Chapter 246.2

“The Prophet Diedrich is one who knows countless futures. He sees the factors that lead to distant futures, invisible to the eyes of ordinary people, and can walk the path of the correct future.” (???)

The space behind Diedrich warped, and a woman clad in a teal robe appeared.

Her shoulder-length hair was indigo, and her eyes were closed. In her hands, she held a transparent crystal ball.

The magic power she emanated was clearly not that of a draconid.

Like Arcana, she was likely a goddess.

“This here is Naphta, Goddess of the Future, and my Selection God. The reason I’m called a prophet is, well, thanks to Naphta.” (Diedrich)

The Goddess of the Future, huh? If Nafta truly governs the order of the future, then unlike Ahid’s, Diedrich’s title of ‘prophet’ wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

“In other words, by greeting me here, you’ll eventually reach the Pope. You’ve already seen that future, haven’t you?” (Anos)

“Exactly. And to give you another prophecy, that man named Ahid will show himself on the Divine Dragon’s sacred grounds.” (Diedrich)

Did he think I would never expect him to return to a place he’s already shown himself once?

There were so many draconids there. It wouldn’t be surprising if he planned to blend into the crowd and escape.

“When will he appear?” (Anos)

“It should be about time now.” (Diedrich)

“Then, let’s confirm it.” (Anos)

I focused my Magic Eyes on a gap in the dragon’s domain. That had to do the trick.

I used <Transition Gatom>.

For a brief moment, everything before my eyes went white, then I saw a large bonfire.

I had reappeared in the Divine Dragon’s sacred grounds.

In front of the altar, the choir of Jiordal was singing a hymn.

I scanned the area, and amidst the praying believers, I spotted a figure moving suspiciously.

It was Ahid.

He was pushing his way through the crowd, likely attempting to make a quick escape.

He hastily walked towards the exit of Jiordal, away from the sacred grounds.

Just as the crowd began to thin out, someone grabbed his shoulder.

It was Diedrich.

He must have teleported there, just as I did.

“Hey there, former Cardinal of Jiordal. You sure had your fun while I was away, didn’t you?” (Diedrich)

Ahid’s face turned pale.

“…D-Diedrich…?!” (Ahid)

“You’ll need to pay for what you did to the royal dragon.” (Diedrich)

“Damn you…!!” (Ahid)

Ahid layered multiple magic circles over the Pledge Jewel he held.

He activated <Possession Summon Azept> to summon Deigo the Dragon of Strength into himself.

With the strength of the dragon flowing through him, Ahid grabbed Diedrich’s arm and tried to force him off.

But he didn’t budge.

Ahid opened his mouth, preparing to breathe fire.

As if expecting it, Diedrich grabbed his mouth, covering it with his hand, and cast anti-magic.

“Guhhaaah…!!” (Ahid)

The fire that Ahid tried to unleash reversed, causing the fool’s to burn his own insides.

“Ku-Ikku, Ku-Ikku, Ku-Ikku…♪” (Diedrich)

While still humming the song, Diedrich took advantage of Ahide’s moment of hesitation and pinned him to the ground.

“And there’s the ‘Woo-hoo’ part. Now behave yourself.”

Though his face flushed with humiliation, Ahid let out a scream.

“There is no god!! Open your eyes, everyone! The Almighty Radiance Equis is nothing but a complete fabrication by the Pope! Think about it—it’s absurd! We hear the voice of the Divine Dragon, but no one has ever seen it. It doesn’t exist! There’s no god—Ugh…!” (Ahid)

I had moved beside Ahid and stomped on his head, silencing him by pressing his mouth against the ground.

“Quit causing such a fuss. You’re disturbing those faithful believers.” (Anos)

Even with his mouth pressed against the dirt, he groaned.

“…W… Why? Why won’t I wake up?! Why won’t I awaken from this dream no matter what I do…?!” (Ahid)

“You can ask the Pope for the answer to that.” (Anos)

I lightly kick Ahid in the face and grab him by the back of his head.

Surprised, the believers around us murmured and stared at us.

“Sorry for the interruption. Continue the festival.” (Anos)

I dragged Ahid by the back of his head as I began walking toward the church.

Diedrich stood next to me.

“I’ll be handing this man over to the church, but aside from that, I’ve arranged for a meeting with the Pope. Consider it my thanks for your assistance. Care to join me?” (Anos)

“That sounds ideal. I will graciously accept the Demon King’s offer.” (Diedrich)

Diedrich laughed heartily.

“But seeing the future is a strange thing. For example, if I had wanted to mess with your prophecy out of mischief, wouldn’t there have been a future where I didn’t take you to the Pope?” (Anos)

“Oh don’t worry. Even you knowing about Naphta the Goddess of the Future is part of the prophecy. It’s just that you’re a man who prioritizes duty over mischief.” (Diedrich)

Did he know Ahid’s location, that I would feel inclined to bring him to the Pope, and that I would never truly act out of mischief?

So he really could see the future.

“If you can predict the future, why did you let the Royal Dragon get stolen?” (Anos)

“Seeing too far into the future can be a bother. If I had tried to protect the Royal Dragon, something else would have been left defenseless. You see, it’s the invisible threats that you have to remove.” (Diedrich)

So abandoning his country’s guardian dragon was the best future?

“I see. How far into the future can you predict, anyway?” (Anos)

Gazing off into the distance, Diedrich answered.

“About as far as the day the Underground World comes to an end.” (Diedrich)