~Chapter 109~
Flora’s mouth fell open.
It was exactly the reaction I expected.
“First, we’ll only share this internally. Then, when I tell you the right time, you’ll step forward. But don’t worry—I won’t have you play the false Pope for long.”
I had no intention of burdening Flora too much.
If she stayed in that position too long, her life would be in danger instead.
And at the same time, this proposal was…
I swallowed hard.
“Flora, I want you to know this—I’m not trying to deceive you. But you need to understand… this could become very dangerous.”
Honestly, I hadn’t wanted to go this far. But there was no choice.
If I claimed to be the Pope in this chapter, I would die.
If I waited for Emmet to play the false Pope, then Emmet would die.
But Flora was different.
To be exact, Flora supported by the Order of the Unseen Eye was different.
While I take the external trial, she could also monitor the Church. She wouldn’t die that way.
“If you decide to do this, I’ll handle proving you’re the Pope. I’ll also give you the knowledge only the Pope should know.”
“…”
“When the official declaration happens… make me either your Saint or your Definitor.”
Both roles stayed right by the Pope’s side at all times.
Especially the Definitor—whose very title meant “Voice of Truth,” tasked with conveying the Pope’s words.
This way, I could easily prove her role beside her.
If it worked out, this chapter would become much easier.
But—
“As I said, this is both important and dangerous. Yes, it’s about saving the world… but life is precious to everyone.”
Unconsciously, my gaze shifted to Dad.
If I had asked him the same question, he would have said yes without hesitation.
A small laugh slipped out.
I had already decided to step in for the protagonist, so I expected crises to come often.
But Flora? Even if she had matured, she was still young—not even an adult yet.
It was too heavy a burden.
This game that began at the edge of destruction forced even children to carry such weight.
“I’ve explained everything, but really—you can refuse. It’s fine. If you don’t want to do it, just keep my identity a secret like you promised, and live as usual.”
In the game, when there was a secret that absolutely had to be protected, the most dangerous variable was always Dosha.
But now, bound by an oath of obedience and with Flora as my companion, he couldn’t use his powers without my permission.
“Sorry, but I can’t give you too much time. I’ll give you a day. Go back and—”
“I’ll do it!”
“…Think it ov—huh?”
I shut my mouth in shock.
Flora clutched my hand tightly and repeated herself, leaving no room for doubt.
“I want to do it. Please let me take that role. If I do this, Nemesia will be safe, right?”
Among the Pope candidates—children with extraordinary talent—Flora was always in the top two.
She must have already realized much from the information I’d given her.
“I’m really happy about this. Nemesia, I…”
Flora placed her other hand on her chest while still holding mine.
“This is a righteous cause, isn’t it?!”
Her hand trembled slightly.
Was it fear?
No… it was a thrill.
“Nemesia, I’ve been searching for a place where I could die for justice!”
Game Forum [Post][Chat]
Title: Cleared Black Rose Chapter… (Warning: Depression)
Flora stan here.
Damn. Finally cleared the chapter everyone hates so much.
I feel so wronged…
Why did Flora have to die? 😭😭😭😭😭
Sure, saving those thousands of civilians matters. But in the long run, wouldn’t saving Flora have been better for the world?
The way she died without hesitation broke me completely…
❤️ Likes 789
Comments:
Savior 1: Stay strong… If this is your first time, I know that shock hits hard.
└ Savior 2: Same… Flora was my favorite at first, then I cleared the chapter and quit for three days.
└ Savior 4: I quit for a month 😭Savior 3: I like how dark this game is, but even I cried a little at that chapter.
Savior 5: Honestly, I didn’t even like Flora that much. But in this chapter? She was the GOAT. She burned her own life as fuel and crushed that Tau-miel level anomaly, right? Without her, half the Empire would’ve been gone.
└ Savior 7: Exactly. But someone said if she had saved that power for the final chapter, at least one person could’ve had a happy ending lol.Savior 9: Isn’t “Black Rose Flora” a forbidden phrase in the fandom? LMAO
└ Savior 10: The hell’s so funny, psycho?
Sometimes I wondered about this.
How two groups—completely opposite—could look so alike.
