AN: Thanks to JDUBZ for being a Grade A Beta Reader!

Chapter 22: Archbishop Greed

"Witch Cult Sin Archbishop 'Greed', Regulus Corneus!" Regulus's eyes were wild with anticipation, "There is no need for an introduction from you…. Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea. It's a wonderful thing isn't it, an introduction? It gives me an opportunity to learn people's names before their inevitable death. A chance to be remembered in here," Regulus poked his head, "but sadly, no one stands out."

Around Regulus, the witch cultists did nothing but stared through their masks. Seeing so many of them enraged Rem. They wanted Emilia, but why? Was taking Nee-sama from Rem not enough? Why won't they just leave me alone!?

Rem didn't know who Regulus was, but he claimed to be an archbishop, so obviously he would well versed in the use of magic. If that was the case then it would be a fight that Rem most likely couldn't win. But Regulus was unarmed, no weapon was visible in his hand, this confused Rem. Why?

One of the hooded cultists summoned a fireball in their hand.

Rem shifted her gaze to look at the witch cultists. They were looking at Reinhard, the one with the fireball did nothing. One by one, each cultist summoned their own fireballs, glowing orbs of explosive magic. Soon, 25 of them were ready to be launched.

Regulus brushed his white hair out of his eyes and put his hands on his hips. He gave Reinhard a smug smile after looking behind him to see the battle ready cultists. Shrugging his shoulders, Regulus said, "Last chance, Sword Saint." He held out a pale hand, "Give me the half witch."

In response, Reinhard unsheathed his lesser sword. The blade reflected magnificently in the sunlight. Sharp enough to cut through stone, the sword was an extremely deadly weapon in combat. With Reinhard's ability to summon any Divine Right, any weapon he held, he was able to use skillfully. "You're intentions here are to take a Royal Candidate. As a knight, I cannot permit this." Reinhard stuck the blade out to face Regulus's amused face. "Stand down now and I may grant you mercy!"

Regulus faked a yawned, putting a hand over his mouth, "When other people talk it bores me. Also, if you don't recall, but I frankly don't enjoy fighting." Regulus smiled, "So I'll just go with the next best thing." He snapped his fingers and crossed his arms.

All at once, the witch cultists threw their fireballs at Reinhard. The multiple explosions sent dirt and grass flying, creating an enormous cloud of dirt. When the dust settled there was a crater where Reinhard once stood. Regulus smiled.

Reinhard fell from the sky, landing on his feet with his sword sinking into the soil. Brushing some dirt off his shoulder, Reinhard looked unfazed, "Didn't your mother tell you to fight your own battles."

Seeing Reinhard still standing didn't surprise Regulus. He expected the Sword Saint would easily evade an attack from the cultists. Brushing a hand through his hair, Regulus said, "That's an interesting thing to say to someone who refuses to fight. Although, in my mother's defense, she never had the chance to really give me any useful advice….because I killed her."

Reinhard removed his sword from the ground, disgusted by Regulus's statement, saying such a vile thing so casually. This angered Reinhard, "From what I can assume, you are a menace. I, Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea of Lugnica, will not allow you to do any more harm to anyone else. With you having intentions to continue to use violence, I cannot let you leave here alive."

Regulus pointed to the bloody mess at the front, "By harm, you mean that? He was in my way! Honestly, they just didn't understand that I had no quarrel with them. Yet, they continued to try to manhandle me. And the other one was lucky I just cut off his hand and not his head!"

Reinhard readied his sword, "According to the laws of Lugnica, the crimes you have committed give me the right to execute where you stand."

Regulus chuckled, it was a friendly one. One that sounded as if he were having fun, "How cute. Tell you what, Sword Saint." Regulus put his arms behind his back, "I will allow you to strike me with the first blow. Strike me with all the power that sword has and watch as I absorb the attack!" His boasting echoed across the whole area.

"I do not fight enemies who are defenseless."

Regulus rolled his eyes, "Such honor, after I kill you I may actually feel guilty." He walked up to a small tree nearby and plucked one of its branches, and held it up like a sword. "There, happy?"

Reinhard looked at the white haired cultist, growing more and more agitated with his antics. He was going to kill this fool. In the blink of an eye, Reinhard closed the distance between the two. Cutting his sword through the air, Reinhard came to a stop 5 feet behind Regulus.

However, the cultist was still in one piece. Turning around, Regulus surprised Reinhard when he spoke, "My, my, what speed you have. You were so fast even I had a hard time keeping track of you. Of course, it's to be expected of someone of your caliber."

