The Stigmata Ghost Never Dies on a Cross

Without a doubt, the second figure was none other than the former Ural Silver Wolf.

At that moment, the person who had been kicked back into the woods finally appeared, letting out a furious roar, "Bronya! What are you doing?!"

"Xing!?" Kiana was even more surprised to see the pink-haired girl with a face full of anger. "What are you doing here?"

As she asked the question, the girl instinctively hid the baseball bat behind her back.

Wanting to keep the existence of the Honkai a secret from her friends, Kiana was completely unaware of what the speed the two had just used meant.

"We're adjusting to the time difference."

Ignoring Xing's question, Bronya answered expressionlessly.

Since Shi Hen doesn't want Kiana to know that they come from Anti-Entropy, she will naturally try her best to cover it up.

"Adjusting to... jet lag?"

Kiana's jaw was practically agape.

"That's right." Nodding, Bronya continued to explain, "In North America, it's daytime right now."

We couldn't sleep, so we decided to go for a run.

Having spent a lot of time with Shi Hen, the girl had gradually learned to lie without thinking.

"Huh? Bronya, what's wrong with you now? We're not doing this because—"

Before she could finish speaking, a familiar elbow strike struck, instantly putting on a mask of pain for Xing.

"So, Kiana, how did you end up here?"

Bronya asked the white-haired girl, as if she were telling the whole truth.

"Me?" Kiana panicked when she heard Bronya's question, but then she quickly came up with an explanation, "I don't really sleep well either, so I came out for a run too."

Oh, by the way, didn't I read online that moderate exercise can help with sleep?

Kiana thought she was really clever, that she could come up with such a perfect excuse in Setsuna.

"I see."

Bronya nodded, seemingly accepting the answer.

Sasa~

The sound of shoes crunching on fallen leaves rang out.

Only then did the last of the three finally arrive, belatedly.

"You guys go running... and you bring this thing with you?"

Kiana's lips twitched as she looked at the giant scythe in Seele's hand.

She felt that things seemed a bit out of line.

"These are folk crafts from North America. It's said that carrying them around can help you sleep."

Bronya gave an explanation without any expression.

"Ah?"

Hearing this inexplicable conversation, Seele blinked and looked confused.

"Hmm..."

Kiana frowned.

"..."

Bronya remained calm.

"So... that's how it is."

With a clap of her hands, Kiana instantly felt relieved.

Once you accept Bronya's character setting, everything suddenly makes sense.

After all, she herself carried a baseball bat while jogging at night.

"No, that's right, that's how it is."

Upon hearing this, Seele subconsciously nodded in agreement.

Despite having absolutely no idea what happened, having spent so much Shi Hen, the girl had long since become a qualified repeater.

At this moment, both groups of girls received answers that satisfied them.

This is a win-win situation.

Chapter 109 The Stigmata Ghost Will Never Die on the Cross

"Yae Village is truly a beautiful village."

As Miko walked with the shrine maiden through the ancient village, Shi Hen couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

With its neat houses and crisscrossing paths, this Yae Village, recreated from the memories of Yae Sakura, is far more authentic than those so-called folk tourist attractions in the real world.

Moreover, there are still living, mobile villagers in the village.

Upon seeing the Miko, she would greet him warmly, but her gaze would involuntarily turn greedily and longingly towards the boy beside her, as if... a zombie craving fresh flesh and blood. (Hen)

Shi Hen responded to all these gazes with the most sincere and enthusiastic smiles, as if he couldn't see the malice in the villagers' eyes at all.

After all, he is now a paladin of the Schicksal Church, so he naturally has to be kind to people.

Even though his clothes had been altered by the power of the Stigmata Space, becoming a black short shirt that conformed to the style of the era.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Hearing the boy's praise, Yae Sakura smiled demurely, her charming face like a cherry blossom swaying in the mountains.

"Of course, the same goes for Miss Yae." Looking at the Miko's face, Shi Hen nodded slightly, his voice tinged with emotion. "If the Saintess Maiden were to see you, she would surely be very happy."

She likes pretty and cute girls the most.

Yes, he likes them too, and he likes them even more, especially girls with Herrscher- like qualities.

He currently has two Herrscher Core but doesn't yet possess any power.

"..." Upon hearing the boy's words, Yae Sakura's cheeks flushed red. After a pause, she continued, "Knight, are you very familiar with Kallen?"

"Of course."

