Failed Possession Chapter-90

## Ch-90.

—

The cube of the pseudo-sanctuary had vanished, but the exposition hall—now twisted into a chaotic maze—did not return to its original state.

Still, searching posed little difficulty.

The Spirit-Devouring Tree had been split in two, and Agwi himself had fled in a state no different from death.

As a result, the vines disappeared and the dreams ended. There was no need for urgent rescue efforts; given a bit of time, the hostages would awaken on their own. Even so, Alderan’s city guard, the private soldiers of the Maybeld family, and various other forces were deployed into the maze to carry out rescue operations.

Naturally, Yuri remained still. Supported by Estor and Haryeong, he stood among the giants.

The head of the Maybeld family, **Alnair Maybeld**.

The Martial Zenith, Catastrophic Tempest
**Eleia Yudel**.

Tower Master of Havert Magic Tower, Iron Fortress
**Guzel Havert**.

Tower Master of Dercia Magic Tower, Heavenly Thunder
**Orca Dercia**.

Acting Archbishop of the Earth Church, **Luana Aide**.

“The casualties?”

“Agwi rampaged within the sanctuary. A few were caught up in it.”

Agwi, moving with a Blade Storm wrapped around his massive body, was a weapon in himself. Walls he approached were shredded and collapsed, and several unfortunate hostages were killed in the destruction.

“It was a situation where thousands could have died. That only a dozen perished can be called a stroke of heaven’s fortune.”

Alnair muttered, hands clasped behind his back. With the crisis over, even this fastidious man had stepped down from his carriage.

“The Maybeld family will have to take responsibility for compensating the destroyed exhibits.”

“We saved them from dying and still have to pay compensation?”

At Guzel’s grumbling, Alnair clicked his tongue and wagged a finger.

“If we do not compensate the exhibits—and add damages for emotional distress—where do you think the blame for this terror incident will fall? And that’s not all. Rumors will spread that Alderan is an unsafe place where heretics nearly caused a massacre. I have no desire to leave such filth attached to my city.”

Most problems in the world could be solved with money.

If thousands were harmed, give them enough money that they could not complain.
If a dozen died, give their remaining families enough money that grief would not consume them.

Alnair Maybeld was that kind of man. And the Maybeld family possessed the wealth to make it possible.

“As for me, the ones who were taken hostage and slept through everything are less troublesome than deciding what to do about the *present*.”

Alnair’s gaze shifted to Yuri and Haryeong.

“The Rising Cloud Dragon and Dark Flower, whose reputations are soaring. What compensation should I offer you?”

He had already heard the details. If Cloud Dragon and Dark Flower had not risked their lives to hold Agwi in place, thousands of hostages would have died—and in the worst case, the Rift might have been completed.

If the Rift had been completed—

Alnair did not wish to imagine it. Fifty years had passed since Rifts first appeared in the world, yet not once had humanity successfully closed one by its own power.

“My city might have become another Lanalsa.”

Whenever regions destroyed by a Rift were mentioned, Lanalsa was never omitted. Decades ago, the prosperous city of Lanalsa was annihilated by a Rift, and its refugees relocated to Panteleon, forming the Outer District.

“In other words, you did not merely save thousands of hostages—you saved my city. How should I possibly repay that? To be honest, even I do not know. This is the first time I’ve had to consider such a thing.”

Most matters could be solved with money.

This was not one of them.

“It was Lady Orca who drove Agwi into a corner.”

Yuri answered modestly.

In truth, he also did not know what to request from Alnair Maybeld. Although “Alderan” appeared in the game, there had been no major events involving the Maybeld family. In the game, Alderan was simply the region where one boarded an airship to cross to the Eastern Continent.

If it were the Ascad or Orsia families, he could think of something to ask…

‘Though I already consumed the Elixir.’

All Yuri knew of the Maybeld family was that in *Pride*, they rivaled the Ascad family as colossal magnates. If it were the alchemy-focused Ascads, there would be many things to request beyond an Elixir—but the Maybelds were neither a martial clan nor a magical house.

“There is no need to speak so.”

Orca—still settled within Lacy’s body—answered.

“If not for you and Haryeong, I would not have come here. In other words, you two are benefactors of Lacy as well. If anything, I should be the one offering compensation.”

“There’s no need for that—”

“You need not refuse.”

Now that talk of recompense had arisen, Guzel could not remain silent.

He cleared his throat softly and spoke.

“Hm… If not for you, my disciple’s soul would be in Agwi’s stomach. I too must pay the price of my disciple’s life. If there is something you desire, speak freely.”

“Our Earth Church also feels deep gratitude toward the heroes who bravely opposed the Evil God.”

Luana bowed her head.

Yuri felt even more at a loss.

