Hmm, something's not right.

Yours Truly has been traveling for a few days now.

Uh, isn't it the time I had my first encounter already?

I'm sure this is the part, where I meet some noble lady being robbed by some bandits, then I save the day, get some recognition and things keep going...

Strange, were all the Isekai stories just bullshitting?

Yeah, I mean what's the chance of that happening for real?

Sigh, I'm dying of boredom...

My fellow sufferers, at least you say something, entertain Yours Truly!

*Screech, screech~

Damn your sister! Don't shout in my ears. Make way, the head position is mine!

I repositioned myself in the cramped robes.

There we go, much better!

The view is decent too, though, there's nothing noteworthy in sight, just random trees and bushes you see in your average forest.

What's that sound? Is there someone singing? Why does it sound so creepy?

I halted to concentrate on the sound and investigate the source. Unfortunately, the source was quite far, but I perceived the general direction it was coming from.

Should I go and check it out?

Meh, beggars can't be picky. I've been dying for something to happen, so I can't just walk away now.

...

The sound's getting more and more distinct.

Damn, it's giving me chills. Is there some demonic ritual going on or something?

Oh hey, is that a village?! Finally, a beginner village exclusively prepared for Yours Truly, how wonderful!

Ahem, maybe I should stop fooling around.

The singing's coming from the village. I wonder what's happening.

Hurrying my pace, I quickly went down the hills and arrived in the village.

The houses were dilapidated. They were just a jumble of wooden logs and straw roofs. The crops were healthily growing in the fields, which were surrounded by ugly fences. A couple of chickens could be seen tottering around and pecking on the dusty ground.

There was not an expected warm welcome. The village seemed desolate as nobody was around.

Strange.

I followed the singing noise and quickly realized why the village appeared almost empty.

Everyone had gathered in the huge square!

Be it young or old, everybody was there.

Their attention was focused on something, that was happening ahead.

I squeezed myself into the crowd.

Even after pushing quite a few people, nobody bothered about me.

My curiosity was piqued.

What the heck were they so focused on?

Excuse me, coming through~

I forced my way into the crowd while craning my neck from the robes.

Finally, I saw the choir, performing the dark souls-ish music.

I was straightaway stunned by the sight.

There was someone being crucified right in front of my eyes!

The beautiful young woman was tied to the pole. Her head hung low, while her face was obscured by her violet, long hair. Her fair, white skin was covered in cuts, bruises, and mud.

I grew angry as I realized what was happening.

These bastards!

The stones were scattered all around while a small pile had accumulated beneath her.

Animals! What kind of occult shit is this?!

I forced my anger down as I coldly swept my glance past the villagers, then focused on the choir surrounding the girl in the circle.

They wore long white cloaks with silver linings and held staves.

Their creepy chants resounded across the village.

In their midst was the thin middle-aged man dressed in white robes engraved with golden linings. Both his hands were raised in the air, while his head was gazing into the sky. His expression was one of fanaticism and craze as he was preaching.

'God is merciful, for those who banish evil shall be blessed, and those who shield evil shall be cursed.'

'They who forsook the teachings of the god shall never be forgiven their heresy. My lord, your children shall carry out your will and keep the humanity from corruption, by purging this evildoer!'

...

I didn't bother listening to his bullshit as I began appraising.

?? Realm: 2nd Level: 1 HP: 2.1/13

Poor girl. Just what did she deserve to get such treatment?

Bunch of dog bastards!

Light Acolyte, ?? Realm: 2nd Level: 6 HP: 38/38 Light Acolyte, ?? Realm: 2nd Level: 7 HP: 43/43 Light Acolyte, ?? Realm: 2nd Level: 7 HP: 40/40

...

Light Priest, ?? Realm: 2nd Level: 9 HP: 58/58

I can't beat them head-on, that's for sure.

Shadow lurkers are pathetically weak in combat. Besides, light is their weakness.

...What am I thinking?

If I interfere, I'll be wanted by the church, won't I?

Heck with it! They're a bunch of bastards anyway. Besides, to avenge Lumi, I will have to one day go against them. Why put it off and drag things out?

Alright, then that's settled.

I swept my perception around myself, then gave lurkers orders through telepathy, following which they dispersed.

Soon they returned.

''Great job, everyone!''

Hehe, these idiots didn't even realize their daggers were pilfered. That's to be expected, how could lousy villagers detect my sneaky troops?

Just as I was about to issue another command, I hesitated.

This is truly a golden opportunity to catch them all off guard and finish them off in one move, but...the priest guy seems to be dangerous. His perception might be high enough to detect them...but lurkers are fast. He shouldn't be able to react in time, right?

Well, it doesn't matter!

''Lurkers, eliminate!''

The shadows dispersed from my robes and quickly approached the target. Since they were formless and almost weightless, their agility was off the charts.

'Who dares...?!'

The priest shouted angrily as he quickly chanted something.

The transparent light spheres were conjured around the acolytes, who were still unaware of their impending doom as they sang heartily.

''Quick, retreat!''

I hastily ordered the lurkers with a gloomy heart.

However, this sneak attack wasn't completely in vain, because, hehe...the number of light spheres was less than the acolytes.

The blood splashed as black shadows crept in the acolytes' shadows and mercilessly slashed their necks.

They couldn't even scream as they choked on their own blood.

No matter how much HP one has, it's futile if one's vitals are seriously damaged. High HP will only prolong their suffering.

I'm aware that they must be able to use healing spells, but can healing spells restore slit throats that fast?

Heh, I don't think so!

*Plop, plop, plop~

The white cloaked figures fell one by one until only barely more than half of them were standing.

The shadows invaded my robes from all sides.

'BLASPHEMY!' The priest yelled furiously as he waved his hand, summoning the light arrows.

'Ah~'

'Mercy lord Hermes!'

The villagers shrieked as they dispersed messily.

I didn't budge from the place and like a cool dude, remained standing, mysteriously shrouded in dark robes.

Nah...I blend in with the villagers, haha!