Chapter 244.2

This is the Sojourners Psalm. Todays song, too, shall be a sacred melody in which our deity dwells. Close your eyes, offer your prayers, and listen attentively to the words of the Lord. (Irina)

Irina and the choir gracefully turned and disappeared behind the altar.

The Sojourners Psalm was traditionally sung by pilgrims who came to Jiorhaze from outside.

In all likelihood, those pilgrims would soon take the place of Irina and her choir.

All the believers around us did as she instructed, closing their eyes and preparing themselves to listen.

Then, a voice rang out.

People of Jiordal, hear me out! (Ahid)

It was the familiar voice of a man.

The G.o.d we desire does not exist in this world. G.o.d is merely order, not a being who will save us. The Almighty Radiance, Eques, is a fabrication created by the first pope. The current pope, Golroana, has continued to conceal this truth to this very day.(Ahid)

Murmurs spread throughout the crowd of believers.

That voice belonged to Ahid.

I am Ahid Alovo Agartz, Cardinal of Jiordal. As the Oracle, I have come to reveal the truth to you. There is no G.o.d. The Almighty Radiance Equis is a complete falsehood. For proof, witness this Today, the Sojourners Psalm that has continued for two thousand years will come to an end. If G.o.ds truly existed, this song would never be interrupted. Let this serve as proof that no G.o.d exists in this Underground World.(Ahid)

Hmm. A

broadcast, huh.

The Song of the Divine Dragon had effects similar to a dragons cry.

Since Jiorhaze was covered in a dragons domain, it made it difficult to pinpoint where his magic was being transmitted from.

The Sojourners Psalm will come to an end? (Believer A)

What is this nonsense?! We cannot trust the words of a fool who has fallen to heresy! (Believer B)

How dare that man still call himself a cardinal?! (Believer C)

Whispers spread among the congregation.

But no one has appeared on stage (Believer D)

Normally, the Psalm Choristers would have arrived by now to sing (Believer E)

O Almighty Radiance Equis, please guide us (Believer F)

Show us the way

May you pa.s.s judgment on Ahid the heretic. (Believer G)

The believers all offered up their prayers in unison.

However, the pilgrims who were supposed to sing the psalm never appeared on stage.

What could have happened? Ellen whispered anxiously from behind.

This had to be Ahids doing.

Hmm. Elen, come with me. Lets go speak with the choir leader and get to the bottom of this. (Anos)

Ah, y-yes (Ellen)

Holding Ellens hand, I focus my Magic Eyes on the back of the altar.

There was a staircase leading to the bas.e.m.e.nt.

It seemed to be hidden in a blind spot for anyone other than those on the stage.

Using

, I teleported Ellen and myself to the base of the staircase.

As we quietly descended, we soon heard Irinas voice echoing from below.

Ahid! Where have you taken the Psalm Choristers and Priestess Elnora, you heretic?! The G.o.ds will never forgive you for this outrage! (Irina)

The G.o.ds wont forgive me? Hyahahaha! Do you still not understand? G.o.ds are nothing but order, no more than phenomena. (Ahid)

She was arguing with Ahid.

His demeanor was noticeably different. Perhaps because he still hadnt woken up from his nightmare. Or maybe this was just his true nature all along.

What nonsense! Do you truly believe we would fall for such lies?! (Irina)

Well then, go ahead, look for them if you wish, but you will never find them. (Ahid)

Ahid grinned smugly.

Because Priestess Elnora is none other than myself! Ive been using magic to disguise myself, and you completely fell for it! (Ahid)

You impersonated one of the choristers? How sinful! (Irina)

Sinful! Hahaha! And what of it? The Sojourners Psalm ends here. Finally, everyone in Jiordal will realize that there is no G.o.d. Now, its time. After everything Ive done, I should finally wake up from this dream. (Ahid)

His voice grew frenzied as he continued.

