Just as Weed had commanded, they ran straight towards the Priests.
The Embinyu Priests uttered an incantation.
“O beastly and dark power, let merciless punishment fall. Dark Sword!”
Blessing magic! The Priests endowed holy power into the guarding Dark Knights' swords.
Rawr!
“Wipe out the remnants of the Matallost Church.”
The Dark Knights intercepted the Guardian Knights. Demonic Spirits were surrounding them layer by layer, so they were really like rats in a trap.
Woosh!
Weed raised his hand. Then the Phoenixes outstretched their wings.
The Phoenixes breathed flames towards the ground as they flew over the battlefield. The Demonic Spirits were burnt and the Dark Knights were also wrapped in flames.
“Death Arrow!”
“Water Blaster!”
The Priests inflicted magic attacks on the Phoenixes, majestic magic creatures who soared in the air! The Phoenixes twisted violently as they dodged the magic. Guardian Knights were crouching down while on board the Phoenixes.
“NOW!” Weed's voice erupted with Lion's Roar at the exact moment.
Figures leapt from the flame-bodied Phoenixes! 40 Guardian Knights were falling to the ground.
“Let's go. Yellowy!”
Weed matched himself to Yellowy's rhythm.
Moooooooo!
Yellowy bellowed invigoratingly as he ran on all fours.
Weed cleaved through the weakened Demonic Spirits in an instant and advanced while the Phoenixes dominated the skies. They exhaled flames at Demonic Spirits in midair; wherever Demonic Spirits were gathered, the fires spread and became a sea of fire in all directions.
Weed and the Guardian Knights leapt within the sea of flames!
The 20 or less Priests were the first to be massacred in the fierce battle.
“Guardian Knights, protect the relic of the Matallost Church, fight the Dark Knights and leave the Demonic Spirits alone! Make a blockade and DO NOT ALLOW EVEN ONE ENEMY TO SLIP AWAY!”
Weed burst out with Lion's Roar as he commanded the battlefield.
The battle was already won.
As long as there weren't any Priests, he was confident he could win even by only mobilizing the Phoenixes!
'I can't just hand over my prey!'
The Phoenixes were still weak.
After surrounding the whole area with the the Guardian Knights, he hunted the Demonic Spirits and Dark Knights with the AOE flame attack of the Phoenixes.
Roaring, blazing flames!
Weed walked through the flames.
“Angry Pebble, Dirtmen!”
The Fire and Earth Spirits were protecting him. He had infinite intimacy with them, so even if their spiritual abilities were lacking, he could call on them anytime as long as he had the Mana for it. It was the benefit of being their creator.
Thanks to Dirtmen and Angry Pebbles, the ground where Weed walked was split open, and flames on his sides were diverted.
He arrived at the place where the Embinyu Church had been performed the ritual.
Weed picked up and looted the goods greedily.
— The Relic of the Matallost Church, the Copper Plate of Perception has been acquired.
— The Relic of the Matallost Church, the Promise Staff has been acquired.
Two relics!
There were also considerable amount of food for the lambs which had been offered as sacrifices.
Chomp!
Weed ate a baked apple.
While drinking its juices, Weed looked around for a place battle was still being fought.
The Dark Knights and Demonic Spirits were collapsing from burns.
Ding!
Interfere with the Embinyu Church's Ritual has been completed.
The relics of the Matallost Church have been passed to you, the righteous.
The ritual of the Embinyu Church will no longer be able to continue. However, the Embinyu Church's main force is still alive and well.
The head of the 11th Sect, Feylord, will seek your head to get revenge for this humiliation.
You must absolutely not be caught by the Embinyu Church.
To resist them, you must revive the promised alliance contracted by the Deliverers of the dead.
— Fame has increased by 220.
— Leadership and Charisma has increased by 10.
— Faith stat has increased by 10.
— Level has increased.
Quest success!
Weed took a breath at last. However, the linked quests were still continuing.
“I should go to a more remote location.”
Weed finished the ritual interference quest and made time to take the Phoenixes and Yellowy somewhere farther away. He estimated that even if something dangerous were to happen, the Phoenixes would be able to pull out quickly. Weed could also escape by riding Yellowy.
“Even in the worst case, I'll have to save Yellowy.”
Moooooooo!
Yellowy's innocent eyes watered in gratitude. He hadn't expected it, but his master would sacrifice himself to save him.
While Yellowy was overflowing with emotion, Weed coldly finished making his calculations.
If Yellowy died, the sorry one would be himself, Weed. The damage would be severe if he created yet another sculpture and granted it life.
Of course Weed would throw the Death Knight first before dying.
“Since I'm here, rest easy, Yellowy.”
Moooooooo!
Weed passed the River of Lamentation with Yellowy and the Phoenixes and moved into a region full of Plains.
There, he saw monster legions! Legions of monsters he couldn't even identify were wandering around in droves.
They were probably one of the the beast-type monsters, but since it was the entrance to hell, he couldn't relax his guard no matter what kind of monster it was. Weed moved further back whenever he saw a monster horde.
“Mhm, where am I?”
Smith, who had gotten dead drunk and had fallen asleep, slowly opened his eyes.
He was riding Yellowy behind Weed's back. Smith was one of the reasons why Yellowy had to be saved no matter what!
“We are on an expedition.”
“Eh. I see.”
Smith hadn't woken from the alcohol and looked around with bleary eyes.
While conversing with him, Weed had gotten the feeling Smith had originally been a truly impressive Mercenary. The stories of adventuring everywhere around the Versailles Continent were impossible if not for a Mercenary of considerably remarkable skill.
However, he was now just a former Mercenary who was living intoxicated!
Nevertheless, Smith's comprehensive knowledge of traps, terrain, and monster traits was a big help. If he was given a little liquor, he also stood guard well while Weed made sculptures. His sword skills had probably diminished, but he still had many uses.
His observation skills identified traits after merely a brief glance at the monsters! His ability to distinguish drinkable water and edible grasses was also excellent.
In any case, he was being very helpful in his own way.
Smith looked around and said cautiously, “This place seems too dangerous.”
“What?”
“The level of the monsters is too high. Even with the protection of the Phoenixes and Yellowy, this isn't a place where a Sculptor can come.”
While Weed hunted, he gave Smith liquor and put him under Death Knight's care. It might be the reason why Smith was still underestimating Weed.
“I see.”
Weed absentmindedly listened to his words.
“Anyway, let's head back.”
The purpose of the expedition was to check the monsters and identify the terrain. Since going too far from the River of Lamentation was extremely dangerous and had no purpose, he was about to turn back.
But something white was flying towards them from the sky.