May this Weapon Lose Control

...Bleep?

Noah, no. You just had your meal. You can't eat something that was lying on the ground.

Hahah. I guess it's still hungry. Maybe it needs the energy to get bigger?

Maybe. Noah's from a rare breed that has very limited contact with us humans, so we know very little about them.

Really? I didn't know. Seeing how close it's with you, I figured it's friendly to start with.

All we really know about Noah is that it is good at sniffing out spiritual and magical energies.

Right now, we can't even tell whether it's still growing or fully grown.

So it could just be really hungry then?

Hahah. I guess it's still hungry.

Could be... Maybe it's trying to replenish the power it's used up. Though I believe I feed it plenty to refill its magical power.

So it could just be really hungry then?

Bleep?

Bleep! Blipple-blep! Bliiiiiip!

What the...? It's really getting loud guys...

Oh no...!

It's Noah's danger alert! To let every one know of incoming threats.

It hardly ever does this since coming to this continent though...

Wait... Does that mean something dangerous is about to happen?!

I think so. And there are only a few possibilities for Noah to make this noise.

...I know you're there. Show yourself!

Ah, I didn't expect it'd notice me. What a dependable animal. Just like its owner, am I correct?

Rosetta! I guess you and Melina know each other.

*sigh*...Why must I meet you here of all places?

Oh, Melina. No need to look so annoyed. It's not like I'm here just to watch Melina.

Watching Melina? Now that you mention it, Rosetta did come to check on Melina, even though she left the church.

You're right, one does not need to be a priest to be the subject of the inquisition.

Well, I guess it's true that she hasn't abandoned her teachings.

If I remember right, the inquisitor investigates people who hold the wrong beliefs, right?

Rosetta! I guess you and Melina know each other.

Rosetta! You and Melina know each other?

*sigh*...Why must I meet you here of all places?

Oh, Melina. No need to look so annoyed.

Who is that? It sounds like you and her know each other.

Yes. She is also a member of our order.

So, she came to this continent to spread the word, like you and Prai?

That... is unlikely.

Answer me, Rosetta. What is an inquisitor doing in these lands?

Oh, come on. You don't need to act so hostile.

I mean, it's not like I came here to target you for inquisition.

Inquisition...? If I remember right, Rosetta's job was to investigate people who hold the wrong beliefs, isn't it?

Inquisitor...? Questioning...?

Inquisitors are those who seek out believers who have strayed from our order's teachings.

So... It's someone who goes to people who have misunderstood something, and ask them about it?

...In simple words, yes.

But it is rare for those believers called into the inquisition room to ever return.

What? Wait, then that means...

Everyone who steps into the inquisition room becomes so much more... cooperative♪ As Melina was my responsibility before, I must still keep an eye on her. Even though she left the church, I have yet to be relieved of my duty♪

Everyone who steps into the inquisition room becomes so much more... cooperative♪ You see, I'm not allowed to give free passes to anyone, Winged Child or not. And Melina is my responsibility, so I've got to keep my eye on her just the same.

......

But unfortunately, today I'm just here to deliver a message. So here you are.

A letter?

Wait a minute. I know this seal!

A special request from the HQ, of course.

A special request from the HQ, of course.

If a special request was given...then a powerful spirit must have shown itself.

If a special request was given...then a powerful spirit must have shown itself.

It appears so. And this one seems particularly troublesome.

An exorcist is going to need to use everything to win this battle, even one as strong as you, Melina.

Everything...? Don't tell me you want me to do... "that."

Oh, I don't care how you do it so long as the spirit is purged.

But if you're going to hold it back because of some personal objections...

Then that might just be reason enough to invite you into the inquisition room.

This is where your faith will be tested...

......

Well then... I should go check on the other priests in my jurisdiction. But don't you worry, I'll be keeping my eye on your situation.

Now, you must excuse me. May blessings be upon you!

*sigh*... I don't know what to do with her.

...Kind of unexpected to see you look so exhausted.

It's not that I can't handle her. I just can't get used to that slimy way she looks at me.

