Chapter 221
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☆《Holy Barrier》☆
A type of barrier created by Saint Mika.
Any target within the barrier has their abilities significantly reduced.
Furthermore, if the target is an evil entity, the effect becomes even more pronounced.
Due to its powerful nature, this barrier is extremely difficult to use and consumes an enormous amount of mana. Additionally, Saint Mika is likely the only person capable of creating a Holy Barrier large enough to cover a vast space like the throne room.
☆《Outer Material》☆
This refers to mana that exists within the body being released externally without being converted into magic.
Angelica has made it possible to use pseudo-advanced magic without being limited to extremely small emission pores by manipulating the externally released mana to manifest magic.
Furthermore, this technique allows her to use her original magic called 「Reflector,」 which is 「magic that reflects magic.」
Currently, Angelica’s Outer Material remains dispersed throughout the throne room at an extremely low concentration.
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Mika turns to face Angie and Eris.
Their gazes meet. That’s all it is. Yet, something passes between them that allows them to understand each other—
「I am Mika, serving as a Saint in the Crater Church. Please allow me to speak as a representative of us three.」
When Mika bows deeply, murmurs arise from the crowd.
「Then, Saint Mika, please continue.」
Madison nods, encouraging her to speak.
「I have served by his side—Hero Ryūgūin’s side—for a long time. I am thoroughly aware of everything concerning the Hero’s party during that period.
All of his supposed achievements thus far are falsehoods.
The person who actually conquered the Newly Constructed Most Challenging Dungeon was not the Hero, but rather Holy Knight Yamada, who was summoned along with the Hero, just as Chancellor Madison stated earlier.」
There is something like determination in her voice.
As for what that is—
「This is a scam!! This is absolutely staged!! A malicious setup!!! Hey!!! Mika!!! What is the meaning of this?!! I’ll forgive you now!! I’ll forgive you if you take it back right now!!」
Mika doesn’t even glance at Ryūgūin as he causes a scene in front of everyone, keeping her gaze fixed forward.
「Saint Mika, the Hero Ryūgūin is saying such things, but…?」
Madison asks Mika lightly, as if mocking Ryūgūin.
「I swear by Lady Crater’s name that my testimony is entirely true.」
Interrupting Mika’s words, Ryūgūin starts making a commotion, 「Angelica!! Eris!! Why don’t you say something too!! How dare you defy me, the Hero!!」
However, a barrier created by someone from the church is placed over his mouth.
As Ryūgūin falls silent, Mika resumes speaking.
「We three have also committed sins that are difficult to atone for. Just as Hero Ryūgūin falsified his achievements, the accomplishments of us three were also steeped in lies.」
「Lies, you say?」
「Yes, those ‘lies.’ In truth, of the seven dungeons conquered, I only contributed to the Mirror Dungeon. Additionally, among the other Hero party members, Angelica only contributed to conquering the Light Dungeon, and Eris only to the Blade Dungeon.」
「Saint Mika is saying this, but what say you?」
Madison asks Angie and Eris.
「It is correct.」
「Saint Mika speaks the truth.」
The two answer.
No matter what the country decides to do, this is ultimately a matter between me and them.
I said they didn’t need to report everything to the country at this point.
Yet, they exposed everything to the light of day.
「I ask you, Saint Mika, as the representative of the three.
Do you understand the meaning of what you’re saying? The conquest of the Newly Constructed Most Challenging Dungeon was a matter of utmost importance—you claimed its achievements as your own and framed the true conqueror, driving them out.
You’re saying that you not only deceived the country and its people but also committed an act against humanity.」
A dark future awaits them.
Exile? Flogging? Or perhaps—
Why must they suffer any more after everything they’ve already endured?
I, who have been strictly ordered to remain silent until the right moment, wonder what I should do.
「I understand. We are prepared to accept any punishment. That is the only atonement possible for us in our foolishness.」
Mika and the others’ expressions are somehow bright and clear.
But that’s wrong. This is all wrong.
Because the one who’s really at fault is—
「It’s all my fault!!」
Having had the barrier removed from his mouth after saying he had something to say, Ryūgūin cries out with tears in his eyes.
Everyone’s attention turns to Ryūgūin.
「Please stop blaming the three of them!! Mika and the others aren’t at fault at all!! Not Mika!! Not Angelica!! Not Eris!! None of them are to blame!! If you’re going to blame someone, blame me!! All responsibility lies with me as the leader of the Hero’s party!!!」
The tears he had been holding back now stream down Ryūgūin’s cheeks.
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