Chapter 109: Fourth Trial, Part 1

As the children make their way to the chapel, still scared of their wits end at the Knight's aggressive temper, almost as if they triggered a switch, the children looked among one another in concern. "The heck was that all about? Did you do something to him, Harvard?" Solomon would ask, to which he shook his head no as a response.

"I can assure you, I didn't do anything. At most, maybe kinda annoyed him, but that was it. I didn't knew he was gonna go off the deep end like that." Harvard's response would only spun further confusion, yet one of them, Zazel, was somewhat terrified of the fight he is to do. He'd see the Knight withholding the book away, still violent as ever, not wanting to try and ask for such a book to at least get an insight of the fight at hand. Harvard would take notice of the fear and consoled with him. "Something up, buddy?" He would ask.

"Yeah ah....Not really sure what to do here....I'm basically up against a priest, right?" Zazel would ask.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Oh y'now.....Holy Stuff?....On a Demon? Ringing any Bells here or...?" As Zazel simplified his explanation, Harvard would quickly realize and be concerned. This was a match set-up to be against the demon, no matter if he wins or loses. Most likely case would be losing due to the nature of the divine against the nature of the hellish. Zazel would explain further. "Yeah so, Angels, Holy Magic, that kind of thing.....that's KINDA a big problem on my end. Same for them with my Sigils. It's seriously gonna be a battle of attrition and I don't know if I can last that long..." The Demon's voice sound defeated before the battle even began, and the Chapel was close up ahead, the cross shining amidst the top. Harvard knew what to do, and considering the group cheated in a sense, he felt it was natural to do the same.

"Ok, Listen up, Zazy. The guy in the Chapel DOES Specialize in Holy Magic, BUT, Its not like he's gonna nuke you in the face with it point blank. The way he fights is more controlling and passive. He waits for an attack so he can process what he can do next. All you have to do is play just like him! Just be as cautious and try not to use too much. That's what GWOG did and he was able to close in on him without breaking a sweat." Zazel would be almost impressed at not just Harvard's knowledge, but also not caring about the rules of the competition.

"You really don't mind giving this info to me?" Zazel was a bit skeptical with this, before Harvard gave a strong smile as they reached the Chapel.

"Hey, They cheated first! It's a free pass for us! Besides, He's nothing different than the other things we've met. He just happens to have a counter to your stuff. You can handle him." Zazel couldn't help but give a small smile as Harvard gave such words of encouragement, feeling a bit at ease and looking at the pristine church, shining alongside its white coat of paint, say except for the windows and the cross, which were made up of hard iron. The pastor would leave the building and took notice of the group, raising an unamused eyebrow as he examined the situation. The man wore a black robe with a silver cross in its center. His hair seems to carry the same symbol, as well as possessing gloves with a built-in knuckleduster for each one. Harvard would explain himself to the Pastor. "Hey there! We're just here for a competition. You don't mind a spar, right?"

The Pastor, still unamused, merely sighed. "To what do I have to do to assist for this....'competition'....lost one?" He would ask, his voice stern yet stoic, like a harsh river. 

Harvard would attempt to explain, but the Knight would be the one to speak up, his eyes still fully blood red. "A fight to see if the buffoon's teachings matter overall. The Barbarian that we removed. Also, for this match, the Demonic freak shall be fighting first instead of one of our peers. I believe that wouldn't be a problem, would it?" The Knight's tongue was almost venomous, with Zazel being a bit shocked at the idea. Yet, even though Harvard would try and say for Malak to go first, Zazel would halt the Card Magician himself. He'd nod towards the Knight, acknowledging his decision, and going first. Pria, the Mage, and Fiona, the Archer, would be seen at the back, with the Mage struggling to carry over and see the events unfolding. The Pastor took notice of them and, without anyone being given the chance to react, quickly made it to the back and did a palm strike at the Archer's chest, allowing his magic to reach out and fix her lungs better, granting her a chance to breathe. The group would be left somewhat speechless seeing the Pastor heal the Archer's wounds almost instantly, allowing her to stand on her two feet once more, before approaching the demon, looking down upon such a creature.

"So, you are my opponent? Is the Devil really willing to face one of God's creations? A Bit unwise, don't you think?" The Pastor's voice remained calm and collected as he asked his question. Zazel couldn't help but feel uneasy regarding the situation, yet despite his fears, he simply gave a nod, and a simple answer.

"I wouldn't be a man of my word if I don't see through this. Arm yourself.....er.....Church Guy." His words were blunt, and while his delivery was rough, the Pastor actually had his eyes widen a bit. He'd back up from his spot a bit to close the doors, before residing on the right side of the field, his palms open and ready. Zazel remained firm in his stance on the left, as the two stared down at one another. The Knight had a smug grin upon his face, while the children, and even the members of Malak's group, were a bit worried for the outcome.