Chapter 100
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Chapter 100: Otherworld’s Famous Detective, Lolth, Makes a Grand Entrance!
The Final Church was something entirely new to Lolth. None of the books or publications she had previously encountered had ever described this organization.
Shelldor had become aware of them because these people approached her on their own initiative. On the first night when she and the Red Dragon clan settled in Palgauro City, three mysterious figures, clad in gray cloaks from head to toe, sought an audience. They identified themselves as members of “The Final Church” and came to Shelldor proposing cooperation with the “Abyssal Demon.”
Though initially uncertain about the nature of “The Final Church,” Shelldor, following the Demon King’s instructions to “make good use of local talent,” extended a welcoming gesture to these first individuals who showed goodwill. However, as she continued listening, she noticed something was amiss.
These three men’s foolish goal was to summon an unspeakable ancient deity, intending to restore that “god’s” rule over the entire continent and cleanse all creatures of their supposed betrayal. Their promise to Shelldor was that, as an abyssal creature, she bore no “betrayal.” As long as she agreed to submit, she could become a messenger and Spawn of that “god.”
After some consideration, Shelldor concluded these three might be mentally unstable, so she dismissed them. Following her principle of “treating commoners well,” she initially didn’t want to seek revenge, reasoning that killing people on her first day in the city, even if they were deranged, wouldn’t leave a good impression.
However, these three strange figures in gray robes proved ungrateful. They publicly unleashed a seventh-level magical scroll in the center of Palgauro City before fleeing. The magic was unknown to Shelldor, wielding very strange powers. Its specific effect manifested as a black “sphere” that corroded almost half the street, transforming all objects into a “dark and hard” state and severely injuring several Abyssal Dragon Tribe members. Fortunately, no civilians were present, avoiding a more serious incident.
The street’s transformation persisted for several days before normalizing, but the areas touched by the demon dragons remained dark and hard, resistant to all healing attempts. During this period, while improvements proceeded orderly on Palgauro City’s surface, countless hidden attacks occurred beneath. The gray-robed figures with their magical scrolls targeted not only the Second Legion but also all residents and nobles indiscriminately.
Despite killing some of the gray-robed individuals, the damage and casualties they caused kept mounting—relying solely on the Second Legion’s daily patrols was becoming increasingly insufficient. After all, managing a city required many hands. This group’s seemingly aimless retaliation against the people across the entire continent left Shelldor at a loss. Her attempts to investigate their origins proved fruitless; she couldn’t even capture a suspect alive. Even if she had, Shelldor lacked interrogation skills.
“So, Lord Lolth… do you have any ideas?”
Lolth found herself equally puzzled by Shelldor’s question. “No, I’ve never heard of this church before,” she sighed, but facing her tired-looking friend, she didn’t outright refuse. “But I will try to investigate.”
Naturally, Lolth didn’t plan to help without compensation. While accepting this side mission, she handed over her final shopping list to Shelldor. “As a favor, help me gather the items mentioned here.”
The Second Legion and the Abyssal Dragon Tribe ranked among the wealthiest of various legions and races. Though Shelldor had come to western Palgauro City troubled by “The Final Church,” she was still certain to make a significant profit. While some requested items were rare materials, acquiring them wouldn’t prove too challenging for her.
“I’m happy to help, Lord Lolth – even without your assistance in this investigation, I would get these items for you.”
For Shelldor, Lolth warranted serious consideration, both emotionally and practically.
“Your words almost make me not want to help… but since your city isn’t safe, I’ll leave this old man and child with you.”
Despite her muttered response, Lolth accepted the materials from Shelldor and departed the Lauren Institute. She left Old Harper and Kanor behind, setting out this time with Ann and Isabella.
Isabella, who had been feeling downcast, brightened somewhat. Though unfamiliar with “The Final Church,” learning of their actions led her to realize they were worse than the demon race! Of course, Isabella didn’t notice that this thought revealed her gradually shifting perspective on demons. She had begun acknowledging that the demon race neither killed innocents indiscriminately nor sought to destroy the world, and even showed concern for civilians.
The danger and madness of “The Final Church” had convinced any rational person they needed to be eradicated. Ann shared this sentiment.
“These things still exist, and they’re even on Seychelles’ border…” he muttered, seemingly more knowledgeable about these matters than Lolth and Isabella.
Though Lolth heard this, she chose not to probe Ann further. Despite her unfamiliarity with “The Final Church,” her experiences from two lifetimes sufficiently informed her understanding of such organizations and their operations. This explained why, despite finding it troublesome, she hadn’t really refused Shelldor’s request.
The demon race, with their straightforward mindset, truly couldn’t handle this type of cult situation. Without addressing the root cause, such organizations would cause endless harm.
After briefly reviewing the information in her hands while standing on Palgauro City’s streets, Lolth maintained her lazy expression.
“Let’s go.”
“Where to?” Ann couldn’t help but ask.
“To the intersection of Peace Alley and Honesty Street… that’s where the most recent attack occurred, and the magical effects haven’t completely dissipated yet.”