Just as quickly as he left, Reinhard returned to his previous spot, "You are not dead, how?"

Regulus kept his hands behind his back, "The Authority of Greed of course, using time itself to stop my body from being moved or affected in any way. One cannot die if one's body cannot be harmed."

It was true. With the Authority of Greed, Regulus was able to stop the flow of time in his body and anything he touched. Making them impenetrable to any outside force. With this power, the stick that was currently in his hand was no longer just a stick, but a deadly weapon capable of beating an army to death. As of now there was nothing known yet to penetrate the armored body of Regulus. It seemed he was truly unkillable.

Reinhard kept a calm composure while looking at Regulus. "Every monster has its weak spots."

Regulus pointed to himself, "Not this guy." Swinging his arm towards Reinhard, a small shockwave took form as it traveled towards him, becoming one long, solid blade.

Reinhard dodged the incoming wave and watch as it collided with the fountain, destroying it. The part of the fountain that was hit exploded, showering Rem and the others in rubble and water.

"Felt!" Reinhard dashed to Felt and grabbed her, just as a large chunk of the fountain collapsed down on where she last stood.

With Felt in his arms, Reinhard practically teleported to one of the nearby houses and placed her down, looking into her eyes he said, "Stay out of this, Felt. It's too dangerous."

Felt nodded, her red eyes full of fear. She had just witnessed Regulus take a hit from Reinhard, like it was nothing and destroy the large fountain by just moving his arm. There was nothing she could do to help.

Looking into her eyes, Reinhard dropped to one knee and grabbed her hand, "Actually Felt, there is something I need you to do." Felt nodded. Reinhard continued, his plan forming as he spoke, "But as soon as you do it I need you to hide."

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Back at the front, Regulus watched as Reinhard ran with Felt in his arms.

"Where's the fun in this if he just runs away? I attack him once and he runs with his tail between his legs!" Regulus turns his attention to the group at the base of the now destroyed fountain. Rem and Beatrice stood, blocking Regulus from Oki and Ken. "I assume you lot know where the half witch is?"

Spears of ice formed in the air around Rem while Beatrice raised her hand, ready to launch any attack on Regulus. From behind them, Oki grabbed a huge piece of rubble from the fountain and got ready to launch it, raising it high above his head. Ken raised his hands, a long, sharp piece of ice forming in each palm. Together, the group looked menacing, almost intimidating enough to unnerve some of the cultists.

Seeing this sight, Regulus grabbed his head and shook in different directions, "Why, why, why, why, whywhywywhywhywhywhy why won't they all just listen to me!?" Regulus shook with anger, now looking at the group with disheveled hair, "I asked for one simple thing, ONE! But now you've reeeally pissed me off! Going against my right of allowing me access to this place, then refusing my honest request, and now you choose to attack me!?" Regulus stomped on the ground like in a tantrum, "You are really infuriating! I think I'll dispose of you all for going against my simple wishes!" Regulus raised his arm up, ready to swing. Before he could complete his attack, a wall of ice rose in front of him, blocking his view and stunning him enough to stop his arm motion. Quickly regaining his senses, Regulus punched the wall, yelling, "WHAT IS THIS!?" His fist went straight through.

The wall broke and fell to pieces before Regulus, steam practically coming from his ears. "Who…..who..did that!?"

Ken stepped forward and in front of Rem. "I did." While he held no confidence in his fighting abilities, he tried not to show it in front of Regulus. He wanted to be strong, but that feeling faded under the white haired man's burning gaze.

Regulus's anger never left, but a smile appeared on his face, "Well you must be stupid then! I'll put you out as easily as wind puts out a fucking candle!" He took a single step towards Ken. A thin line of rippling energy ripped the ground and traveled fast towards Ken and Rem. Beatrice extended her hands toward the two, using a spell to push them out of harm's way. The ripping wind rushed past, ripping a tree in half on its way up to the houses before dissipating.

Ken helped Rem up when he got to his feet. Regulus was yelling to the heavens, his hands reaching up towards the sky, a pained expression on his face. "AHHHHHHH! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE! YOU DARE SAVE HIM FROM MY ATTACK WHEN HE SO CLEARLY DISRESPECTED ME!?" Regulus looked down at Beatrice, "I JUST WANNA…" he began to make strangling gestures to the little girl. "AHHHHHHH!" Regulus began to calmly walk towards Beatrice.