Anyway. I'm more worried about the decree.

Let's take a look at what it says.

...What does it say?

...Hmm. It looks like our headquarters was in a rush.

There wasn't a lot to add to what Rosetta told us. It says that we should get the specifics from the local priest who actually saw the spirit in question.

The local priest. Where is he based?

Palsifal Palace. We should meet with the priest on the second floor balcony.

That spirit was incredibly odd... How did it know about Sister Melina?

Oh. If it isn't our zealous priest. What a coincidence meeting you here.

Ack! Sister Melina?!

I was told that there would be a priest... But I had a feeling it might be you.

It's Prai again...

I had also heard that someone versed in evil spirits would be coming to help, but...

I didn't know it would actually be you, Sister. Though, given how strong that spirit is, I suppose you were the obvious choice.

Hmph. I was of course.

Even though I'm no longer your superior, would it hurt to get a real greeting?

Even though I'm no longer your superior, would it hurt to get a real greeting?

Ngh... But I...

Stop with "Ack!" already. You've gotten worse than before.

Wait, I can explain! I was just thinking about you when you came in...

What...?

You are very much creeping me out right now. Would you like me to stop you by force?

N-No! That's not what I meant at all! It was because that spirit...

Shut it!

Bliiiiiiip-blep!

Just hurry up and tell me what you know about that spirit!

Y-Yes, Sister!

It was when I was preaching the teachings of our faith to those in the palace!

...And so! Our light in heaven decreed!

Resilience is humanity's greatest strength...!

Oof... I can't take this anymore...

So this is the sauna sermon we heard about... It's hotter than I ever imagined.

Hmm?! We'll end the session for today!

Are you all right, madam?!

Hmph... The young 'uns have so little grit.

Yes, today's sermon seemed almost cooler compared to the other days...

Hm. Now that you mention it... I was feeling a little chilly.

Aye. And hasn't it gotten even colder since the sermon ended...?

What is it, honey...?

Agh...!

Huh?! Sir! Madame!

I... feel cold...

Wow... The heat from before is completely gone...

What is this sense of dread I feel...? Who's doing is this?!

Eek! What is that black smoke?!

G-Get away! I promise you, I taste horrible!

I am a servant of light! As such, I shall stand against you, evil one!

It's reacting to the almighty's name...?!

Hmm?! What did you just...

Aaaaargh!

...And now we are here.

Soo, isn't it your fault half the people collapsed?!

Well the spirit did come after me as soon as I mentioned the light. Thankfully, those who were attacked were hardly harmed, including myself whom only lost consciousness.

I see. But what is concerning me is why it reacted to the almighty's name... Also, why I was requested to help.

I see. But what is concerning me is why it reacted to the almighty's name... Also, why I was requested to help.

Oh? What kind of assignment is it?

Everyone who was attacked is unharmed, and the eccentric priest here is still bouncing around like it was nothing. No matter how strong this spirit is, it shouldn't be a reason for the Order to go bonkers.

Well, I guess you're right...

(And what Rosetta said...) (My faith would be tested...? What did she mean by that?)

Bleep...?

...Sister Melina. There is one thing I want to ask you about.

What? What is it now?

I feel responsible for this entire incident... I would therefore like to resolve the issue on my own, without relying on your help.

I see... Then do what you will.

Really?!

Hey, stay away, would you? You're really starting to annoy me...

Now listen. I'm not going to disrespect your call. But I'm going to do what I can for the sake of preserving the people's peace. So whoever gets it done first resolves the case. Deal?

...Thank you. Then I shall take my leave!

Oh, off he goes...

Now, let's start our own investigation. First, we need to figure out where this spirit is.

Right. But where do we start?

Let's ask around the people who were there when the incident happened.

It's unlikely they've already left. The inn here is open to the public, so I would expect them to be resting there.

Okay. Let's head over to the inn then!

Bleep!

...Bwah!... I forgot! I completely forgot to tell her with all that's happened!

