Chapter 17: A Quiet Respite and a Looming Threat

“Urgh…”

I quietly opened my eyes, roused by the dull pain coursing through my body.

Before me were the dark night sky, my unconscious companions, and Kotath, humming as he grilled meat over a blazing fire.

The peaceful atmosphere was a rare treat, but I first checked my condition.

You never know when or what might happen next.

Feeling my body, I got a rough estimate.

Some bruises, but minor. Muscles were sore, but nothing hindered movement.

…For falling from that height, these injuries are way too light. How did I survive with my body this intact?

Looking at Kotath with curiosity, he must’ve felt my gaze. He stopped grilling, turned, and gave me a warm smile.

“You’re awake, new comrade.”

“…I’m alive, right?”

“Heh, of course. Did you think I’d throw you that hard without a plan?”

“Well… since I promised you special cuisine, I figured you’d at least throw with some thought.”

Having witnessed the party’s wild antics in the novel, I didn’t bother asking how he saved us.

Probably some insane method, as usual.

Shaking my head, I started stretching.

Crack!

The satisfying sound of bones popping.

As I loosened my stiff body and grabbed a skewer of grilled meat, Kotath’s eyes gleamed as he asked,

“So, when are you making that special dish?”

“You’re more curious about that than your comrades’ condition?”

“Isn’t that obvious? My reason for living is gourmet food. Naturally, cuisine trumps comrades.”

Chomp—

Stuffing the entire skewer of meat into his mouth, he continued in an excited tone.

“Of course, I’m curious about you, witch. But above all, I want to know what special dish you’ll serve.”

“You’ll have to wait a bit. It requires a lot of ingredients.”

“Fine, just keep your promise. I’m more patient than any orc.”

With a hearty smile, Kotath grabbed another skewer.

As I chewed the meat, facing him, the others began waking up one by one.

“O Goddess, I offer my deepest thanks for your grace.”

“Hah! We survived! But… why’s my glorious cannon like this? It’s half-broken… Arghhh!!!”

“Phew, I thought I’d die a virgin. This is a relief.”

“No muscles, so of course I’m injured. I need more training…”

Still groggy from waking, the party muttered to themselves, staring at the sky.

Kotath clapped loudly to snap them out of it, handing each a skewer.

“I know you’re disoriented, but eat. You must be weak from hunger.”

“What about the elves? Did we completely shake them off?”

“No idea. I left them incapacitated, so it’ll take time, but with their obsession, they’ll definitely chase us out of the Great Forest.”

“Not great news.”

Carl bit into his skewer with a chomp and grinned broadly at me.

“It’s fine. We’ve got a witch. No matter what vile tricks the elves pull, you’ll handle it somehow.”

“I’m not your guide. And why do you trust me so much?”

“You turned the impossible into possible, didn’t you? So, where’s our next destination?”

“Don’t ask me. I’m not traveling with you guys.”

The temporary alliance with the protagonist’s party was solely to escape the Great Forest.

I got dragged into this mess by bad luck, and I needed them to get out.

But now that we’ve escaped and I’m free, there’s no reason to stay tied to them.

Am I crazy? To keep getting caught in their endless troubles?

I’m going to live as comfortably as possible and research a way back to Earth!

Joining this chaotic, testosterone-fueled adventure? Over my dead body!

Shaking my head to reject the offer, Carl, still grinning, handed me a canteen.

“How about this? You said you’re heading west, so let’s travel together until there. We’ve got business there too.”

“Hmm…”

“Traveling together is safer than going alone, right? If you don’t want to, fine.”

His words made me pause.

Yeah, maybe traveling together just to the west and parting ways there isn’t a bad idea?

If I go alone and run into bandits or monsters, I’m screwed.

…Whether it’s bandits or monsters, the ending’s probably the same, right?

After much deliberation, I took the canteen and nodded.

“Fine, just to the west.”

“Alright, we’ll escort you safely. Here’s to a short but grand journey, Lady Witch.”

With a bright smile, Carl turned his gaze to the priestess, who was gnawing on her meat like a hamster, and asked,

“Priestess, what about you? It doesn’t seem like you can go back to where you came from.”

“Ugh…”

“Just come with us for now. We’ll figure out the rest later, yeah?”

In an instant, Carl recruited the priestess too and launched into lively chatter.

Under the warm fire and spirited conversation, the night of the great escape passed.

“High Priestess Teresa.”

In the quiet chapel, the High Priestess, gazing at the goddess’s statue, slowly turned at the sound of her name.

“Oh, Sister Lorian. What brings you to this old woman so late?”

“You know why I’m here, High Priestess.”

“Hmm, I’m afraid this foolish old woman doesn’t. Could you share your reason?”

Her gentle, chiding voice echoed through the chapel. The young priestess, eyes blazing, stepped closer.

“I heard you gave Sister Alain a trial.”

“Ah, yes. But why does Sister Lorian bring this up?”

“Why? It’s a purge! You know better than anyone how dangerous the Southern Great Forest is…”

“And what’s the problem with that?”

“What?”

Startled by the High Priestess’s interruption, Lorian faltered.

Smiling warmly, Teresa continued.

“I told Sister Alain: a saint must rise above trials.”

“…”

“Of course, I know the trial is near impossible. But a saint must overcome even the impossible. How can one who fails be called a saint?”

Opening her eyes slowly, Teresa gently touched the candidate’s insignia on Lorian, who had stepped closer.

“Harsh, you think? That’s why you call it a purge. But didn’t you, Sister Lorian, also face a near-impossible trial?”

“At least the northern snowfields aren’t as bad as the Great Forest…”

“Amusing. You return so battered, yet speak of difficulty levels.”

Tsk tsk.

Looking at Lorian with pity, the High Priestess stroked her head and spoke.

“Sadly, it’s too late to worry. You’ve heard the rumors of a witch in the Great Forest, yes? Twenty paladins recently returned, confirming those rumors as fact.”

“…Wait, if the paladins returned, what about Sister Alain? What happened to her?”

“Regrettably, she didn’t return. One paladin’s testimony claims she was consumed by the trial, aiding the witch at her side.”

Crunch—*

The sound of grinding teeth echoed through the chapel.

The High Priestess looked at Lorian in surprise, but she feigned ignorance, her face stiff, and asked,

“Is that testimony reliable?”

“Do you realize what you’re saying, Sister Lorian?”

“Yes, but I heard it was an extreme environment. Even a strong-willed paladin could hallucinate under endless torture.”

Lorian knelt slowly, requesting another trial from the High Priestess.

“I will take the trial. I’ll confirm the situation with my own eyes. If Sister Alain has truly become the witch’s minion, I’ll bring down the hammer of judgment. Please permit it.”

“Ho, this is interesting. You seem to have an idea where she is.”

“…”

“Heh, just kidding. Betrayer judgment is part of a saint’s duties. Moving it up a bit shouldn’t be an issue.”

With a benevolent smile, Teresa granted Sister Lorian’s request.

“I’ll provide Inquisitors and paladins. But ensure you eliminate the witch and the betrayer. If you’re not confident—”

“I’ll rest one day and depart tomorrow.”

“Such zeal. Very well, may the goddess’s blessing be with you.”

“…May the goddess’s blessing be with you.”

With permission granted, Lorian left the chapel, heading to her quarters. She pulled something from her pocket and muttered,

“The west…”

With a faint smirk, she whispered,

“Wait just a little, Sister Alain. Your Lorian… will come for you soon…♡”