324 If it's a first-time攻略, you must not look at攻略 information.

"What do you mean by 'the end of the Divine Word Church'?"

It was Yamada-kun, not Oshima-kun, who spoke.

Supported by his younger sister, he rose unsteadily, swaying slightly.

Wounds were healed by healing magic, and the blood he lost was replenished—thanks to my discreet assistance.

But even with replenishment, it takes time for the restored blood to circulate throughout the body.

Yamada-kun should be near exhaustion from anemia, yet he stands solely by willpower.

"Exactly as stated. The long era of the Divine Word Church has reached its conclusion."

The Pope smiled cheerfully.

No grim resolve in that expression.

Hmm?

What is he really thinking?

"Here is not the proper place. Let us move elsewhere to speak. Or would you prefer a brief rest? You must need time to gather your thoughts after such sudden news."

"No. I will hear your words."

Yamada-kun responded immediately, shaking his head at the Pope’s suggestion.

"Then please follow me. Ah, what of you, Shiro? What will you do?"

Hmm?

Mm—

What to do, now?

I could be curious about the Pope’s intentions—but attending this meeting feels… off.

Thus, I shook my head and declined to join.

A brief pause. Then I teleported away.

Ha!

I left the scene, but my detached fragment remained—attached to my younger sister.

I’ll stay here. I’ll listen closely. I’ll learn exactly what the Pope plans.

Geh heh heh!

"Ah."

That was my plan.

Sophia’s younger sister, walking beside Yamada-kun, paused. Her hand slipped into her sleeve.

Then she pulled something out.

Yes.

That something was my fragment.

“Ei.”

Gyah!?

Pfft—pfft—crushed!?

My delicate fragment!?

What kind of thing is this!?

Damn it.

Hah.

Well, it was unavoidable.

On her face, at the moment of crushing my fragment, I read clearly: “I must not let this grudge go unavenged.”

I’ve put her through much.

Being hated is not my concern.

One fragment crushed? No complaints.

I silently accept the destruction of one fragment.

And add her soul to the system’s protection list during collapse.

As recompense for her prior actions, I resolve from now on to have no further contact with her.

The promise to spare your elder brother—Yamada-kun—was never intended to be honored from the outset.

It was presented as legitimate recompense for labor performed.

Of course, that was conditional on the other party not opposing me.

…………Enough.

Beyond the fragment attached to your younger sister, there are also fragments monitoring the Pope.

It would be simple to observe them if I chose to.

But I will not.

The Pope will not expose themselves, not even slightly, knowing full well I am observing.

Almost certainly, the Pope is already forecasting future developments and seeking countermeasures against me.

They did not survive decades of confrontation with Potimas merely by chance—despite being merely human.

They haven’t read every move I’m making—but they’re likely preparing for unforeseen circumstances.

Contacting Yamada-kun was probably part of that preparation.

Still, better to keep an eye on it.

That’s what I think.

Like the Pope, I predict various outcomes and prepare thoroughly before acting.

Therefore, if there’s even a hint of unrest, it’s correct to eliminate it early.

With Potimas gone, the Pope is one of the few who could become my enemy.

Better to be cautious.

In fact, since the Pope possesses the Dominance of Moderation skill, and the alliance to defeat the elves has dissolved, the most efficient course is to strike in the dark and finish them.

But...

That would just be a one-sided battle.

Eliminating the Pope now would be the most efficient course.

That is certain.

Yet that choice is flawed.

What is flawed?

Choosing a path with a predictable outcome would make the spectacle uninteresting, would it not?

Not me.

The audience.

Precisely.

To the worst kind of audience—one capable of destroying this play from its foundation—the predictable conclusion of such a choice would be utterly dull.

So, even if it were efficient for me, I cannot make that choice.

Ah.

That heretic god—truly not worth a damn.

Has no intention of making things easy for me.

Yes.

I understand.

It was never going to proceed smoothly.

That is why I prepared thoroughly, even if it meant taking a circuitous route.

It will be fine.

It will work out.

Trust in my own strength.

Ush!

Then, the Pope’s surveillance is terminated.

I will turn to other tasks.

Still, there is not much I can do right now.

Without Yamada-kun and the others, restarting the explanation session for the reincarnated is awkward.

As for post-war processing, Mel and the others are handling it.

System hacking proceeds continuously through the subsidiary instances, even without direct involvement from the main body.

System hacking is proceeding smoothly.

Originally, I intended for purity to be claimed by my younger sister, but now that hacking has advanced, that necessity no longer exists.

Still, I managed—albeit forcibly—to interfere with the dominion authority and seize control.

Thus, the vacant purity has passed into my hands. The diligence previously held by Potimas was taken from him immediately after his death.

The gluttony and humility held by the Demon King were transferred to me with his explicit consent.

Only one remains: the temperance held by the Pope.

That final one is the issue.

I could force progress in the current state, but efficiency would be poor.

Either way, it’s just a matter of pushing through now.

With the system hacking proceeding smoothly, the remaining issue is clearly the teacher.

The other reincarnated individuals can still recover.

They were merely imprisoned in the elven village—physically unharmed, in perfect health.

But the teacher’s body is healthy, their mind is not.

Perhaps a visit to check on them is warranted.