Beatrice casted various offensive spells at Regulus, all of which did nothing to him, not even wrinkling his clothes. Oki tried to intercept him, but only ended up being lifted into the air and thrown to the side. Beatrice looked fearful as Regulus approached closer and closer.

A smile appeared on the man's face as he raised a fist, ready to strike the little loli across the face and end her life.

In the next instant, Regulus was embedded into the side of the Housing Area's walls. Stone crumbled around him as he peeled himself out of the hole that was in the shape of his body. He wondered what had just happened. Nothing had ever done that to him...ever. No man inexistence had ever hurt or damaged his body, his authority made sure of that, but some force had definitely thrown him into the side of the wall.

Looking at where the fountain once stood, Regulus saw Reinhard next to the little girl. In his hands was a new sword. Even with the sunlight bouncing off of it Regulus could tell the sword gave off its own soft glow. It's stunning design and looks brought Regulus's eyes to the handle. The Dragon Sword Reid.

This meant he was worthy. Worthy enough that the sword allowed Reinhard to draw it on him. In his happiness, Regulus started to laugh hysterically.

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"Y-you totally fucked him up!" Ken punched the air in excitement. "Hell yeah!"

Reinhard was not celebrating though, he observed as Regulus got out of the hole in the wall, seemingly unscathed. "It is not over, he isn't done yet." Reinhard looked around at all the cultists still at the front area, they hadn't moved at all, only watched. "I don't understand why they don't fight."

Rem looked at the cultists as well, wondering the same thing. "Maybe...the cultist are awaiting orders?"

"From that nutcase?" Ken pointed to the laughing Regulus who wasn't too far away.

"It would seem so, I suppose."

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Regulus brushed his already clean clothes and called out to Reinhard, slowly walking his way to him. Reinhard also made his way to Regulis to keep him from harming the group. "It excites me, seeing the fabled Dragon Sword drawn! What's more exciting is that it sees me as a suitable opponent! I don't blame it, I'm perfect in every way!" Regulus was close enough to see the whites of Reinhard's eyes, "However, it isn't enough!" Before he could take another step, an icicle the size of his body sunk into the ground in front of him.

"Please, do not take another step!"

A beautiful voice reached Regulus's ears, it was enough to even drown the anger he started to feel for being blocked by the ice. Looking at where the voice came from, Regulus saw a beautiful half elf, dressed in white. Her silver hair fell behind her head, showing her cute, pointed ears. Upon seeing her, Regulus smiled wider, "The half witch has decided to show herself to me. Envy will definitely arise once more." Regulus turned to the nearest cultist, "You know what to do." The cultist sprang forward, leading the rest of the cultists to the lone Emilia.

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"Lady Emilia!" Rem's horn appeared on her head as she threw the spears that had been surrounding her at the cultists. Only a few were impaled, bleeding to death from their fatal wounds. Seeing this, 20 of the cultists turned their attention to the group while the other 5 stayed on target.

Beatrice blocked any any incoming fireballs using shield magic while Rem and Ken shot spears at the cultists approaching Emilia. The cultists blocked the spears as they came, the group was simply too far away from them.

Oki heaved the boulder he was carrying at the group of cultists approaching the group, he managed to hit one who wasn't expecting the attack, the force of impact crushed his body. Oki had to look away from the gruesome scene to avoid throwing up.

"Pull yourself together, I suppose!" Still working her magic, Beatrice noticed Oki's hesitation and called him out on it.

While this was a life or death situation, Oki decided he wasn't cut out for that kind of fighting. Looking at his muscular hands, Oki had an idea. Beat them senseless.

Rem stomped on the ground, rippling the earth and sending 10 of the cultists into the air. Timing it just right, Oki landed a solid punch on one of the falling cultists, sending them flying, their body irreparable. The cultists who still stood threw fireballs at Oki, but their fireballs were vaporized by Beatrice before they could reach their target.

Seeing that their fireballs would be ineffective, the cultists switched to their swords. Unbeknownst to them, it only made Beatrice's job much easier. Now no longer needing to defend against a constant barrage of fireballs, Beatrice switched to offensive magic, paralyzingly a large number of the incoming cultists.

Oki punched his way through the unmoving cultists, knocking aside their bodies with no effort. Finally feeling like a useful member in combat, Oki unknowingly strayed farther from the group as he punched cultists. Seeing an opportunity, one cultist who was close to Oki threw a fireball at him. Oki only had time to hold up his left hand to block the incoming attack before it hit, the force of the explosion knocked him off his feet, and sent him sprawling to the ground.

