Chapter 62

Daddy blasted another holy knight away—just like that.

And I could only stand there, unable to do anything.

But even then, I didn’t fall into despair.

‘The sign said he was rampaging, but I know better. This isn’t a real rampage.’

I’ve seen too many corrupted holy knights go berserk in the game. A true rampage always comes with a divine power explosion.

Which means… there’s still time.

I looked around, staying calm.

‘…Too many people around to use Purification.’

I turned my head—and froze.

One of the holy knights was holding a pitch-black box.

It was embedded with red and black gems, full of teeth marks, and radiated a strange, ominous aura.

That thing…!

Game Category [Post][Casual Chat]
[Monster Encyclopedia #8]

~Object Type~
‘Sealed Garbage Disposal Unit’

Grade: Safe

◆ An unusually paranormal, internal-type item possessed by the Order.
It’s single-use. Looks like a black, bite-marked box.

◆ A spoil taken from fanatics, considered a necessary evil by the Order.
Purpose: To deal with ‘Corrupted Knight’ rampages. When opened, it sucks in the berserk knight.
No one knows where the knight goes, and the box disappears along with them.
To this day, no one has ever returned.

You’ll be seeing this box a lot, so memorize it.

And actually, the way to return from there is…

‘Sh*t.’

I knew what that box was the moment I saw it.

Whether it was the Order or Usher behind this…

They were trying to erase Daddy completely—right here.

‘Like hell I’ll let that happen!’

First, I turned to Alexa—who looked completely stunned and traumatized—and slapped her awake.

“Snap outta it!”

By now, Emmet and Flora had already fled the area.

I couldn’t blame them. With a berserk knight right in front of them, of course they’d prioritize their own Pope candidate.

Especially when the one rampaging was someone once called a hero of the Order!

“Alexa!”

“Y-yes! I-I’m awake, haah. I’m good now!”

Alexa blinked rapidly, clearly dazed. Her cheek must’ve stung, but I’ll apologize later!

“Why’re you backing off?!”

“Huh? But…!”

She hesitated mid-step.

“You don’t wanna leave either!”

I glared at her, eyes wide.

“Daddy’s hurt. We gotta help!”

“You’re saying that because you don’t know… once someone gets like that—”

“D-does he look like he’s explodin’?”

“…!”

Alexa fell silent. Her eyes went wide.

“A…ah. You’re right.”

She glanced around, lowering her voice. A faint shimmer of light formed between us.

She cast a soundproof spell and whispered.

“You believe… Sir Derek didn’t go berserk on his own?”

“Not tryna guess whys. Just wanna fix it.”

“I see… But is there a way?”

There is.

‘I don’t know how all this lined up so perfectly…’

But because ‘Alexa’ is here, I can try something.

Most of the knights over there were already down, and the rest were visibly terrified.

“What’re you doing?! Cough—dammit, open that thing already!!”

“But we haven’t received an order yet—!”

“Hell with that! OPEN IT!! You wanna die here?!”

“Nemesia!”

Sensing how urgent things were getting, Alexa called me quickly.

“I hate to presume, but Sir Derek’s seen your divine power before, hasn’t he?”

“He has.”

Alexa nodded immediately.

“Then… I might know one way. Do you want to try it?”

Yes. That’s the kind of initiative I was hoping for.

“We’ll try to snap Sir Derek out of it.”

“I can do it. Anything…!”

Without hesitation, I answered.

Alexa went quiet.

“…Alright. Then follow my lead exactly. I’ve heard your divine power talent is remarkable… If anyone can do this, it’s you.”

Yes. This is it.

Over where Daddy was being held back by the knights, the struggle continued—more were being taken down.

Even though they had the box, they weren’t rushing to use it. Probably because it belonged to the fanatics.

‘No one wants to be the one to take responsibility, huh… damn cowards…’

I calmed my rage.

“First, start channeling your divine power.”

“Oki.”

I shut my eyes and focused.

At the same time, I recalled the in-game intel I had on Alexa.

Game Category [Post][Casual Chat]
[List of Main Character’s Companions #8]
Alexa Michelle

◆ Division: Former Azure Holy Knights, under Civilian Council Investigation & External Ops Team, Seed Instructor

Nickname: Genius Teacher

◆ Traits: Canonically gifted at teaching.
If she trains the protagonist in divine power:
→ Divine Power Proficiency +200%
→ 80% chance to gain a new trait
→ Broken-tier NPC

Recruit her as a teacher!

Note: Optional recruitment, but has abysmal recruit rate unless your Guardian is Derek.

Conclusion: Not worth the trouble hunting her down?

“We’re short on time, so I’ll drop the formal speech. I’ll use my divine power to guide yours until it reaches the Commander. The moment it connects, follow my instructions exactly. Can you do that?”

“…Yes.”

As I stirred my divine power, I felt Alexa’s strength gently grasp mine—like someone taking my hand to lead the way.

Crackle—!

‘Ugh…’

I could feel Daddy’s power scattered all around.

Thinking about that blood-covered chair made my blood boil.

Whoever did this—I don’t care who—it’s unforgivable.

“You’re doing great. Almost there! It’s about to touch Sir Derek. Hang on just a little longer!”

“Nggh…!!”

Alexa had warned me, so I was prepared.

Thump!

‘It hurts…!!’

The moment my power reached Daddy, pain exploded through me. Still, I clenched my teeth and endured.

‘These psychos…’

Then Daddy must be in even more pain.

This damned game!

Why do kind people always have to suffer here?!

‘Fine, I’m the sicko who liked this trash. Dammit!’

I squeezed my eyes shut and drew out even more power.

“…!”

Alexa flinched while holding me, but I didn’t have time to worry.

“Don’t let it scatter—gather it—yes, good, you’re doing great! It touched Sir Derek! Think of it like calling your Guardian!”

I slowly opened my eyes.

My power had wrapped around Daddy like a misty cloud. That’s it.

She said to call out, right?

‘Daddy! Come back… please!’

[“Daddy” is in a berserk state!]

[Objective failed! You have failed!]

I ignored the system message.

It wasn’t all for nothing. The more power I poured in, the slower Daddy moved.

Until he stopped completely.

‘…Got it!’

In this state, I can go to him. I can talk to him.

He’ll change if he hears my voice—I was sure of it.

I was about to call out to Alexa when—

“Now! While it’s frozen—finish that monster off!”

“Damn it, no! We can’t—!”

“I SAID FINISH IT!!”

Click.

That’s when I heard the sound.

That awful, chilling sound.

Game Category [Post][Casual Chat]
[Monster Encyclopedia #8]

~Object Type~
‘Sealed Garbage Disposal Unit’

(Excerpted)
When the box opens, it emits a bizarre sound.

Uhihehehehe!
♩♬♪♩♬♪♩♬♪
Kekekek kak eheheheh!
♩♬♪♩♬♪♩♬♪
Uhihehehehe!

A sweet melody and monstrous laughter—so twisted, you could only call it demonic—merged into a horrifying cacophony.

Everyone alive instinctively clamped their hands over their ears.

Only I opened my mouth.

‘Sh*t, no…!’
 

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Translator: Japchae