Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 114 - 100: Church

The memory of how she had purposefully avoided the Head Priest whenever he attempted to impart his knowledge on her safety being at stake resurfaced, weighing heavily on her conscience. Yet, despite her stubbornness and refusal to listen, he had always been there to support her unconditionally and even risk his life for hers.

She remembered hearing familiar voices of the church members, all burning at the stake with her, but not even one of them cursed her name for their misfortune.

A sense of gratitude mingled with the remorse in her heart, highlighting the significance of their bond and the sacrifices he had made on her behalf.

Aurianna wiped away her tears, her determination resurfacing amidst the sea of emotions.

Aurianna’s determination surged through her veins as she made a solemn declaration, her hands clenched tightly. "I refuse to repeat the same mistakes from my previous life. I will rebuild the Church of Sandeph, ensuring that they never have to endure the same tragic fate as before. I’ll...!" Her voice trailed off, filled with a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

Curiosity piqued, Eva couldn’t help but ask, her expression intrigued, "What is it that you want to do, Aurianna?"

Aurianna hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking with a newfound conviction. "I aim to create the most formidable and feared church in the world," she declared, her words laced with both ambition and determination. "A church so ruthless that it will strike fear into the hearts of all who hear its name."

Eva raised an eyebrow, her mischievous grin revealing her playful nature. "Ruthless and fear-inducing, huh? That doesn’t exactly sound like a positive image, Aurianna. Why do you have such an intense vision in mind?"

Aurianna’s eyes blazed with a fiery mix of anger and resentment as she responded. "It’s all because of the misconceptions people have about the church," she exclaimed, her voice filled with disdain. "People label them as evil, rude, despicable, and corrupt, but they couldn’t be more wrong. When I was among them, I witnessed their honesty, kindness, and unwavering politeness. It’s because of my own mistake , they had to suffer unimaginable fates. Every single one of them perished due to the actions of King Girsal."

A single tear escaped Aurianna’s eye, tracing a path down her cheek. She hastily brushed it away, refusing to let her emotions overcome her. "I owe them everything for how they stood by me in the past, for their selflessness and willingness to sacrifice their lives to protect mine. They were even abandoned by their own goddess," she continued, her voice filled with determination. "If creating a new church, one that carries a fearsome reputation, then so be it. And I would force them to join me, whether they like it or not. I don’t want them to suffer the same fate they did under Paige’s church."

A resolute glint entered Aurianna’s eyes as she continued, her tone taking on a chilling edge. "I will create a church that becomes the very words people have used to slander it. If they call it evil, then I’ll make it evil. Fuck kindness, charity, hope, and the happiness the church once brought. I will forge a church that stands atop the pinnacle of this world!"

Eva’s face lit up with surprise, her hands clapping together in appreciation. "Whoa, that was quite a speech," she exclaimed, admiration evident in her voice.

Aurianna’s face turned a shade redder as she shouted, her frustration evident. "Hey, take me seriously!" she retorted, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and determination.

Eva raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Oh, believe me, I always take you seriously," she assured her friend. "But before you step into your role as the new Saintess, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. Talking big is one thing, but without a well-thought-out strategy, it won’t get you very far, right?"

Aurianna’s expression softened as she absorbed Eva’s words. She nodded in agreement and took a deep breath. "You’re right, Eva," she conceded, her voice steadier now. "I need to gather my thoughts, devise a solid plan. But I’ll do that later," Aurianna lazily said with a shrug, and Eva couldn’t help but face palm.

Looking up at Eva with hopeful eyes, she made her request. "Eva, do you think you can design a church for me?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

"I can design anything!" Eva declared proudly.

"Then what about the best church no one has ever seen before. The best church to ever exist!" Aurianna asked with sparkling eyes, and Eva looked at her nervously.

"I don’t mind," Eva stated.

"That’s fantastic! With your creative genius, I have no doubt that we can bring this church to life." Aurianna stated excitedly.

Eva, however, couldn’t let the opportunity slip by without making her conditions clear. She adopted a serious expression, crossing her arms as she spoke with a hint of playfulness. "Well, Aurianna, I’ll gladly design the best church the world has ever laid eyes on. But remember, talent like mine doesn’t come for free," she declared, emphasizing her point.

