Betrayed by the Church, I Allied with the Evil God and Killed the Hero

Chapter 2

The party, now missing one member, returned to the church a week later, where they stood before Pope Ornild at the throne. The Hero, Julieaus, came to announce the death of Edith to the priests, maintaining the secret that it was actually he who was tasked with his assassination. Elzia took it the worst, as she was the only one who didn't attend the meeting, and instead locked herself inside her room.

"I see. It saddens me that one of God's chosen had to suffer such a cruel fate. However, had it not been for your heroic actions, there may have been more casualties. I commend you for gathering the strength to continue on without your beloved comrade."

"His death will not be in vain. As instructed, we will continue on with the exploration of the dungeon in the capital." Julieaus turned around and faced the others, "Take heed! What happened to Edith may happen to any of us. Do not let his death prevent you from fulfilling your duties as God's chosen!"

"Yes!" Six of the others acknowledged him while Kathlyn stayed silent, tightly holding onto her wooden staff while holding back tears. She instead let out a small whimper and spoke quietly, sobbing a little,

"Yes..." She sniffled, then a tear streaked down her face,

"Dismissed. Tomorrow you all will continue the expedition." Ornild commanded. Then Julieaus bowed. Afterwards, the party left the room.

It was midnight, the green and blue brightly coloured moons shone brilliantly in the sky, providing minimal light to all the creatures of the world. They moved to an outdoor circular hallway in which the doors to their rooms were located. In the middle of the circle was a flower garden filled with roses, dandelions, sunflowers and little insects which playfully fluttered around. In the midst of all of this was a twenty foot marble statue of their God, Amaterasu. He had a full beard, an oval face and a giant muscular body with a full head of straight hair. His frame stood straight up with both arms at his side. He was revered by all creatures of this world as the saviour, creator, and the only one worthy of worship.

Every week the church held a ceremony in which offerings were bestowed upon him. Those who didn't attend were scorned for their misbehaviour, and at times even stoned till half dead as a punishment.

Inside Elzia's room, Kathlyn arrived. She slowly opened the door and found her lying face down in bed.

"Elzia?" She shut the door and locked it. Elzia's room was completely dark, other than a single candle at her oak night stand. Her room was wooden with a large red rug. Her bed was medium sized, just large enough for two people. Kathlyn sat beside her after laying her staff down onto the ground. She set a hand upon her back and comfortingly stroked it.

"I'm sorry...I...I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now...having just lost your brother in such a horrible manner..." Kathlyn said, holding back tears,

"He was my best friend and I...I loved him...if there's anything I can do to help, don't be afraid to come to me." She didn't want to weep in front of her. Especially since she, too, was devastated.

Elzia didn't respond. She didn't even move, but Kathlyn knew she was awake.

She wanted to stay by her side for the night. Slowly, Kathlyn laid down beside the girl and stared toward the ceiling.

There was silence for a few moments. But before long, Elzia moved. Kathlyn looked at her as she rolled over to the side, facing the opposite direction of her sleeping partner.

"Kathlyn..." Elzia finally spoke, "...Do you think...the Hero...killed him?"

"What?" Kathlyn questioned.