I Became an Academy Counselor

Chapter 72

"In these busy times, you’ve gathered all the believers together so suddenly. If this isn't truly important, you should be prepared to face the consequences."

The demon, disguising itself as a strict father, was nothing short of revolting. It was clear that it was trying to maintain a facade of calm while secretly plotting something. The way it tried to hold onto its composure indicated it was conscious of the watching eyes around it.

"This is indeed a matter of great importance, something that could change the fate of the church."

"...Is that so? Then speak quickly."@@@@

My heart was pounding, burning with an intensity that was hard to endure. Was it because of the mantra the teacher taught me? I didn’t know. My thoughts felt jumbled, hard to piece together coherently.

"What’s taking so long? Speak up."

There was only one clear thought in my mind—a desperate urge to release this overwhelming, almost suffocating, emotion building inside me.

"You must be well aware, Pope, that you are a demon. No one knows it better than you."

My voice echoed through the grand hall, and the believers gasped in shock. It was a bombshell, an accusation no one had expected.

"W-What is this, Watcher? What are you saying...?"

"The Pope is a demon? How could that be?"

The believers shook their heads in disbelief. Of course, they didn’t want to believe it. These were people who hated and abhorred demons. The idea that someone as esteemed as the Pope could be a demon was too outlandish for them to accept.

"Anastasia, did you read some bizarre conspiracy theory on the internet? This isn’t worth addressing."

The demon, though outwardly calm, was undoubtedly rattled. The person who had silently tolerated its existence had suddenly taken a drastic, unexpected turn. Despite the uncomfortable coexistence we had shared, I knew enough to be certain: the demon was caught off guard.

"Let’s not dwell on this nonsense. Go inside and rest, and we can discuss this later."

"No, I cannot do that."

In fact, the very fact that there was pushback instead of outright denial was a positive sign. If the Pope had truly been innocent, the outraged believers would have torn me apart on the spot for such blasphemy. The fact that he only passively denied the accusation showed both the decline of his influence and the respect my name carried.

Perhaps realizing that I wouldn’t back down, the demon sighed.

"Ah, it seems my dear daughter is going through a rebellious phase. It’s a father’s duty to set her right."

"Don’t you dare call yourself my father. It’s revolting."

"Stubborn child. Then tell me, what makes me a demon? I live in the heart of the Holy See, surrounded by divine power. No demon could survive in such a place."

Seeing the demon smile smugly, I couldn’t help but smile as well. My teacher was right. Attacking recklessly would only result in the demon confidently demanding proof. But now it was time to present the evidence we had prepared.

"Yes, you are a human. To anyone, you would seem like a human. That’s undeniable."

"Haha, that’s right, my daughter. I’m human. So, stop this nonsense and return to your duties. Don’t you feel sorry for the believers?"

"If that’s true, then you should have no problem drinking this, right?"

"...What is that?"

"Holy water."

"..."

A demon cannot be destroyed unless the one who knows its true name does the deed. Even if you kill it, it will only come back. However, the reason clergy are considered natural enemies of demons is because of divine power—the very essence that makes a demon instinctively recoil upon contact.

In my mind, I imagined hearing my teacher’s voice.

—First and foremost, remember never to show signs of panic. You must appear as a reliable leader.

"Brothers and sisters, we have allowed someone who does not follow God’s will to sit in the highest seat."

I spoke firmly, as I had been taught, ensuring that all eyes were on me.

"But please remember this one thing: No matter how difficult the times, God is always watching over us. I can guarantee that."

"Everyone, gather around the Watcher! Quickly! There’s no time to sit idly!"

—Even if thunder and lightning, storms and earthquakes come, maintain your composure to instill confidence in those around you.

The ground shook as if an earthquake had struck, and the grand hall began to crumble with thunderous noise. Yet, no matter what happened, I could not afford to show fear.

"...Father, I have always loved you."

As the ceiling of the grand hall collapsed, small stones began to rain down. To Anastasia, it felt as if the stone rain was signaling her final farewell to her father.

"But unfortunately, I couldn’t find a way to save you. Perhaps that is within God’s domain."

—You must present yourself as a flawless leader, one completely unlike the Pope.

The falling stones began to cascade over the people like a tidal wave.

"Scream!"

"Ah, what’s happening...?"

But the tidal wave was stopped by a golden barrier. Like a seawall holding back a flood, the golden divine power surrounded and protected the people.

—Just focus on defending against the attack. We’ll handle the rest.

"...That’s something I cannot accept, Teacher."

If I relied on someone else’s help, the church’s reputation would be ruined.

"What are you doing? I’ll block all the attacks, so go and exorcise that demon immediately!"

"B-But... The divine power isn’t working..."

"Hah, is that all your faith amounts to?"

"Y-You’re being too harsh! Our faith in God is unshakable!"

"Then why are you sitting there, unable to do anything about the demon that has mocked and scorned us? Get up and sew shut the mouth of that vile creature with the divine power that it dares to laugh at!"

"...!"

"Now, go and show that insolent demon the strength of our faith!"

The small flame that had been growing within Anastasia’s heart suddenly burst forth, consuming her emotions entirely. And in that moment, like a fire meeting a bomb, it began to influence those around her.

"Go! Show that impudent demon what our faith is capable of!"

It was as if something was breaking, shattering under the pressure.