Aurianna shot her friend an exasperated look, raising an eyebrow. "Aren’t you supposed to be my faithful Pearl? How can you be so heartless as to demand payment from me?" she exclaimed, feigning annoyance.

Eva smirked, playing along with the comedic exchange. "Oh, I am loyal, alright. But loyalty doesn’t pay the bills, my dear," she retorted, emphasizing her point with a dramatic flourish of her hand.

Aurianna pouted, her disappointment evident. "You stingy old woman! Aren’t you a goddess? What do you need money for?" she exclaimed.

Eva’s eyes widened with shock upon hearing Aurianna’s words. "Who are you calling an old woman?!" she retorted, unable to hide her anger. In one swift motion, she delivered a hard knock on Aurianna’s head, causing the latter to pout even more and rub her head in pain.

With teary eyes, Aurianna feigned innocence. "I didn’t say anything!"

Eva couldn’t help but chuckle at Aurianna’s exaggerated reaction. "Oh, Aurianna, you’re too cute like a cat," she teased, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. "But fear not, my dear, I won’t be asking for money. Instead, I’ll be charging you in Quest Points! So get ready to work hard, Aurianna!" she declared, flashing a thumbs-up.

Aurianna’s curiosity got the better of her as she questioned. "Hey, Eva, what’s the deal with taking my Quest Points? What do you need them for?"

"Well, my dear Aurianna, I have a little something I’ve been eyeing from the System, and those Quest Points might just help me get it," she revealed, keeping the details shrouded in mystery.

Aurianna raised an eyebrow, her curiosity growing. "Why don’t you just go and earn your own Quest Points?" she inquired.

Eva’s smile turned icy, sending a chill down Aurianna’s spine. "Oh, if I were to go around rampaging to get my own Quest Points, I wonder if you would have anything left to train with," she replied with a coldness that made Aurianna’s heart skip a beat.

Aurianna gulped, her eyes widening at the implication of Eva’s words. "Um, let’s just stick to earning Quest Points through legitimate means then," she quickly interjected, ’It’s better to avoid any potential destruction caused by Eva’s rampage. If someone like Carol is afraid of Eva, then I already have enough proof of her strength,’ Aurianna nodded as she thought inwardly.

Eva chuckled softly, the coldness in her expression dissipating. "Don’t worry, Aurianna. I won’t wreak havoc on the training grounds or your world. We’ll earn those Quest Points the right way, through challenging quests and monster fighting," she reassured, her tone returning to its usual lightheartedness.

’Did she just say, destroy my world? Can she really do that? Maybe I’m thinking too much. But she also said we! Since when did me fighting alone and earning all the points become a we thing?!’ Aurianna thought with a grave expression but seeing Eva’s eerie smile discouraged her from voicing out her thoughts.

Eva, ever the optimist, cheered her on. "Well, good luck with your quest for those points!" she exclaimed, offering a supportive smile.

Aurianna sighed, her voice sounding deflated. "Yeah, I guess I’ll give it my best shot," she muttered, her enthusiasm dampened by a sense of heaviness, her expression dark and gloomy. Eva couldn’t help but chuckle at Aurianna’s lackluster response, finding humor in the contrast between their attitudes.

’Damn you Eva, you’re really rubbing it in!’ Aurianna cried inwardly as she clenched her chest dramatically.

Aurianna then got off from her chair and begun walking out of her chamber.

"Hey, Eva, I’m heading out. Are you coming along?" Aurianna inquired turning towards Eva.

Eva flashed a warm smile but shook her head. "Unfortunately, I’ve got some pressing matters to attend to at the moment. But don’t worry, I’ll catch up with you in three days," she replied, her tone filled with reassurance.

"Ah, I see. Off to explore Leila’s world, huh?" Aurianna probed, curious about Eva’s plans.

Eva nodded, "Yeah, since I’m done with my info gathering there I have to do that same for her world."

"Well, have fun and be safe, just make sure to come back before I meet the Orc express," Aurianna said, giving Eva a quick wave before heading out.

"Alright!" Eva said with a reassuring tone before disappearing.