"Arrogance?" Nero murmured.
It was a concept that originated in Greece and was later absorbed by the Church—the first of the Seven Deadly Sins. The demon that symbolized it was named Lucifer, also known as Satan.
"Whether pity or domination, in the end, both are arrogance," Sphinx said. And that was precisely why Goetia and Pavoni were called Beast I.
In truth, the reason arrogance stood first, the greatest of the original sins, was because it was the essence of all violence inflicted upon others. To scorn another's personhood, rights, and life, to believe one could take and give as one pleased—that arrogance was the source of violence.
Nero now fully understood how the erosion of this demonic energy had changed the townspeople. If they allowed this situation to continue, even if Nero and the others were unharmed, the town would probably...
"Then shouldn't we go while it still hasn't broken out of its shell and—"
"No, Chaldean."
Before Mash could finish, Sphinx cut her off. "Even if it has not broken its shell, a young Beast is still a young Beast. You will understand this once the swordswoman returns."
"The swordswoman... Doctor Giorgios?!" Hearing that, Ritsuka quickly reacted and asked in startled uncertainty, "She... met Pavoni?"
"Of course. Apart from it, not even a Demon Pillar could have kept her in that area."
Nero was more pragmatic. She asked, "How long until it breaks its shell?"
Sphinx gave an answer that brought with it a trace of despair. "'Seven Setting Suns' is being offered to Pavoni as a sacrifice. This means that it is using the power of the Holy Grail to gradually devour the Sun God's divine nature. As for the time... it will be complete by today's sunset."
They had no time. At this moment, there were