Chapter 753: God’s Will

[Aaah…]

[It’s unfair! Unfair! Unfair!]

[Please, don’t hit me…]

[Why me?!]

The wails of vengeful spirits created from ashes echoed in the heart of the nation with the broadest territory in the world.

The evil deeds they accumulated grew into a tumor at the heart.

“Haa… Haa…”

“Hic…”

“I-I don’t know. I don’t know!”

The people surrounded by these tumors began to lose their sanity.

Their faces turned pale, breathing became rapid, cold sweat trickled down, and they began to mutter incomprehensible words.

They were crushed by the sins they had accumulated, directly or indirectly.

Among them, the ones in the worst condition were the Holy Knights.

Just like when Joanna was overwhelmed by her sins in the New Continent, they, too, were unable to breathe properly as if drowning, collapsing one by one.

Amid the confusion filled with resentment and groaning, someone spoke.

“I’m sorry.”

They sincerely apologized.

Then, as if by magic, the echoes of the vengeful spirits’ wailing subsided, and silence settled.

The vengeful spirits made of ashes and the sinners reflexively turned their heads towards the direction the voice came from, where they could see Oliver.

He was kneeling on both knees, holding the children made of ash in his arms.

“I’m sorry.”

Oliver apologized once again.

The children who had been crying for help had no response.

Oliver continued to apologize.

“I’m deeply sorry for not being able to help you. And I also don’t think I can help you right now.”

[…Why?]

One of the children in Oliver’s arms asked.

The being who had been blindly expressing resentment and seeking help.

Oliver gently let go of the children and looked them in the eyes.

“I still have something I need to do.”

[…]

“So I can’t help you now. I’m sorry. But I promise you.”

[…]

“I promise I will come back to help all of you, no matter how long it takes.”

[…]

“So, can you wait just a little longer?”

[It’s a promise?]

“Yes, it’s a promise.”

Oliver lifted the corners of his mouth with both thumbs, forming a smile.

Then, he extended his pinky finger toward the child made of ash.

The beings made of ash stared in silence, and the child hooked their pinky finger around Oliver’s.

Oliver held the child’s hand, pressing his thumb against theirs.

At that moment, the child, as well as the other vengeful spirits made of ash, began to turn back into ash one by one.

It was a sight hard to believe even when seen with one’s own eyes.

Standing up from his position, Oliver silently clenched his left fist and struck it into The Burned One’s abdomen.

“Fly away.”

──────────────!

With his command, Oliver’s fist, embedded in The Burned One’s abdomen, emitted a sound so large yet small that it was hard for human ears to register, sending The Burned One flying.

The demon who ruled over 72 Lords of Hell, the one who alone had tried to bring about the end.

The being known by many names—Lord of Inequality, Destruction, Uselessness, Fire and Darkness—crashed into the grand smoke it had produced, while Oliver turned back toward the people.

“Seeing you again feels a bit awkward.”

Oliver said to the people in front of him.

Among those in front were not only Joanna and the Holy Knights but also Jane and Edith, Marie and Joe, Bartholomew, Commander Wallace of the Kel Independent Free Army, soldiers of the Kingdom, Philip and Terence, and even Prince Albert.

All were acquaintances of Oliver.

The Burned One had drawn them all back to the capital.

In what could be called a desperate situation, Oliver cracked a joke.

“Still, it’s not bad seeing familiar faces.”

Marie, Jane, Joanna, Joe, Wallace, Albert, Edith, Philip, Terence—none of them said a word.

It wasn’t because they were fed up with Oliver making jokes in such a grim situation, but because they couldn’t say anything to someone like Oliver, who was fighting with all his might.

It was his effort and courage to show them he was still composed enough to make jokes, urging them not to fear and not to succumb to despair.

Wallace was the first to respond to that effort.

“What should we do now?”

The commander of the Kel Independent Free Army didn’t bother saying something like ‘we’ll help you,’ knowing he had no place in such matters, but chose to focus on doing what he could.

Oliver swung his hand through the air, checking whether he could activate space magic to evacuate the people. It seemed it was impossible.

“It’s an inconvenience, but please, take them by foot. As far as possible.”

“I hate to ask, but will it make a difference?”

It was a reasonable question. Even if they fled, the enemy could just come after them, and a massive wall of flame surrounded the outskirts of the capital.

“It will make a difference. I’m going to make sure of that.”

His reply was full of conviction. Wallace shouted an apology.

“What are all of you standing around for? Move, now!”

The Kel Independent Free Army, who had been frozen in place, finally snapped awake at Wallace’s command and began moving.

