As the sun sank below the horizon, the empire was wrapped in the velvet shroud of night. The half-ruined Filma Estate, a casualty of Nikellus’ earlier rampage, seemed to shrink into the shadows, its hastily patched-up roof barely keeping the rain at bay.
In the quiet that followed, two-night guards stationed at the estate began to chat, breaking the silence.
"I'm so tired I could drop dead. Couldn't sleep a wink with all that hammering during the day."
"Tell me about it. I wish I could try the Earl's noise-canceling trinket. It sounds like a godsend."
"Sure, if you're rich enough to afford it. I just stuff wet cloth in my ears. Works okay."
"Guess I'll try that tonight. All thanks to that damn Pope smashing the place up—"
The guard trailed off, freezing mid-sentence. A pale figure emerged from the darkness, gliding toward them.
It didn’t take long to recognize him—the very man who had caused all the hammering in the first place.
"Y-Your Holiness! What brings you here?" one stammered.
"No time to explain. Just step aside. It’s confidential anyway."
"..."
"If you must know, the Earl committed some heinous crimes. I'm here to deal with him."
"..."
"Don’t believe me?" Nikellus stroked his chin as if pondering their skepticism.
The guards quickly assessed him.
No visible weapons... though he might have something in his inventory. He’s alone... no escorts either...
They’d heard tales of Nikellus' unmatched combat prowess. Day-shift guards never shut up about his rampage. Yet now, Nikellus seemed utterly defenseless.
This might be our chance.
Capture him, and the Earl will reward us handsomely.
With an exchanged glance, the two guards silently counted down.
One... two... three!
"Now!"
Both spears lunged toward Nikellus, crackling with electric enchantments designed to incapacitate. The guards grinned at the thought of Nikellus writhing under the jolts.
But just before the tips made contact—he vanished.
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“What the—?!”
His voice came from behind. "I’m a pacifist... unless the other party decides not to be."
Before they could turn, Nikellus’ mace whistled through the air.
CLANG!
He struck one guard squarely on the helmet, just hard enough to knock him out cold. The second guard spun around, swinging his spear in desperation, but Nikellus was faster.
CLANG!
Another metallic crash. The second guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Their commotion roused the rest of the estate. Alarms blared as soldiers swarmed out, encircling Nikellus. These reinforcements had been added after Nikellus’ last visit left the Earl vowing revenge.
Yet, none dared approach the glowing circle of energy beneath his feet: Sanctified Zone. Its mysterious properties made them wary.
Nikellus remained calm, addressing the troops. "Step aside. I have business with the Earl."
Predictably, no one moved. Instead, the estate’s captain stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Your Holiness, you assaulted two of our guards without cause."
"Let’s get the facts straight. They attacked me first. Now, stand aside. I’ve got a criminal to catch."
"You can’t barge in here demanding access. Not after the damages from your last visit—"
Nikellus interrupted by charging forward, the ground trembling beneath his feet. Augmented by his Blasphemous Strength skill, his movements were lightning-fast. The captain barely managed to block with his shield.
BOOM!
The clash sent a deafening shockwave through the courtyard. The captain counterattacked, aiming for Nikellus' shoulder, but the mace had other plans.
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[The Inquisitor's Mace detects corrupt magic! Neutralizing the threat with holy power!]
The enchanted weapon shattered the mana stone embedded in the captain’s shield. Cracks spread across its surface until the shield split in two. Stumbling back, the captain left himself wide open.
CLANG!
This time, the blow was decisive.
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"He's unstoppable!"
"That demon of a Pope isn’t human!"
The morale of the Earl’s forces plummeted. Soldiers hesitated, some outright fleeing. Those brave enough to attack were swiftly neutralized, their enchanted gear crumbling under Nikellus' mace.
With each strike, the mace’s effects grew more pronounced:
[Holy Retribution Unlocked: Moonlit Massacre Mode Activated!]
30% damage increase for 30 minutes. Pain tolerance boosted. Reduced guilt over violent acts.
"Well, that's new," Nikellus muttered. The surge of power coursing through him felt intoxicating, his blows more devastating than ever. Experimentally, he swung the mace at an approaching soldier.
BOOM!
The man flew backward, collapsing into an unconscious heap.
As chaos unfolded, Nikellus' companion, Rubin, kept watch from the air. Enlarged into its guardian form, the spirit deflected incoming arrows and spells with ease.
"All clear?" Nikellus called up.
"Yup! I’ve taken care of the stragglers inside. The Earl’s trying to escape through the northwest gate," Rubin reported.
"Lead the way."
With Nikellus mounted on Rubin, the duo soared toward the fleeing Earl.
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They caught up to him moments later, his bulky form trembling in the moonlight.
"S-Stay back! I-I’m innocent!" he stammered.
His escort of knights was no match for Nikellus and Rubin, who made quick work of them. Backed against the wall, the Earl whimpered.
"P-Please, Your Holiness. Mercy!"
Nikellus lowered his mace, locking eyes with the man. "Mercy? You’re about to find out just how holy my mercy is."
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Meanwhile, in the cathedral's east wing, Luciana paced anxiously, her fingers drumming on the desk. Hours had passed since Nikellus left.
"What’s taking him so long? It was just a spirit burial..."
Finally, unable to wait any longer, she activated her communication crystal, summoning a familiar yet frustrating ally.
"Bliss, I need your help."
With a groan, Bliss appeared, already prepared for action.
"Let’s go. Knowing him, he’s either lost... or causing a small war."
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Nikellus smiled grimly, raising his mace. "Shall we discuss the sins you’ve been hiding, Earl?"