Something is Wrong

When someone falls into a misconception, it is very difficult to come out of it without another person’s reminder.

Key was like this, always thinking only that she was the one who killed everyone, while ignoring the other details.

“I think little Key’s appearance wasn’t sudden at all ♪ Maybe everyone’s efforts back then were exactly to bring about your appearance～”

A final strike that gathered the strength of every civilization and every life on the planet—Edinia didn’t believe those people hadn’t considered all the possibilities.

So Key’s appearance must also have been part of their consideration.

After all, it was the last strike of everything they had.

It was impossible that they would have recklessly used it without considering any consequences.

This much was clear from how, after Key appeared, they didn’t despair, but instead used their very last strength to send Firefly and Key away.

What’s more, in Key’s own description, it was always Firefly who was protecting her during their escape.

If Key’s appearance had truly been just an accident, and if she were really the culprit behind the planet’s destruction, then she would never have been treated and protected like that.

So Key’s appearance definitely wasn’t an accident.

It was something everyone firmly believed in.

But this belief had followed Key for too long.

Even if Edinia told her all her thoughts, she wouldn’t believe it directly.

She would only think Edinia was comforting her.

So the only ones who could truly bring Key back from this state were the people who had already died—and Firefly herself.

Only they could bring Key her true redemption.

“Since you were born from the combined power of everyone, shouldn’t your own power be very strong too? Then why were you almost defeated by just one church member?”

Key was somewhat shaken by Edinia’s words, and then hearing this question, she steadied herself and answered:

“I cannot use too much power, or that thing will notice, and it will bring destruction to this planet.

And my power’s source is actually the Princess. So I cannot use the Princess’s power to hurt the Princess.”

Hearing this, Edinia thought for a moment and asked:

“So the person who fought against you was using Firefly’s power?”

Key nodded.

Edinia then fell into silence.

After a while, Edinia gently stroked Key’s head as she curled in her arms, and spoke softly:

“You must be really tired today ♪ So rest here a bit～ Don’t worry, it’s safe here.”

In truth, the exhaustion in Key’s body had already long reached the level where anyone else would have died instantly.

What kept her going was only the desire to atone.

So for Key, who hadn’t truly rested in who knew how many ages, after experiencing this warmth she had never known before, her tense body loosened, and her fatigue finally arrived.

From just now, Key had already felt her eyelids fighting against each other, but she had been forcing herself not to fall asleep.

Until Edinia’s gentle voice, like a lullaby, once again entered her ears.

Key could hold on no longer, and her eyes slowly closed as she fell asleep quietly in Edinia’s arms.

Looking at the adorable sleeping face in her arms, Edinia’s face showed deep affection.

She carefully placed Key on the bed, gently covered her with a blanket, then stood up and whispered softly:

“Rest well, my cute little Key ♪ From here on, leave everything to Edinia and Su Mo～”

Saying this, Edinia walked out of the room.

She looked back once more at Key sleeping on the bed, then gently closed the door.

“Well then… let’s go find Firefly.”

Edinia left the orphanage.

All her previous thoughts had been overturned.

The belief that the Archbishop was a good person also now seemed reversed.

Looking at it now, the church was far too suspicious.

To seal Firefly’s magic and then let church members use it—Edinia felt that sealing magic couldn’t possibly be just for such a simple reason.

There must be an even larger plan secretly underway.

So, knowing that the church might not be right but still letting Firefly go back alone, Edinia was deeply worried for her safety.

She quickened her pace and headed toward the church.

……

Meanwhile, Firefly was running desperately through the streets, only thinking about getting back to the church quickly to find everyone and help Su Mo.

She was giving it her all now, afraid that every second late would mean more danger for Su Mo.

When the familiar outline of the church appeared in her vision, her face lit up with excitement.

But in the next moment, it turned into confusion.

Because the church in front of her was far too quiet—quiet as though no one was inside.

Normally, even at night, there would be some lights shining.

But tonight the whole church was pitch dark, and the once holy building now looked like a terrifying beast, sending chills down her spine.

Even so, saving someone was more important, and Firefly didn’t pay much attention to these oddities, rushing straight into the church.

The priests who usually stood guard did not stop her.

Firefly quickly ran through the church, but no matter where she looked, she couldn’t find a single person.

A wave of unease slowly rose within her.

She arrived at the last place she hadn’t checked—the preaching hall of the church.

This was normally where believers prayed, and where new followers were initiated.

Firefly stepped forward slowly into the hall.

The surroundings were pitch black, making it impossible to see clearly.

But at the very front, there were still windows.

A few rays of moonlight shone onto the floor at the front of the hall.

And there, someone was standing silently with their back to her.

Seeing this familiar figure, Firefly’s worried expression vanished, replaced by excitement. She couldn’t help but cry out:

“Archbishop!”

As she said this, she was already running toward the person, speaking as she ran:

“Su Mo and I were in danger outside! Please help us, Archbishop!

And why is the church so quiet today? Where is everyone?”

Firefly had already reached the Archbishop’s back, but the Archbishop made no response at all.

Confused, Firefly reached out to touch his body, her voice full of doubt:

“Archbishop?”

In the next instant, the Archbishop’s body tilted forward and collapsed to the ground with a loud thud!

Firefly froze in place, her hand still outstretched, staring blankly at the scene before her.