Disoriented, Oki didn't see that his left hand had been blown off. The explosion from the fireball left a bloody stump in place of his hand, and it was gushing blood at an alarming rate. Oki's dizzy mind still hadn't comprehended the immense pain he was soon going to feel.

"Oki!" Ken stopped fighting to run to Oki's side. A fireball made its way towards Ken's head, but was again blocked by Beatrice. With only 7 of the cultists left attacking the group, Rem yelled at Beatrice to help Lady Emilia.

"Rem can handle the rest, Lady Beatrice!"

Beatrice nodded in understanding and ran to Emilia. Rem shielded Ken and Oki with ice to prevent anything from hurting them while she fought. Forming more spears of ice around her, Rem faced the remaining witch cultists alone. Her horn glowed brightly as she took in more mana from the atmosphere.

A crazed smile formed on her lips as she saw an opportunity to avenge her Nee-sama once and for all. Each of the 7 cultists summoned a fireball in their hands. In response, Rem pulled out her killer mace from behind her. Giving it a test swing, the iron ball smashed into the ground, leaving a large crater in the soft soil. Roaring, Rem charged to cultists.

Swinging her mace, Rem threw it at the cultists who stood before her. One cultist was caught in the mace's trajectory and died instantly. The other cultists threw their fireballs. Like she did before at the mansion, Rem summoned a wall of ice in from of her, a fireball hit it and started a chain reaction of explosions from the other fireballs. However, one fireball made it through and fell towards Rem. Resorting to her shield magic, Rem stuck her hand out. The fireball almost made contact with Rem's hand, but was stopped by an unseen force, its explosion wrapped around Rem, never touching her. Using the spears at her disposal, Rem shot them at the cultists. Luckily, most of them were impaled, dying instantly, leaving only two left, their swords drawn.

Brushing some of her hair out of her eyes, the cultists saw the bloodlust in her eyes and looked at each other. One of the cultists threw a fireball in between Rem and them, sending dirt flying into the air, blocking them from view. Now unable to see when the cultist were, Rem used her ears to pinpoint where they were. Right

Rem looked to her right, just in time to see a blade coming right for her face. Quickly backing up, Rem held up her arms to take the cut. The blade cut a deep gash into her right forearm. Bleeding profusely, Rem grabbed the cultist who attacked and smashed his head into the ground, his brains becoming one with the dirt.

Another blade flew at Rem, but stopped when Rem grabbed it out of the air. Stomping the ground, another shockwave spread throughout the area, clearing the clouds.

The last cultist to attack Rem had fallen on his butt from the shockwave and was getting to their feet. With slippery hands soaking in her own blood, Rem threw the knife towards the cultist. It snuck into their leg, preventing them from getting to their feet.

Looking at the approaching demon, the cultist summoned one last fireball. Just as they threw it, Rem shot an icicle at it, it blew up in front of the cultist, scorching his robes and hood, revealing his face.

Plucking the knife from the man's leg, Rem grabbed him by the throat, and lifted him into the air. He tried kicking, but it did nothing. Finally having him at her mercy, Rem squeezed harder, making the man gasp for air. His eyes bulged as Rem squeezed harder and harder. The man held onto Rem's arm that was choking him, trying desperately to remove it, but to no avail.

"This is for, Nee-sama." Rem sunk the knife into his temple, and ended his struggling.

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"Now, Sword Saint, what shall we do while the children play?" Regulus addressed Reinhard, who had been observing the fight and was ready to join. However, he knew he would have to deal with him.

Reinhard got into a fighting position, the sword placed only in one hand. "You tell me, archbishop."

Regulus smiled, grabbing his chin, "Well considering your unforgivable act of preventing me from bestowing my vengeance on the little girl, I would sadly say that will have to kill you." Regulus held his hand out as of showing something, "Unless of course, Sword Saint, you choose to be-."

A rock hit Regulus in the face, causing him to stop talking. "Wha-?" Regulus picked up the rock Reinhard had thrown at him.

"Enough talk, Archbishop. You're end is nearer than you may think." Reinhard smiled.

This angered Regulus once again, "You….you dare!" Regulus threw the rock to the floor, it sunk into the earth like water, the result of his authority. "I will end you, Sword Saint! And when I do, the whole nation will only see you as a failure! You will die a disappointment!"

Regulus swung his arm, the sharp force rushed towards Reinhard. Swinging the Dragon Sword, a force was expelled from it, intercepting Regulus's attack and destroying it.