Now Wake up! Wake up from this dream! There is no G.o.d!! The Almighty Equis does not exist in this world! Wake up!! (Ahid)

You madman! Face the wrath of the G.o.ds!(Irina)

A punching sound echoed.

GAHAAH! (Ahid)

As I descended the last few steps, I saw Ahid pinned to the ground by Irinas choir.

Why? Why cant I wake up even after all this!! This is supposed to be a dream, why cant I wake up?! Why isnt the dream ending?! After all this?! Why cant I wake up?! (Ahd)

Irina and the choir members impaled him with their swords, pinning his body to the ground.

Gagh! (Ahid)

Even as his body was covered in blood from the many sword wounds he had sustained, Ahids expression was distorted in crazed disbelief, and he glared at the choir with hollow eyes.

WHYYY?! WHY WONT I WAAAAAKE?! (Ahid)

Ahids body ignited in flames, and the fire spread to the choir members around him.

Kyaaaaahhhh!! (Irina)

Ahid, with his limbs still impaled by swords, forced himself to stand, and spewed flames from his mouth.

WHY?! WHY IS THAT?! (Ahid)

But before the flames could reach them, my Magic Eyes of Destruction eradicated his fiery attack in an instant.

Whawhat? (Ahid)

Shouldnt you realize it by now, Ahid? This is reality. Youve exposed all the lies youve been piling up and lost everything because of it. Its time to accept the truth. (Anos)

Misfit (Ahid)

Ahid clenched his teeth in frustration.

No No!! This is a dream! It has to be! Theres no way this absurd reality could be true!! (Ahid)

He opened his mouth wide, preparing to unleash another torrent of flames.

But I was already upon him before he could even act.

Gah! Urgh! (Ahid)

My right arm plunged into Ahids stomach.

But something felt strange when it did.

This is a dream right? It must be a dream Otherwise, it doesnt make sense, does it? If it isnt, then all my efforts would be in vain The position of Cardinal that I worked so hard to obtain, the power of controlling the G.o.ds, the followers who move at my command Do you know how much effort I put into achieving all of that?! (Ahid)

What you gained through lies is nothing more than a sham. Thats why youve been consumed by a nightmare. You never truly possessed anything from the beginning. (Anos)

With a squelch, I crushed his organs in my hand.

Then his body turned to dust.

Hmm. Just as I thought.

Even with the power of

, I couldnt grasp his source.

A fake created by magic, huh. The real one must be elsewhere. (Anos)

Are you alright, Irina-san? (Ellen)

Ellen extended her hand to the fallen Irina, who was burned.

She took her hand and rose to her feet.

These wounds are nothing. More importantly, we must perform the sojourners Psalm immediately (Irina)

But, Captain, finding a pilgrim capable of performing the sacred song at this point is impossible (Choir member A)

No, there is a way. Surely, this is the G.o.ds will. (Irina)

Irina stared at Ellen.

Eh? (Ellen)

Please, Ellen. I know you are qualified to fulfill the duty of the holy Psalm Chorister. Please, we pray that you help us (Irina)

W What?! But Theres no time left for me to practice (Ellen)

Irina gently shook her head.

Your countrys song will suffice. Dilhade, was it? The Sojourners Psalm is a ritual that brings a new wind of song to Jiorhaze. If you can share your song, the one from the Demon Kings Choir, and your traditions with this land, that will be enough. Please, Ellen, I beg you. (Irina)

Irina bowed deeply.

Ellen looked at me timidly.

I, myself, am curious to see how your song resonates with these people from underground who believe in G.o.ds. (Anos) freReadNovelFull.com

With just those words, the hesitation in Ellens eyes vanished.

I understand, Irina-san. Im not sure how much I can do, but (Ellen)

Are you going to do it? (Irina)

Ellen nodded.

This is my way of repaying you for letting me hear your sacred song yesterday. Now, please listen to our countrys song, a song about the Demon King who wishes for peace. (Ellen)