Saint's Prison - Chapter 7

The Heretic Monster

――When I passed through the hole,, I found myself in a deep forest.

The trees stood densely packed together, stretching endlessly in every direction. Perhaps because it was still early, there were no signs of animals, and not even the chirping of birds could be heard. The area was enveloped in silence.

I decided to explore the surroundings slowly, careful not to stray too far from the monastery.

Though it was early spring, the morning air was still chilly. However, I knew this would dissipate once the sun fully rose. The sound of crunching fallen leaves underfoot was pleasant, and I felt like I could walk forever.

I stopped and closed my eyes, taking deep breaths as one does during radio exercises.
The scent of mossy trees and damp humus filled my lungs as I inhaled deeply.

It was refreshing, almost as though the fatigue was being drawn out of me. Forest bathing is truly beneficial, as if it purges the body of all that is negative. Compared to the dark and gloomy monastery, this open, liberating space felt incredibly pleasant.

I sat down on the roots of a nearby tree and looked up at the sky.

The light of the sunrise made the leaves appear translucent and they swayed in the wind.

Beyond them, a pale blue sky, fresh as a newborn’s cry, stretched out. As I gazed at the scene, drowsiness crept in, and I decided to surrender to the comforting lull of sleep.

Suddenly, I sensed movement that snapped me back to awareness.

A moment later, a rustling sound approached, as if something was crawling on the ground.

It wasn’t a snake or anything small like that. It was something much larger…

The sound seemed to be coming from deeper within the forest.

I strained my eyes to see through the trees into the distance, but nothing was visible.

Though dawn was breaking, the depths of the forest remained filled with darkness.

The sensible thing to do would be to return to the monastery.

Yet, as if lured, I found myself walking deeper into the forest. For some reason, I felt I had to.

I walked, stepping on the shadows of the trees. The shadows slowly turned into darkness that stained the ground, and soon, darkness enveloped me as well.

How long had I walked?

Before I realized it, I was standing in front of a large stone.

The stones were placed in a circle, resembling a Stonehenge.

Looking around, the source of the sound I had heard earlier seemed to be absent.

I should make my way back to the monastery quickly. However, my feet wouldn’t move as if they were sewn to the ground.

From the stone circle, that crawling sound could be heard again.

I looked at the large stone.

Nothing was there.

My eyes couldn’t perceive anything.

I stared intently at the center of the stone circle, and suddenly, I was overcome by an intense feeling of thirst, as if I hadn’t had

water in a week. It was an urge that could only be described as an impulse.

I wanted to rush to the stone circle and touch it.

No, I felt that I needed to touch it.

Whispers were heard.

Shadows writhed.

Something gestured for me to come closer.

Come here.

Giggling.

Laughing.

Come, come.

My feet, which had been immobile as if they were stuck, began to move on their own towards the stone circle.

Just a little more, just a bit further.

In my head, a voice spoke.

We are one. One is us..

Yes, to become one.

I reached out my hand to touch the stone—

“—Do not touch that!!!”

I was grabbed by the shoulder, and I gasped, snapping back to reality.

Reflexively, I lowered my arm that had been reaching out to touch the stone. What was I trying to do?

Everything that had happened seemed like a dream in broad daylight.

With trepidation, I turned around.

There stood another nun from Stonehurst, Johanna Scotus, with her rich golden hair and striking blue eyes. A beautiful woman with a dignified aura, she appeared to be in her early twenties.

“Kuro-dono, I’ve been looking for you. My goodness, you’ve given me quite the scare. And what, may I ask, are you doing out here alone?”

“Ah, sorry. I just wanted to see what was outside the monastery…”

Johanna sighed, then spoke sternly, emphasizing her words. She must have been worried.

Then, she glanced briefly at the stone circle.

“I don’t know what lured you this far, but it’s likely not benevolent… This place is dangerous. Let’s return to the monastery quickly.”

So I followed Johanna obediently.

After walking a short distance, a lukewarm breeze blew from behind, caressing my cheek.

I couldn’t help but turn my head back, and I thought I saw something stirring within the stone circle.