Regulus was shocked, his eyes wide. Looking at the sword in Reinhard's hand he muttered, "H-how?" He pointed a finger at Reinhard, yelling, "It's not possible! There is nothing in this world that can compete with my authority!" Regulus swung to the side to hit the wall behind him. When his fist connected, it carved the wall with no resistance.

Reinhard lifted up the sword, it's tip pointed towards Regulus, "There always has been, Archbishop." He gave the sword a little shake, "You've just never seen it before"

"AAAAHHHHH!" Regulus sped towards Reinhard at an incredible speed. Swinging his sword, Reinhard sent Regulus flying towards the houses.

Regulus flew in the air. Twisting, he dug his hand into the earth to stop himself from going any further.

Impossible.

Regulus grabbed two handfuls of dirt, a sickening smile on his wretched face. "You were a wonderful opponent, Sword Saint! But I'm afraid this is where our fun ends!" He threw the dirt at Reinhard. Almost at the speed of light, Reinhard dashed to one side as the dirt fell to the ground, dotting it with thousands of tiny holes. This act of simply dodging the attack angered Regulus yet again. "No, no, no, nononononononono! You were supposed to die! Now do as I say and stand still!" Regulus kept digging his hands into the soil, throwing the tiny missiles at Reinhard. Reinhard observed the behavior of Regulus. He's like a spoiled child...

Reinhard dashed his way towards Regulus, all the while he was dodging the incoming piles of dirt that were frozen in time, making them dangerous. Reaching the crazy archbishop, Reinhard stabbed him in the chest, it didn't pierce, but it did send Regulus flying. Hitting one of the vacant houses, Regulus recovered quickly, seemingly unhurt. Reinhard met Regulus in the field between the houses. Regulus raised his arms above his head.

"You see, Sword Saint! There is nothing you can do to harm me. Not a scratch on me!" He lowered his arms to smile at Regulus, "You can hit me all you want, but there is nothing you can do to stop me. I am immortal!" Regulus chuckled, "You, however, are not. If I manage to hit you once then I become the slayer of the Sword Saint! Hahahahahahahahhaha isn't it wonderful?!"

Reinhard slashed at Regulus, but this time Regulus held his ground, blocking the strike with his forearm. The collision caused a small shockwave, the force shattered the windows of the houses around them.

Regulus and Reinhard were still locked in the same position, neither giving up any ground. Regulus's feet sunk slightly into the soil, under the pressure Reinhard pushed onto him. Putting his other arm onto the one blocking the sword, Regulus put more force into pushing Reinhard back.

Reinhard took mana from the air and applied it to the Dragon Sword, causing its blade to glow even brighter. In that single moment, the battle for dominance ended. The blade of the sword exposed the red flesh underneath Regulus's skin. Seeing his skin being cut, Regulus froze. To him it was impossible, he had never once been even scratched in battle, how can something destroy what's supposedly unbreakable?

In his shock, Regulus lost the battle and was launched towards one of the houses, crashing through its walls. Regulus watched as the force sent him flying. His view of Reinhard disappearing as he crashed through the house. He looked at his arm in disbelief. His wound was not bleeding through, because his body was frozen in time, his heart was stopped along with his flow of blood. Everything in his body was supposed to be an unbreakable solid, yet this Dragon Sword was able to cut him. Getting up off the floor, Regulus found a hearth and picked up a fire poker. Perfect.

Regulus exited the house, a smile on his face and a poker in his hand. While Regulus had no sword fighting techniques to beat Reinhard, all he needed was to throw Reinhard off balance and the rest would be history.

Reinhard stood in the middle of the field, knowing that Regulus would return. He noticed Regulus had the poker in his hand and grinned, he didn't expect Regulus to choose swordplay.

"I must say, Sword Saint! I underestimated the true power of the Dragon Sword!" Regulus gave the poker a few swings. "It surprised me...it's power that is! I never knew something could ever penetrate through time itself! I guess I can say that it is truly stronger than I am!" Regulus held the poker overhead, like a sword, he flashed a grin, "But like they say, Sword Saint, the bigger you are, the harder you fall!"

Regulus rushed Reinhard and swung madly at him. Each and every one of his attacks was blocked by Reinhard, followed by the flying of sparks. Anger took over Regulus as he swung again and again and again, unrelenting. Deciding to go with his plan, Regulus backed off from Reinhard. He swung his arm towards Reinhard's legs, sending a sharp force at them. When Reinhard lowered his sword to block, Regulus quickly changed directions, and pushed on Reinhard's chest, sending him flying this time.