Giants he would never easily meet on reputation alone were offering him compensation…

He had not fought Agwi to the death expecting a reward—but standing here alive and intact, the feeling was profound.

‘Ah…’

Was his mind light from satisfaction?

No—he was simply dizzy.

Though treated with potions, he had lost too much blood. Fractures, internal injuries—his body was far from whole. Especially after pouring all his inner power into the final Blazing Burst Fist, even his dantian felt hollow.

“For now…”

Forcing strength into his heavy eyelids, Yuri continued.

“That… may I have that?”

At some point, both his hands had grown difficult to move.

Compensation was given at the end.

Hearing those words made the “end” feel real, and all the tension drained from him.

“That…?”

What Yuri indicated were Agwi’s lower half and personal effects, carefully examined by Luana’s priests.

The torn-mouth mask, the large robe, the gold necklace and bracelet, the underwear…

“You want *that*?”

Orca asked with a complicated expression.

“I don’t need the underwear.”

“Neither do I.”

“W-we do.”

Luana forced a smile.

“They were worn directly by a Saint. All of them are likely high-grade items. Through them, we may extract information about the cult—or track the escaped Agwi.”

“After that work is done—if there is no issue—please give them to me.”

He wasn’t entirely certain, but he had a guess about that bracelet.

When building a Blade Storm Druid, it was an essential accessory.

In builds that sealed equipment slots through the Barehanded Penalty Skill, which slots to seal varied by preference—but no one sealed accessories.

Because of that bracelet.

‘Judging by the robe, underwear, and accessories alone… he chose the most stable build.’

Meaning the penalty skill Barehanded could be replaced through Geas.

‘If it were me, I would’ve sealed the underwear too, since there’s a robe anyway.’

In any case, if Yuri’s guess was correct, that bracelet wasn’t just for Blade Storm Druids—it was a highly versatile item, perhaps even endgame-tier for most builds.

“Is there a particular reason you desire it?”

“If it’s an item used by a Saint of the Evil God, it must be a good one.”

“That may be true, but…”

Seeing Luana hesitate, Alnair spoke.

“If there is no issue, hand it over.”

“Pardon?”

“If it is verified that the item is not needed to pursue Agwi or the cult, there is no problem giving it to Cloud Dragon, is there?”

Alnair looked at Agwi’s belongings with mild disinterest.

“There is ample blood and flesh left. Tracking can be done through blood magic or rituals. And the spoils of prey belong to the hunter. Agwi’s escape was made possible only because Cloud Dragon and Dark Blossom cornered him. They may rightfully be called the hunters. However, Cloud Dragon, understand that it cannot be handed over immediately.”

Was it that those with great wealth also possessed great generosity?

The Sword Emperor had been like this as well. Among all the family heads of *Pride* he had met so far, not one had been petty.

“That is something you may rightfully claim ownership over,” Alnair said. “The Earth Church will need to offer separate recompense as well. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“…Yes, the Head of House is correct.”

Luana hesitated briefly before nodding. In terms of pure *power*, she might be the weakest person present—but the one with the greatest authority here was Alnair Maybeld. The heads of Pride’s great families were giants before whom even the highest clergy of each Church did not act arrogantly.

“This discussion is becoming too long.”

Estor, supporting Yuri, finally spoke.

“I understand these matters must be discussed, but Yuri and Lady Haryeong’s injuries are not light.”

“The Sword Emperor’s grandson speaks true.”

Eleia, who had been listening quietly, agreed.

“Look at him. Cloud Dragon’s eyelids are already half-closed. If you keep talking, he’ll faint standing up.”

“We cannot have the savior of my city collapse on his feet.”

Alnair nodded.

“I would like to invite you to the Maybeld estate. Would that be acceptable?”

“…Yes. That’s fine.”

Yuri answered with a small nod.

—

—

“Guaaah…”

Agwi dragged out a hoarse scream as he scraped at the ground with his left hand. Scraping with both hands was impossible in his current state.

The body buried in the foundation had been severed around the solar plexus. He had lost his right eye. He had lost his right arm. All that remained of Agwi was his head, upper torso, and left arm.

The wounds were such that death would be natural.

Yet he did not die.

Though he had lost much, Agwi possessed tremendous soul-force among those of equal Rank thanks to the Spirit-Devouring Tree. That soul-force resisted death.

‘I… I don’t want to die…’

Agwi himself rejected death. He had prayed precisely because he wished to survive, even in such a miserable state. The wounds were horrific, yet fortunately the bleeding had stopped. His will and power clung desperately, preventing all his blood from spilling out.

But the wounds did not heal.

Agwi desperately invoked divine power—but it did not answer him.

The pain, unmitigated, threatened to drive him mad. His teeth clattered as he clawed at the ground. His transformation magic had already unraveled—he was in human form now.

‘The mask…’

Gritting his teeth, he trembled.

