NOVEL NEXT Episode 12: Final Episode: Goodbye Miltia
Episode 12: Final Episode: Goodbye Miltia
On that day, in the square of Milticia, the main temple of the Miltia Church, a ritual was held to challenge the “Final Holy War”.
The grand temple, rivaling the royal castle of a great nation in size, stood before them. Pope Angreum, the current Saint Angela, and the remaining cardinals gathered on the stage set in front, offering sacred wine to the believers in preparation for the “Final Holy War”.
The “Final Holy War” — a legend from a thousand years ago where the “Priestess of Miltia”, cornered in this land, were saved by the messengers of the gods descending from the heavens.
Led by the “Sword Saint” Blade Arlight of the Alteria Kingdom and the “Guardian” Lux Obraine of the Hartelia Kingdom, the coalition forces led by these two formidable individuals advanced with unstoppable momentum, finally approaching the outskirts of Milticia.
— Just like those who sought to steal faith a thousand years ago.
Pope Angreum likened this battle to the legend of the “Priestess” to inspire the believers.
The believers gathered here were all willing to risk their lives for the sake of the Miltia Church. There was no fear or despair in their faces. They believed in the help of God and fought solely for Him.
Amidst this, one believer who happened to look up at the sky suddenly noticed something unusual —
“What!? Is that…!!”
“Huh…? Ohhh…!! Ooooohhhhh!!”
“””Ahh…! Oh God!!”””
What they saw in the sky was a colossal angel descending from above the grand temple. Clad in golden armor all over its body, with two pairs of massive white wings on its back, and holding a sword even larger than its massive form in its right hand. Anyone associated with Miltia would know its name.
The Angel of War, Sancrucel — the sword of God sent to defeat Miltia’s enemies.
Descending amidst light from between the clouds, its majestic figure was truly a legend incarnate. Everyone in Milticia was ecstatic.
“Behold, believers! That is our Miltia God’s sword, the Angel of War, Lord Sancrucel!”
“””Wowwwww!!”””
“For the sake of saving us, Miltia God has sent down that esteemed one!!”
“””Wooooooo!!”””
“This means! Saint Angela has been recognized by God and has become a ‘Priestess’!! The coalition forces are no longer a threat!!”
“””Not a threat!!”””
“To the enemies of Miltia, perish! To the enemies of God, despair!!”
“””Perish to the enemies of Miltia!! Despair to the enemies of God!!”””
For the Miltia Church, cornered by the coalition forces, it was truly a divine intervention. Responding to the Pope’s voice, the voices of the believers, and the voice of the new “Priestess”, Sancrucel raised its massive sword to the heavens —
“Oh, behold! Lord Sancrucel has responded to our voices —”
— and swung it towards the grand temple.
“…Huh?”
“””……Huh?”””
Sancrucel’s massive sword cleanly cleaved the grand temple in two.
“What…?”
“””Why…”””
Ignoring the stunned popes in the face of this sudden turn of events, the angel raised the sword that had split the temple into two once more to the heavens. As the blade shone intensely with light, this time, a rain of countless lights poured down upon the temple split into two.
“Stop ittttt!!”
Despite the Pope’s plea, the rain of light continued to crush the temple. The believers could only watch this scene unfold.
“This… The grand temple…”
“Has God abandoned us…?”
The temple, now beyond recognition. Sancrucel, who had descended beside it, now held the massive sword upside down and thrust it deep into the remnants of the temple.
“St-stop…”
At the same time, the square was engulfed in blinding light, thunderous noise, and a tremendous tremor.
“Stop… Please stop…”
“””……”””
After everything settled, all that remained were the gaping crater and the bewildered popes and believers — the figure of the Angel of War, Sancrucel, was no longer there.
—
“Taa-ma-ya!”
[[Taa-ma-ya!!]]]
[[[Kagi-ya!]]]
“Oh my, we really did it, didn’t we?”
[[[That was refreshing!!]]]
[[[It was so much fun!]]]
[[[Serves you right!]]]
On the roof of a house a little distance from the Grand Temple, the “spirits” laughed together. This time, I really did my best, and the “spirits” worked hard too. Hey, aren’t there more of you than usual?
[[[We all got called!]]]
[[[It’s a festival!!]]]
“Uh, yeah…”
—
Descending from above Milticia, the battle angel Sancrucel. It resembled the Sancrucel illustration Sylphietta had shown me, a giant dummy I made with magic to demolish the temple, though I made sure the sword was properly crafted.
Where my memory faltered, Mine-kun pointed out and made slight adjustments. The “spirits” then presented it with divine flair, assisting in maintaining the magic. In other words, I was the creator, Mine-kun supervised, and the “spirits” directed.
The rain of light, the [Rain Bullets], was also directed by the “spirits” to look like that. Each Bullet was loaded with explosive magic, all bundled up into a grand finale.
I haven’t had such a grand finale in a while. They really went all out this time.
I asked if it wouldn’t be bad if the “spirits” went that far. Wouldn’t I get in trouble? They said it would be fine. I don’t really get it, but this time it seems to be a safe call. It’s quite lenient, isn’t it? Well, I’m really relieved because it helped me out a lot.
—
“Settle down! Calm yourselves!!!”
The Pope and the cardinals are desperately saying something about fakes, but it doesn’t seem to reach the wailing believers. Well, the Pope himself said, “That’s the true Sancrucel,” so to the believers, it’s like they’ve been considered enemies by the god they worshipped. Whatever the Pope says, it seems futile. The saint is just screaming hysterically too.
But they really hyped up the other spectators. Thank you, Pope.
—
“Well then, shall we go home? I’m quite tired.”
