The Beginning of the Fall: Part One

Stepping back into the strangely atmospheric training room, Catherine's expression was no longer as resolute as before. She looked at the beautiful girl before her, somewhat bewildered, and opened her mouth, but Catherine herself didn't know what to say.

However, this does not mean that Angela was unaware of her inner turmoil.

How are you feeling?

Angela slightly, a rare "kind" smile on her lips, as she looked at Catherine.

"You look great, so that means you got some rest?"

"... fine."

Catherine opened her mouth, but in the end, she could only utter those two words.

"Hehe, that's good. After all, you are a very precious being. It wouldn't be fitting for you to stay in that cold dungeon all the time."

Having said that, Angela clearly didn't intend to continue the topic. She turned her head and glanced meaningfully at the soft, large bed.

"Then, you should know exactly what to do?"

"... I'll do it."

Catherine hesitated for a moment, but this time, she did not resist fiercely. She quietly walked to the bed, sat down, and then, under Angela's gaze, spread her legs, assuming the same posture as before.

"So... what do you want me to do today?"

Catherine was staring intently at the pink sheets in front of her, so she was completely unaware of the fleeting pleasure, excitement, and proud sense of conquest that flashed in Angela's gaze.

That's it!

Angela remained outwardly calm, but inwardly she was overjoyed.

So what if she's a saint? She's still just a human. Look at her now; although she hasn't completely submitted, she's lost her previous fierce resistance. Hmph... Sticks and candy are indeed the most effective tools for humans. Even a saint is no exception. It's precisely because of this that humans possess such powerful allure. On the surface, they seem unconquerable, but in reality, they are absolutely conquerable; the only difference lies in the methods used. There's nothing more entertaining than watching someone desperately resist and struggle.

Angela licked her lips, suppressing her excitement. Although she wanted to give this saintess a more advanced training session, she couldn't neglect the basics.

"Then, you should start from the part you interrupted earlier."

Our Holy Maiden is finished.

Looking at the girl whose face was flushed and whose hands were gently stroking her body, Li Lin gave a very indifferent evaluation. This made Mina and Fina, who were standing behind him, look somewhat complicated.

"Is that... it? But Master, I feel that Her Highness the Saintess..."

"Although they are still resisting, the strength of their resistance is getting weaker and weaker."

Li Lin did not answer Mina's question directly, but his words still made Mina's face darken.

"If this continues, the little guy will definitely succeed."

"Ugh... Ah... Ah..."

Just then, Catherine's moans grew louder and louder. Her body writhed on the large bed; clearly, she had reached her final moment.

"No... no..."

"Hmph, what's there to endure? This isn't the first time you've acted like this in front of me, is it?"

"Waaaaah...!!"

As soon as Angela uttered those words, Catherine's body immediately stopped writhing. Her body arched high like a fish, her mouth wide open but unable to utter a sound. Soon, her previously stiff body began to tremble, and with the trembling, several streams of clear liquid spurted from between her legs, staining the beautiful sheets and making them appear even darker. Catherine then collapsed onto the bed like a puppet with its strings cut, her beautifully shaped breasts heaving violently, sweat glistening under the light.

"... ah."

"... call..."

Seeing Catherine's reaction, the two sisters reacted differently. Mina gasped slightly in surprise, while Fina breathed a sigh of relief. Li Lin noticed their reactions, but he clearly didn't intend to say anything. Fina wholeheartedly wanted Catherine to fall. Under the little girl's relentless influence, her mindset had long since become what the little girl desired. Moreover, Fina's feelings for the gods were never as intense as Mina's, as Divine Chosen. Furthermore, the God of Justice had directly and indirectly taken their lives, so Fina no longer held the same reverence and admiration for clergy. In her view, being a saint wasn't a particularly enviable profession, nor was it as good as her current life. Catherine's refusal of Miss Angela's instruction was clearly ungrateful, so Fina was only pleased that Catherine had been successfully tamed by Angela.

