Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 69: The holy country of Neveah – Around the area with a ticking bomb.

I've always prided myself on maintaining a relatively good composure when facing situations.

There is a reason why people often tell me that I have an emotionless face. It is not because I don't have emotions but because I hide my feelings well enough.

Nevertheless, I am convinced this man in front of me is a master at the art of deception. If Chloe hadn't told me about him, I would have assumed that Vincent Neveah was just an ordinary man.

For one, his demeanor is gentle enough that if someone told me he was Uncle Jackson—my old neighbor reincarnated as a priest, I would find myself believing it.

However, there is still something unsettling about him. I suppose his intentions are genuine, but somewhere along the way, his thought process got altered in a bad way.

''Please come up, Lady Luminous.''

As I'm thinking that, Vincent proceeds to call Chloe up, still with his peaceful voice. She is the last one, as Luxia supposedly got baptized a long time ago, and the other three just had it done.

With confident steps and a rather cheeky vibe, Chloe walks right up to the archbishop. The two have a brief staring contest with each other, confusing everyone for a second. 

''...You are the last one today, Lady Luminous.''

''Okay?''

''...''

''...''

What was that poor attempt at initiating a conversation...?

''...Well, let us begin now.''

As with the previous tries, Vincent wills his mana to create dozens of tiny water drops before getting them to swirl around Chloe's head. Then, those quickly close in and make contact with her skin. With a simple puff afterward, they promptly evaporate, marking the end of the baptism.

''Well, thank you, archbishop.''

In Chloe's style, she shoots a slightly smug smile at the guy and descends the stairs. On the way, I can see Vincent, together with the Wings beside him, staring intently at both Chloe and me.

Now, I am sure they are curious and maybe a bit cautious, but I can rest assured they won't find out about my identity.

For a little more information, this little skill called [Deception] that I stole from Peln is essentially an upgraded version of [Inspect Evasion], in a sense that the opponent will not only not see my status screen but a fabricated version of that will also be displayed. One needs no explanation as to why it is better.

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Nonetheless, this [Deception] skill, for some reason, cannot be bypassed by almost everything. Throughout history, many experiments have been initiated, and they have all concluded that this skill is 'bugged.'

In those experiments, nothing could penetrate [Deception] regardless of the skill's level. So, is there just no point in leveling up the skill, then?

Yes, actually.

The system of this world is an unfinished product. Without its developer, Neveah, it will not be completed anytime soon.

The point is, both Vincent and I have the skill. So, in theory, we won't be able to expose each other. Except, I know his plans, and I even know his status screen.

At this point in time, I am incredibly grateful to Chloe for her effort to write down everything she remembered from when she had just been transmigrated. Apparently, Vincent's status screen is shown in a loading screen in the original game.

Now, Vincent is allegedly at level 40, and his skills—the displayed ones—are nothing to be concerned about. On the other hand, the Wings are, as expected, challenging opponents to handle.

Still, we will have to power through them. For the experience—ahem, the good ending.

With that thought floating in my head, we finally begin to exit the room. When I turn back the final time, I see Vincent silently staring at the huge Neveah statue behind the throne. The sun pours onto the back of the statue, casting a shadow on Vincent's body.

The scene looks almost too calm, too serene for what will come in the next few days.

''...''

''Aurora?''

''...Nothing.''

The next time we meet, Vincent, it will be when we clash.

According to the schedule, we will spend a total of seven days here.

The first day was yesterday when we got to rest and explore the city as we liked. Today, after the baptism and lunch, it is another period of free time.

Seizing the opportunity, I immediately go behind the main church alone, both as a way to relax and to scout the area. For the stealth mission, we will be entering the main church from a small gap here. Chloe said there was one.

''Hm...''

When I am meticulously scanning the fences and walls for a possible entrance, someone pops up in my vision—a pinkhead.

''It's a coincidence, Miss Maid!'' She says, chewing something.

Upon closer inspection, she is holding two strawberry crepes, one half-eaten. Do they sell this stuff around here?

''Have this.''

Perhaps noticing my stare, she gives me the intact crepe.

''...Thank you.''

What a nice person. If only she weren't a crazy one.

''No problem, Miss Maid!'' Luxia takes a step back and looks around, her face full of pride. ''More than that, what do you think about this city? Beautiful, right?''

''Hm... Yes, I suppose.''

''Heheh. It's my proud home!''

''...I see.''

Seeing her so cheerful like this... Is disheartening, to say the least.

Although a psychopath, Luxia is never truly evil in the game. It's Vincent who forces most of the players to avoid having things to do with her.

Nevertheless, after this whole incident, I hope she will be alright.

''Hm? What's wrong?''

Luxia innocently tilts her head.

''...It's nothing, saintess.''

''Well... Okay.'' Luxia raises an eyebrow. ''Oh, we're here anyway, mind taking a look at the city with me?''

''Alright.''

I've already spotted the entrance. It should be fine.

Just like that, Luxia and I begin to roam the city. Stopping by numerous places, she enthusiastically introduces every one of them, even getting recognized by the locals. Apparently, she is pretty popular here.

''By the way.''

While walking together, Luxia suddenly speaks up.

''You have never really talked about yourself, Miss Maid.''

''I... Didn't, yes.''

''Where did you come from anyway? With features as special as yours, you should have been a celebrity as soon as you were born.''

Luxia looks at me, squinting her eyes in suspicion.

''I don't remember anything that happened before meeting Lady Luminous.'' 

''Reaaally? This detective smells something fishy around this area!''

You mean the fish stall right on your left?

Regardless, I have to reply.

''Yes.''

''Mhm... Well. Let's talk other things.''

When did this become a questionnaire?

''Your favorite food... This one is obvious. Er... What about your other hobbies? Any notable one?''

''I like creepy things, scary things, unnerving things.''

''Ooh, first time hearing that.'' Luxia begins to bob her head excitedly. ''For example? I'm curious!''

''Well... How about a dark and infinitely long staircase that has a floating face at random locations, with cries of a baby echoing through it as well?''

''Uuh~! That sounds scary for sure, but I kinda like it!'' Stars begin to appear in Luxia's pupils, swirling around her big ones. ''Tell me more!''

''A statue that will remain static when in direct line of sight, but when no one is looking at it, it will move with high speed toward a person and snap their head off.''

''Woah... The concept is so interesting! I'm starting to like this more and more...!''

''...''

Looking at an eager Luxia, I can't help but feel my heartbeat rising. Finally, I have found someone who resonates with me!

As the conversation suddenly takes an unexpected turn, Luxia and I spend the whole afternoon wandering around while we discuss more horror stuff.