Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 68: The holy country of Neveah – A chilling encounter.

''How did you...''

Bishop Linsey has her eyes widened. This is understandable since I basically just appeared out of nowhere and started talking about matters no one should have known.

''Are you asking about how I know your name or how I know Vincent's plan?'' I reply calmly.

''Both, actually... No. My name doesn't matter. How did you find out about the other matter?''

''That I can't answer. But you should know I comprehend most of his agenda.''

''...''

For a brief moment, Linsey falls into silence, appearing to be thinking.

''...First off, what is your intent?'' She eventually asks.

''To prevent a disaster.'' I respond. ''If he were to complete the plan, that would be the catalyst to humanity's destruction.''

''Can you elaborate...?''

''The 'thing' he is trying to make cannot be controlled. It is malevolent.''

At my sentence, Linsey furrows her brows.

''To think there was that concern as well...'' She sighs. ''...Anyway, if I were to believe you, this matter would go beyond just a breach of religious faith.''

''What do you think?''

''...I don't feel like you are lying, considering everything. And even if you are, and you want to destroy Neveah as a whole, then... What can I do about it? I can't possibly win against you.''

''Smart.''

''Let me work with you, Miss G. Although our side doesn't have much left, if we can indeed prevent a disaster, then...''

I grab her hand as she extends it forward.

''Much appreciated.''

Afterward, Linsey and I discuss many aspects of the plan that Chloe and I cooked up. Of course, I try to give her as little information as possible since I can't fully trust her yet.

According to Linsey, the people on the opposite side of Vincent's decision have been decreasing as Neveah's absence has extended longer. This is probably fine since even if there are more of them, they can't fight quite well enough anyway. The only important person is Linsey herself, who has the best stealth skillset I've ever seen.

Having decided on an operation for a few days later, I bid goodbye to her and return to Chloe's room. At this time, the blonde is still awake, reading a book under the lamp light.

''How'd it go?'' She asks as I enter from the window.

''Good.'' I reply. ''The details you can ask Peln. I need to wake up on the other side.''

''Got it.''

Right after, I navigate the connection to my main body and transfer back.

Waking up in the Backrooms, I quickly freshen myself up and go to our 'living room.' In reality, we just chose a relatively spacious area and decided that this would be our space for joint activities. Everyone gets their own room now; it's great.

Nevertheless, when I get to the living room, everyone is already there. I sit down on the chair and begin.

''Everything is going according to the plan. 049 and Skely, you two prepare to move.''

''Roger!''

''Roger.''

The first step of the plan is to get 049 inside the main church. This will require teleportation skills and stealth; hence, Linsey and Skely are involved. The reason I don't use my teleportation and be done with it is that we need the bone mage for the other steps of the plan as well. 

Regardless.

''Are the traps sufficient?'' I turn to Ariel.

''I think it is. I'm confident!'' Ariel puffs out her chest.

''Good work.'' I then turn to Mister Slen and Smiley. ''You two know your roles as well, right?''

AUF—!

Yes.

''Mhm, good.''

Finally, I nearly break my neck and look ninety degrees up, where I can see Nova floating right above, blocking the lights.

''How about you?'' I ask.

I'm fine. Why do you ask about my health anyway?

''Stop the dumb joke.''

The orca twitches, likely remembering the trauma I gave her a while ago. I tickled her to death. It was fun.

...I think I can do it.

''Good.''

By the way, I've been thinking about it for a while. As any average person would, I sometimes turn my neck too drastically, and it usually should hurt, but for some reason, my neck doesn't.

Telling my friends about this weird phenomenon, I receive an answer right away.

''Ah, as far as my knowledge is concerned, many species of owl can turn their heads up to two hundred and seventy degrees.'' 049 speaks up. ''And for one, my expertise is impeccable.''

''Was there something like that...?'' I mutter.

''Try it!'' Ariel chimes in.

''...''

After a brief moment, I give in. As I slowly turn my head to the right, my vision changes accordingly. To my surprise, my neck just keeps twisting even after ninety degrees, keeps going, keeps going, until I can see my behind. Looking down, I notice my wings.

This is so weird. It feels weird.

But... I think I can scare people with this.

With excitement welling inside my heart, I spring my head back to normal.

''Whoa, that is creepy...!'' Ariel hides behind her brother, peeking only her eyes out.

Why are you acting like you are not a ghost yourself...

The night quickly passes as we reiterate the plan and implement many hypotheses, and when I realize it, the sun has climbed high in the sky.

Transferring my consciousness back to Peln's body, the usual scene greets me. On the bed, Chloe is fast asleep, hugging the quilt dearly. This is what I normally see back at the academy dorm, only this time, a certain raven girl has taken the opportunity to sit right beside me—in front of the window.

''Hi?'' She smiles, her hand touching mine.

She ignored the usual protocol of a maid, which is not to enter the master's room unless there is an order or to wake them up. Scary.

''Good morning.''

''You should have slept in your room. Sitting here all night is bad for your body.''

''Mhm.''

After kicking the lazy lady to wake her up, we dress her, feed her, and then lead her to the designated assembly place. Today, the students will be baptized by the archbishop himself, which generally should be a huge honor. Not for this one, though.

In groups of ten, the freshmen of Astra Academy are taken into the main church by three priests and around a dozen holy knights. The five people from class A will be in one group. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it's a special treatment.

When it is finally our turn, we follow the people of Neveah and head into the building. 'We,' because they allow attendants of people like Chloe and Sierra to enter as well, although we won't get baptized.

''Normally, maids won't be able to enter here, but the archbishop allows it this time.'' The priest leading the bunch suddenly says.

I can somewhat sense that he has no malicious intent; just curious. Nevertheless, the comments make Aaron Apollo's maid, and to some extent, Nydia, nervous.

Passing by the stylish and rather grand hallway, we eventually reach a tall door located right opposite a piece of stained glass art of who I presume is Neveah. The atmosphere suddenly gets chilly for some reason.

Looking around, I see everybody is still composed. I guess they are not from prestigious houses for nothing. Luxia is still bobbing her head, giggling.

The leading priest then opens the door, revealing a grand interior of what looks to be a throne room. Sitting on the small throne is an otherwise ordinary old man, if not for the indescribably uneasy aura around him.

''Welcome.'' 

He opens his mouth, smiling softly.

This is the last boss of the arc—Vincent Neveah.