But Mina was different. As Divine Chosen, she was a devout believer, and Mina had once admired Catherine. Unlike Fina, a priestess who couldn't communicate with the gods for eight hundred years, Mina, being a fellow clergyman, naturally felt a sense of kinship with Catherine, who, like herself, could sense divine summons. Therefore, she felt more responsible when facing Catherine's training. On one hand, she hoped Catherine could persevere and not lose to Angela. After all, she had failed in front of Angela before, so Mina especially wanted to see others succeed. However, Catherine's performance greatly disappointed Mina. Initially, Catherine had shown actions that gave Mina enough confidence, but now, with Catherine's recent actions, Mina's expectations and longing had vanished. In their place were anger, resentment, and... a tiny bit of expectation.

You are Divine Chosen, yet now you can only serve others. So, as a saint, what will you ultimately become?

How could I have such thoughts?

Mina was startled; she then realized that she had been so engrossed in admiring Catherine's beautiful face after she had lost in thought.

What is she thinking? How could such a thing be possible...?

Just then, Li Lin suddenly spoke up.

"You don't need to appear tonight."

"Why...?"

Upon hearing this, Mina and Fina were both taken aback, but Li Lin clearly didn't give them a chance to ask questions.

"My research supplies are almost gone, and I hope you can go back to Ringwraith City to get some. Just tell Nia what I need, and she'll know what it is."

"... yes."

Although they didn't know what Li Lin was up to, the two sisters didn't say anything and simply agreed. This was also a result of Suoxiate's teachings—you must never ask questions about things your master asks you to do that you shouldn't know.

It seems that Suoxiate has indeed educated them very well.

After carefully observing the two sisters, Li Lin nodded in satisfaction. His purpose in going out was to see if the two sisters were suitable to be maids (or at least, if they could be). Now it seemed that under Suoxiate's tutelage, the sisters' basic skills were quite solid. Of course, Li Lin didn't know what Suoxiate's so-called unspoken rules for maids were; as Arcane Mage, he wouldn't have the time to concern himself with such things. Therefore, Li Lin's way of checking their suitability was to see how much difference there was between being served by them and being served by Suoxiate. Currently, although they were still somewhat immature, overall they were considered qualified.

However, Angela clearly had a different opinion. She had privately expressed her disagreement with Li Lin.

"The younger sister is alright, but the older sister is a different story... Master, perhaps we can witness a dramatic scene of sisters killing each other?"

Judging from their current reactions, this possibility cannot be ruled out.

"And this letter."

As he spoke, Li Lin casually handed over a letter as well, but unlike Li Lin, he gave the letter to Mina.

"Give this letter to Nia; she knows what to do."

Mina was clearly surprised by Li Lin's instructions. She had always deliberately kept her distance from Li Lin and Angela, and they were usually closer to Fina. Angela usually handled Fina's tedious tasks. Although Mina was nominally a maid, she mostly did housekeeping and guarding work, which seemed to suit her personality better. However, precisely because of this, Mina had never imagined that Li Lin would entrust her with such an important task.

However, she didn't say much, but quickly took the letter and put it in her pocket.

"You can leave now. Fina should know how to use the teleportation array, right?"

"Yes, Master."

With that, the two sisters vanished back into the darkness. If Suoxiate had any complaints, it was probably about this. Logically speaking, even if a maid were to leave, she shouldn't do it in such a bizarre way. But perhaps it was the nature of Vampire Species; whenever they left, they always completely blended into the shadows and disappeared without a trace. Of course, for Angela, this was perfectly normal.

"So... the obstacle is gone, Miss Saint. What action will you take?"

He gazed at Catherine, who was being tortured by Angela, panting as if she were experiencing a mixture of excitement and shame, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

It was late at night when Catherine returned to her room.

Once again...

Stroking her aching legs, Catherine's mind was even more confused, but she still tried to stay conscious. So, just before she left, she overheard Angela and Li Lin's conversation. It seemed that the evil mage had sent the two priests away, and Angela didn't seem very happy about it.

The opportunity has finally arrived.

After stretching her tired limbs, Catherine took a deep breath.

