Chapter 1169: h.e.l.l's Influence

Fran muttered with a sorrowful expression that Persona was crying. She seemed to be sensing something I was unable to sense.

Master! Go to Maleficent!

Eh? You want me to get closer? But you just said to move away a bit earlier.

Woof woof!

Urus.h.i.+ barked in agreement with me, attempting to persuade Fran to stay back.

The current Maleficent was clearly consumed by wrath. Who knows what might happen if we approach him while hes like this.

However, Fran refused to back down.

Even so!

Im pretty sure hell turn on us at the slightest provocation but Frans eyes reflected her determination.

Master, please! I have to talk to them!

Just talking, right?

Nn!

F-Fine, we can do it.

Prompted by Frans desperation, I headed closer to Maleficent. Furthermore, I opened a Dimension Gate, allowing her to transmit her voice to him.

Fran!

Nn. Maleficent! Stop this!

There was no response from Maleficent, but he looked our way. That much was clear.

s.h.i.+t, hes directing an intense amount of killing intent at us! Maybe we shouldnt have bothered him after all!

Yet despite feeling the divine sword wielders wrath on her skin, Fran did not flinch.

Youre making Persona sad!

!

As soon as Fran shouted those words, Maleficent froze.

It only took a moment.

The black tsunami vanished into thin air, and Maleficents wrath subsided instantly.

Sorry Forgive me, Persona.

Maleficents tone returned to normal. Like I thought, Persona meant everything to this man.

Persona lightly shook her head and hugged her arms around Maleficents neck.

Wow, you really did understand what Persona was thinking.

I somehow got the feeling that she was crying.

I see.

Nn.

Perhaps Persona had sought help from Fran in some manner? I dont really get it, but Fran and Maleficent both seemed to understand her intentions.

In any case, the ma.s.sacre has come to an end. I dont know how many people died, but he certainly left deep scars on the nation of Raydoss.

We slowly approached the two, and Maleficent was no longer glaring at us.

Black Lightning Princess-dono, thank you for stopping me. I seem to have lost myself in anger for a moment.

Persona, are you okay?

Persona nodded with traces of tears on her cheeks.

Persona, theres no need for you to cry. I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself, but this is no longer my country. Also, those from Raydoss got exactly what they deserved.

Persona gave a weak nod.

It seems she had been crying for Maleficents feelings, as well as mourning the dead on the Raydoss side.

The question is, how much of Maleficents actions align with Personas wishes?

I think Persona could have ended Maleficents rampage if she ordered him to stop. Yet, despite her distress and tears, she allowed Maleficent to continue as he pleased. It would appear that she isnt restricting his actions at first glance.

That said, there can be no doubt that Personas abilities and Eternal Loyalty had an effect on him. Her desires must be mixed into Maleficents actions to a degree.

Is it possible that, deep down, Persona wants this kind of slaughter? Then Maleficent is unconsciously picking up on her beliefs and acting accordingly? Or is Persona truly doing nothing, and Maleficents rampages were the result of him satisfying his own desires under the guise of helping Persona?

I just dont know. From my point of view, the bond between these two was incredibly distorted and unstable. Yet at the same time, Fran said that were similar to them.

Maybe I should be more careful. I cant let us turn out like them. However, thats not something I should bring up here. I decided to ask about something else that was bothering me.

Hey, I have something I want to ask.

Oh? Is this coming from the sword?

Yeah. Im the Intelligence Weapon, Master. Frans partner.

!

Nice to meet you.

Persona waved her hand with a smile. It seems shes delighted to meet a rare existence like me. Im glad if I managed to alleviate her grief even a little.

You knew of my existence, so why didnt you ask Fran about me?

Persona said we shouldnt pry into such an important secret.

Persona nodded in response to Maleficents words. It seems she was being considerate.

Another thing, will that blackened area remain like that forever?

Oh no, of course not forever.

I see. That only makes sense. Even a divine swords power shouldnt last an eternity.

I went all out for the curse this time, so it should take three years until creatures can live there again. Maybe around ten years for the effects to disappear completely.

Thats pretty d.a.m.n long!

But wait, Ive heard that the place where h.e.l.l was used in the distant past is still barren to this day. How can ten years be the maximum?

What about that place in the Chrome Continent thats supposed still barren? How did that happen?

Well, why do you think?

Maleficent dodged my question. I got the hint, Persona was probably involved in that.

Its only natural if she harbors deep resentment against the country that abused her. Perhaps Personas powers are capable of solidifying the scars of calamity created by Maleficent.

No wait, considering Maleficent refusal to answer, maybe Persona was doing this unconsciously.

Persona herself might not have complete control of her powers.