Chapter 56 THSK Vol. 2 Epilogue

Epilogue

Everything is proceeding according to plan.

To liberate the souls of the pitiful Chosen who struggle against fate, I was finishing my preparations to march on the Empire’s battlefield.

[The Heretic God’s Sanctuary, the Dyrst Region]

This is a defiled land, saturated with a miasma that neutralizes the power of our Lord God, Svell.

Lord Svell told me that the Chosen, selected by the Heretic God, are drawn here as if by instinct, gathering in this very place.

“…It makes my skin crawl.”

Taking advantage of the fact that Lord Svell’s hand cannot reach them, these wicked beings selfishly try to alter history.

It is precisely because they possess memories of the past that the Heretic God’s Chosen try to defy the fate that awaits them. But that, too, ends today.

“I will eliminate every last one of you shortly… fufu.”

After I gain complete control of the Dyrst region and purify all the miasma festering there with my power as a Saint, I can use this land as a foothold for the Empire’s destruction.

“And for that to happen, I’ll need you two to work hard for me.”

Flanking me, the two Divine Beasts granted by Lord Svell showed their readiness for battle, tearing at the ground.

“Ohoho. You two are just… dying to fight, aren’t you?”

“—!”

The Divine Beasts shrieked, their cries at a frequency no human ear could detect.

One, a giant serpent covered in pure white scales, coiled itself again and again, crushing a human believer to death.

The other, a giant serpent covered in jet-black scales, flicked its tongue rapidly as it devoured a soldier from our order who was standing nearby.

“L-Lady Reshia—!”

“Don’t be so alarmed. They have become noble sacrifices.”

“Sacrifices…”

“But of course. Is that not a wonderful thing?”

To be able to offer one’s own flesh and blood to the Divine Beasts who serve our Lord God.

For a worshiper of the Svell faith, there is no greater bliss.

Listening to the satisfying, crisp sound of bones breaking, I found myself in a state of rapture.

—Ah, how truly fortunate they are.

“To be able to reach Lord Svell’s side before anyone else… I’m truly envious.”

“…Yes, of course.”

I smiled at the pale-faced soldier as I gazed out at the military preparations for our advance on the Empire.

“Fufu. So, are the preparations for the offensive complete?”

“Yes. As soon as the Kingdom’s army begins its march, we will also begin our advance into the Valugan Empire.”

“I see. Then there are no changes to the plan. Continue your preparations so we can depart at any time.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The soldier gave a sharp salute and fled the scene as if escaping.

“The enemy should be thoroughly exhausted from their battle with the Kingdom’s army… I must thank Lord Euris.”

I pictured his face—the blond-haired, prideful man who is, for me, the easiest to manipulate. He is among that group that will soon be clashing with the Imperial army, that Prince Euris. Of course, if he fights the mighty Imperial army, there’s no guarantee he’ll survive.

“…If you die, you have my condolences. But you truly are a convenient and beloved pawn, Lord Euris. To set such a wonderful stage for me.”

As I clasped my hands and closed my eyes, the serpents drew closer, as if to protect me.

I offered a prayer of thanks to Prince Euris—or perhaps, a moment of silence for his future self—and slowly opened my eyes.

“Lord Svell—I will fulfill your dearest wish. I vow to you that I will eliminate every last time-bending Chosen, prevent the alteration of history, and then seize this land where the Heretic God is enshrined.”

“Lady Reshia. It appears the Kingdom’s army is about to leave the royal capital.”

“Understood.”

I finished my oath and addressed the entire army, which now stood ready to march.

“—Then we, too, shall begin our advance on the Empire.”

I swung my hand down. The soldiers set off, their armor clattering as they marched forward as one.

An army of seven thousand troops from our order. A great host, destined to crush the Imperial army after it has been worn down by its fight with the Kingdom.

History is something that must be repeated. A new wind is not needed here. Everything must be as our Lord God wills it. This world must be crafted exactly as the [Progenitor God Svell] desires.

—And I, the Saint Reshia, will personally erase every anomaly from this world.

“Now, let us begin. May history arrive at its one, true destination.”

The Empire is on the road to ruin. No matter how many times they repeat, no matter how many times they try again, changing the ending is an act that defies God’s will.

To change the future… such a thing is wrong. That is why I will deliver their final judgment in God’s stead.

To the fools who defy their fate… they will now learn just how meaningless their meager resistance truly is.