Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly-Chapter 210

Chapter 210. Trivial Resolution (2)
The sudden commencement of the Dawn Society's bishop hunt.
The target was not just limited to the 'bishops' but extended to any position they could seize.
In other words, even the 'Archbishop' Eleanor was included as a target in this hunt.
"Ugh, grrr......"
However, as a mage of the Shade Element and one of the few to hold the 5th rank 'Barco', she did not intend to be easily taken down.
After defeating all the cult members who attacked her, she looked coldly at the groaning man.
Then, she walked over and tore off the marks on their chests.
'Demonic energy.'
The emblem of a coiled snake— it clearly radiated demonic energy.
However, it wasn't typical 'demonic energy'. Due to some sorcerous measures, it was more sensitive to humans and at the same time,
'It's designed to send residual thoughts to the Genmel Monastery.'
It wasn't hard to surmise whose intention lay behind this sorcery.
'This is why we were barred from the monastery recently.'
It was to inject 'residual thoughts' into the relic, the Demon God's Chalice, to create greater power.
'Tenelon.'
Thinking of the High Pontiff's name, Eleanor glanced again at the fallen cult members.
With the 'residual thoughts' collected by the 'Dawn Society' so far and the new ones he could secure from this opportunity, he could create a demon of the tri-horned rank.
However, to cause such turmoil just for that was absurd.
'A tri-horned demon is something that Yulian can take down on his own.'
Eleanor was lost in thought.
'Could there be another ulterior motive?'
The fact that the High Pontiff, who had not acted until now, took such drastic measures was suspicious.
Although he behaved incomprehensibly due to not 'hearing the voice', that had nevery truly extended beyond the internal affairs of the 'Dawn Society'.
"Lady Eleanor, are you alright?"
While contemplating the strange actions of the High Pontiff, Eleanor shifted her gaze to Felkhor, who had suddenly rushed in.
Then, she scrutinized Felkhor's complexion.
Among the cult members who attacked her, there was no lack of 'Monsignor'.
After all, there must be plenty of people who wish to become a 'bishop'.
'What meaning does a bishop hold in this ruined Dawn Society?'
In any case, Eleanor examined Felkhor's neck closely.
"I... I don't have the mark! I came to help Lady Eleanor at Sir Yulian's command."
"At Yulian's command?"
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, Eleanor scrutinized Felkhor's face once more, pondering.
"Not just for you, lady Eleanor, but he's also mobilizing Pintel's private soldiers to protect other bishops."
Felkhor's continued explanation brought a wry smile to Eleanor's face.
'He's using this opportunity to firmly secure his position.'
While the High Pontiff's actions were incomprehensible, there was one thing for sure.
It was that his lifespan was nearing its end.
Once the High Pontiff's seat became vacant, there would be a need for 'someone' to fill it.
"Oh my, I've been had!"
As Eleanor was organizing her thoughts, a hearty voice suddenly interjected.
Although she was displeased with so many people being brought into her mansion, she looked at those entering without complaint.
"Kolparan."
Bishop Kolparan and his Monsignor Al Hashar.
With the cult members' intrusion, the barrier had become useless, but by sifting through the remaining 'mana dust', she noticed Kolparan's soldiers were positioned nearby.
Were there impure intentions?
For a moment, she suspected so, but she quickly concluded that if they intended to eliminate her, the 'Archbishop', they wouldn't have stationed soldiers outside.
"You're late. I don't think indebting the bishops will work out."
Then, they must be trying to protect the 'bishops' amidst this commotion to garner their support.
It wasn't aggressive but rather sly maneuvering.
"Compared to me, Yulian moves much faster."
While clucking his tongue, Kolparan stroked his bleached white beard and spoke.
"But Tenelon, why is that fool doing something like this?"
"I'm curious about that too."
"He's relied too much on 'the voice' and finally lost it."
Kolparan clucked his tongue once more.
"As for me, I have no idea what that voice even is."
Saying that, Kolparan shook his head as if he didn't understand.
"What will you do, Kolparan?"
"What about you?"
In response to Kolparan's question, Eleanor glanced at Felkhor's face and then opened her mouth.
"We watch how things unfold."
"Tsk tsk, I feel the same. However, in case something happens, preparations to leave the regime should be made."
In case something happens.
Eleanor knew that it encompassed various factors.
The public revelation of the Dawn Society's true form.
Because of that, she could not completely eliminate the possibility of her identity being discovered.
***
At the end of his flickering vision, Hayden observed the red blood on his hand.
It deeply felt like 'demonic energy', so much so that it wasn't quite accurate to consider it 'human' anymore.
'Just perfect.'
Looking at this blood, he instead felt it was fine.
"Master, are you alright?"
"Rinne, I have a favor to ask."
