Episode 99: The Saint of Death, the Head-hunting Bat, and a Side of Little Girl

Ever since that whole Ragnarok Incident in the Soul World, Anra had been riding my back about "increasing my interactions" with my summoned beasts. That was the only reason I found myself diving back into my own soul again today.

My first stop was the church where Balor usually spent her time.

Until recently, my soul didn't even have a church. However, after receiving a barrage of complaints that watching Balor offer prayers in the middle of a literal void was "creepy," Merli had eventually built the place while looking visibly repulsed by the whole ordeal. It felt almost nostalgic now.

Balor had been a sister back in Mythologia, so I supposed praying was just second nature to her. Still, it made me wonder. What kind of god is she even devoted to?

"You in here, Balor?"

I stepped into the church and called out. Ahead of me, a pink-haired woman dressed in a religious habit was deep in prayer.

She was so focused that I actually hesitated to speak again. I briefly considered just turning around and leaving rather than disturbing her, but she must have sensed my presence. She finished her prayer and spoke without looking back.

"My lord, I shall be with you in a moment. Please, do not leave."

"…Yeah. Just don't trip."

"Fufu, you worry for me? I appreciate it, but I am quite fine. I have grown used to this."

She turned and walked toward me with a stride that showed zero hesitation. When she was inches away, she reached out and touched my face to confirm I was really there.

Once satisfied, she stepped back a few inches, cleared her throat, and spoke.

"Ufufu, it really is you. Now then, what business brings you here today?"

"I ended up summoning you the other day, didn't I? I figured I owed you a thank you. Is there anything you want?"

"――!?"

"…Uh, Balor?"

I’d offered it because she’d been the most help to me lately, but she reacted with such visible shock that I could practically feel her eyes snapping wide open beneath her blindfold.

"Oh, God, please forgive this lowly servant… Why? Why must You grant me such a trial?"

"What’s the big deal? You can ask for something simple. I know you aren't the type to demand anything unreasonable."

"…I loathe my usual self. I truly loathe it," she whispered.

She sounded so utterly drained of life that the sudden drop in her mood caught me off guard. I wondered if she was actually okay, but she seemed to be genuinely agonizing over the choice. I stayed quiet for a moment, trying to think if there was anything else I could offer.

"――Ugh. In that case, Lord Reima, would you take a walk with me?"

"Hmm? If that's all you want, sure. It’s dangerous outside, though. Is staying in this world alright?"

"Yes. As long as it is with you, I would go anywhere."

And so, it was decided. I took her hand to lead the way and we left the church to wander through the landscape of my Soul World.

Balor could technically see her surroundings using magic perception, but since her eyes were covered, I figured it was better to lead her so she didn't take a face-plant.

"…Since we're out anyway, maybe we should go find Shibaru and the others."

"Oh, Lord Camazotz? That sounds lovely. You summoned him recently as well, did you not?"

"Yeah. He helped me out in that Dungeon, and I haven't officially thanked him yet."

"Perhaps we should hold a judgment? A man like him usually prefers to settle things with steel."

"You’re probably right… It’s been a while, so that might be for the best."

We continued our exploration, chatting as I led her along.

Our destination was the Great Tree that stood at the center of this world. It was the place where Jormungand and Ratatoskr usually slept, and most of the other summoned beasts hung out there too.

I figured Shibaru was probably there, likely hanging upside down from a branch somewhere.

"Oh, right. I need to give my thanks to Berg, too."

"Berg-chan as well? You have quite the full schedule today."

"I might even have her let me hitch a ride and fly for a bit. It’d be a hell of a lot faster."

With that plan in mind, I made my way toward the forest surrounding the Great Tree. When I called out Berg’s name, a girl with brown hair immediately emerged from the treeline.

Her long hair was tied back, and her eyes sparkled the moment she saw me. Her face broke into a radiant smile before she lunged at me for a hug.

"Papa! Did you come to see Berg!?"

"Something like that. I’m heading to the Great Tree to see Shibaru, and I thought you might want to come along."

"I’ll go! But I don't really want to fly… I'd rather just talk to you!"

"Fine, I get it. We'll walk."

…This was Berg Fernir.

According to her Scripture, she was originally a giant eagle known as Hræsvelgr—the "Swallower of Corpses" or "The One Who Cancels the Wind."

She’d lost her memories when we first met, and after spending so much time together, she’d grown to adore me like I was her actual father.

"Oh, I know! Papa, let's hold hands!"

"My hands are going to be kind of full…"

"It’s okay! Berg will lead the way!"

"I guess that works."

With Balor on my left and Berg on my right, I ended up walking with both hands occupied.

We ran into a few other summoned beasts along the way, making small talk as we progressed until we finally reached the foot of the Great Tree.

"Shibaru! You around!?"

"I am here… Reima. And I see you have the Magic Eye and the Eagle with you. What is your business?"

"Nothing much. You helped me yesterday, so I wanted to see if you needed anything as thanks."

"…In that case, face me in combat. Yesterday’s events have left me with much on my mind."

"Fair enough. Let's find an open spot."

Just as Balor had predicted, it turned into a fight. I pulled a weapon from my [Storage] and squared off against him. We spent the next hour trading blows.

As time went on, a crowd of spectators gathered to watch us. It had been a while since I’d had a proper mock battle, and it turned out to be surprisingly cathartic. If nothing else, it reminded me just how powerful Shibaru really was.

[Afterword]

It’s been a while!

The third chapter of the third act begins today! To make up for the lack of updates in January and February, I’m planning to post every day through March, so please look forward to it!

Also, as of the last chapter, "IseSamo" has officially passed 100 episodes! I don't have anything special planned to celebrate, but if you're enjoying the ride, please consider leaving a star or following the series!