I could swear that spirit had mentioned something about "the Winged Child"...

...Though maybe I was hearing things. I should avoid troubling her more.

Hello. Are you the people who were attacked by the spirit?

Aye... I've just gotten well enough to stand upright.

It was so terrible... If our priest hadn't been there, who knows what would have happened?

Could you tell us about the ghost you saw? Anything at all.

Hmm... Well, we felt this terrible chill. And then a voice rang out...

A voice?

Aye. And it wasn't just a voice or even two.

It sounded like layers and layers of voices which were filled with hate.

Weeell, that's creepy...

......

Was there anything else?

Aside from that? Let's see now...

Bleep?!

Hey, Noah! What's wrong?!

Bliiiip-blep! Bleeep!

That cry... It's Noah's danger alert!

Something must have happened. Let's hurry!

Th-That's the one! That's the spirit that attacked us!

But... It's gotten bigger since we last saw it.

We can't just sit around! Let's go, Melina!

Agreed!

I can't hear her breathing... What should we do?!

That spirit must have squeezed away all of her life force!

But no external wounds... I should be able to heal her!

Bleep! Blip-blip!

*cough cough*

Wh... What happened...?

She's awake!

Oh phew... I'm so glad...

Aldo... As much as I'd like to give chase to the spirit...

Right. We need to get these people some help!

Phew. I guess that does it...

We should be thankful no one died...

It was all thanks to your magic. It was incredible!

I just...

I don't want to see any more people die because I wasn't strong enough.

Melina...

...Well then. Now let's go give it to that spirit.

But what exactly is that spirit anyway?

I mean, it was bigger than when Prai, the old man and the lady saw it, right?

Yes. And its ability to take away one's life force has gotten even stronger.

It's hard to believe how strong it's gotten in such a short span...

My guess, it's not a single entity. It must be a legion, a collection of spirits.

A legion?

A bunch of souls that died carrying malice or evilness that have bound to one another to create a single collective. And when it finds another spirit, it absorbs it and strengthens itself.

So that's why it's gotten so much stronger.

That's why I took on this job... If we don't finish this fast it'll keep growing until there's no way of stopping it.

That's why I took on this job... If we don't finish this fast it'll keep growing until there's no way of stopping it.

But we won't let it. Let's bring it down while we can!

Agreed. It looks like the legion descended to the dungeons. It should still be lurking there.

All right. To the dungeons then!

There it is! That must be the legion!

No... That's merely its projection. We haven't seen its true form just yet.

Seriously? Then what should we do?

I'm going to dissolve its disguise! Evil souls... Show thy true form in the name of the almighty light!

That's what the legion really looks like?!

Yes... And what a horrifying form it is. But it hasn't gotten strong enough that we can't defeat it. We can still take it. I'll take the lead!

There!

That shall be the end of you! Repent!

What...? This voice...!

Is that...the man who raised you?!

Bishop...!

...Uagh!

Melina!

I don't believe it... The Bishop's soul was taken in by the legion! I finally get it now... This is what Rosetta meant by testing my faith...

Melina...

I should have figured this out earlier. Of course his soul would possess malice being declared heretical after his death.

Blepple...

I had tried to look away and forget about the possibility. But now that it's here right in front of my face... I can't help but feel shaken to my core.

...Are you regretting what happened back then, Melina?

...No. The Bishop needed condemnation. That's a fact. But I couldn't let it go... At least not enough to throw away these shoes he had given me.

This must be a test... One given to me for not facing the reality about the Bishop's soul. ...I guess I don't have much of a choice on how to overcome it.

You have any idea how?

Can't say for certain it will work. I may lose control... But I suppose I'll have to use it anyway... Just as Rosetta said.

Bliiiip, bleep!

Lose control...? Melina. You don't have to do this alone. I can't bear to see you like this.

We may want to wait for the other priests to join before the attack...

There are a whole lot of priests in your order, aren't there? Can't we wait for their help before going after it?

No... That would be too late. The legion knows I'm here. It will try to sneak out of the dungeons to strengthen itself as quickly as possible.

