Chapter 478
Chapter 478
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 478
Chapter Title: Killing Demons
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This Brass Celestial Knight seemed to remember the heretic stew incident from my speech last time.
It had been pretty gruesome, sure, but those fucking bastards had the gall to make tears fall from Elise's eyes. And on top of that, their sin of using human bones and guts to build some horrific structure for sacrificing to an evil god was enormous.
Boiling those fuckers alive like some mongrel pup gnawing on the family jewels of Kim from down the street on the hottest day of summer? Even now, I thought it was the right call.
That's what retribution for sins is.
We can't tolerate evil beings.
Only harsh punishment and retribution, under the name of death, can reform them. That's the true truth of Fusion Confucianism.
"Indeed, exactly! Those fiends call down destruction upon us! We were so blinded by the urge to execute them right away that we nearly overlooked judging their grave sins properly. You've properly awakened us to that!"
"Heh heh heh! Executions are important, of course. It's just that the process matters too!"
"Keh heh heh! Well said! You're a man of great justice!"
The Brass Celestial Knight seemed like a reasonable sort. He laughed good-naturedly and slapped me on the back.
—Wham!
—Wham!
Fuck, that hurt like hell.
"Urgh... So, what brings you here? I don't think I've ever seen a paladin inside the Adventurer's Guild before today."
"Ah, I was just about to explain that."
—Ahem.
He cleared his throat for a moment to steady his voice, then continued.
"A major threat has been identified around the city."
"A major threat?"
"Yes. And a terribly... evil one at that. Don't be shocked. Demons have appeared!"
Demons!
Hearing that word, I could only tear at my hair and lose my mind, jumping up and down! Demons showing up, those crazy bitches!! This wasn't something you could hear sane!!
"Demons!!!!! Arrrghhhh!!! Demons, you sayyyy!!!! Such evil beings!!!!"
"That's right!!!!!! Evil demons!!!! Have appeared!!!!"
We both freaked out at the same time, clawing at our heads and screaming. After a bit of that, a sense of camaraderie welled up. This uncle seemed like Elise's type.
—Gyaarrrghhh!!!!
—Guwaaaarghhh!!!!
After spewing out our shock like that, we calmed down a little.
"Whew... Multiple pieces of evidence have been found already, so the forces from each religious order and Lord Isbant's private soldiers are out searching and investigating. Of course, the city itself is safely guarded, but as you know, troops are always in short supply."
"True enough. Manpower is always lacking."
To sum it up, it seemed like demons had been spotted around the city, just like with those high imps before.
Naturally, if the lord's soldiers or the church's paladins tried to comb every inch of the area, they'd be short on numbers. So, he'd been dispatched to inform adventurers about it.
"Each order is rewarding the righteous who bring proof of slaying demons or decisive clues to exterminating them. Lord Isbant has also delivered reward money directly to each church."
That meant it paid well.
With rewards from the church and the lord, plenty of adventurers would be salivating. Just like jumping on the bandwagon for the holy war army, they'd gather in groups and scour the area.
With so many heads, there'd be casualties, but results would come eventually.
"Adventurers are the perfect people for a job like this. That's why I made time to come here personally and spread the word."
"Oho! Indeed! Truly righteous volunteer work!"
Anyway, good info.
Basically, just like smashing those high imps to bits, I could do the same to other demons and make some cash.
The army and paladins were already stirring things up, so they might not be easy to find, but it definitely tempted me.
"Keh heh heh! Thanks for the praise! So, I'd appreciate your cooperation too! If the holy war army's saint joins in, solving this will be a breeze!"
"Heh heh heh, what could I do alone? It's all thanks to the church and its followers."
Even pulling off that heretic stew stunt had been possible because the paladins were all badass as hell.
"Still, if something like this comes up, we should help each other. I'll get ready soon and head out for the search."
"What joyful news! Truly righteous! Thank you!"
But first, something to confirm.
"One thing I'm curious about, though."
"What is it?"
Obviously, if the demons were insanely strong, there'd be no reason to fight them. Per Fusion Confucianism, no need to dive into danger on purpose. We shouldn't treat our own lives lightly.
If it's risky, better to do something else.
"Has the scale or power level of the demons been assessed? Adventurers will gather numbers, but if the demons are overwhelmingly strong, they'll just end up as fodder. I need accurate info."
"Fair point. We haven't fully grasped their exact forces yet, but we've already taken down a few demons. Their info has been publicized."
"Oho, where can I see that?"
"No need to go look. If you haven't heard, I'll tell you myself."
The Brass Celestial Knight began explaining.
"Do you know of lesser demons?"
"Not really."
"Among demons, the relatively weaker ones are collectively called lesser demons. They each have their own wicked names, but we can't identify all that. We just lump them under lesser demon."
"Are they strong?"
"Strong to a degree. But not beyond what united humans can handle."