Reinhard crashed through the walls of the house. Unlike Regulus however, this took a toll on his body. Crashing through one last wall, Reinhard found himself in a closet. He tried to get up but couldn't, the bones in his back were destroyed, rendering him paralyzed from the neck down.

Regulus was ecstatic, he had finally landed a hit on Reinhard. He had made sure it wasn't fatal so he could have his fun. Grabbing handfuls of dirt, Regulus approached the house Reinhard was in and began throwing dirt at it while laughing his head off. The tiny piles of dirt ripped through the house, destroying anything in its path. Tiny holes dotted the entire house, Regulus had made sure to get every possible corner of the house to ensure Reinhard's death.

With the house nearly destroyed, Regulus decided to look for the corpse. Walking into the house, Regulus followed the holes that Reinhard's body had created. Reaching a closet door, Regulus opened it to find Reinhard. His body was bleeding everywhere, there wasn't a part of him that didn't have a hole dug into it. Reinhard was dead and Regulus was happy. A smile crept on his face as he looked at the mangled body.

"I tried to tell you, Sword Saint." Regulus bent down and nudged Reinhard's body, "But, like everyone else in this world, you didn't listen to me." Reinhard flicked Reinhard's forehead, "That was a stupid thing to do, to go against my rights. Well I guess you learned your lesson right?" A pause. He answered himself, "Right."

Regulus got up and grabbed the door handle, "I'll leave you to your thoughts so you can reflect on what's happened here." He closed the door. Now in a small hallway, Regulus leaned against a wall and thought on how easy it was to be him. There was no one who could beat him, this fight proved it. Regulus turned to the closet door before walking away, "I will be back. Be sure to think about wh-."

The closet door flew towards Regulus and broke into pieces when they hit him. Inside the closet was Reinhard, alive and standing, the innumerable wounds that covered his body were rapidly healing.

In his shock, Regulus did nothing as Reinhard swung the Dragon Sword. Regulus was hit into the wall, half his body and his whole head buried. Regulus casually turned, his body breaking the wall as he did so. Regulus didn't understand, he saw Reinhard dead with his own eyes. His bleeding corpse surely had no pulse, no life left in it. Yet, the corpse walked.

"YOU LIVE?! HOW!?"

"It's one of my Divine Protections." Reinhard stabbed Regulus, sending him crashing out the house, Reinhard followed.

Getting back up, Regulus couldn't believe that Reinhard was able to come back from the dead, it just wasn't human, "WHAT BULLSHIT DIVINE PROTECTION IS THIS?!" His spit was flying.

Reinhard knocked Regulus to the side, "The Divine Protection of Phoenix, capable of being me back to life in any case that I die."

Regulus swung his arms sending wave after wave of deadly force towards Reinhard.

Charging the sword with more mana, Reinhard slashed the Dragon Sword through the air, sending its own wave of energy and severing the waves of force coming his way and striking Regulus across the face, knocking his head to the side and pushing him back a few steps.

Turning his head back to Reinhard, a red line was clearly visible going from Regulus's forehead to his cheek. Putting his hand to his head, Regulus felt the cut going along his face. Shaking with absolute fury, he grabbed more soil from the ground and threw it in every direction, "YOU HAVE BROUGHT ME TO MY MELTING POINT, SWORD SAINT! NOW WATCH AS I DESTROY YOU A SECOND TIME!"

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Felt cradled Puck in her hands, the tiny cat spirit was currently resting after helping Beatrice protect Emilia from the cultists.

"Ahhhhhhh….I'm so tired." Puck rubbed his head into Felt's thumb. "Mmmmm….so soft." Acting as Emilia's personal spirit, Puck protected her under any circumstance. So when the witch cultists threatened to kidnap Emilia, Puck wouldn't allow it, growing more tired the more he fought.

"Don't you dare fall asleep on me!" Felt lightly shook the spirit in her hands, her red eyes scrunched in anger. "I told you the plan! So do it!"

Puck floated into the air, rubbing his eyes, "I used up too much mana while protecting my daughter."

Felt grabbed Puck and put him up to her face, "Are you telling me you CAN'T help?!"

"What I'm saying is that I need time. Collecting mana isn't exactly a fast process."

"Well, we don't have much time!" Felt faced Puck towards the sight of Reinhard dodging the relentless attacks of Regulus. While it was obvious Reinhard had everything under control, that wouldn't last, it seemed that Regulus didn't have a stamina limit. Since his body was frozen, it didn't need nutrients or rest like a normal body would.