Hearing Rinne inquiring about his wellbeing, Hayden immediately opened his mouth.
At first, Rinne's eyes were filled with confusion at his resolute tone, but soon the turmoil subsided.
"Yes."
"Support me to the Genmel Monastery."
"The head of the Dawn Society is there?"
"Yes."
Seeing him nod, Rinne started to support Hayden.
Step by step.
The closer they got, Rinne realized.
The master will soon die.
He's been pretending to be fine all along, but his body was already decaying.
"Why has it come to this?"
The thought crossed her mind that once they reached the Genmel Monastery, she might truly never see her master again.
― It seems you've lost your family. I am like you."
Although he was acting incomprehensibly, like an entirely different person than before, to Rinne Hayden was akin to a second father.
― Would you follow me? I won't stop you.
Gripped with barely suppressed emotion, Rinne's fists clenched of their own accord, knowing that such a father figure was facing death.
***
Seeing Tenelon's face, who was flustered by the ineffectiveness of the 'Demon God's Chalice', I immediately charged forward.
'Finish this before any nonsense happens.'
While I can prevent the 'forced demonization' brought by the 'Demon God's Chalice', I wasn't certain if additional effects could also be nullified.
Therefore, I decided to execute this swiftly.
It was best to slice off Tenelon's head and end it cleanly.
Tap──!
Upon swiftly closing the distance, Tenelon's ghastly, maskless face came into view.
Activating the 〈Moonlit Sword〉, I launched an attack to decapitate Tenelon, but he seized the 'Moonstone Sword' with his hand.
"Ugh......!"
Chiiiii──!
A sizzling, blackening sound emanated from the Moonstone Sword.
Startled, I quickly kicked Tenelon in the chest and retreated backward.
'What is this?'
I widened the gap and examined the Moonstone Sword.
The sword, named 'Moonstone' because it appeared as though it held the moon— a gem that satisfied Yulian's bizarre aesthetic sense— was left with a blackened scar.
'Corrosion?'
I nearly got annoyed. Do you know how much effort it took to acquire this sword?
For it to be damaged, you won't die easily, you wretch.
'This is dangerous.'
Pushing aside Yulian's feelings, I concluded that anything touching Tenelon's hand held grave risk.
'Is this an additional ability of the Demon God's Chalice?'
It seemed his ability involved compressing the residual thoughts stored in the 'holy relic' to the utmost level, harnessing it at his fingertips.
Certainly, contact with his body would result in instantaneous corrosion, leaving permanent damage.
"Why did the demonization not proceed?"
Tenelon seemed perpetually bewildered by my resistance to the effects of the 'Demon God's Chalice'.
Dude, I'm a 'vessel' as well. Even a higher trait, so why would it work on me?
Krrrk──.
After one exchange, 'Angelica' squirmed within me, beginning to reveal herself.
Normally, I'd prevent her emergence to hide my identity, but now it was pointless.
'Tenelon is going to die here anyway.'
Taking my secret with him.
"Could it be, a demon......?"
As 'Angelica' emerged, Tenelon queried in a trembling voice.
Why don't you mind your business?
Ignoring his question, I assumed a stance and enveloped the Moonlit Sword with Angelica.
===
⇒ The 〈Moonlit Sword〉 turns into 〈Eclipse〉.
===
Wrapping the blade with 'Angelica', then it won't corrode.
Likely, the phenomenon occurring at Tenelon's touch was due to the residual thoughts stored in the Demon God's Chalice.
"If I eliminate that demon, then it should be easy to kill you.!"
Still speaking incessantly, in no time, I closed in and thrust the blade into Tenelon's abdomen.
Puuuush──!
As the blade pierced through his skin, a mouthful of red blood erupted from his lips.
The ghastly face now drenched in blood; it became even more unbearable to behold.
"Killing you... shouldn't be difficult!"
What, he's still talking?
As that thought crossed my mind, Tenelon began fondling the 'Eclipse' with both hands.
'Foolish move.'
With 'Angelica' around the sword, there was no longer a chance of it corroding.
===
⇒ The influence of the holy relic, 〈Demon God's Chalice〉, has dispelled the 〈Eclipse〉.
===
Suddenly, from the 'Demon God's Chalice', an eerie luminescence glimmered and it began syncing with the residual thoughts embedded in Tenelon's hands.
'What!?'
The target was not the 'Moonstone Sword'. In truth, it was 'Angelica' enveloping the Moonstone Sword that Tenelon aimed for.
Krrrrk.
Angelica whispered a voice akin to when she was playfully affectionate as the shadow clinging to the sword began migrating towards the Demon God's Chalice.
Before long, another window popped up before my eyes.
===
⇒ Trait, 〈Angelica〉, has been removed from your traits.
===
Clacky's Corner:
Oh no!!! Angelica got kidnapped.