He began racing down the streets, heading towards where the ship was. Fuck, I hope she listens to me… He made it there without any trouble, and when his eyes fell on the ship, his breath caught in his throat. It was finished. Now sweating, he made his way over to the house, and instantly felt that something was wrong. Hegently opened the door, and stepped in. “Aspirant?” He called out, to no response. He looked around the house, but couldn’t find anyone. Shit, has she-? He paused as he stepped by into a hallway, and noticed an open backdoor. Cautiously, he made his way over, and stepped outside. There was no-one there, but why was the door left like that? Feeling hopeful he walked into the garden, and looked around. His eyes fell on the church tower, and he saw a flash. He blinked, before chuckling in disbelief.

He exited the house and began to make his way up to the imposing building. He frowned on the way. I hope she can’t see the boat from there. He neared the place and noticed light travelling down through the stained and scorched windows. He hurried up to the door, and heaved it open, causing rumbling and groaning. When he’d opened it enough, he slipped inside and immediately noticed a difference in the air. Throughout the town, there had been a sea breeze that carried the scent of burning. Now? The air was clear, completely pure. It didn’t have a taste, but was somehow very refreshing, although he began to feel a strange shifting in the cold inside him. He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard steps clack against the smooth stone floor. He turned to see a door open, and the Aspirant came out of it.

“Shipwright! You made it, thank the Saviour.”

He nodded. “It’s good to see that you’re okay. Why’d you move?”

She sighed. “A strange looking Goblin approached my house. I swear, I’ve never seen anything like it. It was completely white, but had no eyes-”

“Oh, you saw him? Wow, yeah, that was a good decision on your part then.”

She blinked. “You know it? What was it?”

He shrugged. “A Crazy, apparently.”

Her face dawned with understanding. “Ah, then it would have been a hard fight. It’s good that I left.”

More like a butchering.

He huffed. “So, did you see how far the ship was?” he asked with a slightly strained voice.

She shook her head. “I did not, there is an office building blocking my sight from the tower here, unfortunately. How far are they? It looked like it was close, last I checked.”

He internally sighed with relief, and said, “They’ve got another day…just to pack everything, you know?”

She raised her eyebrow. “I would not. I have never needed to go across the sea. It’s good to know that we have time though. Will you be staying here tonight? The Goblins won’t notice your absence or anything?”

He shrugged. “They don’t actually need me anymore, I could have left today.”

She started at that. “Oh? My, that is very brave of you, to stay and help. Thank you.”

He held back the urge to frown, and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s no problem. So, what should we do while waiting?”

She smiled, and walked over to sit on one of the pews. “Well, I’d like to know what this town was like, if you don’t mind.”

He twitched, his mind scrabbling for an excuse. “I…would rather not.”

Her expression fell. “Ah, yes, my apologies, that was careless of me…is there anything you’d like to ask?”

He started to breathe a little easier. “Well…yeah, actually, I’d like to know more about your…” He floundered for what he should say. “...your Divine Saviour.”

His expression immediately brightened. “Oh but of course! What would you like to know?”

He made his way over as well, but didn’t sit down, choosing instead to stand there. Her eyes flickered down, and her expression became amused. He was confused for a second, until he remembered the clothes he was wearing and his face warmed. She laughed. “Oh, excuse me, I was not disparaging your choice of wear – or lack thereof. I was just wondering how you’re not cold? It's quite chilly here.”

His forehead creased. Huh, she’s right. He shrugged. “Dunno, just used to it I guess.”

She nodded easily. “So, what is it that you wish to ask?”

“Well…actually, I wanted to know why you joined?”

She tilted her head. “Really? Well, that’s… a long story.”

He gestured for her to continue, and she leaned back into her seat. “Well, I had…an experience which introduced them to me. They saved me, you see, from other Goblins like them.” She jerked her head towards the door. “The destruction of my town was the most awful…anyway, I met them that day, and I’ve been with them since. They taught me everything, from right to wrong, and how to survive-”

Survive? Really?

“-I owe everything to them – everything to him.” Her voice became awed. “I saw his glory, his promise for us all. Visions of a world filled with peace, a world where people aren’t afraid of monsters, but have tamed them, and harvest them like wheat. A place that…” She hissed, and clutched her head.

He crouched down in concern. “Are you alright?”

She looked up, and worked her jaw. “Yes, apologies, the sight of a god is too much to remember, but you understand what I am trying to say, yes? He is trying to make paradise.”

Jason stood up and stepped back. “Huh…that sounds pretty good.”

She barked a laugh. “Indeed, but there are things we must do in order for it to happen. Some things must go, like them.” She nodded towards the door again.

A shiver went down his spine. “Excuse me?”

