin Sea, I, Rawin, one of the seven Apostles of Diego Church and the one who had just embedded the Black Arc into the Kraken's head, stood suspended in mid-air, my presence concealed.

It was a technique that consumed a considerable amount of demonic energy and couldn't be maintained for long, but it was necessary to observe the outcome of the summoning.

It's bothersome, but it can't be helped.

I had looked upon the Kraken, now bearing a counterfeit Black Arc, with an indifferent gaze just moments ago.

This mission was a special request from the sixth Apostle, who studies the Black Arc. The experiment was to test the limits of the Black Arc's imitation -- how formidable a monster it could handle.

Although the main body of Diego Church had nurtured many monsters, none matched the Kraken's colossal size. Hence, I had to travel to the distant Merilseus for this experiment.

But... it wasn't so bad.

Thanks to this, I made a rather interesting friend. Meeting someone by chance three times in just two days was a delightful occurrence for someone like me, who believes in fate.

Rawin, barely twenty years old, smiled as he recalled the friend he felt was destined to be.

"Kireeek!"

Just then, the Kraken emerged above the sea, bellowing. I watched, arms crossed, as it thrashed about.

If the Kraken reached Kettin Island and slaughtered all its creatures, the experiment would be a success. It would mean I had fulfilled my command.

I saw the Kraken writhing its tentacles, inching closer to Kettin Island.

And at that moment...

Whoosh---

A blinding white flash erupted, severing two of the Kraken's tentacles.

"Kiaaak!"

The Kraken screamed in agony, its body convulsing wildly. The rough waves splashed all the way to where I stood.

What was that...?

I turned my gaze toward the source of the flash, but there was nothing there.

...What?

And as I pondered, another flash!

Whoosh---

This time, from the opposite direction, the flash cut through another set of the Kraken's tentacles.

Despite the incredible speed, I managed to spot the one interfering with my experiment.

...That is...

My face twisted in annoyance.

* * * * *

"Puhah."

I spat out the seawater that had rushed into my mouth and released my holy power once more.

Whoosh---

Now, the Kraken had only four tentacles left. I wanted to decapitate it immediately, but its massive tentacles kept shielding its head, complicating the task.

So, I aimed to sever the tentacles first, then target the head.

"Kraaak!"

The Kraken let out a grotesque scream, thrashing violently. With each twist, the entire sea churned. I dove underwater, gripping a rock to avoid being swept away by the current.

When the turbulence subsided, I unleashed my holy power again from beneath the waves.

With most of the Kraken's tentacles gone, it was time to aim for the head.

Concentrate the power as much as possible...

Like when I rescued Sevenus, I condensed my holy power and fired it once more.

Whoosh---

The holy power shot through the water, piercing the Kraken's body from torso to head.

As I surfaced, I saw the once-flailing giant octopus now motionless.

Moments later, the Kraken's body, which was destined to become a colossal disaster, disintegrated into dust.

"Phew."

It was fortunate that the damned Kraken, despite its size, possessed no special skills. Its only tactic was to flail its large body, so although I expended quite a bit of holy power, it was easier to defeat than I had feared.

---My child, you've become quite splendid! Your control over holy power improves with each passing day.

'It's the fruit of my labor, after all.'

I conversed with Kyros, finally allowing myself to relax and take deep breaths of the fresh air. No matter how well I could breathe underwater, the atmosphere above was always preferable.

After a brief rest, I turned my head in the direction the octopus had been heading.

Its destination was indeed Kettin.

There it was, the small island of Kettin. Once a bustling tourist spot, now a deserted island with only a few survivors remaining. I began swimming towards it.

Let's finish this quickly and enjoy some seafood.

* * * * *

But then again, why move at all? I could make myself heard across the entire island, for instance.

"Brethren! Are you there? I've come from the Church of Kyros!"

Seized by the idea, I cupped my hands to my mouth and shouted robustly. Since the island's inhabitants had prayed to Kyros, perhaps they would recognize my voice.

Of course, there was no response to my call. Just as I thought, 'It was unlikely', and was about to enter the forest.

"High Priest!!"

* * * * *

At that moment, an echo reached me from afar.

'What? Did that actually work?'

---Indeed, my child. To think of such a simple solution!

Soon after Kyros' praise, a rustling sound emerged from the forest, and someone dashed out.

"Ah, it wasn't a dream! It really is the High Priest!"

The young man who appeared from the woods didn't seem familiar, his youthful face new to me.

"I never imagined the High Priest would come himself. I'm truly grateful."

His face lit up with genuine joy as he approached, as if to embrace me.

Instead of returning the embrace, I gently pushed him away, smiling as befits a High Priest.

"No need for thanks, my brother. It's all thanks to Lord Kyros."

"Sniff. Indeed, praise Lord Kyros!"

Is he from Bahano?

As the young man sobbed, I patted his shoulder, taking in his features. He wore the typical attire of Bahano.

Seems he got stranded here while visiting from Bahano.

"Is this person... here to rescue us?"

While comforting the young man, survivors began to emerge from all over the forest. Their clothes were worn, but the variety suggested they were all tourists.

Hmm?

That's when I noticed him. A man who looked a bit different from the others.

A noble?

Among the plainly dressed, one young man stood out in his noble attire, the quality and design hinting at his status.

Just then, a system window appeared, indicating I had found all the survivors.

[Sub Quest 'Merilseus' 5. Cleared!]

[Sub Quest Reward will be granted.]

[The Prince of Merilseus, who was hiding his identity, now holds you in high regard.]

What?

The final reward for this linked quest is the favor of the Prince of Merilseus?

This wasn't in the original story. There was no prince among the survivors in the event that unfolded here. It seemed this hidden route had altered the story.

Makes sense, though.

Not only had I encountered the Seventh Apostle, but there was also the Black Arc embedded in the giant squid's head.

Then the prince mentioned here must be...

I turned to look at the young man in noble attire. It seemed he was the Prince of Merilseus. By his side stood a rugged man in tattered clothes, likely the Prince's bodyguard.

I addressed the survivors.

"Good to meet you all. I am Leviathan, the High Priest of the Church of Kyros. I was commanded by Lord Kyros to come to this island to rescue you. Don't worry about the Kraken. I took care of it on my way here."

"To defeat a Kraken alone..."

"How powerful must you be..."

"Sniff, thank you, High Priest!"

They each expressed their astonishment and gratitude upon hearing of my victory over the Kraken.

The young man, already a follower of our faith, showed tears of joy as he thanked me.

"It was my duty. Lord Kyros instructed me to save you, his follower."

"Ah... indeed!"

My exaggerated tale drew the survivors closer.

"Thank you, truly, thank you!"

"I thought we'd never escape this place. I was certain we'd die here! We're so grateful!"

Even as I received their thanks, the presumed prince and his bodyguard remained still, just staring intently at me.

"Now, let's return to the mainland."

Since the Prince already held me in favor, he would surely express his gratitude once we were back on land.

So I quickly led the survivors. There was no need to give them all the Potion of the Sea Fish.

Unlike our arrival, there were other ways to leave.