1,000,000 Karma: My Reward Is a Quiet Life-Chapter 50: Into The Spider’s Web

"As I imagined...To have come this far, the warrior to barge into my domain had to have been a handsome man," the bewitching woman said with a delighted look. "The woman, however...I suppose the insects need sustenance, too."

More than just frightened, Rain looked outright offended, clutching her hands adamantly, "So, I’m just trash to be discarded? Nice to know."

"I’m happy with the compliment myself, but I’m here to exorcise you," Noah called out across the charred cathedral.

The evolved phantasmal raised to her feet as if floating up instead of using any of her limbs, moving like a delicate, but sinister flower. Even past that quiet smile, the malevolence in the air was palpable.

"Bow down and place your forehead against the tile, and declare yourself to me; your loyalty, your strength, your entire being," the ethereal woman demanded with her soft, yet commanding words.

With one of her many hands, the phantasmal pointed a single finger down in a gesture following her order. The movement turned her will to form, as Noah felt an immense pressure pushing him down as if urging him to submit.

While he resisted, tensing his body to reject the command, the girl beside him collapsed to her knees the very moment.

"Rain–!" Noah called out through a strained throat, even the air in his lungs being pressured by the force.

"I can’t...move...!" The pale girl strained, completely pinned against the tiles.

The fact he remained on his feet only seemed to further entice the phantasmal, who caressed her own lip as if looking upon a succulent meal.

"Fantastic; oh, you are a fantastic one, young man," the many-armed being said with her twisted look of avarice. "You’ll make a perfect knight to serve in my presence."

"A knight?" Noah questioned.

"It’s an honor, really," Y’Sila joyfully smirked. "From now until the end of time, you’ll serve my every need as my eternal guardian."

Obviously, it wasn’t an offer, but a selfish demand. He knew that the next words to leave his lips would have a drastic effect on the evolved entity’s mood.

"I’ll have to pass, thanks," he declined. "Forever is a bit too long for me."

The ethereal woman floated upward as if swimming through the air, slowly lifting as her bare feet hung just over the barren tiles. Every action she made seemed traceable and deliberate, yet enchanting.

’There’s something off about her. It must be a supernatural phenomena...It’s like my focus gets shifted by her movements,’ he thought.

"A disrespectful man like you has only one purpose," Y’Sila claimed, pressing two of her palms together. "--To become a beautiful shine of red."

A hum expanded from the phantasmal’s position, sending vibrations through the cathedral as it began to shift. The walls folded in as new ones rose; scarlet washed over the flooring; pillars sprouted from the ground.

Noah reached down beside him amidst the chaotic restructuring, lending a hand to the girl who seemed freed, at least momentarily.

"This doesn’t look good," he said quietly.

Rain coughed, accepting his help to her feet, "This one is worse than I thought..." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Is it? You warned me this one would be a step above the others," Noah said, looking around.

"It’s completely worse than I thought–this one, she’s...!"

What rose were ivory walls, decorated with spider lilies, with the floor becoming a flawless marble. It looked like the innards of a regal palace, yet the stench of death laid thick.

"She’s evolved...!" Rain finished her thought as she regained her balance. "When a phantasmal gathers enough spiritual energy, they ascend...That’s how minor deities come to be. She might be there, or close to it."

"A minor deity, huh?" Noah looked ahead.

On a marble throne, the many-armed woman sat as if nothing could ever reach her; a smile as calm as spring weather.

"You’re here looking for your friends, aren’t you?" Y’Sila called out.

The sudden question was a surprise to Noah. Though he initially considered playing dumb, it wouldn’t benefit him at all, he believed, "Yeah. Where are they?"

"If you want answers, I might delight you–if you prove yourself, that is. I’ve invited you into my palace, be honored," Y’Sila welcomed with the highest arrogance in herself, waving her hand. "Your execution is now set. Bring me their heads, my knight."

In front of the regal steps before the throne, an apparition emerged from the unseen; a towering figure clad in ivory armor that had been partially burnt. In the charred knight’s left hand was a blade forged of a jade material, and in his right, a shield bearing the etching of a three-headed lion.

[Greater Identification] [A-Rank Close-Quarters Combat Skill]

["???"] [Designated Level: Appx. ???] [Species: Spirit]

[Weaknesses: Spiritual attacks | Magic] [Immune to physical harm.]

"That guy, he’s..." Noah said, digesting the information his system gave him.

"A spirit, of an actual person," Rain observed. "Not a phantasmal."

There was a sensation beyond just recognizing the "level" of the phantom knight; a silent imposition of strength that made itself tangible through the air.

’That guy is strong. The real deal, for sure–I can tell that much for sure,’ he thought.

In opposition, the ruler of the ethereal palace laughed to herself, waving off, "Such an unsightly man, this one...Though he’s served me well, I hate the stench of burnt steel he brings. Just looking at him makes my stomach turn. That’s why I’d like a new, fresh knight at my feet."

While the one he served berated him, the knight stood there in silence with an unknown expression behind the enclosed helmet, only facing the guests with the jade blade ready.

"Guess I’m going to have to fight, then," Noah sighed to himself. "Then I’ll make you bring out my friends."

While he readied himself for the confrontation, he felt a gentle touch on his back. He looked behind him, finding the exorcist’s hand softly placed against her back as she closed her eyes, committing to a prayer:

"Guiding spirits of this realm, bless him in this dark hour."

A sensation like eight hours of sleep flowed through his body, completely refreshed and strengthened. It was a unique enhancement he felt, unlike simple raw power, but a supernatural grace.

["Exorcism" Proficiency Temporarily Enhanced: A+]

"Sorry, but I’m not very useful in direct combat, so...This is the best I can do for you," Rain lamented. "But, I’ll support you with barriers, as well."

"That’s more than enough," Noah assured.