Wait, what?!

Is she faking it?

Or is she being possessed by a god?

After Meidaini suddenly collapsed, the black bird perched on her shoulder flapped its wings and shot into the air. It darted wildly around the room, its head *thudding* against the walls—a sound painful just to hear. All the while, it shrieked: “Demon Slayer~ Demon Slayer~”

Chaos erupted instantly. Yifia stood frozen in shock. Jesina, however, wasn’t frightened at all. Her face lit up with excitement, amber-red eyes locked tightly on the fallen Meidaini, as if hoping she’d leap up any second to unleash divine might.

“Jesina, this feels off. Does Meidaini always perform her rites like this?” While waiting, Yifia sneakily tugged Jesina’s sleeve, leaned close, and whispered. If Westis Empire witches were *this* dedicated—collapsing onto hard floors without hesitation—Yifia would rather skip the coin. Honestly, she lacked that acting skill; she’d be exposed long before she could even *“summon”* a deity. Still… maybe Meidaini had genuinely collapsed, not faking possession.

Yifia’s question broke the tension, but Jesina didn’t mind. Maintaining a mix of forced solemnity and lingering excitement, she whispered back: “Rites? What does that mean?” As a pure-blooded Westis Empire noble, Jesina—like most—only knew basic Eastern terms. Only fanatics dug deeper. Words like “shamanistic rituals” meant nothing to her. Yifia rephrased carefully: “I mean… is this how witches request blessings? Let a deity possess them, then receive the blessing?” Jesina instantly got it. But she’d never witnessed a witch’s ritual up close. In the Westis Empire, church prayers were allowed; anything demon-related was strictly forbidden. Even books on the topic were banned taboos. Caught hoarding them or performing forbidden acts? A “pleasant” stint in imperial prison awaited—blood sacrifices meant indefinite detention… or execution. So demon rumors only spread in hushed whispers. Jesina could only share what she knew: “I’m not sure either, but I’ve heard witches are intense. Probably the same process for everyone. Let’s wait patiently.” “I see.”

As Yifia and Jesina whispered, the System—silently observing—was utterly done with them.

*This isn’t divine possession!*

*It’s demonic possession!*

Meidaini wasn’t a true witch, but she had an extraordinary sixth sense for anomalies. Still, she couldn’t commune with gods—because this world had none. Only demons… held back by world rules and the Villainess Heiress, the shadowy mastermind. They lurked in darkness, silently watching humans, occasionally snatching souls for a snack. Logically, countermeasures should exist…

But!!!

The System didn’t know!

It only had the original plot and fragmented rumors. Core truths were buried deep. Now, with its host clinging to the Villainess Heiress, the System dared not speak—terrified of being caught.

*Sigh… Why was its fate so cruel?*

As the System wallowed, the collapsed Meidaini stirred. Her body twitched irregularly, joints groaning like a rusted machine. Each creak sent chills down spines. Yifia watched, certain this wasn’t divine possession—but demonic. *If this is acting… way too overdone!*

[System, is Meidaini really being possessed by a god?]

[System advises host: leave immediately. Avoid financial scam.]

The System knew Yifia well. Say “demonic possession,” she’d doubt it—act like a nitpicker. But mention money? Simple. Yifia would never let a single copper coin be swindled. True to form, she decided to leave. If the window hadn’t been blocked, she’d have jumped straight out.

“Yifia… doesn’t this feel strange now?” Jesina’s excitement had faded. Fear returned as she stared at Meidaini—lying on the floor, limbs twisted at unnatural angles, reaching toward empty air, letting out eerie howls.

“I think so too. Let’s get out of here, now!”

[WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!]

[HOST: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!]

The System’s shrill alert blared—annoying, but if it was this alarmed, danger was real!

“Hurry, we’ll come back later, Jes—"

“Kukuku… Look what wandered in~ A delicious little morsel, walking right into the trap~”

Too late. Meidaini’s light voice turned hoarse and gravelly, unmistakably masculine. Her prone form shifted, rising stiffly like frames from an old film. Cloaked and faceless, she stretched her arms wide, tilted her head back, and let out a sinister laugh. She turned toward Jesina, voice rasping as if choked: “I adore pure maiden souls… so sweet. One taste, and you’ll never forget it!” She stepped forward, hand reaching.

Jesina froze—eyes wide, body locked by terror, tears streaming, vision blurred.

“Hey, no discrimination! Aren’t I a maiden too?”

Yifia’s voice cut through. In one motion, she yanked Jesina behind her, standing firm. Fear clawed her chest, but her face stayed calm. *Given this… the System definitely lied.* If death was inevitable, she’d face it with pride!

“Kukuku, don’t rush, both of y—"

“AAAAAH!!!”

Just as Yifia steeled herself for the end, Meidaini let out a blood-curdling scream.