Vol 3 Chapter 62 – Of Course I’ll Slaughter Them

I tried to keep the slightly prideful-looking Al out of my vision as I turned to question Antares.

Frankly, she’s known him longer, so she’d probably know more.

To begin with, I’d never even heard of a religion called the Church of Shannon.

“Hey, have you heard of the Church of Shannon…?”

“Of course. When it comes to the Master, there is very little that I do not know!”

“So there are some things. I’m just glad you know your place.”

It would have been creepier if she’d claimed to know everything.

She’d be a hardcore stalker at that point.

“So, what is the Church of Shannon?”

“It is one of the world’s several non-major religions. I am not a follower myself, so I do not know the finer details… but it may be an indigenous faith.”

I was wide-eyed with surprise at her answer.

Not because the Church of Shannon was a small religion—that part made sense.

There are, after all, a number of smaller, non-major religions in existence.

I am curious how Al even encountered such a faith.

And what sequence of events could have possibly led to him becoming a devout follower?

But more than that, what really caught my attention was the fact that Antares herself was not a member.

She gave off the vibe of a loyal dog who would follow Al’s every move.

“Huh, so you didn’t join? I’d have thought you’d be the type to affirm and imitate everything Al does…”

“It is true that I wish to imitate the Master in all things… but, for some reason…”

“Hm?”

Antares’s face twisted in what looked like mild disgust.

For a girl who’s always smiling while she slaughters villains, it was a rare reaction.

And to see her at a loss for words…

This from the girl who acts as if she’s never once considered another person’s feelings…

“Anyway, is he really a believer? I’ve never seen him act like it before.”

I thought it might be a joke, but Al isn’t the type to say things like that…

Still, I don’t think he’s ever shown the slightest hint of being religious…

“That’s because I usually do it when you’re asleep. The worship.”

“Worship…?”

“Yeah, this.”

Al rummaged around inside his coat and pulled out a small sphere.

He then tossed it casually onto the ground and…

“Wha—?! What is this?!”

Pop

With a light sound, several structures appeared.

There was a platform, and in its center stood a small but intricately crafted statue.

And around it were several offerings, presumably dedicated to it.

Though simple, it possessed a level of sanctity that was no laughing matter.

It must have been created with immense adoration.

And it must have been used with that same adoration.

It was an impressive piece that clearly conveyed that history.

“My own handmade, portable altar.”

“A portable altar?!”

That’s a thing?!

And it’s handmade?! Was he always that dexterous?!

“Besides, isn’t this way too sinister? Can you even call this an altar?”

There was a reason I said that.

It certainly had a sacred quality. It even felt solemn.

But, how do I put it… it was abhorrent.

There’s a skull being used as an offering.

What is this, an evil cult?

This looks more like a tool for cursing people to death…

“My god has a fondness for blood and viscera.”

“An evil god?”

Al was an evil god worshiper…?

This is the end of the world. Goodbye, this life. Hello, next life.

“Hmph. While I am pleased that thou hast done this for me… I have no such bloody hobbies, I do not…”

“Huh?”

I spun around in shock, but there was no one there.

For a second, I thought I saw a lewd, brown-skinned woman in the corner of my eye…

It was a voice I’d never heard before, which really startled me.

“Is something wrong?”

“W-Wasn’t there someone just here?”

“I did not notice anyone…”

I’m pretty sure someone was there, but seeing Antares tilt her head in confusion made me think it might have been my imagination.

After all, if she, who has survived far more deadly situations than I have, didn’t notice anything…

…What does it say about her that she’s more battle-hardened than a Holy Sword, a weapon literally made for fighting…?

Well, I’ll just chalk it up to my imagination.

Otherwise, since I can’t see anyone at all now, it’s like there’s a ghost, and that’s just creepy.

“Well, there are some lying around. I might as well get my worship in.”

With that, Al began messing with the dead bandits’ corpses.

Gah… Barbarian…

The scene was becoming so gory that even I started to feel sick, so I averted my eyes and started talking to Antares.

Who’d have thought the person I considered a psycho would become a conversational oasis?

“Still, I can’t believe Al is religious. And pretty seriously, at that…”

“He is quite devout. He never missed a single day.”

“Huh. Well, it’s not like he’s trying to force it on anyone, so I guess it’s fine, right? He can do what he wants.”

A zealot with Al’s level of combat prowess would be the perfect recipe for an unstoppable berserker, but so far, he’s never gone off the rails over anything religion-related.

In other words, compared to your average fanatic, he’s a fanatic you can reason with.

…Even if the religion he believes in is blatantly evil.

I wonder what its doctrines are. I’m a little curious.

But this is the kind of thing where if you show the slightest interest, they’ll try to drag you in, so I’m definitely not saying that out loud.

“Well, if anyone ever tried to attack the Church of Shannon, they’d be in for a world of hurt. They’d have to deal with Al.”

“I am not a believer, but I will of course stand with my Master!”

Al alone is bad enough, but having Antares join him…?

If that happened, there literally wouldn’t be a single strand of their hair left in this world.

“I think it’s a waste of time to even worry about it! No one’s that stupid!”

It feels weird saying it myself, but that’s just impossible.

Who would be dumb enough to willingly bring a hell upon themselves where they’re attacked by Al and Antares at full force?

I mean, it’s possible someone might attack the Church of Shannon without knowing Al is a member… but there’s no reason for anyone to do that in the first place!

“That’s right. If that were to happen, I would of course slaughter them as an enemy of God.”

“Hyoeeh…”

W-Well, that’s never going to happen, so it’s fine!

Or so I confidently assured myself.