Nodding slightly, Shi Hen's lips curled into a smile.

Miss Miko, you just gave yourself a serious blunder.

Throughout the entire process, he never mentioned the Saintess's name, but Yae Sakura naturally called out the name Kallen.

Considering the special nature of this Stigmata Space, Shi Hen did not point out the Miko's mistake, but continued to say what he had just said, "I once swore to my sword that I would fight to protect the Saintess for the rest of my life."

But unfortunately... my power is far too insignificant; I can't even keep up with the Saintess's pace.

As he spoke softly, Shi Hen shook his head regretfully, his face instantly filled with remorse.

Even if Otto were here today, he would still be the guardian knight of Saintess Kallen.

"Knight, please don't say that!" With a serious expression, Yae Sakura immediately comforted the boy, "As long as you have this intention, Kallen will definitely approve of you!"

"..." Hearing this, Shi Hen a smile appeared on his face. "Yes, the Saintess Maiden is so powerful and gentle that people can't help but want to follow her."

"As long as you don't give up, I believe you will catch up with Kallen one day."

Yae Sakura smiled and encouraged her.

"Then thank you for your kindness Miss Yae." Shi Hen looked around and a hint of doubt appeared on his face. "Miss Yae, this should be the road to the shrine, right?"

They have passed through four torii gates.

"Yes. Your Excellency is of noble status, and only the Yae Shrine in the village is worthy of your honor."

Yae Sakura explained.

"Wouldn't this be too much of a disturbance to the gods?"

Shi Hen asked, his expression seemingly worried.

"The Lord God is very kind and benevolent." Yae Sakura smiled and shook her head. "Our Yae clan has lived in the shrine for generations, so you don't need to worry about it."

"That would be perfect."

He smiled and said, a hint of amusement in his Shi Hen.

Is this Herrscher of Erosion planning to keep him under her watchful eye?

Since the other party wants to corrupt Yae Sakura's mind, the area around this Miko must be where the Herrscher has placed the most pawns.

In other words, Yae Shrine is the headquarters of this Herrscher of Erosion.

But this is good, as it will allow him to find the Herrscher's true form more quickly.

Although there was still plenty of time, the boy didn't mind resolving the issue sooner.

Before long, the long path to the temple was completed, and several red buildings, significantly more luxurious than the houses in the village, came into view.

"This is the Yae Shrine. Sir, please wash your hands first."

Smiling, Yae Sakura pointed to the pool beside her.

With a slight nod, Shi Hen readily complied.

Even if a major conflict were to occur soon, he was still willing to observe basic etiquette.

After washing her hands, Yae Sakura respectfully returned the Demon Blade to the main hall before leading the boy through the shrine's domain to the rear courtyard.

This is the place where the Yae clan has lived for generations.

"Please stay here for the next few days. If you need anything, please let me or the other staff at the shrine know."

Yae Sakura smiled and said, "I found an empty room for the boy to stay in."

"I'm sorry to have bothered you."

Shi Hen nodded slightly.

Pat pat~

Footsteps sounded in the corridor, and a simply dressed middle-aged woman appeared outside the door.

"My Miko, the lord of the Shrine Master requests your presence."

Standing at the doorway with her head slightly bowed, the woman spoke in a respectful tone.

"Now?"

Yae Sakura frowned.

She just brought Shi Hen back, and hasn't even had a sip of tea yet.

"Yes, His Shrine Master is in a great hurry."

The woman remained humble, her head bowed.

"Alright." With a helpless sigh, Yae Sakura looked at the boy with a guilty expression. "Excuse me, Sir Knight, it seems I must take my leave now."

"There's no need for that. It's my presumptuousness to visit you. Please make yourself at home, Miss Yae."

Shi Hen shook his head.

He knew that the Herrscher of Erosion was manipulating the script.

In terms of control over the Stigmata Space, the Herrscher of Erosion is indeed far superior to Yae Sakura.

If the other party hadn't been so fixated on the Miko, perhaps five hundred years would have been enough time for the Herrscher to break the seal.

Unfortunately... this Herrscher is a sister-complex character.

"Please feel free to visit, and you can also ask other shrine staff for assistance if needed."

After giving her final instructions, Yae Sakura followed the woman away.

Watching the two figures disappear around the corner, Shi Hen couldn't help but shake his head and sigh softly.

Trapped in a spider web yet unmoved, is this Miko completely oblivious, or has she willingly succumbed to depravity?