Elfriede/Memories

## Chapter 1

I was born as the candidate to be the next Pope.

To me, all the great Popes of the past were my inspirations.

The people respect them for their overflowing love and kindness.

It was my dream to be that kind of person.

So, I disciplined myself harder than anyone else.

The Pope of the Church of Longinus is tasked with a crucial mission.

The sealing of demons.

Those unable to carry out this mission cannot become the Pope.

But, I did not have that power.

All I had was a longing to shine as brightly as the Popes before me, not understanding what protecting the world truly meant.

There are only a few days left before my ascension as the new Pope.

But, I panic as my efforts are only met with failure after failure. At this rate, I...

It was then that I met that boy.

## Chapter 2

As candidate for the Pope, my parents were strict, as were the silent priests around me.

They were not bad people, but my days with them did feel slightly suffocating...

During this time, I met a young boy who had just been baptized.

Perhaps he had no idea who I was.

But, hearing him lovingly call me "Big Sis" made it feel like I had a new younger brother.

When I was with him, I was no longer just a candidate for the Pope.

I was just Elfriede.

It was then that I finally understood.

What I must protect is not the world.

It is the people who live in it, and the precious moments I have with this boy, that I must protect.

*That* is what it truly means to protect the world.

The instant I understood that, my power finally awakened.

## Chapter 3

In the northern part of the continent lies a large altar—the place meant for sealing demons.

But...we were too late.

The seal was already on the verge of breaking.

200 years ago, it took but one demon to bring the world to the brink of ruin.

At this rate, history will repeat itself.

I...I must do something...!

Then, I heard it—"the voice of God."

"...Wouldn't it be best to destroy the demons *before* they make their return?"

...Ahh, what a wonderful idea that is.

Eradicating the demons would not only do away with the need for a seal,

but also bring true peace to the world.

*This* is what my power was for.

## Chapter 4

I must protect the world.

Before I knew it, I had grown arrogant, believing I was the only one who could fulfill this mission.

I naively approached the altar—the place closest to where the demons lay in wait.

But, I did not destroy a single one.

Instead, a demon stole my body away from me...

Ahh... How could I be so foolish...

But, even with my body stolen away, my soul still belongs to me.

If I refuse to submit...

If I firmly hold on to my heart,

I should be able to take my body back...!

Sensing my determination, the demon inside my body sneered.

"It's time you know what true hell is."

Then, he used my hands, and began ripping my loved ones away from me...

## Chapter 5

At first, it was my parents.

"Why...are...you...?"

As she lay on the floor, my mother cried until her very last breath...

"This is all a dream. My child would never do something so vile... It's just a dream..."

Mother... I've always loved you...

But, to say goodbye like this...

No—I mustn't cry...

This demon is trying to crush my heart...

I must stay strong...

As I resist, more and more lives are lost.

"Your Holiness, why...?"

"No, I don't want to die...! Save me..."

How cruel... These people are innocent, yet...

...Unforgivable.

Nothing you do will *ever* make me give up!

I'll keep fighting until I've stopped you!

You can crush my heart as much as you like, but my rage will *never* die out!

Something like you can *never* destroy my soul!!

"Big Sis..."

...A-Ahh...

"Big Sis...why...?"

Ahh, aaahh... Stop, I beg you... NOOOOO!!

Then, "I" was no more.

## Chapter 6

"I" became the demon that commenced the Witch Hunt.

Innocent girls throughout the world were executed one after another.

Even as I created the Witches of Qlipha, and unleashed their Curses upon the world, my shattered heart felt nothing.

Then, a small glimmer of light shines through the darkness, putting the pieces of my heart back together.

...Ahh.

This light is proof that the Successor of the Staff has come.

Now is the time to use the little life I have left.

Summoning every ounce of my strength will only subdue the demon's power for a moment.

When the time comes, please...put an end to me...

Forgive me for forcing this difficult task upon you.

But, I beg you—protect this world...

## Chapter 7

I wanted death to bring me peace.

But, this weak sinner's wish was not granted.

"The world needs the Pope now more than ever."

His words were cruel, but filled with kindness and hope.

The Pope I longed to be when I was a child is no more.

All that remains is a foolish sinner whose hands are stained with blood.

The demon defiled my soul.

Even now, it is slowly rotting away.

If my time is limited, then I shall save as many lives as I can.

I shall devote my heart, my body, my soul—every single piece of me.

Then, my reward shall be a death *so* revolting that everyone will turn their eyes away from me.

That...is the only thing this foolish sinner is allowed to have.

My final wish.