Thanks to their efforts, even the stiff citizens began to move, though there were still many who hadn’t.

Just then, a familiar voice spoke up.

“Oliver…”

Marie called out to Oliver, trailing off weakly.

The woman who had cursed her powerlessness and tried to become a Dark Sorcerer.

But she wasn’t the only one. Behind Marie stood Joe, Bartholomew, and others.

Gangs from X-District, the worst slum in Randa, and even the sinners from Z-District, which was worse than X-District.

They silently watched Oliver in the place where a demon had descended.

Oliver looked back at them, waiting for them to speak.

After a while, Marie bit her lip and spoke with difficulty.

“We… We’ll move, too.”

She had originally promised to focus only on evacuating the citizens of the capital.

Oliver felt a slight regret. If only he could smile, he would have smiled at her now.

Joe and Bartholomew immediately started moving, joining forces with the Kel Independent Free Army to evacuate the citizens of the capital. Even Marie forced herself to move despite her feet feeling heavy.

As Marie turned her back, Oliver spoke to her.

“I’m proud of you.”

“…!”

Marie came to a brief stop.

Oliver spoke to her back once more.

“I’m proud of you, Marie. I’m glad to have taught you how to read.”

Marie’s shoulders trembled slightly. She lowered her head a little, then continued running.

The Selectors also joined forces with the Kel Independent Free Army, the Fighter Crew, and the Anti-Development Committee to aid in the evacuation.

As the crowds began moving again, Oliver watched Lieutenant General Philip, Terence, Edith, and Jane escorting the Prince out.

They glanced at Oliver, though they pretended not to, and Oliver waved to make their task of moving easier.

At the same time, he spoke to those who still hadn’t moved.

“What about you? Will you not move?”

He was speaking to Joanna and the Holy Knights.

The sight of the vengeful spirits made from ash had shocked everyone, but especially them.

Their eyes had lost their light.

Dark circles hung beneath their eyes.

Their complexion was haggard.

Their hands fidgeted and their legs felt weak.

They were the epitome of despair.

As Joanna tried to say something to represent them, Oliver placed a finger on his lips, asking for silence.

Unfortunately, Oliver wanted to hear from the Holy Knights, not Joanna.

The Holy Knights who had sworn to be the shield of the human world.

One of them finally spoke, their words eked out as if they were being vomited. Their voice was utterly pathetic.

“Is… Is it true? Did… did God really… allow a demon to walk into the human world?”

The Holy Knights, once so proud, who always carried themselves with confidence, asked with utter despair, as if their past selves had been a lie.

“Does the Almighty truly desire our end?”

Does God really wish for the end of humanity?

For a moment, Oliver pondered how he should respond.

Should he say it was because he was here that the answer was no?

It wasn’t a bad answer, but Oliver chose to say something different.

Not words to comfort the Holy Knights, but something he wanted to say to them. Because they were Holy Knights.

“Does that matter?”

The Holy Knights blinked, staring at Oliver blankly.

It was a natural reaction from them, who had dedicated everything to serving God, but Oliver was genuinely curious because.

“Oh, Holy Father.

I shall lift the sword and shield you have bestowed upon me, and swear on this moment.”

Oliver recited the prayer sworn during the ordination of a Holy Knight.

“I shall be the shield that protects humanity, the sword that slays evil.

I will protect order, the weak, and the good, and I will vanquish chaos, demons, and evil.

I am the light that dispels darkness. The horn that heralds the morning. The armor that guards the world and the shield that protects your children.”

A vow to protect humanity and slay evil.

“Even if that shield is worn and tattered.

Even if that sword is chipped and broken.

I will not avert my gaze, I will not flee, I will not give up. From this moment, until the end of my life. I eternally swear this.”

A vow to endure whatever challenges or adversities came their way.

As Oliver recited the oath they had once sworn, the Holy Knights’ eyes, which had lost their light, began to regain their glow.

But it still wasn’t enough.

“But, but… didn’t God…?”

As beings who served God and protected humanity, they were suffering from the clash between these two identities.

Because these two identities were now at odds.

Instead of convincing them, Oliver asked a question.

“Why did you become Holy Knights?”

[…]

“Why did you dedicate your lives to becoming Holy Knights, and why did you pick up the sword and shield? Was it to receive praise from God? Or was it to protect people?”

“We…”

“If you want to be praised by God, I won’t force you. The only thing I can offer you is an opportunity. The choice is yours. But let me tell you one thing. There are still people who need your help, and there is still a chance for you to help them. Just like the time you chose to become a Holy Knight, you still have the chance to choose now.”

The Holy Knights’ eyes wavered at Oliver’s words, until they finally lifted their heads and stood up, grinding their teeth.