The faces of priests and knights shining with faith, willing to die for justice and the world.
And the faces of fanatics, devoted to the Evil God, offering themselves as martyrs, driven into sacrifice and suicide.
They seemed like opposites back-to-back… yet eerily similar.
Right now, Flora wore that exact same expression.
She smiled, pure and genuine—without even a shred of falsehood.
Her age felt irrelevant.
“Everyone is born good! But some people are tainted by the Evil God. It’s tragic… but I want to set it all right. For justice!”
Those words came from Flora’s unwavering eyes.
No wonder people went crazy for this girl.
I gave a bitter smile.
“Yeah.”
Thank you for helping me.
And in return, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t die.
“Please, take care of me.”
And above all—I’ll make sure your ending won’t be the same as the game’s.
Three days later.
All the candidates were gathered in one room.
It felt strange. In the beginning there had been ten of us, and with guardians included, nearly twenty. Now there were far fewer.
Today was the day we would hear the explanation for the next trial.
“As you’ve already been informed, Candidate Nemesia’s delayed return forced us to begin the next exam on short notice. Please understand.”
That sounded suspiciously like he was blaming me.
Maybe it wasn’t just my imagination—Dad’s brows furrowed slightly too.
Easy, Dad. Calm down.
After a bit of small talk, the real explanation began.
“For the third trial, there will be a key difference compared to the previous ones. Specifically… out of the four candidates here, two will be sent outside the Church to take the test.”
Professor Ahn raised his hand, and assistants came forward carrying items for each candidate.
In my palm was a small pendant.
“This is called the Purity Gauge. Each candidate must carry this pendant and resolve the supernatural phenomenon assigned to them.”
When the professor spread his hand, two attendants brought a large table to the front.
On the table lay four stone tablets.
『Forgotten Prayer』
『Lion of the Night』
『God’s Table』
『Weight of Glory』
“Each of you will choose one stone in turn. Choose carefully—the keyword determines your destination.”
His voice grew heavier, almost like a warning.
“Who wishes to choose first?”
“I’ll go first.”
I raised my hand immediately. Professor Ahn frowned.
I could guess why—he clearly believed that those who came out earliest from the “Sleeping City’s Rift” were the most talented.
Judging by his expression, he had already dismissed me as a useless candidate—especially after I destroyed all the tools before the second trial.
And since I was the very last to emerge from the Rift, he must have decided I had no talent at all.
“Do the other candidates have any objections?”
“No.”
“N-no, none.”
“I agree!”
Emmet, Lucy, and Flora each gave their answers.
Without hesitation, I made my choice.
『God’s Table』
This way, even if I’m late returning, I won’t be punished.
Since I intended to go meet the protagonist, the journey would take some time.
Next was Flora’s turn. I gave her a small signal with my eyes.
She nodded.
『Forgotten Prayer』
Flora made her choice.
The other two picked their tablets in turn.
And then—
“Selection is complete. Now, the results will be revealed.”
Professor Ahn slowly swept his gaze across us.
“Candidates Nemesia and Lucy will be taking their trials outside the Church. The other two will remain inside.”
I could almost swear Professor Ahn was smirking at me.
“Preparations will be arranged within the Church. Please pack your belongings by tomorrow.”
I ignored him and clenched my fist quietly.
Wait for me, my beloved protagonist. I’m coming.
…Nothing bad better happen.
A dark village.
From a tree above, an owl let out a cry.
Kweeeeek. Gieeek.
But that sound wasn’t the call of any ordinary owl. It was twisted, unnatural.
A child clapped their hands over their ears.
The moment the child was about to break down in terrified sobs, a hand gently covered their mouth.
“Shhh… don’t cry.”
The child’s expression brightened instantly.
“Kan… big brother!”
The boy who covered the child’s mouth had soft, sky-blue hair. He was strikingly handsome.
The only oddity was the faint streaks of reddish-black in his hair, as if ink had seeped into it.
Kan nodded slowly.
“Move carefully. Only then…”
His eyes shifted toward the tree above.
Because the creature making those noises wasn’t really an owl.
It was a watcher wearing an owl’s form—
a cruel monster that could rip them apart at any moment.
“That way… we can escape from the fanatics.”