“Well, Goblins obviously can’t be a part of this new world, their barbaric nature would never fit in with peaceful times.”

Words flashed through his mind. “Hungry pillagers, that's all we are, and we can’t stop now, can we? It's too late. We’re a hardy race, incredibly adaptable…”

He frowned, but quickly wiped it off. “I just realised, I don’t know your name?”

She started at that. “Oh gosh, you’re completely correct, forgive me. You may refer to me as Streni.”

“I’m Jason.”

She smiled. “Pleasure. Hmm, we were talking about why I joined, correct? Well, there isn’t much more to say, The Saviour’s vision is something we all strive to achieve, and…I’m…proud, of what I’m doing, of the people that I’m helping – like you.” A warm smile crossed her face.

He felt goosebumps rise along his skin, but he forced a similar expression and nodded. They fell into a silence that, in the darkened church, felt oppressive. The cold twisted inside his chest. He turned, and saw night had now completely fallen, with moonbeams shining in different colours as it went through the stained glass windows.

“So, what can you tell me about yourself, Jason?”

He turned back, and scratched his neck, trying to think of something to say. “There isn’t much. I…only recently moved here, just me and my…pet.”

Her expression went surprised. “Pet? I didn’t take you for someone who’d enjoy having little creatures for company.”

He nodded vigorously. “Yep, I do. Its- it was a…ferret.”

“A what?”

“A ferret?”

She leaned forward, interested. “What is that?”

“Um, it’s like a rat, but… not? Oh! Do you know what otters are?”

Her face paled. “Otters? It’s like those vicious creatures? My word, if I didn’t know better, I’d assume that’s why your clothes are in such a state.”

He stuttered to a stop, and stared. What? “Um, no. Ferrets aren’t anything like otters, they just look a little similar…what- what’s so scary about otters?”

She looked at him as if he was crazy. “You don’t know?”

He shook his head slowly.

“Gosh, well, that’s probably for the best, as long as your pet isn’t anything like them – you’d know, trust me.”

The conversation had quickly become baffling, and he shook his head. “Well anyway, it’s very…cute, a bit of a rascal, but also super smart.”

She bobbed her head politely, and he suddenly felt incredibly foolish. “I- it doesn’t matter. He’s been my only companion for the last…a while.” He finished lamely.

Sympathy practically radiated off of her, and he looked away. “I see. Well, why don’t you tell me more about it? I’m sure you’ve had interesting times together.”

He sighed. I need to keep her distracted anyway – might as well. He began to tell about his time with the Mink, keeping the important details light, but still giving her a clear idea on what happened. To his surprise, she’d actually laughed at some part, but it was more like a cackle, especially when he told her how he’d gotten a Class to be its pet. She seemed blissfully unaware that she was doing it, and it ruined the angelic impression that she had.

Time passed, and he figured it was some time early in the morning. He felt a little tired, but otherwise fine, nothing that he wasn’t used to. Have the Goblins gone yet? He pursed his lips; he didn’t know. He looked over to Streni again, and saw that she was dozing off. Now might be a good time to check… He exhaled slowly, and then stood up, keeping an eye on the Aspirant. She was completely out of it. He quietly made his way to the door, and then stopped when he remembered how loud it was. He mentally cursed, before he was struck by an idea. He looked back, just to make sure that she was still asleep, and then used [Phantom State] to walk through the door. For a brief moment, everything was black. All he could feel was a distant sensation of passing through the grain, and then he stepped out into the open again. He deactivated it, and then had a small shock at the sudden increase of sensations. He calmed himself, and headed down the road. There were no noises apart from the sea breeze; no goblins were scurrying or fighting. It was just the sound of his footsteps.

He hoped that the Goblins had left by now. He was certain that the longer he stayed, the more likely it was for Streni to find out he’d lied to her. He’d check that the Goblins had gone, and then get out of here, before she could realise. He continued down the streets until finally, he could see the docks. He sighed with relief when he saw that the ship was sailing; its dirty and soot-covered sheets catching the wind and pushing out of the town. He frowned as he saw familiar shapes move, and he squinted, revealing the frizzy hair of Gomorra, and she waved to him. He didn’t respond, not until he noticed the smaller shape next to her, floating into the air and waving too. Heavily, he raised his hand and waved back, potentially saying goodbye forever. He saw their arms freeze, and he suddenly felt a scorching heat on his back. He closed his eyes, and held back the urge to sob. Of course she would come now.

He turned around to see the woman hovering above the ground, her eyes on the ship that was moving away. She looked down at him, and her eyes were so bright with anger that he winced. “So…you’re with them.” Her voice trembled.

He sighed. “Not really…” He tried to think of how he could explain this, but for the first time tonight, his mind was blank.