Since moving to this relatively free room, Catherine had been observing the castle during her breaks. To her surprise, there wasn't a single guard in sight. She had looked around from the balcony but hadn't seen a single one. Could it be that only Angela, that evil sorcerer, and those two priests remained in the castle?

Catherine didn't trust her own judgment, but she had no other choice. Whether it was true or false, she should give it a try. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If she didn't seize it, would she just watch it slip through her fingers?

"... Holy Light!"

Catherine murmured, and then a divine light appeared on her body, giving Catherine a sense of courage.

His power had been restored to half. Although he no longer possessed the Holy Heart and could no longer unleash the same intense holy light as when he dispelled the Shadow Dragon, his current power should be more than enough to protect himself.

However... the other party must be monitoring her, right? Thinking of this, Catherine felt somewhat disheartened. She still remembered the scene when she secretly cried in prison and was laughed at by Angela after she found out. Although the two priests were probably no longer around, if Angela was still watching her, then her escape plan would only be a joke.

So, I have no choice but to take a gamble and see if the other party is spying on me...

Thinking of this, Catherine turned her head and focused her gaze on the dining table. The dinner had been there before she returned; although it wasn't completely cold, it had clearly been sitting there for some time. Usually, Catherine would only serve the food after she returned to her room to rest. Today, however, things were different, which meant that what she had overheard earlier was very likely true.

At that moment, Catherine was focused on the cutlery placed there.

Li Lin and Angela didn't seem worried about Catherine committing suicide, so they didn't impose any restrictions on her in these areas. Catherine herself had never had suicidal thoughts, so it was even less likely that she would do so.

But now, Catherine has a very bold idea.

"Give it a try..."

She muttered to herself, then reached for the knife on the table. After turning it around twice, she gritted her teeth, reversed the blade, and plunged it into her chest.

Then, Catherine's body fell to the floor and never rose again.

Time ticked by, but no one rushed in. Catherine even wondered if she was too nervous and had lost her sense of time. But when the moon was high in the sky and she still hadn't seen a soul, Catherine finally got up from the ground and let out a long sigh of relief.

Am I being too foolish?

She stared at the knife in her hand; it hadn't pierced Catherine's chest, but Catherine's choice to hold it in place made it appear as if it had. She believed her act wouldn't be exposed, but...

Regardless, since no one else is coming, we'll have to take the gamble eventually.

After these few days, Catherine had gained some understanding of the place. Angela's and the evil mage's rooms were far away from hers, separated by a training room and a maze-like corridor. However, this wasn't a problem for Catherine. After all, she would never choose to escape from the inside; that would be too foolish. It was far too quiet here, and she didn't have any special talents. Moving around in the corridors might prevent them from hearing her footsteps and discovering her, which was definitely not what Catherine wanted.

So, the only option left is to leave from the outside.

Opening the window and gazing at the dark forest outside, Catherine felt dizzy. Although the second floor where she was wasn't very high, it was definitely not low for a girl like her.

Catherine had finished dinner and changed into clothes that were easier to move in. After making sure she was ready, she finally made her decision.

She absolutely had to get out of here. Otherwise, she couldn't imagine whether she could hold on any longer.

But if I leave here and return to the Temple, is there really any hope for me?

This question wasn't entirely absent from Catherine's mind; after all, no matter how much she prayed, she received no response from the gods. This could be interpreted as the gods having abandoned her, and moreover, her body was no longer pure...

Thinking of this, Catherine shook her head frantically.

Even if he were banished from the Temple or died under their punishment, at least he could beg for a dignified death, instead of being treated with such humiliation as he is now.

Even being eaten by wild beasts in the forest or starving to death is better than staying here any longer.

With that thought in mind, Catherine finally made up her mind. She opened the window, closed her eyes, and jumped out.

"Bang!!"

The landing was more painful than she had imagined. Catherine lost her balance and crashed heavily to the ground. The violent impact nearly made her scream, as she was already exhausted. However, Catherine bit her lip and swallowed the scream. She struggled to her feet, warily scanning her surroundings, afraid that the noise she had made might have disturbed someone. But in this desolate place where not a soul could be seen, Catherine sensed no one at all.

