Chapter 51: Sword Saintess Eve

“Have you heard? Sword Saintess Anshia is dead.”

“What? Another Sword Saintess died?”

“Shh, keep your voice down. It wouldn’t be good if others hear.”

“Hmm, how did she die?”

“Well, how else? She was too weak. Going to fight a Demon King–rank magical beast at Heaven rank—wasn’t that just seeking death?”

“Then she deserved it. Among the three saintesses, the Sword Saintess was the weakest. No strength, yet still rushing forward.”

“What about that Demon King–rank beast?”

“It was killed by the Dark Night Knight. He may look ugly, but he’s incredibly strong. Marrying him wouldn’t be bad.”

“Heh, dreaming of marrying a titled knight? Keep dreaming.”

……

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Sister Anshia wasn’t weak at all!”

“She sacrificed herself to protect the people of Deer City!”

“She was the greatest!”

“You heretics!”

……

“Where did this little lunatic come from?”

“Let’s go, let’s go. Ignore her. It’ll be troublesome if knights come.”

……

Young Eve stood there with reddened eyes and tears welling up, glaring fiercely at the two departing noblewomen, her heart filled with grievance.

The deceased Sword Saintess Anshia was her cousin.

Half a year ago, she had guided Eve’s training, read books with her under the shade of trees, and told her stories of great knights.

She was a gentle yet powerful woman.

Since childhood, Eve had taken pride in her cousin Anshia and aspired to become someone like her—using the sword in her hand to protect the good.

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There were many Saintess candidates.

When a previous Saintess died or retired, candidates would stand before the holy artifact.

The one with the greatest affinity would be chosen as the new Saintess.

But the Sword Saintess was different.

As long as appearance met the requirements, all candidates would fight together.

The final victor would become the Sword Saintess.

The following year, at just fourteen years old and already at mid Earth rank, Eve successfully passed the selection.

She became the third Sword Saintess in twenty years.

At the Saintess ceremony, among the high-ranking bishops, only a few showed approval.

Most looked at her with disdain and contempt.

Holding her pure silver sword, Silver Moon Radiance, Eve lifted her youthful face high.

She glared back fiercely at those who looked down on her—and on the Sword Saintess.

Eve knew why the Sword Saintess was always looked down upon within the Church.

It was all because of one person.

The Witch of Evil—who had betrayed her faith, destroyed countless believers and armies, and possessed the greatest talent in a thousand years.

If her cousin Anshia had wielded the Holy Ring: Heavenly Punishment, perhaps she would not have died to a Demon King–rank beast.

Eve’s hatred for the Witch of Evil had already seeped into her bones.

She turned that hatred into motivation.

She devoted all her passion to restoring the honor of the Sword Saintess.

Where there was rebellion, she went.

Where there were high-level magical beasts, she went.

Where heretics appeared, she went.

It could be said that over the past ten years, no one had been more loyal to the Holy Church or contributed more than Eve.

And in those ten years, every time she saw the genuine smiles of those she helped, she truly felt glad to be the Sword Saintess.

That original hatred should have gradually faded with time.

But at this moment, the Witch of Evil had not died—she had reappeared.

Eve immediately rushed back to the Holy Capital, Kubabile, and pleaded before the Pope to be allowed to go and kill her.

In truth.

Eve did not believe she could definitely defeat the Witch of Evil.

She went with the resolve to die.

Even if it meant mutual destruction, she would still go.

The disgrace of the Sword Saintess must be washed away by the Sword Saintess herself.

Anyone else could avoid it.

But she—Eve, the Sword Saintess—had to go.

Even if the opponent was the most talented being in a thousand years.

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On that very day in Green City, after saving Radiant Knight Aisor and killing two Earth-rank black serpents, Eve went on to slay thirteen magical beasts ranging from fourth rank to Earth rank.

Late at night, she returned to Green City.

After learning more from Aisor about the Witch of Evil, the loli vampire, and the unrest of magical beasts from the Sealed Demon Mountain Range, she returned to a temporary, rather simple inn room.

With a magic lamp lit, still wearing her beige dress stained with dust and grime, she sat at the desk and began writing a letter.

“To Shield Saintess Nilisa Victoria:

Dear Nilisa, I have never been good at socializing, but I have important matters to entrust to you.

You have always treated me kindly and as a friend, while I have always regarded you as a teacher.

I hope you can help me complete this request.

Please forgive Eve’s willfulness.

I have arrived in Green City.

After the Night of Calamity, it was already in ruins, and now with the sudden appearance of the Blood Race Demon King, it has nearly become a dead city.

With magical beasts appearing frequently outside, the lives of our Church comrades stationed here are constantly at risk.

I am deeply worried.

I do not know whether the Holy Capital has received news of the Blood Race Demon King’s reappearance.

It is said she has headed toward the Arkan Empire.

Please report to the Pope and request that multiple titled knights be dispatched as soon as possible to eliminate her.

The high-level magical beasts of the Sealed Demon Mountain Range must also be taken seriously.

Today alone, I have slain five Earth-rank beasts, but I sense that even stronger ones may be approaching Green City.

If possible, I ask Miss Nilisa to come personally to prevent further loss of believers.

Aside from these matters, I have a personal request.

I have asked to go and slay the Witch of Evil, and the Pope’s approval is my greatest fortune.

However, her strength is immeasurable, and this journey will likely be fatal for me.

I do not seek to return in glory—only to perish together with her.

That alone is enough.

If I do not return, there is a Sword Saintess candidate in the Asa Empire, now sixteen years old and already at Earth rank.

She is kind and strong-willed, the most suitable candidate I have seen in my ten years across the Western Continent.

If she becomes the Sword Saintess, I hope you will guide her well and not let her seek revenge for me.

The Saintesses are meant to represent the Church among the people.

In thirty years, the Shield Saintess has never been replaced.

The Flower Saintess changed only once due to Sevyara being chosen by the holy artifact.

But if I die, the Sword Saintess will have changed four times.

I truly do not wish for the curse—that the Sword Saintess cannot live beyond ten years—to continue spreading among the people and the Church.

Aside from the Witch of Evil, all previous Sword Saintesses died protecting our lord and the people.

I feel unworthy compared to my predecessors.

But I hope that with this body and this sword, I will not disgrace their legacy.

That is my only wish.

Please forgive Eve’s willfulness.

—Eve, September 20th, late night.”

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After finishing the letter, Eve neatly folded it and placed it into an envelope.

She reinforced it with several layers of simple magic to prevent damage.

After handing it to Aisor, she returned to her room.

Using the water stored in a tank, she briefly washed her face.

Then she stood by the window, looking out at the devastated Green City.

Her gaze grew even more resolute.

She did not have a single second to waste.

Turning around, Eve found a suitable spot and began cultivating her warrior energy.

The night passed quietly.

The next destination—Chaldea Academy.

A battle to the death against the Witch of Evil awaited.