265,

To make a change, there needs to be enough momentum.

To generate the momentum needed to stop the villagers from engaging in this witch-burning, Cyclone decided to end with this statement.

"I, Cyclone Theodore, swear in the name of God... that Forcia is definitely not wearing anything underneath and has hidden a weapon down there!!!"

Instantly, silence descended upon the execution site.

It wasn't a cry for help from the villagers, nor a denial of the demon's existence.

At this moment, even though Forcia and the Water Priestess wavered, it was not enough to convince the villagers to believe or seek the truth, let alone save themselves.

To watch coldly, to ignore what doesn't concern oneself, to go along with the crowd and enjoy the spectacle...

And there's one more thing: better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Cyclone understood clearly that this was the most common way of thinking among regular people.

Because he himself was such a person, if he were in the villagers' shoes, he wouldn't lend a hand to save himself either.

Even if he didn't understand why this person had to die...

Even if he thought this person was a bit pitiful...

Even if he believed this person shouldn't suffer...

Even if he knew all that, he wouldn't intend to save him. Why?

Because he didn't want to get involved. Clearly, it had nothing to do with him, so why should he intervene?

Just choosing to watch from the sidelines would be fine. There was no need to care seriously about someone he didn't know.

"Don't you... don't you want to know!! What secrets lie beneath Forcia's nun attire?!!"

No one spoke. Forcia retreated behind the Water Priestess.

The female villagers were at a loss for words, while the male villagers blushed.

Several seconds passed and the awkward atmosphere remained unchanged.

Cyclone had done his best to guide the villagers to this crucial moment of hesitation.

This could only be considered a deadlock.

Even though the power of lust had greater tension compared to goodwill, unfortunately, it was still not enough, just a little short of breaking this stalemate.

On the other side, Cabellus, who had been watching the whole time, was inspired in a peculiar way by Cyclone's desperate battle.

He couldn't give up. How could I, the greatest poet, give up in front of a hero?

With this thought in mind, even though Cabellus had exhausted his strength and was fatigued, he concentrated his last ounce of attention in his tired consciousness, trying to find a miracle among the villagers that could help Cyclone.

Take a deep breath, look left, then right.

Eventually, Cabellus found the person he was looking for and exchanged a meaningful look.

"What's going on? Is everyone quiet now?"

"Not really... I, um, I'm a bit curious~"

"You perverted demon! Do you dare to imagine further?"

"No way... It's impossible, my pure-hearted Forcia would never..."

Just as the villagers were deep in thought, someone suddenly flipped up Forcia's nun attire.

Instantly, a weapon was revealed.

"What's the big deal? I just flipped it up~"

A mischievous little girl with a comical expression playfully lifted Forcia's nun attire from behind, revealing what was underneath, leaving the entire village speechless.

As they looked at the weapon that fell due to the abrupt motion, Cyclone didn't need to say anything. Those who had fantasies about Forcia had new thoughts in their hearts.

But it's not over yet. It can't end like this. The burning continues, and true salvation can only be achieved by putting an end to it.

"Look... look... look..."

The fire's consumption of oxygen has reached a point where there is not enough to sustain Cyclone's consciousness. The lack of oxygen has caused a physiological decline in Cyclone's awareness.

His field of vision is now close to zero, and his body feels numb. It's not hot. Cyclone feels very cold. It's like the warmth of someone's hand, the warmth he wished for.

In this black world, Cyclone gives it his all.

"Do you see it?! We didn't lie!" Cabellus shouts desperately, replacing Cyclone's voice.

"We are innocent. They are the ones deceiving you, playing with you!"

Cyclone closes his eyes, only able to listen.

But Cabellus does a great job, shaken by new thoughts. Now is the perfect time for them to ask for help.

Instead of conscience-blaming, instead of irrelevant discomfort, the feeling of being deceived becomes the driving force for the villagers.

Under the influence of malicious manipulation, the villagers will resent the Water Cult priests and will take action to stop their good deeds.

What will happen in the end, Cyclone, who has slept for a whole day, has no idea.

And when he wakes up again, three days have already passed.

***