Most identified and slain so far were these lesser demons. Apparently, several bizarre small fiends of unknown origin or name had been caught too.
Anyway, opinions varied on where these lesser demons came from—some hell to our world—but I figured they slipped through Hildegaard's gate.
High chance they came from Pandemonium.
"Reports say some adventurers have already taken down lesser demons. As you might know, demons tend to cross over starting with the weaker ones. Probably means the demon gate hasn't been open long."
In other words, lesser demons had combat power similar to high imps.
That, I could handle easily.
"We need to exterminate them before they enlarge the demon gate."
"You mean the gate they're coming through?"
"Hm? Ah, right. I've been talking like you know it all. Most folks wouldn't."
I already knew from Elise's explanation, but churches might have varying info. Good to hear different perspectives.
Pretending ignorance, I listened for more details.
"Demons sometimes open gates linking to our world and infiltrate. Once open, weak demons come first, then spread influence to help stronger ones cross."
"Are demons that chummy? Why bother calling friends?"
Preferring to summon stronger allies and team up over rampaging solo?
Less individualism, more teamwork, maybe.
"Hm? Keh heh heh! Interesting view! But we don't know the details. All we can do is swiftly exterminate the demons and eliminate the threat."
The Brass Celestial Knight answered my questions kindly and thoroughly. Probably respecting my saint-level achievements.
It was a chance to learn how the Brass Celestial Society defined demons.
"Thanks for explaining! Very helpful!"
"Glad to hear it!"
"See you!"
"Hope we meet again!"
I said goodbye and headed back to where my wives were. Waving, he looked set to stand there till night, guiding adventurers.
Isekai religious folk might be hot-blooded, but deep down, they're all good people.
They just burn their kind hearts a bit violently to purge evil.
"Katt, you done? Sounded like demons showed up."
"Yeah. Demons lurking nearby, apparently. Big commotion over it."
Claudy perked up at 'demons'. She always enjoyed fighting new monsters.
She'd left the desert for this far-off place to see new things, after all.
"Like that succubus the blackie mentioned?"
"Seems like it. Horrifying stuff."
"Hmm... Never fought demons before. Think it'll be okay?"
Lesser demons were no match for my skills. No big issue.
"Should be fine if we prepare."
I'd reported to the Brass Celestial Society with Elise last time. Now confirmed, they'd reward me for sure. Grab holy water, and we'd be set better than anything.
Definitely check that first.
Veteran adventurers always prep before moving.
"Then let's do it. You cool with that, sis?"
"Always up for it."
So, tomorrow or the day after, head out for demon hunting outside the city. Nearby work, so Karin and Risha wouldn't mind.
Demons reminded me of Elise again.
Wonder if she'll come this time. With trouble nearby, probably no need; more likely handling duties around Krasheim.
"Hey, blackie. What's the reward?"
"Lord's putting up bounty money. Churches handing out stuff too."
Slay a demon, bring proof to church, get lord's cash and church relics.
"Worth the time, then. Let's head back."
"Yeah."
We left the Adventurer's Guild right away.
"Demons... Demons, huh... Pretty exciting. Never cleaved one before."
Claudy mused, touching her lips.
"Heh heh heh, you pumped, Claudy?"
"Slicing new foes is always fun. Builds experience for easier fights next time. Makes it enjoyable."
"Classic Claudy."
"But not as fun as being in Katt's arms!"
"Teeeeeeng! Mama!!"
Anyway, before heading home, we stopped by the Brass Celestial Society church first. Gotta claim what's ours.
Walking, I asked Claudy,
"No demons like that in the desert?"
"Not really? Similar critters, but nothing with legends of crossing from hell."
Claudy briefly explained desert 'demons'. Tales of some dragging folks into sand pits. Deserts really aren't for living.
Chatting like that, we reached the church.
"Hello. Here on business."
"You're... Ah, come in."
"Thanks."
The usual gatekeeping priest let us in right away. Waiting, the unchanged senior pastor opened the door.
"Oho, you've come. We were waiting. Your tip last time helped a lot."
"Glad to hear. Knew reporting quick to the church was smart. Heard demons appeared?"
"Yes. Without your tip, casualties might've been worse. Here, your reward."
The senior pastor smoothly pulled two vials of holy water from his sleeve. For Elise and me, probably. Save one for her.
"Heh heh heh, truly grateful. With this, those demon bastards are dog chow—no, dog dick... Anyway, piece of cake."
"Oho! Off to slay demons, then!"
He beamed at my words.
"Gotta for the city's peace."
"As expected! Always thought you were super righteous."
"Not righteousness, just common sense."
"So humble. Your tips have been so helpful, I thought holy water alone wasn't enough."
Rummaging his sleeve, he pulled something out and offered it.
"Please take this too."
"Heavens. This is?"
"A dagger our order's paladins use. Quite useful against demons for self-defense."
—Flash.
What he held out was a dagger with a brass-plated blade.