At that moment, the door to the basement creaked open.

Matthias, looking through the crack, raised his sword and swung it to cleave the gas-like monster emerging slowly.

Simultaneously, Acid, behind Matthias, also used his sword to slash at the beast-like monster approaching.

As thick blue blood splattered from the monster, covering Acid’s palm and even his tunic, Matthias, accustomed to dodging monster blood through his long war experience, gracefully handed a handkerchief from his pocket to Acid.

“Wipe it off for now. It stinks.”

“Yes, please continue.”

Acid nodded gruffly and removed the tunic covering his back.

Now only a simple shirt remained on his upper body, revealing the contours of his muscles, indicating that Acid had become a male.

Finding this somewhat uncomfortable, Matthias commented, “You might be a necessary presence for the Pope.”

As Acid, still holding the sword, guarded Matthias, whose body was becoming more blurred, an unfamiliar expression crossed Acid’s face.

Knowing enough, Matthias, stepping on the dirty monster’s eyes crawling on the floor, continued, “The Pope drew a summoning circle. It’s a magical circle that binds the target in front of him, no matter where they are, by cutting off part of their life.”

“That’s…”

Acid’s face showed rare confusion. Matthias spoke plainly.

“Considering, the one who kidnapped Sien is probably the Pope… You’ll probably go to where Sien is.”

Matthias stared at Acid. Although Acid tried to mask his expression after hearing the detailed explanation, it was evident in his eyes.

“Don’t laugh.”

Acid’s face, displaying a subtle delight, irritated Matthias.

At that moment, Acid’s body gradually became faint.

Matthias, with a firm expression, continued to swiftly clear away the surrounding monsters to ensure Acid could move safely.

I glared at the Pope with fiery eyes.

However, despite his slightly pale complexion, the Pope had a face full of joy.

“Finally, I’ve found the altar to enshrine our sword. Fortunately, it’s the central temple.”

Perhaps due to the excitement of summoning Acid.

The Pope didn’t seem to hide the fact that the place we were in was the central temple.

Thanks to his muttering, I was convinced that this place was indeed the central temple.

I looked at the altar that had suddenly appeared and burst into laughter.

The Pope exhausted his power to create the altar.

“Why on earth do you want to turn Acid into a sword? And that attitude, saying the game is over if only Acid is there!”

While I was contemplating, the Pope, using sacred power, perfectly completed the altar.

In front of me, a slender rectangular piece of wood was erected. And on top of it, a gleaming gold was visible.

I saw white smoke emanating from the edges of the wood. The pungent odor was strong enough to envelop my nostrils.

I frowned and glared at the wood.

There was a concave pit large enough for one person to stand on top.

“It’s finally over.”

The Pope, as if he felt sorry for me, put on the typical pretentious expression that the ‘Pope’ would have and smiled.

“What do you mean it’s over?”

“You won’t be as eager as you are today.”

As soon as his words ended, white smoke enveloped all of us.

I looked at the altar with my eyes wide open, coughing. The Pope’s intention was, well…

“Our sword will finally make history.”

…There was Acid on that altar.

And…

“What is this nonsense.”

As soon as the deduction was over, Acid was summoned onto the altar with a determined expression.
Upon seeing that sight, the Pope clasped his hands in joy in front of his chest.

“Finally…”

Whether Acid’s gaze was sharp or not, the Pope didn’t know. He tilted his head towards Acid, unlike the oppressive summoning method, and said, “Come, be born again as our sword.”

“What does that mean?”

“Exactly as it sounds. Quickly, on this altar, be forged into a sword so that the world can be properly corrected.”

“I don’t know how that would help me.”

I shouted at Acid, struggling against my tightly bound body.

“Acid! This guy is insane!”

The Pope, who had been looking at me, spoke coldly, “Axel Mirmode, it’s okay to dispose of this useless one now.”

At those words, Axel walked towards me, cursing and muttering obscenities, and tried to strangle me again. But then, Acid spoke first.

“Do we really have to do that? Everything will end if I become a sword.”

His voice didn’t tremble, and it felt ordinary. However, past the Pope, there seemed to be a slight vibration in the eyes that had briefly turned towards me.

Listening to Acid’s voice, I swallowed hard.

So, Acid would…

“Let him go.”

…He seemed much more grown-up than me.

Even amidst this, I recalled the subtle distance I felt from Acid and closed my eyes for a moment before opening them again.

Acid was also making an effort to protect me.

So, instead of indulging in useless thoughts, I needed to devise a plan to protect Acid.

“If you release Sien, I’ll cooperate.”

I bit my lip.

I couldn’t be a burden, I had to think of a way to save Acid as quickly as possible.