After all the back and forth, dusk gradually settled, and the already grey sky showed no sign of the sun.
However, after the fog dissipated, the surrounding visibility became much clearer.
After an exhilarating battle, everyone decided to first rest in the village and treat the injured.
At the same time, one cavalryman was dispatched to return to the Holy City to report the situation, and several people were arranged to retrieve the carriages and supplies.
However, upon reaching the village entrance, the group, who moments before had been ecstatic about the divine miracle, now stared blankly at the dilapidated scene.
The ground was barren, rows of crows covered the rooftops, and the grey village showed no signs of green.
Three-story high withered trees were covered in body bags, spiked iron cages lay scattered everywhere, and dried bloodstains were all over the place…
The air was filled with a putrid, sour smell, and the incessant buzzing of flies could be heard.
"The last time I came, it was a bit late, but I remember it wasn't like this?"
"That's right, August isn't even over yet, how did it become like this? The town ahead was perfectly fine."
"After these heretics were executed, did no one come to clean up?"
Several students who had been there before raised questions. Mil was very nervous, not forgetting the purpose of this operation: he must stop the Exorcism and release the demoness!
"Don't be nervous, it's normal that they didn't have time to clean up after killing so many heretics at once. Do you see the mountain range behind? This is called a quasi-stationary front…"
"Mil, your knowledge is truly profound! No wonder you could distinguish directions in the fog!"
However, the experienced older Exorcists suddenly became alert…
"Something's wrong, is this a Level Three Exorcism?"
"It might be Jack's doing. Let's go to the church first."
Everyone arrived at the church entrance and knocked on the church door. A tall priest opened the door to greet them.
He looked to be in his early forties, with a strong physique, a serious and deep expression, dressed in a black cassock, with a long, wide white cloth hanging from his collar, embroidered with sacred patterns and prayers in gold thread.
"Greetings, you must be the Exorcists from the Holy City, right?"
"Father Barton, long time no see."
In the group, an older White Magic user and priest stepped forward to greet him. Father Barton instantly showed a relieved expression:
"Oh? Father John, long time no see, you're still as robust as ever."
"Apologies, everyone on the way had an upset stomach, which delayed us quite a bit. Later, we encountered a powerful demon…"
Father John emphasized the words "everyone," seemingly revealing a hint of apology in his tone.
Father Barton invited everyone into the church. The church was empty and deserted, even covered in a layer of dust, with no other nuns or monks in sight.
Everyone then recounted their journey to Father Barton again…
…
"I never thought such a thing would happen! It was truly dangerous, thank you for your hard work!"
"By the way, where have the villagers gone?"
"Alas, ever since the blasphemous cult was destroyed and that impure woman was brought to the church, a plague broke out in the village. Many people either fled or are confined to their beds."
Saying this, Father Barton led everyone to the back hall:
"The situation is still deteriorating, it would be best to start the Exorcism as soon as possible."
"Let's go take a look first."
The carriage was also broken, so everyone was destined to spend the night here. Mil pondered for a while and suggested:
"Ahem… mainly, the people retrieving the supplies haven't returned yet, and everyone is very tired today. There's no rush for one night. I suggest we observe the situation first and act tomorrow morning."
How much worse could it get? If he secretly released the person tonight, there would be no trouble.
Everyone came to the back hall, and once again, they were astonished by the scene before them…
White candles everywhere illuminated the semicircular hall, and the altar steps led upwards, with a luxurious large bed placed at the very top.
Two huge white drapes hung vertically from the church ceiling to the ground, and a dizzying floral scent permeated the air.
On the bed at the very top, the woman's hands were tied upwards, her hair disheveled, half-reclining on the bed, covered by a white cloth.
Her eyes were tightly closed, but a strange smile hung on her lips…
"That is the cursed harlot,"
Father Barton introduced. The surrounding boys all stared at the woman, lost in thought, and unconsciously muttered:
"She's so beautiful…"
The accompanying bishop raised his divine staff and slammed it onto the ground—
"Clang—!"
The sound of metal hitting the ground echoed through the church, and a dazzling light burst forth.
"Boys, do not approach her! The situation is not good, we probably cannot delay!"
The students, having regained their senses, timidly retreated.
Lilith, seeing this scene, was also stunned.
Mil, however, was a little anxious. His eyes darted around, and he came up with another idea:
"How about this, it's getting dark. I'll go hurry up those who are retrieving the supplies and tell them to bring the things over as soon as possible!"
If he didn't act now, it would be too late. He had to smash all these things!
Actually, there weren't many things, mainly Holy Water, Holy Seal Totems, Holy Magic Artifacts, and Magic Array Prayer Stones.
However, no sooner had Mil finished speaking than others also agreed:
"That makes sense, worthy of Mil! Your thoughts are sharp! There might be quite a lot of things, let's go help together!"
"No need! You help take care of the injured and prevent any accidents. My strength is the weakest here, so I'll just run errands!"
Mil quickly stopped them, feeling as if he had joined some praise group, and was met with another round of inexplicable flattery.
However, as Mil arrived at the church entrance and just opened the door, those who had gone to find the supplies were already pushing a carriage and had arrived at the church entrance:
"Worried about delaying your progress, we prioritized organizing and have brought all the supplies needed for the Exorcism ritual!"
Mil's heart instantly sank to the bottom.
Their voices were loud, and their shouts echoed inside the church. Everyone came out to greet them:
"That's great! Now we'll make it in time!"
"Everyone, quickly come help set things up!"
"I'll help too."
Father Barton proactively stepped forward and exchanged a smile with Father John.
Watching everyone busily getting to work, Mil's teeth gnashed…
The strongest in the team was the leading teacher from the magic school, a Fourth-Tier Mage. In addition, there were two Third-Tier White Magic users.
He couldn't win, he couldn't overturn the table…
Just as he was at a loss, Mil noticed that Father Barton was alone outside the church, preparing another magic array?
It was an unactivated magic array, seemingly more than half-prepared. Father Barton merely put the magic crystals hidden in the grass back into place.
Mil began to ponder. This magic array was outside the church. If he quietly destroyed it before the Exorcism ritual, it wouldn't be easily discovered.
But this wasn't enough…
Soon, Mil also discovered that Father John, with the help of a student, carried a Holy Pattern Totem to the basement, but only Father John emerged alone.
This was even more discreet. He would go smash that thing later!
Soon, with everyone's concerted effort, the preparations before the Exorcism were largely complete.
Everyone returned to the back hall again. Father Barton led Father John to a corner and quietly asked:
"How is it? Is everything ready?"
"Don't worry! The Blasphemy Cone has been driven in, poised and ready!"
"Very good. The Ruined Rebirth Array has also surrounded this place. Once their Exorcism ritual begins, they will become the demoness's final sacrifice!"