Seeing this, Puck released himself from Felt's grip, "Then make time. I don't know how much I'll need, but make sure it's enough." Puck floated away and stayed stationary in the air, glowing orbs of mana being pulled into his body slowly.

Awwww jeez.

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Anger consuming him, Regulus swung his arm one last time. The wave was destroyed just like the others. Each attack Reinhard blocked brought Regulus closer and closer to madness. "YOU CANNOT DEFEAT ME, SWORD SAINT! I AM IMMORTAL, NOTHING IN THIS WORLD CAN KILL ME THROUGH PHYSICAL MEANS!"

His white suit, now wrinkled in some places, gave away the fact that Reinhard was definitely affecting him one way or another. "THIS IS IT FOR YOU, SWORD SAINT, YOU HAVE TORMENTED ME LONG ENOUGH! I WILL END YOU!"

Reinhard casually rubbed his thumb against the tip of the Dragon Sword, testing how sharp it was. What he felt satisfied him. "You've said that multiple times, Archbishop. Yet, here I am, still standing."

Regulus pointed a crooked finger at Reinhard, "You, you, YOU DIE NOW!" Mustering all his power, Regulus brought his hands together, held them high over his head, and hammered them down into the grass. The result was a shock wave that lifted the ground in front of him and sent it barreling towards Reinhard.

Almost as if he had done this many times before, Reinhard infused the Dragon Sword with more mana, its glowing increasing even more. Slashing the sword through the air, a powerful wave rushed to meet the one sent by the archbishop. The two waves collided, both dissipating as they intercepted each other's path. However, Regulus's attack proved to be stronger as a lone rock flew towards Reinhard, cutting through his right shoulder and shattering the bone within. Reinhard staggered back, clutching at his wounded shoulder as he dropped the Dragon Sword.

Before he could reach out to grab the sword once more, the ground in front of him was ripped open, the attack was directed at the fallen sword. This caused the sword to be launched in the opposite direction of Reinhard, landing among the ruins of the house he had died in. Now weaponless, Reinhard had to depend on hand to hand combat, but that would do nothing to Regulus, his authority wouldn't allow it. Knowing this, a smile appeared on Regulus's face. One that radiated pure joy.

Regulus had all the power now, there was nothing stopping him from ending Reinhard's life then and there, except his ego, "Well, well, well, it seems I have finally bested Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea," he chuckled and held up two fingers, "twice." Regulus kept one hand behind his back, as the other stayed at his side, ready to strike Reinhard at any moment. "You know what? I had fun. More fun than anyone could imagine. Never in my life did I think there would be someone to challenge me to such an extent." He felt the cut he had on his face, "I enjoyed this so much I think I may actually keep this...abnormality. Keep it as a symbol that I bested the Sword Saint and killed him twice." Regulus looked at Reinhard, "What do you think? Did you have as much fun as I did, Sword Saint?"

Reinhard wanted to say something, but knew it would likely have little impact on Regulus. Reinhard just had to hope that Felt came through with her part.

Regulus accepted his silence saying, "Oh well, not everyone has the same tastes in what 'fun' is. Perhaps it would be best if w-."

Regulus stopped talking as Felt appeared right in front of him. Her yellow dress was ripped in several places and the red eyes were staring daggers at Regulus. In her hand was a fistfull of mud. Faster than Regulus could comprehend what she was doing, Felt smacked the mud into his face, filling his eyes, nose, and mouth. Seeing his chance, Reinhard went to retrieve the Dragon Sword.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Regulus screamed, as he was trying to remove the dirt from his face. Felt then started to wipe her hands in his hair. "WHAT TOMFOOLERY IS THIS?!" Regulus began to blindly swing his arms around him, trying to hit Felt.

However, Felt had crouched low to the ground, keeping almost flat on the grass as Regulus swung his arms above her.

When he felt nothing, Regulus began to remove the mud from his face, soon he would be able to see again. Just as he regained his ability to see, Felt grabbed dirt and shoved it into his face yet again, causing more yelling from the angry Regulus, "STAND STILL LITTLE GIRL SO I CAN KILL YOU PROPERLY!" Stomping on the ground, a small shock wave threw Felt to the ground. Now on the floor, Felt was unable to apply more dirt to complement Regulus's dastardly looks.

Wiping the rest of the dirt from his eyes, Regulus caught sight of the fallen Felt. Cracking a wicked smile, Regulus raised an arm, "Gotcha."