Damn it...

So... There's no use holding back.

Hey, Aldo. You said that... I don't have to do this alone, right...?

Yeah, I did.

I... I don't plan on doing this on my own. I mean... You'll fight by my side to the end. Won't you, Aldo?

Of course!

If the worse comes to worst... You know what to do, don't you?

What do you mean by that...? Wait a minute. What are you expecting me to do...

...It's just as I said. I'm counting on you, Aldo.

Melina!

That outfit...!

These are the official combat garments of the exorcists. My other clothes were used to automatically adjust my powers so that I can control them within my small frame.

...I can feel the legion's presence. It's hidden well, but... You can't hide anything from me. My sensitivity to magic right now surpasses Noah's senses.

Blip?!

It's now in...the throne room. Are you ready, Aldo?

I wasn't sure what to think when you said you may lose control. But... It seems like you'll be just fine.

Yeah. I feel...pretty good, actually. Heh...

All right then. Let's get to the throne room. To the legion!

There, it's the legion! But it's bigger than when we last saw it!

Just like I told you. It was going to gain as much strength as quickly as possible. Besides, does it matter? You're not going to run away now, are you?

Of course! But Melina, are you sure you're all right? I mean, it is the Bishop's soul...

...Did you have to ask? Of course I'm not all right. I feel like my heart's getting ripped to shreds just thinking about fighting him.

What?! But then...

......

...Don't worry, Aldo. That's not the Bishop.

The Bishop I admired... The Bishop who picked out my shoes would call me by my name. And you, are not him. You are but a dreg of what he used to be, swallowed by the legion. Now, you think of me as no more than the reincarnation of the Winged One, not the individual named Melina. I have no connection to anyone like that.

All concerns have been doused. Now, prepare yourself, legion! I will crush every single one of you. You'll regret ever binding to one another!

I think it was. At the very last moment, he called your name...with a smile.

But I'm glad it turned out okay. I think we can finally call it a day. And I didn't even need to worry about you losing control either.

Huh? {lang-nuance}Oh, is that so...?{/lang-nuance}

Sister Melina! Did you find the spirit?!

Oh... Prai. Melina's taken care of the...

Huh? {lang-nuance}...Too slow.{/lang-nuance}

A, Ack! Sister Melina, those garments!

Ooof! Bwah! S-Sister Melina, my humble apolo, Blegh!

Aaargh! Oof..! Th-that's just what the congregatio, Ooph!

And when you said control, did you mean...

Yaaargh!!

Doooh!!

Eeeegh!!

Oooof!!

You know you already said that?!

Z-Zizter Belina...

Bwaaaaaah!

I-I'm sorry, Prai... I couldn't stop her... I didn't think she was talking about losing control of her raging personality...

I think I now know why you feel so awkward around her, Prai...

I-It's okay... If the spirit was defeated at my expense... I can accept this thrashing wholeheartedly... Brother Aldo... I leave Sister Melina to you... Ergh.

P-Praaaaaai!

Bleep?

......

Blip! Blip!

Bleeep?

Blipple-blep!

Bliiiiiip!

Bleep-bleep!

Bleeeep!

*munch munch*

Bloorp. Hic.

Oh? I see you've taken care of the rest.

Bli-bleep?!

That's too bad... You've ruined my chance to see your owner's miserable frown and the reason to call her into the inquisition room.

Bliiiiiip-blep! Bloorp!!

Oh well. I suppose I should be happy with the fact that Melina used everything she's got.

Tee-hee... It was certainly a nice thing to see...

Noah! Where are you?

Bleep!

I better excuse myself. Now, don't tell anyone I was here. I will see you two again soon enough.

I look forward to chatting with you next time!

Blip! Blip!

There you are. Where were you, Noah? And what are you chewing on? What did I tell you about eating random things? It's almost supper.

S-Sister Melina!

If you're going to eat, why not take off the garments fir-Gablargh!

Melina! Give him a break!

Bliiiip-bleep, bleep!