The Sponsored Heroines Are Coming for Me

Chapter 237

My whole body feels like it’s on fire.

It’s a completely different energy, something that isn’t even part of my mana elements.

“You... What is this...!?”

And yet, it belongs to Gaia, the Goddess of Earth.

I am forcibly making it mine, circulating it through my circuit.

Originally, this energy should be flowing outward, purifying the filth of the world.

But I am pouring it into myself and making it circulate as if it were my own.

If the goddess were to be enraged, I would have no excuse.

“That is an energy that must not be contained. It does not belong to humans. Stop. I will help you, so cease this at once. Your body will burn away.”

Even so, I am undeterred.

I have already experienced purifying elements using divine power several times.

Back then, I briefly imbued divine power into the circuits of my hand.

Of course, it was only possible because I had strengthened my hand.

‘I will endure.’

In short, I am attempting to contain the power of a god within a human body.

And yet, I have a gut feeling—I can withstand it.

This is not arrogance. It is objective truth.

My mana circuit has already been strengthened by circulating the purest earth element.

If that element’s origin is the energy of Goddess Gaia herself, then I should be able to endure it.

I circulate it carefully, ensuring it does not directly touch my circuits.

Every time it does, it feels as though my organs are burning away.

But I endure.

The consequences of failing to remove the Bloodstone Cult’s Blood Seal would be far worse.

‘If I fail to remove it, I will be forced to obey the cult leader.’

Obey the very one I must defeat?

Not a chance.

“... Urgh.”

I swallow down the groan escaping from my lips.

The most important thing when circulating mana through the body is maintaining composure.

Otherwise, I will succumb to madness.

Just like Ian Blackangers, when he lost control and nearly destroyed the academy.

“...”

A slight wavering in my body is fine.

As long as I keep my mind steady.

Fortunately, I have my title.

No matter how painful it is, I can endure.

With that thought, I carefully guide the goddess’s energy to the side of my dantian.

Near the Blood Seal.

It is like a massive monster.

To it, divine power or not—anything that dares to raise a blade against it must be devoured.

The Blood Seal opens its maw, as if to consume the divine energy.

— Squirm

And then it flinches.

Even though it is just energy, it reacts as if it were a living being.

A sudden thought crosses my mind.

Could it be that the Bloodstone Cult’s leader possesses the ability to shape energy into something akin to life?

No. That thought is irrelevant right now.

I shake off my distractions and thrust the divine power into the Blood Seal.

Does it have instincts as well?

The way it recoils, as if startled, almost makes it seem so.

It begins to pound against my dantian, trying to escape inside.

“Urgh...!”

It feels as if someone is pummeling my internal organs with heavy fists.

But I endure.

With my dantian’s gates firmly shut, I fearlessly control the goddess’s energy.

And then, I thrust it directly into the Blood Seal.

— Bang!

The Blood Seal slams into the gates of my dantian, as if demanding they open.

A tremor shakes through my core as though it will shatter.

I fortify it even more.

At the same time, I stab the divine energy into it once again.

— Bang!

“Khak!”

A mouthful of blood bursts from my lips.

Perhaps more than just a mouthful.

I don’t know—I haven’t opened my eyes.

I can only infer from the brief, roughened breaths of the Blood Witch nearby.

I don’t care.@@@@

“You’re not going to master any of them?”

“I cannot.”

“... What?”

At my question, the Blood Witch ran her fingers through her raven-black hair.

— Srrrk.

Her hair flowed like a smooth wave, shimmering as it cascaded down.

It contrasted beautifully with her crimson lips.

“I have no need to sully myself by drinking the filthy blood of others.”

She doesn’t consume blood?

That means she doesn’t absorb life force either.

That defies all logic.

Every Bloodstone Cultist feeds off the life force of others.

“... Then how—”

“Curious?”

Her eyes curved seductively, as if enjoying my confusion.

Her lips slid down toward me.

◆

“Hurry, hurry! Move quickly!”

“Yes, Vice President!”

Lichten Academy.

Newspaper Club Office.

There was once a time when this place had only a single remaining member—who also served as its president.

But things were different now.

At a glance, more than a dozen members were busily moving about.

Among them was Brody, the Newspaper Club President.

In her hands, she held a pre-print newspaper page.

One entire page featured a large, prominent portrait of a single individual.

The person in the image was Ian Blackangers.

With his numerous exploits and scandals, he had played the greatest role in reviving the Newspaper Club.

And now, his face was appearing in the newspaper once more.

However—

This time, the context was different.

“You don’t need to include too many personal details about the missing person. Just list key physical features and a few of his notable achievements! That way, word will spread faster!”

“Understood!”

The club members bustled around, all working tirelessly to distribute the breaking news about Ian Blackangers’ disappearance.

But this wasn’t just because it was a hot topic or something that would sell well.

‘This is the least we can do.’

The Newspaper Club, which had been revived and restored to its former glory thanks to Ian—

For Brody, this was a duty that had to be fulfilled.

That was why, the moment she heard of Ian’s disappearance, she had sprung into action.

“We need to print as many copies as possible! We’ll distribute them not just in the academy, but throughout Lichten City! Secure additional printing facilities!”

“But, President! The printing costs—!”

“The Student Council has agreed to cover the costs. The Vice President personally approved it.”

“Understood!”

From what Brody had heard, Ian had gone missing three days ago.

The prime suspect behind his abduction was believed to be the Bloodstone Cult.

That meant all hope was not lost yet.

It typically took the Bloodstone Cult about a week to fully assimilate a new captive.

‘There’s still time.’

Her role now was to spread the word, gather information, and organize all the reports.

Beyond that, the Student Council, the Church, and Laurent Trading Company were already taking action.

She needed to stay focused on her responsibilities.

“President! I think you should take this call!”

“Why? Who is it?”

“I-It’s Schwab, the Senior Editor of the Imperial Gazette...! He says he wants to talk about Ian!”

The Imperial Gazette—the most prestigious newspaper in the empire.

A voice, seemingly belonging to a middle-aged but not yet elderly man, came through the voice transmission device.

— I heard Ian Blackangers has gone missing. If you have any relevant information, please share it with us. We will compensate you handsomely...

“We don’t need compensation. But can you publish the article as soon as possible?”

—“Of course. That’s precisely why I reached out. I have a personal connection with Ian.

“... Ah. Understood.”

Just how far did Ian Blackangers’ network extend?

Regardless—

He had to be found.

Already, the Lichten Academy Student Council, the Laurent Trading Company, and even members of the Dessert Research Society were doing everything in their power.

“I just need to focus on my role.”

Muttering to herself, Brody rolled up her sleeves and got back to work.