One by one, two, six, ten. Their numbers steadily grew.

Until all the Holy Knights began to move.

“Damn it! Damn it!!”

“Oh God, please forgive me.”

“Please, forgive us… Damn it!”

Except for one.

“Joanna.”

Oliver called out to Joanna, who remained still.

“Can I call you Joanna instead of ‘Knight’? ‘Knight’ feels too stiff. You’re okay with that, right?”

Oliver asked, wondering if there was an issue with the title. Joanna responded.

“I, too, will stay here and-”

“-I’ve already restored Director Amelin.”

Oliver interrupted her. He had restored the director of Ark Orphanage, who had been turned into wood by the Pied Piper.

Joanna stopped in her tracks.

“Before I came here. She’s currently in the Holy Capital with your siblings. I’m sorry for the delay, but I was a little overwhelmed… Oh, and by the way, I also met your siblings.”

[…]

“They all said they wanted to see you, Joanna. They said they missed you, that you’ve stopped visiting them. You’re a bit mean, aren’t you?”

Oliver raised his thumb to his lips and smiled once again.

Joanna looked at the smile with sad eyes.

“I…”

“-I, too, hope that you will reunite with your siblings, Joanna.”

Oliver cut her off firmly, stopping her from saying what she had intended.

Hearing that, Joanna swallowed her words, then lowered her head and rushed forward.

With all her might.

With that, they all began evacuating once more. It would have been good if this had been the end of the urgent matters, but there was still one more.

The wall of flame that perfectly surrounded the capital. Fortunately, it wasn’t going to be a big problem.

Because when you knock, doors open.

“Child!”

As people approached the wall of flame, Oliver shouted out.

A screech echoed from the darkened sky, and a massive shadow descended rapidly.

It was Child, controlling the Flesh Cook who had transformed into a dragon—along with First, controlling the Zombie Puppet Bartholomew; Second, controlling Zombie Puppet Durance; and finally, Third, controlling Zombie Puppet Seamus.

Screeeeoooooooooooo!!

The dragon, momentarily forgotten amidst The Burned One’s arrival, descended while carrying the three Zombie Puppets, letting out a howl that shook the heavens and earth.

With one hand, Oliver grasped the white sun he had created.

In that instant, the power Oliver held in his grip was transferred to both Force, who controlled the Flesh Cook, and the Zombie Puppeteers, First, Second, and Third.

“Bang! Bang!”

Second transformed Durance’s arm into a massive gun, unleashing gunfire on all the buildings in their path to make it easier for the crowds to evacuate.

The countless bullets raining down from the sky didn’t just destroy the buildings, but erased anything the gun recognized as an obstacle.

No dust or collateral damage—everything was erased clean as if wiped away with a rubber eraser.

That wasn’t all.

Force, controlling the Flesh Cook, spread wide the dragon’s wings and opened its massive maw toward The Burned One’s wall of flame.

In response, First, controlling Bartholomew, extracted a considerable amount of blood and fed it into the dragon’s gaping mouth. The tiny sun grasped in the Flesh Cook’s hand reacted, spewing out pure white flames.

Fwooooosh!!

The white flames burned away The Burned One’s wall of fire, opening a path. Seizing the moment, Third, controlling Seamus, leaped into the air and planted two massive trees, larger than any in the world, to hold the gap open.

Thud!

Thud!

This ensured that the wall of flame wouldn’t close again.

“The way is open!”

The people flooded through the newly opened path.

“Thank you for waiting.”

As he watched the people escape, Oliver turned toward the grand smoke and expressed his gratitude.

A response came.

[Let’s call this repayment for showing me something amusing.]

At the same time, the massive smoke that had been rising into the sky seemed to be drawn inward.

Snap!

With the sound of a match being struck, fire erupted from within, exuding intense heat.

Bubbling, hissing.

Even the surrounding steel, cement debris, and earth melted in the scorching heat.

Amidst the swirling black smoke and flame, a shape formed, taking the form of lightning that reached up to the sky.

The lightning converged on The Burned One’s back, appearing as wings.

With wings of flame that extended up to the broken sky, The Burned One spoke.

[You continue to surprise me.]

In the midst of everything melting, Oliver responded.

“I’m simply returning the favor.”

[What will you do now? Will you try to stop me?]

“No, I will defeat you.”

It was a simple answer devoid of hesitation. The Burned One’s cracked mouth opened further, and then he vanished.

At the same time, Oliver’s figure also disappeared.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━!

In the red, molten ground that resembled the molten lava of Hell, the two collided, creating a massive wave.