Reinhard swung the Dragon Sword, the wave of energy hit Regulus and knocked him to his butt. Felt got up and hid behind Reinhard, her head peaking around him to look at Regulus.

Getting back up, Regulus saw Felt hiding behind Reinhard and laughed, "Hahahahaha hahaha ha ha. To think that the Sword Saint had to be saved by a little girl is rich.' he wiped a nonexistent tear from his face. "It really gets to me knowing that this world's only hope has to rely on a girl to save his ass!"

Reinhard held up the sword he now had in his left hand, "What do you mean 'this world's only hope'? What does the end of the world have to do with candidate Emilia?"

"Oh, ho, ho, it has everything to do with the half witch." Regulus reached down and grabbed two handfuls of dirt. "It's a real shame you won't be alive to see the rebirth of Envy."

From behind Regulus, a dark shadow grew in size, becoming even bigger than one of the houses. It's presence was undetected by Regulus, who was distracted.

Reinhard tried to reassure Regulus that the rebirth of Envy was never going to happen, "I will never allow a deed like that to be carried out. The first step will be to kill you."

Regulus laughed, completely oblivious to the humongous figure behind him moved closer, "HAHAHA, and just how will you do that? There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop me!"

Reinhard lowered his sword and stuck it into the ground, "It is the sad truth that I alone cannot stop you," he looked up at the figure behind Regulus, "but he can."

Regulus turned around to meet his aggressor. A massive beast stood before him. With golden eyes, the beast stared at Regulus. The creature appeared cat-like with a mouth full of sharp teeth. Instantly, the temperature dropped to a point where it was freezing cold, but Regulus was unable to feel the harshness of the air. As Regulus stared, ice began to spread from the feet of the beast, reaching Regulus's feet. The beast opened its mouth full of fangs and roared at Regulus.

Regulus didn't flinch. Without looking back, Regulus addressed Reinhard, cracking a joke, "Your pet….does he bite?"

Reinhard smiled, looking at Regulus's legs, "Why don't you find out."

Regulus tried to take a step forward, but found that he couldn't. Looking down he saw that his feet and legs were frozen solid. While he may not have been able to feel the cold, the ice spread around his legs, rendering his lower body completely useless. "WHAT IS THIS?! I CANNOT MOVE!" He turned his head to look at a smug looking Reinhard, "YOU VILE KNIGHT! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!?"

Swiping at his legs, Regulus found that whatever magic the beast was giving off was powerful enough to freeze the water in his body to ice, and since the ice was now a part of his original body, he couldn't move it. It was as though the ice was also frozen in time. This had never happened to Regulus so he wasn't sure if it would go away or not or if he would thaw out slowly. Regardless, Regulus still tried to use his abilities to remove the ice, all of which did nothing. "NO! IMPOSSIBLE! THIS CAN'T BE, I AM IMMORTAL!" Within seconds, Regulus's chest was frozen solid and the ice was now traveling down his arms. "NO! NO! NONONONONONONONONONONO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Everyone watched as Regulus was frozen solid into a statue. His skin blue and his expression frozen with a look of absolute rage. Yet still, when Felt walked up to the frozen Regulus a faint scream of anger could be heard coming from his mouth. He still wasn't dead.

The beast lowered its head to stare at the statue. Breathing what was an unmistakable sigh of content, the beast shrunk and its appearance changed to that of an adorable cat. In no time, a satisfied Puck was floating in front of the Regulus statue. Kicking it in the nose, Puck said, "Good riddance." and floated towards Emilia, landing on her head, and falling asleep

Oki, who had his stump bandaged, asked, "So what now?"

Without a word, Reinhard stepped up to the Regulus statue and readied the Dragon Sword. Reinhard began transferring mana to the sword, bright orbs started to float towards the blade, sinking into the metal. Slowly, the glow of the sword grew more and more intense, soon it was hard to look at. When it seemed to almost rival the brightness of the sun, a loud humming sound came from the sword, its blade was now vibrating slightly, almost to its mana holding capacity.

In a wide arc, Reinhard brought the glowing sword down, slamming on top of Regulus's head. A blinding light emitted from the impact, making everyone shield their eyes. Along side it, came a deafening boom that shook the ground and sent dirt and grass flying everywhere. When the dust settled all that was left was a wounded Reinhard with the Dragon Sword in his hand and a tiny sprinkle of ice showering down onto him, a small crater lying before him.

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Somewhere far away, the hearts of Regulus died in the bodies of countless women.

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."

-Tommy Lasorda