Chapter 71

**The Heretics** (異端の徒, *Itan no To*, ***The Heretics***?) is the 71st chapter of the Fumetsu no Anata e manga, and the first chapter of the Bennett Church Arc.

## Summary

Bonchien thinks over Cylira's offer and then agrees to hand Fushi over. Cylira says he made the right choice and to leave the rest to him. Bonchien walks away and Fen asks hi if he's sure he made the right decision. Nixon chides Fen for saying unnecessary things since Bonchien decided in order to protect Uralis. Bonchien doesn't reply.

Suddenly a huge commotion can be heard in front of the church. Bonchien goes to the source of the noise and finds a a crowd chanting to free Fushi. At the centre, Todo is rallying the people to get the Church of Bennett to free Fushi. Bonchien is shocked and asks her what she's doing, telling her to get down from the stage. She complies and Bonchien tells her depending on her answer he might just have to throw her in jail. Todo cuts him off by accusing him of selling out Fushi. She tells him they'll all die one day but if the Church declares Fushi a heretic, he would have to suffer forever. Bonchien tells her Uralis has survived for so long as a peaceful and happy kingdom because they've always made the best decision for the people, even if it's painful. Todo then accuses him of being coerced into the decision by the Church. He yells back that she doesn't understand anything and that safety comes at a price. She then yells back that he's right and that he's only ever paid the price for his own safety. This angers Bonchien and he pushes her to the ground saying that's enough. Kahaku runs to her side as Bonchien reminds Kahaku that he was to be on stand-by. Kahaku replies back that he doesn't trust Bonchien.

A Lord steps outside from the church and commands everyone to be silent and asks what's all the ruckus is about. Cylira comes out also and apologizes to the Lord saying that the people are angry that the Church has captured Fushi. The Lord says he was under the impression that Fushi was invited to the city to help them, then asks what Fushi did wrong. Cylira says he hasn't done anything wrong but they worry he might hence why they captured him, and that the people don't seem to agree with their reasoning. The Lord turns to the crowd and commands Cylira to prove the righteousness of the Church to quell the protest.

A casket is rolled out from the church and Cylira presents it as the coffin of the Sage Hanui who died two days ago. Cylira says he gave his entire life to the Church. Fushi is brought up by the red-haired girl as Cylira tells the crowd that there's a rumor that Fushi can resurrect the dead. Cylira claims that if Fushi is a demon, he won't be able to resurrect Sage Hanui, but if he is under the protection of God, he'll be able to do so in front of everyone. Bonchien gets worried and yells to Fushi that he doesn't have to do it as it'll just end up hurting him. Fushi defeatedly tells him thanks but that he has to do it.

Fushi steps up to the casket while thinking about how he'll get it over with to prove that he's a demon so that the Church can arrest him and leave everyone else alone. A guard opens the casket and the smell takes Fushi aback. Bonchien looks on in worry thinking that if Fushi realizes his own potential, no one will be able to control him. Fushi begins and transforms himself into the Sage as everyone looks on with great curiosity. He then collapses and no one says a word. Bonchien is confused as Cylira breaks out in laughter saying all Fushi did was make more corpses.

The Lord declares Fushi a devil and Bonchien is quickly arrested by some guards. Todo whacks one of the guards with a sword who then stabs her in the stomach, making her fall over. Bonchien cries out to Todo but Kahaku quickly swoops in and drags the Prince away saying it's too late. Bonchien breaks out of Kahaku's hold and tells him to inform the rest of their group as he runs back to Todo. Bonchien kneels beside her body in horror, but soon passes out as guards surround them.

When Bonchien comes through, he's being dragged by the feet by a guard along with a couple other guards who are carrying Todo's and Fushi's unconscious bodies. The guards throw Bonchien into a cage and strip him of his clothes. They lower the cage down a cliff via cranes as Bonchien screams.

Elsewhere, the Beholder zaps Fushi back to the Nameless Boy's form. Fushi awakens and finds himself in a dark room and speculates that it's a prison cell. The Beholder tells him perhaps. Fushi asks if everyone else is safe and the Beholder tells him they took Bonchien and Todo away. Fushi is furious that the Church lied to him and the Beholder says he was tricked. Fushi asks the Beholder why he didn't wake him up earlier but the Beholder doesn't respond. Fushi asks why he's always like this.

Fushi begins to feel around the walls looking for an exit. The Beholder then informs him that there is no exit and that the prison is made completely from iron.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Cylira
* Bonchien Nicoli La Tasty Peach Uralis
* Mayor of Einetace
* Nixon
* Fen
* Todo
* Kahaku
* Lord of Einetace *(Debut)*
* Fushi — Form(s): The Nameless Boy, Sage Hanui
* Red-haired Girl of the Church of Bennett
* The Beholder

## Chapter Notes

* Bonchien hands Fushi over to the Church of Bennett.
* Fushi, Bonchien, and Todo get captured and held prisoners by the Church.

## Trivia

* Bonchien's prince outfit was gifted to him by his grandfather.