Vylian, accompanied by Temple Knights and Battle Nuns, continued advancing deeper into the cave, mopping up the last remnants of this Church of Life stronghold.
Actually, she had sensed the hidden Teleportation Array underground the moment she killed that white-haired clone. After all, it was pretty classic.
She wasn’t in a hurry to stop it either. She casually tampered with it, altering the teleportation array’s coordinates so that it would follow the magic circuit she had preset, leading straight into the Abyss.
Mimiluci was one of the few capable generals under her command.
That girl was always going on about being “the Corrupt Monarch’s First General,” but in truth, the only general under Vylian was Mimiluci.
She was a true Succubus through and through.
What Mimiluci loved most was corrupting these Divine Envoys blessed by other gods, turning them into fellow Succubi.
It was a peculiar hobby of hers.
In her own words, what she enjoyed most was watching those Divine Envoys, so devout to their gods, begin to question their faith amidst extreme pleasure, and finally, under the dual torment of body and mind, fully embrace Corrosion.
Every time she saw those people’s fallen expressions, she felt immense satisfaction.
“Oh hohoho~”
As if she could still hear Mimiluci’s laughter in her ears.
“Ew~”
A chill ran down her spine.
But as far as she could remember, as long as she sent someone over, she could usually get information from them the next time.
Next time, if she wanted to inquire about the Church of Life, she could easily find out from the corrupted Foco.
After all, people who had been trained by Mimiluci always told everything they were asked, without concealment.
She didn’t know if there would be a need to ask in the future, but sending her over now was definitely the right move.
It was also a way to give that person who had given her that terrible idea some work to do.
‘No…’
‘Is this actually a reward for her?’
After all, that Succubus loved doing this kind of thing. She probably wouldn’t find it troublesome at all; instead, she’d be overjoyed.
Vylian could almost picture Mimiluci with a lecherous expression, saying, “Thank you for your gift, Your Majesty.”
‘Tsk.’
‘No, really, why did I listen to that perverted idiot’s suggestion back then?’
‘Sigh, it seems my own brain isn’t that sharp either.’
“Saint, there are no more enemies ahead,” a Temple Knight stepped forward and reported respectfully.
“This Church of Life stronghold has been completely cleansed.”
Vylian nodded slightly, her tone calm. “In that case, send people to thoroughly sweep the area again, to prevent any from slipping through the cracks.”
“But don’t let your guard down either. I see there are still many heretic strongholds on the intelligence list. The tasks ahead won’t be easy.”
“Yes, Saint.”
“Saint! Look! There are so many people locked up in this dungeon!”
Suddenly, a Battle Nun’s cry rang out.
Vylian quickly walked over. When the iron gates of the dungeon came into view, even she couldn’t help but frown.
This was nothing short of hell.
The dungeon was packed with people, all of whom had varying degrees of disabilities.
Some had lost limbs, some were blind, their bodies covered in filth and blood.
What were once vibrant lives now only showed numbness and despair. They lay feebly on the cold ground, without even the strength to lift their heads.
They had all been ordinary civilians, captured by the Church of Life and used repeatedly as sacrificial offerings, which had brought them to this miserable state.
“Those damned heretics are utterly inhuman.”
A nun, looking at the tragic scene, couldn’t help but tear up and shout angrily, “This is even more terrifying than monsters from the Abyss.”
Vylian said nothing. She walked down the dungeon aisle, holding up the Holy Maiden Staff. Light emanated, shattering the magic barriers sealing the cells.
Just as she approached one cell, a timid voice suddenly came from inside.
“P-please… please don’t sacrifice my mother anymore. She can’t even walk. If you have to sacrifice someone, take me instead.”
Vylian’s movements paused. She turned to look at the little girl who had spoken.
The little girl was so thin she seemed like a gust of wind could knock her over. Her face was covered in tear stains and grime. Her small body clung tightly to a woman beside her who was barely breathing, her eyes full of fear.
Vylian’s expression rarely softened.
She pushed open the door, came to their side, and crouched down. A faint light emanated, healing their ailments.
“Don’t worry. We are from the Holy Order. We’re not bad people. God will redeem you, and the Church will accept you. From now on, you… are free.”
Coming out of the Church of Life stronghold, the damp and bloody smell dissipated. Vylian took a rare breath of fresh air.
Just now, she had indeed felt compassion.
As the Corrupt Monarch, she shouldn’t have such emotions.
After all, Corrosion represented decay, corruption, and degeneration. As the pinnacle existence on this path, by nature, Vylian should be “broken.”
Her thoughts should be rotten, her actions selfish, with cruelty and indifference deep in her bones.
Greed, selfishness, and brutality should be her trademarks. Even with disguise, it would be hard to hide the darkness within.
How could someone like her feel sadness or pity for the suffering of strangers?
From the perspective of the Corrupt Monarch, she shouldn’t have these emotions. She should be thoroughly evil.
But from Vylian’s perspective, this… might be a good thing for her.
After all, she was a Transmigrator, not a natural-born demon. Maintaining her human side was the only way to keep herself from being corrupted and losing herself.
‘Sigh, I really am a half-baked person.’
Vylian sighed softly and smiled bitterly.
As long as it didn’t affect her power, it was fine.
She didn’t dwell on it further. Turning around, she walked toward the Holy Order.
She would deal with some more tasks later, then go back to Anlis.
But as soon as she stepped through the church’s gate, Vylian saw Wubika Kachi standing not far away, looking as if she had something to say.
“Saint, I’ve finally waited for you.”
“Sister Mary, is there something? Come to my office and tell me.”
“Okay.”
The Captain of the Temple Knights behind them quickly bowed. “Saint, your performance just now was truly outstanding. I may need to organize things before submitting them to Archbishop Glen. I’ll take my leave for now.”
“Okay.”
The two entered the office. Vylian raised her hand and waved, and an invisible magic barrier enveloped the entire room.
Before she could ask, Wubika Kachi got straight to the point.
“Your Majesty, I discovered that the girl named Fula, who has been close friends with the Hero since childhood, seems to be under the gaze of the God of Life. I’ve roughly interrogated what he intends to do.”
Vylian was indeed somewhat surprised.
She had just destroyed a Church of Life stronghold, and now she hears that Fula, the first female lead of the original story, was under the gaze of the God of Life.
This was too coincidental.
“Tell me in detail.”
“Your Majesty, the God of Life wants Fula to bear a child of the Hero’s bloodline and then sacrifice it. I’m not sure of the specifics, but I believe this action might disrupt your plans. I’ve already taken control of Fula. What do you think…”
Vylian’s gaze darkened. She didn’t answer, but her sight turned toward Kachi Village.