Ria became aware of the Altar’s movements only because of the quest. 0

[Main Quest: The Altar (1)]0

Even the weakest of the Altar’s forces could not be underestimated. Though their lack of organization, each of them had become a kind of chimera, their bodies fused with the veins of demonic beasts.0

The moment Ria received the quest notification, she wasted no time and rallied everyone within the walls, knowing that even the slightest delay was not to be permitted.0

“... Oh!”0

Putting herself close to the wall like a barnacle, Ria looked down at the approaching group from the Altar. They were the fanatical cult responsible for the latter stages of the main quest—a specter of the Era of Divine Rule, a shadow of the past, and the personification of evil that sought the continent’s destruction.0

Of course, they likely saw themselves as justice personified. However, in a world where people struggle to live, the greatest evil has always been those who believed their own sense of justice was the only right path.0

Whummm…0

The demonic energy emanating from the Altar’s mages swirled like a violent storm, far harsher, more ferocious, and more malevolent than mana could ever be.0

“L-Look at them!” Ria shouted, her finger trembling as she pointed to warn them.0

“There’s no need for all this fuss,” Deculein said, giving a pathetic look as he motioned for silence.2

“What?!”0

"They’re nothing."0

What do you mean, it’s nothing?! This professor and his stubborn personality never change, do they? Ria thought in frustration.0

Fwoooooooosh—!0

The demonic energy of the Altar’s mages bubbled and boiled, condensing as if to channel all its pressure and heat into a single, focused point. From that ominous energy, Ria felt a chilling aura—a looming sense of death drawing near.0

Just as she was about to cry out for it to stop…0

Snap—0

The demonic energy from the other side had vanished—or rather, only faint traces...0