[[[Yeah!]]]
[[[Lady is waiting!]]]
“Then, shall I escort you to the ‘beloved child’s’ place?”
“――!? The Sage!?”
[[[Oh, it’s Kulkur!]]]
[[[Long time no see!]]]
“It’s been a while, Mine. And you all too.”
Suddenly behind us was the Sage, Elc Markkulkur. Again with this. It’s really bad for my heart, so I seriously wish they’d stop. Anyway, why is he here? And casually chatting with the “spirits” too.
“Even so, that was quite a showy performance…”
“Was it too much?”
“No, it’s not about me saying anything.”
“Phew… I thought I’d get in trouble. But why are you here?”
“…Well, that’s…”
[[[Did you come to see Diene?]]]
“…Well, something like that.”
“….”
…Huh? Wait, were there graves or something? We demolished the temple, but was that bad?
“No need to worry. That child is sleeping elsewhere.”
Safe!! I was so freaking worried.
The Sage silently gazed at the ruins of the Grand Temple for a while. There must be a lot of nostalgia and various thoughts about the current Milticia. It’s probably completely different from the Milticia religion the priestess once protected.
—
“Alright, we’re here.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Oh, big brother!”
“Brother-sama!?”
“It’s Nii-tan!”
“Mine-kun!?”
“Oops.”
[[[Yay!!]]]
Through the Sage’s teleportation, we returned to the garden of the border count’s mansion in Ortya. Seira and Miss Liela jumped on me as soon as they realized it was me, along with Thor. It seems the ladies were having tea. How did he know where this place was? …Maybe because he’s the Sage.
“”Welcome back!””
“Welcome…”
“I’m back!”
[[[We’re back!]]]
[[Miss, I did my best!]]
[[Praise me!]]
Hmm, they’re all so cute…
“…”
“Big brother, who is this old man?”
“He’s the ‘Sage’.”
“””’The ’Sage’?!”””
Well, it was indeed surprising. He’s a really famous person after all.
“Sage, nice to meet you for the first time–”
“Oh, it’s alright. I just came to send Mine here.”
The Sage interrupts the lady trying to greet him and stares intently at Seira. They must really resemble each other. I guess there were a lot of things going on back then if even the Spirits didn’t joke around about it…
“Hehe, she really looks like that kid.”
“???”
[[[Right?]]]
[[[She’s a good kid!]]]
“I see. Well then, I shall take my leave.”
“Thank you very much.”
“””Goodbye!”””
[[[See ya!]]]
[[[Bye-bye!]]]
“Take care.”
The Sage smiles softly, pets Seira’s head, and leaves with [Teleportation]–.
“Oh, one last thing.”
“–Whoa! You surprised me.”
Not again! Why does he have to pop up behind me? I let my guard down after he left so smoothly.
“Hehe”
[[[Haha]]]
[[[Gotcha there!]]]
“You’re noisy.”
[[[Boo-boo]]]
“…Um, what is it?”
“There was something I forgot to ask. Are you having fun in this world?”
“Y-yes, I’m enjoying myself.”
“I see. That’s what matters.”
“But, well…”
“Hm?”
“I wish I had developed more tolerance to gore.”
“Oh, I could only give you one thing. I apologize.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then it can’t be helped.”
“Indeed. …Well then, I’ll leave for real this time.”
“Yes, take care.”
“Alright.”
With just those words, the Sage finally leaves. Was it you who sent me here, after all? Only a ‘God’ or a ‘Sage’ could do something like that. The reason he appeared before me in Alteria was also a mystery.
In the end, I still don’t know why it had to be me, why it had to be Mine-kun. He probably wouldn’t answer even if I asked. Well, at least things seem clearer now.
—
After that, it seems the coalition forces surrounding Milticia urged the Miltia Theocracy to surrender. However, there was no response, so they reluctantly broke through the city gates and stormed into Milticia. However, there was no significant resistance at the gates or in the streets, and they reached the square without incident. There, the coalition forces witnessed the sight of believers crying and begging for forgiveness from God.
The Pope and a few cardinals resisted, but they were easily defeated by the Border Count and the Sword Saint. The Sword Saint is strong after all. Our Border Count, who is friends with him, is quite dangerous too. Oh, speaking of which, I heard from the Border Count that the Sword Saint shaved his stubble. It’s quite effective and amusing.
—
Well, Miltia was crushed like that, and for now, I think I’ve ensured the safety of myself and those around me. I managed to strike the Sword Saint and Cain too, so I think I’ve achieved all my immediate goals.
It feels like I took quite a detour, but now I think I can finally live a normal life. Maybe I’ll work as a janitor until Seira graduates from school, or maybe I’ll try my hand at being a fireworks artisan.
After that, it depends on Seira and how she feels at that time. It’s not like either of us should have any death flags anymore. From here on out, I can live freely and happily. Well, if any fools come bothering us, I’ll crush them with all my might.
And I’ve managed to gain some incredibly powerful allies too.
—
“Big brother, Grandpa Kulkur says he’ll show us something amazing!”
“Hmm… I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Brother, let’s go together.”
“Nii-tan, let’s go together.”
“Alright, alright, I’m coming now.”
Since then, the Sage has been frequenting the Border Count’s mansion. That guy seems way too fond of Seira. And with Miss Liela and Young Master Thor too.
Well, as long as he’s around, most things should be okay, so in that sense, I feel relieved.
—
“Hehehe. Look! This is my Tamaya!!”
“””Taa-ma-ya!”””
[[[Taa-ma-ya!]]]
[[[Amazing!]]]
“Hey, wait, isn’t this too much?!”
…Is this guy really okay?