Taming the Evil Saintess

The Eastern Coast was a fertile land centered around the massive port city of Eastern Port. Responsible for logistics across the continent and trade with the East, the value of Eastern Port and the Eastern Coast to the Empire was immense.

However, there was no opportunity to witness the peaceful aspect of the Eastern Coast in the game. This was because by the time players reached the East, Black Water Elgore’s pirate crew had already taken over the city.

Elgore’s pirates had turned the city into a hellhole. Corpses impaled on spikes, streets drenched in blood, and a literal slaughterhouse for humans. This gory landscape had been vividly depicted in the game, causing it to be classified as unsuitable for minors domestically due to the outrage of some high-ranking individuals in South Korea.

“Is this Eastern Port…but.”

Upon climbing a nearby hill to survey the area, the spectacle of the frontline unfolded before my eyes.

The battlefield reeked of burnt powder. Tents were pitched everywhere, and black mist was rising from the ridge. I had heard from the deserters that Elgore had wreaked havoc, and it seemed he was indeed rampaging through Eastern Port with his pirate crew.

“This is a real war,” Ophelia muttered.

Unlike the localized skirmishes we had engaged in so far, this felt like a full-on clash between armies.

The once beautiful natural landscape was now barren from the aftermath of continuous battles. Craters dotted the area, whether they were caused by magic or the impact of Elgore’s fists, they were impressively massive.

Seeing the battlefield resembling a site of a recent bombardment, Laila let out a hollow laugh.

“It’s completely a wreck now.”

It seemed to remind her of old memories.

“…This is not too bad.”

I realized, surprisingly, that the situation was better than I expected, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved. Anyone else might think I’m a psychopath, but that was the reality.

With deserters flocking about, I had assumed a complete nightmare would be unfolding here just like in the game, but this was actually manageable. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise. Because Elgore’s invasion of Eastern Port was a little delayed compared to the original story, the citizens had had enough time to evacuate.

Moreover, the elite forces of the Empire, led by Hound Owen, had quickly sensed Elgore’s movements.

It was thanks to us that they were alerted to Elgore’s presence while we were isolated on the island.

“Ah, our protagonist has finally arrived.”

Hound Owen was waiting for us in front of the tent.

Had he received intelligence? Or was it due to the Mark’s abilities?

Regardless, he flashed me a grin and reached out for a handshake.

“It’s been almost a year, hasn’t it? Since we last saw each other at the Continental Conference.”

“Well, we did exchange letters often.”

“Thanks to that information, we’ve been able to minimize casualties here in Eastern Port.”

Owen skipped over the thanks and, while glancing at those around me, chuckled.

“Elliot, do you know?”

“What is it?”

“That currently, if we talk about sheer military might in this continent, no one can match your party, including you.”

“…Well, I suppose that’s true?”

In fact, my squad was a combination that would be difficult to recreate even in the game. Unlike the game’s restrictions of three for the front and three for the backline, we could bolster our forces as much as needed.

“The gist is, many people see you as a beacon of hope.”

Owen said this while stealing a glance.

Before long, soldiers had rushed out of the tent, breathing sighs of relief upon seeing us. Some even embraced each other joyously as if they had been resurrected.

Such reactions reflected how painful each day was for them on this Eastern Front.

Owen, shrugging as if to say “look at this,” asked me, “So, Elliot. What will you do?”

Of course, I intended to respond to their longing gazes.

“Uh… um.”

And then I just threw out the first thing that came to mind.

“I’ve come to end this war.”

The reaction was explosive.