Her fists clenched. “You betrayed humanity, you lied to me!” Her voice echoed down the road.

“You were going to get yourself killed.”

She scoffed. “Don’t pretend that you care.”

“Where I’m from, a lot of people wouldn’t just let someone die, not if they were right in front of them.”

Her eyes flashed with white light. “Ah. So, you’re not even from here are you? What are you then?...Oh.” He watched her jaw tense as she gritted her teeth. “I knew I sensed death magic.”

She raised her hand, as it started to glow with white radiance. He swallowed. “Come on, you’re not really goin-” She pointed her palm at him, and he only had a second to dive out of the way, as a beam of white light poured forth and cut into the stone like butter. He gaped, but was pressured out of his shock as the beam swung towards him. He started running towards the nearest house, and glanced back just in time to duck under another arching attack. He looked forward again and saw there was no quick way in, so he activated [Phantom State] and jumped through the wall, landing into a shattered lounge. He didn’t get time to take note, as another beam swept through the walls, leaving molten splatters in its wake. Thankfully, they fell through his body, but he had a feeling that a direct hit from her attacks wouldn’t be pleasant, so he kept running through the building, leaping through the walls. I’ve got to think of a way to escape – no, that won’t work. She’s faster than me, she’d catch up. He jumped and was suddenly outside again, back on the streets. He turned and ran down the hill, his speed increasing rapidly. He saw white light wash over the ground in front of him and he sped into another building. There was a shout of frustration, but he didn’t give it much thought; he just kept running deeper into the building. A sudden intense pain blasted into his shoulder and he tumbled to the floor, clutching it. He hissed, and blinked the tears away. Shit. More beams fired into the house, and the already shaky building started to fall. His eyes widened, and he scrambled to escape, but he wouldn’t make it; the bricks crashed down on him, the noise hurting his ears. He instinctively curled up, and waited for it all to end. He blinked when he realised that he was still alive, and looked around. He got random flashes of grey stone along with blackness, but nothing else, and his mind pieced together what must have happened. I can’t be crushed… Could he just stay here? Maybe she would assume he was dead. White light flared again, swiftly ending that hope. He would have to run. But, what was he going to do? He sat there for a moment, amongst the rubble of the ruined building, and a plan slowly formed. He exhaled slowly, and stood up. He still couldn’t see, so he started moving in any direction. Eventually he stepped out from stone bricks and into an alleyway. He looked behind him, and sure enough, Streni had spotted him and was about to send another attack. He broke off into a run, weaving as to try and not get hit. He saw the church, with its tall tower, and headed straight for it. The whole time, Streni was shooting at him, and he had to continually avoid being struck. His feet finally pounded up the steps, and he ran through the thick doors without hesitation. He bursted into the room and looked wildly around, before he spotted his knife which he’d left on the pew. He rushed over, grabbing it, and then hurried over to the stairs for the tower. He heard the door groan just as he started going up. He jumped up the stairs, two at a time, pumping his arms the whole way. He was no longer in his [Phantom State], which was good, as he was coming closer to the limits of his Stamina and Mana. He pushed the worry aside for now, as he neared the top of the tower. He entered the bell room, and looked down the spiral staircase that he’d just come up from. He could see Streni beginning to fly upwards, which was exactly where he needed her. He looked up at the thick rope that was holding the giant hunk of metal up, following its path to where it was tied. He slashed it with [Spacial Strike] and the rope flayed apart, the bell instantly falling. It hit the ground with gong, sending a massive shudder through the building, but otherwise nothing else. He held up the knife again, and sliced into the ground, immediately causing the stone to fall apart. The bell did the rest of the work and began falling. The church hadn’t escaped the damage from the Goblins, so when the bell started rattling down the steps, it too began to fall apart. Jason’s eyes widened, and he activated his State again, his knife falling through his fingers. He raced down the stairs, but they too started crumbling, and he soon tumbled with them. His ears became filled with the sound of cascading stone. He looked down and saw Steni cutting her way out, however, a brick cracked her on the head, causing her to stumble. Blackness and flashes of grey obscured his vision again, as he fell with the church.

Eventually, the noise stopped, and he blinked, or at least he thought he did, he was completely in the dark. Figuring that it was like the last time he’d been buried, he sat up, and was proven right when golden light struck him in the eyes. He winced, and blocked it with his hand, before looking around. Half the church was completely wrecked, while the other half looked like it was about to follow. He stood up, and looked around for Streni. Did…did I kill her? He frowned. This was a world filled with magic, and she was level sixty seven. He’d have expected her to be fine. He was proven right, as he found her buried under a pile of stone, with only her head and arm sticking out. She glowered at him hatefully, blood covering her forehead, and he winced. He deactivated his state, and gently lowered himself onto the stone. He stared at her, before saying. “You know, I was just doing what I thought was right. I didn't-don’t think the Goblins deserved to be wiped out, and I didn’t want the first human being that I’ve seen to throw themselves to their deaths.”