It wasn’t just the mask he had lost.

He had left everything behind.

All priceless epic items…!

Especially the bracelet and necklace—losing those was devastating.

‘Where is this…?’

If this continued, he would truly lose his mind from pain—or pass out. And if he lost consciousness, he doubted he would ever awaken again.

So he forced his fading awareness to hold on.

He had been seized by that finger and flown somewhere.

But he did not know where he was.

Not outdoors. Yet not quite a room either…

‘A cave…?’

He raised his head.

An uneven rock ceiling…

But it lacked the typical cave smell. The floor was clean, devoid of beast fur or debris.

A cave—yet meticulously maintained.

“Uugh…”

Please let me escape and survive.

That was what he had prayed for—but Agwi knew well that the God of Chaos he served was not a kind deity.

Gods were beings incomprehensible by human standards. One should not expect a god to have a human heart.

Especially not the God of Chaos.

As the deity’s very name and deeds proved, it was not benevolent.

He had escaped—but his body was ruined.

For now, he lived…

‘That…’

With his trembling single eye, Agwi looked deeper into the cave.

His vision blurred from injury, yet he could make out a massive door in the depths.

Someone else was here.

An enemy?

Please, no.

He still had some divine power and soul-force left—but he was in no condition to fight. If it was an enemy, he would likely die.

So Agwi dragged himself with one arm, trying to flee.

Better to escape this place first.

He couldn’t go far—but this unknown place felt too dangerous.

“Hmm?”

Just as he turned toward what he assumed was the cave’s exit—

He didn’t know how.

Though in agony and broken, his senses were not entirely dulled.

Yet until the voice spoke, he failed to notice someone had approached directly behind him.

“Oh ho. I wondered who it might be. It seems my guess was correct.”

The voice was gentle and pleasant.

But chills ran down Agwi’s spine.

The voice was unfamiliar—

The tone was not.

‘No way…’

Agwi reflexively tried to turn.

At that instant, the man behind him pressed his foot firmly against Agwi’s neck.

“Ghk—!”

Under the heavy pressure, Agwi groaned. Though only his neck was stepped on, strength drained from his entire body, and he could not move as he wished.

He failed to turn.

His face was forced into the uneven stone floor.

“Do not look back. Regrettably, I am not wearing a mask at the moment.”

The soft voice continued.

“And do not take offense at being stepped on. For one who cannot stand, I see no reason to stoop.”

“S… Sawu?”

Agwi asked haltingly.

Sawu chuckled low.

“Oh? How did you know? My voice at the Round Table is entirely altered.”

“Sawu…! What are you doing…?!”

“That is the question I should be asking. You declared you would carry out terror at the Alderan Exposition Hall—so why are you in *my* workshop?”

Sawu questioned, but Agwi could not answer.

The pressure on his throat intensified; he couldn’t speak.

“In truth, there’s no need to ask. I can guess. You failed, didn’t you? Escaped by the skin of your teeth—and not unscathed. It appears you prayed to our god and offered a sacrifice.”

Sawu stroked his beard, chuckling.

“You know one should not overuse Geas. It must have been quite dire if you had no choice but to flee through one. That is rather intriguing.”

“Uugh…”

“So then—what did you offer? As I recall, your prohibitions concerned clothing and weapons. Ah… your divine power has diminished greatly. It seems you offered most of what you had accumulated.”

Sawu laughed again.

“Agwi, my friend. You spoke with such confidence—yet look at you now. And to sacrifice divine power through Geas as well. Who would call you a Saint like this?”

“S…!”

Agwi forced out his voice between ragged breaths.

Sawu’s eyes glinted. He lessened the pressure of his foot slightly.

“S-save me.”

The moment the pressure eased, Agwi begged.

“If you spare me, I will repay the favor without fail. Though I sacrificed divine power, I still retain soul-force. My Divine Authority remains. With time, I can recover…!”

“Hmm. That may be so.”

“Please, Sawu…! I have never once defied you!”

“That is true. You have always shown me respect. And I have rather respected you in turn.”

Sawu slowly removed his foot from Agwi’s neck.

“However, I find your plea puzzling. Why would I seek to kill you? If you prayed to our god and arrived at my workshop, then surely our meeting was guided by divine will.”

Sawu smiled brightly and moved his hand.

Agwi’s body, unable to stand, floated into the air.

Overwhelming unease seized him.

He wanted desperately to turn and look—but he could not. An invisible force held his head firmly in place.

“Let us go inside first. Ah, do not worry too much. Your injuries are severe… we must treat them first, mustn’t we?”

Kugugugung…

The massive door within the cave began to open.

A stench wafted from the widening gap—

The odor of long-decaying corpses.

Agwi’s face went pale.

“Forgive the mess. It is not a place meant to receive guests.”

Sawu said cheerfully.