Now is the time!

Catherine took two deep breaths, then turned and ran into the dark forest.

Sharp bushes, weeds, and even branches became Catherine's biggest obstacles, but she showed no sign of stopping. This was the first time Catherine had ever run so desperately and without restraint. For the first time, she was experiencing firsthand what it felt like to pursue freedom. She had no intention of stopping; at this moment, she had forgotten everything. Only one thought occupied her mind: to leave this place, as far away as possible, no matter what her future held, it would be better than this.

Keep running, don't stop!

Her legs were already aching, and she could barely keep her balance, but Catherine didn't slow down. She didn't even know where she was; at this moment, Catherine was completely immersed in the act of escaping. The pent-up emotions of the past few days finally exploded. Before she knew it, tears were streaming down Catherine face. She sobbed softly, but showed no sign of stopping, letting the hard branches beat against her body and the sharp bushes tear at her. This pain was nothing compared to the pain of Angela's discipline—that pain was more intense, and more... pleasurable?

Catherine was startled and stopped in her tracks.

She didn't know when, but a burning, unbearable discomfort had begun to flare up inside her body.

How could this be? How could I possibly be like this?

Catherine stared at her body in astonishment, trembling all over.

How could this be? I'm yearning? What am I yearning for? How could I have such thoughts?

Upon realizing this, Catherine immediately took several steps back, trembling with fear. Only then did she regain her senses and look around. However, she no longer knew where she was. No matter which way she looked, there were only dark and dense forests of almost the same shape.

Where am I?

Before Catherine could come up with an answer, a voice that sent chills down her spine appeared behind Catherine.

"Oh my, isn't this Miss Saintess? It's so late, are you out admiring the moon too?"

Instantly, Catherine felt as if her heart had sunk to the bottom. She slowly turned around and saw Angela standing on a large rock not far behind her, gently waving a fan and looking at her with a mocking smile.

"I was also planning to go for a walk. If I had known you had such a refined taste, I would have simply invited you to come along."

"... Me too... I wanted to get out for a walk."

Catherine answered insincerely, not knowing how much Angela actually knew. Did she know from the beginning? Or was it truly a coincidence? No, it couldn't possibly be a coincidence; it was...

Thinking of this, Catherine looked at herself. Fortunately, her clothes weren't torn, so it was still somewhat plausible that she had come out for a walk.

"However, I seem to be a little lost..."

"Just keep walking back, and you'll get there. To me, it's not a very long distance."

Angela spoke, she casually pointed behind her, and Catherine looked in the direction she was pointing, her face immediately darkening. The shadow of the castle was not far away; if she just looked up again, she would see it.

I've run for so long and only covered this little distance?

Catherine sensed something was wrong, but... she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

However, it was clear that the plan had failed, and whether Angela was truly aware of it or not, she could no longer slip away from her nose.

"Well... it's already late..."

Catherine spoke with unusual awkwardness, unsure of what to say.

"I should go back and rest now. Goodnight, Miss Angela."

"Mmm, sweet dreams."

Angela seemed completely unresponsive to Catherine's words, but just as Catherine walked past Angela's voice clearly reached her ears.

"Besides, your body probably deserves some satisfaction too, doesn't it?"

"!!!"

Catherine said nothing more. She gritted her teeth and then ran away from the dark forest.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

Angela softly as she watched Catherine's departing figure.

"The pathetic woman, has she been conquered by her instincts?"

"Huff... huff... huff...!!"

Catherine ran desperately back to her room, her heart pounding in her chest. Disappointment, utter disappointment. She hadn't expected her final choice to end in such failure! And then, she feared she would never have another chance like this! But...

Catherine collapsed weakly onto the bed. Although her conversation with Angela had cleared her mind somewhat, her body felt increasingly hot at that moment.

Perhaps, this is my destiny...

Thinking of this, Catherine closed her eyes in despair, began to take off her clothes, and vigorously stroked and kneaded her body.