She spat at him, but missed, and he sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Do you realise how weird the stuff you were saying was?” He suddenly asked. “You seemed mostly reasonable, and I get your hate, but to say that Goblins are too barbaric to fit in your vision? That’s just…do you know that?”

She gritted her teeth, before opening her mouth, but just wheezed at him.

He grimaced. “You were talking about ending an entire race, simply because they don’t fit in with what your God thinks is for the best. One dude, deciding the fate of an entire race? What’s even worse is that you just follow along, believing that you’re helping people. I fought against you today, does that mean I’m not part of that vision? Why not? What is th-” Light flared and a small beam of light shot at him from her finger. He jerked to the side, causing it to lance his shoulder, now leaving both sides injured. “Fuuuck.” He hissed, and turned to growl at the battered and bloody woman, instinctively taking a step forward. Her eyes widened, and she shifted under the rubble, while he stepped up to her face, clenching his fists.

She managed to loosen some of the stone and heaved a lungful of air. “If…you kill me…the Holy Will will investigate. Every aspirant's death is.”

His thoughts stuttered to a halt. Kill her? He looked into her now wide gaze, and realised that she was fearful for her life. He suddenly had an incredibly sour taste in his mouth. Is that what this world expects of people? To kill others at any opportunity? He felt a chill go down his spine. That was exactly how this world was, it was a place where people literally got stronger by doing it. He felt dizzy, and sat down again, his head whirling with thoughts. Fuck! His breath started coming quickly. Wait – I’m making assumptions here…it might not be like that – but I can’t help but feel there has to be a lot of people out there who would gladly jump at the chance. He put his head in his hand. He was probably right, but what did it mean for him? He looked back up at the woman again, and then frowned. Where are her wings?

‘Ding’ [Believer of the Saviour Lv 67]

He blinked, distracted from his thoughts. “What…what happened to your Class?” She froze, and her expression changed into confusion, then horror. She began wriggling harder, gasping. “Whoa, whoa, careful!” He jumped up and hesitated, looking at her. The Holy Will hunt people with death magic…what is she going to do? His expression firmed. No, I’m helping her at least. I’m not leaving her to fucking die. He started pulling off the stones, and with him helping her, she quickly came free, scrambling to her feet. She stood there for a moment, gasping with her hands on her knees. He heard a choked sob, and watched as she desperately tried to brush her white robe to be free of dirt. She gave up after a few seconds, and straightened, her arms ramrod, as her shoulders started shaking.

After a moment, she took a deep breath, and began to speak. “You know this was meant to be my ascension, destroying the last of the Goblins. I would have been able to become a Wrath.” She paused. “Do you understand what you’ve done? Doomed innocent people, to be ripped apart by those things.”

He winced, and looked over, past the building she wrecked, and to the ship that was sailing into the rising dawn. He sighed, and thought of Gomorra, the old carers, but also the violent and leering Goblins that he had seen. “Did you know that there were children on that boat?” He asked her quietly.

She stilled, and he continued. “Children who have never done anything to you, or anyone, who according to you are destined to become violent bandits. Would you have killed them too?”

“The Saviour-”

“What? You're going to kill kids, just because someone told you too?”

She remained as she was, her head bowed in thought, until she turned around, revealing a tear streaked face. She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. She took a deep shuddering breath. “I…this isn’t over! I will find a way to come back, I will complete my ascension- I…”

He looked at her missing wings. “You failed, didn't you? You’ve lost your Class and destroyed one of your own churches too.”

She flinched, before gathering herself and glaring. “I’ll do my duty regardless, someone needs to stop people like you after all, and the Goblins.”

He stared at her, and a random phrase he’d heard before came to his mind. “Look…if you think that's the only solution? I could sort of understand that, not agree with it, but I would sympathise with you. But the fact that you just blindly listen to someone else? Without seeing for yourself? It’s just wrong, it’s not fair.”

She seethed through her teeth. “It’s not about fairness! They don’t deserve it! And I know…” She paused, as if an uncomfortable thought had occurred to her. “...I know…”

He sighed. “Why not wait a bit before you go back to your ‘holy purpose’?”

She blinked.

“Explore the world! Go on holiday… You might learn something.”

She started, obviously not expecting him to say that, and opened her mouth, before closing it again. She gave him a suspicious look, before whirling around, and started to hover off the ground. He thought she was getting her wings back for a moment, until he noticed the white shimmer under her feet, and without a backwards glance, she zipped away.